As the name implies, the Su-25T is an aircraft that has become a modification of the Su-25 attack aircraft, released ten years earlier. Developed in the Sukhoi Design Bureau in the early 80s, it became the only combat vehicle that began to be used before the decision of the Ministry of Defense to introduce it into the armed forces came out.
Even if this model never flew up to the sky, it would still leave a bright mark in the Russian military aviation. After all, the Su-25T was not the only version of the prototype. The lineup of the 25th included other developments, which, in fact, are the same Su-25, but carry completely different numbers. But about another plane below.
Attack aircraft
From the history of military aviation, it is known that, being developed initially to cover the ground forces, very soon the Su-25 turned into a separate form, the tasks of which included purely air operations.
Fighter bomber capable of flying at high altitude, have a good flight range and at the same time quite fast and maneuverable. But a fighter is not suitable for covering ground forces.
So there was an attack plane, light, invulnerable, due to low speed and altitude invisible to enemy air defense. In this case, the machine can carry a large fire stock. These advantages were possessed by Il-2 class military attack aircraft. After the end of World War II, aircraft of this type go into the shadows: there is a struggle for air superiority, but at the end of the 70s the situation changes. Sukhoi Design Bureau receives an order for the production of attack aircraft. The aircraft receives the factory name "Product T-8." Subsequently, when entering the series, it will be renamed the Su-25.
Description of the Su-25T. Instruction manual
The aircraft manual classifies it as a ground attack aircraft, which is its prototype. But at the same time, it’s quite difficult to call it simply modernization, it is so different from the basic configuration. The developers changed the bow, reinforced the design of the fuselage. New guidance systems make piloting easier, therefore, both one person is able to control an aircraft and conduct combat operations. We should also mention the system that helps the pilot to reach the target. After pressing the trigger, after evaluating the power of a possible target, she will select the necessary ammunition and, if necessary, adjust the guidance. Since the attack aircraft is quite mobile in terms of service, an additional telesystem for flying in the dark appeared on the plane.
Protection is based on a radio surveillance station, which is able not only to indicate the location of points of ground-based radar stations, but also to find out in what mode they work: detection or guidance. Having this information in advance, the Sushki pilot gets the opportunity to leave the affected area in advance. The surveillance system can also be paired with an interfering unit for ground guidance points. It gives out on the screens a lot of false targets, generates “snow” and similar effects, even is able to disable the homing system on a rocket.
Observer group
The first aircraft in 1980 sent to Afghanistan. First a few pieces, then a whole regiment. A group of observers was sent with the regiment, since the aircraft did not manage to pass all the certification checks. And representatives of the 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 due to design flaws. These cars had two engines located nearby. The ignition of one inevitably caused a fire in the second, in the end there was an explosion. The second problem is protection against rocket fragments. At least one gets into the tank (located above the motors), and it breaks out, the engines are engaged from it, and then the result is known. The result of observations was the birth of the Su-25T. The main changes were the armor plates from below and between the tanks.
The lineup
Based on the Su-25, several modifications were created:
- Su-25 - actually the basic version, is still produced and used;
- Su-25K - an export version of the above model;
- Su-25UB - combat training version of an attack aircraft (2-seat cockpit, unlike a single on other vehicles);
- Su-25UBK - the second and third modification at the same time. Export version of the training machine;
- Su-25UT - a training option, no weapons;
- Su-25 UTG - just like the previous one, no weapons. “G” in the name means hook. The naval version, with the ability to land using ground and deck aerofinishers;
- Su-25BM - target towing vehicle, the version is not intended for military use;
- Su-25T - a modernized version of the attack aircraft. In addition to reinforced armor, he subsequently received new electrical equipment and more powerful weapons. It was he who served as the prototype of the missile system;
- Su-25TK - the attack aircraft we are describing in the export shell.
Other models based on attack aircraft
In addition to machines that can be called modifications of the Su-25, other versions have also been developed on its basis.
Su-28 is an almost complete copy of the Su-25UT version. It has no weapons, is a training aircraft.
The decision to create another model was the 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 the T version, received all the best features from it and acquired several new ones.
In particular, the serial models of the Su-25TM (another name of the 39th), after some modifications, received the Lance of the Spear-25 (radar sighting system). And also ATGM "Whirlwind" (anti-tank missile). The latter, after successful use on the Su-25TM, is installed on helicopters, small missile boats, and even on patrol ships.
Weapon
Walking through all the developed modifications, we will examine in detail the armament of the Su-25T. The wings of the aircraft have 10 pylons for attaching various ammunition. At the same time, 8 out of 10, located closer to the hull, can carry a load of up to 500 kg each, which is quite enough to mount a missile-bomb or artillery arsenal. Extreme pylons usually carry short-range missiles (type P-60) used for defensive purposes in aerial combat. Among the weapons that the aircraft can use to destroy ground targets are SPPU (removable movable cannon mount), bombs weighing from 100 to 500 kg or air-to-ground missiles.
Trunks SPPU have the ability to deviate down (maximum angle of 30 degrees to the plane of the aircraft). Missile weapons may consist of laser-guided missiles with the type X-25ML, X-29L or S-25L. You can use blocks NAR (unguided missile) 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 weakly armored vehicles, for example, armored personnel carriers.
From the inside
Thanks to the electronic guidance and fire systems described a little earlier, the Su-25T cockpit is designed for one person - the pilot. It provides both control and what the shooter does on other machines.
The dashboard is arranged according to the classic version. To the left of the seat are the engine traction control knobs. Here, radio control, brake system, weapons system switches and several valves responsible for the pressure inside the cabin. Under your right hand control the electric and fuel systems of the machine. There is also a lamp heating control, on the cover of which there is an emergency folding button.
Above the dashboard in the center is mounted a screen of a combined sighting system for controlling all aircraft armaments from the gun to the bomb / missile release systems.
Other options
The main military qualities of the Su-25T aircraft were considered above. The characteristics of the flight data are presented in 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;
- radius of action at a combat load of 3000 kg - 500 km;
- runway length for takeoff - 500-900 m, for landing - 600-800;
- recommended separation speed of at least 250 km / h;
- allowable landing speed of at least 260 km / h;
- ferry range —1950 km;
- fuel reserve - 3000 liters.
Some external characteristics:
- wingspan - 29 m;
- area - 60 square meters m;
- aircraft length (including LDPE receivers and forward-facing antennas) - 15, 53 m;
- height - 4, 59 m.
Note that the external parameters, with the exception of the double training versions, are not much different for 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. Moreover, “Drying”, unlike Tu, has several such nicknames.
"Rook" - the most famous, the plane received from the pilots for the characteristic "withers", which consists of a flashlight and an aerodynamic protrusion behind it.
"Comb" is an extraordinary name received from the ground units, which had to see Su most often above themselves in the form of a cover. Recall that the aircraft has 10 pylons, on which the payload is attached. When viewed from below, given that the load most often comes forward in front of the wings, we are faced with a classic comb.
The “German miracle” - that is how it was called in Afghanistan, because for a long time they could not believe that the plane was created in the USSR
"Steam locomotive" was called the car given to the friendly Union of Czechoslovakia.
"The Little Humpbacked Horse" - this love nickname was given to an airplane from pilots who had to fly on it. With outward rudeness, he performed an unusually wide range of tasks.
Conclusion
The Su-25 airplane and its younger brother Su-25T, the photographs and characteristics of which we examined, still serve in the armed forces of the Russian Federation. According to information from official sources, their use should last until 2020. The plane successfully copes with its tasks, preparing for a new flight does not require special actions, so it remains to wish the Rook and many years of service and successful work in protecting the borders of Russia.