Sukhoi Su-17
Encyclopedia
The Sukhoi Su-17 (NATO reporting name
: Fitter) is a Soviet
attack aircraft developed from the Sukhoi Su-7
fighter-bomber
. It enjoyed a long career in Soviet, later Russian, service and was widely exported to communist and Middle Eastern air forces, under names Su-20 and Su-22.
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°. 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 pressure
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. Testing revealed that take-off and landing speeds had decreased by 50–60 km/h (27-32 kn, 31-37 mph) compared to the conventional Su-7.
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 dorsal fuselage spine for additional fuel and avionics. Su-17 first flew on 1 July 1969 with E. K. Kukushev at the controls.
A total of 2,867 Su-17 and its variants were built, of which 1,165 were exported to 15 nations.
in 1970. The aircraft was used by both the Soviets and the government Afghanistan forces during the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. High-altitude airfields and hot dusty climate created special operational challenges. In the summer, the take-off roll of the Su-17 increased 1.5-fold and landings frequently ended with burst tires and brake fires. Avionics failures 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. 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.
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.
Forced to operate 3500–4000 m (11,500-13,000 ft) above ground, Su-17s shifted from using unguided rockets to bombs, including thermobaric weapon
s, while Su-25s were tasked with precision strikes. Toward the end of the war, the Su-17 force was partially replaced by the Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-27s in order to perform operational testing of the new fighter-bomber.
The Su-17M3/4 were used during the First Chechen War
alongside Su-24s and Su-25s in ground attack and reconnaissance missions.
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. Around 550 remain in service with other nations.
by US Navy F-14 Tomcat
s on 19 August 1981. One Su-22 fired an AA-2 Atoll missile head-on at one of the F-14s from an estimated 300 meters' closing distance. Both were then downed by AIM-9 missiles.
A Libyan Su-22 crashed near the city of Benghazi
, Libya 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 2011 Libyan civil war
. They refused, bailing out of the aircraft and parachuting to the ground. Su-22s were heavly 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 on Bin Jawad
in early March 2011 as government forces retook the town.
Some Libyan Air Force Su-22s were claimed shot down by the rebels. One was destroyed on the ground by a Belgian Air Force F-16AM on 27 March. Other Libyan Air Force Su-22s were probably destroyed in the opening nights of the UN air raids in their shelters.
In 1991, during the Gulf War
, they saw limited active service because the Iraqi regime distrusted the Air Force.
Two Su-20/22 and one Su-7 were shot down by USAF F-15C in the closing days of the campaign, when the IQAF was moving its planes to Iran. Many more were destroyed on the ground by coalition air forces or evacuated to Iran and they were never returned.
On March 20 and 22, two other Su-20/22s were downed by USAF F-15C during Operation Provide Comfort
that started soon after the war.
Peru is the only American export customer of the type. On April 24, 1992, Peruvian Fitters attacked a U.S. Air Force C-130H Hercules
of the 310th Airlift Squadron which was intercepted in the sea, west of Lima
, injuring six of the fourteen crew members. Crew member Joseph C. Beard, Jr., was killed, when he was sucked 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.
During the 1995 border war
between Peru
and Ecuador
two Peruvian Sukhoi Su-22 were lost.
The Ecuadorian claim that two Sukhoi Su-22M were shot down on 10 February 1995 by two Ecuadorian Air Force
Mirage F.1. This version could not be proven through documentary evidence. However, according to the Peruvian Air Force
report about the action, based on radio communications, radar information, testimony of the pilots and an analysis of the remains of the Su-22s found in the Peruvian jungle (the other exploded before landfall). The analysis of the remains says that the one Su-22 was impacted by anti-aircraft fire, leading to an uncontrollable jet-engine fire before two Ecuadorian Air Force
Mirage F.1 reached the combat zone. Both pilots, Comandante FAP Maldonado and Mayor FAP Caballero, ejected but none survived. Attack missions continued until the end of hostilities on 14 February 1995.
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.
used Su-20/22s to attack Israeli forces in the Yom Kippur War
and 1982 Lebanon War
. Several Su-20/22s were shot down by Israeli Air Force.
in northern Yemen to fight the Sa'dah insurgency
.
Yemeni Air Force backed the army in the offensive performing air raids over 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 they shot it down, while Yemeni armed forces said it crashed due to technical problems.
Earlier on 2 October, the insurgents said they shot down a "MiG-21" while again the military insisted technical problems caused the crash.
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 rebels claimed they shot it down. The pilot ejected and was recovered by friendly forces.
The Yemeni Air force is currently engaging the yemeni uprising forces during the Arab Spring.
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 rebel tribesmen were responsible for the shoot-down, and that the jet's pilot had been captured.
Sources
Su-7IG (S-22I, 'Fitter-B')
Su-17 (S-32, 'Fitter-B')
Su-17K - export version of the Su-17 for Egyptian Air Force
Su-17M (S-32M, 'Fitter-C')
Su-17M-28
Su-17MKG
Su-17R
Su-17M2 (S-32M2, 'Fitter-D')
Su-17M2D
Su-17UM (S-52U, 'Fitter-E')
Su-17M3 (S-52, 'Fitter-H')
Su-17UM (S-52UM)
Su-17UM3 (S-52UM3, 'Fitter-G')
Su-17M4 (S-54, 'Fitter-K')
Su-20
Su-22M5
Su-22U
S-32
S-32M
S-32MK
S-32M2
S-32M2K
S-32M2D
Su-52U
S-52
S-52K
S-52M3K
S-52UK
S-52UM3
S-52UM3K
S-52R
S-54K
S-54R
operates 8 Su-22 variants.
: The Libyan Air Force
operated as many as 90 Su-22, with around 40 Su-22M3 and Su-22UM3K aircraft in service at the beginning of 2011 when the Libyan uprising started. During Libyan Civil War Gaddafi
Regime used Su-22 in combat operations.
: The Polish Air Force
remains a major operator, with 48 Su-22M4K and Su-22UM3K aircraft in service of 110 delivered.
: 60 Su-22 aircraft serve with the Syrian Air Force
.
: Around 145 Su-22M4 examples serve with the Vietnam People's Air Force
.
: 50 Su-22 have served with the Yemen Air Force
, with a number remaining active.
from 1982, including 45 Su-22M4 delivered from 1984.
: The Azerbaijan Air Force
: The Belarusian Air Force
inherited Su-17s from the Soviet Air Force, but none remain in service.
: The Bulgarian Air Force
operated 18 Su-22M4 and 5 Su-22UM aircraft. All are retired.
: The Czech Air Force
inherited 31 Su-22M4 and 5 Su-22UM3K. All were retired in 2002.
: Czechoslovakian Air Force Su-22 (49 Su-22M4 and 8 Su-22UM3K 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 48 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 did not serve in the Luftwaffe
, but some of them have been painted with Luftwaffe color scheme for test and evaluation. All of them has been decommissioned, and replaced by EU-made Panavia Tornado
and Eurofighter Typhoon
.
: The Hungarian Air Force
maintained 12 Su-22M3 and 3 Su-22UM3 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. All Russian-made and Chinese
-made fighters during Hussein
's Regime will be replaced by US-Made F-16.
: 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 unless Russia would continue maintaining Iranian Su-22 fleet.
: Su-17 aircraft were inherited by the Armed Forces of the Republic of Kazakhstan, but never put into service.
: The Air Force of Peru acquired 24 Su-22M, 24 Su-22M3, and 5 Su-22UM3, 11 remain in reserve status.
: 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.
: The Air and Air Defense Forces
inherited 18 Su-22M4 and 3 Su-22UM3K aircraft from Czechoslovakia in 1993. In 1999 6 Su-22M4 and in 2001 4 Su-22M4 and 1 Su-22UB were sold to Angola
while rest of the fleet was grounded and is being used as museum exhibits and as teaching aid in flight schools.
: Soviet Union Su-17s were split between post-USSR countries.
: A number of Su-17 aircraft were inherited by the Military of Turkmenistan
, but they were never put into service.
: Ukrainian Air Force
. 40 Su-17 aircraft were inherited from the Soviet Union and most of them now retired from service, but a few are stored.
: A number of Su-17 aircraft were inherited by the Military of Uzbekistan
, now all are retired and stored at Chirchiq.
NATO reporting name
NATO reporting names are classified code names for military equipment of the Eastern Bloc...
: Fitter) is a Soviet
Soviet Union
The Soviet Union , officially the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics , was a constitutionally socialist state that existed in Eurasia between 1922 and 1991....
attack aircraft developed from the Sukhoi Su-7
Sukhoi Su-7
The Sukhoi Su-7 was a swept wing, supersonic fighter aircraft developed by the Soviet Union in 1955. Originally, it was designed as tactical, low-level dogfighter, but was not successful in this role. On the other hand, soon-introduced Su-7B series became the main Soviet fighter-bomber and...
fighter-bomber
Fighter-bomber
A fighter-bomber is a fixed-wing aircraft with an intended primary role of light tactical bombing and also incorporating certain performance characteristics of a fighter aircraft. This term, although still used, has less significance since the introduction of rockets and guided missiles into aerial...
. It enjoyed a long career in Soviet, later Russian, service and was widely exported to communist and Middle Eastern air forces, under names Su-20 and Su-22.
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 TsAGITsAGI
TsAGI is a transliteration of the Russian abbreviation for Центра́льный аэрогидродинами́ческий институ́т or "Tsentralniy Aerogidrodinamicheskiy Institut", the Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute....
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°. 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 pressure
Center of pressure
The center of pressure is the point on a body where the total sum of a pressure field acts, causing a force and no moment about that point. The total force vector acting at the center of pressure is the value of the integrated vectorial pressure field. The resultant force and center of pressure...
relative to the center of mass
Center of mass
In physics, the center of mass or barycenter of a system is the average location of all of its mass. In the case of a rigid body, the position of the center of mass is fixed in relation to the body...
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. Testing revealed that take-off and landing speeds had decreased by 50–60 km/h (27-32 kn, 31-37 mph) compared to the conventional Su-7.
The production aircraft was named Su-17 (NATO designation 'Fitter-C', factory designation S-32) and was unofficially dubbed Strizh (Стриж, martlet
Martlet
A martlet is a heraldic charge depicting a stylized bird with short tufts of feathers in the place of legs...
) in service. Aside from the new wing, it differed from its predecessor Su-7 in having a new canopy and a dorsal fuselage spine for additional fuel and avionics. Su-17 first flew on 1 July 1969 with E. K. Kukushev at the controls.
A total of 2,867 Su-17 and its variants were built, of which 1,165 were exported to 15 nations.
Soviet Union/Russia
The Su-17 entered service with the Soviet Air ForceSoviet Air Force
The Soviet Air Force, officially known in Russian as Военно-воздушные силы or Voenno-Vozdushnye Sily and often abbreviated VVS was the official designation of one of the air forces of the Soviet Union. The other was the Soviet Air Defence Forces...
in 1970. The aircraft was used by both the Soviets and the government Afghanistan forces during the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. High-altitude airfields and hot dusty climate created special operational challenges. In the summer, the take-off roll of the Su-17 increased 1.5-fold and landings frequently ended with burst tires and brake fires. Avionics failures 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
Sukhoi Su-25
The Sukhoi Su-25 is a single-seat, twin-engine jet aircraft developed in the Soviet Union by the Sukhoi Design Bureau. It was designed to provide close air support for the Soviet Ground Forces. The first prototype made its maiden flight on 22 February 1975...
and the helicopters. 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.
The appearance of MANPADS such as the Soviet-made Strela 2
Strela 2
The 9K32 “Strela-2” is a man-portable, shoulder-fired, low-altitude surface-to-air missile system with a high explosive warhead and passive infrared homing guidance...
(smuggled from Egypt), and the American FIM-43 Redeye
FIM-43 Redeye
The General Dynamics FIM-43 Redeye was a man-portable surface-to-air missile system. It used infrared homing to track its target. Production was terminated in September 1969 after about 85,000 rounds had been built - in anticipation of the Redeye II, which later became the FIM-92 Stinger...
and later FIM-92 Stinger
FIM-92 Stinger
The FIM-92 Stinger is a personal portable infrared homing surface-to-air missile , which can be adapted to fire from ground vehicles and helicopters , developed in the United States and entered into service in 1981. Used by the militaries of the U.S...
, presented a new threat and forced Su-17s to even higher operational altitudes. Revised tactics and retrofit of up to 12 flare
Flare (pyrotechnic)
A flare, also sometimes called a fusee, is a type of pyrotechnic that produces a brilliant light or intense heat without an explosion. Flares are used for signalling, illumination, or defensive countermeasures in civilian and military applications...
dispensers which fired automatically during the attack run proved effective, and in 1985 only one Soviet Su-17 was lost to ground fire.
Forced to operate 3500–4000 m (11,500-13,000 ft) above ground, Su-17s shifted from using unguided rockets to bombs, including thermobaric weapon
Thermobaric weapon
A thermobaric weapon, which includes the type known as a "fuel-air bomb", is an explosive weapon that produces a blast wave of a significantly longer duration than those produced by condensed explosives. This is useful in military applications where its longer duration increases the numbers of...
s, while Su-25s were tasked with precision strikes. Toward the end of the war, the Su-17 force was partially replaced by the Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-27s in order to perform operational testing of the new fighter-bomber.
The Su-17M3/4 were used during the First Chechen War
First Chechen War
The First Chechen War, also known as the War in Chechnya, was a conflict between the Russian Federation and the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria, fought from December 1994 to August 1996...
alongside Su-24s and Su-25s in ground attack and reconnaissance missions.
In a move to eliminate single engine strike aircraft from its inventory, the Russian Air Force
Russian Air Force
The Russian Air Force is the air force of Russian Military. It is currently under the command of Colonel General Aleksandr Zelin. The Russian Navy has its own air arm, the Russian Naval Aviation, which is the former Soviet Aviatsiya Voyenno Morskogo Flota , or AV-MF).The Air Force was formed from...
retired its last Su-17M4 along with its fleet of MiG-23/27s in 1998. Around 550 remain in service with other nations.
Libya
Two Libyan Su-22s were shot down in the Gulf of Sidra incidentGulf of Sidra incident (1981)
In the first Gulf of Sidra incident, 19 August 1981, two Libyan Su-22 Fitter attack aircraft were shot down by two American F-14 Tomcats off of the Libyan coast.-Background:...
by US Navy F-14 Tomcat
F-14 Tomcat
The Grumman F-14 Tomcat is a supersonic, twin-engine, two-seat, variable-sweep wing fighter aircraft. The Tomcat was developed for the United States Navy's Naval Fighter Experimental program following the collapse of the F-111B project...
s on 19 August 1981. One Su-22 fired an AA-2 Atoll missile head-on at one of the F-14s from an estimated 300 meters' closing distance. Both were then downed by AIM-9 missiles.
A Libyan Su-22 crashed near the city of Benghazi
Benghazi
Benghazi is the second largest city in Libya, the main city of the Cyrenaica region , and the former provisional capital of the National Transitional Council. The wider metropolitan area is also a district of Libya...
, Libya 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 2011 Libyan civil war
2011 Libyan civil war
The 2011 Libyan civil war was an armed conflict in the North African state of Libya, fought between forces loyal to Colonel Muammar Gaddafi and those seeking to oust his government. The war was preceded by protests in Benghazi beginning on 15 February 2011, which led to clashes with security...
. They refused, bailing out of the aircraft and parachuting to the ground. Su-22s were heavly 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
Anti-Gaddafi forces
The anti-Gaddafi forces were Libyan groups that opposed and militarily defeated the government of Muammar Gaddafi, killing him in the process. These opposition forces included organised and armed militia groups, participants in the 2011 Libyan civil war, Libyan diplomats who switched their...
positions on Bin Jawad
Battle of Bin Jawad
The Battle of Bin Jawad was a battle in the 2011 Libyan civil war between forces loyal to Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi and the Libyan opposition for control of the town of Bin Jawad.- The Battle :...
in early March 2011 as government forces retook the town.
Some Libyan Air Force Su-22s were claimed shot down by the rebels. One was destroyed on the ground by a Belgian Air Force F-16AM on 27 March. Other Libyan Air Force Su-22s were probably destroyed in the opening nights of the UN air raids in their shelters.
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 most used in ground attack and close air support role.In 1991, during the Gulf War
Gulf War
The Persian Gulf War , commonly referred to as simply the Gulf War, was a war waged by a U.N.-authorized coalition force from 34 nations led by the United States, against Iraq in response to Iraq's invasion and annexation of Kuwait.The war is also known under other names, such as the First Gulf...
, they saw limited active service because the Iraqi regime distrusted the Air Force.
Two Su-20/22 and one Su-7 were shot down by USAF F-15C in the closing days of the campaign, when the IQAF was moving its planes to Iran. Many more were destroyed on the ground by coalition air forces or evacuated to Iran and they were never returned.
On March 20 and 22, two other Su-20/22s were downed by USAF F-15C during Operation Provide Comfort
Operation Provide Comfort
Operation Provide Comfort and Provide Comfort II were military operations by the United States and some of its Gulf War allies, starting in April 1991, to defend Kurds fleeing their homes in northern Iraq in the aftermath of the Persian Gulf War and deliver humanitarian aid to them.-Operation...
that started soon after the war.
Peru
C-130 Hercules
The Lockheed C-130 Hercules is a four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft designed and built originally by Lockheed, now Lockheed Martin. Capable of using unprepared runways for takeoffs and landings, the C-130 was originally designed as a troop, medical evacuation, and cargo transport...
of the 310th Airlift Squadron which was intercepted in the sea, west of Lima
Lima
Lima is the capital and the largest city of Peru. It is located in the valleys of the Chillón, Rímac and Lurín rivers, in the central part of the country, on a desert coast overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Together with the seaport of Callao, it forms a contiguous urban area known as the Lima...
, injuring six of the fourteen crew members. Crew member Joseph C. Beard, Jr., was killed, when he was sucked 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.
During the 1995 border war
Cenepa War
The Cenepa War , also known as the Alto Cenepa War, was a brief and localized military conflict between Ecuador and Peru, fought over control of a disputed area on the border between the two countries...
between Peru
Peru
Peru , officially the Republic of Peru , is a country in western South America. It is bordered on the north by Ecuador and Colombia, on the east by Brazil, on the southeast by Bolivia, on the south by Chile, and on the west by the Pacific Ocean....
and Ecuador
Ecuador
Ecuador , officially the Republic of Ecuador is a representative democratic republic in South America, bordered by Colombia on the north, Peru on the east and south, and by the Pacific Ocean to the west. It is one of only two countries in South America, along with Chile, that do not have a border...
two Peruvian Sukhoi Su-22 were lost.
The Ecuadorian claim that two Sukhoi Su-22M were shot down on 10 February 1995 by two Ecuadorian Air Force
Ecuadorian Air Force
The Ecuadorian Air Force is the Air arm of the Military of Ecuador and responsible for the protection of the Ecuadorian airspace.-Mission:To develop the military air wing, in order to execute institutional objectives which guarantee sovereignty and contribute towards the nation's security and...
Mirage F.1. This version could not be proven through documentary evidence. However, according to the Peruvian Air Force
Peruvian Air Force
The Peruvian Air Force is the branch of the Peruvian Armed Forces tasked with defending the nation and its interests through the use of air power...
report about the action, based on radio communications, radar information, testimony of the pilots and an analysis of the remains of the Su-22s found in the Peruvian jungle (the other exploded before landfall). The analysis of the remains says that the one Su-22 was impacted by anti-aircraft fire, leading to an uncontrollable jet-engine fire before two Ecuadorian Air Force
Ecuadorian Air Force
The Ecuadorian Air Force is the Air arm of the Military of Ecuador and responsible for the protection of the Ecuadorian airspace.-Mission:To develop the military air wing, in order to execute institutional objectives which guarantee sovereignty and contribute towards the nation's security and...
Mirage F.1 reached the combat zone. Both pilots, Comandante FAP Maldonado and Mayor FAP Caballero, ejected but none survived. Attack missions continued until the end of hostilities on 14 February 1995.
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.
Syria
The Syrian Air ForceSyrian Air Force
The Syrian Air Force is the Aviation branch of the Syrian Armed Forces. It was established in 1948.-History:The end of World War II led to a withdrawal of the United Kingdom and France from the Middle East, and this included a withdrawal from Syria...
used Su-20/22s to attack Israeli forces in the Yom Kippur War
Yom Kippur War
The Yom Kippur War, Ramadan War or October War , also known as the 1973 Arab-Israeli War and the Fourth Arab-Israeli War, was fought from October 6 to 25, 1973, between Israel and a coalition of Arab states led by Egypt and Syria...
and 1982 Lebanon War
1982 Lebanon War
The 1982 Lebanon War , , called Operation Peace for Galilee by Israel, and later known in Israel as the Lebanon War and First Lebanon War, began on 6 June 1982, when the Israel Defense Forces invaded southern Lebanon...
. Several Su-20/22s were shot down by Israeli Air Force.
Yemen
On 11 August 2009, Yemeni armed forces started Operation Scorched EarthOperation Scorched Earth
Operation Scorched Earth was the code-name of a Yemeni military offensive in the northern Sa'dah Governorate that began in August 2009, marking the fifth wave of violence in an ongoing insurgency pitting the Shi'a, Zaidi Houthis against the government...
in northern Yemen to fight the Sa'dah insurgency
Sa'dah insurgency
The Shia Insurgency in Yemen, also known as the Houthi rebellion, Sa'dah War or Sa'dah conflict is a civil war in Northern Yemen. It began in June 2004 when dissident cleric Hussein Badreddin al-Houthi, head of the Shia Zaidiyyah sect, launched an uprising against the Yemeni government...
.
Yemeni Air Force backed the army in the offensive performing air raids over 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 they shot it down, while Yemeni armed forces said it crashed due to technical problems.
Earlier on 2 October, the insurgents said they shot down a "MiG-21" while again the military insisted technical problems caused the crash.
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 rebels claimed they shot it down. The pilot ejected and was recovered by friendly forces.
The Yemeni Air force is currently engaging the yemeni uprising forces during the Arab Spring.
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 rebel tribesmen were responsible for the shoot-down, and that the jet's pilot had been captured.
Poland
On 19 August 2003, a Polish Air Force Su-22M4K was accidentally shot down by friendly fire during an exercise by a Polish SA-6 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 the 23 January 2008.Variants
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-7's Lyulka AL-7F-1Lyulka AL-7|-Specifications :-Bibliography:* Gunston, Bill. World Encyclopedia of Aero Engines. Cambridge, England. Patrick Stephens Limited, 1989. ISBN 1-85260-163-9-External links:...
engine. Manufactured 1969-1973.
Su-17K - 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 pitotPitot tubeA pitot tube is a pressure measurement instrument used to measure fluid flow velocity. The pitot tube was invented by the French engineer Henri Pitot Ulo in the early 18th century and was modified to its modern form in the mid-19th century by French scientist Henry Darcy...
tubes, new navigation and attack computer (retaining Su-7BMK's SRD-5M ranging radarRadarRadar is an object-detection system which uses radio waves to determine the range, altitude, direction, or speed of objects. It can be used to detect aircraft, ships, spacecraft, guided missiles, motor vehicles, weather formations, and terrain. The radar dish or antenna transmits pulses of radio...
), angle of attackAngle of attackAngle of attack is a term used in fluid dynamics to describe the angle between a reference line on a lifting body and the vector representing the relative motion between the lifting body and the fluid through which it is moving...
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)Kh-28The Kh-28 was the first Soviet anti-radiation missile for tactical aircraft. It entered production in 1973 and is still carried on some Sukhoi Su-22s in developing countries but is no longer in Russian service...
anti-radiation missile
Su-17MKG
- Testbed for Kh-25 (AS-10 'Karen')Kh-25The Kh-25/Kh-25M is a family of Soviet lightweight air-to-ground missiles with a modular range of guidance systems and a range of 10 km. The anti-radar variant is known to NATO as the AS-12 'Kegler and has a range up to 40 km. Designed by Zvezda-Strela, the Kh-25 is derived from the...
and Kh-29 (AS-14 'Kedge')Kh-29The Kh-29 is a Soviet air-to-surface missile with a range of 10–30 km. It has a large warhead of 320 kg, has a choice of laser, infrared, active radar or TV guidance, and is typically carried by tactical aircraft such as the Su-24, Su-30, MiG-29K as well as the "T/TM" models of the...
missiles
Su-17R
- Small number of Su-17M aircraft equipped to carry reconnaissanceReconnaissanceReconnaissance is the military term for exploring beyond the area occupied by friendly forces to gain information about enemy forces or features of the environment....
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 systemInstrument Landing SystemAn instrument landing system is a ground-based instrument approach system that provides precision guidance to an aircraft approaching and landing on a runway, using a combination of radio signals and, in many cases, high-intensity lighting arrays to enable a safe landing during instrument...
. Undernose fairing for DISS-7 Doppler navigation radarRadarRadar is an object-detection system which uses radio waves to determine the range, altitude, direction, or speed of objects. It can be used to detect aircraft, ships, spacecraft, guided missiles, motor vehicles, weather formations, and terrain. The radar dish or antenna transmits pulses of radio...
. 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-300Tumansky R-29|-See also:-Bibliography:* Gunston, Bill. World Encyclopaedia of Aero Engines. Cambridge, England. Patrick Stephens Limited, 1989. ISBN 1-85260-163-9...
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 trainerTrainer (aircraft)A trainer is a class of aircraft designed specifically to facilitate in-flight training of pilots and aircrews. The use of a dedicated trainer aircraft with additional safety features—such as tandem flight controls, forgiving flight characteristics and a simplified cockpit arrangement—allows...
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')Vympel K-13The K-13 is an short-range, infrared homing air-to-air missile developed by the Soviet Union. It is similar in appearance and function to the American AIM-9 Sidewinder from which it was reverse-engineered...
or R-60 (AA-8 'Aphid')Molniya R-60The Molniya R-60 is a lightweight air-to-air missile designed for use by Soviet fighter aircraft. It has been widely exported, and remains in service with the CIS and many other nations....
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-22M 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.
- Final production version with considerably upgraded avionics, including RSDNCHAYKAChayka is a Russian terrestrial radio navigation system, similar to LORAN-C. It is also run on 100 kHz and is described like LORAN-C by its GRI.-Chayka-Chains:There are 5 Chayka-chains in use:...
navigation (similar to LORANLORANLORAN is a terrestrial radio navigation system using low frequency radio transmitters in multiple deployment to determine the location and speed of the receiver....
), beacon navigation, inertial navigation, a more powerful (KlyonMapleAcer is a genus of trees or shrubs commonly known as maple.Maples are variously classified in a family of their own, the Aceraceae, or together with the Hippocastanaceae included in the family Sapindaceae. Modern classifications, including the Angiosperm Phylogeny Group system, favour inclusion in...
) 'Kлён-54' laser rangefinder, radio compass, and SPO-15LE ('Sirena') radar-warning system. Additional fuselage inlets (including ram-air inlet at the base of the fin) to improve engine-cooling air flow, fixed air intake shock cone. Many aircraft were equipped for the use of TV-guided missiles and BA-58 Vjuga pod for anti-radiation missileAnti-radiation missileAn anti-radiation missile is a missile which is designed to detect and home on an enemy radio emission source. Typically these are designed for use against an enemy radar, although jammers and even radios used for communication can also be targeted in this manner.- Air-to-Ground :Most ARM designs...
s. 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-FrenchFranceThe French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
upgrade package offered for existing aircraft with modernized cockpit, HOTASHOTASHOTAS, an abbreviation for Hands On Throttle-And-Stick, is the name given to the concept of placing buttons and switches on the throttle stick and flight control stick in an aircraft's cockpit, allowing the pilot to access vital cockpit functions and fly the aircraft without having to remove his...
, improved avionic systems. Deletes the laser rangefinder in favor of PhazotronPhazotronJSC Phazotron , is Russia's largest developer of military radars and avionics. Named after one of the major projects and the most important one it was involved in, the first cosmotron in the former-USSR, it was first formed in 1917 to produce aviation instruments...
/Thomson-CSFThomson-CSFThomson-CSF was a major electronics and defence contractor. In December 2000 it was renamed Thales Group.-History:In 1879 Elihu Thomson and Edwin Houston formed the Thomson-Houston Electric Company in the United States....
'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 VVSVVSVVS is a three letter acronym which may refer to:* Very Very Slightly Included, a way of describing the clarity of a diamond* Vulvar vestibulitis syndrome, a syndrome of vulvodynia associated with chronic disease* V. V. S...
(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-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-29Tumansky R-29|-See also:-Bibliography:* Gunston, Bill. World Encyclopaedia of Aero Engines. Cambridge, England. Patrick Stephens Limited, 1989. ISBN 1-85260-163-9...
BS-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 take-off 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 lasxer 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-17M4's, designated Su-22M4.
S-54R
- Tactical reconnaissance Su-17M4R with a KKR (Kombinirovanny Konteiner Razvedy – combined reconnaissance pod) on the centre-line pylon.
Operators
 |
|
| Blue = Current | Red = Former |
|---|---|
Current operators
: The People's Air and Air Defence Force of AngolaPeople's Air and Air Defence Force of Angola
The National Air Force of Angola is the air branch of the Armed Forces of Angola.FAN was established, after the independence of Angola from Portugal, on January 21, 1976 as the People's Air and Air Defence Force of Angola and initially made use of the...
operates 8 Su-22 variants.
: The Libyan Air Force
Libyan Air Force
The Libyan Air Force is the branch of the Libyan Armed Forces responsible for aerial warfare. In 2010, before the 2011 Libyan civil war, the Libyan Air Force personnel strength was estimated at 18,000, with an inventory of 374 combat capable aircraft operating from 13 military airbases in...
operated as many as 90 Su-22, with around 40 Su-22M3 and Su-22UM3K aircraft in service at the beginning of 2011 when the Libyan uprising started. During Libyan Civil War Gaddafi
Muammar Gaddafi
Muammar Muhammad Abu Minyar Gaddafi or "September 1942" 20 October 2011), commonly known as Muammar Gaddafi or Colonel Gaddafi, was the official ruler of the Libyan Arab Republic from 1969 to 1977 and then the "Brother Leader" of the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya from 1977 to 2011.He seized power in a...
Regime used Su-22 in combat operations.
: The Polish Air Force
Polish Air Force
The Polish Air Force is the military Air Force wing of the Polish Armed Forces. Until July 2004 it was officially known as Wojska Lotnicze i Obrony Powietrznej...
remains a major operator, with 48 Su-22M4K and Su-22UM3K aircraft in service of 110 delivered.
: 60 Su-22 aircraft serve with the Syrian Air Force
Syrian Air Force
The Syrian Air Force is the Aviation branch of the Syrian Armed Forces. It was established in 1948.-History:The end of World War II led to a withdrawal of the United Kingdom and France from the Middle East, and this included a withdrawal from Syria...
.
: Around 145 Su-22M4 examples serve with the Vietnam People's Air Force
Vietnam People's Air Force
The Vietnam People's Air Force is the air force of Vietnam. It is the successor of the former North Vietnamese Air Force and the absorbed Republic of Vietnam Air Force following the re-unification of Vietnam in 1975.-Beginning-1964 :The first Vietnamese aircraft were two trainers, a de Havilland...
.
: 50 Su-22 have served with the Yemen Air Force
Yemen Air Force
-North and South Yemen:The Yemen Air Force, known as al-Quwwat al-Jawwiya al-Yamaniya, was established in 1926. During the mid-1950s, the Imam of Yemen established a private fleet that was run by the military. Later, the Russians delivered MiG-15 and MiG-17 fighters, followed by MiG-21s to the...
, with a number remaining active.
Former operators
: More than 70 were sent to the Afghan Air ForceAfghan Air Force
The Afghan Air Force , formerly the Afghan National Army Air Corps and Afghan National Army Air Force , is one of seven "corps" of the military of Afghanistan, responsible for air defense and air warfare. It was officially established in 1924 and for most of its history has functioned as a small...
from 1982, including 45 Su-22M4 delivered from 1984.
: The Azerbaijan Air Force
Azerbaijan Air Force
The Azerbaijani Air and Air Defence Force often referred to as the Azerbaijani Air Force is the air force and air defence force of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces....
: The Belarusian Air Force
Belarusian Air Force
The Belarussian Air Force is the air force of the Armed Forces of Belarus, formed in 1992 from the 26th Air Army of the Soviet Air Forces which had been serving in the Byelorussian SSR.- Organization :...
inherited Su-17s from the Soviet Air Force, but none remain in service.
: The Bulgarian Air Force
Bulgarian Air Force
The Bulgarian Air Force is a branch of the Military of Bulgaria, the other two being the Bulgarian Navy and Bulgarian land forces. Its mission is to guard and protect the sovereignty of Bulgarian airspace, to provide aerial support and to assist the Land Forces in case of war. The Bulgarian Air...
operated 18 Su-22M4 and 5 Su-22UM aircraft. All are retired.
Czech Air Force
The Czech Air Force is the air force branch of the Armed Forces of the Czech Republic. The Air Force, with the Land Forces, comprises the Joint Forces, the main combat power of the Armed Forces of the Czech Republic...
inherited 31 Su-22M4 and 5 Su-22UM3K. All were retired in 2002.
: Czechoslovakian Air Force Su-22 (49 Su-22M4 and 8 Su-22UM3K in 1992) inventory was split between the Czech Republic and Slovakia in 1993.
: The Air Forces of the National People's Army
Luftstreitkräfte der NVA
The Luftstreitkraefte / Luftverteidigung was the Air Force of East Germany . As with the Landstreitkräfte, the Volksmarine, and the Border troops, it was a military branch of the National People's Army ....
operated the Su-22 until unification, when they were passed on to the Luftwaffe
Luftwaffe
Luftwaffe is a generic German term for an air force. It is also the official name for two of the four historic German air forces, the Wehrmacht air arm founded in 1935 and disbanded in 1946; and the current Bundeswehr air arm founded in 1956....
.
- VolksmarineVolksmarineVolksmarine was the official designation of the maritime forces of the German Democratic Republic . It was part of the National People's Army, established in 1956.-History:...
: The Egyptian Air Force
Egyptian Air Force
The Egyptian Air Force, or EAF , is the aviation branch of the Egyptian Armed Forces. The EAF is headed by an Air Marshal . Currently, the commander of the Egyptian Air Force is Air Marshal Reda Mahmoud Hafez Mohamed...
operated 48 of Su-20/22 aircraft, although all have been withdrawn, being replaced by F-4 Phantom II
F-4 Phantom II
The McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II is a tandem two-seat, twin-engined, all-weather, long-range supersonic jet interceptor fighter/fighter-bomber originally developed for the United States Navy by McDonnell Aircraft. It first entered service in 1960 with the U.S. Navy. Proving highly adaptable,...
and F-16 Fighting Falcons in their role.
: A number of Su-22 aircraft were inherited from East Germany, although these did not serve in the Luftwaffe
Luftwaffe
Luftwaffe is a generic German term for an air force. It is also the official name for two of the four historic German air forces, the Wehrmacht air arm founded in 1935 and disbanded in 1946; and the current Bundeswehr air arm founded in 1956....
, but some of them have been painted with Luftwaffe color scheme for test and evaluation. All of them has been decommissioned, and replaced by EU-made Panavia Tornado
Panavia Tornado
The Panavia Tornado is a family of twin-engine, variable-sweep wing combat aircraft, which was jointly developed and manufactured by the United Kingdom, West Germany and Italy...
and Eurofighter Typhoon
Eurofighter Typhoon
The Eurofighter Typhoon is a twin-engine, canard-delta wing, multirole combat aircraft, designed and built by a consortium of three companies: EADS, Alenia Aeronautica and BAE Systems; working through a holding company, Eurofighter GmbH, which was formed in 1986...
.
Hungarian Air Force
The Hungarian Air Force is the air force branch of the Hungarian Army.- 1918 to Pre–World War II :Following the dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy in 1918, a small air arm was established operating surviving aircraft from Hungarian factories and training schools...
maintained 12 Su-22M3 and 3 Su-22UM3 aircraft from 1983. Two single seat and one training aircraft crashed. Withdrawn from service in 1997.
: The Iraqi Air Force
Iraqi Air Force
The Iraqi Air Force or IQAF is the military branch in Iraq responsible for the policing of international borders, surveillance of national assets and aerial operations...
received a number of Su-22 models, of which some were taken by Iran in 1991. None survived the 2003 invasion of Iraq
2003 invasion of Iraq
The 2003 invasion of Iraq , was the start of the conflict known as the Iraq War, or Operation Iraqi Freedom, in which a combined force of troops from the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and Poland invaded Iraq and toppled the regime of Saddam Hussein in 21 days of major combat operations...
by the United States. All Russian-made and Chinese
People's Republic of China
China , officially the People's Republic of China , is the most populous country in the world, with over 1.3 billion citizens. Located in East Asia, the country covers approximately 9.6 million square kilometres...
-made fighters during Hussein
Saddam Hussein
Saddam Hussein Abd al-Majid al-Tikriti was the fifth President of Iraq, serving in this capacity from 16 July 1979 until 9 April 2003...
's Regime will be replaced by US-Made F-16.
: The Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force
Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force
The Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force ' is the aviation branch of the Iranian armed forces. The present Air Force came into being in the early 1980s when the former Imperial Iranian Air Force was renamed....
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 unless Russia would continue maintaining Iranian Su-22 fleet.
: Su-17 aircraft were inherited by the Armed Forces of the Republic of Kazakhstan, but never put into service.
: The Air Force of Peru acquired 24 Su-22M, 24 Su-22M3, and 5 Su-22UM3, 11 remain in reserve status.
: The Russian Air Force
Russian Air Force
The Russian Air Force is the air force of Russian Military. It is currently under the command of Colonel General Aleksandr Zelin. The Russian Navy has its own air arm, the Russian Naval Aviation, which is the former Soviet Aviatsiya Voyenno Morskogo Flota , or AV-MF).The Air Force was formed from...
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
Sukhoi
Sukhoi Company is a major Russian aircraft manufacturer, headquartered in Begovoy District, Northern Administrative Okrug, Moscow, famous for its fighters...
at their KnAAPO facility.
- Russian Naval AviationRussian Naval AviationThe Russian Naval Aviation , is the air arm of the Russian Navy...
: The Air and Air Defense Forces
Military of Slovakia
The Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic number 14,000 uniformed personnel. Slovakia joined NATO in March 2004. From 2006 the army transformed into a fully professional organization and compulsory military service was abolished.-Structure of the Armed Forces:...
inherited 18 Su-22M4 and 3 Su-22UM3K aircraft from Czechoslovakia in 1993. In 1999 6 Su-22M4 and in 2001 4 Su-22M4 and 1 Su-22UB were sold to Angola
Angola
Angola, officially the Republic of Angola , is a country in south-central Africa bordered by Namibia on the south, the Democratic Republic of the Congo on the north, and Zambia on the east; its west coast is on the Atlantic Ocean with Luanda as its capital city...
while rest of the fleet was grounded and is being used as museum exhibits and as teaching aid in flight schools.
: Soviet Union Su-17s were split between post-USSR countries.
- Soviet Air ForceSoviet Air ForceThe Soviet Air Force, officially known in Russian as Военно-воздушные силы or Voenno-Vozdushnye Sily and often abbreviated VVS was the official designation of one of the air forces of the Soviet Union. The other was the Soviet Air Defence Forces...
- Soviet Naval AviationSoviet Naval AviationSoviet Naval Aviation was a part of the Soviet Navy.- Origins :...
: A number of Su-17 aircraft were inherited by the Military of Turkmenistan
Military of Turkmenistan
The armed forces of Turkmenistan consist of an Army, Navy, Air and Air Defense Forces, Border Troops, and Internal Troops, and a National Guard. After the fall of the Soviet Union, significant elements of the Soviet Armed Forces Turkestan Military District remained on Turkmen soil...
, but they were never put into service.
: Ukrainian Air Force
Ukrainian Air Force
The Ukrainian Air Force is a part of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Ukrainian Air Force Command and headquarters are located in the city of Vinnytsia....
. 40 Su-17 aircraft were inherited from the Soviet Union and most of them now retired from service, but a few are stored.
: A number of Su-17 aircraft were inherited by the Military of Uzbekistan
Military of Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan's armed forces form the state organisation charged with the defence of Uzbekistan. They are reported to be the largest in Central Asia...
, now all are retired and stored at Chirchiq.
Specifications (Su-17M4)