Su-17 is a variable-geometry single-engine airplane. The fuselage is long and round with a tall tail fin. A moving cone that controls amount of air supplied to the engine, especially at the supersonic speeds covers air intake in the nose. The wings are swept and only an outer half of each wing has variable geometry. Cockpit is set in front of the nose wheel and has a distinctive hump behind it. Main landing gear retracts into wings.