Suchoi Su 17U "Fitter-E": Trainer, 4083 kg weapon load, 2x 3,0cm guns, first flight of the prototype in 1966
Suchoi Su 17UM = Su-17UM-20 "Fitter-E": Trainer
Suchoi Su 17UM-2P/UM-2/UM-2D "Fitter-E": Trainer, 1975
Suchoi Su 17UM-3 "Fitter-G": Trainer, 1978
DESCRIPTION:
The Su-17 attack plane was a development of the Su-7, a
rugged attack fighter with swept wings dating back to 1955.
To improve the range of the Su-7, Sukhoi modified the aircraft
with pivoting swing-wings to produce the Su-17. Western
sources originally believed the Su-17 was nothing more than
an experimental aircraft with a crude attempt at variable
geometry wing technology. However, the modified design proved
so successful that the Soviet Union decided to proceed with a
production model, the Su-17M. The Su-20 and Su-22 are related
designs with less sophisticated avionics built for export to
friendly nations. Production of the Su-17 lingered on until
1990, and the remaining examples will likely be replaced by
versions of the Su-25 and Su-27.
Data below for Su-17M 'Fitter-C':
HISTORY:
First Flight: 1966
Service Entry: 1972
CREW: 1 pilot
DIMENSIONS:
Length: 61.54 ft (18.75 m)
Wingspan: unswept: 45.25 ft (13.80 m); swept: 32.83 ft (10.00 m)
Height: 16.42 ft (5.00 m)
WEIGHTS:
Empty:
22,050 lb (10,000 kg)
Typical Load: 30,860 lb (14,000 kg)
Max. Takeoff: 39,020 lb (17,700 kg)
Fuel Capacity: internal: 4,550l; external: 3,200l
Max. Payload: 9,920 lb (4,500 kg)
PROPULSION:
Powerplant: one Lyul'ka AL-21F-3 afterburning turbojet
Thrust: 24,800 lb (110.3 kN)
PERFORMANCE:
Max. Level Speed: at altitude: 1,380 mph (2,220 km/h) at 36,090 ft (11,000 m), Mach 2.09; at sea level: 800 mph (1,285 km/h), Mach 1.05
Initial Climb Rate: 45,275 ft (20,535 m) / min
Service Ceiling: 59,055 ft (18,000 m)
Range: typical: 680 nm (1,260 km); ferry: 1,215 nm (2,250 km)
ARMAMENT:
Guns: two 30-mm NR-30 cannons (70 rds each)
Stations: 8 external hardpoints
Air-to-Air Missile: AA-2 Atoll
Air-to-Surface Missile: AS-7 Kerry
Bombs: FAB-250, other free-fall, guided, nuclear, and cluster bombs
Other: rocket pods, ECM pods
KNOWN VARIANTS:
Su-7IG 'Fitter-B': Modified Su-7 with variable-geometry wings, prototype for Su-17
Su-17 'Fitter-B': First production model, interim type
Su-17M 'Fitter-C': Definitive ground attack model with improved engine, greater
fuel capacity, and improved avionics; later models included
aerodynamic refinements
Su-20 'Fitter-C': Export version of Su-17 'Fitter-C' with downgraded avionics,
purchased by Afghanistan, Egypt, Vietnam, North Korea, Algeria,
and Iraq
Su-17M-2 'Fitter-D': Attack model with longer nose housing new nav/attack system
for delivery of nuclear weapons
Su-17UM/UM-2 'Fitter-E': Two-seat trainer based on Fitter-C with drooped nose and only
one cannon, some fitted with undernose sensor equipment of Su-17M
Su-22 'Fitter-F': Export version of Su-17 'Fitter-D' with undernose sensor pod
and new engine in enlarged aft fuselage, able to carry Atoll
infrared air-to-air missiles
Su-17UM-3 'Fitter-G': Improved combat-capable trainer based on 'Fitter-E', includes
deep dorsal spine, increased fuel capacity, and taller tailfin
Su-17UM-3K 'Fitter-G': Two-seat combat-capable trainer based on above model but with
new engine
Su-17M-1 'Fitter-H': Upgraded attack fighter based on 'Fitter-C' but with
improvements introduced in 'Fitter-G'
Su-17M-3 'Fitter-H': Similar to above model but with greatly improved avionics,
used by Russia and Hungary
Su-22M-3: Export model for non-Warsaw Pact nations, downgraded
avionics and engine
Su-22M-3K 'Fitter-J': Export model based on 'Fitter-H', purchased by Libya, Syria,
Yemen, Angola, and Peru
Su-17R: Tactical reconnaissance model
Su-17M-4 'Fitter-K'/Su-17M-4K: Upgraded attack fighter with advanced avionics, final
production model, used by Russia, Czechoslovakia, East Germany,
Poland, Afghanistan, and Vietnam
KNOWN OPERATORS:
Russian Air Force
Azerbaijan
Belarus
Bulgaria
Czech Republic
Egypt
Eastern Germany
Hungary
Poland
Romania
Slovakia
Yugoslavia
PICTURES:
Fitter J
two seat Fitter
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