su22N

Su-22N is a designation that appears in a limited number of sources as a possible variant of the Sukhoi Su-22 ground-attack aircraft family. The Su-22 itself is a development of the Su-17 (Fitter) and features a variable-sweep wing for improved performance in both bombing and low-level flight. Public documentation on a production or operational version specifically named Su-22N is sparse, and the exact identity of the designation remains unclear in open sources.

Most discussions of the Su-22N treat it as either a proposed night-attack variant or as an informal or misattributed designation found in archival materials. If it referred to a night-attack concept, such a variant would plausibly emphasize enhanced navigation, targeting systems, and sensor suites for low-light operations, while maintaining the basic Su-22 airframe and its variable-geometry wings. However, no confirmed tests, service entries, or deployments of an official Su-22N lineage are publicly documented, and several references note that the designation may be the result of mislabeling or limited, non-operational records.

Design-wise, any such concept would likely be grounded in the standard Su-22 platform, with potential upgrades to avionics and night-capable equipment rather than a complete redesign. Armament would continue to focus on air-to-ground stores, unguided and guided bombs, rockets, and conventional cannon armament available on early Su-22 variants, subject to confirmation.

Operators: no verified institutions list an aircraft officially as Su-22N. See also Sukhoi Su-17/Su-22 for context on the family.