Su-17

The Sukhoi Su‑17 is a variable‑sweep wing fighter‑bomber developed in the Soviet Union during the 1960s. Derived from the earlier Su‑7 attack aircraft, the Su‑17 (originally designated T‑8) first flew on 12 March 1966 and entered service with the Soviet Air Force in 1970. Its most notable innovation was the replaceable swing‑wing mechanism, which could be set at angles from 16° for high‑speed, low‑altitude runs to 70° for tight turns and short‑takeoff/landing operations. Powered by a single Lyulka AL‑21F‑3 turbo‑jet delivering about 13,400 kgf of thrust, the aircraft could carry up to 3 000 kg of ordnance on eight under‑wing pylons and internal bays, including rockets, guided missiles, bombs and a 30 mm cannon. Modernized variants such as the Su‑17M, Su‑17M2, and Su‑17M3 incorporated improved avionics, laser‑rangefinder targeting, and expanded weapon compatibility, extending the type’s operational life into the 1990s. Exported to more than a dozen countries, the Su‑17 proved versatile in ground‑attack, close air support and tactical reconnaissance roles, shaping Cold‑War air doctrine. Its adaptability and relatively low operating cost made it a mainstay of Soviet‑aligned air forces and a notable milestone in variable‑geometry aircraft development.