Scorpion upgrade of Su-25 flies in Tbilisi

The Scorpion upgrade of the Sukhoi Su-25K 'Frogfoot-A', developed by Elbit Systems of Israel in collaboration with Tbilisi Aerospace Manufacturing (TAM) of Georgia, made its official first flight from TAM's Tbilisi airfield on 18 April 2001 in the presence of Georgia's President, Eduard Shevardnadze.
The project to give this Russian-designed close air support aircraft a modern avionics system, including a 'glass' cockpit and weapons delivery and navigation system (WDNS), began in September 2000. The resultant Su-25 Scorpion made its maiden flight on 14 April in the hands of Elbit's chief test pilot, Yehuda Shafir.
Elbit's Scorpion programme manager, Mody Rosoff, told JDU that the architecture of the upgrade was based on a twin 1553B databus and the company's Modular Multi-Role Computer. The original cockpit has been redesigned with most of the original analogue 'dial' instrumentation being replaced by two new 6x8in multi-function colour displays (MFCDs), a new heads-up display (HUD) with up-front controls, a new caution panel and HOTAS (Hands-On-Throttle-And-Stick) controls.
A new GPS/inertial navigation system, together with Elbit's moving map display (in its first fixed-wing application), VOR/ILS, DME and stores management system, make up the WDNS. Two new radios, one VHF and one UHF, with secure modes, have also been installed.
There is provision for Elbit's DASH (Display And Sighting Helmet) to be incorporated, should the customer so wish it. It is also possible to add a TACAN facility. The existing radar altimeter and fuel gauges have been retained, as well as the Russian KLEN laser ranger and target designator.
Although this programme is currently a demonstration programme (and as such some exact equipment specifications may change) it is clearly aimed at the Georgian Air Force (GAF). According to Jane's World Air Forces, the GAF operates a fleet of six Su-25 'Frogfoot-As' and one two-seat Su-25UB.
According to the GAF's Commander, General Lieutenant Valeri Nakopia, the GAF "is very keen to obtain such an aircraft" and has worked closely with TAM and Elbit on defining the requirements and standards for the Scorpion.
With funding an obvious issue, political support for the Su-25 Scorpion upgrade is essential. Following the demonstration on 18 April, informed sources in Tbilisi suggest that Presidential approval will be forthcoming. The same sources pointed-out that in 1979, as Foreign Minister of the former Soviet Union, Shevadnardze was instrumental in having Sukhoi's design built at the TASA (now TAM) facility in Georgia. Indeed, TAM is the only organisation to build the original single-seat Su-25.
Speaking to JDU after the ceremonies, the Director General of TAM (formerly known as TASA - Tbilisi Aviation State Association), Dr Pantiko Tordia, said that he hoped the necessary approvals to commence such an upgrade would be passed by the end of May.
If this is the case, then TAM and Elbit will be in a stronger marketing position at the Paris air show (where the Su-25 Scorpion will be in both the static and flying display). Exisiting Su-25 operators are prime targets and 'new-build' aircraft be built with this configuration.
Meanwhile, TAM continues to promote sales of exisiting Su-25s (30 of which are built and available now with a further 20 airframes in various stages of assembly). Tordia told JDU the company had sold four aircraft last year, is close to signing a contract for 12 with a new customer and is optimistic it will sell 13 more Su-25T models to Russia.
From http://www.janes.com