The armored subsonic attack aircraft Su-25 ("Rook") embodies the philosophy of Soviet combat aviation — efficiency and survivability. Modifications of this aircraft are evidence of the successful development of Russian engineering thought. This opinion was expressed by American national security expert Harry Kazianis in an article for 19fortyfive.
The design of the Su-25 is resistant to damage. The pilot's cabin is a welded armored capsule (in different projections from 10 mm to 24 mm thick) made of ABVT-20 sheets, often referred to as a "titanium bath."
Two R-195 turbojet engines are located in separate compartments made of stainless steel, protected from each other by a 5 mm thick armored partition, so that one hit of ammunition does not disable both engines. Fuel tanks and vital fighter systems are similarly protected.
The Su-25's wing provides excellent stability and maneuverability at low speeds. The sturdy chassis allows the use of short unpaved runways.
The Su-25 has several modifications, including the Su-25T (tank fighter), Su-25SM3, and Su-25UB.
The attack aircraft had its baptism of fire in Afghanistan. Later it turned out that the Su-25 is extremely vulnerable to American MANPADS FIM-92 Stinger. Pilots had to change tactics and attack targets from long distances with Kh-25 and Kh-29 missiles.
Kazianis recalled that the Su-25 was in service with many African countries, including Angola and Ethiopia. North Macedonia used the Soviet attack aircraft during the conflict in 2001.
The Su-25 "Rook" is one of the most significant combat aircraft of the late 20th century. However, it has been replaced by new generation aircraft, and the "flying tank" has become a relic of a bygone era.
Su-25 characteristics:
- Combat load — 6000 kg
- Flight range — 1250 km
- Service ceiling — 10 thousand m
- Maximum speed — 950 km/h
- Engine 2 × TRD R-195 with a thrust of 4300 kgf
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