Sukhoi gave export versions of the Su-17 the designations Su-20 and Su-22. This retired Soviet Su-17 is pictured carrying an air-to-surface missile and rocket pods. All Fitters have been withdrawn from the front-line by Russia, though some may still be active as chase aircraft with the State Flight Test Centre at Akhtubinsk.
Peru was the only country in Latin America to operate Fitters. This air force was forced to ground its Su-22s in 2006 due to the crash of its last two-seat trainer, thus ending pilot training on the type.
Two countries operate the Fitter in Africa - Angola and Libya. Pictured is an Su-22 belonging to the Libyan Arab Air Force which is based, along with the rest of the country's Fitter fleet, at Ghurdabiyah.
Sukhoi's decision to design variable geometry wings for the Su-17, -20 and -22 versions of the Fitter after the Su-7 gave the aircraft improved field performance. The aircraft was the first to use this wing design in the Soviet inventory. These two East German Air Force Fitters have their wings swept forward for low speed flight.
A Polish Air Force Su-22M-4 being serviced in preparation for its next sortie. The Fitter family can trace its heritage back to the Su-7, which first flew in 1955.
During the Cold War, in addition to the USSR, the Warsaw Pact nations of Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Poland and East Germany all operated Fitters. Pictured is an East German Air Force Su-22. Today, the only Su-22s flying in Europe belong to the Polish Air Force.
The cockpit of a Polish Air Force Su-22. To be able to operate alongside NATO forces Polish Fitters have received a number of modifications which include new radio equipment, transponder, GPS, IFF, ILS and VOR. Some were also given a TACAN receiver.
Rolling to the end of the RAF Coltishall's runway in 2004, with its brake ’chute billowing behind it during a squadron exchange with 41 Sqn Jaguars is a Polish Air Force Su-22UM-3K two-seat trainer. Due to the lack of forward vision afforded to the pilot in the rear cockpit, a periscope (which can be seen raised in this photo) was used.
