A-10 Thunderbolt II vs Su-17 Fitter

The A-10 Thunderbolt II and the Su-17 Fitter are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by Fairchild Republic and Sukhoi respectively. The Su-17 Fitter reaches 2,140 km/h — 3.2x the A-10 Thunderbolt II's 675 km/h. The A-10 Thunderbolt II has an operational range of 463 km vs 1,150 km for the Su-17 Fitter. The Su-17 Fitter operates at altitudes up to 14,500 m compared to 13,716 m for the A-10 Thunderbolt II. At 22,680 kg MTOW, the A-10 Thunderbolt II is 2.9x the Su-17 Fitter's 7,890 kg. The A-10 Thunderbolt II has been produced in 716 units vs 2,867 for the Su-17 Fitter. Unit cost is $20M for the A-10 Thunderbolt II vs $6M for the Su-17 Fitter. The Su-17 Fitter first flew 6 years before the A-10 Thunderbolt II (1966 vs 1972).

American close air support aircraft, renowned for service in the Gulf War with distinctive tank-destroying capabilities.
Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II Combat profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Fairchild Republic
First flight 10 May 1972
Year introduced 1975
Number produced 716 units
Average unit price $20 million
Soviet-era fighter-bomber, extensively deployed in varied conflicts worldwide, known for its variable-sweep wing design and robust operational capacity.
Sukhoi Su-17 Fitter Combat profile drawing
Origin country 🇨🇳 Ex-USSR
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Sukhoi
First flight 1 January 1966
Year introduced 1971
Number produced 2867 units
Average unit price $6 million
Wing area 47.0 m²
Wingspan 17.5 m
Height 4.5 m
Length 16.3 m
Maximum speed 675 km/h
Operational range 463 km
Service ceiling 13,716 m
Max. takeoff weight 22,680 kg
Empty weight 11,321 kg
Total thrust 2 x 8,224 kgf
Wing area 27.5 m²
Wingspan 10.0 m
Height 4.5 m
Length 15.3 m
Maximum speed 2140 km/h
Operational range 1,150 km
Service ceiling 14,500 m
Max. takeoff weight 7,890 kg
Empty weight 5,932 kg
Total thrust 1 x 4,000 kgf

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the A-10 Thunderbolt II or Su-17 Fitter?
The Su-17 Fitter is faster with a maximum speed of 2,140 km/h compared to the A-10 Thunderbolt II's 675 km/h, a difference of 1,465 km/h.
Which has longer range, the A-10 Thunderbolt II or Su-17 Fitter?
The Su-17 Fitter has a longer range at 1,150 km compared to the A-10 Thunderbolt II's 463 km.
Which can fly higher, the A-10 Thunderbolt II or Su-17 Fitter?
The Su-17 Fitter has a higher service ceiling at 14,500 meters (47,572 ft) compared to the A-10 Thunderbolt II's 13,716 meters (45,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the A-10 Thunderbolt II or Su-17 Fitter?
The A-10 Thunderbolt II has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 22,680 kg compared to the Su-17 Fitter's 7,890 kg.
Which is larger, the A-10 Thunderbolt II or Su-17 Fitter?
The A-10 Thunderbolt II is longer at 16.3 meters compared to the Su-17 Fitter's 15.2 meters.
Which is more expensive, the A-10 Thunderbolt II or Su-17 Fitter?
The A-10 Thunderbolt II is more expensive at approximately $20 million per unit compared to the Su-17 Fitter at $6.0 million.
Which entered service first, the A-10 Thunderbolt II or Su-17 Fitter?
The Su-17 Fitter entered service first in 1971, 4 years before the A-10 Thunderbolt II which entered service in 1975.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the A-10 Thunderbolt II or Su-17 Fitter?
The Su-17 Fitter has been produced in greater numbers with 2,867 units compared to 716 units of the A-10 Thunderbolt II.