The Sukhoi Su-22 NATO code name "Fitter" was intended primarily for close support and ground attack the "Fitter" employs the same fuselage and tail surfaces as the initial production "Fishpot" Sukhoi interceptor, but the 57 degree swept delta wing parallel with the Mig-21 design was replaced by longer-span swept wings. The Su-22 was seen as a prototype over Tushino in 1956 and thus entered service with the Russian Air Force in 1959. The political changes in Peru brought by Velasco's revolutionary regime reflected themselves in the delivery of thirty-six of the "Fitter-F" which were ordered in 1976, including at least four Su-22U two-seat operational trainers, and all had been delivered by early 1978 and another sixteen aircraft were ordered in the early part of 1980. One of the first batch was written off in an accident and replaced by a new Soviet-supplied aircraft.
NOTE: In the late 1970's twelve Cuban Air Force "Fishbed-C" Mig-21F were allocated to the FAP for conversion training of the future Su-22 pilots.We learned of these details from interviewing both retired FAP officials in Peru and former Cuban Air Force Mig-21F pilots and technicians who defected from Cuba and who now reside in Miami, Florida. It was reported that these aircraft were retained in Cuba, where the training program took place.
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