Sukhoi Su-17
The Sukhoi Su-17 (exported as the Su-20 and Su-22) was one of the Soviet Union's first variable-sweep 'swing wing' combat aircraft, developed by retrofitting a swing-wing outer section onto the existing fixed-wing Su-7's fuselage. That swing wing let it combine short-field takeoff performance with efficient high-speed low-level strike flight, a versatility the fixed-wing Su-7 lacked. It became one of the most widely exported Soviet strike aircraft of the Cold War, serving with air forces across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. A number of export operators kept upgraded versions in service long after Russia itself retired the type.
Did you know?
The Su-17 gained variable-sweep 'swing wings' by retrofitting them onto the fixed-wing Su-7's fuselage, combining short-field takeoff with efficient high-speed strike flight.
Specifications
| Length | 19 m (62 ft) |
|---|---|
| Wingspan | 13.7 m (45 ft) |
| Height | 5 m (16 ft) |
| Persons on board | 2 |
| Crew | 1 |
| Maximum take-off weight | 17.2 t |
| Range | 690 NM (1,278 km) |
| Maximum speed | 1,190 kt (2,204 km/h) |
| Service ceiling | 46,900 ft (14,295 m) |
| Rate of climb | 45,275 ft/min (230 m/s) |
| Engines | 1x Lyulka AL-21F |
Curated by CatchFlights from manufacturer documents, ICAO Doc 8643 and reference works; values are left out where no source could confirm them. Sources are listed on our credits page.
In CatchFlights
In CatchFlights the Sukhoi Su-17 starts as a Legendary catch. The tier is an editorial judgement of how special a sighting of this type is. The more often you catch it, the closer it moves to Common for you. The first catch of a legendary type pays a bonus of its own.
A catch counts for the manufacturer Sukhoi, the Su-17 family and the model in your collection, and the daily Type Rating quiz asks about the types of each family.
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