Sukhoi Su-22

Sukhoi Su-22 is the export designation for the Su-17 variable-geometry fighter-bomber developed by the Soviet Union during the Cold War. Designed to improve upon the Su-7's short range and high landing speeds, it became a cornerstone of Warsaw Pact and allied ground-attack aviation. The aircraft saw extensive combat use in numerous conflicts across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.

Development and variants

The program originated from a Soviet Air Forces requirement to modernize the Su-7, led by chief designer Mikhail Simonov. The prototype, designated S-22I, first flew on 2 August 1966, featuring a new swing-wing center section grafted onto an Su-7BM airframe. Initial production models for domestic use, like the Su-17M, entered service in 1970, while simplified export versions were designated Su-20. The definitive Su-22 designation applied to later export models equipped with different engines, such as the Lyulka AL-21F-3 turbojet. Key variants included the Su-17M2 with improved avionics, the Su-17M4 with a redesigned spine and more powerful engine, and the dedicated Su-22UM3K two-seat trainer.

Design

The Su-22 is a single-seat, single-engine aircraft with a variable-sweep wing that can be set to 28, 45, or 62 degrees for optimal performance at different speeds and altitudes. Its airframe is primarily constructed from aluminum alloys and high-strength steel. The cockpit is equipped with a zero-zero ejection seat and basic navigation and attack systems, including the Klen-54 laser rangefinder/target designator and ASP-17 gunsight on later models. Armament is carried on eight underwing pylons and one centerline pylon, capable of delivering a wide array of unguided bombs, rocket pods, air-to-surface missiles, air-to-air missiles, and gun pods. The aircraft is powered by a single Lyulka AL-21F-3 turbojet, providing supersonic performance at high altitude.

Operational history

The Su-22 saw its first major combat during the Soviet–Afghan War, where it was heavily used for close air support and strike missions against mujahideen forces. It was widely exported and used in the Iran–Iraq War by the Iraqi Air Force, suffering significant losses to Iranian fighters. Syrian Su-22s engaged Israeli F-15s and F-16s during the 1982 Lebanon War and the ongoing Syrian civil war. Libyan aircraft were used in conflicts in Chad and during the 2011 military intervention in Libya. Other notable combat service includes the Angolan Civil War, the Peruvian conflict with Shining Path, and actions by the Yemeni Air Force in the Yemeni Civil War.

Operators

Current and former military operators span several continents. In Europe, the Polish Air Force remains the last NATO operator, with plans to retire its fleet. Historically, it served with the East German Air Force, Czechoslovak Air Force, and Bulgarian Air Force. In the Middle East, operators have included the Syrian Air Force, Iraqi Air Force, and Libyan Air Force. Asian operators comprise the Vietnam People's Air Force, Chinese (for evaluation), and the Afghan Air Force (pre-1992). In the Americas, the Peruvian Air Force was a significant user, while the Angolan Air Force operated it in Africa.

Specifications (Su-22M4)

* Crew: 1 * Length: 19.02 m (62 ft 5 in) * Wingspan: 13.68 m (44 ft 11 in) wings spread / 10.02 m (32 ft 11 in) wings swept * Height: 5.12 m (16 ft 10 in) * Empty weight: 12,160 kg (26,808 lb) * Max takeoff weight: 19,430 kg (42,836 lb) * Powerplant: 1 × Lyulka AL-21F-3 afterburning turbojet engine * Maximum speed: 1,860 km/h (1,160 mph, 1,000 kn) / Mach 1.7 at high altitude * Combat range: 1,150 km (710 mi, 620 nmi) on a hi-lo-hi mission * Service ceiling: 14,200 m (46,600 ft) * Armament: 2 × 30 mm NR-30 cannons; up to 4,250 kg (9,370 lb) on 9 pylons for weapons including bombs, rockets, ASMs, and AAMs * Avionics: Klen-54|K|K