The Sukhoi Su-22 is an export version of the Sukhoi Su-17 family, all of which carry the NATO reporting name of Fitter. First flying during August 1966, the Su-17 was the first variable sweep wing equipped aircraft to enter Soviet service and was utilised as a fighter-bomber. The final version produced, the Su-17M4 (Su-22M4 for export) included more advanced avionics and a powerful laser rangefinder in the nose cone. The Su-22M4 was capable of Mach 1.75 and could be equipped with a target designator pod that allowed it to target and engage enemy radar sites using a variety of different anti-radar missiles.
