MOSCOW. Jan 6 (Interfax-AVN) - The SU-25TM Frogfoot attack aircraft is to be modernized in 2004 under the research and development program, funded by the Russian Defense Ministry, with the modernization envisioning for the aircraft to be fitted with new avionics, a source in the Russian defense industry told Interfax-Military News Agency on Tuesday.
"Combat efficiency of the upgraded SU-25TM attack aircraft will be increased by about 25-30% due to the aircraft's being fitted with new avionics, in particular, the Bars sighting and navigation system," the source said.
According to him, the upgraded SU-25TM is to undergo flight tests in 2004. Its avionics are being upgraded in compliance with an agreement with the Russian Air Force.
The SU-25TM is intended for round-the-clock combat operations in the interests of the Land Forces support. The plane is fitted with the SUV-25TM Voskhod sighting and navigation system that incorporates two Orbita 20 computers. The SUO-39 arms control system ensures accuracy of target indication within 60cm at a distance of 10km.
The expanded nose section of the fuselage houses the I-251M optronics sighting station (also known as Shkval-M) which feeds data to a television screen. The Mercury suspended television sighting system and an under-fuselage container with Khod IR equipment are included in the plane's equipment for conducting combat operations at night.
The Irtysh electronic warfare system is based on a reconnaissance radar. The aircraft will also be fitted with two small-size containers, carrying the Gardenia system, and attached externally to underwing pylons. The Gardenia system is designed to dispense chaff and flares.