Sukhoi Su-17

The Sukhoi Su‑17, known in the West as the 'Fitter‑C', is a single‑seat, variable‑sweep wing fighter‑bomber developed by the Sukhoi Design Bureau in the Soviet Union during the 1960s. It originated from the earlier Su‑7 attack aircraft, receiving a swing‑wing mechanism that allowed the wing sweep angle to be changed in flight from 20° for low‑speed take‑off and landing to 70° for high‑speed dash, greatly improving its range and payload flexibility. The prototype first flew on 21 January 1966 and entered service with the Soviet Air Forces in 1970, later being exported to more than a dozen countries, including India, Iraq, and Poland. Powered by a Soloviev D‑30 turbojet, the Su‑17 could carry up to 4 000 kg of ordnance on external pylons, ranging from conventional bombs to air‑to‑ground missiles and rockets. Its robust airframe, simple maintenance requirements, and effective low‑level strike capability made it a workhorse of Cold‑War tactical aviation. The aircraft served in numerous conflicts, most notably the Iran‑Iraq War and the 1991 Gulf War, demonstrating the adaptability of variable‑geometry designs and cementing the Su‑17’s legacy as a versatile, battle‑proven platform.

Sukhoi Design Bureau

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Design & Classification