Su-17M4

The Sukhoi Su‑17M4 is a variable‑sweep wing fighter‑bomber developed in the Soviet Union during the late 1970s as the most advanced version of the Su‑17 family. Originating from the Su‑7 tactical strike platform, the Su‑17 was modernised with swing‑wing geometry that allowed optimal performance at both low‑level attack speeds and high‑altitude interception. The M4 variant, introduced in 1985, incorporated a revised avionics suite, new digital flight‑control system, and an upgraded KR‑35‑140 engine delivering 13,500 kg thrust. Its armament capacity was expanded to include up to eight hardpoints for rockets, laser‑guided bombs, and the Kh‑59M precision missile, while retaining the internal 30 mm GSh‑30‑1 cannon. Enhanced navigation and terrain‑following radar gave the aircraft all‑weather, day‑night capability, making it a versatile strike asset for the Soviet Air Forces and later the Russian and Ukrainian air arms. The Su‑17M4’s ability to change wing sweep in flight demonstrated a unique engineering solution to conflicting speed regimes and helped sustain the relevance of swing‑wing aircraft well into the jet age. Although gradually replaced by more modern multirole fighters, the Su‑17M4 remains a notable example of Soviet adaptability and continues to influence contemporary variable‑geometry design concepts.

Sukhoi

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Design & Classification