Polish Fitters bid farewell

Su-22UM3K 509, wearing a special scheme consisting of the old and new livery takes to the skies at Mirosławiec

Report and photos by Robin Polderman

To commemorate the upcoming retirement of the remaining fleet of Polish Air Force Su-22 Fitters, a media day was staged at Mirosławiec on 10 September.

On this day a farewell flight was planned, consisting of three Su-22UM3K two seat aircraft, overflying the garrisons which once housed a Su-22 regiment; Piła, Powidz, Swidwin and of course current home base Mirosławiec.

The first Su-22 was delivered to Poland in August of 1984, with a total of 90 single seat and 20 two seat aircraft finding their way to the country. Four regiments operated the fleet of Su-22 aircraft, in use for ground attack and reconnaissance duties.

To prolong the service life of the Su-22 while looking for a replacement, eighteen Su-22s were earmarked for a limited upgrade performed by the WZL-2 aviation overhaul & modification facility at Bydgoszcz during 2015. The upgrade included the installation of new radios and navigation equipment.

Su-22M4 number 3201, carrying the huge KKR-1 recce pod on the centerline, returns to the flightline on 10 September.

The raw power and looks of the Su-22 Fitter contrast starkly with its successor, the nimble KAI FA-50, of which Poland ordered 48 examples.

For more than 41 years, the Su-22 provided stellar service to the Polish Air Force and the aircraft built up a huge fan base. It will be sorely missed by its pilots, maintainers and aviation enthusiasts alike.

Many thanks to Major Urbanek, the 1st Tactical Air Wing Press Officer, for the invitation.