Su-25T: photos, characteristics

As the name suggests, the Su-25T is an aircraft that became a modification of the Su-25 attack aircraft, which was released ten years earlier. Developed in the Sukhoi Design Bureau in the early 1980s, it became the only combat vehicle that was used earlier than the Defense Ministry's decision to introduce it into the armed forces.

Even if this model never rose to the sky, it would still leave a bright trace in the domestic military aviation. After all, the Su-25T was not the only version of the prototype. The model series of the 25th includes other developments, which, in fact, are the same as the Su-25, but have completely different figures. But about another plane a little lower.

Aircraft-Stormovik

From the history of military aviation, it is known that, developing initially to cover the ground forces, very soon the Su-25 turned into a separate species, whose tasks included purely air operations.

Bomber fighters are able to fly at high altitude, have a good flight range and at the same time are fast enough and maneuverable. But to protect the ground forces fighter is not good.

So there was a ground-attack aircraft, light, invulnerable, due to low speed and height invisible to enemy air defense. In this case, the machine can carry a large fire reserve. Such advantages were possessed by military ground-attack planes of class Il-2. After the end of the Great Patriotic War, aircraft of this type go into shadow: there is a struggle for superiority in the air, but in the late 70s the situation is changing. Sukhoi Design Bureau receives an order for the production of attack aircraft. The aircraft receives the factory name "Product T-8". Subsequently, when you exit the series, it will be renamed Su-25.

Description Su-25T. Instructions

The plane's instruction refers him to the class of attack planes, which is his prototype. But at the same time, calling it simply modernization is rather difficult, so it differs from the basic configuration. The developers changed the nose part, reinforced the fuselage design. New targeting systems simplify piloting, so one person is able to control and conduct combat operations. Separately, it is worth mentioning the system that helps the pilot to go to the target. After pressing the trigger, she, having estimated the power of the possible target, selects the desired ammunition and, if necessary, corrects the guidance. Since the attack aircraft is mobile enough in terms of maintenance, an additional telesystem for flights in the dark appeared on the plane.

The protection is based on the radio surveillance station, which is able not only to indicate the location of ground radar stations, but also to determine in which mode they operate: detection or guidance. Having this information in advance, the pilot of "Drying" gets the opportunity to leave the zone of defeat in advance. The surveillance system can also work in conjunction with a block of interference to ground guidance points. He gives out a lot of false targets, generates "snow" and similar effects, even capable of disabling the homing system on the rocket.

Observer Group

The first aircraft in 1980 are sent to Afghanistan. First a few pieces, then a whole regiment. A group of observers was sent with the regiment, as the plane did not pass all the certification checks. And representatives of Sukhoi Design Bureau, who were among the observers, will see how the new machine will prove itself in real combat trials.

Unfortunately, the first samples of the T-8 died on the design flaws. In these cars were located next to two engines. The fire of one inevitably caused a fire in the second, eventually an explosion occurred. The second problem is protection from missile fragments. Hit at least one in the tank (located above the engines), and it flares up, the engines are engaged, and the result is known. The result of observations was the birth of the Su-25T. The main changes were armor sheets from below and between tanks.

The lineup

On the basis of the Su-25 was created several modifications:

• Su-25 - actually the basic version, is still produced and used;
• Su-25K - export version of the above model;
• Su-25UB - combat training version of the attack aircraft (cabin for 2 seats as opposed to the single on other machines);
• Su-25UBK - the second and third modification simultaneously. Export version of the training machine;
• Su-25UT is an educational and training version, there are no weapons;
• Su-25 UTG - the same as the previous one, there is no armament. "G" in the name means hook. Naval version, which has the possibility of landing with the use of ground and deck aerofiners;
• Su-25BM - the target's tow, the version is not intended for combat use;
• Su-25T - modernized version of the attack aircraft. In addition to reinforced armor, subsequently received new electrical equipment and more powerful weapons. It was he who served as a prototype of the missile complex;
• Su-25TK - the attack aircraft described by us in the export shell.

Other models based on the ground-attack aircraft

In addition to machines that can be called modifications of the Su-25, other versions have been developed on its basis.

Su-28 - almost a full copy of the Su-25UT version. Has no weapons, is a training aircraft.

The decision to create another model was a successful, and at the same time not very, use of the Su-25T model in Afghanistan. Su-39, which can safely be called the "son" of version T, has received from it all the best features and acquired several new ones.

In particular, the serial models of the Su-25TM (another name of the 39th) after some modifications received a set of RLPK "Kop'e-25" (radar sighting system). And also ATGM "Whirlwind" (anti-tank missile). The latter, after a successful application on the Su-25TM, is installed on helicopters, small missile boats and even on patrol vessels.

Weapons

Going through all the modifications developed, we'll look in detail at the Su-25T armament. The wings of the aircraft have 10 pylons for attaching various munitions. At the same time, 8 out of 10, located closer to the body, can carry a load of up to 500 kg each, which is quite enough for attaching a missile-bomb or artillery arsenal. Extreme pylons usually carry short-range missiles (such as P-60), used for defensive purposes in air combat. Among the weapons that the aircraft can use to destroy ground targets, it can be noted SPPU (detachable mobile gun installation), bombs weighing 100 to 500 kg, or air-to-surface missiles.

SPU barrels have the ability to deflect downward (maximum angle of 30 degrees to the plane plane). Missile weapons can consist of SD with laser guidance such as X-25ML, X-29L or C-25L. You can use NAR units (unguided aircraft missile) with a caliber from 57 to 340 mm.

In addition, the aircraft has one fixed double-barreled gun, located under the fuselage. Its capabilities are not so great: a caliber of 30 mm can only be used against lightly armored vehicles, for example, armored personnel carriers.

From the inside

Thanks to electronic guidance and fire systems, described a little earlier, the Su-25T cab is designed for one person - a pilot. It provides both control and what the other shooter does.

The instrument panel is arranged according to the classical version. To the left of the seat are the engine thrust control knobs. Here, the management of radio communication, braking system, switches of the weapon system and several valves responsible for the pressure inside the cabin. Under the right hand control of the electrical and fuel systems of the machine. Here, too, is the lamp heating control, on the cover of which there is an emergency tilt button.

Above the dashboard, a screen of a combined sighting complex is mounted on the center to control all weapons from the gun to the bomb / missile systems.

Other options

Above we considered the main military qualities of the Su-25T. The characteristics of the flight data are presented in the form of a list.

• Two engines TRD-95 (in later versions TRD-195) develop a maximum speed of 970 km / h;
• Cruising speed - 750 km / h;
• Practical ceiling - 7000 m;
• The radius of action at a combat load of 3000 kg is 500 km;
• Length of runway for take-off - 500-900 m, for landing - 600-800;
• The recommended tearing speed is not less than 250 km / h;
• Permissible landing speed is not less than 260 km / h;
• Distances range of -1950 km;
• Fuel reserve - 3000 liters.

Some external characteristics:

• The wingspan is 29 m;
• Area - 60 square meters. M;
• The length of the aircraft (taking into account the receivers of the LDPE and the antennas projecting forward) - 15, 53 m;
• Height - 4, 59 m.

Note that the external parameters, except for the two-seat training versions, differ little from different modifications. For example, the wingspan of the SU-39 will be 29.3 m.

Names and nicknames

As in its time, the Tu-160, nicknamed the "White Swan", the Su-25T also got its name, except for the model number. In this case, in "Drying", unlike Tu, there are several such names-nicknames.

"Grach" - the most famous, the aircraft received from the pilots for the characteristic "withers", which consists of a lantern and an aerodynamic ledge behind it.

"Comb" - this is an unusual name derived from the land units, who had to see Su often over himself in the form of a cover. Recall that the aircraft has 10 pylons, which is attached to the payload. When viewed from below, given that the load often protrudes forward in front of the wings, we have a classic comb.

"The German miracle" - so it was called in Afghanistan, because for a long time could not believe that the aircraft was created in the USSR

"Steam locomotive" named the machine, given to the friendly Union of Czechoslovakia.

"Humpbacked Horse" - this love nickname received a plane from the pilots who had to fly on it. With an external unpretentiousness, he performed an unusually wide range of tasks.

Conclusion

The Su-25 and its younger brother Su-25T, whose photographs and characteristics we examined, continue to serve in the armed forces of the Russian Federation. According to official sources, their use should last until 2020. The plane successfully copes with the tasks set, preparation for a new departure does not require special actions, so it remains to wish "Rook" and long years of service, and successful work to protect the borders of Russia.