There has always been a fascination with the Sukhoi 'Fitter' family of aircraft amongst jet enthusiasts. Originally developed as an interceptor, the Su-7 was turned into a fighter bomber early in its career.  This was as much due to the success of the Su-9 line of aircraft as with any problems with the Su-7 itself. It is a bit difficult to find an equivalent in the west as it was such a large and heavy aircraft, but I'm thinking that perhaps the F-105 might not be an equivalent. It was fast, very fuel thirsty and able to handle a lot of damage. That seems to fit both aircraft.

Unlike the F-105, however, the Su-7 was developed into the variable-geometry (VG or 'swing wing), Su-17/20/22. The Su-17 and 20 were basically the same airframe, but the -20 was somewhat downgraded in equipment and designed for export. The final version of this aircraft was the most capable Su-22, an aircraft that is still seeing some service, despite the availability of more modern types. It is still a fuel hog and still a most spectacular performer.

Yefim Gordon seems to be THE expert on Soviet types and continues with his most prolific writings with this volume on the Su-7. You'll find a lot of things that are similar amongst all the Aerofax books over the last several years (not to be confused with the original Aerofax series which was a lot smaller and had a lot more images).

It starts with a background into the development of the aircraft. Then the design and testing of the Su-7 prototypes. Series production of the original variant is next along with the number of sub-types and prototypes. A section on the operational use of the Su-7 (which is quite considerable) is next, telling some really great 'there I was' stories.

Then the book moves on to the development of the Su-17/20 swing wing aircraft. While most similar looking to the Su-7, there are many differences, aside from the wings. For one thing, the Su-17 had to be heavier to incorporate the additional stresses of the swing wing. What was produced was an aircraft that was actually slower than the Su-7, but with much improved landing and take off traits, making it actually easier to fly than the older aircraft. The Su-17 was also developed in a number of subtypes and eventually became the Su-22, an aircraft that was, again, similar to the original Su-17, but in many ways very different and more capable.

As with the Su-7, there is a section on the operational history of the type, including its long-term use in the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan, a situation that hits home with many Americans, though the scale is different. There is a rather large section on Fitter operators that includes as many serials and fates as can be determined. This is followed by a section of drawings and finally, one that has several pages of profiles.

There are a ton of photos in both b&w and in color to help illustrate the book. Frankly, I doubt if you will find a more complete history of the type and that alone makes it a book that is highly recommended.

April 2005

Review book courtesy of , where you can order your copy of this and many other superb aviation and modeling books. Visit their website at the link above or call them at 1-800-895-4585

If you would like your product reviewed fairly and quickly by a site that has around 300,000 visitors a month, please contact me or see other details in the Note to Contributors.