RUSSIA in CLOSE-UP: Russian Rooks of Metal

Initially, it was planned to become the flying analogue to the celebrated AK-47 rifle – maximally simple and comfortable in usage. A specialized armoured assault aircraft, the Sukhoi Su-25, lovingly nicknamed ‘Grach’ (eng. ‘Rook’), was designed in the Soviet Union to provide close air support for the Soviet Ground Forces. The first prototype made its maiden flight on 22 February 1975. After testing, the aircraft went into series production in 1978. After more than 25 years in service which had seen a good lot of combats, the Su-25 has proved the reputation of being the most robust plane. The newest modifications boast an upgraded avionics and weapons suite, resulting in improved survivability and combat capability.