Trials of modernised Su-25SM3s to begin by the end of the year

[Zarvan]

A dozen Su-25SMs are currently flying combat sorties in Syria. Source: TASS
Trials of the first two upgraded Sukhoi Su-25SM3 single-seat strike aircraft will start before the end of the year, a Russian defence industry source has told IHS Jane's .

"The first two Su-25SM3 aircraft must be commissioned in December. Both aircraft will be shipped for trials. One of them will be delivered to the combat operation and pilot retraining center in Lipetsk for performance evaluation," the source said.

According to information published on Russia's defence procurement website, the Su-25SM3 and Su-25UBM2 (a two-seat operational trainer version) will essentially differ from their predecessors in their avionics and their suite of airborne weapons.

The upgraded attack aircraft will be fitted with the PrNK-25SM-1 sighting and navigation system comprising the following: a BTsU-25S onboard digital computing system, a MFTsI-0332M multifunctional colour display, and a SOLT-25 optical laser remote thermal imaging system. In addition, the Su-25SM3 and Su-25UBM2 will receive the KSS-25 communication system with Banker-8-TM-1 antenna and the L370K25 Vitebsk-25 electronic countermeasures system, which protects the individual platform any other aircraft it flies with by providing countermeasures against different radars and the homing heads of enemy air-to-air guided missiles.

The upgraded aircraft will also be fitted with the T-SOK-UBD-130-03 onboard TV system for objective monitoring of training and combat actions as well as the SUO-39M armament control system.

Regarding weaponry, the Su-25SM3 and Su-25UBM2 will be able to use Kh-58USh (NATO reporting name AS-11 'Kilter'), Kh-25ML (AS-10 'Karen') and Kh-29L (AS-14 'Kedge') laser-guided missiles, TV-guided missiles like the Kh-29T/TD/TE, as well as the KAB-500S (satellite-aided) and KAB-500Kr (TV-aided) guided aerial bombs. Each aircraft will be able to carry two R-73 short-range air-to-air missiles for self defence.

The aircraft will also be able to carry a wide range of unguided bombs (eg FAB-500, OFAB-500U, OFZAB-500) and rockets (S-13, S-24 and S-25) and will be armed with a 9A623 30 mm cannon incorporating the VPU-17A fixed gun mount, the standard ammunition supply for which is 250 rounds.

Want to read more? For analysis on this article and access to all our insight content, please enquire about our subscription options ihs.com/contact




To read the full article, Client Login
(345 of 378 words)

Trials of modernised Su-25SM3s to begin by the end of the year | IHS Jane's 360