February 22 / Sukhoi Su-25 first flight
First Flight 22 February 1975
Sukhoi Su-25
The Sukhoi Su-25 Grach, known by its NATO reporting name “Frogfoot,” is a subsonic, single-seat, twin-engine jet aircraft that was developed by the Soviet Union in the 1970s. It was specifically designed to provide close air support to Soviet Ground Forces, addressing a critical need for an aircraft that could operate effectively in support of ground troops, particularly in the context of the Soviet military doctrine of the time. The aircraft’s development began in response to the inadequacies of existing Soviet fighter-bombers, which lacked the necessary armor and low-speed maneuverability to effectively support ground operations.
The inception of the Su-25 can be traced back to early 1968, when the Soviet Ministry of Defence recognized the need for a specialized shturmovik, or assault aircraft, that could deliver effective ground support. This decision was influenced by an analysis of previous conflicts and the operational shortcomings observed in existing aircraft like the Su-7, Su-17, MiG-21, and MiG-23. These aircraft, while capable in their own right, did not possess the armor protection needed to safeguard pilots and critical systems from ground fire and surface-to-air missiles. Furthermore, their high speeds made it challenging for pilots to maintain visual contact with ground targets.
Pavel Sukhoi and his team at the Sukhoi Design Bureau undertook preliminary design work, leading to a competition announced by the Soviet Air Force in March 1969. The competition invited various design bureaus, including those of Yakovlev, Ilyushin, and Mikoyan, to submit proposals for a new close-support aircraft. Sukhoi’s design, designated T-8, was finalized by late 1968, and prototype construction began in January 1972. The first prototype, T8-1, was completed in May 1974, and after a series of flight tests, it made its maiden flight on February 22, 1975. The Su-25 surpassed its primary competitor, the Ilyushin Il-102, and was subsequently approved for series production, which commenced in 1978 at Factory No. 31 in Tbilisi, Georgia.
The Su-25 features a conventional aerodynamic layout with a shoulder-mounted trapezoidal wing, a traditional tailplane, and a fuselage constructed from a mix of materials, including aluminum, steel, titanium, and magnesium. The design emphasizes survivability, with a robust airframe and a cockpit protected by a bathtub-shaped armored enclosure made from titanium. The aircraft’s engines, two R-95Sh turbojets, are mounted on either side of the fuselage, contributing to its ability to operate in hostile environments.
Over the years, various variants of the Su-25 were developed to fulfill specific roles. The Su-25UB was a two-seat trainer variant introduced in 1985, while the Su-25BM was designed for target-towing missions. The Su-25K served as an export variant, and the Su-25T and Su-25TM (or Su-39) were developed as advanced versions, albeit in limited numbers. The Su-25’s production continued until 2010, with attempts to restart production in Georgia ongoing as of 2022.
Since its introduction, the Su-25 has been involved in numerous conflicts around the world. It played a significant role in the Soviet–Afghan War, conducting counter-insurgency operations against the Mujahideen. The Iraqi Air Force utilized the aircraft during the Iran–Iraq War, while the Georgian Air Force deployed it during the Abkhazian war in the early 1990s. In subsequent years, the Su-25 saw action in various conflicts, including the 2001 Macedonian conflict, the Russo-Georgian War in 2008, and more recently, in the Syrian civil war and the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh War. The aircraft has also been employed on both sides of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, highlighting its enduring relevance on the modern battlefield.
The Su-25’s design and operational capabilities have undergone numerous upgrades over the years. The Su-25SM upgrade program, initiated in the early 2000s, aimed to enhance the aircraft’s avionics, improve its survivability, and extend its operational life. The Su-25SM3 variant, introduced later, featured advanced targeting and navigation systems, making it more effective in contemporary combat scenarios. Additionally, the Su-25KM, developed in collaboration with Israeli company Elbit Systems, represented an attempt to modernize the aircraft with advanced avionics and weaponry.
Su-25 Facts
Early Beginnings and Maiden Flight: The Su-25 began development in the late 1960s to address the shortcomings of earlier fighter-bombers for close air support. Its first prototype took to the skies on 22 February 1975, setting the stage for a durable and specialized attack aircraft.
Designed for Close Air Support: Developed as a “shturmovik” (assault aircraft) with robust armour and low-speed handling, the Su-25 was built specifically to provide close air support for Soviet ground troops. Its design prioritizes pilot survivability and effective target acquisition in hostile environments.
Armour and Pilot Protection: A key design element is the heavy armour, especially in and around the cockpit. The “bathtub” style armoured enclosure protects the pilot from ground fire and missile hits, even though it results in a somewhat cramped cockpit with reduced rear visibility.
Georgian Production Legacy: While developed by Sukhoi in the Soviet Union, the Su-25 was manufactured at Factory No. 31 in Tbilisi in the Georgian SSR. This production base later saw attempts to restart the program with partially completed airframes, emphasizing its enduring legacy.
A Combat Veteran in Many Conflicts: Over its 43+ years in service, the Su-25 has seen action in diverse conflicts—from the Soviet–Afghan War to the Iran–Iraq War, the conflicts in Georgia and Macedonia, and recent engagements in Syria, Nagorno-Karabakh, and Ukraine—proving its battlefield versatility.
Versatile Variants for Multiple Roles: Beyond the basic single-seat version, numerous variants emerged: the Su-25UB for training, Su-25BM for target towing, and specialized versions like the Su-25T and Su-25TM designed for anti-tank missions and advanced combat roles.
Continuous Upgrades and Modernization: To extend its service life, the Su-25 has been continuously improved. Upgrades like the Su-25SM and the more recent Su-25SM3 feature enhanced avionics, improved navigation/attack systems, and modernized self-defence countermeasures.
Unique Aerodynamic and Structural Design: The aircraft features a shoulder-mounted trapezoidal wing with high-lift devices and a robust semi-monocoque fuselage constructed from a mix of aluminium, steel, and titanium. These attributes deliver both stability in close air support missions and durability under heavy combat stress.
Advanced Avionics and Combat Systems: Originally outfitted with features such as a nose-mounted laser rangefinder and doppler radar for navigation, later versions receive further sophisticated navigational and targeting upgrades. Modern variants incorporate digital displays, GPS/GLONASS integration, and advanced targeting pods for improved precision.
Adaptability and Future Potential: Despite production ending in 2010, the Su-25’s adaptable design has allowed for continued upgrades and modifications—including efforts to produce new versions free from outdated components. This adaptability ensures its relevance in modern combat scenarios while also testing innovative concepts for future successors.
