Su-17
Role Fighter
Manufacturer Sukhoi
Status Prototype only, never flew
Number built 1

The Sukhoi Su-17 (Aircraft R) was a prototype Soviet fighter. The name was later reused for an entirely different fighter-bomber, see Sukhoi Su-17.

Development

The Su-17 was designed to closely match the theoretical TsAGI calculations for supersonic performance. The aircraft had a 50° swept wing fitted with air brakes and boosted controls. A unique feature was that in addition to an ejection seat, the entire nose section of the aircraft could separate from the rest of the airframe.[1] The project was canceled with no flights due to problems with wing structure, ongoing difficulties with the development of the TR-3 engine, and the closure of the Sukhoi OKB. The only example was eventually used as a gunfire target.[2]

Specifications (Su-17 interceptor)

cutawayside view, showing equipment

Data from OKB Sukhoi[3]

General characteristics

Performance

Armament
2x 37 mm (1.457 in) Nudelman N-37 cannon with 40 rpg

References

  1. ^ Shavrov V.B. (1994). Istoriia konstruktskii samoletov v SSSR, 1938-1950 gg. (3 izd.) (in Russian). Mashinostroenie. ISBN 5217004770.
  2. ^ Gunston, Bill (1995–2000). The Osprey Encyclopedia of Russian Aircraft (2 ed.). Osprey. ISBN 1-84176096-X.
  3. ^ Antonov, Vladimir; Gordon, Yefim; others (1996). OKB Sukhoi. Leicester: Midland. ISBN 978-1-85780-012-8.