The eleventh June 1956, came a joint resolution of the CPSU Central Committee and the USSR Council of Ministers about the beginning of serial production of aircraft “C” under the designation su-7. 24 June-1 demonstrated at air parade in Tushino. The prototype was piloted by Nikolai Korovushkin. Structure of the planes was headed by Mikoyan E-2, because his design was still considered “the first fighter CB” of the country. But the real leadership was in the Dry – after all, the speed of 2M fighter Mikoyan not yet released.
Under serial production of the su-7 was given the 126th plant in Komsomolsk-on-Amur. Previously it was listed for OKB Mikoyan. Preparation of the material base of the plant to transition to the new technology began well in advance – January 6, 1956, when the Director of the plant F. A. Bereznivskomu gave the corresponding order from Dementieva: “Permission to begin preparations for the production of small series of C-2 with the objective of producing 10 aircraft in the first quarter of 1957…”.
The terms were hard, but the order is very pleased of the employees, who recently sat on the minimum wage without bonuses instead of combat aircraft produced to small shops, harvester, gliders and even furniture; and then, the present work -10 combat aircraft. In 1958, the air force was expecting delivery of another 100 su-7. The total planned production volume amounted to about two hundred machines. Workers and engineers literally snatched on the job.
Formally, the development of the aircraft ended, and October 29, 1957 C-1 and C-2 passed on acceptance tests to the customer.
23 Nov disaster occurred s-1. The plane crashed near the town of Shchyolkovo, Moscow region, pilot Igor Nikolaevich Sokolov were killed. During the landing he suffered an engine surge. Here is how these events test pilot Stepan anastasovich Mikoyan flying next to a MiG-19: the “Igor made me a few attacks to check the DME, then said he was going to land. I asked him to come forward to try him on your radar. “I don’t have time”, – said Igor somewhat strained voice and went to the landing radio channel. A bit later I also switched to this channel, and immediately heard the words of Igor: “engine failure, coming in for a landing”. It was close to the airport, so turned away from him and immediately released gear. When he turned back to the airfield, it turned out that height is not enough – not endure. While in the air, I saw his plane, planning on Shchelkovo. Igor could eject, but then the plane would have fallen on the city. To fly home and the railroad, Igor reduced the gliding angle, but decreased speed. When he reached the field, the speed was already so low that the plane did not sit down and “flopped” with a big vertical speed. Seeing the landing, I was still hoping that Igor is alive, but alas…”.
After this disaster, a government Commission decided to suspend testing until the deficiencies in the power plant. All manufactured in Komsomolsk-on-Amur, pre-production machines were returned to EDO for additional tests and improvements. As it turned out, the culprit of the accident was himself Sokolov, who by mistake turned the system off control the bypass air. However, the reputation of the su-7 was seriously marred. Some pilots began to look at the fighter cautiously.
Su-7БМК (foreground) paired with the su-17UM
March 23, 1958, the first production su-7 No. 0101, piloted by test pilot V. M. by Pronjakina, took to the air from runway factory airfield. Gaining altitude 500 m, su-7 went in the direction of a Cupid, turned around, made a circle over the airfield and landed safely. Flight lasted 24 minutes.
Production aircraft were constantly improved and were eliminated the deficiencies detected during the operation.
So, the su-7 from No. 0401, lengthened the nose and gave the front edge of a supersonic air intake the acute form, which had a beneficial impact on the stability of the power plant. But problems still remained, especially during the use of weapons and the work in this direction continued. The su-7 from No. 0601, the sides of the forward fuselage mounted anti-surge four fold. Next came replacing the AL-7F engine on his new modification of the AL-7F-1. “F-1” was very different from its predecessor and had another by-pass air. This time the “extra” air is withdrawn from the first stage through the annular gap. To deal with a possible stall processes put it on another and rotating blades. In addition, the afterburning chamber received the division of flow into two circuits and two-position adjustable nozzle, which offset the loss of traction from the additional bypass.
Appropriate changes were made and the plane itself. The tail section of its fuselage had been extended, and in the bow, installed a new electro-hydraulic control system of cone ASUV-1. Modified car received index C21-1. After flight test, all changes went into production, starting with the su-7 No. 0901.
The release of the su-7 continued until 1961. Just 133 were built fighter aircraft, including 10 pre-production, and the first 20 production aircraft had the engines AL-7F.
Serial production of the su-7
Given the huge demand in the air force these fighters, the number built su-7 was just miserable – they were armed only with two fighter aviation regiments -523 and 821. Both parts were based in Primorsky Krai, close to the plant of the manufacturer. Part of the aircraft arrived in Yeisk higher air force school, where was deployed the training of pilots. Officially adopted the su-7 was not adopted. This is partly due to the presence of the air force alternative fighter aircraft – a MiG-21. Thanks to the simple to operate the power plant and better landing characteristics, the required length of the runway had almost 40% less, it was more appropriate for front-line fighter. For taking it on Board is not required costly increase in runways across the country. In addition, the MiG was not as noticeable in the air, and the fuel consumption was lower.
Actually all this determined the further fate of the project:
The MiG-21 was the “workhorse” tactical aviation, and the su-7 began to alter in the shock plane.
Su-7B
The development of a new version of the su-7 started in the spring of 1956. The basis of the project put a new air force requirement for a supersonic front-line bomber. The military wanted to get the plane at a speed of from 2000 to 3000 km/h, with a ceiling of 20 000 to 24 000 m, a range of not less than 2500 km and a bomb load of 3000 kg required speed and altitude characteristics of the su-7 had nearly reached, it remains only to increase the range and payload mass. To this end, the wings of the su-7 was arranged auxiliary fuel tanks under the fuselage and the wing were fixed to the corresponding beam mounts, main landing gear was strengthened and lengthened. The project received the designation S-22.
Additional wing tanks were placed in the cavity of the wing, which was limited by spar, a rear wall, main beam and one of the ribs. The tank was located approximately in the middle of polorama. Sealing of the cavity was achieved by using rubber gaskets in riveted joints. The total capacity of the two tanks was $ 1090 liters. To further increase the flight range under the fuselage it was possible to attach two external fuel tanks of 600 liters each.
On an external suspension bracket C-22 could carry conventional bombs and rockets weighing up to 2000 kg.
In view of the fact that the Tupolev, Ilyushin and Yakovlev was unable to imagine the military in response to their demands anything suitable, offer Dry, which although did not reach the desired characteristics, have received the clear support of the customer. In the summer of 1958 was issued a corresponding decree of the government, in which OKB-51 was ordered to begin development of the su-7B (“B” from the word “bomber”). It was pointed out that in addition to conventional weapons, the machine must have a promising tactical nuclear bomb.
Su-7БКЛ:
1 – rudder; 2 – hinge of the rudder; 3 – operational access doors; 4 – brake; 5 – the movable part of the lamp; 6 – canopy canopy; 7 – antisurge fold; 8 – reinforcing panel; 9 – fuselage pylon; 10-UPK-23-250; 11 – unit of fastening of the stabilizer; 12 – periscope; 13 – reinforcing pad of increased size; 14 – connection of the aerodrome power supply; 15-seat COP-4; 16-LDPE-5; 17-DUAS-133-8; 18 – sliding part of the lamp in open position; 19 engine; 20 – end aerodynamic ridge; 21 – wheel main landing gear; 22 – nose gear wheel; 23 – the nose landing gear; 24 – fold the nose landing gear; 25 – drag chute container; 26 – fold container; 27 – fairing electricity and radioprofi; 28 – the tail section of the fuselage; 29 – resistant pad; 30 – shield niche of the main stand; 31 – ladder; the 32 – gun; 33 – air intake; 34 – plate trimmer of the Elevator; 35 – static electricity discharger; 36 – anti-flatter load; 37 – air intake; 38 – louvered air vent with tape bypass; 39 – plate trimmer of the flap; 40 – flaps; 41 – Aileron; 42 – wing static electricity discharger; 43 – ANO; 44 – wing emergency PVD; 45 maintenance hatches; 46 – Luke equipment ammunition; 47 – Luke electrical equipment; 48 – port radio equipment; 49 – periscope; 50 – handlebar height; 51 maintenance hatches; 52 – external wing pylons; 53, the inner wing pylon; 54 – fold niche of cleaning the main chassis; 55 – Luke the gun compartment; 56 antenna SOD-57; 57 – air line system for the protection of intake; 58 – fold niche cleaning the nose landing gear, the 59 – shutter; 60 – off and landing (taxiing) headlight; 61 – the attachment of boosters; 62 – the brake pads; 63 – braking parachute; 64 – flaps in the landing position; 65 – ski
The prototype aircraft has decided to build on the basis of one of the early production fighters No. 0204. On the machine installed the engine AL-7F-1 and control system air inlet with antisurge valves, the type of the last series of the su-7.
The first flight of the C-22-1 took place on 24 April 1959, in the cockpit was test pilot Yevgeny Stepanovich Solovyov. Until the beginning of December was made 50 flights under the factory test machine. Further-22-1 was distilled under Akhtubinsk for testing weapons systems. In February 1960 he was joined by the second prototype bomber – C-22-2.
The country urgently needed a supersonic tactical media nuclear bomb, therefore, simultaneously with the delivery of the aircraft began its mass production. Even before the completion of joint state tests and adoption of the su-7B into service of the 126th plant has already built more than a hundred production cars.
During the tests, revealed many deficiencies combat aircraft. First and foremost – the lack of onboard systems, providing precision bombing from horizontal flight and kupirovaniya. Set aboard the “fighter” sight ASP-5 NM could only help when shooting unguided rockets, cannons or when you reset the bombs in a shallow dive, but here the tracking of goal prevented rod LDPE.
Operation of the su-7B from unpaved airfields was impossible. The length of the concrete strip had to be at least 2200 m. due to the high primary chassis the bow of the su-7B bent down and the intake was more to “drain” off the ground, dust and even accidental foreign objects that would damage the compressor blades.
The military has invited designers to replace navigation devices, set the autopilot, to expand the range of weapons and false to eliminate the other shortcomings.
The official decision on acceptance of the machine into service went on 24 Jan 1961. Production aircraft went into service the parts of the newly created fighter-bombers. The first su-7B rearmed 642-th separate regiment of fighter-bombers near Odessa. Retraining of front-line pilots was held at the 4 tsbp PLS in Voronezh.
The main drawback was eliminated in 1963. The aircraft set a device for bombing from horizontal flight and kupirovaniya – PBK-1 and equipment for the use of nuclear bombs of the type RN-28. It was created on the basis of very small charge that time, RDS-9, with a capacity of 5 kt. Product weight: 480 kg Bomb hung on the left ventral pylon is equipped with a special connector. Fuse RN-28 was adjusted to the height of blasting from 0 to 250 m. drogue bomb had.
During serial production of the su-7B set the system to automatically reduce engine revs during start-up rockets, which prevents surging and removed the pre-imposed constraints.
To reduce the likelihood of ingestion of foreign objects into the air intake main landing gear was shortened by 0,115 m.
Rod LDPE to not interfere with the aiming, was moved to starboard.
To improve the reliability and manufacturability electroplaits passing through the engine compartment, carried on the surface of the fuselage in two small fairing.
Su-7BM
In 1962 to replace the su-7B came an improved modification of the su-7BM, which had fixed most of the comments made during the entrance examination.
To increase the flight range of the capacity of the internal tanks brought to 3650 years, made possible the suspension of two additional tanks of 600 liters under the wing. Total fuel capacity increased to 6210 L. Increased speed of the landing gear and replaced the Pneumatics of the wheels more durable.
BM has installed an improved navigation equipment: new course system of KSI-2, artificial horizon AGD-1, the autopilot AP-28-1, automatic radio ark-10, the dampers in the channels of pitch and roll, the radio altimeter low altitude RV-UM. This set is significantly simplified handling and increased output precision on the target.
For a suspension bracket of bombs of the new sample improved the aerodynamics of the beam holders FAB-250М62 and FAB-500M62, which enabled it to fly at speeds up to 1180 km/h.
Continuing work to protect power plant, the aircraft was equipped with jet system protection air intake “blow-off”. Its operating principle was quite simple: compressed air from the compressor was fed through a long pipe under the intake and “fanned” the debris ahead of the aircraft. However, the operation of the system in combat units showed that the system “blow-off”, raising clouds of dust, only contributed to the ingress of small particles into the engine and its usually blocked.
Su-7БКЛ
Modification of the BKL is the result of years of research work on improving the landing characteristics of the su-7B and giving him the opportunity to based on pound the airfields. Flight tests on these topics was conducted at the experimental aircraft: C-22-4, C-23, s-25, S-26.
Serial fighter-bomber mounted the attachment of the starting powder accelerator sprd-110. With the front wheel removed the brake and the main landing, next to the wheel of larger diameter, attached retractable small ski, which prevented the disappearance of the chassis in the soft ground. Control brought to the switch in the cockpit.
The brake chute was moved to the container at the base of the keel. Landing distance, compared to the previous modifications, thus reduced to 500 m. boosters reduced the length of the runway by 500 – 800 m, depending on takeoff weight.
Internal fuel capacity increased to 245 litres, due to the expansion of the fuselage tank No. 3.
During the production of the aircraft has been progressively elaborated. They added two more underwing beam holder and allowed the use of mnogoshagovykh beam holders MBDZ-Y6-68 (20 bombs caliber 100 kg 10 – 250 kg, 4 – 500 kg). To increase the flight range has developed new overhead bins with a capacity of 950 l and L. 1150 Weight increased to 2500 kg.
Su-7БМК
Modification of aircraft for export sales received the designation of BMK (the”K” means “commercial”). Based on the BM with the tail section of the fuselage from BKL. Was distinguished by the usual wheeled chassis and equipment. The plane was deprived of the opportunity to use nuclear weapons and removed the instrument of PBC. In addition, replacing the system of identification and communication. The planes were supplied to Egypt, Syria, Iraq, Algeria, India, Afghanistan and North Korea.
Su-7БМК landing
At the end of 1969, the Egyptian aircraft was equipped with two additional underwing girder holders with a maximum weight load of 250 kg each.
Su-7U
Su-7U – combat training version of the aircraft with the double cab, developed on the basis of the su-7BM in 1964. The pilots are located under the scheme in tandem. To accommodate the second crew member the nose of the aircraft was lengthened by 0.2 m Blocks of REO from the outside of the compartment were made in the low fairing. To improve visibility, the instructor was equipped with a periscope.
The cabin crew closed the lantern with two open up-back sections.
The first flight of the prototype of the C-22U-1 took place on 25 October 1965.
For exports produced version of Sparky su-7УМК, whose equipment is suited to the version of BMK.
The su-7U
During the operation of the su-7 in Soviet air force various modifications of the aircraft were in service with 27 combat and 3 training regiments, two regiments of them-pure fighter (the first su-7). Seven combat units serving in Warsaw Pact countries, five in Germany and one regiment in Poland and Hungary.
In the 1960-ies the main military task of the su-7B was the nuclear strikes on tactical depth, command centres, missile bases, depots, airfields and convoys advancing/retreating NATO forces.
In the late 1960s and 1970s years, when the number of carriers of nuclear weapons and their capabilities have grown, “su seven” practically lost his status as “carriers” and in front of them began to set goals using mostly conventional weapons, namely, to provide close air support of ground troops.
One of the experimental versions of the su-7 – s-22I with variable-sweep wing, became the progenitor of a whole family of fighter-bombers su-17. These machines have been greatly improved flight performance and combat efficiency. Thanks to the constant improvement of the su-17 and its modifications continue to be in service around the world and at the present time.
COMBAT USE
Su-7 has a fairly colorful history of combat use in the middle East. Military career of “seven” began during the so-called “six day war”.
THE “SIX DAY WAR”
The background of this war is. In early 1967 Syria said that Israel focused 16 motorized brigades on the Northern border and preparing to attack. Israel categorically denied these charges and even invited the Soviet Ambassador to Syria that he visited the border areas and found no troops. But all these efforts were in vain. Every day in the middle East, growing tension, and the Arab States gradually United into a powerful anti-Israel coalition. Chance to stop the approaching attack by peaceful means, the Israeli left and his General staff began planning operation “Centre”, which was a pre-emptive surprise attack.
The disposal of Israel were 180 jet aircraft, and the air force anti-Israeli coalition, there were about 650 cars, in their number includes 64 new fighter-bomber su-7БМК the Egyptian air force. By analogy with the Soviet aircraft of the time, most of the Arab planes had no camouflage and was at the open Parking of their airfields.
To capture air superiority in the first six hours of the campaign, the Israelis decided to launch a surprise assault strikes on enemy airfields all available aircraft. The first time the attacker had to drop bombs on the runway and the taxiway, thus preventing the takeoff of fighters and in the second approach, is to strike at the aircraft Parking. To cover strategic sites, the Israelis left in reserve only 12 fighters “Mirage”.
5 June 1967, 7 hours and 45 minutes in the morning, when the Egyptian pilots went to canteen for Breakfast, the strike group was released on purpose. In the first fight destroyed more than 180 aircraft in Parking lots. The second departure Arabs lost 94 aircraft. In the third flight, “beating” continued – it was destroyed by another 53 aircraft. The total losses of the Arab States only for the first day of the war amounted to 375 planes, and over the next five days of fighting they were joined by another 76 aircraft. Israel lost a total of 40 machines.
Fighter-bomber su-7B
It is believed that on earth the Israelis managed to destroy about 30 su-7БМК, several aircraft were shot down during air combat. For example, the su-7 was the first plane that hit the famous Israeli ACE Giora Epstein (17 victories). The attack was made from the rear hemisphere at low altitude. The pilot of su-7 of his opponent did not see and Giora, quietly having approached for a short distance, fired a long burst of 30-mm guns of its Mirage IIICJ. Egyptian plane exploded in the air.
The end of the six-day war did not bring peace to the middle East. July 4, 1967 the Egyptian air force carried out several retaliatory strikes on targets in the occupied Sinai Peninsula, the Israelis and lost one MiG-17. 8 July “Mirage” shot down an Egyptian spy the MiG-21 R. the next morning on mount Sinai there was a couple of su-7БМК who have made a reconnaissance flight at high speed and low altitude. The Israelites failed to thwart their mission, but assuming that the scouts will re-appear, they are put on duty in the air link “Mirage”. Indeed, the su-7 arrived after lunch and got trapped. One scout managed to bring down, and the second escaped prosecution in the direction of Egypt. After a week of su-7 repeated attempts to fly over the Sinai Peninsula and again “Mirage” has destroyed one fighter-bomber.
“WAR OF ATTRITION”
Using lower tension, Egypt has reorganized its air force and gradually regained strength through the supply of aircraft from the USSR. The number of Egyptian su-7БМК was, according to various estimates, from 40 to 60 aircraft.
Given the experience of the six-day war, the Arabs have painted almost all of their aircraft in desert camouflage. Aircrew units distributedgeneration aircraft has passed a special training course under the guidance of Soviet instructors. The main emphasis in training was placed on attacks on ground targets from low altitudes in the wing or pair. To counter fighter aircraft of the enemy and to conduct defensive air combat attention has been given very little. It was believed that the subsonic “mister” and “hurricanes” danger for the su-7 is not represented, and fifty supersonic “Mirage” will not be able to provide serious resistance to massive attacks.
March 8, 1969, Egyptian artillery opened fire on an Israeli fortifications along the banks of the Suez canal and Egypt’s President Nasser declared on radio, that launched a “War of attrition”. In the following days the artillery and aircraft began periodic strikes against Israeli positions, trying to destroy as many enemy troops.
Su-7 at altitudes of 30 – 50 meters, broke into the Sinai Peninsula. Target found visually “jump” to a height of 400 m. high speed flight and the lack of bombs on the braking devices did not allow their attack to go. Usually su-7 was flying to the left or right of the detected object on the beam they carried out a combat turn and attacked with a gentle dive (angle 20° – 30°), or planning (5° – 10°).
The aircraft started to enter a reversal one by one, with a small interval of time. Their trajectories in space formed a figure similar to an open fan, and the car passed over the target from different directions, as if along the plates of the fan, in the direction of its handle. Hence the name of the combat maneuver – “open fan”. If su-7 went to the target in turn, but from one direction, as if along only one plate, then that “fan” was considered a “folded”. Maneuvers were performed so that the output of these was in the direction of the site.
The number of visits to the target depended on the payload and counter defenses. If the su-7 were hanged two FAB-500, the sunset was one. Rarely the pilots went on aim again and used guns, trying to keep 30% of the shells on the way back. If the pilot had two blocks of unguided rockets in UB-16 and two FAB-250 or SC-250, of visits was two. The first bombs were dropped, and the second produced a NUR.
In February 1970, the model the download of the su-7 has changed. Given that most aircraft were lost or damaged in repeated visits to the target, the machine began to hang two FAB-500 and two drop tanks, or four FAB-500, and the number of visits is strictly limited one.
Until July 20 harassing attacks of fighter-bombers was carried out by single units and in pairs, often without fighter cover, leading to unnecessary losses. April 2, “mirages” shot down two su-7.
On 20 July the air force of Egypt has planned a major air operation against air defense sites in the district of Ismailia and the Roma. In the morning, two flights of su-7 under the cover of MiG-21 500-kg bombs damaged the radar and destroyed anti-aircraft battery and night at ground targets worked, the MiG-17. They managed to cripple one of SAM HAWK, to bomb an ammunition dump and re-hit the radar in the area of Ismailia. Losses amounted to only two aircraft (according to Egyptian data, the flight has returned only one MiG-17).
Massive raids were much better, and after four days for 16 su-7 went in the bombing of the Israeli command posts and air defense SAM positions HAWK.
All defenses of Israel had about ten such complexes, each of which consisted of six launchers with three missiles each. “Hawk” was one of the first low-altitude air defense systems and its missiles could theoretically shoot down enemy aircraft at a height of 15 m. Naturally, such a small height in reality is not achieved. By hiding the launchers and the terrain it was close to 60 m. the Minimum launch range is 2 km, and the maximum – 25 km altitude the affected area was limited to the value of 15 is 17 km away. the Complex could fire at only one target, and retarget, and the next start he needed from 20 to 55 seconds. The complex had a so-called “dead zone”, which was a crater with a radius of 2 km and a height of 7 km In the attacks, the pilots of the su-7 was used for these data.
The approach to the position of the SAM was carried out at a height of 30 m, chandelle tried to start at distances of not more than 2 km from the centre position, and the attack produced in pairs and at the same time from different directions. Thus, the likelihood of damage to the aircraft was minimal. And do 24 the number of Israeli SAM could not bring down a single aircraft.
But the Egyptian missile system s-75 has chalked up one of the su-7. He was shot down near the Suez canal by mistake. Another “Dry” was shot down by a fighter “Mirage”. The overall efficiency of the blow was low due to navigational errors. Several aircraft were damaged by antiaircraft fire.
Such raids continued throughout the “War of attrition”. Another typical example is the RAID of the Egyptian aircraft on 11 September, from 10 to 16 hours, the Israeli positions were attacked by hundreds of planes. Naturally, the loss of the attacking party was large. In one su-7 was hit by a missile “hawk” and two more hit “Mirage”.
In early 1970, the crews of su-7 began to fly on a “free hunt” near Ismailia. The machine was armed with two blocks UB-16 and full ammo to the guns. To increase the duration of the flight they were suspended for two fuel tanks. Twice the aircraft came under fire HAWK SAM, but the missile flew past.
9 Feb unit su-7 was allocated for the destruction of the starting position of the Israeli air defense system. The approach to the target was carried out at a height of 30 – 50 m Between pairs of aircraft observed distance of 600 – 800 m 5 km away from the first pair did fighting spread to a height of 2500 m and dropped bombs from a dive at an angle of 30°. The second pair behind on the turn for a few seconds and made a target run is from a different direction. All maneuvers of the su-7 was performed within the near-border zones of complex lesions.
The Israelis managed to produce three of the attacking missiles. First went to the side of the su-7, when they were at a distance of 12 – 15 km, but due to the high speed fighter-bombers she passed by. The second and third missiles went into the sky when the planes were already in the “funnel is dead” and was destroyed by the killer.
August 7, 1970 between opponents, a truce was arranged. The results of the “war of attrition” appear just over 100 Egyptian planes lost and 16 Israeli. As for the su-7, on account of the Mirage IIICJ fighters were five “Dry”, three aircraft were registered for SAM HAWK and one collided with the earth because of an error of the pilot, one for the Israelis managed to hit anti-aircraft guns. Two plane was shot down by own air defenses of the Egyptians.
JUDGMENT DAY
In 1973 began the “Great liberation war” – so called it the Arabs, or the “Yom Kippur War” – so called it the Israelis. On Saturday
6 October, when Israel began a major Jewish religious holiday (Yom Kippur), Egyptian and Syrian troops, who numbered about 1400 tanks and 80,000 soldiers began large-scale hostilities. Active assistance happy provided: Algeria, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Jordan.
Su-7БМК of Egypt began fighting with the attack on enemy airfields and radar stations. The airport Rafidah attacked four unit su-7. They had to disable WFP. The airfield was covered with the Swedish 40-mm Bofors L40 guns, but they just don’t have time to open fire. The Egyptians bombed from horizontal flight at a height of 90 m. a Few enemy aircraft were destroyed, but the runway could not hurt, and when Rafidah came the second wave of attack aircraft to five units of the MiG-17, it was time to take off the two “phantom”. According to Israeli data, they were able to shoot down seven MiGs. Blow “su-seventh” on the airfield Ophir also brought the Egyptians tangible results. The fighters “Mirage” managed to shoot down two enemy aircraft.
Two dozen su-7 from the air force of Syria and Egypt attacked targets in the Golan heights. Here, thanks to the cover from the air the MiG-21, there were no losses.
For several hours war, Israeli forces in the Sinai and the Golan heights were crushed and defeated. The Israeli air force tried to prevent ground and air offensive. One su-7 were shot down by a missile launched from a fighter “Phantom”. The evening
7 Oct thought that Israel is one step away from death. But the next day, Israeli troops launched a counterattack and drove the Egyptian part. South of Ismailia, they crossed the Suez canal and moved towards Cairo. A similar situation was played out and on the Golan heights. Israeli motorized units hit the Syrians and marched on Damascus.
In the days following the fighter-bombers maintained their attacks defending Egyptian and Syrian troops and tried to get behind enemy lines. Very important were several raids on the oil refinery in Haifa, which is “su seven” managed to bomb with incendiary bombs with no losses on their part. Under fighter escort of su-7 constantly influenced the advancing part of the army of Israel. But they suffered a very tangible loss from a small-caliber anti-aircraft artillery.
On 26 October both parties have stopped fighting. In the end of the war, the Arab States lost 62 aircraft of the su-7БМК.
In the middle East su-7БМК has shown itself as a reliable and durable machine, which was able to withstand battle damage. Flight characteristics of the su-7 and knowledge of the defenses of the enemy allowed the pilots to maintain a successful struggle against anti-aircraft missiles and to evade rocket fire. As negative aspects we can point to the low accuracy of the navigation light range and duration of flight.
INDIA – PAKISTAN, 1971
In December 1971 between Pakistan and India broke another military conflict. This time Pakistan wanted to retain in its structure considerable part of the territory called East Pakistan, now Bangladesh, where local armed groups, with the support of India, led the struggle for independence.
Unlike previous wars, Kashmir, the Pakistan air force (PAF – Pakistani Air Force) was seriously weakened by the embargo of NATO to supply military equipment and spare parts. As part of the aviation in Pakistan were only 7 serviceable F-104, Mirage III 21, fifty Chinese F-6 (MiG-19), 60 obsolete F-86 Sabre and 16 b-57. These forces were divided between the two areas. Most of the planes were in West Pakistan, and a smaller (one squadron of sabres) in the East. The total number of combat aircraft was, of course, more for example, the sabres were 160 units, but most of them were faulty.
India, on the contrary, strengthened their aircraft with new equipment from the Soviet Union and great Britain, which accounted for 40% of the total number of machines. Her air force (IAF – Indian Air Force) had 128 MiG-21, 128 Gnat fighters, 96 fighters Hunter, 64 – Mister IVA and HF-24 Marut, 48 Canberra bombers and 96 new fighter-bombers su-7БМК.
Given the significant numerical advantage of the enemy, the command of PAF decided to protect their planes. In particular, fighter pilots were recommended not to engage in agile air fights and attack of the enemy only in the area of airfields and to focus on fighting the attack aircraft.
The first thing Pakistan has decided to equalize the forces and 17 o’clock on December 3 began operation “Genghis Khan” – strike on Indian airfields. Despite the suddenness, effectiveness of the strikes was low, combat aircraft of the enemy or were in protected shelters or were well hidden. Mainly affected aerodrome coverage, it was noted approximately 120 direct hits of bombs in the runway and taxiways. Among the su-7 had no casualties.
The answer was not long in coming. The evening of the same day the Pakistani military targets bombed by Canberra and transport An-12, which the Indians used as night bombers (carrying up to 12 tons of bombs).
The main retaliation the IAF began on the morning of 4 August. Over East Pakistan came the MiG-21 and “hunter”, who blocked the airfields, which were based F-86 (all aircraft belonged to the 14th fighter squadron PAF, only 18 “sabres”). For Indian data, they successfully Spra-wipes. Pakistanis attempt to raise Tezgaon patrol flight ended with the destruction of three cars.
Pakistan denies these losses and, in turn, says about the Downing of “hunter” and one MiG-21.
While the blockers kept the enemy at airfields struck su-7 of the 221 squadron. Each aircraft carried either two bombs or two blocks for 16 NUR each. “Dry” attacked groups of four aircraft with an interval of 10-12 minutes. The approach to the airfield was made at an altitude of 150 – 250 m. For 15 miles to the group complied with the hill and with 2000 m swooped down on goal. The first four were aiming for 500-kg bombs in the center of the runway, and the other “treated” airfield facilities rockets C-5 and bomb the runway. The result has been to destroy the earth three F-86. Losses from anti-aircraft fire 37-mm guns was one su-7. Two “su-seventh” was damaged by a pair of F-86, which managed to take off from the airfield Tezgaon in between raids.
The so-called Western front (the border of Pakistan and India) war in the air was more ambitious.
Four squadrons of su-7 (26, 32, 101, 225), using 500-kg bombs and NOOR, attacked the air base of Pakistan: Charcot, Sargodha, Chander, Pasrur and Resalevalue.
A blow to Charcot proved to be successful, “dry” failed to destroy link “sabres” and to damage several bombers b-57. But be bombed by Cargothe Indians failed. On the flight route they met some of the Pakistani F-86 that, using Sidewinder missiles and a 12.7 mm side popeney attacked Stroy strike aircraft. Using his advantage in speed, “dry” broke away from the pursuit and having spent a significant part of fuel, were forced to turn back, some vehicles were damaged. During the second RAID, on the evening of the same day, one su-7 shot down by anti-aircraft fire.
More trouble awaited the Indians in the area of the base Resalevalue. Pair F-6 managed to catch a couple of su-7 missile AIM-9 shoot down one of them. The second was also fired, but, despite all the damage, broke away from his pursuers and returned to their base.
In the evening, the Indians repeated raids. Over Charlton they lost one su-7 from anti-aircraft fire, and on the way to Sargodha intercepted them, the group of sabres. F-86 fired at enemy missiles AIM-9 and damaged the plane’s wing commander Harcharan Mangat. The explosion of the warhead of the rocket caused very serious damage to the rear fuselage, ailerons, flaps and rudder. Despite this, Mangatu was able to return to their base. Currently, mutilated caudal portion of his su-7БМК is kept in the Museum of the Indian air force as an example of heroism of the pilot and high survivability of the fighter-bomber.
Next, su-7 switched to support its ground forces, particularly the 10th infantry division, and strikes at the armored column of the enemy. As a result, they managed to destroy about six dozen enemy tanks.
The next day, IAF aircraft continued the strikes on the air bases. Canberra bombed database Masrour in the area of Karachi, and su-7 again worked on the list the previous day. The gunners base Charcot managed to shoot down one su-7.
6 December, according to Pakistan, the pilot of the fighter Mirage ill managed to shoot down one su-7 in a dogfight.
7 Dec over Salathai su-7 was found with the F-6. At this time, the Chinese fire 30-mm guns shot down two Indian aircraft, according to others, only one. India, however, does not recognize the loss of the su-7БМК of F-6. On the contrary, it glorifies the pilots of 101 squadron, who on that day had destroyed 33 tanks and a large number of manpower.
8 Dec “dry” again has lost two aircraft. They have become another victim of a pair of F-6 with the bases Resalevalue. The first su-7 was shot down by a missile AIM-9, and the second “su” flew into the cloud of debris from the first, lost control and fell to the ground.
10 Dec missile AIM-9, which released a Pakistani pilot of an F-86 destroyed another su-7.
A small “bonus” Indians managed to obtain 12 Dec. A significant event was the first victory for Indian su-7БМК in a dogfight. Lieutenant Malhotra (Malhotra) from 32 squadron “filled up” from the guns of the Pakistani F-6. Usually “dry” trying to get away from the enemy at high speed, and then, quite unexpectedly, Malhotra made a sudden turn to the enemy and opened fire from guns. Pilot F-6 Lieutenant Ayazuddin died. Their victory Malhotra learned only after landing.
As for its core operations – strikes against ground targets, here su-7БМК and their crews showed good results. Thus, on 11 December, the pilots of 221 squadron were able to destroy a strategically important bridge in the Eastern Pakistan city of Kustin that had a decisive influence on the course of the fighting.
16 December, during the largest tank battle of Shakargarh su-7 provided direct support to the troops and destroyed at least 20 enemy tanks, but lost one plane from anti-aircraft fire. Over the battlefield, the su-7 shot down one fighter jet P-6 (Pakistan this loss is not recognized). In addition, at the train station Wazirabad “dry” bombed the train with a tank reserve of Pakistanis.
17 December hostilities were terminated. During the 13 days of continuous fighting, the su-7 for the Indian air force made sorties 931. It is believed that the loss amounted to 18 su-7БМК, they were all shot down by antiaircraft artillery. Of these, ten su-7 was lost when providing close air support of ground troops. Possible loss of su-7 in the air battles of India denies claims that on account of their pilots are two enemy fighters. Pakistan also points to the fact that he managed to destroy 32 su-7БМК, of which 5 aircraft in aerial combat.
The most objective data on the results of the work of the su-7 in the conflict, of course, there are reports of Soviet specialists. In the “lost planes,” appears the figure 19, another was added at the expense of the aircraft exploding on the ground. There is this interesting statistic. For every 100 sorties on average accounted for 2 shot down the su-7. On this indicator “dry” are behind fighter-bombers “Marut” – 3,1 with 129 combat missions. Then there are the “hunter” and “Canberra” is 1.8. And finally, the lowest level of losses “netow” – 0,2. It also indicates that most of the losses were caused by tactical mistakes of the command. Indian aircraft performed several hits on one target, they came under intense fire from the ground. Selected for su-7 targets were too small and to detect it in stride failed, which again led to the re-openings in zone defenses. At the same groups of suppression of antiaircraft means of the opponent, not appointed.
Of course, the real loss we know is unlikely, but after the war, the Western press has long published the various studies that have underscored the high level of losses, the Indian su-7 in the war of 1971. This Indian side responded by publications of a completely opposite content. The most famous of these papers was the work Pushpindar Chopra Sigh “Airplane kit… the su-7 in IAF service” (A Whale of A fighter… The Su-7 in IAF service), in the magazine “Air International” for 1982, which has long been “pilfered” in quotes. At the beginning of their work, Chopra quotes the description of the training of fighting between the su-7 and MiG-21, and lists the main shortcomings of “Dry”, such as a long delay before enabling the fast and the furious (6-7 seconds), significant efforts by governments, the lack of effectiveness of lateral control and great fuel consumption. As the merits of Chopra indicates high acceleration and good maneuverability in curves, which forced the pilots of the MiG-21 to move in the vertical direction, where their car had certain advantages due to the rapid incorporation of fast and furious and good stability. On verticals, unlike the MiG, the su-7 was required from the pilot’s attention, as the plane could easily fall into a tailspin.
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