The Su-20 Fitter-C was nothing more than an export version of the Su-17 Fitter series. By Staff Writer
The Su-20 was nothing more than the export version of the Su-17M / S-32M "Fitter-C" series of swing-wing aircraft which, itself, was a derivative of the fixed-wing Su-7 "Fitter-A" fighter. The Su-20 is fielded with ranging radar system, improved navigation and attack systems and an AL-21F-3 24,800lb thrust engine. The system also appeared in limited quantities as an export reconnaissance derivative under the Su-20R, these being based on the Su-17R reconnaissance production aircraft.
The Su-17 was also developed into a much-improved export version known as the Su-22. The Su-17 and Su-22 are detailed elsewhere on this site.
Operational use of the Su-20 variant was limited to Egypt, Poland and Syria.
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Aircraft Quick Profile
Image courtesy of the United States Department of Defense.
1973
Designation:Sukhoi Su-20 (Fitter-C) Classification Type:Fighter-Bomber ; Ground Attack Contractor:Sukhoi - Soviet Union Country of Origin: Soviet Union Production Total: 156
Operators: Egypt; Poland; Syria
Variants
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.
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