Sukhoi Su-17 (1949)

The 1949 Sukhoi Su-17, also called Aircraft R, was a prototype Soviet fighter, and its designation was later reused for an entirely different fighter-bomber. It was designed to match the theoretical TsAGI calculations for supersonic performance, with a 50 degree swept wing fitted with air brakes and boosted controls. A distinctive feature was that, besides an ejection seat, the entire nose section of the aircraft could separate from the rest of the airframe. The project was cancelled before any flight because of problems with the wing structure, continuing difficulties in developing the Lyulka TR-3 engine, and the closure of the Sukhoi bureau. The only example built was eventually used as a gunfire target.