T.A.M./Elbit Su-25KM Scorpion - The flying armoured scorpion

Surbaissemaxxing · October 17, 2024, 5:19pm

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G’day lads. During my research on modernized Su-25 variants, I’ve come across a particular yet interesting variant of the Frogfoot, or well, now it’s a scorpion, as that is the nickname of the Su-25KM, which is the vehicle I’ll be suggesting today :)

Description:

Spoiler

The Su-25KM “Scorpion” is an upgraded version of the original Soviet Su-25 attack aircraft, designed to extend its operational capabilities for modern combat. Developed through a collaboration between Georgia’s Tbilisi Aircraft Manufacturing (TAM) and Israel’s Elbit Systems, the Su-25KM is primarily a modernization of the avionics and electronics systems, while retaining the durable and armored airframe that made the Su-25 a reliable close air support platform.

One of the most prominent upgrades in the Su-25KM is its advanced glass cockpit, which replaces the older analog systems with digital multi-functional displays. These new systems provide the pilot with critical flight and targeting data, improving both situational awareness and mission effectiveness. The aircraft’s navigation systems are also enhanced with GPS and INS (Inertial Navigation System) integration, allowing for greater precision in targeting and navigation, especially in difficult environments.

In terms of armament, the Su-25KM can employ a wide variety of weapons, including precision-guided munitions like laser-guided bombs and missiles. The modernized fire control system allows the pilot to engage targets with improved accuracy and efficiency. The aircraft is also fitted with enhanced electronic countermeasures, which increase its ability to survive in hostile environments by protecting it from threats such as surface-to-air missiles and radar-guided weapons.

History:

Spoiler

The Su-25KM emerged in the post-Soviet era when Georgia inherited a fleet of Su-25 aircraft after the dissolution of the USSR. Seeking to upgrade its military capability, Georgia’s Tbilisi Aircraft Manufacturing (TAM) teamed up with Israel’s Elbit Systems in the early 2000s to modernize the Su-25. This collaboration resulted in the Su-25KM, where “KM” stands for “Commercially Modernized” (“Kommercheskiy Modernizirovannyy”).

The main goal of the Su-25KM project was to extend the aircraft’s operational life and improve its suitability for modern warfare. Elbit Systems contributed significantly by integrating advanced avionics and electronics, including a glass cockpit and upgraded navigation systems. These enhancements also allowed the aircraft to deploy precision-guided munitions.

Production of the Su-25KM started in the early 2000s, with the variant primarily intended for export, with it’s first prototype flight being in 2001. However, it saw limited adoption, and only a small number of aircraft were produced. Despite the low production numbers, the Su-25KM demonstrated that older Soviet-era platforms could be successfully modernized. Some of these upgraded units were sold to Turkmenistan, and the aircraft was marketed to other nations as a cost-effective solution for upgrading their Su-25 fleets.

Sadly, the aircraft stopped it’s production run in 2010, the reasoning being that Georgia didn’t want to spend money to modernize it, and instead just kept the normal, basic Su-25’s. Even worse, despite having only around 12 being made, not long ago one has crashed on the 2nd July of 2024.

Armaments:

Spoiler

1 GSh-30-2 gun with 200 rounds

2 R-60/73 missiles

Python 3 (?)

8 X-25/29 AGM’s (yes, you heard it correctly, eight of them)

8 S-25 rockets

8 Lizard laser guided/Opher IR guided bombs (Mk-81 - 84)

32 FAB-100 bombs

8 FAB-250/500 bombs

160 S-8/S-5 rockets

2 integrated self-protection suites

HMD (DASH)

Specifications:

Spoiler

(Info directly from TAM!) The Su-25KM a height of 4.8m, a width of 14.36m and a length of 15.53m. It’s empty weight is around 9,200kg, and with a full load it’s max takeoff weight is up to 19,300kg. Powering this heavy flying aircraft are 2 R-195, possibly the SH variant, giving the thrust of 4,300kgf for each engine. With it’s engine, the Scorpion can have a maximum speed of 975km/h, with a ferry range of 2,500km and a combat range up to 800km. Lastly, it’s flight ceiling is up to 10,000m, and has a rate of climb of about 58m/s (I assume with weapons, as the normal Su-25 climb rate is higher)

Screenshot 2024-10-17 190352