Sukhoi Su-20 (Fitter-C)

Fighter-Bomber / Ground Attack Aircraft

Soviet Union | 1973

"The Sukhoi Su-20 Fitter-C was nothing more than an export version of the Su-17 Fitter series."

Right underside view of a diving Sukhoi Su-20 Fitter fighter

Authored By: Staff Writer | Last Edited: 02/22/2018 | Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com | The following text is exclusive to this site; No A.I. was used in the generation of this content.

With the success that was the Sukhoi Su-17 "Fitter" swing-wing product, it was only natural for Soviet authorities to allow its sale to global allies and this endeavor provided the basis for the Su-20 "Fitter-C" export mark - based largely on the Su-17M (S-32MK model). The Su-20 was delivered with a ranging radar system, improved navigation suite, and a modern attack system while being powered by an AL-21F-3 24,800 lb thrust engine. The aircraft also appeared in limited export quantity as a reconnaissance variant under the designation of "Su-20R" - these being based on the Su-17R reconnaissance model. The Su-17 was later developed into a much-improved export variant recognized as "Su-22".

Armament included 2 x 30mm Nudelman-Rikhter NR-30 series internal cannons for close-in work. The airframe also held some ten hardpoints for the carrying of various air-to-air and air-to-surface munitions. Its crew was one and the export model retained much of the form and function of the Soviet line. Operational use of the Su-20 fell to Egypt, Poland, and Syria where they served in the fighter-bomber and ground attack roles.

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Power & Performance
Those special qualities that separate one aircraft design from another. Performance specifications presented assume optimal operating conditions for the Sukhoi Su-20 (Fitter-C) Fighter-Bomber / Ground Attack Aircraft.

1 x Lyulka AL-21F-3 turbojet engine developing 24,802 lb of thrust.
Propulsion

1,379 mph
2,220 kph | 1,199 kts
Max Speed

49,869 ft
15,200 m | 9 miles
Service Ceiling

419 miles
675 km | 364 nm
Operational Range

Structure
The nose-to-tail, wingtip-to-wingtip physical qualities of the Sukhoi Su-20 (Fitter-C) Fighter-Bomber / Ground Attack Aircraft.

1
(MANNED)
Crew

61.5 ft
18.75 m
O/A Length

45.3 ft
(13.80 m)
O/A Width

16.4 ft
(5.00 m)
O/A Height

42,990 lb
(19,500 kg)
MTOW

Armament
Available supported armament and special-mission equipment featured in the design of the Sukhoi Su-20 (Fitter-C) Fighter-Bomber / Ground Attack Aircraft .

STANDARD:
2 x 30mm Nudelman-Rikhter NR-30 cannons

OPTIONAL:
10 x Hardpoints for a variety of air-to-air or air-to-ground munitions.

Variants
Notable series variants as part of the Sukhoi Su-20 (Fitter-C) family line.

Su-7 (Fitter-A) - Base Fixed-Wing Interceptor Model on which the Su-17 is based on.

Su-7IG/ S-22I (Fitter-B) - Based on the Su-7BM production model; used in testing the swing-wing component.

Su-17 (Fitter-B) - Base production model; limited production; extended fuselage based on the Su-7U two-seat trainer; revised airframe with dorsal fuselage spine; increased internal fuel capacity; fitted with Lyulka AL-7F-1 engine; production from 1969 to 1973.

Su-17K (Fitter-B) - Egyptian Export Model Designation of the base Su-17.

Su-17M (Fitter-C) - Initial Production Model of note; fitted with Lyulka AL-21F-3 engine; revised nav-attack system; implementation of dual pitot vanes as well as AoA vane; brake parachute; positional shock cone; production from 1972 to 1975.

Su-20 (Fitter-C) - Export Designation of Su-17M production model.

Su-17M-28 - Developmental Airframe for testing AS-9 "Kyle" anti-radar missile.

Su-17MKG - Developmental Airframe for testing AS-10 "Karen" and AS-14 "Kedge" air-to-surface missiles.

Su-17R (Fitter-C) - Limited Production Reconnaissance Variant of the Su-17M production model.

Su-20R (Fitter-C) - Export Designation of Su-17R reconnaissance model.

Su-17M2 (Fitter-D) - Redesigned and extended nose assembly; undernose Doppler radar; laser rangefinder; improved and expanded avionics; production from 1974 to 1977.

Su-17M2D (Fitter-D) - Fitted with Tumansky R-29BS-300 series engine of 25,335lbf; revised rear fuselage; production from 1977 to 1978.

Su-22 / S-32M2K (Fitter-F) - Export Designation of Su-17M2D production model.

Su-17UM / S-52U (Fitter-E) - Two -Seat Conversion Trainer; based on the Su-17M2 production model; revised deeper fuselage; deletion of internal fuel capacity; portside cannon removed; enlarged vertical tail fin for improved longitudinal control at high AoA; production from 1976 to 1978.

Su-22U - Export Model Designation of Su-17UM two-seat trainer; fitted with Tumansky R-29 series engine.

Su-17M3 / S-52 (Fitter-H) - Additional fuel and avionics equipment; based on two-seat trainer sans the second cockpit; improved range; internal Doppler radar system; launch rails installed for AA-2 and AA-8 missiles; production from 1976 to 1981.

Su-22M / S-52K (Fitter-J) - Export Model Designation of the Su-17M3; fitted with Tumansky R-29 series engine; downgraded avionics.

Su-22M3 / S-52MK (Fitter-J) - Export Model Designation of Su-17M3 with Soviet Su-17M3 avionics in place.

Su-17UM3 / S-52UM3 (Fitter-G) - Improved Two-Seat Trainer; Su-17M3 avionics; production from 1978 to 1982.

Su-22UM3 (Fitter-G) - Export Model Designation of Su-17UM3 trainer; fitted with Tumansky R-29 engine.

Su-22UM3K (Fitter-G) - Export Model Designation of Su-17UM3 trainer; fitted with Lyulka AL-21 engine.

Su-17M4 - Upgraded avionics suite; improved laser rangefinder; Sirena radar-warning receiver; fuselage and dorsal air inlets for improved engine cooling; fixed shock cone; TV-guided ordnance compatibility; production from 1981 to 1988.

Su-22M4 / S-54K - Export Model Designation of Su-17M4 production model; production from 1983 to 1990.

Su-22M5 - Modernized Fitters with French/Russian-based equipment and systems; HOTAS; glass cockpit; improved avionics suite; Phazotron/Thomson-CSF radar system; sans laser rangefinder.

Operators
Global customers who have evaluated and/or operated the Sukhoi Su-20 (Fitter-C). Nations are displayed by flag, each linked to their respective national aircraft listing.

Total Production: 156 Units
Contractor(s): Sukhoi - Soviet Union

[ Egypt; Poland; Syria ]

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Right underside view of a diving Sukhoi Su-20 Fitter fighter

Going Further...
The Sukhoi Su-20 (Fitter-C) Fighter-Bomber / Ground Attack Aircraft appears in the following collections:

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