Sukhoi Su-17M2 "Fitter"

Sukhoi · Soviet Union · first flew 1973 · fighter

The Sukhoi Su-17M2 was the second major production variant of the Su-17 swing-wing attack aircraft, featuring a distinctive drooped and elongated nose to accommodate a new navigation-attack system and improve forward visibility for the pilot.

Recognition (WEFT)

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Spot it by:

• Su-17M variant with drooped nose for better pilot visibility
• Variable-sweep wing Soviet attack aircraft with new avionics
• Longer fuselage and nav-attack system over the Su-17M

Distinguished from the Su-17M by the drooped and lengthened nose section, which gives the aircraft a slightly nose-heavy appearance compared to the earlier flat-nosed variant; otherwise sharing the same swing-wing planform.

Specifications

• The Sukhoi Su-17M2 has a length of 19.02 m (62 ft).
• It has a wingspan of 13.68 m (45 ft).
• Its maximum speed is 1860 km/h (1156 mph).
• Typical crew: 1.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

First flown in 1973, the Su-17M2 entered Soviet Air Forces service with substantially improved navigation and weapons delivery systems compared to the M1. The drooped nose was a significant visual change from earlier variants and accommodated a laser rangefinder.

Variants

The M2 introduced the drooped nose; the Su-17M3 further improved avionics and introduced an R-60 missile capability, while the M4 added a digital navigation system.

Where you'll see it

Su-17M2s served with Soviet Frontal Aviation and several export customers; the type participated in operations in Afghanistan and was operated by a number of Middle Eastern and African air forces.

Related aircraft

• Sukhoi Su-20
• Su-25
• Sukhoi Su-17M
• Sukhoi Su-17M3
• Alpha Jet
• Beechcraft T-34C-1 Turbo Mentor
• IAI F-21A Lion
• IAI Kfir

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