Sukhoi Su-17

The Sukhoi Su-17 (NATO reporting name: Fitter) is a Soviet

Su-17/-20/-22
variable-sweep wing fighter-bomber developed from the Sukhoi Su-7.
It enjoyed a long career in Soviet, later Russian, service and was
widely exported to Eastern Bloc, Arab air forces, Angola and Peru as
the Su-20 and Su-22. It is the first variable-sweep wing of
Russian/Soviet origin.

Contents
A Su-22M of the Czech Republic
Development
Role Fighter-bomber
Operational history
Soviet Union/Russia National origin Soviet Union
Angola
Manufacturer Sukhoi
Iraq
Libya First flight 2 August 1966
Peru Introduction 1970
Poland
Status In limited service
Syria
Yemen Primary users Syrian Air Force
Variants Polish Air Force
In-house OKB designations Peruvian Air Force
Operators Vietnam People's Air Force
Former operators Produced 1969–1990
Specifications (Su-17M4) Number built 2,867
See also
Developed from Sukhoi Su-7
References
Notes
Bibliography
External links

Development
Seeking to improve low-speed and take-off/landing performance of the Su-7B
fighter-bomber, in 1963 the Sukhoi OKB with input from TsAGI created a variable-
sweep 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°.[1] A fixed inner wing simplified construction, allowing the
manufacturer to retain the Su-7 landing gear and avoiding the need for complex A Su-20 (left) next to an older, similar
pivoting underwing hardpoints, and it minimized the shift in the center of pressure Su-7BKL.
relative to the center of mass with change in wing sweep.[2] 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.[2] Testing revealed that take-off and landing speeds had decreased by 50–60 km/h (31–
37 mph) compared to the conventional Su-7.[2]

The production aircraft was named Su-17 (NATO designation "Fitter-C", factory designation S-32) and was unofficially dubbed
Strizh (Стриж, martlet) in service. Aside from the new wing, it differed from its predecessor Su-7 in having a new canopy and a
[2]
dorsal fuselage spine for additional fuel and avionics. The Su-17 first flew on 1 July 1969 with E. K. Kukushev at the controls.

[2]
A total of 2,867 Su-17 and its variants were built, of which 1,165 were exported to 15 nations.

Operational history

Soviet Union/Russia
The Su-17 entered service with the Soviet Air Force in 1970. The aircraft was used
by both the Soviets and the Afghanistan government forces during the Soviet
invasion of Afghanistan. High-altitude airfields and hot dusty climate created special
operational challenges. In the summer, the takeoff roll of the Su-17 increased 1.5-
fold and landings frequently ended with burst tires and brake fires. Avionics failures A Soviet Su-17M.
were common due to heat and sand contamination.

However, the AL-21F engine proved tolerant of routine ingestion of sand and sand-contaminated fuel and by 1985 the combat
readiness of the Su-17 fleet exceeded that of the Sukhoi Su-25 and the helicopters.[3] 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.[3]

The appearance of MANPADS such as the Soviet-made Strela 2 (smuggled from Egypt), and the American FIM-43 Redeye and later
FIM-92 Stinger, presented a new threat and forced Su-17s to even higher operational altitudes. Revised tactics and retrofit of up to 12
flare dispensers which fired automatically during the attack run proved effective, and in 1985 only one Soviet Su-17 was lost to
ground fire.[3]

Forced to operate 3,500–4,000 m (11,500–13,100 ft) above ground, Su-17s shifted from using unguided rockets to bombs, including
thermobaric weapons, while Su-25s were tasked with precision strikes.[3] Toward the end of the war, the Su-17 force was partially
replaced by the Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-27sin order to perform operational testing of the new fighter
-bomber.

The Su-17M3/4 were used during the First Chechen War alongside Sukhoi Su-24s and Sukhoi Su-25s in ground attack and
reconnaissance missions.[4]

In a move to eliminate single-engine strike aircraft from its inventory, the Russian Air Force retired its last Su-17M4 along with its
fleet of MiG-23/27s in 1998.

Angola
The Soviets supplied the communist government of Angola with 12 Su-20Ms in 1982 or 1983, which formed the basis of the 15th
FS. The squadron suffered a swift loss of at least six aircraft – most in mishaps – by 1985, and three more by 1988, and had only two
aircraft left when it was reinforced with another Soviet batch of 14 Su-22M-4Ks and two Su-22UM-3Ks in 1989–90 (incorporated
into the 26th Air Regiment, based in Mocamedes).[5] A second shipment from Belarus in 1999 consisted of two Su-22UBs and four
[6]
Su-22Ms, and a third one from Slovakia in 1999–2001 consisted of 10 Su-22M-4s and one Su-22UM-3K.
These aircraft saw heavy use in the war against UNITA. From the aforementioned losses, which can not be classified as mishaps or
combat attrition, only an Su-20M, serialled C510 was reportedly downed in 1987 and a better-documented case occurred on 6
November 1994 when an Su-22 based at Catumbela was shot down by a SAM fired by UNITA during a raid against Huambo. The
f his flight suit.[7][8]
pilot managed to eject and flee naked after stripping of

Iraq
From 22 September 1980 to 20 August 1988, during the Iran–Iraq War, Iraq used
Su-17 export versions (Su-20 and Su-22) alongside older Su-7s. They were mostly
used in ground-attack and in close air support role. Iranian F-14s shot down 21 Su-
20/-22s, that have been confirmed by western sources. 18 Su-20/-22s were also shot
down by Iranian McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom IIs.[9] and three by Iranian
Northrop F-5s.[10]

Official Iraqi accounts show no loss of Su-20 aircraft throughout the war against the
Iraqi Su-22M aircraft in a hangar
Kurds and Iran. 20 Su-22M2, two Su-22M3 and seven Su-22M4 were lost during the
damaged by Coalition air strikes
war with Iran, the majority to anti-aircraft fire sustained during low level bombing
during Operation Desert Storm.
raids against the Iranian front lines.[11]

In 1991, during the Gulf War, Iraqi Su-22's saw limited active service because the
Iraqi regime distrusted the Air Force. On 7 February 1991, two Su-20/22 and one Su-7 were shot down by USAF F-15C using
AIM-7
air to air missiles[12] when the IQAF was moving its aircraft to Iran. Many more were destroyed on the ground by coalition air forces
or evacuated to Iran and were never returned.

On 20 and 22 March 1991, two other Su-20/22s were downed by a USAF F-15C during Operation Provide Comfortthat started soon
after the war.[13]

Libya
Two Libyan Su-22s were shot down in the Gulf of Sidra incident by U.S. Navy
Grumman F-14 Tomcats on 19 August 1981. One Su-22 fired a K-13 missile head-
on at one of the F-14s from an estimated 300-meter (984-foot) closing distance. Both
were then downed by AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles.

On 8 October 1987, in the aftermath of the Chadian–Libyan conflict, a Su-22MK

was shot down by a FIM-92A fired by Chadian forces. The pilot, Capt. Diya al-Din,
ejected and was captured. He was later granted political asylum by the French
government. During the recovery operation, a Libyan MiG-23MS was shot down by Libyan Su-22M.
a FIM-92A.[14]

A Libyan Su-22 crashed near Benghazi on 23 February 2011. The crew members, Captain Attia Abdel Salem al Abdali and his
number two, Ali Omar Gaddafi, were ordered to bomb the city in response to the Libyan Civil War. They refused, bailing out of the
aircraft and parachuting to the ground.[15][16] Su-22s were heavily used by the Libyan loyalist forces against the insurgent forces
from mid February up to mid March 2011, when the international mission started and the no fly zone was imposed. Among other
missions, Su-22s also attacked Anti-Gaddafi positions in Bin Jawad in early March 2011 as government forces retook the
town.[17][18]

[19]
One Libyan Air Force Su-22 was destroyed on the ground by a Belgian Air Force F-16AM on 27 March.

Peru
Peru was the only export customer of the type in the Americas. On 24 April 1992,
Peruvian "Fitters" attacked a U.S. Air Force Lockheed C-130H Hercules of the
310th Airlift Squadron which was intercepted at sea, west of Lima, injuring six of
the 14 crew members. Crew member Joseph C. Beard, Jr., was killed, when he was
blown from the cabin at 18,500 feet, and crew member Ronald Hetzel sustained
severe injuries, with his chest blown open and his jugular vein severed.[20] The
incident caused an almost year-long interruption to the US anti-drug Air Bridge
Denial Program and the establishment of a Joint Air Operation Center atHoward Air
Force Base in Panama.[21]
Sukhoi Su-22 "Fitter F" aircraft of the
Peruvian Air Force.
During the 1995 Cenepa War between Peru and Ecuador, two Peruvian Sukhoi Su-
22 were lost.

On 10 February 1995, two Ecuadorian Air Force Mirage F1JAs, piloted by Maj. R. Banderas and Capt. C. Uzcátegui, were directed
over five targets approaching the disputed Cenepa valley. After making visual contact, the Mirages fired their missiles, claiming two
Peruvian Su-22A Fitter F shot down, while a Kfir claimed a further A-37B Dragonfly.[22][23][24][25] Peru, however, denied that the
two Su-22A Fitter F were shot down by Mirages, stating that one was struck by Ecuadorian anti-aircraft artillery during a low flying
[26][27][28]
ground-attack mission, and the second because of an engine fire.

The Su-22s flew 45 sorties into the combat zone. A 20-strong force of "Fitters" was also set up at El Pato as a retaliatory force should
Ecuador decide to attack the coastal port.[29]

Poland
On 19 August 2003, a Polish Air Force Su-22M4K was accidentally shot down by friendly fire during an exercise by a Polish 2K12
Kub battery. The aircraft was flying 21 km from the coast over the Baltic Sea near Ustka. The pilot ejected and was rescued after two
hours in the water. He later died in a C-295M crash on 23 January 2008.[30] As of 2012, Poland was planning to replace its Su-22s
with three squadrons of UAVs.[31]

As of 2014 the Polish Air Force was planning to retain the Su-22s in service. It is hoped that this decision will have a positive impact
on Polish industry, as the WZL nr 2 repair facility in Bydgoszcz will maintain the remaining aircraft under contract to the Air Force.
The decision would also allow the Air Force to retain the well-trained ground crews and pilots, currently operating the machines. The
Poles consider the Su-22 easier to maintain and repair than the other main combat aircraft types currently in Polish service (mainly
the MiG-29 and the F-16). They also suffer from fewer malfunctions and other problems (high, 70–75% non-error index). It is also
the only plane in Polish inventory equipped for electronic intelligence, warfare, and support of ground systems. The Polish Air Force
has retained a large stockpile of air-to-ground weapons for use with the Su-22. By some estimates, the cost of destroying these
resources would be higher than the projected cost of continuing Su-22 operations.[32] It was decided, that starting from 2015, only 12
Su-22M4 and 4-6 Su-22UM3K out of 32 remaining would undergo a refit, increasing their lifespan for another ten years.[33] For
economical reasons the aircraft are not modernized, apart from fitting an additional radio RS-6113-2 C2M with a blade antenna on
[33][34]
the top, but they receive a new grey multishade camouflage, similar to other Polish aircraft.

There is one exhibited at theMuseum of Polish Armsin Kołobrzeg.[35]

Syria
The Syrian Air Force used Su-20/-22s to attack Israeli forces in the Yom Kippur War[4] and 1982 Lebanon War. Several Su-20/-22s
were shot down by the Israeli Air Force.[36][37] From mid-2012, in the Syrian civil war, Syrian Air Force Su-22s have been involved
in combat operations against Syrian insurgents.[38] Like other SyAAF fixed wing aircraft, videos showed Su-22s using unguided
munitions, mostly general purpose bombs, cluster bombs and incendiary bombs and unguided rockets. Attack tactics were low to
medium altitude flat bombing runs with pull up after rocketing or bombing, with decoy flares fired for self-defense.[39] As of the end
of 2015, the SyAAF Su-22s suffered a limited number of losses compared to the SyAAF MiG-21 and MiG-23 during the same
period. The first confirmed loss of a SyAAF Su-22 was recorded on 14 February 2013, when rebel forces shot it down using a
MANPADS.[40] On 18 June 2017, a US F/A-18E Super Hornet engaged and shot down a SyAAF Su-22[41] for dropping munitions
on US-backed forces;[42] according to the wingman of the Super Hornet that made the kill, the Syrian pilot was able to eject.
[43]

Yemen
On 11 August 2009, Yemeni armed forces started Operation Scorched Earthin northern Yemen to fight the Houthis. The Yemeni Air
Force backed the army with air raids on rebel-held positions. On 5 October 2009, a Yemeni Su-22 crashed when it was flying in
formation with another aircraft, on the way back from a mission. The rebels claimed to have shot it down, whileemeni
Y armed forces
denied shooting the claim and claimed that crashed due to technical problems.[44] Earlier on 2 October, the Yemeni revolutionaries
said they shot down a "MiG-21" while again the military insisted technical problems caused the crash.[45] On 8 November, a third
Yemeni fighter aircraft reported to be a Sukhoi was destroyed. Again the military claimed it crashed due to technical problems, while
the Yemeni revolutionaries claimed they shot it down.[46] The pilot ejected and was recovered by friendly forces. The Yemeni Air
force once again used Sukhoi aircraft during the Arab Spring uprising. On 28 September 2011, a Yemeni Air Force Su-22 was shot
down by tribesmen opposed to the rule of President Saleh. The government confirmed that rebels were responsible for the shoot-
down, and that the pilot had been captured.[47][48] On February 19, 2013 a Yemen Su-22 on a training mission crashed for unknown
reasons into Sana'a, killing 12 civilians.[49] On May 13, 2013 a Yemen Su-22 on a training mission crashed in Sana'a, killing the
pilot.[50]

Variants
Sources[2]

Su-7IG (S-22I, "Fitter-B")

Su-7BM variable geometry wing demonstrator.
Su-17 (S-32, "Fitter-B")
Limited production run based on the longer fuselage of
the two-seat Su-7U trainer, with bulged dorsal spine for
extra fuel (4,550 L/1,200 U.S. gal total). Retained Su-7s
Lyulka AL-7F-1 engine. Manufactured 1969–1973.
Polish Su-22M4 in the markings of
Su-17K
7th Tactical Sqn.
export version of the Su-17 for Egyptian Air Force
Su-17M (S-32M, "Fitter-C")
First major production version, introduced Lyulka AL-
21F-3 engine, twin pitot tubes, new navigation and
attack computer (retaining Su-7BMK's SRD-5M ranging
radar), angle of attack vane, single brake parachute.
Variable-position intake centerbody providing maximum
speed of Mach 2.1. First flight: 28 December 1971 with
V. S. Soloviev at the controls. The export version was
designated Su-20, first flying 15 December 1972 with A.
N. Isakov at the controls. Manufactured 1972–1975,
entered service in 1973. Exported to Egypt, Poland, and
Syria.
Su-17M-28
Testbed for Kh-28 (AS-9 Kyle) anti-radiation missile
Su-17MKG
Testbed for Kh-25 (AS-10 'Karen') and Kh-29 (AS-14
"Kedge") missiles
Su-17R Polish Su-22M4 in flight
Small number of Su-17M aircraft equipped to carry
reconnaissance pods. Equivalent export version
designated Su-20R.
Su-17M2 (S-32M2, "Fitter-D")
 Nose extended 38 cm (15 in), deleting ranging radar and 'drooping' to improve pilot visibility.
Fon-1400 laser rangefinder/marked-target seeker (LRMTS). ASP-17 and PBK-3-17s aiming
avionics. RSBN-6S short-range navigation and instrument landing system. Undernose fairing
for DISS-7 Doppler navigation radar. First flight: 20 December 1973 with V. S. Ilyushin at the
controls. Manufactured 1974–1977, entered service in 1975.
Su-17M2D
Test-fit of the Tumansky/Khatchaturov R-29BS-300 engine (shared with some MiG-23s), with
112.7 kN (25,335 lbf) afterburning thrust, in a bulged rear fuselage. Due to lack of
performance advantage and decreased range due to higher fuel consumption, it was
decided to offer this engine as an export version only. First flight: 31 January 1975 with A. N.
Isakov at the controls. The export variant was designated Su-22 (factory code S-32M2K,
NATO "Fitter-F"), manufactured 1977–1978.
Su-17UM (S-52U, "Fitter-E")
First two-seat trainer version, based on the Su-17M2, but with a different, deeper fuselage
with windscreen moved forward; same length as the original Su-17M. Internal fuel capacity
reduced and port cannon deleted, but retained full avionics and armament. First flight: 15
August 1975 with V. A. Krechetov at the controls. Test flights revealed longitudinal instability
at high angles of attack which was remedied by enlarging the tail fin. Export version with the
R-29 engine was designated Su-22U. Manufactured 1976–1978, entered service in 1976.
Su-17M3 (S-52, "Fitter-H")
Based on the revised airframe of the Su-17UM, but with an avionics bay and an additional
fuel tank in place of the rear cockpit, increasing the internal fuel capacity to 4850 l (1,280
U.S. gal). Doppler radar moved internally, removing the fairing. "Klen-P" laser
rangefinder/target designator. A launch rail for K-13 (AA-2 "Atoll") or R-60 (AA-8 "Aphid")
was added between the two existing pylons on each wing. First flight: 30 June 1976 with V.
A. Krechetov at the controls. Export version with the R-29 engine and downgraded avionics
(equivalent to Su-17M2) was designated Su-22M (factory designation S-52K, NATO "Fitter-
J") and first flew on 24 May 1977 with E. S. Soloviev at the controls. An export version with
Su-17M3 avionics was designated Su-22M3 (factory S-52MK). Su-17 manufactured 1976–
1981, Su-22Ms were manufactured 1978–1984. Su-17M/Su-22M/Su-22M3 was the most
numerous variant with almost 1,000 built.
Su-17UM (S-52UM)
The initial trainer version with the same avionics suite as the Su-17M.The export version was
designated Su-22UM3 with R-29 engine, and Su-22UM3K with the AL-21 engine.
Manufactured 1978–1982.
Su-17UM3 (S-52UM3, "Fitter-G")
Revised trainer with the same avionics suite as the Su-17M3. First flight: 21 September 1978
with Yu. A. Yegorov at the controls. The export version was designated Su-22UM3 with R-29
engine, and Su-22UM3K with the AL-21 engine. Manufactured 1978–1982.

Su-17M4 (S-54, "Fitter-K")

Final production version with considerably upgraded
avionics, including RSDN navigation (similar to LORAN),
beacon navigation, inertial navigation, a more powerful
(Klyon) "Kлён-54" laser rangefinder, radio compass, and
SPO-15LE ("Sirena") radar-warning system. Additional Polish Su-22M4 in markings of 7th
fuselage inlets (including ram-air inlet at the base of the Tactical Sqn.
fin) to improve engine cooling airflow, fixed air intake
shock cone. Many aircraft were equipped for the use of
TV-guided missiles and BA-58 Vjuga pod for anti-radiation missiles. AL-21F-3 engine. Export
version was designated Su-22M4 (factory S-54K). First flight: 19 June 1980 with Yu. A.
Yegorov at the controls. Su-17M4 was manufactured 1981–1988, Su-22M4 was
manufactured 1983–1990.
Su-20
The initial export version of the Su-17M, (S-32MK).
Su-22M5
A Russian-French upgrade package offered for existing aircraft with modernized cockpit,
HOTAS, improved avionic systems. Deletes the laser rangefinder in favor of
 Phazotron/Thomson-CSF 'Phathom' radar.
Su-22U
The S-52U two-seat combat-trainer, export version of the Su-17UM, with a completely re-
designed nose housing the tandem cockpits for student and instructor.
Gun pods such as the GSh-23 based UPK-23 and SPPU-22 were utilized by the Su-17, Su-
20, and Su-22. The SPPU-22 ground attack variant featured 30 degrees of traverse.

An experimental version of the Su-20 was built with fixed wings attached to an Su-17M
fuselage, in an effort to increase Payload/range performance by eliminating the weight of the
wing sweep system. Good results were obtained in flight tests in 1973 but further
development was cancelled.

Tactical Reconnaissance versions of all variants could be made by fitting the KKR
(Kombinirovanny Konteiner Razvedy – combined reconnaissance pod) on the centre-line
pylon.

In-house OKB designations

S-22I
The first prototype "Variable-Geometry" Su-7, converted form a production Su-7BM, first
flown on 2 August 1966.
S-32
The initial production version, dubbed Su-17 by the VVS (Voyenno-Vozdooshnyye Seely –
Soviet air force).
S-32M
The Su-17 with the Lyul'ka AL-21F engine and re-structured fuselage plus several smaller
modifications, resulting in a greater fuel capacity and more weapons stations.
S-32MK
The Su-20 export version with revised armament options, and less sophisticated avionics.
First flight: 15 December 1972.
S-32MK Hybrid
Single aircraft (f/n 9500) built with fuselage of S-32MK and fixed wings of Su-7BMK. Offered
to customers as cheaper/less complex alternative to Su-20, but no production.
S-32M2
The Su-17M with improved flying controls and weapon-aiming equipment. Production carried
out from 1975 to 1977
S-32M2K
The Su-22 export version of the Su-17M2 with a Tumansky R-29BS-300 engine.
S-32M2D
An Su-17 tested with ski landing gear, similar to that used on the S-26 (Su-7), used for [very]
rough field landing and takeoff tests.
Su-52U
The Su-17UM/Su-22U two-seat combat-trainer version with a completely re-designed nose
housing the tandem cockpits for student and instructor.
S-52
In a reverse development the trainer modifications were adapted for a new Attack variant,
the Su-17M3.
S-52K
An export variant of the S-52, given the designation Su-22M.
S-52M3K
Series production Su-22M3 aircraft with laser range-finder and avionics mods.
S-52UK
The trainer variant with all the S-32M2k structural modifications and a reduced weapons
portfolio.
S-52UM3
The Su-17UM3 for the VVS with avionics and aero-dynamic changes.
S-52UM3K
 The export version of the Su-17UM3.
S-52R
Tactical Reconnaissance Su-17M3R with a KKR (Kombinirovanny Konteiner Razvedy –
combined reconnaissance pod) on the centre-line pylon
S-54
Production Su-17M4 fighter-bombers.
S-54K
Export Su-17M4s, designated Su-22M4.
S-54R
Tactical reconnaissance Su-17M4R with a KKR (Kombinirovanny Konteiner Razvedy –
combined reconnaissance pod) on the centre-line pylon.

Operators
Angola Military operators of the Su-17, Su-20, and Su-22
The People's Air and Air Defence
Force of Angola operates 14 Su-
22 variants.

Libya
2 Su-17 in service.[51]
Poland
The Polish Air Force operate 12
Su-22M4 and 6 Su-22UM3K
aircraft of 110 delivered. Poland
operated 27 Su-20 since 1974
until the 1990s. Blue = Current Red = Former
Syria
28 Su-22 aircraft served with the
Syrian Air Force prior to the Syrian civil war.
Vietnam
36 Su-22 aircraft served with the Vietnam People's Air
Force.[52]

Former operators Polish Su-22M4

Iran
Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force. The Iranian Air Force received 40 Su-20/22s from Iraq in
1991.[53] While non-operational for several years, in 2013, Iran started an overhauling
program.[54] In March 2015, it seems that some of the Iranian Air Force Su-22 were
transferred to the Syrian Arab Air Force to fight in the ongoing Civil War.[55]
Democratic Republic of Afghanistan
Afghan Air Force. More than 70 were sent to the Afghan Air Force from 1982, including 45
Su-22M4 delivered from 1984.
Armenia
Azerbaijan
The Azerbaijan Air Force
Belarus
Belarus Air Force. The Belarusian Air Force inherited Su-17s from the Soviet Air Force, but
none remain in service.
Bulgaria
Bulgarian Air Force. The Bulgarian Air Force operated 18 Su-22M4 and five Su-22UM
aircraft. All are retired.

Czechoslovakia
 Czechoslovak Air Force. The Czechoslovak Air Force's
Su-22 (49 Su-22M4 and 8 Su-22UM3K in 1992)
inventory was split between the Czech Republic and
Slovakia in 1993. They were passed on to the Czech Air
Force.
Czech Republic
Czech Air Force. The Czech Air Force inherited 31 Su-
22M4 and five Su-22UM3K. All were retired in 2002.[56]
East Germany
Air Forces of the National People's Army. The East Czech Air Force Su-22M4
Germany operated 48 Su-22M4 and 8 Su-22UM-3K until
unification, when they were passed on to the Luftwaffe.

Volksmarine. The East German Navy operated eight Su-22M-4Ks and two Su-22UM-3K aircraft.

Egypt
Egyptian Air Force. The Egyptian Air Force operated 48 of Su-20/22 aircraft, although all
have been withdrawn, being replaced by the F-4 Phantom II and General Dynamics F-16
Fighting Falcons in their role.
Germany
Luftwaffe. A number of Su-22 aircraft were inherited from East Germany, although these did
not serve in the Luftwaffe, but some of them were painted with a Luftwaffe color scheme for
test and evaluation. All of them have been decommissioned.

German Navy. Ex-Volksmarine aircraft.

Hungary
Hungarian Air Force. The Hungarian Air Force
maintained 12 Su-22M3 and three Su-22UM3 aircraft
from 1983. Two single seat and one training aircraft
crashed. Withdrawn from service in 1997.
Iraq
Iraqi Air Force. The Iraqi Air Force received a large
number of Su-22 models, of which 40 were impounded
by Iran after having escaped coalition air campaign in Hungarian Su-22M3
1991. [57] None survived the 2003 invasion of Iraq by the
United States.
Kazakhstan
Su-17 aircraft were inherited by the Armed Forces of the Republic of Kazakhstan, but never
put into service.

Libyan Arab Jamahiriya

The Libyan Air Force operated as many as 90 Su-22
aircraft, with around 40 Su-22M3 and Su-22UM3K
aircraft in service at the beginning of 2011 when the
Libyan uprising started. During the Libyan Civil War, the
Gaddafi regime used Su-22s in combat operations.
North Yemen
North Yemen Air Force

Peru Former LARAF Sukhoi Su-22M

Peruvian Air Force. The Peruvian Air Force acquired 32 Fitter-H
Sukhoi Su-22A Fitter F, 4 Su-22U Fitter E, 16 Su-22M
Fitter J and 3 Su-22UM Fitter G aircraft between 1977
and 1980. Retired in 2006, 11 remain in reserve status.
Russia
Russian Air Force. The Russian Air Force inherited Soviet Su-17 aircraft, but has withdrawn
the type from service. At least one example remains flying as a chase aircraft operated by
 Sukhoi at their KnAAPO facility.

Russian Naval Aviation

Slovakia
Slovak Air Force. The Slovak Air and Air Defense
Forces inherited 18 Su-22M4 and three Su-22UM3K
aircraft from Czechoslovakia in 1993. In 1999, six Su-
22M4 and in 2001, four Su-22M4 and one Su-22UM3K
aircraft were sold to Angola while rest of the fleet was Su-22UM Fitter J Peruvian Air Force
grounded and is being used as museum exhibits and as
teaching aid in flight schools.[58][59]
South Yemen
South Yemen Air Force
Soviet Union
Soviet Union Su-17s were split between post-USSR
countries.

Soviet Air Force

Soviet Naval Aviation

Turkmenistan
A number of Su-17 aircraft were inherited by the Military Retired Slovak Su-22M4
of Turkmenistan, but they were never put into service.
Ukraine
Ukrainian Air Force. A total of 40 Su-17 aircraft were inherited from the Soviet Union and
most of them now retired from service, but a few are stored.
Uzbekistan
A number of Su-17 aircraft were inherited by the Military of Uzbekistan, now all are retired
and stored at Chirchiq.
Yemen
Up to 23 Su-22 served with the Yemen Air Force prior to the Saudi Arabian-led intervention
in Yemen. Many Su-22's were destroyed on the ground.

Specifications (Su-17M4)
Data from Sukhoi,[60] Wilson,[61] deagel.com[62]

General characteristics

Crew: 1
Length: 19.02 m (62 ft 5 in)
Wingspan:

With wings spread: 13.68 m (44 ft 11 in)

With wings swept: 10.02 m (32 ft 10 in)
Height: 5.12 m (16 ft 10 in)
Orthographic projection of the Su-
Wing area:
17M4 "Fitter K", with plan view of
With wings spread: 38.5 m² (414 ft²) wings swept and spread
With wings swept: 34.5 m² (370 ft²)
Empty weight: 12,160 kg (26,810 lb)
Loaded weight: 16,400 kg (36,155 lb)
Max. takeoff weight: 19,430 kg (42,835 lb)
Fuel capacity: 3,770 kg (8,310 lb)
Powerplant: 1 × Lyulka AL-21F-3 afterburning turbojet

Dry thrust: 76.4 kN (17,185 lbf)

 Thrust with afterburner: 109.8 kN (24,675 lbf)

Performance

Maximum speed:

At sea level: Mach 1.13 (1,400 km/h; 870 mph)

At altitude: Mach 1.51 (1,860 km/h; 1,156 mph)
Combat range: 1,150 km (715 mi; 620 nmi) in hi-lo-hi attack with
2,000 kg (4,400 lb) warload
Ferry range: 2,300 km (1,430 mi; 1,240 nmi)
Service ceiling: 14,200 m (46,590 ft) EAF Su-20 armed with four 250 kg
Rate of climb: 230 m/s (45,275 ft/min) bombs, two rocket pods, and fitted
Wing loading: 443 kg/m² (90.77 lb/ft²) with two external fuel tanks.
Thrust/weight: 0.68
Maximum g-load: 7 g
Armament

Guns:

2 × 30 mm Nudelman-Rikhter NR-30autocannons (80 rounds per gun, 160 rounds total)

UPK-23 or SPPU-22 gun pods for 2 × Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-23L autocannons
Hardpoints: 12 hardpoints with a capacity of up to 4,000 kg (8,800 lb) of stores and provisions to carry combinations
of:

Missiles:

Air-to-air missiles:

K-13
R-60
R-73
Air-to-surface missiles:

Kh-23 Grom
Kh-25ML
Kh-29L/T/D
Anti-radiation missiles:

Kh-58
Kh-27PS
Kh-28
Bombs: drop bombs, laser-guided bombs, electro-optical bombs, napalm bombs, drag chute bombs and cluster
bombs

See also
Related development

Sukhoi Su-7
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

A-7 Corsair II
IAR 93
SEPECAT Jaguar
Soko J-22 Orao
Nanchang Q-5
Related lists
 Iranian aerial victories during the Iran–Iraq war
Iraqi aerial victories during the Iran–Iraq war
List of military aircraft of the Soviet Union and the CIS
List of fighter aircraft

References

Notes
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Bibliography
Cooper, Tom and Farzad Bishop.Iranian F-14 Tomcat Units in Combat.Oxford, UK: Osprey Publishing, 2004.
ISBN 1-84176-787-5.
Green, William and F. Gordon Swanborough.The Great book of Fighters. St. Paul, Minnesota: MBI Publishing, 2001.
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Wilson, Stewart. Combat Aircraft since 1945. Fyshwick, Australia: Aerospace Publications, 2000.ISBN 1-875671-50-
1.

External links
from FAS
List of all Su-17 (Su-20 and Su-22) fighters used by Polish Air Force
from Russian Military Analysis
Su-22M4 in panoramic view
Su-22 Fitter in high-quality photos

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