Difference between revisions of "Su-22M3"

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{{About
 +
| about = Soviet squadron strike aircraft '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 +
| usage = other versions
 +
| link = Su-17/22 (Family)
 +
}}
 
{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=su_22m3
 
|code=su_22m3
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== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a squadron rank {{Specs|rank}} Soviet strike aircraft {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Winged Lions"]].
+
The Su-22M3 was an export variant of the Su-17 strike aircraft developed by the Soviet Union. Used by different nations around the globe, the Su-22M3 variant employed the airframe of the Su-17M3 and adapted it to use a similar engine to that of the export variants of the MiG-23, in this case, the Tumansky R-29BS-300 engine. Being exported to Syria, Su-22s were employed during the Yom Kippur War and in the 1982 Lebanese War with several losses to Israeli aircraft. During the Syrian Civil War, they were used by the Syrian Air Force to attack rebel forces and suffered limited casualties up to 2015. After that, some were lost to MANPADS, two units were lost to Israeli Patriot missiles, and one was lost to an American F/A-18E Super Hornet.
 +
 
 +
Introduced in [[Update "Winged Lions"]], the Su-22M3 has some differences from its tech tree counterpart, the [[Su-17M2]]. It uses a Tumansky R-29 engine similar to the [[MiG-23M]]/[[MiG-27M]], and the airframe is that of the Su-17M3, featuring a new forward fuselage layout modified from a two-seat trainer variant. The flight performance is similar, but the Su-22M3 has enhanced payload options: it can carry up to six R-60 missiles for air-to-air combat compared to the Su-17M2's four, and up to four Kh-25ML or two Kh-29L compared to the Su-17M2's two Kh-25 or one Kh-29L. It also has countermeasures, something the Su-17M2 sorely lacks. The 12 flares/chaff capacity is stingy, but they still make the Su-22M3 a less vulnerable target to incoming missiles.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
Line 12: Line 19:
 
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
−
''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''
+
Despite its long wingspan and massive profile, the Su-22M3 is pretty responsive and has significant manoeuvrability for a plane of its profile. Thanks to the variable wing swept, it can move its center of mass and, thus, increase or decrease its roll rate. A higher wing angle allows for higher speeds with a reduced roll rate and vice versa; a lower sweep means slower speeds at an increased roll rate. While it is not meant to do so, the Su-22M3 is a pretty good turnfighter compared to other jet fighters. Combined with the R-60 missile, this ability makes it a capable fighter in the hands of a good pilot. The engine is potent for a plane its size, making the Su-22M3 reach speeds up to 2,500 km/h. However, it must be known that these high speeds can only be acquired when flying at significant altitudes.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
 
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
−
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at _,___ m)
+
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 11,000 m)
 
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
 
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
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|-
 
|-
 
! Stock
 
! Stock
−
| ___ || ___ || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || rowspan="2" | ___
+
| 2,205 || 2,190 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 27.4 || 27.5 || 148.5 || 142.0 || rowspan="2" | 850
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Upgraded
 
! Upgraded
−
| ___ || ___ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._
+
| 2,251 || 2,232 || 26.6 || 27.0 || 193.3 || 169.9
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
 
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
 
|-
 
|-
−
| _ || _ || _ || _ || _ || _     <!-- ✓ -->
+
| X || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || ✓     <!-- ✓ -->
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
|-
 
|-
−
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || ___ || ___ || ___ || ~__ || ~__
+
| 1417<!--{{Specs|destruction|body}}--> || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || 477 || 473 || ~__ || ~__
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
 
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
 
|-
 
|-
−
| < ___ || < ___ || < ___ || N/A
+
| < 740 || < 650 || < 650 || N/A
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="3" | Engine
 
! colspan="3" | Engine
−
! colspan="4" | Aircraft mass
+
! colspan="5" | Aircraft mass
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
 
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
−
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="2" | Wing loading (full fuel)
+
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="3" | Wing loading (full fuel)
 
|-
 
|-
−
| colspan="2" | _____ || _
+
| colspan="2" | Saturn R-29BS-300 || 1
−
| colspan="2" | _,___ kg || colspan="2" | ___ kg/m<sup>2</sup>
+
| colspan="2" | 11,050 kg || colspan="3" | ___ kg/m<sup>2</sup>
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
 
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
−
! colspan="3" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff<br>Weight
+
! colspan="4" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff<br>Weight
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
 
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
−
! _m fuel || __m fuel || __m fuel
+
! 9m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 33m fuel
 
|-
 
|-
−
| ___ kg || colspan="2" | ___
+
| 1,800 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
−
| _,___ kg || _,___ kg || _,___ kg || _,___ kg
+
| 12,190 kg || 13,345 kg || 14,493 kg || 14,850 kg || _,___ kg
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
 
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
−
! colspan="4" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (___%/WEP)
+
! colspan="5" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Condition || 100% || ___%/WEP
+
! Condition || 100% || WEP
−
! _m fuel || __m fuel || __m fuel || MTOW
+
! 9m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 33m fuel || MTOW
 
|-
 
|-
−
| ''Stationary'' || ___ kgf || ___ kgf
+
| ''Stationary'' || 7,910 kgf || 10,156 kgf
−
| _.__ || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
+
| 0.83 || 0.76 || 0.70 || 0.68 || _.__
 
|-
 
|-
−
| ''Optimal'' || ___ kgf<br>(_ km/h) || ___ kgf<br>(_ km/h)
+
| ''Optimal'' || 8,226 kgf<br>(1,400 km/h) || 12,570 kgf<br>(1,400 km/h)
−
| _.__ || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
+
| 1.03 || 0.94 || 0.87 || 0.85 || _.__
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
 
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
−
''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.''
+
The Su-22M3 is vulnerable to any anti-air weapon, from anti-air cannons to missiles. However, the speed it can reach and the stand-off weapons make it a very versatile aircraft, reducing the attack window and awareness of enemy anti-air systems; this should be the main "armour" to use in combat. However, the small amount of countermeasures makes it one of the most vulnerable high-rank jets in-game, with only 12 countermeasures. These are large-calibre countermeasures, meaning they are more effective than the standard countermeasures seen in other aircraft. Depending on the Su-22M3 attitude, the large-calibre flares can disrupt IR guidance even if the afterburner is at full power. However, the Su-22M3 is still vulnerable to BVR missiles (Beyond-Visual-Range), like those mounted on the F-14 Tomcat and some models of the F-4 Phantom. The Su-22M3 lacks BVR weapons, and pilots must close the distance with the attacker to have a chance to fight back.
  
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
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== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="4" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
 +
|-
 +
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs)
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
 +
|-
 +
|}
 
=== Offensive armament ===
 
=== Offensive armament ===
 
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}
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* A choice between two presets:
 
* A choice between two presets:
−
** 2 x 30 mm NR-30 cannons, wing-mounted (80 rpg = 160 total)
+
** 2 x 30 mm NR-30 cannons, wing root-mounted (80 rpg = 160 total)
−
** 2 x 30 mm NR-30 cannons (80 rpg = 160 total) + 12 x countermeasures
+
** 2 x 30 mm NR-30 cannons + 12 x large calibre countermeasures
  
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}
 
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
−
{{main|OFAB-100 (100 kg)|OFAB-250sv (250 kg)|FAB-500M-62 (500 kg)|GSh-23L (23 mm)}}
 
−
{{main|Kh-23M|Kh-25ML|Kh-29L|R-60}}
 
−
{{main|S-3K|S-8KO|S-24B|S-25L|S-25O}}
 
  
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
  
−
* Without load
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 +
|-
 +
! !! width="5%" | 1 !! width="5%" | 2 !! width="5%" | 3 !! width="5%" | 4 !! width="5%" | 5 !! width="5%" | 6 !! width="5%" | 7 !! width="5%" | 8
 +
| rowspan="21" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_Su-22UM3K_(Germany).png]]</div>
 +
|-
 +
! [[GSh-23L (23 mm)|23 mm GSh-23L]] cannons (250 rpg)
 +
| || || 1 || || || 1 || ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[OFAB-100 (100 kg)|100 kg OFAB-100]] bombs
 +
| 5 || || 1 || 4 || 4 || 1 || || 5
 +
|-
 +
! [[OFAB-250sv (250 kg)|250 kg OFAB-250sv]] bombs
 +
| 1 || || 1 || 3 || 3 || 1 || || 1
 +
|-
 +
! [[OFAB-250Sh (250 kg)|250 kg OFAB-250Sh]] bombs
 +
| 1 || || 1 || 3 || 3 || 1 || || 1
 +
|-
 +
! [[FAB-500M-62 (500 kg)|500 kg FAB-500M-62]] bombs
 +
| 1 || || 1 || 2 || 2 || 1 || || 1
 +
|-
 +
! [[FAB-500Sh (500 kg)|500 kg FAB-500Sh]] bombs
 +
| 1 || || 1 || 2 || 2 || 1 || || 1
 +
|-
 +
! [[ZB-500 incendiary]] bombs
 +
| 1 || || || 1 || 1 || || || 1
 +
|-
 +
! [[S-3K]] rockets
 +
| 7 || || || 7 || 7 || || || 7
 +
|-
 +
! [[S-8KO]] rockets
 +
| 20 || || 20 || || || 20 || || 20
 +
|-
 +
! [[S-24B]] rockets
 +
| 1 || || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || || 1
 +
|-
 +
! [[S-25O]] rockets
 +
| 1 || || || || || || || 1
 +
|-
 +
! [[Kh-23M]] missiles
 +
| 1* || || || || || || || 1*
 +
|-
 +
! [[Kh-25ML]] missiles
 +
| 1 || || || 1 || 1 || || || 1
 +
|-
 +
! [[Kh-29L]] missiles
 +
| || || || 1 || 1 || || ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[R-60]] missiles
 +
| || 1 || 2 || || || 2 || 1 ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[R-60MK]] missiles
 +
| || 1 || 2 || || || 2 || 1 ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[S-25L]] missiles
 +
| 1 || || || || || || || 1
 +
|-
 +
! Delta-NG targeting pod
 +
| || || 1* || || || || ||
 +
|-
 +
! 820 l drop tanks
 +
| 1 || || || 1 || 1 || || || 1
 +
|-
 +
| colspan="10" | * The Delta-NG targeting pod must be carried when equipping Kh-23M missiles
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
 +
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
 +
 
 +
* 4 x 820 l drop tanks
 
* 2 x R-60 missiles
 
* 2 x R-60 missiles
−
* 2 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannons (250 rpg = 500 total)
+
* 6 x R-60 missiles
−
* 20 x 100 kg OFAB-100 bombs (2,000 kg total)
+
* 6 x R-60MK missiles
−
* 10 x 250 kg OFAB-250sv bombs (2,500 kg total)
 
−
* 8 x 500 kg FAB-500M-62 bombs (4,000 kg total)
 
 
* 28 x S-3K rockets
 
* 28 x S-3K rockets
 
* 80 x S-8KO rockets
 
* 80 x S-8KO rockets
 
* 6 x S-24B rockets
 
* 6 x S-24B rockets
 +
* 2 x S-25O rockets
 +
* 2 x S-25L missiles
 
* 2 x Kh-23M missiles
 
* 2 x Kh-23M missiles
 
* 4 x Kh-25ML missiles
 
* 4 x Kh-25ML missiles
 
* 2 x Kh-29L missiles
 
* 2 x Kh-29L missiles
−
* 6 x R-60 missiles
+
* 20 x 100 kg OFAB-100 bombs (2,000 kg total)
−
* 2 x R-60 missiles + 2 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannons
+
* 10 x 250 kg OFAB-250sv bombs (2,500 kg total)
−
* 2 x R-60 missiles + 20 x 100 kg OFAB-100 bombs (2,000 kg total)
+
* 10 x 250 kg OFAB-250Sh bombs (2,500 kg total)
−
* 2 x R-60 missiles + 10 x 250 kg OFAB-250sv bombs (2,500 kg total)
+
* 8 x 500 kg FAB-500M-62 bombs (4,000 kg total)
−
* 2 x R-60 missiles + 8 x 500 kg FAB-500M-62 bombs (4,000 kg total)
+
* 8 x 500 kg FAB-500Sh bombs (4,000 kg total)
−
* 2 x R-60 missiles + 28 x S-3K rockets
+
* 4 x ZB-500 incendiary bombs
−
* 2 x R-60 missiles + 80 x S-8KO rockets
+
* 2 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannons (250 rpg = 500 total)
−
* 2 x R-60 missiles + 6 x S-24B rockets
+
{{Navigation-End}}
−
* 2 x R-60 missiles + 2 x Kh-23M missiles
+
 
−
* 2 x R-60 missiles + 4 x Kh-25ML missiles
+
The Su-22M3 has a substantial amount of different weapons for different situations. As it is implied, most of the ordnance is meant for a wide variety of ground pounding strategies and techniques, from pin-point precision airstrikes to total destruction. Its ordnance is not only very powerful for ground battles but also come in handy for aircraft simulator battles.
−
* 2 x R-60 missiles + 2 x Kh-29L missiles
+
 
−
* 2 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannons + 18 x 100 kg OFAB-100 bombs (1,800 kg total)
+
;Unguided rockets
−
* 2 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannons + 18 x 100 kg OFAB-100 bombs + 2 x R-60 missiles (1,800 kg total)
+
 
−
* 2 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannons + 8 x 250 kg OFAB-250sv bombs (2,000 kg total)
+
It is pretty straightforward that the use of unguided rockets are primarily for quick destruction of unarmoured targets such as howitzers, trucks, anti-air guns, etc. But some are very capable of decimating heavily armoured targets such as MBTs, pillboxes and ships. The rockets accessible for the Su-22M3 are the S-3K, S-8KO, S-25 in an unguided and a guided variant. S-3K hold a significant amount of explosive power for a rocket its size, and since it can be carried in numbers, it is very good at taking down enemy convoys and light armoured targets. The S-8KO rockets hold a much smaller explosive power for an increase in armour penetration. Good for taking out armoured targets such as MBTs and pillboxes. The S-25O, unguided version of the S-25, hold the highest explosive power out of all the rockets seen in the Su-22M3, with up to 60 kg of explosive power. It is able to take down any target the Su-22M3 will face at the expense of only being able to carry two of these rockets. The S-25L is the laser guided version of the S-25, able to be launched without the fear of missing the target. However, this capability comes at the expense of a reduces penetration and explosive payload in order to fit the laser guidance, it only holds 20 kg of explosive power compared to the 60 kg of the S-25O.
−
* 2 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannons + 8 x 250 kg OFAB-250sv bombs + 2 x R-60 missiles (2,000 kg total)
+
 
−
* 2 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannons + 6 x 500 kg FAB-500M-62 bombs (3,000 kg total)
+
;Dumb bombs and napalm
−
* 2 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannons + 6 x 500 kg FAB-500M-62 bombs + 2 x R-60 missiles (3,000 kg total)
+
 
−
* 2 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannons + 40 x S-8KO rockets
+
The Su-22M3 has access to a wide range of bombs in different loadouts. It has different payloads for different purposes, from carpet bombing and lockdown of a specific area to takeout of heavily armoured targets. These bombs are the OFAB-100 100 kg bomb, OFAB-250sv 250 kg bomb, FAB-500-62 500 kg bomb and the ZB-500 incendiary bomb. Each bomb has a suggested use depending on the needs. The OFAB-100s are very capable of base destruction due to the amount to be carried and very practical when taking down enemy columns. The OFAB-250sv are more for medium-game hunt, not too powerful as the FAB-500 but not as weak as the OFAB-100. It is an all-rounder bomb capable of everything. The FAB-500-62 is a very potent bomb able to take down even the strongest of enemies, including capital ships just like aircraft carriers. All the bombs are able to be dropped one-by-one, making it able to do precision airstrikes with a single bomb over a single or multiple targets. The ZB-500 incendiary bomb has a limited but interesting effect as it is able to take down almost instantly lightly armoured columns and lockdown areas for lightly armoured vehicles such as a capture point or a strategic location in the map.
−
* 2 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannons + 40 x S-8KO rockets + 2 x R-60 missiles
+
 
−
* 2 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannons + 28 x S-3K rockets
+
;Air-to-ground missiles
−
* 2 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannons + 28 x S-3K rockets + 2 x R-60 missiles
+
 
−
* 2 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannons + 4 x S-24B rockets
+
The Su-22M3, as the successor of the Su-17M2, has access to the same missiles but at an increased cargo capability. It is able to hold almost double the amount of missiles of the Su-17M2. It has access to Kh-23M, Kh-25ML and Kh-29L, all very capable missiles with their pros and cons. Kh-23M, as seen in the Su-17M2 and other aircraft with access to them such as the Yak-38, are very similar in nature to AS.30 Nord and AGM-12 Bullpup; a small explosive payload in a manually controlled missile. It is a good starter missile but is not recommended for this to be the main ground pounding weapon as their low explosive mass and manual guidance make this a very difficult to use weapon, but in the hands of a skilled pilot, these can be proven to be devastating. Kh-25ML are the first laser guided missiles the Su-22M3 has access to, holding a third of the explosive power the FAB-500-62 has but with the advantage of being able to be guided up to target with extreme precision. It is able to take down many enemies with a single missile and in rapid succession. Thanks to being able to carry four of these missiles, the Su-22M3 is an excellent ground pounder when using these missiles. Finally, the Kh-29L, the biggest air-to-ground missile in the game. Holding slightly less than half of the explosive power of the FAB-500-62, the Kh-29L is the ultimate all-rounder missile capable of decimating almost everything it faces. It is extremely capable of taking down even the heaviest of ground targets with ease and able to cause significant damage to even greater targets such as cruisers or aircraft carriers. Two well placed hits from the Kh-29L are enough to take down an entire aircraft carrier within seconds.
−
* 2 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannons + 4 x S-24B rockets + 2 x R-60 missiles
+
 
−
* 1 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannon + 2 x Kh-23M missiles
+
;Air-to-Air missiles
−
* 1 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannon + 2 x Kh-23M missiles + 2 x R-60 missiles
+
 
−
* 2 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannons + 4 x Kh-25ML missiles
+
The R-60 missiles are versatile in medium-range engagements. However, the limited range of 3 km (>2 mi) means that the Su-22M3 runs the risk of becoming trapped in a dogfight where its poor turn and roll rates reduce the chances of getting a lock. Additionally, the R-60s' short range means that pilots must stay alert for BVR missiles, which will destroy the Su-22M3 without warning. Flanking the enemy side and engaging from behind will let the pilot take advantage of the six R-60s the Su-22M3 can carry.
−
* 2 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannons + 4 x Kh-25ML missiles + 2 x R-60 missiles
 
−
* 2 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannons + 2 x Kh-29L missiles
 
−
* 2 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannons + 2 x Kh-29L missiles + 2 x R-60 missiles
 
−
* 2 x S-25O rockets
 
−
* 2 x S-25O rockets + 6 x R-60 missiles
 
−
* 2 x S-25O rockets + 2 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannons
 
−
* 2 x S-25O rockets + 2 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannons + 2 x R-60 missiles
 
−
* 2 x S-25L missiles
 
−
* 2 x S-25L missiles + 6 x R-60 missiles
 
−
* 2 x S-25L missiles + 2 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannons
 
−
* 2 x S-25L missiles + 2 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannons + 2 x R-60 missiles
 
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
−
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->=== Pros and cons ===
+
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
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<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->'''Pros:'''
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In air battles, like the Su-17, the {{PAGENAME}}'s usage and capabilities are heavily dependent on how well you can use the variable sweep to your advantage. With the wings fully swept, its performance at low speeds can become extremely sluggish, making you an easy target for any fighter that finds you at slow speeds. However, with the wings unswept and with awareness of your speed, altitude, and enemy presence, you can dominate any sustained fights. It is best to start out your match by attacking bombing bases, then after all your bombs are dropped, head into direction of the enemy teams base at low altitudes and avoid head-ons. Try to drag fighters away from the group.
 +
 
 +
On 1v1s against F-4s, JA37s, and MiG-21MFs, attempt to drag them into lower speeds where you can fully unsweep your wings and use your better low speed turning against them. With fighters that are better in turns with energy such as Mirages, Drakens, and F-5s, slowly take away their energy and altitude, making them easy targets to clean up . Your upgraded engine over the Su-17 will allow you to escape from any attempts these fighters attempt to make with you. It is not recommended to turn-fight F-5s and is best to slowly drain their speed and never attempt to turn with them, as the F-5's energy retention and turn rate is higher than the Su-22 in almost all circumstances.
 +
 
 +
Always be mindful of your speed and sweep angle as many pilots will find that their plane can become either very sluggish at full sweep angles or be very slow with unswept angles. NEVER attempt to take on coordinated groups as your missiles and guns can be quickly drained (as you only get 6 R-60 at maximum and only 160 rounds for your cannons), and get you shot down quickly. It is strongly recommended to play in coordination with other players to bait enemy players into you to drastically increase your chances of survival. Going to high altitude is unadvised, as with the Su-22's low countermeasure amount, (12 large-calibre countermeasures) you will be quickly dispatched by radar guided missiles such as the AIM-7 Sparrow.
 +
 
 +
The Su-22M3 has a low turning rate when you are at higher speeds. If you have a F-5C on your tail, try to go to your teammates for help because you can't out-turn them no mater what.
 +
 
 +
For a base bombing run, the Su-22M3 is a good plane as it can hold enough bombs to destroy 2 bases and still have 2 R-60s for use. Try to fly low towards the ground to minimize the plane's profile to radar. The two R-60s can be reserved for self-defense or for assisting with any teammates that need help. A small team of {{PAGENAME}}s can quickly destroy all of the enemy bases.
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 +
=== Radars ===
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
! colspan="4" | SRD-5 - Rangefinding radar
 +
|-
 +
! {{Annotation|Maximum<br/>Tracking<br/>Range|The maximum range at which a target can be tracked}}
 +
! {{Annotation|Minimum<br/>Tracking<br/>Range|The range below which targets cannot be tracked by the radar}}
 +
! {{Annotation|Azimuth Tracking<br/>Angle|How far to each side the radar can track a target}}
 +
! {{Annotation|Elevation Tracking<br/>Angle|How far up and down the radar can track a target}}
 +
|-
 +
| 3,000 m || 300 m || ±9° || ±9°
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
=== Pros and cons ===
 +
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
 +
 
 +
'''Pros:'''
  
 
* High max speed and climb rate
 
* High max speed and climb rate
−
* About 50 presets of secondary weapons
+
* Numerous weapon loadout presets
 
* Brilliant selection of guided weapons to hit ground targets
 
* Brilliant selection of guided weapons to hit ground targets
 
* Variable sweep wing
 
* Variable sweep wing
 
* Brilliant S-25L laser-guided missiles
 
* Brilliant S-25L laser-guided missiles
 +
* Excellent manoeuvrability with wings at minimum sweep
 +
* High energy retention in swept wings and high energy bleed rate with minimum sweep wings
 +
* Large-calibre countermeasures are more effective than standard countermeasures at luring away missiles
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
 
* Huge target
 
* Huge target
−
* Somewhat sluggish at low speeds
+
* Somewhat sluggish at near stall speeds
 +
* Becomes very sluggish with fully swept wings and has a very low max speed with non-swept wings
 +
* Lacks radar
 +
* Lacks any long range (radar-guided) air-to-air missiles, is limited to 6 x or 2 x R-60s/R-60MKs
 +
* Requires the near constant use of manual wing sweep in combat
 +
* Very low countermeasure count requires sparing use
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
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The Su-22M3 is one of the variants of the Su-17 strike aircraft series designed for export. A distinctive feature of the project was the adaptation of the Su-17M3 airframe for the installation of the Tumansky R-29BS-300 engine, similar to the exported MiG-23’s R-29-300. It was assumed that the engine, familiar to foreign operators, would simplify the service and operation of the aircraft. Unlike the earlier simplified commercial versions, the Su-22M3 modification had avionics completely unified with the Su-17M3. The machine was produced in 1982-83 in Komsomolsk-on-Amur, a total of 70 Su-22M3 units were built. These fighter-bombers were delivered to Hungary, Siria, and Iraq.
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The Su-22M3 is one of the variants of the Su-17 strike aircraft series designed for export. A distinctive feature of the project was the adaptation of the Su-17M3 airframe for the installation of the Tumansky R-29BS-300 engine, similar to the exported MiG-23's R-29-300. It was assumed that the engine, familiar to foreign operators, would simplify the service and operation of the aircraft. Unlike the earlier simplified commercial versions, the Su-22M3 modification had avionics completely unified with the Su-17M3. The machine was produced in 1982-83 in Komsomolsk-on-Amur, a total of 70 Su-22M3 units were built. These fighter-bombers were delivered to Hungary, Syria, and Iraq.
 +
 
 +
The Su-22M3 incorporated several design features. It increased the fuel capacity compared to older Su-17 variants like the Su-17M2. It added new structures for K-13 and R-60 missiles. In Syrian hands, it served in the Yom Kippur War and the 1982 Lebanese War. During the Syrian Civil War, most aircraft used by the governmental forces used unguided ammunition such as "dumb" bombs, napalm bombs and cluster bombs against rebel fortifications and terrorist groups. An unknown number were lost to MANPADS from the rebel forces and in two incidents they fought the US and Israel. In the first (2017), an American F/A-18E Super Hornet encountered, intercepted, and destroyed a Syrian Su-22. In the second one (2018), two Su-22s were lost to Patriot missiles from Israel.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
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''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
+
 
 +
;Skins
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* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=su_22m3 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
Line 211: Line 321:
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
  
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;Related development
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;;;Related Development
−
 
+
;;*[[Su-17/22 (Family)]]
−
* [[Su-17M2]]
+
;; '''Other jet planes with variable sweep wings'''
 +
;* [[Tornado (Family)]]
 +
;* [[MiG-23 (Family)]]
 +
;* [[F-14 (Family)|F14 (Family)]]
 +
;* [[F-111A]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==

Latest revision as of 05:26, 28 April 2024

Rank VI | Premium | Golden Eagles
Chinese A-5C Pack
This page is about the Soviet squadron strike aircraft Su-22M3. For other versions, see Su-17/22 (Family).
Su-22M3
su_22m3.png
GarageImage Su-22M3.jpg
Su-22M3
USSR flag.png USSR
VII Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
11.7 11.3 11.0
Class:
SQUADRON
Research:520 000 Specs-Card-Activity.png
Purchase:710 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The Su-22M3 was an export variant of the Su-17 strike aircraft developed by the Soviet Union. Used by different nations around the globe, the Su-22M3 variant employed the airframe of the Su-17M3 and adapted it to use a similar engine to that of the export variants of the MiG-23, in this case, the Tumansky R-29BS-300 engine. Being exported to Syria, Su-22s were employed during the Yom Kippur War and in the 1982 Lebanese War with several losses to Israeli aircraft. During the Syrian Civil War, they were used by the Syrian Air Force to attack rebel forces and suffered limited casualties up to 2015. After that, some were lost to MANPADS, two units were lost to Israeli Patriot missiles, and one was lost to an American F/A-18E Super Hornet.

Introduced in Update "Winged Lions", the Su-22M3 has some differences from its tech tree counterpart, the Su-17M2. It uses a Tumansky R-29 engine similar to the MiG-23M/MiG-27M, and the airframe is that of the Su-17M3, featuring a new forward fuselage layout modified from a two-seat trainer variant. The flight performance is similar, but the Su-22M3 has enhanced payload options: it can carry up to six R-60 missiles for air-to-air combat compared to the Su-17M2's four, and up to four Kh-25ML or two Kh-29L compared to the Su-17M2's two Kh-25 or one Kh-29L. It also has countermeasures, something the Su-17M2 sorely lacks. The 12 flares/chaff capacity is stingy, but they still make the Su-22M3 a less vulnerable target to incoming missiles.

General info

Flight performance

Air brakes
Allows you to dramatically reduce the flight speed by releasing special flaps
Drogue parachute
Reduces braking distance when landing on any runway
Max speed
at 11 000 m2 232 km/h
Turn time27 s
Max altitude19 500 m
EngineSaturn R-29BS-300
Type
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight19 t

Despite its long wingspan and massive profile, the Su-22M3 is pretty responsive and has significant manoeuvrability for a plane of its profile. Thanks to the variable wing swept, it can move its center of mass and, thus, increase or decrease its roll rate. A higher wing angle allows for higher speeds with a reduced roll rate and vice versa; a lower sweep means slower speeds at an increased roll rate. While it is not meant to do so, the Su-22M3 is a pretty good turnfighter compared to other jet fighters. Combined with the R-60 missile, this ability makes it a capable fighter in the hands of a good pilot. The engine is potent for a plane its size, making the Su-22M3 reach speeds up to 2,500 km/h. However, it must be known that these high speeds can only be acquired when flying at significant altitudes.

Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 11,000 m) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 2,205 2,190 19500 27.4 27.5 148.5 142.0 850
Upgraded 2,251 2,232 26.6 27.0 193.3 169.9

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear Drogue chute
X ✓ ✓ ✓ X ✓
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
1417 630 N/A 477 473 ~__ ~__
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 740 < 650 < 650 N/A

Engine performance

Engine Aircraft mass
Engine name Number Basic mass Wing loading (full fuel)
Saturn R-29BS-300 1 11,050 kg ___ kg/m2
Engine characteristics Mass with fuel (no weapons load) Max Takeoff
Weight
Weight (each) Type 9m fuel 20m fuel 30m fuel 33m fuel
1,800 kg Afterburning axial-flow turbojet 12,190 kg 13,345 kg 14,493 kg 14,850 kg _,___ kg
Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB) Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
Condition 100% WEP 9m fuel 20m fuel 30m fuel 33m fuel MTOW
Stationary 7,910 kgf 10,156 kgf 0.83 0.76 0.70 0.68 _.__
Optimal 8,226 kgf
(1,400 km/h) 		12,570 kgf
(1,400 km/h) 		1.03 0.94 0.87 0.85 _.__

Survivability and armour

Flares/Chaff
Aircraft countermeasures to distract IR and radar-guided missiles and also AA radar
Crew1 person
Speed of destruction
Structural0 km/h
Gear630 km/h

The Su-22M3 is vulnerable to any anti-air weapon, from anti-air cannons to missiles. However, the speed it can reach and the stand-off weapons make it a very versatile aircraft, reducing the attack window and awareness of enemy anti-air systems; this should be the main "armour" to use in combat. However, the small amount of countermeasures makes it one of the most vulnerable high-rank jets in-game, with only 12 countermeasures. These are large-calibre countermeasures, meaning they are more effective than the standard countermeasures seen in other aircraft. Depending on the Su-22M3 attitude, the large-calibre flares can disrupt IR guidance even if the afterburner is at full power. However, the Su-22M3 is still vulnerable to BVR missiles (Beyond-Visual-Range), like those mounted on the F-14 Tomcat and some models of the F-4 Phantom. The Su-22M3 lacks BVR weapons, and pilots must close the distance with the attacker to have a chance to fight back.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB3 213 → 4 707 Sl icon.png
RB8 225 → 12 049 Sl icon.png
SB9 723 → 14 244 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications228 000 Rp icon.png
352 000 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost2 800 Ge icon.png
Crew training200 000 Sl icon.png
Experts710 000 Sl icon.png
Aces2 800 Ge icon.png
Research Aces1 080 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
80 / 300 / 600 % Sl icon.png
232 / 232 / 232 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods jet compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
6 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
10 000 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mods booster.png
New boosters
Research:
7 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
9 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
460 Ge icon.png
Mods jet engine.png
Engine
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
23 000 Sl icon.png
740 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
6 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
10 000 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
7 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods g suit.png
G-suit
Research:
9 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
460 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
23 000 Sl icon.png
740 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
NR_30_belt_pack
Research:
6 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
10 000 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
FAB-250
Research:
6 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
10 000 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods heli false thermal targets.png
Flares/Chaff
Research:
6 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
10 000 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon block rocket.png
B-8M1
Research:
6 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
10 000 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods napalm fire bomb.png
ZB-500
Research:
6 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
10 000 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mods weapon.png
NR_30_new_gun
Research:
7 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
FAB-500
Research:
7 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods air to air missile.png
R-60
Research:
7 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon rocket.png
S-24
Research:
7 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods agm missile.png
Kh-23M
Research:
7 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods gunpods.png
Gun pod SPPU-22-01
Research:
9 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
460 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods air to air missile.png
R-60MK
Research:
9 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
460 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon rocket.png
S-25
Research:
9 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
460 Ge icon.png
Mods agm missile.png
Kh-25
Research:
9 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
460 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods ammo.png
ns23_belt_pack
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
23 000 Sl icon.png
740 Ge icon.png
Mods jet engine extinguisher.png
EFS
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
23 000 Sl icon.png
740 Ge icon.png
40px
Kh-29L
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
23 000 Sl icon.png
740 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Ballistic Computer
CCIP (Guns) CCIP (Rockets) CCIP (Bombs) CCRP (Bombs)
Icon GreenCheckmark.png Icon GreenCheckmark.png Icon GreenCheckmark.png Icon GreenCheckmark.png

Offensive armament

Main article: NR-30 (30 mm)

The Su-22M3 is armed with:

  • A choice between two presets:
    • 2 x 30 mm NR-30 cannons, wing root-mounted (80 rpg = 160 total)
    • 2 x 30 mm NR-30 cannons + 12 x large calibre countermeasures

Suspended armament

The Su-22M3 can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Hardpoints Su-22UM3K (Germany).png
23 mm GSh-23L cannons (250 rpg) 1 1
100 kg OFAB-100 bombs 5 1 4 4 1 5
250 kg OFAB-250sv bombs 1 1 3 3 1 1
250 kg OFAB-250Sh bombs 1 1 3 3 1 1
500 kg FAB-500M-62 bombs 1 1 2 2 1 1
500 kg FAB-500Sh bombs 1 1 2 2 1 1
ZB-500 incendiary bombs 1 1 1 1
S-3K rockets 7 7 7 7
S-8KO rockets 20 20 20 20
S-24B rockets 1 1 1 1 1 1
S-25O rockets 1 1
Kh-23M missiles 1* 1*
Kh-25ML missiles 1 1 1 1
Kh-29L missiles 1 1
R-60 missiles 1 2 2 1
R-60MK missiles 1 2 2 1
S-25L missiles 1 1
Delta-NG targeting pod 1*
820 l drop tanks 1 1 1 1
* The Delta-NG targeting pod must be carried when equipping Kh-23M missiles
Default weapon presets
  • 4 x 820 l drop tanks
  • 2 x R-60 missiles
  • 6 x R-60 missiles
  • 6 x R-60MK missiles
  • 28 x S-3K rockets
  • 80 x S-8KO rockets
  • 6 x S-24B rockets
  • 2 x S-25O rockets
  • 2 x S-25L missiles
  • 2 x Kh-23M missiles
  • 4 x Kh-25ML missiles
  • 2 x Kh-29L missiles
  • 20 x 100 kg OFAB-100 bombs (2,000 kg total)
  • 10 x 250 kg OFAB-250sv bombs (2,500 kg total)
  • 10 x 250 kg OFAB-250Sh bombs (2,500 kg total)
  • 8 x 500 kg FAB-500M-62 bombs (4,000 kg total)
  • 8 x 500 kg FAB-500Sh bombs (4,000 kg total)
  • 4 x ZB-500 incendiary bombs
  • 2 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannons (250 rpg = 500 total)

The Su-22M3 has a substantial amount of different weapons for different situations. As it is implied, most of the ordnance is meant for a wide variety of ground pounding strategies and techniques, from pin-point precision airstrikes to total destruction. Its ordnance is not only very powerful for ground battles but also come in handy for aircraft simulator battles.

Unguided rockets

It is pretty straightforward that the use of unguided rockets are primarily for quick destruction of unarmoured targets such as howitzers, trucks, anti-air guns, etc. But some are very capable of decimating heavily armoured targets such as MBTs, pillboxes and ships. The rockets accessible for the Su-22M3 are the S-3K, S-8KO, S-25 in an unguided and a guided variant. S-3K hold a significant amount of explosive power for a rocket its size, and since it can be carried in numbers, it is very good at taking down enemy convoys and light armoured targets. The S-8KO rockets hold a much smaller explosive power for an increase in armour penetration. Good for taking out armoured targets such as MBTs and pillboxes. The S-25O, unguided version of the S-25, hold the highest explosive power out of all the rockets seen in the Su-22M3, with up to 60 kg of explosive power. It is able to take down any target the Su-22M3 will face at the expense of only being able to carry two of these rockets. The S-25L is the laser guided version of the S-25, able to be launched without the fear of missing the target. However, this capability comes at the expense of a reduces penetration and explosive payload in order to fit the laser guidance, it only holds 20 kg of explosive power compared to the 60 kg of the S-25O.

Dumb bombs and napalm

The Su-22M3 has access to a wide range of bombs in different loadouts. It has different payloads for different purposes, from carpet bombing and lockdown of a specific area to takeout of heavily armoured targets. These bombs are the OFAB-100 100 kg bomb, OFAB-250sv 250 kg bomb, FAB-500-62 500 kg bomb and the ZB-500 incendiary bomb. Each bomb has a suggested use depending on the needs. The OFAB-100s are very capable of base destruction due to the amount to be carried and very practical when taking down enemy columns. The OFAB-250sv are more for medium-game hunt, not too powerful as the FAB-500 but not as weak as the OFAB-100. It is an all-rounder bomb capable of everything. The FAB-500-62 is a very potent bomb able to take down even the strongest of enemies, including capital ships just like aircraft carriers. All the bombs are able to be dropped one-by-one, making it able to do precision airstrikes with a single bomb over a single or multiple targets. The ZB-500 incendiary bomb has a limited but interesting effect as it is able to take down almost instantly lightly armoured columns and lockdown areas for lightly armoured vehicles such as a capture point or a strategic location in the map.

Air-to-ground missiles

The Su-22M3, as the successor of the Su-17M2, has access to the same missiles but at an increased cargo capability. It is able to hold almost double the amount of missiles of the Su-17M2. It has access to Kh-23M, Kh-25ML and Kh-29L, all very capable missiles with their pros and cons. Kh-23M, as seen in the Su-17M2 and other aircraft with access to them such as the Yak-38, are very similar in nature to AS.30 Nord and AGM-12 Bullpup; a small explosive payload in a manually controlled missile. It is a good starter missile but is not recommended for this to be the main ground pounding weapon as their low explosive mass and manual guidance make this a very difficult to use weapon, but in the hands of a skilled pilot, these can be proven to be devastating. Kh-25ML are the first laser guided missiles the Su-22M3 has access to, holding a third of the explosive power the FAB-500-62 has but with the advantage of being able to be guided up to target with extreme precision. It is able to take down many enemies with a single missile and in rapid succession. Thanks to being able to carry four of these missiles, the Su-22M3 is an excellent ground pounder when using these missiles. Finally, the Kh-29L, the biggest air-to-ground missile in the game. Holding slightly less than half of the explosive power of the FAB-500-62, the Kh-29L is the ultimate all-rounder missile capable of decimating almost everything it faces. It is extremely capable of taking down even the heaviest of ground targets with ease and able to cause significant damage to even greater targets such as cruisers or aircraft carriers. Two well placed hits from the Kh-29L are enough to take down an entire aircraft carrier within seconds.

Air-to-Air missiles

The R-60 missiles are versatile in medium-range engagements. However, the limited range of 3 km (>2 mi) means that the Su-22M3 runs the risk of becoming trapped in a dogfight where its poor turn and roll rates reduce the chances of getting a lock. Additionally, the R-60s' short range means that pilots must stay alert for BVR missiles, which will destroy the Su-22M3 without warning. Flanking the enemy side and engaging from behind will let the pilot take advantage of the six R-60s the Su-22M3 can carry.

Usage in battles

In air battles, like the Su-17, the Su-22M3's usage and capabilities are heavily dependent on how well you can use the variable sweep to your advantage. With the wings fully swept, its performance at low speeds can become extremely sluggish, making you an easy target for any fighter that finds you at slow speeds. However, with the wings unswept and with awareness of your speed, altitude, and enemy presence, you can dominate any sustained fights. It is best to start out your match by attacking bombing bases, then after all your bombs are dropped, head into direction of the enemy teams base at low altitudes and avoid head-ons. Try to drag fighters away from the group.

On 1v1s against F-4s, JA37s, and MiG-21MFs, attempt to drag them into lower speeds where you can fully unsweep your wings and use your better low speed turning against them. With fighters that are better in turns with energy such as Mirages, Drakens, and F-5s, slowly take away their energy and altitude, making them easy targets to clean up . Your upgraded engine over the Su-17 will allow you to escape from any attempts these fighters attempt to make with you. It is not recommended to turn-fight F-5s and is best to slowly drain their speed and never attempt to turn with them, as the F-5's energy retention and turn rate is higher than the Su-22 in almost all circumstances.

Always be mindful of your speed and sweep angle as many pilots will find that their plane can become either very sluggish at full sweep angles or be very slow with unswept angles. NEVER attempt to take on coordinated groups as your missiles and guns can be quickly drained (as you only get 6 R-60 at maximum and only 160 rounds for your cannons), and get you shot down quickly. It is strongly recommended to play in coordination with other players to bait enemy players into you to drastically increase your chances of survival. Going to high altitude is unadvised, as with the Su-22's low countermeasure amount, (12 large-calibre countermeasures) you will be quickly dispatched by radar guided missiles such as the AIM-7 Sparrow.

The Su-22M3 has a low turning rate when you are at higher speeds. If you have a F-5C on your tail, try to go to your teammates for help because you can't out-turn them no mater what.

For a base bombing run, the Su-22M3 is a good plane as it can hold enough bombs to destroy 2 bases and still have 2 R-60s for use. Try to fly low towards the ground to minimize the plane's profile to radar. The two R-60s can be reserved for self-defense or for assisting with any teammates that need help. A small team of Su-22M3s can quickly destroy all of the enemy bases.

Radars

SRD-5 - Rangefinding radar
Maximum
Tracking
Range 		Minimum
Tracking
Range 		Azimuth Tracking
Angle 		Elevation Tracking
Angle
3,000 m 300 m ±9° ±9°

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • High max speed and climb rate
  • Numerous weapon loadout presets
  • Brilliant selection of guided weapons to hit ground targets
  • Variable sweep wing
  • Brilliant S-25L laser-guided missiles
  • Excellent manoeuvrability with wings at minimum sweep
  • High energy retention in swept wings and high energy bleed rate with minimum sweep wings
  • Large-calibre countermeasures are more effective than standard countermeasures at luring away missiles

Cons:

  • Huge target
  • Somewhat sluggish at near stall speeds
  • Becomes very sluggish with fully swept wings and has a very low max speed with non-swept wings
  • Lacks radar
  • Lacks any long range (radar-guided) air-to-air missiles, is limited to 6 x or 2 x R-60s/R-60MKs
  • Requires the near constant use of manual wing sweep in combat
  • Very low countermeasure count requires sparing use

History

The Su-22M3 is one of the variants of the Su-17 strike aircraft series designed for export. A distinctive feature of the project was the adaptation of the Su-17M3 airframe for the installation of the Tumansky R-29BS-300 engine, similar to the exported MiG-23's R-29-300. It was assumed that the engine, familiar to foreign operators, would simplify the service and operation of the aircraft. Unlike the earlier simplified commercial versions, the Su-22M3 modification had avionics completely unified with the Su-17M3. The machine was produced in 1982-83 in Komsomolsk-on-Amur, a total of 70 Su-22M3 units were built. These fighter-bombers were delivered to Hungary, Syria, and Iraq.

The Su-22M3 incorporated several design features. It increased the fuel capacity compared to older Su-17 variants like the Su-17M2. It added new structures for K-13 and R-60 missiles. In Syrian hands, it served in the Yom Kippur War and the 1982 Lebanese War. During the Syrian Civil War, most aircraft used by the governmental forces used unguided ammunition such as "dumb" bombs, napalm bombs and cluster bombs against rebel fortifications and terrorist groups. An unknown number were lost to MANPADS from the rebel forces and in two incidents they fought the US and Israel. In the first (2017), an American F/A-18E Super Hornet encountered, intercepted, and destroyed a Syrian Su-22. In the second one (2018), two Su-22s were lost to Patriot missiles from Israel.

Media

Skins

See also

Related Development
Other jet planes with variable sweep wings

External links


Sukhoi Design Bureau (Сухого Опытное конструкторское бюро)
Jet fighters  Su-9 · Su-11
Su-27  Su-27 · Su-27SM
Strike aircraft 
Su-2  BB-1 · Su-2 (M-82) · Su-2 MV-5 · Su-2 TSS-1
Su-6  Su-6 · Su-6 (AM-42) · Su-6 (M-71F)
Su-7  Su-7B · Su-7BKL · Su-7BMK
Su-8  Su-8
Su-17  Su-17M2 · Su-17M4 · Su-22M3
Su-24  Su-24M
Su-25  Su-25 · Su-25BM · Su-25K · Su-25T · Su-25SM3 · Su-39
Su-34  Su-34
Export  ◊Su-22UM3K · ◔Su-22M3 · ◊Su-22M4 · ◄Su-22M4 WTD61
  J-11*
  *CKD and SKD kits assembled by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation

USSR jet aircraft
Bereznyak-Isayev  BI
Yakovlev  Yak-15 · Yak-15P · Yak-17 · Yak-23 · Yak-28B · Yak-30D · Yak-38 · Yak-38M · Yak-141
Mikoyan-Gurevich  MiG-9 · MiG-9 (l) · MiG-15 · MiG-15bis · MiG-15bis ISh · MiG-17 · MiG-17AS · MiG-19PT
  MiG-21F-13 · MiG-21PFM · MiG-21S (R-13-300) · MiG-21SMT · MiG-21bis
  MiG-23M · MiG-23ML · MiG-23MLD · MiG-27M · MiG-27K
  MiG-29 · MiG-29SMT
Lavochkin  La-174 · La-15 · La-200
Sukhoi  Su-9 · Su-11
  Su-7B · Su-7BKL · Su-7BMK · Su-17M2 · Su-17M4 · Su-22M3
  Su-24M
  Su-25 · Su-25BM · Su-25K · Su-25T · Su-25SM3 · Su-39
  Su-27 · Su-27SM
  Su-34
Ilyushin  IL-28 · IL-28Sh
Tupolev  Tu-14T

Squadron aircraft
USA  A-4E Early · F-117
Germany  Me 262 A-1a/U1 · ◌Hunter F.58
USSR  Su-22M3
Britain  Firecrest · Sea Harrier FRS.1
Japan  ▄F-5E FCU
China  JF-17

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