Su-17 M3/M4 1:48 Kittyhawk 80144

Plastic model airplane kit: Su-17 M3/M4 1:48 Kittyhawk 80144

The plastic model airplane kit: Su-17 M3/M4 in 1:48 scale from Kittyhawk (catalog number 80144) is an excellent choice for aviation and modeling enthusiasts. This detailed set allows you to build a replica of one of the most famous Soviet fighter-bomber aircraft, which played a significant role in the history of military aviation.

Model characteristics:

• Scale: 1:48
• Manufacturer: Kittyhawk
• Catalog number: 80144
• Material: Plastic

About the Su-17: The Sukhoi Su-17, also known by its NATO code name "Fitter," is a variable-geometry wing fighter-bomber developed for the armed forces of the Soviet Union. Evolving from the Su-7 model, the Su-17 was the first Soviet aircraft with variable wing geometry to enter service. Produced from 1967 to 1990, the Su-17 and its export versions, such as the Su-22, were used by many air forces around the world, including in Russia, former Warsaw Pact countries, Arab states, Angola, and Peru.

Operational history:

• Soviet Union/Russia: The Su-17 was used during the war in Afghanistan and the first Chechen war. In 1998, Russia retired the last Su-17M4 from service.
• Angola: In the 1980s, Angola received 12 Su-20M aircraft from the USSR, which were used in internal conflicts.
• Iraq: During the Iran-Iraq war, the Su-20 and Su-22 were heavily used in ground support missions. During the Gulf War, Iraqi Su-22s had limited combat activity.
• Libya: Libyan Su-22s were involved in incidents over the Gulf of Sidra and in internal conflicts in 2011.
• Peru: Peru was the only export customer in the Americas, using Su-22s in various conflicts, including the Cenepa war with Ecuador.
• Poland: The Polish Air Force used Su-22s until 2022, when it was decided to retire them in favor of modern KAI T-50 Golden Eagle aircraft.
• Syria: Syrian Su-22s were used in the Yom Kippur War, the Lebanese war in 1982, and the Syrian civil war.
• Yemen: Yemeni Su-22s were used in operations against Houthi rebels and during the Arab Spring.

Assembly and painting kit. Does not include paints or glue. For assembly, separately sold modeling tools are needed (including cutters, files, tweezers), paints, brushes, and plastic model glue (e.g., Tamiya Extra Thin Cement). The photo shows a professionally assembled and painted model.