Difference between revisions of "Su-25K"

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{{About
 
{{About
 
| about = premium Soviet strike aircraft '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
| about = premium Soviet strike aircraft '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = the regular version
+
| usage = other versions
| link = Su-25
+
| link = Su-25 (Family)
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
Line 12: Line 12:
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' (NATO: Frogfoot; unified for all variants) is a premium gift rank {{Specs|rank}} Soviet strike aircraft {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Drone Age"]].
+
During the early 1970s, it was noted that the Soviet Air Force's CAS capabilities were very underwhelming compared to their adversaries. The ground attack variants of the [[MiG-21PFM|MiG-21]] and [[MiG-23BN (Germany)|MiG-23]] lacked sufficient armour, cockpit visibility, and ground ordnance for heavy ground attack missions, whereas the [[Su-7 (Family)|Su-7]] and older variants of the [[Su-17M2|Su-17]] were deemed "obsolete" and did not meet the requirements of the Red Army. As a result, the Soviet Ministry of Defence announced a new design competition among its design bureaus, for a new heavy-weight subsonic dedicated attacker. In the end, of the promising designs of the Sukhoi T-8 and the Ilyushin IL-102, the Sukhoi design was chosen and ordered into production in 1978 as the "[[Su-25]]". The aircraft would enter production just in time to see service in the Soviet-Afghan War the following year. Shortly after it entered production, a slightly modified variant with cheaper/simpler electronics was devised for export, titled the Su-25K.
  
The export version of the base model Su-25 for Warsaw-Pact countries and overseas customers with minor differences in terms of certain equipment in Czechoslovakian delivery ; with the extensive options for ground attack ranging from bombs, rockets and AGMs, as well as self-defense AAMs, the Frogfoot will prove extremely deadly to ground units without anti-air support and sometimes rotorcrafts of its tier.
+
Introduced in [[Update "Drone Age"]], the Su-25K is the export version of the base [[Su-25]] model, intended for Warsaw-Pact countries and overseas customers with minor internal differences in terms of certain equipment. Due to this similarity with its base model, the Su-25K plays in an almost completely identical manner. The aircraft is most remarkable in mixed battles, where its large amount of countermeasures, great armour around the pilot and engines, and plethora of guided and unguided ground ordnance (coupled with two [[R-60MK]] all aspect air-to-air missiles for self defence) makes it a true force to be reckoned with in Ground Realistic and Ground Simulator battles. The Su-25K is also no slouch either in air battles, due to its stable airframe, all aspect missiles, abundant countermeasures, powerful 30 mm cannon, and surprising agility when not loaded with the usual heavy ground-striking ordnance. All in all, the Su-25K is a very potent aircraft wherever it is used, and its premium earnings bonuses are a nice extra over its tech tree brother.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Flight performance ===
 
=== Flight performance ===
 
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->Same as the base model in Soviet service, Su-25K is equipped with a pair of Tumansky R-195 turbofan engines on the sides of the airframe and being one of the last jets of Sukhoi with a straight wing. Since Su-25K is designated as an attacker and low-altitude maneuverability is one of the key of the jet, therefore it will have a better time at such altitudes and the power output of the engines will make sure it could retain its energy; another feature of Su-25s are the extensive protection all-around for the pilot and critical components of the jet, although this means it could survive gun strafes or even sometimes near-miss missiles, this also means the jet is heavier and therefore affects its maneuverability when facing certain jets.
+
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
 +
Same as the base model in Soviet service, Su-25K is equipped with a pair of UMPO R-95SH non-afterburning turbofan engines on the sides of the airframe and is one of the last jets designed by Sukhoi with a straight wing. Since the Su-25K was designed as an attacker, it performs best at low altitude and taking it into high altitude engagements is not recommended. Another iconic feature of Su-25s are the extensive protection all-around for the pilot and critical components of the jet.  Although this adds to the survivability of the aircraft against smaller weapons, it also reduces the overall manoeuvrability of the aircraft as a result of the added weight.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
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|-
 
|-
 
! Upgraded
 
! Upgraded
| 989 || 978 || 26.6 || 27.0 || 94.2 || 79.4
+
| 989 || 979 || 26.6 || 27.0 || 94.2 || 79.4
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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The Su-25K is known for its survivability, anecdotally being able to take a few missile hits without suffering any damage compromising its airworthiness, though this ability is inconsistent and should not be relied upon. The airframe is able to sustain rear hits from missiles with a small warhead, especially the FIM-92 Stinger. Occasionally the Su-25K is able to sustain continued hits from Stingers and Roland 1s.
 
The Su-25K is known for its survivability, anecdotally being able to take a few missile hits without suffering any damage compromising its airworthiness, though this ability is inconsistent and should not be relied upon. The airframe is able to sustain rear hits from missiles with a small warhead, especially the FIM-92 Stinger. Occasionally the Su-25K is able to sustain continued hits from Stingers and Roland 1s.
  
128 flares/chaff launched two of each at a time provide the Su-25K with the chance to evade missiles, which should be the primary form of defense. A lack of afterburner increases flare effectiveness, only very modern missiles such as aim-9L are able to track the aircraft from behind. Chaff only defends against radar locks from behind the aircraft.  
+
128 flares/chaff launched two of each at a time provide the Su-25K with the chance to evade missiles, which should be the primary form of defense. A lack of afterburner increases flare effectiveness and only more advanced missiles such as the AIM-9L at very short ranges are able to track the aircraft from behind through flares. Chaff will be able to decoy less advanced radar missiles but in order to defeat more advanced versions, chaff has to be deployed while notching.
  
 
The aircraft remains decently controllable upon loss of tail control, wingtips, or an engine. The aircraft remains near-fully controllable upon loss of the rudder and occasionally can fly without the vertical stabilizer.
 
The aircraft remains decently controllable upon loss of tail control, wingtips, or an engine. The aircraft remains near-fully controllable upon loss of the rudder and occasionally can fly without the vertical stabilizer.
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The fuel tanks are self-sealing and the aircraft has an engine fire extinguishing system. A single section of fuel tank is protected by 18 mm of steel.
 
The fuel tanks are self-sealing and the aircraft has an engine fire extinguishing system. A single section of fuel tank is protected by 18 mm of steel.
  
The cockpit is very well armoured. The pilot is protected on the front and sides by 24 mm of titanium alloy, the bottom and rear of the pilot is covered by 10 mm of titanium alloy. Additionally there is 57 mm thick bulletproof glass in the front of the cockpit.  
+
The cockpit is very well armoured. The pilot is protected on the front and sides by 24 mm of titanium alloy, the bottom and rear of the pilot is covered by 10 mm of titanium alloy. Additionally there is 57 mm thick bulletproof glass in the front of the cockpit.
  
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="4" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
+
! colspan="5" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
 
|-
 
|-
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs)
+
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs) !! Lead indicator
 
|-
 
|-
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
+
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Cross}}
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
  
* A choice between two presets:
+
* 1 x 30 mm GSh-30-2 cannon, chin-mounted (250 rpg)
** 1 x 30 mm GSh-30-2 cannon, chin-mounted (250 rpg)
+
* 128 x countermeasures
** 1 x 30 mm GSh-30-2 cannon + 128 x countermeasures
 
  
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}
 
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
{{main|OFAB-100 (100 kg)|OFAB-250sv (250 kg)|FAB-500M-62 (500 kg)|ZB-500 incendiary|GSh-23L (23 mm)}}
 
{{main|Kh-25|Kh-25ML|Kh-29L|S-25L|R-60MK}}
 
{{main|S-5K|S-8KO|S-13OF|S-24B}}
 
{{main|S-25O|S-25OF|S-25OFM}}
 
  
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance presets:
+
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
  
* Without load
 
* 2 x R-60MK missiles + 32 x 100 kg OFAB-100 bombs (3,200 kg total)
 
* 2 x R-60MK missiles + 8 x 250 kg OFAB-250sv bombs (2,000 kg total)
 
* 2 x R-60MK missiles + 8 x 500 kg FAB-500M-62 bombs (4,000 kg total)
 
* 2 x R-60MK missiles + 8 x ZB-500 incendiary bombs
 
* 2 x R-60MK missiles + 256 x S-5K rockets
 
* 2 x R-60MK missiles + 160 x S-8KO rockets
 
* 2 x R-60MK missiles + 40 x S-13OF rockets
 
* 2 x R-60MK missiles + 8 x S-24B rockets
 
* 2 x R-60MK missiles + 8 x S-25O rockets
 
* 2 x R-60MK missiles + 4 x Kh-25ML missiles
 
* 2 x R-60MK missiles + 2 x Kh-29L missiles
 
* 2 x R-60MK missiles + 4 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannons (250 rpg = 1,000 total)
 
* 2 x R-60MK missiles + 2 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannons + 120 x S-8KO rockets
 
* 2 x R-60MK missiles + 4 x S-25O rockets + 4 x 500 kg FAB-500M-62 bombs (2,000 kg total)
 
 
==== Custom loadout options ====
 
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! !! width="4%" | 1 !! width="4%" | 2 !! width="4%" | 3 !! width="4%" | 4 !! width="4%" | 5 !! width="4%" | 6 !! width="4%" | 7 !! width="4%" | 8 !! width="4%" | 9 !! width="4%" | 10
 
! !! width="4%" | 1 !! width="4%" | 2 !! width="4%" | 3 !! width="4%" | 4 !! width="4%" | 5 !! width="4%" | 6 !! width="4%" | 7 !! width="4%" | 8 !! width="4%" | 9 !! width="4%" | 10
| rowspan="19" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_Su-25.png]]</div>
+
| rowspan="22" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_Su-25.png]]</div>
 
|-
 
|-
! 23 mm GSh-23L cannons (250 rpg)
+
! [[GSh-23L (23 mm)|23 mm GSh-23L]] cannons (250 rpg)
 
| || || || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || || ||
 
| || || || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || || ||
 
|-
 
|-
! 100 kg OFAB-100 bombs
+
! [[OFAB-100 (100 kg)|100 kg OFAB-100]] bombs
 
| || 4 || 4 || 4 || 4 || 4 || 4 || 4 || 4 ||
 
| || 4 || 4 || 4 || 4 || 4 || 4 || 4 || 4 ||
 
|-
 
|-
! 250 kg OFAB-250sv bombs
+
! [[OFAB-250sv (250 kg)|250 kg OFAB-250sv]] bombs
 +
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[OFAB-250Sh (250 kg)|250 kg OFAB-250Sh]] bombs
 +
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[FAB-500M-62 (500 kg)|500 kg FAB-500M-62]] bombs
 
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
 
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
 
|-
 
|-
! 500 kg FAB-500M-62 bombs
+
! [[FAB-500Sh (500 kg)|500 kg FAB-500Sh]] bombs
 
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
 
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
 
|-
 
|-
! ZB-500 incendiary bombs
+
! [[ZB-500 incendiary]] bombs
 
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
 
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
 
|-
 
|-
! S-5K rockets
+
! [[S-5K]] rockets
 
| || 32 || 32 || 32 || 32 || 32 || 32 || 32 || 32 ||
 
| || 32 || 32 || 32 || 32 || 32 || 32 || 32 || 32 ||
 
|-
 
|-
! S-8KO rockets
+
! [[S-8KO]] rockets
 
| || 20 || 20 || 20 || 20 || 20 || 20 || 20 || 20 ||
 
| || 20 || 20 || 20 || 20 || 20 || 20 || 20 || 20 ||
 
|-
 
|-
! S-13OF rockets
+
! [[S-13OF]] rockets
 
| || 5 || 5 || 5 || 5 || 5 || 5 || 5 || 5 ||
 
| || 5 || 5 || 5 || 5 || 5 || 5 || 5 || 5 ||
 
|-
 
|-
! S-24B rockets
+
! [[S-24B]] rockets
 
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
 
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
 
|-
 
|-
! S-25O rockets
+
! [[S-25O]] rockets
 
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
 
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
 
|-
 
|-
! S-25OF rockets
+
! [[S-25OF]] rockets
 
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
 
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
 
|-
 
|-
! S-25OFM rockets
+
! [[S-25OFM]] rockets
 
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
 
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
 
|-
 
|-
! Kh-25 missiles
+
! [[Kh-25]] missiles
 
| || || 1 || 1 || || || 1 || 1 || ||
 
| || || 1 || 1 || || || 1 || 1 || ||
 
|-
 
|-
! Kh-25ML missiles
+
! [[Kh-25ML]] missiles
 
| || || 1 || 1 || || || 1 || 1 || ||
 
| || || 1 || 1 || || || 1 || 1 || ||
 
|-
 
|-
! Kh-29L missiles
+
! [[Kh-29L]] missiles
 
| || || || || 1 || 1 || || || ||
 
| || || || || 1 || 1 || || || ||
 
|-
 
|-
! R-60MK missiles
+
! [[R-60MK]] missiles
 
| 1 || || || || || || || || || 1
 
| 1 || || || || || || || || || 1
 
|-
 
|-
! S-25L missiles
+
! [[S-25L]] missiles
 
| || || 1 || 1 || || || 1 || 1 || ||
 
| || || 1 || 1 || || || 1 || 1 || ||
 
|-
 
|-
| colspan="11" | Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 1,500 kg
+
! 820 l drop tanks
 +
| || || 1 || || 1 || 1 || || 1 || ||
 +
|-
 +
| colspan="11" | Maximum permissible loadout weight: 4,400 kg<br>Maximum permissible wing load: 2,200 kg<br>Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 1,500 kg
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 +
 +
{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
 +
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
 +
 +
* 4 x 820 l drop tanks
 +
* 2 x R-60MK missiles + 32 x 100 kg OFAB-100 bombs (3,200 kg total)
 +
* 2 x R-60MK missiles + 8 x 250 kg OFAB-250sv bombs (2,000 kg total)
 +
* 2 x R-60MK missiles + 8 x 250 kg OFAB-250Sh bombs (2,000 kg total)
 +
* 2 x R-60MK missiles + 8 x 500 kg FAB-500M-62 bombs (4,000 kg total)
 +
* 2 x R-60MK missiles + 8 x 500 kg FAB-500Sh bombs (4,000 kg total)
 +
* 2 x R-60MK missiles + 8 x ZB-500 incendiary bombs
 +
* 2 x R-60MK missiles + 256 x S-5K rockets
 +
* 2 x R-60MK missiles + 160 x S-8KO rockets
 +
* 2 x R-60MK missiles + 40 x S-13OF rockets
 +
* 2 x R-60MK missiles + 8 x S-24B rockets
 +
* 2 x R-60MK missiles + 8 x S-25O rockets
 +
* 2 x R-60MK missiles + 4 x Kh-25ML missiles
 +
* 2 x R-60MK missiles + 2 x Kh-29L missiles
 +
* 2 x R-60MK missiles + 4 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannons (250 rpg = 1,000 total)
 +
* 2 x R-60MK missiles + 2 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannons + 120 x S-8KO rockets
 +
* 2 x R-60MK missiles + 4 x S-25O rockets + 4 x 500 kg FAB-500M-62 bombs (2,000 kg total)
 +
* 4 x Kh-25ML missiles
 +
* 2 x Kh-29L missiles
 +
{{Navigation-End}}
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
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* Relatively low top speed
 
* Relatively low top speed
 
* Rather poor manoeuvrability at low-medium speeds
 
* Rather poor manoeuvrability at low-medium speeds
 +
* Limited ammo for the cannon
 +
* Basic sight with very low zoom for laser guided weapons
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
As one of the export jets of Soviet Union then later Russia and Georgia ''(the Tbilisi Aircraft Plant)'', the Su-25K has been exported to every major continents of the world in different amounts with some victories against their enemies; with most of the users being Eurasian countries.
+
As one of the export jets of Soviet Union then later Russia and Georgia ''(the Tbilisi Aircraft Plant)'', the Su-25K has been exported to every major continents of the world in different amounts with some victories against their enemies; with most of the users being Eurasian countries.
  
 
Records showed that Czechoslovakia, one of the Warsaw-Pact countries until late 1980s, received their batches of 36 Su-25Ks and 2 UBK trainers from Soviet Union in 1984 as the composition of the 30th Attack Air Regiment in Pardubice Airbase then later 1st Mixed Air Corps in 1990; after the dissolution of Czechoslovakia, the succeeding Czech Republic and Slovakia split their inventories with Czech receiving 2/3 (24 25Ks and an UBK) of these jets while Slovakia received the remaining ones in 1993. Both countries didn't used their Frogfoot in any combat operations or intended for any further service in respective air forces where Czech decommissioned their Frogfoot in December 2000 while Slovakia sold most of their Frogfoots to Armenia in mid-2000s.[http://www.airvectors.net/avsu25.html] [https://www.arrow-aviation.nl/cz_su25.html]
 
Records showed that Czechoslovakia, one of the Warsaw-Pact countries until late 1980s, received their batches of 36 Su-25Ks and 2 UBK trainers from Soviet Union in 1984 as the composition of the 30th Attack Air Regiment in Pardubice Airbase then later 1st Mixed Air Corps in 1990; after the dissolution of Czechoslovakia, the succeeding Czech Republic and Slovakia split their inventories with Czech receiving 2/3 (24 25Ks and an UBK) of these jets while Slovakia received the remaining ones in 1993. Both countries didn't used their Frogfoot in any combat operations or intended for any further service in respective air forces where Czech decommissioned their Frogfoot in December 2000 while Slovakia sold most of their Frogfoots to Armenia in mid-2000s.[http://www.airvectors.net/avsu25.html] [https://www.arrow-aviation.nl/cz_su25.html]

Revision as of 12:38, 16 March 2024

This page is about the premium Soviet strike aircraft Su-25K. For other versions, see Su-25 (Family).
Su-25K
su_25k.png
GarageImage Su-25K.jpg
StoreImage Su-25K 004.jpg
Su-25K
AB RB SB
10.7 10.3 10.7
STORE

Description

During the early 1970s, it was noted that the Soviet Air Force's CAS capabilities were very underwhelming compared to their adversaries. The ground attack variants of the MiG-21 and MiG-23 lacked sufficient armour, cockpit visibility, and ground ordnance for heavy ground attack missions, whereas the Su-7 and older variants of the Su-17 were deemed "obsolete" and did not meet the requirements of the Red Army. As a result, the Soviet Ministry of Defence announced a new design competition among its design bureaus, for a new heavy-weight subsonic dedicated attacker. In the end, of the promising designs of the Sukhoi T-8 and the Ilyushin IL-102, the Sukhoi design was chosen and ordered into production in 1978 as the "Su-25". The aircraft would enter production just in time to see service in the Soviet-Afghan War the following year. Shortly after it entered production, a slightly modified variant with cheaper/simpler electronics was devised for export, titled the Su-25K.

Introduced in Update "Drone Age", the Su-25K is the export version of the base Su-25 model, intended for Warsaw-Pact countries and overseas customers with minor internal differences in terms of certain equipment. Due to this similarity with its base model, the Su-25K plays in an almost completely identical manner. The aircraft is most remarkable in mixed battles, where its large amount of countermeasures, great armour around the pilot and engines, and plethora of guided and unguided ground ordnance (coupled with two R-60MK all aspect air-to-air missiles for self defence) makes it a true force to be reckoned with in Ground Realistic and Ground Simulator battles. The Su-25K is also no slouch either in air battles, due to its stable airframe, all aspect missiles, abundant countermeasures, powerful 30 mm cannon, and surprising agility when not loaded with the usual heavy ground-striking ordnance. All in all, the Su-25K is a very potent aircraft wherever it is used, and its premium earnings bonuses are a nice extra over its tech tree brother.

General info

Flight performance

Air brakes
Allows you to dramatically reduce the flight speed by releasing special flaps
Drogue parachute
Reduces braking distance when landing on any runway
Max speed
at 1 000 m979 km/h
Turn time27 s
Max altitude11 000 m
Engine2 х UMPO R-95SH
TypeJet
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight18 t

Same as the base model in Soviet service, Su-25K is equipped with a pair of UMPO R-95SH non-afterburning turbofan engines on the sides of the airframe and is one of the last jets designed by Sukhoi with a straight wing. Since the Su-25K was designed as an attacker, it performs best at low altitude and taking it into high altitude engagements is not recommended. Another iconic feature of Su-25s are the extensive protection all-around for the pilot and critical components of the jet. Although this adds to the survivability of the aircraft against smaller weapons, it also reduces the overall manoeuvrability of the aircraft as a result of the added weight.

Characteristics Max speed
(km/h at 1,000 m)
Max altitude
(metres)
Turn time
(seconds)
Rate of climb
(metres/second)
Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 968 961 11000 27.4 28.0 66.8 62.4 850
Upgraded 989 979 26.6 27.0 94.2 79.4

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear Drogue chute
X X
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
1,100 420 900 N/A 420 ~__ ~__
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< ___ < ___ < ___ N/A

Engine performance

Engine Aircraft mass
Engine name Number Basic mass Wing loading (full fuel)
UMPO R-95SH 2 10,236 kg ___ kg/m2
Engine characteristics Mass with fuel (no weapons load) Max Gross
Weight
Weight (each) Type 8m fuel 20m fuel 29m fuel
990 kg Axial-flow turbojet 11,106 kg 12,210 kg 13,136 kg 17,678 kg
Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB) Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (100%)
Condition 100% WEP 8m fuel 20m fuel 29m fuel MGW
Stationary 3,526 kgf N/A 0.63 0.58 0.54 0.40
Optimal 3,608 kgf
(200 km/h)
N/A 0.65 0.59 0.55 0.41

Survivability and armour

Flares/Chaff
Aircraft countermeasures to distract IR and radar-guided missiles and also AA radar
Crew1 person
Speed of destruction
Structural0 km/h
Gear420 km/h

The Su-25K is known for its survivability, anecdotally being able to take a few missile hits without suffering any damage compromising its airworthiness, though this ability is inconsistent and should not be relied upon. The airframe is able to sustain rear hits from missiles with a small warhead, especially the FIM-92 Stinger. Occasionally the Su-25K is able to sustain continued hits from Stingers and Roland 1s.

128 flares/chaff launched two of each at a time provide the Su-25K with the chance to evade missiles, which should be the primary form of defense. A lack of afterburner increases flare effectiveness and only more advanced missiles such as the AIM-9L at very short ranges are able to track the aircraft from behind through flares. Chaff will be able to decoy less advanced radar missiles but in order to defeat more advanced versions, chaff has to be deployed while notching.

The aircraft remains decently controllable upon loss of tail control, wingtips, or an engine. The aircraft remains near-fully controllable upon loss of the rudder and occasionally can fly without the vertical stabilizer.

The fuel tanks are self-sealing and the aircraft has an engine fire extinguishing system. A single section of fuel tank is protected by 18 mm of steel.

The cockpit is very well armoured. The pilot is protected on the front and sides by 24 mm of titanium alloy, the bottom and rear of the pilot is covered by 10 mm of titanium alloy. Additionally there is 57 mm thick bulletproof glass in the front of the cockpit.

Modifications and economy

Repair cost
AB2 162 Sl icon.png
RB6 439 Sl icon.png
SB6 945 Sl icon.png
Crew training10 000 Sl icon.png
Experts1 160 000 Sl icon.png
Aces2 800 Ge icon.png
Research Aces2 150 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
Talisman.png 2 × 90 / 310 / 600 % Sl icon.png
Talisman.png 2 × 232 / 232 / 232 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods jet compressor.png
Compressor
Mods booster.png
New boosters
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Mods jet engine.png
Engine
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Mods g suit.png
G-suit
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Mods ammo.png
GSh-30-2_belt_pack
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods napalm fire bomb.png
ZB-500
Mods pilon block rocket.png
S-8KO
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods heli false thermal targets.png
Flares/Chaff
Mods weapon.png
GSh-30-2_new_gun
Mods pilon bomb.png
FAB-250
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon rocket.png
S-24
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods agm missile.png
Kh-25
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods gunpods.png
Gun pod SPPU-22-01
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
FAB-500
Mods pilon rocket.png
S-25
Mod arrow 0.png
Kh-29L
Mods ammo.png
ns23_belt_pack
Mods pilon block rocket large.png
B-13L
Mods jet engine extinguisher.png
EFS

Armaments

Ballistic Computer
CCIP (Guns) CCIP (Rockets) CCIP (Bombs) CCRP (Bombs) Lead indicator
Icon GreenCheckmark.png Icon GreenCheckmark.png Icon GreenCheckmark.png Icon GreenCheckmark.png Icon RedXCross.png

Offensive armament

Main article: GSh-30-2 (30 mm)

The Su-25K is armed with:

  • 1 x 30 mm GSh-30-2 cannon, chin-mounted (250 rpg)
  • 128 x countermeasures

Suspended armament

The Su-25K can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Hardpoints Su-25.png
23 mm GSh-23L cannons (250 rpg) 1 1 1 1
100 kg OFAB-100 bombs 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
250 kg OFAB-250sv bombs 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
250 kg OFAB-250Sh bombs 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
500 kg FAB-500M-62 bombs 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
500 kg FAB-500Sh bombs 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
ZB-500 incendiary bombs 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
S-5K rockets 32 32 32 32 32 32 32 32
S-8KO rockets 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20
S-13OF rockets 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5
S-24B rockets 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
S-25O rockets 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
S-25OF rockets 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
S-25OFM rockets 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Kh-25 missiles 1 1 1 1
Kh-25ML missiles 1 1 1 1
Kh-29L missiles 1 1
R-60MK missiles 1 1
S-25L missiles 1 1 1 1
820 l drop tanks 1 1 1 1
Maximum permissible loadout weight: 4,400 kg
Maximum permissible wing load: 2,200 kg
Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 1,500 kg
Default weapon presets
  • 4 x 820 l drop tanks
  • 2 x R-60MK missiles + 32 x 100 kg OFAB-100 bombs (3,200 kg total)
  • 2 x R-60MK missiles + 8 x 250 kg OFAB-250sv bombs (2,000 kg total)
  • 2 x R-60MK missiles + 8 x 250 kg OFAB-250Sh bombs (2,000 kg total)
  • 2 x R-60MK missiles + 8 x 500 kg FAB-500M-62 bombs (4,000 kg total)
  • 2 x R-60MK missiles + 8 x 500 kg FAB-500Sh bombs (4,000 kg total)
  • 2 x R-60MK missiles + 8 x ZB-500 incendiary bombs
  • 2 x R-60MK missiles + 256 x S-5K rockets
  • 2 x R-60MK missiles + 160 x S-8KO rockets
  • 2 x R-60MK missiles + 40 x S-13OF rockets
  • 2 x R-60MK missiles + 8 x S-24B rockets
  • 2 x R-60MK missiles + 8 x S-25O rockets
  • 2 x R-60MK missiles + 4 x Kh-25ML missiles
  • 2 x R-60MK missiles + 2 x Kh-29L missiles
  • 2 x R-60MK missiles + 4 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannons (250 rpg = 1,000 total)
  • 2 x R-60MK missiles + 2 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannons + 120 x S-8KO rockets
  • 2 x R-60MK missiles + 4 x S-25O rockets + 4 x 500 kg FAB-500M-62 bombs (2,000 kg total)
  • 4 x Kh-25ML missiles
  • 2 x Kh-29L missiles

Usage in battles

The Su-25K is a support plane. It is a slow plane compared to most other planes, therefore altitude is important since you are likely to Boom and Zoom. You need to look around constantly to prevent unexpected attacks. Your main worries will be planes like the A-5C or the F-5C. Those planes are fast and can dogfight you. Gain altitude and pick on unsuspecting targets. Your R-60MK missiles are very good but shooting them at 3 km distance will be the most efficient. You can also save your missiles if you're caught in a head-on, or you can spray your guns. If you see tough enemies which are alert of your presence, try engaging them first.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Excellent firepower from the GSh-30-2 cannon, having high shell velocity and a powerful punch
  • Durable airframe capable of surviving multiple hits
  • Access to all-aspect R-60MK missiles with excellent performance
  • Decent acceleration
  • Wide array of air-to-ground armament with possibility to create custom loadouts

Cons:

  • Relatively low top speed
  • Rather poor manoeuvrability at low-medium speeds
  • Limited ammo for the cannon
  • Basic sight with very low zoom for laser guided weapons

History

As one of the export jets of Soviet Union then later Russia and Georgia (the Tbilisi Aircraft Plant), the Su-25K has been exported to every major continents of the world in different amounts with some victories against their enemies; with most of the users being Eurasian countries.

Records showed that Czechoslovakia, one of the Warsaw-Pact countries until late 1980s, received their batches of 36 Su-25Ks and 2 UBK trainers from Soviet Union in 1984 as the composition of the 30th Attack Air Regiment in Pardubice Airbase then later 1st Mixed Air Corps in 1990; after the dissolution of Czechoslovakia, the succeeding Czech Republic and Slovakia split their inventories with Czech receiving 2/3 (24 25Ks and an UBK) of these jets while Slovakia received the remaining ones in 1993. Both countries didn't used their Frogfoot in any combat operations or intended for any further service in respective air forces where Czech decommissioned their Frogfoot in December 2000 while Slovakia sold most of their Frogfoots to Armenia in mid-2000s.[1] [2]

Media

Skins
Videos

See also

Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:

  • reference to the series of the aircraft;
  • links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.

External links


Sukhoi Design Bureau (Сухого Опытное конструкторское бюро)
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