Russian Air Force to receive first six Su-25SM attack aircraft
RIA Novosti
25/ 12/ 2006
MOSCOW, December 25 (RIA Novosti) - Russia's Air Force will receive six modernized Su-25SM Frogfoot attack aircraft at an aircraft repair plant in the Moscow Region December 27, the chief Air Force spokesman said Monday.
"The reception of the machines will be hosted personally by the Air Force commander, Army General Vladimir Mikhailov," Alexander Drobyshevsky told RIA Novosti.
Drobyshevsky said the attack aircraft are the first to have undergone substantial modernization at the Russian Defense Ministry aircraft repair facilities.
The Su-25, a single-seat armored subsonic Frogfoot attack plane with a maximum takeoff weight of 19.3 metric tons and a maximum speed of 950 kilometers (590 miles) an hour, is armed with a 30 millimeter cannon and various air-to-ground munitions.
It can carry more than 4,000 kilograms (8,800 pounds) of weaponry, and can provide close infantry support in any weather or time of day.
The Su-25SM, a modernized version of the Su-25, has improved survivability and combat capability.
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