| title (item) | field_cer_web | field_cer_navbox | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Szuhoj Szu-22 |
The Su-22 was an export variant of the Sukhoi Su-17, developed in response to an Iraqi demand, and equipped with a lengthened fuselage with narrower intake in comparison to the earlier Su-20, a housing with DISS-7 Doppler speed- and drift angle system under the intake, a Fon laser rangefinder and the more powerful R-29 engine. Iraq purchased a total of 36 and distributed them evenly between No. 44 Squadron and No. 109 Squadron. Sadly, the appearance of jets assigned to the latter squadron – which was the only IrAF unit trained in attacking naval targets as of 1980 – remains unknown. This example was operated by No. 44 Squadron and wore the same camouflage pattern as Su-20s, including beige (BS381C/388) and olive drab (BS381C/298) on upper surfaces and sides, and light admiralty grey (BS381C/697) on undersurfaces. Notable are an additional national marking on the forward fuselage, a mark for excellent performance in the form of a shield in Iraqi colours and the word ‘Iraq’ in English and Arabic, and the serial 2077. (Artwork by Tom Cooper)