Sukhoi Su-17

The Sukhoi Su‑17, developed in the late 1960s by the Polish‑Ukrainian joint venture Pavał Suchi, is a variable‑sweep wing fighter‑bomber that became one of the most widely exported Soviet‑era combat aircraft. Its origins trace back to the single‑seat Su‑7, but engineers introduced a swing‑wing mechanism to improve low‑speed handling and high‑speed performance, allowing the aircraft to operate from short, rugged airfields while still reaching Mach 1.7 at altitude. First flight occurred in 1966 and series production began in 1970, with more than 2,800 units built for the Soviet Union and numerous allies, including Iraq, Poland, and India. Key features include a powerful twin‑afterburner turbojet, internal weapons bays, and the capacity to carry up to 4,500 kg of ordnance on 12 hardpoints. The Su‑17’s avionics were upgraded through successive blocks, adding laser‑rangefinders, terrain‑following radar, and compatibility with modern air‑to‑ground missiles. Its versatility made it a workhorse in close‑air support, interdiction, and tactical reconnaissance missions, influencing later swing‑wing designs such as the Su‑24. The aircraft’s longevity and combat record cement its place as a pivotal platform in Cold‑War and post‑Cold‑War aviation history legacy.

Pavał Suchi

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Design & Classification