Sukhoi Su-7
| Su-7 | |
|---|---|
| A Polish Su-7BKL photographed in 1991. | |
| General information | |
| Type | Fighter and fighter-bomber / ground-attack aircraft |
| National origin | Soviet Union |
| Manufacturer | Sukhoi |
| Status | In limited service with the Korean People's Army Air Force |
| Primary users | Soviet Air Forces (historical)
|
| Number built | 1,847 |
| History | |
| Manufactured | 1957–1972 |
| Introduction date | 1959 |
| First flight | 7 September 1955 |
| Developed into | Sukhoi Su-17 |
The Sukhoi Su-7 (NATO designation name: Fitter-A) is a swept wing, supersonic fighter aircraft developed by the Soviet Union in 1955. Originally, it was designed as a tactical, low-level dogfighter, but was not successful in this role. On the other hand, the soon-introduced Su-7B series became the main Soviet fighter-bomber and ground-attack aircraft of the 1960s. The Su-7 was rugged in its simplicity, but its Lyulka AL-7 engine had such high fuel consumption that it seriously limited the aircraft's payload, as even short-range missions required that at least two hardpoints be used to carry drop tanks rather than ordnance.