View source for Sukhoi Su-17

{{Short description|Soviet variable-sweep wing fighter-bomber}}
{{For|the earlier aircraft with the same designation|Sukhoi Su-17 (1949)}}
{{Infobox aircraft
| name = Su-17/-20/-22
| image = Vietnamese Su-22M4 with Kh-25s.jpg
| caption = Su-22M4 of the [[Vietnam People's Air Force]] with a pair of [[Kh-25]] [[Air-to-surface missile|missiles]]
| type = [[Fighter-bomber]]
| national_origin = Soviet Union
| manufacturer = [[Sukhoi]]
| designer = 
| first_flight = 2 August 1966
| introduction = 1970
| retired = 
| status = In limited service
| primary_user = [[Soviet Air Forces]] (historical)
| more_users = [[Syrian Air Force]]<br />[[Polish Air Force]] (historical)<br />[[Vietnam People's Air Force]]<br /> [[Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps]]
| produced = 1969–1990
| number_built = 2,867
| developed_from = [[Sukhoi Su-7]]
| variants = 
| developed_into = 
}}
The '''Sukhoi Su-17''' (''izdeliye'' S-32; [[NATO reporting name]]: '''Fitter''') is a [[variable-sweep wing]] [[fighter-bomber]] developed for the [[Soviet Union|Soviet]] military. Developed from the [[Sukhoi Su-7]], the Su-17 was the first variable-sweep wing aircraft to enter Soviet service and featured updated avionics. The aircraft also has variants which were designed for export such as the '''Sukhoi Su-22''' and the less popular '''Su-20'''.

It was produced from 1967 to 1990. The Su-17/20/22 series had a long career and has been operated by many air forces, including those of the Soviet Union and other members of the [[Warsaw Pact]], countries in the Arab world, [[Angola]], and [[Peru]].

Although the Su-17 was capable of carrying nuclear weapons, it was used in roles ranging from close-air support to ground attack.

==Development==
[[File:SU-7 and Su-17 side by side.jpg|thumb|A Su-20 (left) next to an older, similar Su-7BKL.]]

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 wing]]s - something gaining wider attention at that time - was adopted. The program was to be led by Sukhoi's head designer, Nikolay Zyrin.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Zettlemoyer |first1=Ryan |title=Sukhoi Design Bureau |url=https://testpilot.ru/russia/sukhoi/su_e.php |website=testpilot |access-date=20 May 2025}}</ref>

In 1963, the [[Sukhoi|Sukhoi OKB]] with input from [[TsAGI]] created a [[variable-sweep wing]] technology demonstrator. The S-22I (also known as the Su-7IG, NATO designation "Fitter-B"), converted from a production Su-7BM, had fixed inner portions of the wing with movable outer segments that could be swept to 28°, 45°, or 62°.<ref name="green">Green and Swanborough 2001.</ref> The S-22I first took off (with [[Vladimir Ilyushin]] at the controls) on 2 August 1966. It was later demonstrated at the air parade in [[Domodedovo (town)|Domodedovo]] in July 1967.

Flight testing revealed that the configuration improved both take-off/landing characteristics, range and endurance. Handling was generally better than the fixed wing Su-7, with the exception that [[Aeroelasticity#Buffeting|buffeting]] at high [[Angle of attack|angles of attack]] to warn of imminent [[Stall (fluid dynamics)|stall]] no longer occurred.

The aircraft was sent into serial production in 1969 by a joint resolution of the [[Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union]] and the [[Council of Ministers of the Soviet Union|Council of Ministers]].<ref name="gordp104">{{harvnb|Gordon|2004|p=63}}</ref><ref name="okbp153">{{harvnb|Antonov|Gordon|Gordukov|Yakovlev|1996|p=153}}</ref> The design of the Su-7IG was modified further, eventually with enough difference to justify the S-32 internal designation. The S-32 first took off on July 1, 1969, with Yevgeny Kukushev at the controls.{{citation needed|date=June 2021}}

Serial production started at Yuri Gagarin Aviation Factory (now [[KnAAPO]]) in 1969. The 523rd Aviation Regiment, of the Far East Military Okrug, was the first to receive the Su-17. The Su-17 was produced until 1990, producing 2867 units.{{citation needed|date=June 2021}}

The Su-17 resembles its predecessor, the Su-7, with weight-saving measures added at the cost of combat survivability, an example of which is the removal of pilot protection armor.{{citation needed|date=June 2021}}

The prototype S-22I differed little from the Su-7 except for the wing, essentially a [[Technology demonstration|technology demonstrator]] for the variable-geometry wing. It was later lost in an accident.{{citation needed|date=June 2021}}

Following the S-22I, two pre-production prototypes were constructed, designated S32-1 and the S32-2. The two aircraft mounted updated avionics, and replaced the older AP-28I-2 autopilot with the newer SAU-22 automatic control system.{{citation needed|date=June 2021}}

The next series of prototypes were the Su-7-85, with 85 indicating the batch number. The batch of ten aircraft incorporated a redesigned fuselage, a streamlined cockpit (similar to the Su-7U), extra, more accessible maintenance hatches, and an upward-opening canopy. The front of the cockpit was protected with a windshield and two electrically heated side windows. The first three aircraft of the 86th batch incorporated clear windshields with warm air blown at them, taken from the 9th stage of the engine compressor. However, this windshield was dropped in favor of the more traditional glazed windshield following tests by the 4th Combat Use and Retraining of Air Force Personnel Center in Lipetsk.{{citation needed|date=June 2021}}

The Su-7-85 was equipped with a modified KS4-S32 ejection seat, capable of safely ejecting the pilot at speeds above 140–170&nbsp;km/h.{{citation needed|date=June 2021}}

The fuel system was modified from the Su-7, as well; fuel was stored in three lightweight tanks, with provisions for up to four disposable auxiliary tanks each with 600 litres of capacity (itself used on the Su-7B), or two PTB-1150 tanks with 1150 litres each, mounted on "wet" pylons under the fuselage.{{citation needed|date=June 2021}}

The wing was largely unmodified from the S-22I. The stationary part of the wing was half as long as the rotating part. With wings at maximum sweep, the Su-17 would look virtually identical to the Su-7. A slide-out flap was installed on the stationary part of the wing, while a slat, a rotating flap and aileron were mounted on the rotating part. The sweep angle could be configured between 30° and 63°. The horizontal and vertical tails were swept at 55°.{{citation needed|date=June 2021}}

Flight control was assisted by non-reversing [[hydraulic booster]]s, the BU-220DL2 and -220DP2 for the left and right ailerons, the BU-250L and -250P for the stabilizers and the BU-250DRP for the [[rudder]]. The flight control systems were spring-loaded to provide feedback on the stick and the rudder pedals.{{citation needed|date=June 2021}}

Three independent hydraulic systems are installed on the Su-17—an actuating system and two booster systems, each with a hydraulic pump. The actuating hydraulic system was responsible for adjusting the sweep angle of the wing, deploying/retracting the landing gear, the flaps and slats, adjusting the intake ramps, the flight control mechanisms used by the SAU-22 autopilot, and the steering front wheel. The booster systems control the flight surfaces. The systems operate in parallel to ensure safe operation in the event of a failure. The remaining operational system would provide power to the flight surfaces, albeit at half the power. The Nr 1 booster system feeds the GM-40 hydraulic motor driving the rotary parts of the wing. All hydraulic systems are fed with the AMG-10 hydraulic fluid, with a standard operating pressure of 215 kgf/cm<sup>2</sup> for the booster systems and 210 for the actuating system.{{citation needed|date=June 2021}}

A pneumatic system with a 150kgf/cm<sup>2</sup> pressure operates the normal and emergency brakes on the landing gear as well as the emergency landing gear/flaps deployment system, and was responsible for charging the two NR-30 cannons mounted on the aircraft, pressurizing the cockpit, opening/closing the canopy and pressurizing the hydraulic fluid tanks.{{citation needed|date=June 2021}}

The Su-17 was powered by a modified [[Lyulka AL-7|Lyulka AL-7F1-250]] with a slightly uprated thrust of 9600 kgf on afterburners. It was equipped with a compressor actuator with redundancy, and a system for intake adjustment. The aircraft would need to be disassembled into two halves to replace its engine. Jettisonable SPRD-110 [[RATO]] boosters are available to facilitate take-off on short runways, providing a momentary thrust of up to 3000 kgf.{{citation needed|date=June 2021}}

On-board electronics are fed by a 28V DC circuit and a 115V, 400&nbsp;Hz [[Single-phase electric power|single-phase AC]] circuit, fed by two GS-12T DC generators, an SGO-8TF AC generator and a 20NKBN25 [[nickel–cadmium battery]].{{citation needed|date=June 2021}}

The Su-17 has the ability to carry free-fall nuclear bombs with a BDZ-56FNM bomb rack. A special code device would be installed in the cockpit, mandating a correct code input before the bomb could be armed and released, to prevent unauthorized uses of nuclear weaponry. The aircraft also has a [[toss bombing]] capability for nuclear weapon delivery, with which it could approach the target, initiate a steep climb and release the bomb when pointing almost upright, and then activate afterburners to escape the blast radius. A special IAB-500 bomb was made specifically for practicing such a bombing technique.{{citation needed|date=June 2021}}

==Operational history==

===Soviet Union/Russia===
[[File:Su-17M.jpg|thumb|left|A Soviet Su-17M.]]
The Su-17 was used during the Soviet-Afghan war during Operation South and launched air strikes on a Mujahideen base at Robat Jaali near the Iranian Afghan border.

The Su-17M3/4 were used during the [[First Chechen War]] alongside [[Sukhoi Su-24]]s and [[Sukhoi Su-25]]s in ground attack and reconnaissance missions.<ref name="Goebel">Goebel, Greg. [http://www.airvectors.net/avsu17_2.html "&#91;2.0&#93; Sukhoi Su-17 / 20 / 22."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150120014025/http://www.airvectors.net/avsu17_2.html |date=2015-01-20 }} AirVectors, 1 November 2014. Retrieved: 11 April 2015.</ref>

In a move to eliminate single-engine strike aircraft from its inventory, the [[Russian Air Force]] retired its last Su-17M4 along with its fleet of [[Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23|MiG-23/27s]] in 1998.

===Angola===
The Soviets supplied the communist government of Angola with 12 Su-20Ms in 1982 or 1983, which formed the basis of the 15th FS. The squadron suffered a swift loss of at least six aircraft – most in mishaps – by 1985, and three more by 1988, and had only two aircraft left when it was reinforced with batch of 14 Su-22M-4Ks and two Su-22UM-3Ks in 1989–90 (incorporated into the 26th Air Regiment, based in [[Moçâmedes]]).<ref>Cooper, Tom. [http://www.acig.info/CMS/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=127&Itemid=47 "African MiGs- Part 1."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140819085018/http://www.acig.info/CMS/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=127&Itemid=47 |date=2014-08-19 }} ''acig.info,'' 9 February 2008. Retrieved: 18 November 2012.</ref>

===Iraq===
[[File:Iraqi Su-22 with Kh-58.jpg|thumb|Iraqi Su-22M aircraft in a hangar damaged by Coalition air strikes during Operation Desert Storm.]]
From 22 September 1980 to 20 August 1988, during the [[Iran–Iraq War]], Iraq used Su-17 export versions (Su-20 and Su-22) alongside older [[Sukhoi Su-7|Su-7s]]. They were mostly used in ground-attack and close air support roles. Iranian [[Grumman F-14 Tomcat]]s shot down 21 Su-20/-22s, that have been confirmed by western sources. Eighteen Su-20/-22s were also shot down by Iranian [[McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II]]s.<ref name=":0">Cooper and Bishop, 2004, pp. 85–88.</ref> and three by Iranian [[Northrop F-5]]s.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cieldegloire.com/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131017182246/http://www.cieldegloire.com/as_45_00_victoires.php|url-status=dead|title=Online Website Reviews & Online Product Reviews cieldegloire|archive-date=October 17, 2013}}</ref> On 20 October 1980 an Iraqi Su-20 shot down an Iranian F-4E with its 30&nbsp;mm cannons.<ref name=":0" />

Official Iraqi accounts show no loss of Su-20 aircraft throughout the war against the Kurds and Iran. Twenty Su-22M2s, two Su-22M3s and seven Su-22M4s were lost during the war with Iran, the majority to anti-aircraft fire sustained during low-level bombing raids against Iranian front lines.<ref>Iraqi Perspectives Project Phase II. Um Al-Ma'arik (The Mother of All Battles): Operational and Strategic Insights from an Iraqi Perspective, Volume 1 (Revised May 2008)</ref>

In 1991, during the [[Gulf War]], Iraqi Su-22s saw limited active service because the Iraqi regime distrusted the Iraqi Air Force (IQAF). On 7 February 1991, two Su-20/22s and one Su-7 were shot down by United States Air Force [[McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle]]s using [[AIM-7 Sparrow|AIM-7]] air-to-air missiles<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.rjlee.org/air/ds-aakill/ |title=Coalition Air-to-Air Victories in Desert Storm |access-date=2018-05-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180527051352/http://www.rjlee.org/air/ds-aakill/ |archive-date=2018-05-27 |url-status=live }}</ref> when the IQAF was moving its aircraft to Iran.

On 20 and 22 March 1991, two other Su-22s were downed by USAF F-15s in an attempt to protect Kurdish civilians before the start of [[Operation Provide Comfort]] to provide humanitarian aid and the establishment of a [[no-fly zone]] north of 36th parallel.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Darling |first1=Kev |title=RAF Strike Command, 1968-2007: Aircraft, Men and Action |date=1 January 2012 |publisher=Casemate Publishers |isbn=978-1-84884-898-6 |page=236 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=whVkp7L15QwC |language=en}}</ref>

===Libya===
[[File:Libyan Su-22M-3K.jpg|thumb|Libyan Su-22M.]]
Two Libyan Su-22s were shot down in the [[Gulf of Sidra incident (1981)|Gulf of Sidra incident]] by [[United States Navy]] Grumman F-14 Tomcats on 19 August 1981. One Su-22 launched a [[K-13 missile]] head-on at one of the F-14s from an estimated 300-meter (984-foot) closing distance, however the missile was evaded. Both were then downed by [[AIM-9 Sidewinder]] missiles.

On 8 October 1987, in the aftermath of the [[Chadian–Libyan conflict]], an Su-22 was shot down by a [[FIM-92|FIM-92A Stinger]] launched by Chadian forces. The pilot, Capt. Diya al-Din, ejected and was captured. He was later granted political asylum by the French government. During the recovery operation, a Libyan Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23MS was shot down by a Stinger.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.acig.org/artman/publish/article_360.shtml|title=Libyan Wars, 1980–1989, Part 6|access-date=14 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130821000146/http://www.acig.org/artman/publish/article_360.shtml|archive-date=21 August 2013|url-status=usurped}}</ref>

A Libyan Su-22 crashed near [[Benghazi]] on 23 February 2011. The crew members, Captain Attia Abdel Salem al Abdali and his copilot, Ali Omar Gaddafi, were ordered to bomb the city in response to the [[2011 Libyan Civil War|Libyan Civil War]]. They refused, bailing out of the aircraft.<ref>[http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/meast/02/23/libya.plane.crash/ "Report: Libyan aircraft crashes after troops refuse bombing orders."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110226052310/http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/meast/02/23/libya.plane.crash/ |date=2011-02-26 }} ''CNN,'' 23 February 2011.</ref><ref>[https://af.reuters.com/article/energyOilNews/idAFLDE71M1RN20110223?sp=true "{{sic|nolink=y|UPDAT}} 1-Libya crew abort bombing mission on Benghazi: Report."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160808083941/http://af.reuters.com/article/energyOilNews/idAFLDE71M1RN20110223?sp=true |date=2016-08-08 }} ''Reuters,'' 23 February 2011.</ref> Su-22s were heavily used by Libyan loyalist forces against insurgent forces from mid-February to mid-March 2011, when the international mission started and the [[no fly zone]] was imposed. Among other missions, Su-22s attacked [[Anti-Gaddafi forces|Anti-Gaddafi]] positions in [[Bin Jawad]] in early March 2011 as government forces [[Battle of Bin Jawad|retook the town]].<ref name="Simpson under fire as rebels forced back in Libya">[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/world-africa-12666309 "Simpson under fire as rebels forced back in Libya."]  ''BBC News,'' 7 March 2011. Retrieved: 9 March 2011.</ref><ref>[http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/africa/libya-live-blog-march-11 "Libya Live Blog – March 11."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110311215547/http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/africa/libya-live-blog-march-11 |date=2011-03-11 }} ''Al Jazeera.'' Retrieved: 18 November 2012.</ref>

One Libyan Air Force Su-22 was destroyed on the ground by a Belgian Air Force F-16AM on 27 March.<ref>[http://g1.globo.com/revolta-arabe/noticia/2011/03/imagens-mostram-ataque-de-caca-belga-aeronave-na-libia.html G1 – Imagens mostram ataque de caça belga a aeronave na Líbia – notícias em Revolta Árabe<!-- Bot generated title -->] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110404021828/http://g1.globo.com/revolta-arabe/noticia/2011/03/imagens-mostram-ataque-de-caca-belga-aeronave-na-libia.html |date=2011-04-04 }} Retrieved: 18 November 2012.</ref>

===Peru===
[[File:003 Sukhoi Su-22 Peruvian Air Force (7508499974).jpg|thumb|Peruvian Air Force Sukhoi Su-22]]
Peru was the only export customer of the type in the Americas.

On 24 April 1992, in a context of diplomatic and political tensions between Peru and the US after the [[1992 Peruvian self-coup|autocoup]] orchestrated by [[President of Peru|Peruvian President]] [[Alberto Fujimori]] 19 days before, Peruvian Su-22s attacked a [[Lockheed C-130 Hercules|Lockheed C-130H Hercules]] of the [[United States Air Force]]'s [[310th Airlift Squadron]] which was intercepted at sea, northwest of Lima, injuring six of the 14 crew members. [[Master Sergeant]] Joseph C. Beard Jr. was killed when he was sucked from the cabin at 18,500 feet, and crew member Ronald Hetzel sustained severe injuries.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sw.propwashgang.org/shootdown_list.html|title=Aircraft Downed During the Cold War and Thereafter|access-date=14 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131209191719/http://sw.propwashgang.org/shootdown_list.html|archive-date=9 December 2013|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="A Spy Mission Gone Wrong">{{cite web | url=https://www.newsweek.com/spy-mission-gone-wrong-193254 | title=A Spy Mission Gone Wrong | website=[[Newsweek]] | date=30 May 1993 }}</ref>

The Hercules' pilot barely managed to land the crippled plane, with one engine damaged and three blown landing tires, at a [[El Pato Air Base|Peruvian Air Force base]] near the city of [[Talara]], where the crew was detained, and the bullet-ridden plane impounded, before being freed after US government pressure.<ref name="A Spy Mission Gone Wrong"/> The incident caused an almost year-long interruption to the US anti-drug [[Air Bridge Denial Program]] and the establishment of a Joint Air Operation Center at [[Howard Air Force Base]] in Panama, from where the C-130 had been operating.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tni.org/es/article/air-bridge-denial-el-exito-de-un-fracaso|title=Drogas y Democracia – "Air Bridge Denial": El éxito de un fracaso|access-date=14 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129035930/http://www.tni.org/es/article/air-bridge-denial-el-exito-de-un-fracaso|archive-date=29 November 2014|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="A Spy Mission Gone Wrong"/>

During the brief 1995 [[Cenepa War]] between Peru and Ecuador, two Peruvian Sukhoi Su-22s were lost, on 10 February when two [[Ecuadorian Air Force]] [[Mirage F1]]JAs, piloted by Maj. R. Banderas and Capt. C. Uzcátegui, were directed over five targets approaching the disputed Cenepa valley. After making visual contact, the Mirages launched their missiles, however the [[Ecuadorian Air Force]] never showed the HUD videos of the fighters confirming the shootdowns, claiming two Peruvian Su-22As shot down, while a [[IAI Kfir|Kfir]] claimed a further [[Cessna A-37 Dragonfly]].<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.fuerzasarmadasecuador.org/espanol/historia/1972-1999cenepa.htm |title =''El Ecuador 1972–1999. La Guerra del Cenepa'' |publisher =Official Web Site of the Ecuadorian Armed Forces |language = es |access-date = 20 June 2006 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060518201316/http://www.fuerzasarmadasecuador.org/espanol/historia/1972-1999cenepa.htm <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = 18 May 2006}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Cooper |first=Tom |url=http://www.acig.org/artman/publish/article_164.shtml |title=''Peru vs. Ecuador. Alto-Cenepa War, 1995'' |publisher=Air Combat Information Group |access-date=20 June 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050204141033/http://www.acig.org/artman/publish/article_164.shtml |archive-date=4 February 2005 |url-status=usurped }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author =ACIG Team|url =http://www.acig.org/artman/publish/article_166.shtml|title =''Central & South American Air-to-Air Victories''|publisher =Air Combat Information Group |access-date =20 June 2006|archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20100525142623/http://www.acig.org/artman/publish/article_166.shtml|archive-date =25 May 2010|url-status =usurped}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last =Klaus |first =Erich |url =http://www.aeroflight.co.uk/waf/americas/ecuador/AirForce/Ecuador-af-home.htm |title =Ecuador Air Force |website=Aeroflight |access-date =20 June 2006 |archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20060711222327/http://www.aeroflight.co.uk/waf/americas/ecuador/AirForce/Ecuador-af-home.htm |archive-date =11 July 2006 |url-status =live }}</ref> Peru, however, denied that the two Su-22As were shot down by Mirages, stating that one was struck by Ecuadorian [[anti-aircraft artillery]] during a low flying ground-attack mission and the second crashed because of an engine fire.<ref>Diario "El Mundo", edición N° 114 del 4–5 de Marzo de 1995, p. 2</ref><ref>Cruz, Cesar. "Peruvian Fitters Unveiled". ''Air Forces Monthly'', August 2003.</ref><ref>Warnes, Alex and Cesar Cruz. "Tiger Sukhois Frogfoots & Fitters in Peru". ''Air Forces Monthly'', March 2006, p.48.</ref>

The Su-22s flew 45 sorties into the combat zone. A 20-strong force of Su-22s was established at El Pato as a retaliatory force should Ecuador decide to attack the coastal port.<ref>"Tiger Sukhois Frogfoots & Fitters in Peru". ''Air Forces Monthly Review'', March 2006, p. 48.</ref>

===Poland===
[[File:Sukhoi SU-22 M4.jpg|thumb|Polish Air Force Sukhoi SU-22M4]]
The [[Polish Air Force]] received their first Su-22M4 (''3005'') on 28 August 1984, with the Fitter being delivered to [[Piła Airfield|Piła Air Base]]. The Polish Air Force would go on to operate 90 Su-22M4s and 20 Su-22UM3Ks.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Faccioli |first1=Daniele |last2=Colla |first2=Giovanni |title=Final chapter for Polish Air Force Sukhoi Su-22 Fitters |url=https://www.key.aero/article/final-chapter-polish-air-force-sukhoi-su-22-fitters |website=key.aero |date=16 July 2025 |access-date=12 September 2025}}</ref>

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. The aircraft was flying 21&nbsp;km from the coast over the Baltic Sea near Ustka. The pilot ejected and was rescued after two hours in the water.<ref>Dastych, David M. [http://www.canadafreepress.com/index.php/article/1556 "Poland's Black Wednesday."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100205152206/http://canadafreepress.com/index.php/article/1556 |date=2010-02-05 }} ''canadafreepress.com,'' 25 January 2008. Retrieved: 18 November 2012.</ref> In 2012, Poland was investigating the replacement of its Su-22s with three squadrons of [[unmanned aerial vehicle]]s.<ref>[http://en.ria.ru/mlitary_news/20120814/175208084.html/ "Poland to Replace Su-22 Bombers with UCAV."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120817002505/http://en.ria.ru/mlitary_news/20120814/175208084.html |date=2012-08-17 }} ''ria.ru,'' 14 August 2008. Retrieved: 18 November 2012.</ref>

As of 2014 the Polish Air Force was planning to retain the Su-22s in service. The decision was hoped to have a positive impact on Polish industry, as the WZL nr 2 repair facility in [[Bydgoszcz]] would maintain the remaining aircraft under contract to the Air Force. The decision would also allow the Air Force to retain the well-trained ground crews and pilots operating the aircraft. The Poles consider the Su-22 easier to maintain and repair than the other main combat aircraft types currently in Polish service (mainly the MiG-29 and the F-16). They suffer from fewer malfunctions and other problems (high, 70–75% non-error index). It is the only aircraft in Polish inventory equipped for electronic intelligence, warfare, and support of ground systems. The Polish Air Force retained a large stockpile of air-to-ground weapons for use with the Su-22. By some estimates, the cost of destroying these resources would be higher than the projected cost of continuing Su-22 operations.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.senat.gov.pl/gfx/senat/userfiles/_public/k8/dokumenty/stenogram/oswiadczenia/preiss/4001.pdf |title=Oświadczenie złożone przez senatora Sławomira Preissa na 40. posiedzeniu Senatu w dniu 3 października 2013 r. |trans-title=Statement made by Senator Sławomir Preiss at the 40th session of the Senate on October 3, 2013. |language=Polish |access-date=2014-04-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924100533/http://www.senat.gov.pl/gfx/senat/userfiles/_public/k8/dokumenty/stenogram/oswiadczenia/preiss/4001.pdf |archive-date=2015-09-24 |url-status=live }}</ref>

It was decided that starting from 2015, only 12 Su-22M4s and 4-6 Su-22UM3Ks out of 32 remaining would undergo a refit, extending their lifespan by ten years.<ref name="wojsko">Pacholski, Łukasz. ''Kolejnych dziesięć lat Su-22'' in: "Wojsko i Technika" 1/2015. P. 130-132 {{in lang|pl}}</ref> For economic reasons the aircraft are not modernized, apart from fitting an additional RS-6113-2 C2M radio with a blade antenna on the top, but they received a grey multishade camouflage, similar to other Polish aircraft.<ref name="wojsko" /><ref>[http://www.combataircraft.net/2017/01/12/fabulous-fitters/ Fabulous Fitters January 12, 2017] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170130035449/http://www.combataircraft.net/2017/01/12/fabulous-fitters/|date=January 30, 2017}} ''[[Combat Aircraft Monthly (magazine)|Combat Aircraft Monthly]]'' Retrieved January 27, 2017</ref> Several Polish Su-20s and Su-22s were donated to various museums, including the [[Polish Army Museum]] in Warsaw, the Armament Museum in [[Poznań]], the [[Museum of Polish Arms]] in Kołobrzeg and the [[Polish Aviation Museum]] in Kraków.{{cn|date=November 2025}} Other were placed on monuments or donated to schools as technical aids.

Following the acquisition of 48 [[KAI T-50 Golden Eagle]] aircraft from South Korea in 2022, the Su-22 fleet was to be retired.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dubois |first=Gastón |date=2022-07-22 |title=Poland to buy three Korean FA-50 squadrons. Bye-bye Su-22? |url=https://www.aviacionline.com/2022/07/poland-to-buy-three-korean-fa-50-squadrons-bye-bye-su-22/ |access-date=2022-12-27 |website=Aviacionline.com |language=es}}</ref> Polish Su-22s were retired in September 2025.<ref>{{cite web |first=Thomas |last=Newdick |url=https://www.twz.com/air/polands-su-22-fitter-swing-wing-strike-jets-pass-into-history |title=Poland’s Su-22 Fitter Swing-Wing Strike Jets Pass Into History |website=TWZ.com |date=11 September 2025 |access-date=12 September 2025}}</ref>

===Syria===
[[File:Syrian Su-22 being shot down.jpg|thumb|Syrian Su-22 locked by a [[U.S Navy]] [[F/A-18 Super Hornet]] before being shot down]]
The [[Syrian Air Force]] (SyAAF) used Su-20/-22s to attack Israeli forces in the [[Yom Kippur War]]<ref name="Goebel" /> and [[1982 Lebanon War]]. Several Su-20/-22s were shot down by the [[Israeli Air Force]].<ref>[http://www.ejection-history.org.uk/Country-By-Country/Syria.htm "Syria."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101215035934/http://ejection-history.org.uk/Country-By-Country/Syria.htm |date=2010-12-15 }} ''Ejection history.'' Retrieved 18 November 2012.</ref><ref>{{Citation | url = http://www.ausairpower.net/Hallion-Bolling-1999.pdf | title = Control of the Air: The Enduring Requirement | publisher = Aus air power | access-date = 18 November 2012 |url-status=dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120513055626/http://ausairpower.net/Hallion-Bolling-1999.pdf | archive-date = 13 May 2012 }}.</ref> From mid-2012, in the [[Syrian Civil War]], Syrian Air Force Su-22s were involved in combat operations against Syrian insurgents.<ref>{{Citation | date = May 20, 2014 | title = Su-22 fires rockets | newspaper = The Avionist | type = video | url = http://theaviationist.com/2014/05/20/video-su-22-fires-rockets/ | access-date = May 21, 2014 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140522014022/http://theaviationist.com/2014/05/20/video-su-22-fires-rockets/ | archive-date = May 22, 2014 | url-status = live }}.</ref> Videos showed Su-22s using unguided munitions like other SyAAF fixed-wing aircraft; mostly general-purpose bombs, [[Cluster munition|cluster bombs]] and [[Incendiary device#20th century post-WW2 incendiary weapons|incendiary bombs]] and unguided rockets. Attack tactics were low to medium-altitude flat bombing runs with pull up after rocketing or bombing, deploying decoy flares for self-defense.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRZRQLZkWjM " معرة النعمان: قصف وكر للإرهابيين والمخابرات التركية"] (in Arabic) ''YouTube,'' 11 October 2012. Retrieved 18 November 2012.</ref> As of the end of 2015, the SyAAF Su-22s suffered fewer losses compared to the SyAAF MiG-21 and MiG-23. The first confirmed loss of an SyAAF Su-22 was recorded on 14 February 2013, when rebel forces shot it down using [[Man-portable air-defense system|MANPAD]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=153280|title=ASN Aircraft accident 14-FEB-2013 Sukhoi Su-22M|website=aviation-safety.net|access-date=2017-07-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170801073657/http://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=153280|archive-date=2017-08-01|url-status=live}}</ref>{{unreliable source?|reason=The ASN Wikibase is edited by contributors, similarly to Wikipedia|date=March 2021}} On 18 June 2017, a US [[Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet|F/A-18E Super Hornet]] engaged and [[Ja'Din shootdown incident|shot down]] an SyAAF Su-22<ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-40322666 "US coalition downs first Syria government jet."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180930211844/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-40322666 |date=2018-09-30 }} Retrieved 19 June 2017.</ref> for dropping munitions on [[Syrian Democratic Forces|US-backed forces]].<ref>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/checkpoint/wp/2017/06/18/a-u-s-aircraft-has-shot-down-a-syrian-government-jet-over-northern-syria-pentagon-says/ "A U.S. aircraft has shot down a Syrian government jet over northern Syria, Pentagon says."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170620153944/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/checkpoint/wp/2017/06/18/a-u-s-aircraft-has-shot-down-a-syrian-government-jet-over-northern-syria-pentagon-says/ |date=2017-06-20 }} Retrieved 18 June 2017.</ref> According to the wingman of the Super Hornet that made the kill, the Syrian pilot was able to eject<ref>[http://www.military.com/daily-news/2017/07/31/report-navy-pilot-breaks-silence-shooting-down-syrian-fighter.html?ESRC=todayinmil.sm Report: Navy Pilot Breaks Silence About Shooting Down Syrian Fighter] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170801085640/http://www.military.com/daily-news/2017/07/31/report-navy-pilot-breaks-silence-shooting-down-syrian-fighter.html?ESRC=todayinmil.sm |date=2017-08-01 }} - Military.com, 31 July 2017</ref> and was later returned to the Syrian government. On 24 July 2018, an SyAAF Su-22 that entered Israeli airspace was shot down by two Israeli [[MIM-104 Patriot|Patriot missiles]].<ref>[https://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Israel-fires-Patriot-missiles-against-Syrian-jet-in-Golan-Heights-563275 Israel fires Patriot missiles against Syrian jet in Golan Heights] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180725065030/https://www.jpost.com//Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Israel-fires-Patriot-missiles-against-Syrian-jet-in-Golan-Heights-563275 |date=2018-07-25 }} - The Jerusalem Post, 24 July 2018</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-releases-first-photos-of-syrian-aircraft-shot-down-by-israel/ |last=Aboufadel |first=Leith |title=ISIS releases first photos of Syrian aircraft shot down by Israel |date=July 25, 2018 |access-date=2018-07-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180725183849/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-releases-first-photos-of-syrian-aircraft-shot-down-by-israel/ |archive-date=2018-07-25 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Other Syrian Su-22 jets [[List of aviation shootdowns and accidents during the Syrian civil war|were downed]] during the civil war.

===Yemen===
On 11 August 2009, Yemeni armed forces started [[Operation Scorched Earth]] in northern Yemen to fight [[Houthis|Houthi]] rebels. The [[Yemeni Air Force]] backed the army with air raids on rebel positions. On 5 October 2009, a Yemeni Su-22 crashed, with the rebels claiming to have shot it down.<ref>{{harvnb|Cooper|2018|page=28}}</ref> Earlier on 2 October, the Yemeni revolutionaries said they shot down a "MiG-21" while the military insisted technical problems caused the crash.<ref>[http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2009/10/2009102103834822778.html "Middle East: Yemen denies warplane shot down."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091015065818/http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2009/10/2009102103834822778.html |date=2009-10-15 }} ''Al Jazeera English,'' 2 October 2009. Retrieved: 18 November 2012.</ref>
On 8 November, a third Yemeni fighter aircraft, reported to be a Sukhoi, was destroyed. Again the military alleged technical problems, while the Yemeni rebels claimed they shot it down.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8349984.stm "Yemen rebels 'down fighter jet'."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140819090024/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8349984.stm |date=2014-08-19 }} ''BBC News,'' 9 November 2009. Retrieved: 24 May 2010.</ref> The pilot ejected and was recovered by friendly forces. The Yemeni Air force used Sukhoi aircraft during the [[Arab Spring]] uprising. On 28 September 2011, a Yemeni Air Force Su-22 was shot down by tribesmen opposed to the rule of [[Ali Abdullah Saleh|President Saleh]]. The government confirmed that rebels were responsible for the shoot-down, and that the pilot had been captured.<ref>[https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/yemen/8793922/Yemeni-tribesmen-shoot-down-army-warplane.html "Yemeni tribesmen shoot down army warplane."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171114190858/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/yemen/8793922/Yemeni-tribesmen-shoot-down-army-warplane.html |date=2017-11-14 }} ''The Daily Telegraph'' (London), 28 September 2011.</ref> On February 19, 2013, a Yemeni Su-22 on a training mission crashed for unknown reasons into [[Sanaʽa|Sana'a]], killing 12 civilians.<ref>{{cite web|last=Phelan|first=Jessica|title=Yemen Fighter Plane Crashes in Sanaa, killing at least 12|url=http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/middle-east/130219/yemen-plane-crash-sanaa|publisher=Globalpost.com|access-date=2013-02-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130220122638/http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/middle-east/130219/yemen-plane-crash-sanaa|archive-date=2013-02-20|url-status=live}}</ref> On May 13, 2013, another Yemen Su-22 on a training mission crashed in Sana'a, killing the pilot.<ref>[http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=58722 "Yemen army pilot killed in Sanaa jet crash "] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130702122435/http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=58722 |date=2013-07-02 }} ''Middle East Online'' Retrieved: 13 May 2013.</ref>

==Variants==
[[File:Krzesiny 52RB.JPG|thumb|Polish Su-22M4 in the markings of 7th Tactical Sqn.]]
[[File:Su-22-flight.jpg|thumb|Polish Su-22M4 in flight]]Multiple Su-17 variants were examined.<ref name="sukhoi">{{cite web |url=http://sukhoi.org/planes/museum/su17/ |title=Su-17 |website=Sukhoi Company Museum |access-date=15 April 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070328160839/http://www.sukhoi.org/planes/museum/su17/ |archive-date=28 March 2007 }}</ref>

=== Su-7IG (S-22I, "Fitter-B") ===
Su-7BM variable geometry wing demonstrator.{{sfn|Gordon|2004|pp=61–63}}{{sfn|Gunston|1990|p=116}}

=== Su-17 (S-32, "Fitter-C") ===
Fitter-C was the initial production version, with a dorsal spine similar to that of the Su-7U (carrying wiring and equipment).{{sfn|Gordon|2004|pp=64–65}} It was powered by the same [[Lyulka AL-7|Lyulka AL-7F-1]] engine as the Su-7.{{sfn|Gordon|2004|p=104}} It was manufactured between 1969 and 1973,<ref name="sukhoi" /> with a total of 224 built.{{sfn|Gordon|2004|p=66}}

=== Su-17M (S-32M, "Fitter-C") ===
[[File:5832 Sukhoi Su-22M.jpg|thumb|A Vietnamese Su-22M being displayed in the [[Vietnam Military History Museum]].]]
This version used the [[Lyulka AL-21F|Lyulka AL-21F-3]] engine, and an updated navigation and attack computer. The Su-7BMK's SRD-5M ranging [[radar]] was retained. Twin [[Pitot tube|pitot]] tubes, [[angle of attack]] vane, single brake parachute. The variable-position intake centerbody provided maximum speed of Mach 2.1. This version was first flown on 28 December 1971 by V. S. Soloviev. The export version was designated Su-20, and was first flown on 15 December 1972 by A. N. Isakov. The Su-17M was manufactured between 1972 and 1975, and entered service in 1973. The Su-20 was exported to Egypt, Poland, and Syria.
The Su-17M was fitted with a modified fuselage and wing-sweep mechanism (without driveshafts). The fuel system consisted of a central tank, three interconnected, pressurized follower tanks feeding the central tank, and two additional follower tanks in the fixed part of the wing. The Su-17M was fitted with the SPO-10 Sirena-ZM [[radar warning receiver]] and the ARK-15 Tobol [[radio compass]].{{citation needed|date=June 2021}}
:The combat payload for the Su-17M was increased to four tons with the addition of two extra fuselage [[hardpoint]]s, providing a total of eight BDZ-57M or MT hardpoints for carrying free-fall bombs. MBDZ-U6-68 hardpoints are available for [[KMGU]] submunition containers, [[S-8 (rocket)|S-8]] or [[S-25 (rocket)|S-25]] rockets. The Su-17M could carry the [[Kh-28]] anti-radiation missile, which, used in concert with the Metel-A [[ELINT]] pod enables the aircraft to engage radar-guided air defence systems.{{citation needed|date=June 2021}}

=== Su-17M-28 ===
Testbed for [[Kh-28|Kh-28 (AS-9 Kyle)]] anti-radiation missile

=== Su-17MKG ===
Testbed for [[Kh-25]] and [[Kh-29]] missiles

=== Su-17R ===
Small number of Su-17M aircraft equipped to carry [[reconnaissance]] pods. Equivalent export version designated '''Su-20R'''.

=== Su-17M2 (S-32M2, "Fitter-D") ===
The nose extended {{convert|38|cm|in|abbr=on}}, with removed ranging radar and 'drooping' to improve pilot visibility. It was equipped with the Fon-1400 [[laser rangefinder]]/marked-target seeker (LRMTS), ASP-17 and PBK-3-17s aiming avionics, RSBN-6S short-range navigation and [[instrument landing system]]. It featured an undernose fairing for a DISS-7 Doppler navigation [[radar]]. The Su-17M2 first flew on 20 December 1973 with V. S. Ilyushin at the controls. It was manufactured between 1974 and 1977, and it entered service in 1975.
GMRThe design of the Su-17M was further modified into what would become the Su-17M2, with three pre-production aircraft used as prototypes. The KN-23 [[navigation system]] taken from the [[MiG-23]] was installed, with an IKV inertial attitude indicator, a DISS-7 [[Doppler velocity sensor]], air signal systems, and a V-144 [[analog computer]] with its own input panel. With the RSBN-6S Romb-K navigation system and the SAU-22M autopilot, the KN-23 provided the capability of automatically navigating along a route defined by three turning points before heading for the target location. The V-144 stored four sets of coordinates for landing airfields, and made it possible for the aircraft to automatically approach the airfield for landing and descend to an altitude of 50–60 meters prior to manual landing. The SOD-57M [[Transponder (aeronautics)|transponder]] was replaced with the newer SO-69. During its service, the SRO-2M transponder was replaced with the newer Parol (Russian for "Password") system. A Fon-1400 laser rangefinder was installed under the [[inlet cone]]. The Delta NG missile control system, designed to send command signals to the [[Kh-23 Grom]] missile, was integrated into a pod under the wing. The Su-17M2 was fitted with the ASP-17S gunsight and a PBK-3-17S bombsight. The fuel system received a nitrogen pressurizer with a 200&nbsp;kg capacity increase. Starting from aircraft Nr 03909 a central fuel feed system was introduced with the installation of the ETsN-45 fuel pump. The Su-17M2 was capable of carrying the [[Kh-25]] air-to-ground missile, fitted with the 24N1 laser seeker. This was first tested by retrofitted Su-7BMs and Su-17Ms, designated Su-17MKG. The Su-17M2 could carry two such missiles, one each under the wing, mounted on an APU-68U or UM rack. The missiles were guided using a Prozhektor-1 laser-designator pod. The Su-17M2 had an unofficial nickname, s borodoy, which means "with a beard" in Russian.{{citation needed|date=June 2021}}

=== Su-17M2D ===
This model was a test-fit of the [[Tumansky R-29|Tumansky/Khatchaturov R-29BS-300]] engine (shared with some [[MiG-23]]s), with 112.7&nbsp;kN (25,335&nbsp;lbf) afterburning thrust, in a bulged rear fuselage. Due to lack of performance advantage and decreased range due to higher fuel consumption, this engine was for export only. This version first flew on 31 January 1975 with A. N. Isakov at the controls. The export variant was designated Su-22 (factory code S-32M2K, NATO "Fitter-F"). It was manufactured between 1977 and 1978.

=== Su-17UM (S-52U, "Fitter-E") ===
This was the first two-seat [[Trainer (aircraft)|trainer]] version, based on the Su-17M2. It featured a deeper fuselage with a windscreen moved forward. It was the same length as the Su-17M. The internal fuel capacity was reduced and the port cannon deleted, but the aircraft retained full avionics and armament. The Su-17UM first flew on 15 August 1975 with V. A. Krechetov at the controls. Test flights revealed longitudinal instability at high angles of attack which was remedied by enlarging the tail fin. The export version with the R-29 engine was designated Su-22U. The Su-17UM was manufactured between 1976 and 1978, and entered service in 1976.

=== Su-17M3 (S-52, "Fitter-H") ===
The Su-17M3 and its export versions represented the most numerous variant, with almost 1,000 built. The M3 was based on the revised airframe of the Su-17UM, adding an avionics bay and an additional fuel tank in place of the rear cockpit. The internal fuel capacity grew to 4850 L (1,280 U.S. gal). The [[Doppler radar]] was moved internally, and the fairing was removed. The M3 was equipped with the Klen-P laser rangefinder/target designator. A launch rail for [[Vympel K-13]] or [[Molniya R-60]] air-to-air missiles was added between the two pylons on each wing. 
GMRThe Su-17M3 first flew on 30 June 1976 with V. A. Krechetov at the controls. Its export version with the R-29 engine and downgraded avionics (equivalent to those of the Su-17M2) was designated Su-22M (factory designation S-52K, NATO "Fitter-J") and first flew on 24 May 1977 with E. S. Soloviev at the controls. An export version with Su-17M3 avionics was designated Su-22M3 (factory S-52MK). The Su-17 was manufactured from 1976 to 1981, and the Su-22M from 1978 to 1984. 
The Su-17M3 was planned at the same time as the UM trainer. Fuel capacity was increased by 260&nbsp;kg. Starting from the 38th batch the tailfin was raised with a radiotransparent guide and a fin was added on the underside of the tail to improve high-speed stability. A new KN-23-1 navigation system, the SAU-22M1 autopilot and the RV-15 (A-031) radio altimeter were added. Some aircraft later received an RSDN-10 Skip-2 (A-720) long-range radio navigation system, with its antenna installed on the tailfin's leading edge. The SARPP-12GM flight recorder was replaced with the Tester-UZ recorder, and the SPO-10 [[radar warning receiver]] was replaced with the SPO-15A (izdeliye L006L) Beryoza. A Klyon-PS combined laser rangefinder/designator was installed, alongside the ASP-17BTs sight. The Su-17M3 could carry an SPS-141 (or the 142–143) Siren or an SPS-141MVG ''Gvozdika'' ECM pod. Infrared countermeasures could be deployed via KDS-23 launchers. The BSPPU fire-control system was used, which would control SPPU-22-01 gun pods suspended on the wings to automatically stay on target up to a depression angle of 30°. Two additional hardpoints were placed under the fuselage, with S-52-8812-300 pylons, on which BDZ-57MT or MTA racks could hold APU-68UMs, which in turn could carry Kh-23M or Kh-25 missiles. These hardpoints would be capable of carrying the Kh-25ML or MR missiles, as well as the Kh-29L, mounted on an AKU-58 ejector rack. Some of the Su-17M3s were modified to the Su-17M3P standard, which would enable them to carry up to four Kh-27PS, two on the wings and two under the fuselage, or two [[Kh-58]] anti-radiation missiles, which could be carried only on the fuselage pylons. A Vyuga-17 (L-086) target designator pod could be installed under the fuselage, with its receiver integrated into the nose. The BDZ-57MT racks could also hold ordinary ordnance, such as the [[UB-16 (rocket pod)|UB-16]], -32 or the B-13L rocket pods, free-fall bombs, KMGU submunition containers, and the SPPU-22-01 gun pods. In a somewhat unconventional manner, the S-52-8307-200 pylons could be mounted on the aircraft, on which the gun pods would be installed in a rearwards-facing manner, pointed downwards at 23°, and fired as the aircraft flew away from ground targets. The first Su-17M3s were unpainted with the silver color from the [[anodized]] [[duralumin]]. Later Su-17M3s, as well as all variants that followed, were painted with a green camouflage pattern on the top, and blue on the bottom. This camouflage pattern eventually found its way to all Su-17s in service, and the paint jobs were done at repair plants. The camouflage pattern - the locations of the paint dots - was not standardized, thus each aircraft had its own "unique" camouflage. The Su-17M3 would also have a trainer variant designated the Su-17UM3.{{citation needed|date=June 2021}}

=== Su-17UM (S-52UM) ===
The initial trainer version with the same avionics suite as the Su-17M. The export version was designated Su-22UM3 with R-29 engine, and Su-22UM3K with the AL-21 engine. It was manufactured from 1978 to 1982.

=== Su-17UM3 (S-52UM3, "Fitter-G") ===
This was a revised trainer with the same avionics suite as the Su-17M3. The Su-17UM3 first flew on 21 September 1978 with Yu. A. Yegorov at the controls. The export version was designated Su-22UM3 with R-29 engine, and Su-22UM3K with the AL-21 engine. It was manufactured between 1978 and 1982.
[[File:Krzesiny 49RB.JPG|thumb|Polish Su-22M4 in markings of 7th Tactical Sqn.]]

=== Su-17M4 (S-54, "Fitter-K") ===
This was the final production version, with upgraded avionics, including [[CHAYKA|RSDN]] navigation (similar to [[LORAN]]), beacon navigation, [[inertial navigation]], radio compass, and SPO-15LE radar warning receiver. It featured additional fuselage inlets (including a ram-air inlet at the base of the fin) to improve engine cooling airflow, and a fixed air intake shock cone. Many aircraft were equipped for the use of video-guided missiles and [[BA-58 Vjuga]] pod for [[anti-radiation missile]]s. The Su-17M4 was equipped with the AL-21F-3 engine, and its export version was designated Su-22M4 (factory S-54K). The Su-17M4 first flew on 19 June 1980 with Yu. A. Yegorov at the controls. The Su-17M4 was manufactured from 1981 to 1988, and the Su-22M4 from 1983 to 1990.
GMRThe Su-17M4 differed from the Su-17M3 in the removal of the inlet cone control system, which restricted the maximum allowable flight speed to Mach 1.75. The inlet cone housed the more powerful Klyon-54 laser rangefinder. The avionics differed significantly from its predecessors - a new A-312 Radikal NP close- and A-720 Skip-2 long-range navigation systems, an ARK-22 radio compass, an MRP-66 radio beacon receiver, an RV-21 Impuls (A-035) radio altimeter, and the DISS-7 [[Doppler velocity sensor]], air signal systems, the IKV-8 inertial attitude indicator inherited from the Su-17M2. The Vyuga target designator pod could be carried in a BA-58 pod under the fuselage, which would enable the use of the Kh-27PS and Kh-58U or E missiles. Some Su-17M4s were fitted with the IT-23M indicator, which would transmit video from the Tubus-2 seeker on the Kh-29T missile to facilitate target acquisition.{{citation needed|date=June 2021}}

=== Su-17M5 (S-56) ===
This was a proposed upgraded variant with a new fixed wing based on the swing wing at 45 degrees sweep,<ref>{{Cite book |first=E |last=Gordon |url=http://worldcat.org/oclc/620034681 |title=OKB Sukhoi : a history of the design bureau and its aircraft |date=2010 |publisher=Midland |isbn=978-1-85780-314-3 |oclc=620034681}}</ref> new avionics, and an [[AL-31F]] [[turbofan]]. It was not built.

=== Su-20 ===
[[File:Su-20 Kiev1.jpg|thumb|Sukhoi Su-20 'Fitter-C' fighter-bomber at Ukrainian State Aviation Museum in Kyiv]]
This was the initial export version of the Su-17M (S-32MK).

=== Su-22M5 ===
This was a Russian-[[France|French]] upgrade package offered for existing aircraft with modernized cockpit, [[HOTAS]], improved avionic systems, and laser rangefinder replaced by [[Phazotron]]/[[Thomson-CSF]] radar.{{citation needed|date=December 2021}}

=== Su-22U ===
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.

An experimental version of the Su-20 was built with fixed wings attached to an Su-17M fuselage, in an effort to increase Payload/range performance by eliminating the weight of the wing sweep system. Good results were obtained in flight tests in 1973, but further development was cancelled.

Tactical Reconnaissance versions of all variants could be made by fitting the KKR (Kombinirovannyi Konteiner Razvedky – combined reconnaissance pod) on the centre-line hardpoint.

===In-house OKB designations===
{{Unreferenced section|date=April 2010}}
;S-22I
:The first prototype "Variable-Geometry" Su-7, converted from a production Su-7BM, first flown on 2 August 1966.
;S-32
: The initial production version, dubbed Su-17 by the [[Soviet Air Force|VVS]] – Soviet Air Forces.
;S-32M
:The Su-17 with the Lyul'ka AL-21F engine and re-structured fuselage plus several smaller modifications, resulting in a greater fuel capacity and more weapons stations.
;S-32MK
:The Su-20 export version with revised armament options, and less sophisticated avionics. First flight: 15 December 1972.
;S-32MK Hybrid
:Single aircraft (f/n 9500) built with fuselage of S-32MK and fixed wings of Su-7BMK. Offered to customers as cheaper/less complex alternative to Su-20, but no production.
;S-32M2
:The Su-17M with improved flying controls and weapon-aiming equipment. Production carried out from 1975 to 1977
;S-32M2K
:The Su-22 export version of the Su-17M2 with a [[Tumansky R-29]]BS-300 engine.
;S-32M2D
:An Su-17 tested with ski landing gear, similar to that used on the S-26 ([[Sukhoi Su-7|Su-7]]), used for [very] rough field landing and takeoff tests.
;Su-52U
:The Su-17UM/Su-22U two-seat combat-trainer version with a completely re-designed nose housing the tandem cockpits for student and instructor.
;S-52
:In a reverse development the trainer modifications were adapted for a new Attack variant, the Su-17M3.
;S-52K
:An export variant of the S-52, given the designation Su-22M.
;S-52M3K
:Series production Su-22M3 aircraft with laser range-finder and avionics mods.
;S-52UK
:The trainer variant with all the S-32M2K structural modifications and a reduced weapons portfolio.
;S-52UM3
:The Su-17UM3 for the VVS with avionics and aero-dynamic changes.
;S-52UM3K
:The export version of the Su-17UM3.
;S-52R
:Tactical Reconnaissance Su-17M3R with a KKR (''Kombinirovanny Konteiner Razvedy'' – combined reconnaissance pod) on the centre-line pylon
; S-54
:Production Su-17M4 fighter-bombers.
;S-54K
:Export Su-17M4s, designated Su-22M4.
;S-54R
:Tactical reconnaissance Su-17M4R with a KKR (''Kombinirovanny Konteiner Razvedy'' – combined reconnaissance pod) on the centre-line pylon.

==Operators==
[[File:World operators of the Su-17.png|upright=1.5|thumb|Operating nations of the Su-17, Su-20, and Su-22; {{legend|#0433ff|Current operators}}{{legend|#ff2600|Former operators}}]]
[[File:F-4 Phantoms and Su-22s preparing for 2023 Sacred Defence Parade (08).jpg|thumb|Iranian Su-22s in 2023]]
[[File:Libyan Air Force Sukhoi Su-22M3 Lofting.jpg|thumb|Former Libyan Arab Republic Air Force Sukhoi Su-22M]]
[[File:6207 Su-22 Radom 2011.JPG|thumb|Polish Su-22M4]]
: {{flag|Angola}}: The [[National Air Force of Angola]] operates 14 Su-22 variants.
: {{flag|Iran}}: The [[Aerospace Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps]] (IRGC-AF) operates the Iranian Su-22 fleet. The aircraft have military identification numbers that are prefixed '15-' <ref name="Archived copy">{{Cite web |url=https://en.mehrnews.com/news/136065/IRGC-overhauls-upgrades-10-Sukhoi-SU-22-fighter-jets |title=IRGC overhauls, upgrades 10 Sukhoi SU-22 fighter jets |website=Mehr News Agency |date=July 25, 2018 |access-date=2018-07-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180726115626/https://en.mehrnews.com/news/136065/IRGC-overhauls-upgrades-10-Sukhoi-SU-22-fighter-jets |archive-date=2018-07-26 |url-status=live }}</ref> Iran received 40 Su-20/22s from Iraq in 1991.<ref name="mycity-military.com">{{Cite web |url=https://www.mycity-military.com/slika.php?slika=143473_46214310_01IRIAF%20Su-22%20Fitter1.jpg |title=Back From the Brink: Iranian Fitters |access-date=2018-02-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180204124040/https://www.mycity-military.com/slika.php?slika=143473_46214310_01IRIAF%20Su-22%20Fitter1.jpg |archive-date=2018-02-04 |url-status=live }}</ref> While non-operational for several years, in 2013 Iran started an overhaul program.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://medium.com/war-is-boring/this-is-how-iran-maintains-its-bizarre-air-force-4a26263947ca|title=This Is How Iran Maintains Its Bizarre Air Force|date=2013-12-18|website=War Is Boring|access-date=2017-07-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170913044535/https://medium.com/war-is-boring/this-is-how-iran-maintains-its-bizarre-air-force-4a26263947ca|archive-date=2017-09-13|url-status=live}}</ref> In March 2015, it seems that some of the IRGC-AF Su-22s were transferred to the Syrian Arab Air Force to fight in the [[Syrian civil war|Syrian Civil War]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htairfo/20150401.aspx|title=Warplanes: Iran Gives Syria Ten Iraqi Su-22s|website=www.strategypage.com|access-date=2017-07-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180204071116/https://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htairfo/20150401.aspx|archive-date=2018-02-04|url-status=live}}</ref> Iran currently possesses 30 operational Su-22s. In July 2018 they successfully overhauled and modernized 10 Su-22s, giving them the ability to carry smart bombs, fire precision-guided munitions, transfer data from UAVs, and technology necessary to utilize [[air-launched cruise missile]]s with a range of 1500&nbsp;km.<ref name="Archived copy"/>
: {{flag|Libya}}: The [[Libyan Air Force (1951-2011)|Libyan Air Force]] operated as many as 90 Su-22 aircraft, with around 40 Su-22M3 and Su-22UM3K aircraft in service at the beginning of 2011. During the [[2011 Libyan Civil War|Libyan Civil War]], the [[Muammar Gaddafi|Gaddafi]] regime used Su-22s in combat operations. As of 2025, 1 Su-22s remained in service.<ref>{{Cite web |title=World Air Forces 2025 |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/download?ac=106507 
|archive-url= |archive-date= |access-date=14 December 2025 |publisher=Flightglobal Insight}}</ref>
: {{flag|Syria}}: 28 Su-22 aircraft served with the [[Syrian Air Force]] prior to the Syrian Civil War. As of 2025, 39 Su-22s remained in service.<ref>{{Cite web |title=World Air Forces 2025 |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/download?ac=106507 
|archive-url= |archive-date= |access-date=14 December 2025 |publisher=Flightglobal Insight}}</ref>
: {{flag|Vietnam}}: Three [[Aviation Regiment|regiments]] of Su-22UM3K and Su-22M4 aircraft served with the [[Vietnam People's Air Force]].As of 2025, 32 Su-22s remained in service.<ref>{{Cite web |title=World Air Forces 2025 |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/download?ac=106507 
|archive-url= |archive-date= |access-date=14 December 2025 |publisher=Flightglobal Insight}}</ref>
: {{flag|Yemen}}: The [[Yemeni Air Force]] inherited Su-22s from both [[Yemen Arab Republic|North]] and [[South Yemen]], following the [[Yemeni Civil War (1994)|1994 civil war]]. In 1996, the remaining Su-22s and Su-22Ms were retired.<ref>{{harvnb|Cooper|2018|page=13}}</ref> At least four Su-17M4s were bought second-hand from Ukraine around 1994.<ref>{{harvnb|Cooper|2018|page=I}}</ref> As of 2025, 23 aircraft were operational in 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |title=World Air Forces 2025 |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/download?ac=106507 
|archive-url= |archive-date= |access-date=14 December 2025 |publisher=Flightglobal Insight}}</ref>

===Former operators===
[[File:Welcome to Kabul Airport (5451148002).jpg|thumb|A former Afghan Air Force Su-22M4 that now sits as a [[gate guardian]] at the entrance of [[Hamid Karzai International Airport]]]]
: {{flagcountry|Democratic Republic of Afghanistan|1980}}: The Soviet Union sent more than 70 aircraft to the [[Democratic Republic of Afghanistan]] for service with the [[Afghan Air Force]]. These included 45 Su-22M4s delivered from 1984.
: {{flag|Armenia}}
: {{flag|Azerbaijan|1991}}<ref name="gordp143" />
: {{flag|Belarus}}: The Belarusian Air Force inherited Su-17s from the Soviet Air Force.<ref name="gordp143">{{harvnb|Gordon|2004|p=143}}</ref>
: {{flag|Bulgaria}}: [[Bulgarian Air Force]]. The Bulgarian Air Force operated 18 Su-22M4 and five Su-22UM aircraft.
[[File:Sukhoi Su-22M4, Czech Republic - Air Force AN2219330.jpg|thumb|Czech Air Force Su-22M4]]
: {{flag|Czechoslovakia}}: [[Czechoslovak Air Force]]. The Czechoslovak Air Force's Su-22 inventory (49 Su-22M4s and 8 Su-22UM3Ks in 1992) was split between the Czech Republic and Slovakia in 1993.
: {{flag|Czech Republic}}: [[Czech Air Force]]. The Czech Air Force inherited 31 Su-22M4s and five Su-22UM3Ks. All were retired in 2002.<ref>[http://www.scramble.nl/cz.htm "Info about Czech Air Force."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070210100345/http://www.scramble.nl/cz.htm |date=2007-02-10}} ''scramble.nl.'' Retrieved: 18 November 2012.</ref>
[[File:Su-22 (12420412525).jpg|thumb|An East German Su-22]]
: {{flag|East Germany}}: [[Air Forces of the National People's Army]]. East Germany operated 48 Su-22M4s and 8 Su-22UM-3Ks until unification, when they were transferred to the [[German Air Force|Luftwaffe]].
: • [[Volksmarine]]. The East German navy operated eight Su-22M-4Ks and two Su-22UM-3K aircraft.
: {{flag|Egypt}}: The [[Egyptian Air Force]] operated 48 Su-20/22 aircraft, although all have been withdrawn, replaced by the F-4 Phantom II and [[General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon]].
: {{flag|Germany}}: Su-22 aircraft were inherited from East Germany, although these did not serve in the [[German Air Force|Luftwaffe]], but some were painted with a Luftwaffe color scheme for test and evaluation. Two Su-20 were also purchased from Egypt for evaluation and painted with Luftwaffe markings.
: • [[German Navy]]. Ex-Volksmarine aircraft.
[[File:Hungarian Air Force Sukhoi Su-22M3 Lofting-1.jpg|thumb|Hungarian Su-22M3]]
: {{flag|Hungarian People's Republic|1949}}: The [[Hungarian Air Force|Hungarian People's Army Air Force]] maintained 12 Su-22M3 and three Su-22UM3 aircraft from 1983. Two single seat and one training aircraft crashed.
: {{flag|Hungary}}: Inherited from the Hungarian People's Republic. Withdrawn from service in 1997.
: {{flagcountry|Ba'athist Iraq}}: The [[Iraqi Air Force]] received various Su-22 models, of which 40 were impounded by Iran after escaping the [[Gulf War]] [[Gulf War air campaign|air campaign]] in 1991.<ref name="mycity-military.com" /> Some of the planes that survived the First Gulf War of 1991 were later scrapped following the [[2003 invasion of Iraq]].
: • No. 1 Squadron IqAF – "as of September 1980, the Iraqi air force's No. 1 Squadron was still equipped with 16 out of 18 Sukhoi Su-20s Iraq acquired in 1973."<ref name="CooperPhoenix">{{cite web|url=https://warisboring.com/the-tomcats-first-phoenix-kill/|author=Tom Cooper|title=The Tomcat's First Phoenix Kill|date=20 February 2017 |publisher=War is Boring|access-date=19 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180919132354/https://warisboring.com/the-tomcats-first-phoenix-kill/|archive-date=19 September 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
: • No. 44 Squadron IqAF – flying Su-20/22s in September 1980.<ref name=CooperPhoenix />
: {{flag|Kazakhstan}}: Su-17 aircraft were inherited by the [[Armed Forces of the Republic of Kazakhstan]], but never put into service.
: {{flag|North Yemen}}: In November 1979, North Yemeni president [[Ali Abdullah Saleh]] concluded an arms deal supplying the [[Yemeni Air Force|Yemen Arab Republic Air Force]] with 14 Su-22Ms.<ref>{{harvnb|Cooper|2017|page=40}}</ref> 14 additional Su-22s were ordered in the 1980s.<ref>{{harvnb|Cooper|2017|page=42}}</ref> A few Su-22M3s were delivered weeks before the beginning of the [[Yemeni Civil War (1994)|1994 civil war]].<ref>{{harvnb|Cooper|2017|page=47}}</ref>
[[File:027 Sukhoi SU-22 Peruvian Air Force (7508497952).jpg|thumb|Su-22UM of the Peruvian Air Force]]
: {{flag|Peru}}: The [[Peruvian Air Force]] acquired 32 Sukhoi Su-22A, 4 Su-22U, 16 Su-22M and 3 Su-22UM aircraft between 1977 and 1980. Retired in 2006, 11 remain in reserve status.
: {{flag|Poland}}: The [[Polish Air Force]] operates 12 Su-22M4 and 6 Su-22UM3K aircraft of 120 delivered, as of 2025. Other airframes sit in warehouses.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.polot.net/pl/suchoj_su_22_1984r_/zestawienie|title = Suchoj Su-22. 1984r.}}</ref> Poland operated 27 Su-20s from 1974 until the 1990s. Poland retired all of their remaining Su-22s in September 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-05-05 |title=Final chapter for Polish Air Force Sukhoi Su-22 Fitters |url=https://www.key.aero/article/final-chapter-polish-air-force-sukhoi-su-22-fitters |access-date=2025-07-22 |website=www.key.aero |language=en}}</ref>
: {{flag|Russia}}: The [[Russian Air Force]] inherited Soviet Su-17 aircraft, but withdrew the type from service. At least one example remains flying as a [[chase plane]] operated by [[Sukhoi]] at its [[KnAAPO]] facility.
: • [[Russian Naval Aviation]]
[[File:Suchoj Su-22 Slovak air force.JPG|thumb|Retired Slovak Su-22M4]]
: {{flag|Slovakia}}: The [[Slovak Air Force|Slovak Air and Air Defense Forces]] inherited 18 Su-22M4 and three Su-22UM3K aircraft from Czechoslovakia in 1993. In 1999, six Su-22M4 and in 2001, four Su-22M4 and one Su-22UM3K aircraft were sold to Angola while the rest of the fleet was grounded and is used in museum exhibits and as teaching aids in flight schools.<ref>[http://www.security-studies.sk/files/zbrane-sk.www.pdf "Independent report about weapon export from Slovakia by SFPA."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081230100019/http://www.security-studies.sk/files/zbrane-sk.www.pdf |date=2008-12-30}} ''security-studies.sk.'' Retrieved: 18 November 2012.</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://airheadsfly.com/2013/08/22/survival-of-the-fitter/|title=Survival of the Fitter|work=AIRheads↑FLY|access-date=14 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129031348/http://airheadsfly.com/2013/08/22/survival-of-the-fitter/|archive-date=29 November 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>
: {{flag|South Yemen}}: The [[Yemeni Air Force|People's Democratic Republic of Yemen Air Force]] received its first 12 Su-22s around 1976.<ref>{{harvnb|Cooper|2017|page=39}}</ref> In addition, 40 Su-22Ms, Su-22M3s and Su-22UM3Ks were received between 1982 and 1986.<ref>{{harvnb|Cooper|2017|pages=40–41}}</ref> Lastly, 12 to 14 Su-22M4Ks were delivered, probably around 1989.<ref>{{harvnb|Cooper|2017|page=50}}</ref>
: {{flag|Turkmenistan|1992}}: Su-17 aircraft were inherited by the [[Military of Turkmenistan]] after the breakup of the Soviet Union, but they were never put into service.
[[File:Су-17М4Р та Су-17УМ3.jpg|thumb|Ukrainian Su-17M4R and Su-17UM3 at [[Kolomyia (air base)|Kolomyia air base]] in 2001]]
: {{flag|Ukraine}}: Approximately 50 Su-17M3, M4R and UM3 aircraft were inherited by the [[Ukrainian Air Force]] from the Soviet Union. All were retired from active service by 2004. Some were scrapped and others put in storage. In 2005–2007, 24 S-17M4R/UM3s underwent overhaul and were sold to Yemen and Vietnam. The remaining 13 aircraft in storage are located at Shkilnyi Airfield, [[Odesa]] and the Zaporizhian aircraft repair plant. As of 2016, a single Su-17UM3 was operated by the plant to train pilots and to test equipment.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://militaryaviation.in.ua/uk/povitryani-sudna/su-17/|title=Су-17|website=militaryaviation.in.ua|access-date=7 August 2020|language=uk|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190909193808/http://militaryaviation.in.ua/uk/povitryani-sudna/su-17/|archive-date= 9 September 2019|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
: {{flag|Soviet Union}}:
: • [[Soviet Air Force]]
: • [[Soviet Naval Aviation]]
:(The Soviet Union's Su-17s were passed onto its successor states.)
: {{flag|Uzbekistan}}: Su-17 aircraft were inherited by the [[Military of Uzbekistan]].<ref name="gordp143" /> All are retired and stored at [[Chirchiq]].

==Specifications (Su-17M4)==
[[File:Sukhoi Su-17M4.png|thumb|Drawing of the Su-17M4 "Fitter K", with plan view of wings swept and spread]]
[[File:Su-20 Armament October War Panorama in Cairo.jpg|thumb|[[Egyptian Air Force]] Su-20 armed with four 250 kg bombs, two rocket pods, and fitted with two external fuel tanks.]]
{{Aircraft specs
|ref=Sukhoi,<ref name="su22">[http://sukhoi.org/planes/military/su22m4/lth/ "Su-22M4."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070217065405/http://www.sukhoi.org/planes/military/su22m4/lth/ |date=2007-02-17 }} ''Sukhoi.'' Retrieved: 15 April 2007.</ref> Wilson,<ref>Wilson 2000, p. 130.</ref> deagel.com<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.deagel.com/Combat-Aircraft/Su-17_a000742001.aspx |title=Su-17 |access-date=2017-06-29 |website=Deagel.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170630083006/http://www.deagel.com/Combat-Aircraft/Su-17_a000742001.aspx |archive-date=2017-06-30 |url-status=live }}</ref>
|prime units?=met
<!--
        General characteristics
-->
|crew=1
|length m=19.02
|length note=
|span m=13.68
|span note=wings spread
::::{{cvt|10.02|m|0}} wings swept
|height m=5.12
|height note=
|wing area sqm=38.5
|wing area note=wings spread
::::{{cvt|34.5|m2|0}} wings swept
|aspect ratio=<!-- sailplanes -->
|airfoil='''root:''' TsAGI SR-3S (5.9%); '''tip:''' TsAGI SR-3S (4.7%)<ref name="Selig">{{cite web |last1=Lednicer |first1=David |title=The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage |url=https://m-selig.ae.illinois.edu/ads/aircraft.html |website=m-selig.ae.illinois.edu |access-date=16 April 2019}}</ref>
|empty weight kg=12160
|empty weight note=
|gross weight kg=16400
|gross weight note=
|max takeoff weight kg=19430
|max takeoff weight note=
|fuel capacity={{cvt|3770|kg|0}}
|more general=
<!--
        Powerplant
-->
|eng1 number=1
|eng1 name=[[Lyulka AL-21F-3]]
|eng1 type=[[afterburning turbojet]] engine
|eng1 kn=76.4
|eng1 note=
|eng1 kn-ab=109.8
<!--
        Performance
-->
|max speed kmh=1400
|max speed note= / M1.13 at sea level
::::{{cvt|1860|km/h|mph kn}} at altitude
|cruise speed kmh=
|cruise speed note=
|stall speed kmh=
|stall speed note=
|never exceed speed kmh=
|never exceed speed note=
|minimum control speed kmh=
|minimum control speed note=
|range km=
|range note=
|combat range km=1150
|combat range note=hi-lo-hi attack with {{cvt|2000|kg|0}} warload
|ferry range km=2300
|ferry range note=
|endurance=<!-- if range unknown -->
|ceiling m=14200
|ceiling note=
|g limits=<big>+</big>7
|roll rate=<!-- aerobatic -->
|climb rate ms=230
|climb rate note=
|time to altitude=
|wing loading kg/m2=443
|wing loading note=
|fuel consumption kg/km=
|thrust/weight=0.68
|more performance=<!--<br />
*'''Take-off run:''' {{cvt||m|0}}
*'''Take-off run to {{cvt|15|m|0}}:''' {{cvt||m|0}}
*'''Landing run:''' {{cvt||m|0}}
*'''Landing run from {{cvt|15|m|0}}:''' {{cvt||m|0}}-->
<!--
        Armament
-->
|guns=<br />
**2 × [[30 mm caliber|30 mm]] [[Nudelman-Rikhter NR-30]] [[autocannon]]s (80 rounds per gun, 160 rounds total)
**[[UPK-23]] or [[SPPU-22]] [[gun pod]]s for 2 × [[Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-23]]L autocannons
|hardpoints=10 hardpoints
|hardpoint capacity= up to {{convert|4000|kg|lb|abbr=on}} of stores
|hardpoint missiles=<br />
***[[Air-to-air missile]]s:
****[[K-13 (missile)|K-13]]
****[[R-60 (missile)|R-60]]
****[[R-73 (missile)|R-73]]
***[[Air-to-surface missile]]s:
****[[Kh-23 Grom]]
****[[Kh-25]]ML
****[[Kh-29]]L/T/D
***[[Anti-radiation missile]]s:
****[[Kh-58]]
****[[Kh-25#Variants|Kh-27]]PS
****[[Kh-28]]
|hardpoint bombs=drop bombs, [[laser-guided bomb]]s, [[electro-optics|electro-optical]] bombs, [[napalm]] bombs, [[drogue parachute|drag chute]] bombs and [[cluster bomb]]s
|rockets=[[S-5 rocket|S-5]], [[S-8 (rocket)|S-8]] & [[S-13 rocket|S-13]]
|missiles=

|avionics=
}}

==See also==
{{Portal|Aviation}}
{{aircontent
|related=
* [[Sukhoi Su-7]]
|similar aircraft=
* [[IAR-93 Vultur]]
* [[LTV A-7 Corsair II]]
* [[Nanchang Q-5]]
* [[SEPECAT Jaguar]]
* [[Soko J-22 Orao]]
|lists=
* [[List of Iraqi aerial victories during the Iran–Iraq war]]
* [[List of Iranian aerial victories during the Iran–Iraq war]]
* [[List of military aircraft of the Soviet Union and the CIS]]
* [[List of fighter aircraft]]
}}

==References==
===Notes===
{{Reflist|30em}}

===Bibliography===

* {{cite book |last1=Antonov |first1=Vladimir |last2=Gordon  |first2=Yefim |last3=Gordukov |first3=Nikolai |last4=Yakovlev |first4=Vladimir |last5=Zenkin |first5=Vyacheslav |last6=Carruth |first6=Lenox |last7=Miller |first7=Jay |title=OKB Sukhoi: A History of the Design Bureau and its Aircraft |year=1996 |location=Leicester, UK |publisher=Midland Publishing |isbn=1-85780-012-5}}
* {{cite book |last1=Cooper |first1=Tom |title=Hot Skies Over Yemen, Volume 1: Aerial Warfare Over the South Arabian Peninsula, 1962-1994 |date=2017 |publisher=Helion & Company Publishing |location=Solihull, UK |isbn=978-1-912174-23-2}}
* {{cite book |last1=Cooper |first1=Tom |title=Hot Skies Over Yemen, Volume 2: Aerial Warfare Over the South Arabian Peninsula, 1994-2017 |date=2018 |publisher=Helion & Company Publishing |location=Warwick, UK |isbn=978-1-911628-18-7}}
* Cooper, Tom and Farzad Bishop. ''Iranian F-14 Tomcat Units in Combat.'' Oxford, UK: Osprey Publishing, 2004. {{ISBN|1-84176-787-5}}.
* {{cite book |last=Gordon |first=Yefim |title=Sukhoi Su-7/-17/-20-22: Soviet Fighter and Fighter-Bomber Family |year=2004 |location=Hinckley, UK |publisher=Midland Publishing |isbn=1-85780-108-3}}
* {{cite magazine |last=Gunston |first=Bill |author-link=Bill Gunston |title='Fitter' Family |magazine=World Air Power Journal |volume=2 |date=Summer 1990 |pages=106–129 |issn=0959-7050}}
* Green, William and F. Gordon Swanborough. ''The Great book of Fighters''. St. Paul, Minnesota: MBI Publishing, 2001. {{ISBN|0-7603-1194-3}}.
* Wilson, Stewart. ''Combat Aircraft since 1945''. Fyshwick, Australia: Aerospace Publications, 2000. {{ISBN|1-875671-50-1}}.

==External links==
{{Commons|Sukhoi Su-17}}
* [https://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/Visit/Museum-Exhibits/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/197989/sukhoi-su-22m4/ Sukhoi SU-22M4] - National Museum of the United States Air Force
* [http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ac/row/su-17.htm from FAS]
* [http://militarypedia.corran.pl/wiki/Suchoj_Su-17_w_Wojsku_Polskim List of all Su-17 (Su-20 and Su-22) fighters used by Polish Air Force]
* [http://www.warfare.ru/?catid=255&linkid=1603 from Russian Military Analysis]
* [http://static.vtour.pl/miasta/deblin/pan/fullScreen/752_out.swf Su-22M4 in panoramic view]
* [http://czechairspotters.com/search.php?generic_type=t105 Su-22 Fitter photos]

{{Sukhoi aircraft}}

[[Category:Sukhoi aircraft|Su-17]]
[[Category:1960s Soviet attack aircraft]]
[[Category:Variable-sweep-wing aircraft]]
[[Category:Single-engined jet aircraft]]
[[Category:Mid-wing aircraft]]
[[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1966]]
[[Category:Aircraft with retractable tricycle landing gear]]