Su17s

The Sukhoi Su-17 (NATO reporting name: "Fitter") is a variable-sweep wing fighter-bomber aircraft developed by the Soviet Union. It is a derivative of the Su-7 fighter-bomber, incorporating the wing-sweep mechanism from the Su-15 and Su-20/22 series. The Su-17 was designed to replace older Soviet aircraft in the ground-attack role and was widely exported to various countries, including Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Bulgaria, Cuba, Czechoslovakia, Egypt, Hungary, Iraq, Libya, Poland, Romania, Syria, and Vietnam.

The Su-17 features a distinctive wing design that allows for rapid transition between swept and unswept configurations, improving both high-speed performance and low-altitude maneuverability. It is powered by a single Lyulka AL-7 or AL-21F turbojet engine, capable of sustained supersonic flight. The aircraft is equipped with a variety of armaments, including air-to-air missiles, air-to-ground missiles, bombs, and unguided rockets, making it highly versatile for both air superiority and ground-attack missions.

The Su-17 underwent several upgrades throughout its service life, resulting in multiple variants such as the Su-17M, Su-17UM, Su-17UMK, and Su-17M3. These improvements included enhanced avionics, improved radar systems, and the addition of laser-guided bombs. The aircraft saw extensive use during conflicts, including the Arab-Israeli wars, the Soviet-Afghan War, and various African and Middle Eastern conflicts.

The Su-17 was gradually phased out in favor of more advanced aircraft like the Su-24 and Su-25, though it remained in service with some air forces until the early 2000s. Its legacy includes contributions to Soviet and allied military doctrine, particularly in the realm of close air support and precision strike capabilities. The Su-17 remains a notable example of Cold War-era aviation technology and its influence can still be seen in modern fighter-bomber designs.