The Su-22 was one of the most powerful combat aircraft at the time. Currently, this aircraft is equipped with Kh-29 air-to-surface missiles that can sink a 10,000-ton warship.
The Su-22 is an export version of the Su-17 Fitter manufactured by Sukhoi Corporation in the 1970s. This is the first Soviet aircraft with a unique variable-sweep wing design.
The Su-22 is classified as a bomber fighter, making its first flight on August 2, 1966. This line of aircraft was in mass production for more than 30 years, from 1969-1990. More than 2,800 aircraft were built for the Soviet Air Force and widely exported to Eastern European countries and other regions.
For maneuverability, the Su-22 is equipped with a Lyulka AL-21 F-3 turbojet engine with 76.4 kN (17,200 lbf) dry thrust, and 109.8 kN (24,700 lbf) with afterburner. The air intake is located at the nose of the aircraft. This is the typical design of aircraft manufactured by the Soviet Union in the 1950s and 1960s. Su-22 can reach a maximum speed of 1,860 km/h at high altitude, 1,400 km/h at low altitude, a range of 1,150 km, and up to 2,300 km with an auxiliary fuel tank.
variable-sweep wings are one of the highlights that make up the power of the Su-22. This design allows the aircraft to operate well at low altitudes, helping to perform dive bombing missions at high speeds. With full wingspan, the aircraft can land on very short runways, which is beneficial in fierce battles.
The aircraft has 12 weapons hardpoints that can carry 4 tons of weapons. Su-22 is armed with two 30mm automatic cannons, 80 rounds each. The Su-22 is considered outdated compared to modern fighter jets. However, it is still a formidable combat aircraft in ground attack missions.
The Su-22 has undergone many upgrades to carry high-tech guided weapons, meeting the requirements of modern battlefields. In particular, the Su-22 can carry Kh-29 air-to-surface cruise missiles. This missile is designed for ground attack, but when necessary can strike and cause heavy damage to warships with a displacement of up to 10,000 tons.
The Su-22 series had a long career and has been operated by many air forces, including those of the Russian Federation, former Soviet republics, former Warsaw Pact, countries in the Arab world, Angola, and Peru. Although The Russian Federation retired its fleet in 1998, the Su-22 is still used in some countries around the world.
