Sukhoi Su-17

Immagine: Wikimedia Commons

The Sukhoi Su-17, which first flew in 1966, is a Soviet fighter-bomber combining supersonic performance with tactical versatility. This single-seat, single-engine aircraft measures 19 meters long with a 13.7-meter wingspan, achieving 1,400 km/h. The Su-17 designation reflects its role as advanced successor to Su-7 design, incorporating variable-geometry features and enhanced avionics. Its extended range and practical load-carrying capacity positioned it for both air-superiority and ground-attack missions. The Su-17 achieved widespread Soviet and allied service throughout the Cold War.