VVS Su-25SM upgrade started

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Aircraft Repair Plant in Moscow Suburb Kubinka Begins Series Upgrade of Su-25 Attack Aircraft

Series upgrade of Russian air force Su-25 attack aircraft has stared at the aircraft repair plant in the Moscow suburb of Kubinka.

“The first three Su-25 attack aircraft have reached the aircraft repair plane in Kubinka for overhaul and reconditioning and a subsequent upgrade,” the chief designer of the Sukhoy Attack Aircraft scientific and production concern, Vladimir Babak reported.

He recalled that the first upgraded Su-25SM was built in March 2002. “At the present time, a third upgraded experimental Su-25SM is being prepared for lifting into the air. Its flight will take place in the very near future,” V. Babak said.

According to him, upgrade of the attack airplanes at the aircraft repair plant in Kubinka will take place in accordance with serial documentation.

The on-board equipment and some systems for weapons use have been fully renovated on the attack aircraft being upgraded. The “Bars” targeting and navigational complex being installed on the airplane is based on a fast-acting new generation computer. It allows an increase of 2-3 times of the precision of weapons usage and 10 times navigation precision. The “Pastel” ELINT station and SUO-39 weapons control system also have been installed on the airplane, and new types of ammunition also are being used.

The Su-25SM allows the use of precision weapons with a laser-guidance system. The airplane’s armament will be expanded owing to the use of guided weapons with television and laser guidance.

Nearly 500 Su-25 attack aircraft are in the inventories of 16 countries at the present time. A program for upgrade of the airplane for foreign customers has been developed.

Source: 17.06.04, Voenno-Promyshlennyy Kur’er