Contribution to the combat effectiveness of the VKS. Su-25СМ3 during modernization

Su-25 Grach attack aircraft remain relevant and are able to contribute to the combat effectiveness of the airborne forces. However, to obtain the desired results, their modernization is required. Now domestic enterprises are repairing and updating such aircraft under the new Su-25СМ3 project, also known as the Supergrach. About 20 vehicles have already been modernized and handed over to the troops, and in the coming months the army will be given new models.

One of the first serially modernized Su-25СМ3, 2016 g. Photo Forums.airforce.ru

Modernization Progress

In the first half of the current decade aviation the industry and the air force completed the design of the upgraded attack aircraft Su-25SM3, and also completed all the necessary tests. As part of this work, two prototypes were built and tested. Then began preparations for the serial production of equipment.

In December 2015, the Ministry of Defense and the 121th Aircraft Repair Plant (Kubinka) signed the first agreement on the serial modernization of the Rooks under the CM3 project. During the year, the plant was supposed to repair and upgrade five cars from the combat unit. The cost of work amounted to 1,75 billion rubles. A few months later, the 121-th ARZ received a new order for nine attack aircraft for 3,34 billion. The first Su-25СМ3 of the first order were seen in the air in October 2016.

In 2017-18 two new orders appeared - each stipulating the modernization of four attack aircraft. The supply of finished equipment under these contracts was planned for 2018 and 2019. One of them has already been completed, while the completion of the other will take place in the coming months.

The latest delivery of the Super Rooks to the aerospace forces took place in April this year. In April and May, four attack aircraft were handed over to one of the units of the 4-th Army of the Air Force and Air Defense, based in the Stavropol Territory. The equipment has already begun service and has been mastered by flight crews.

Su-25 at the 121-m aircraft repair plant. Photo UAC / uacrussia.livejournal.ru

According to the well-known conditions of the existing contract, the next delivery of equipment will take place no later than November 10 of this year. The new batch will include four aircraft. Where they have to serve - has not yet been specified. Until now, Su-25СМ3 have been supplied only to parts of the Southern Military District. Perhaps the new party will go to another district.

Thus, to date, about two dozen modernized attack aircraft have received several aviation units of the South-East Military District. In the very near future, their number will approach 30. According to the well-known plans of the Ministry of Defense, the restructuring of equipment will continue. Over the next few years, VKS will receive dozens of new cars. The share of updated Super Rooks will gradually grow, which will positively affect the overall capabilities of the domestic attack aircraft.

Upgraded aircraft are actively involved in training and combat activities. So, on the eve of the Ministry of Defense, it announced the next participation of Southeast Aviation aviation with the participation of Su-25СМ3. During 25 sorties, attack aircraft destroyed a conditional enemy convoy, and also completed aerobatics. Last year, the Super Rooks were spotted at the Khmeimim airbase, from where they made real sorties to destroy terrorist targets.

Modernization Methods

The appearance of the SM3 project is directly related to the characteristic features of Su-25 early modifications, which over time turned into problems. Grach was initially distinguished from other front-line aircraft of its time by the simplified composition of radio-electronic equipment and sighting and navigation systems. At that time, it met the requirements, but over time new tasks and challenges arose, due to which the Su-25 began to need modern components.

Su-25СМ3 in Syria. Photo Bmpd.livejournal.com

The new project provides for the improvement of flight and navigation systems. Existing devices are complemented by satellite navigation. Such devices are fully integrated into avionics and provide the operation of sighting or other systems for various purposes.

Supergrach still does not have a radar station, but receives advanced optical instruments. The modern system of electron-optical guidance SOLT-25 was used, which provides observation and search of targets at any time of the day. It also automatically calculates the target position for use. weapons.

The most important innovation is the sight-and-navigation system SVP-24-25 "Hephaestus". Its devices receive various information from different sensors and on its basis generate data for the use of unguided weapons. It is alleged that due to Hephaestus the accuracy of free-falling bombs reaches the level of adjustable ammunition. Similar systems have already passed numerous tests at the training grounds and in the conditions of real operations.

The combat survivability of the aircraft is enhanced by the use of the Vitebsk-25 airborne defense system. It includes several built-in and pendant elements for various purposes, responsible for counteracting the enemy’s air defense systems. The composition of such a radar detector includes launch detection means and radiation detectors, as well as an active jamming station and automatic machines for shooting false thermal targets. All this allows you to protect the aircraft from air defense systems using radar or infrared homing.

One of the Super Rooks handed over to the VKS this year. Photo by the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation / mil.ru

Deep modernization of the aiming and navigation complex allows the Su-25СМ3 to use a number of new weapons. First of all, the compatibility of the attack aircraft with modern guided missiles and bombs is expanding. The possibility of using air-to-air missiles for self-defense has been retained.

The addition of a range of compatible ammunition does not lead to a serious change in the range of targets hit. At the same time, Supergrach is able to perform such tasks more efficiently in comparison with the Su-25 without modernization.

The current modernization does not provide for radical alterations of the airframe, changes in the power plant or reconstruction of general aircraft systems. There are only a few design changes associated with the installation of new devices. Otherwise, the Su-25СМ3 remains similar to the base Su-25. The absence of fundamental changes allows maintaining flight performance at the same level.

Results of the upgrade

At present, the Russian aerospace forces are armed with about 200 Su-25 attack aircraft of all the main serial modifications. From 2015 to 2019, the industry represented by the 121 ARZ repaired and upgraded approximately 3 aircraft to SM20. The execution of another order for several aircraft continues. In the near future, the appearance of new similar agreements is expected. Thus, the share of modernized machines has already exceeded 10% of the entire fleet and will continue to grow.

Attack aircraft in exercises, 2019, Photo by the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation / mil.ru

The exact plans of the Ministry of Defense regarding further modernization of equipment have not yet been announced. However, last year, Russian media reported that the update could ultimately affect the entire existing Grach park. The possibility of repair and modernization to Su-25СМ3 of all remaining machines was discussed. If such a decision was made, then it will be implemented within the framework of the next State Arms Program, calculated before 2027.

In all likelihood, a new modernization of equipment will again be carried out under relatively small contracts for several units each. Such an approach to modernization has shown itself well in the context of updating aircraft of individual units, and it can be used in the future. In this case, it may be necessary to increase the pace of production. Unfortunately, the current pace will not allow even a hundred attack aircraft to be transferred to the troops by 2027.

To date, the VKS have been given the opportunity not only to assess the potential of the modernized Su-25СМ3, but also to use it in various events, including in real operations. The amount of such equipment in parts is not too large, however, there is a slow, although steady growth. In addition, the benefits of upgraded machines are obvious. The ongoing modernization of aircraft allows you to get the required potential for attack aircraft, and at the same time increase the combat effectiveness of all airborne forces. In the context of the Su-25СМ3 project, there is a positive trend, and it must be maintained and developed until full implementation of the plans.

Comments

[Same lech]

The Rooks did a good job in Syria ... the terrorists are suffering heavy losses ... they announced a reward of $ 12000 for the heads of our troops.

[Cryvedco]

Quote: The same LYOKHA

they announced a reward of $ 12000 for the heads of our troops.

That just offends somehow, why so cheap? It would be necessary to increase the intensity of departures, but not the ODES.

[Rwmos]

Now the barmaley don’t have the denyuh - all the Rooks just pecked)))

[Siberia 75]

About a year or two ago, there were rumors about the withdrawal of the Su-25 from the Russian Aerospace Forces and the alleged replacement of their Su-34 and UAVs. There were whole forum battles. Fortunately, common sense prevailed and the Rooks will come again and again.

[Ryazan87]

remembered right away.

[Dimax-nemo]

If we take its main weapon, then in the "normal assault" mode it is used in the MANPADS coverage area. From which Vitebsk saves not as often as we would like. And if you bomb from high altitudes (if they let you) and shoot from a distance from a pitch, or with high-precision weapons - then why 1 ton of armor and the whole complex of combat survivability?
In the USA, they also constantly want to write off the A-10 - so far it has not worked out.

[Ros 56]

Is it not expensive, for five cars 1,75 billion? And this is a modernization. How much are new ones?

[Siberia 75]

Quote: Ros 56

How much are new ones?

There are not any new ones. In Ulan-Ude, they can do it if they restore the production line and modernize the entire enterprise.

[Dimax-nemo]

They won't be able to. All over again. Those machines are no longer there, those workers are no longer there, in the technologist. documentation of a spherical horse in a vacuum, the tractor will turn out. file processing. Engineers normal day with fire.

[Dimonk]

Also asked such a question It turns out that the modernization, and not even the construction of 25 aircraft, costs almost the same as the cost of building a nuclear submarine, so the same amount sounded here

[max702]

Quote: DimonK

it costs almost as much as the construction of a nuclear submarine, so the same amount sounded here

You have not beguiled rubles with dollars? All the same, the nuclear submarine costs 1 billion \ dollars or 65 billion \ rubles ..

[Dimax-nemo]

The aircraft was conceived even by Soviet standards as simple and cheap for operations during the day in simple weather conditions. Therefore, compared with the "advanced" side (initially, it is something in between the Su-17M2 and M3), everything else is not exactly a penny, but not the Su-35 for sure. Single-circuit engines are actually from the MiG-21 without afterburner.

[armata_armata]

The current pace, unfortunately, will not allow the transfer to the troops by 2027 of even a hundred attack aircraft

Hmm, the remaining non-modernized attack aircraft so that they survived until 2027 will have to reserve. Otherwise, there is no longer modernization, but capital will need to be

[Nikolaevich I]

Su-25SM3 ..... How many people remember about the Su-25T / TM (Su-39)? The peculiarity of this modification was that it was the first time a "specialized" anti-tank modification ... an anti-tank attack aircraft! It was a kind of flying ATGM (!); Because. was armed, among other things, with the Whirlwind anti-tank missiles! Alas, several "pieces" were produced, and the production stopped there, despite the "solemn" promises and "enthusiastic" reviews! The Su-25SM3 attack aircraft embodies some of the ideas that were worked out for the Su-25 T / TM several years earlier than the SM3 ...! As the saying goes, "the new is the well-forgotten old"!

[Alexey RA]

Quote: Nikolaevich I

Su-25SM3 ..... How many people remember about the Su-25T / TM (Su-39)? The peculiarity of this modification was that it was the first time a "specialized" anti-tank modification ... an anti-tank attack aircraft! It was a kind of flying ATGM (!); Because. was armed, among other things, with the Whirlwind anti-tank missiles! Alas, several "pieces" were produced, and the production stopped there, despite the "solemn" promises and "enthusiastic" reviews!

I can even name one of the reasons for the termination of release. Because the designers somehow forgot that the Su-39 is designed to be piloted by combat pilots.

One of the remarks of the List No. 1 of the GI Su-25T Act is written approximately like this (I don't remember the exact wording, more than twenty years have passed): "When performing some combat modes, the psychophysiological load on the pilot is close to the limit." The remark was given by specialists of the Research Institute of Aviation and Space Medicine of the Moscow Region. Those. the combination of the process of aiming and piloting in a number of modes caused problems. Moreover, it was not about combat pilots, but about first class military test pilots.

© from discussions of the Ka-50 at VO

[maximghost]

But after all, aiming on an ordinary Su-25 is carried out according to a similar principle as on the Su-25t. The only difference is that on the usual 25 you have to rely more on the fact that the target should be visible visually. Again, the Americans made full use of similar systems.

[Whowhy]

There was also a radar station - "Spear-25" and excellent optics and an expanded range of weapons. And also the ability to fly at low altitude with a rounding of the terrain.
The Su-39 aircraft was a further development of a specialized “anti-tank” version of the Su-25T attack aircraft. The task of fighting tanks for the Su-39 was supposed to be important, but not dominant, like the Su-25T. It was assumed that the aircraft will be able to effectively destroy ships in the coastal zones, transport and front-line enemy aircraft.

[samaravega]

It was "Whirlwind" that destroyed the Su-25T. The ATGM was never brought to mass production and put into service, which is why the Su-25T "died without being born", and the Ka-50 and all its further versions had to be remade under the "Storm" and done (for this reason) double: the automation of "Sturm" does not allow one person to do everything. It is possible that the level of automation inherent in "Whirlwind" was initially overestimated to not real. At least even the Hellfire with the PA LGSN requires two people in the helicopter crew. Su-25TM (Su-39), by the way, like the Su-25T, was created on the basis of the Su-25UB, it is simply impossible to upgrade the combatant Su-25 to its level, another glider, etc., but for the production of new ones " no money, but you hold on. "

[AAK]

The Su-39 was developed already by 2000, only a part of the ideas conceived for this modification was embodied on the SM3, i.e. The 39th is outdated by almost 20 years, but how old is its undermodification, which is presented as another "overhaul"? It turns out that this is just a "lifting by the ears" so that the plane can somehow carry out the tasks assigned to it in the battlefield ... And in general, without the radar, no task can be completed in full ... What is there, to the devil , "long arm" ...

[Monar]

"Long arm" on a frontline attack aircraft? And even a radar? Didn't you confuse it with fighter-bombers?

[AAK]

For an attack aircraft, a "long arm", in this case, is a complex of means of detection, identification and destruction of targets installed on board (stationary or in suspended containers), which gives an all-weather and round-the-clock possibility of confident use of guided and unguided weapons at a distance of up to 30-40 km. (the approximate range of the radio horizon when flying at medium altitudes, with the possibility of avoiding defeat by means of short and short range military air defense). The existing OLS does not provide the possibility of all-weather and round-the-clock detection / use of weapons by an attack aircraft.

[Monar]

For such purposes, there is the same Su-34. The Su-25 has its own goals and objectives. Those same Americans on the A-10 radar do not put and do not worry.

[AAK]

You can't put a radar on a "boar" in the nose, it will simply crumble from the cannon vibration.
34th with 25th in terms of tasks and range of weapons differ dramatically. The 25th is the front line +/- 10-15 km, the 34th is at least the middle front-line zone (for a front-line aircraft, the distance of travel under 4000 km is not needed from the word at all). The range of the 34th weapon is 50-500 km, and its mass, especially in the high-precision version (KAB, PKR, URVZ SD / BD), for the 25th, as a rule, is not acceptable.
For the 25th, it is quite capable of creating a compact container version of the radar (so as not to radically redesign the bow section with the OLPK) based on the same "Crossbow". And most importantly, the "duck" is worth 3-4 "rooks" ...

[Monar]

AND? Letak made and imprisoned for certain tasks. To hang on it what is not provided by a design? It will turn out to be a bad attack aircraft, but still a bad bomber.
Here's a modern all-weather OLS, he clearly will not hurt. Moreover, he already has a "long arm". Shine on the target, and the rocket will fly by itself.

[sh3roman]

Compare su25 and su 34, to put it mildly, is not correct. And if you also look at the cost of these, and the cost of departure. That will be absolutely God's gift with fried eggs.

[sgrabik]

The American A-10 attack aircraft also lacks a radar, but the Americans are also in no hurry to abandon the "warthog" and are constantly upgrading it, combat missions for an attack aircraft and a fighter-bomber are not the same thing at all.

[AKS-U]

And what year is it? This is an aircraft from the times of the Great Soviet Union. And no words like "Super Rook" will hide the museum piece. Where are the New Cars? No design bureaus, no cars. Nothing.

[Ratmir_Ryazan]

Where are the new cars? Neither KB nor cars. Nothing.

Open your eyes to the troops now there are hundreds of pieces of Su-34 multipurpose fighter-bombers, Su-30/34 fighters that can work on the ground, Ka-52 / Mi-28/35 helicopters are developing new types of UAVs.

The relevance of the Su-25 attack aircraft is becoming less and less. In the future, I think its niche in battle will be replaced by UAVs and multifunctional fighters and helicopters.

Although there may be a certain number of attack aircraft and remain, specialists are more harmful here. But the fact that their relevance in battle is declining.

The same thing happens in the USA.

[haanan]

A hundred in ten years, and this is Russian Peremoga

[sgrabik]

And what do you have in Khokhlostan still producing any kind of aircraft ??? Not a single one since 2014 ??? Antonov is no longer capable of producing anything at all.

[Klingon]

minke whales are also in no hurry to write off their boars (A-10 Thunderbolt), it seems like they also upgraded more than once

[Nycomed]

I would like to know type of MANPADS of which our Su-25 was shot down in Syria on 03.02.2018/XNUMX/XNUMX, as a result of which our pilot died.

[Andrey VOV]

most likely than that of the domestic ...

[Nycomed]

Do you mean "Arrow"? How did this MANPADS get there?

[Alexey RA]

Quote: Nycomed

Do you mean "Arrow"? How did this MANPADS get there?

There are many options. Most likely:
- officially sold to Syria, fell into the hands of terrorists during the seizure of army depots;
- officially sold to Iraq, fell into the hands of terrorists during the seizure of army depots and delivered to Syria;
- officially sold to Libya, fell into the hands of terrorists during the seizure of army depots and delivered to Syria.

[Nycomed]

Why is it that everything that we sell to our Arab "friends" ends up in the hands of terrorists? And then our guys die.

[Alexey RA]

Quote: Nycomed

Why is it that everything that we sell to our Arab "friends" ends up in the hands of terrorists?

And this is not only with us - this is the case for everyone.
There the Americans sold their Arab "friends" weapons for a new army - so what? And nothing has changed: new army of democratic Iraq handed over weapons to terrorists with almost divisional kits.

[Nycomed]

Yes, the "heroes", the "evacuation" of the gallant pilots of Ded Saddam to Iran during the first Gulf War will be remembered for a long time.

[storm]

From 2015 to 2019, the industry represented by the 121st ARZ carried out repairs and upgrades to “SM3” of approximately 20 aircraft. The execution of another order for several aircraft continues. In the near future, the appearance of new similar agreements is expected. Thus, the share of modernized cars has already exceeded 10% of the entire fleet and will continue to grow.

Over 4 years, 20 aircraft were upgraded,
It will take 200 years to modernize all 40 attack aircraft available at the current pace !!!
by that time, all Su-25s will decay and be scrapped.

[sh3roman]

Over 4 years, 20 years of repair, this is of course Stakhanov’s, shocking pace.

[storm]

The current modernization does not provide for radical alterations of the airframe, changes in the power plant or reconstruction of general aircraft systems.

The cost of upgrading one Su-25 under the last contract is 401 million rubles. and this is without upgrading the airframe and engines.
For example, the cost of the new Su-30SM for the airborne forces is $ 30 million. Multiplied by the current rate of 65 and we get 1 billion 950 million rubles or the cost of modernization of 5 units. Su-25,
From this comparison it can be seen that the cost of upgrading the Su-25 to the SM3 version is 400 million rubles. is clearly overpriced and is the main obstacle to the massive modernization of the Su-25 park ....

[storm]

Regarding the volumes of serial modernization of the Su-24M according to the Hephaestus program - finalization according to bulletin No. 102.8.4.2204.34 (126.007-BU / BE) - on the official websites of government procurements operating in different years, two notifications on the completion of the Su-24M were found. The first competition was announced on July 23, 2008 and involved the repair of eleven Morozov-based bombers during 2008-2009. The cost of work amounted to 42 million rubles, that is, 3,8 million for one aircraft. The second auction was announced on April 15, 2010 and was supposed to finalize, according to the same bulletin, two Su-24 aircraft (one each in Lipetsk and Morozovsk). The work was estimated at 7,1 million rubles, that is, slightly more than 3,5 million rubles. over one side.

The information is of course old from 2009, BUT IT CANNOT BE SUCH AS THE COST OF A PRACTICALLY SIMILAR MODERNIZATION Su-24 (HEPHEST PROGRAM) FOR 10 YEARS INCREASED 100+ times from 3.8 million rubles to 401 million rubles !!!

[storm]

The most important innovation is the sight-and-navigation system SVP-24-25 “Hephaestus”.

Even if you take a tenfold increase in value since 2009. the real cost of upgrading the Su-25 for the installation of Hephaestus and the completion of other systems is about 40-50 million rubles. but not at all 400 million rubles.
Therefore, they do not modernize 20 planes per year, but only 4 units each.

[Vitas]

Recently, the SU-25 UB fell. And how many such modifications are in service ?! And are they undergoing modernization?