Sukhoi Su-17 Totally Explained

Everything about Su-22 totally explained

The Sukhoi Su-17 (NATO reporting name: Fitter) was a Soviet attack aircraft developed from the Sukhoi Su-7 fighter-bomber. It enjoyed a long career in Soviet/Russian service and was widely exported to Eastern Bloc and Middle Eastern air forces.

Development

Seeking to improve low-speed and takeoff/landing performance of the Su-7B fighter-bomber, in 1963 the Sukhoi OKB with input from TsAGI created a variable geometry wing technology demonstrator. The Su-7IG (internal designation S-22I, NATO designation Fitter-B), converted from a production Su-7BM, had fixed inner portions of the wing with movable outer segments which could be swept to 28°, 45°, or 62°. A fixed inner wing simplified construction, allowing the manufacturer to retain the Su-7 landing gear and avoiding the need for complex pivoting underwing hardpoints, and it minimized the shift in the center of lift relative to the center of mass with change in wing sweep. The new wing also had extensive leading-edge slats and trailing-edge flaps. Su-7IG first flew on 2 August 1966 with V. S. Ilyushin at the controls, becoming the first Soviet variable geometry aircraft. The first-series Su-17s were quickly replaced with more capable Su-17M3 and Su-17M4. Despite its durability and payload, the aircraft proved ill-adapted for combat in the mountainous terrain due to high attack speeds, low maneuverability, and the need to stay out of range of anti-aircraft artillery due to lack of significant armor protection (although external armor was added around the engine, hydraulics, and fuel systems based on damage analysis, this was still insufficient compared to dedicated close air support Su-25s).
Export variants of the Su-17 were also used in combat by Libya and Iraq. Two Libyan aircraft were shot down in the Gulf of Sidra incident by US Navy F-14 Tomcats on 19 August 1981. More were likely lost by Iraq during the Iran-Iraq war in the 1980s, and six more were destroyed by USAF aircraft in the 1991 Gulf War.
The Russian Air Force has retired its last Su-17M4 in 1998, but around 550 remain in service with other nations.
During the 1995 border war between Peru and Ecuador, two Peruvian Su-22s were shot down by Ecuadorian Mirage F-1s, killing both Peruvian pilots.

Variants

Sources. The Czech Su-22 aircraft were used in xXx movie.

: Czechoslovak Su-22 (49 Su-22M-4 and 8 Su-22UM-3K in 1992) inventory was split between the Czech Republic and Slovakia in 1993. ; : The Air Forces of the National People's Army operated the Su-22 until unification, when they were passed on to the Luftwaffe.

: The Egyptian Air Force operated numbers of Su-20/22 aircraft, although all have been withdrawn, being replaced by F-4 Phantom II and F-16 Fighting Falcons in their role. ; : A number of Su-22 aircraft were inherited from East Germany, although these didn't serve in the Luftwaffe.

: The Hungarian Air Force maintained 12 Su-22M3 and 3 Su-22UM-3 aircraft from 1983. Two single seat and one training aircraft crashed. Withdrawn from service in 1997. ; : The Iraqi Air Force received a number of Su-22 models, of which some were taken by Iran in 1991. None survived the 2003 invasion of Iraq by the United States.

: The Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force operated a number of various Su-20 and Su-22 aircraft through the 1980s and 1990s, including examples flown to Iran from Iraq in 1991. While apparently non-operational, many remain in reserve or stored status. ; : The Libyan Air Force operated as many as 90 Su-22, with around 40 Su-22M3 and Su-22UM3K aircraft currently in service.

: As many as 30 may remain operational with the Korean People's Army Air Force. ; : The Air Force of Peru acquired 35 Su-22M, Su-22M3, and Su-22UM3, with as many as 20 remaining on inventory, though operational status is uncertain.

: The Polish Air Force remains a major operator, with 48 Su-22M4K and Su-22UM3K aircraft in service of 137 delivered. All Polish Su-22 will be retired before 2012. ; : The Russian Air Force inherited significant numbers of Soviet Su-17 aircraft, but has withdrawn the type from service.

: The Air and Air Defense Forces inherited 18 Su-22M-4 and 3 Su-22UM-3K aircraft from Czechoslovakia in 1993, with current status uncertain. ; Further Information

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