Sukhoi Su-17 / Su-22 "Fitter" — Technical Description & Exploitation Manuals
Soviet Domestic & Export Variants | Variable-Sweep Wing Fighter-Bomber
The Sukhoi Su-17 and Su-22 are the same aircraft — one designation, two destinies. The Su-17 served the Soviet Air Force and its successor states as a frontline fighter-bomber; the Su-22 is the export designation applied to downgraded and modified variants delivered to allied nations across the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, and Eastern Europe throughout the Cold War. Both share the same variable-sweep wing airframe, the same Lyulka AL-21F-3 powerplant family, and the same fundamental aerodynamic character.
This archival collection brings together primary-source Technical Description (Техническое описание) and Technical Exploitation Manuals (Руководство по технической эксплуатации) covering the full aircraft system suite across multiple variants.
Aircraft Technical Profile
Powerplant: Lyulka AL-21F-3 afterburning turbojet (76.5 kN dry / 109.8 kN with full afterburner) — or Tumansky R-29BS-300 in specific export variants. 14-stage axial compressor, 3-stage turbine. APU or external pneumatic air start.
Variable-Sweep Wing Geometry:
- 28° — Minimum sweep (takeoff, landing, loiter)
- 45° — Intermediate sweep (cruise, manoeuvring)
- 62° — Maximum sweep (high-speed dash, supersonic flight)
Performance Envelope:
- Maximum Speed (Sea Level): Mach 1.1 / 1,400 km/h
- Maximum Speed (Altitude): Mach 1.7 / 1,860 km/h
- Service Ceiling: 14,200 m (46,585 ft)
- Rate of Climb: 230 m/s (45,275 ft/min)
- MTOW: 19,430 kg (42,835 lbs)
- Combat Radius: 1,150 km (Hi-Lo-Hi, 2,000 kg payload)
Document Manifest
Su-17M2 — Technical Description (Техническое описание), 1975
- Book 1, Part 1 — Airframe & General Systems Description
- Book 4, Part 1 — Aerodynamics & Flight Characteristics
Su-22UM3K & Su-22 (54K) — Technical Exploitation Manuals (Book 8)
- Part 1 — Electrical Equipment & Lighting Systems: Description and Operation
- Part 3 — Instrument Equipment, UUAP-72M, IKV-1, KN-23 Complex: Description and Operation
- Part 7 — Weapons Systems, PWU/FKA: Description and Service
- Part 8 — Tester Systems (ver. 1 & ver. 2): Description and Service
Additional Coverage:
- SAU-22 Automatic Flight Control System (terrain-following retrofit)
- SPS-141 ECM Pod Integration — structural and electrical hardpoint modifications
- KDS-23 Chaff/Flare Countermeasure Dispensers — upper fuselage spine installation
- Computational-Sight Instrumentation, Photo-Control & SSPP Systems
Aerodynamic & Stability Documentation
- Longitudinal control via all-moving horizontal stabilator — pitch sensitivity vs. sweep position
- Lateral/directional stability — adverse yaw at low speed, full forward sweep
- Roll control: differential tailplanes + wing spoilers (swept configuration)
- Stall characteristics: AOA limits 16°–18° depending on configuration
- Boundary layer fence analysis — fixed wing panel, high-AOA separation prevention
Delivery Format
Digital download — instant access upon purchase. Archival document scans in high-resolution format. Language: Russian / Русский.
⚠️ Regulatory Notice: Under FAA 14 CFR § 43.13 and EASA Part-M, any mechanic performing maintenance on an active aircraft must use current, manufacturer-approved revision-controlled data. This archival document does not satisfy that requirement.
This is an archival, static-copy edition fixed at its original publication date. Intended for historical reference, flight simulation, museum restoration, and educational use only. Not approved for active airworthiness maintenance under FAA 14 CFR § 43.13, EASA Part-M, or equivalent international regulations. Operators of active aircraft must use current, revision-controlled publications from the Type Certificate holder or an authorised distributor.
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