Sukhoi Su-22

The Sukhoi Su‑22 is a Soviet‑origin, variable‑sweep wing strike aircraft that entered service in the early 1970s. Developed from the earlier Su‑7 and Su‑17 designs, the Su‑22 first flew on 24 May 1969 and was officially introduced by the Soviet Air Force in 1971. Its most distinctive feature is the swing‑wing configuration, allowing wing sweep angles from 16° for low‑speed take‑off and landing to 70° for high‑speed supersonic flight, which gives it a good balance of speed, range, and maneuverability. Powered by a single afterburning turbo‑jet, the aircraft can reach Mach 1.75 and carry up to 4 000 kg of mixed ordnance on external pylons or internal bays, including rockets, bombs, and air‑to‑air missiles. Modernized variants such as the Su‑22M3 and Su‑22M4 incorporate avionics upgrades, laser‑guided weapon capability, and improved navigation systems. Over 2,500 Su‑22s were built and it served in more than a dozen nations, becoming a staple of Soviet‑aligned air forces throughout the Cold War. Its rugged construction, ease of maintenance, and versatile strike role have kept the type operational in several countries well into the 21st century, underscoring its lasting impact on tactical aviation.

Sukhoi

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