Sukhoi Su-7U
Sukhoi · Soviet Union · first flew 1965 · fighter
The Su-7U (NATO: Moujik) is the tandem two-seat operational conversion trainer variant of the Su-7 ground-attack family, retaining combat capability while providing an instructor station behind the pilot.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, swept |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × turbojet, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Second canopy clearly visible in profile; stepped seating gives a higher rear fuselage hump than single-seat variants |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Two-seat tandem Su-7 with raised rear cockpit and altered spine profile — NATO reporting name 'Moujik'
- Second canopy clearly visible in profile; stepped seating gives a higher rear fuselage hump than single-seat variants
- Slightly shorter fuselage than Su-7BM despite added cockpit section due to internal rearrangement
The raised rear cockpit with its separate canopy creates a distinctive two-hump dorsal profile that immediately distinguishes the Su-7U from all single-seat Su-7 variants. The spine hump behind the rear canopy is more pronounced than on any single-seater. Circular nose intake, 60° swept wing and conventional tail are retained unchanged.
Specifications
- The Sukhoi Su-7U has a length of 15.76 m (52 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 9.31 m (31 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 1600 km/h (994 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
First flown on 25 October 1965, the Su-7U entered service with the Soviet Air Forces to qualify pilots on the demanding high-performance Su-7 before solo operations. The fuselage was modified to accommodate a second cockpit behind and above the pilot's position, with a separate canopy hinged to starboard. The instructor position retained a duplicate set of primary flight instruments and some weapons controls.
Variants
Su-7UMK is the export designation applied to aircraft sold to Egypt, India, Iraq and other operators. Essentially the same airframe.
Where you'll see it
Soviet Air Forces and export customers including India (designated Su-7UM), Egypt and Czechoslovakia; Indian Air Force used the type through the 1980s.
Related aircraft
- Sukhoi Su-22
- Sukhoi T-58VD
- Sukhoi Su-24
- Sukhoi Su-7BM
- A-7 Corsair II
- MiG-21S
- North American Rockwell OV-10 Bronco
- SOKO J-21 Jastreb
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