What is special about the Su-22 fighter?

The Su-22 fighter is an export version of the Su-17 attack aircraft (bomber) developed by the former Soviet Union in the 1960s. This fighter line was very successful, with a long period of service in the Soviet Air Force and later the Russian Air Force, besides it was also used by the air forces of many Eastern European, Asian, and Middle Eastern countries.

To date, the former Soviet Union and later Russia have produced about 2,200 Su-17, Su-20 and Su-22.

The Vietnam People's Air Force began deploying Su-22M/UM fighter-bombers with support from the Soviet Union in 1979 to gradually replace MIG-21 and MIG-19 fighter aircraft.

Currently, the Vietnam Air Force has in its inventory a large number of fighter-bombers of the Su-22M, Su-22UM3K (training) and Su-22M4 versions, of which the most modern is the Su-22M4 version.

Su-22 aircraft of Regiment 929, Division 372 of the Vietnam Air Force take off to perform a training mission. (Photo: Air Defense - Air Force Newspaper)

What is special about the Su-22 fighter bomber?

Inheriting the design of the Su-17 and equipped with Lyulka AL-21F-3 jet engines, the Su-22 fighter-bomber can cruise at supersonic speeds even at low altitudes and reach speeds of more than 2,000 km/h at high altitudes with its wings folded in.

The Su-22's weapon system is integrated with two 30mm automatic cannons (speed of 80 rounds/minute) placed on the 2 wings, 2 under-wing pylons that can carry two R-60 air-to-air missiles (range of 8km) and 10 pylons (6 placed under the wings and 4 placed on the fuselage).

In attacking ground targets, the Su-22 can carry guided weapons including: Kh-23, Kh-25, Kh-28, Kh-29 air-to-ground missiles and laser and optical guided bombs.

In the Su-22 family, the Su-22M4 is the most advanced and best equipped version for combat operations in low visibility and at night, suitable for ground attack missions with guided and unguided weapons, as well as for aerial reconnaissance. Within a limited range, the aircraft can also be used to destroy aerial targets.

In addition, the Su-22M4 is also equipped with the K-36D ejection seat (also used on the MiG-29 and Su-27).

Most versions of the Su-22 are flown by a single pilot, except for the training version such as the Su-22UM which has two seats.

Su-22M4 aircraft of Regiment 937, Air Division 370. (Photo: People's Army)

Regarding other technical parameters, the Su-22 has a wingspan of 13.68m, swept wings of 10.02m, and a maximum take-off weight of 19 tons. This fighter-bomber can fly at a maximum speed of 1,400 km/h at sea and 1,860 km/h at high altitude, a ceiling of 14,200 m, a range of 1,150 km (attack) and 2,300 km (patrol) with a combat radius of 360 km (low flight) and 630 km (high flight) when carrying 2.2 tons of weapons.

Tra Khanh

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