![]() |
|
Su-22M4 of the Vietnam People's Air Force with a pair of Kh-25 missiles | |
Role | Fighter-bomber |
---|---|
National origin | Soviet Union |
Manufacturer | Sukhoi |
First flight | 2 August 1966 |
Introduction | 1970 |
Status | In limited service |
Primary users | Soviet Air Forces (historical) Syrian Air Force Polish Air Force Vietnam People's Air Force |
Produced | 1969–1990 |
Number built | 2,867 |
Developed from | Sukhoi Su-7 |
Shortly after the Su-7 fighter-bomber was put into service, the Sukhoi Design Bureau was ordered to develop a modernization program. The program would be aimed primarily at updating on-board avionics and takeoff/landing characteristics. The concept of variable-geometry wings - something gaining wider attention at that time - was adopted. The program was to be led by Sukhoi's head designer, Nikolay Zyrin.[citation needed]
Ceiling
Combat RANGE
Aircraft Speed
Max Crew
|
---|
|
---|
|
---|
The S-52U two-seat combat-trainer, export version of the Su-17UM, with a completely re-designed nose housing the tandem cockpits for student and instructor. Gun pods such as the GSh-23 based UPK-23 and SPPU-22 were utilized by the Su-17, Su-20, and Su-22. The SPPU-22 ground attack variant featured 30 degrees of traverse.
On 19 August 2003, a Polish Air Force Su-22M4K was accidentally shot down by friendly fire during an exercise by a Polish 2K12 Kub missile battery.
On 11 August 2009, Yemeni armed forces started Operation Scorched Earth in northern Yemen to fight Houthi rebels.