The Su-22, also known as the Sukhoi Su-22, is an export version of the Su-17, a Soviet fighter-bomber developed in the 1960s and 1970s.
Widely used by Eastern Bloc countries and their allies, the Su-22 stood out as a versatile and reliable aircraft capable of operating in various combat scenarios.
Main Characteristics
- Type: Ground-attack fighter-bomber
- Origin: Soviet Union
- Maximum Speed: Approximately 2,000 km/h (Mach 2)
- Range: Around 2,300 km
- Payload Capacity: Up to 4,000 kg of armaments, including bombs, air-to-ground, and air-to-air missiles
- Engine: Lyulka AL-21F-3 turbojet engine
One of the Su-22’s key features is its swing-wing design, allowing the aircraft to switch between high-speed performance and increased lift during takeoffs and landings.
Operational History
The Su-22 was widely exported to countries such as Poland, Syria, Libya, Iraq, and many others. In combat, it played various roles, including ground attacks, reconnaissance, and close air support missions.
Role in the Polish Air Force
Poland acquired the Su-22 in the 1980s. For decades, the aircraft was the backbone of the Polish Air Force’s ground-attack operations, adapted to carry a wide range of conventional and guided munitions.
Currently, the Su-22 is considered obsolete compared to modern fighters like the F-35 and other fourth- and fifth-generation aircraft. Nevertheless, Poland has kept some units in operation for secondary missions while modernizing its fleet with aircraft such as the F-16 and now the F-35.
Imminent Replacement
With the introduction of the F-35 and the modernization of Poland’s fleet, the Su-22 is nearing its final retirement. Nonetheless, the model leaves behind a significant legacy as a critical tool during the Cold War and the decades that followed, marking the evolution of military aviation in the country.
Despite its technological limitations, the Su-22 is remembered as an icon of its time and a testament to Soviet ingenuity in designing robust, cost-effective, and efficient aircraft.
Photos: Wikimedia. This content was created with the assistance of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.