The , nicknamed the "Grach" (Rook) by Soviet pilots, is a specialized subsonic, armored close air support (CAS) jet designed to provide direct battlefield assistance to ground forces. Often referred to as the "Soviet Tank-Buster" or "Flying Tank," it was developed in the late 1960s to fulfill the need for a modern equivalent to the legendary WWII-era Ilyushin IL-2 Shturmovik . Design and Survivability
: It features twin engines spaced widely apart to prevent a single hit from disabling both, along with reinforced, explosion-proof fuel tanks filled with polyurethane foam to prevent fires. Sukhoi Su-25 Frogfoot: The Soviet Union's Tank-...
: The pilot is protected by an all-welded 24mm titanium alloy armored cockpit , allowing it to survive direct hits from ground-based anti-aircraft fire. The , nicknamed the "Grach" (Rook) by Soviet
: Designed for frontline operations, the Frogfoot can take off and land on unpaved or poorly maintained runways. Armament and Performance : The pilot is protected by an all-welded
The Su-25 was built with a focus on ruggedness and pilot safety rather than speed or high-tech sophistication.
Equipped with 10 underwing pylons, the Su-25 can carry a massive payload of up to 4.4 tons of weaponry. Su-25 Frogfoot - The Russian Flying Tank