A Sukhoi Su-25 Frogfoot strike aircraft upgraded by Israel's Elbit Systems and Georgia's Tbilisi Aircraft Manufacturing (TAM) made its first flight on18 April.
Dubbed Scorpion, the upgraded Su-25 has been modified with Elbit avionics including two 150mm x 200mm (6in x 8in) liquid crystal cockpit displays, a head-up display and the Israeli company's Weapon Delivery and Navigation System (WDNS). Elbit says Scorpion will provide the pilot with enhanced situation awareness and improve the Su-25's all-weather capabilities.
WDNS, which Elbit uses in several upgrade packages, is compatible with Eastern and Western weapons and navigation/targeting pods, says the company, which will display the upgraded fighter at the Paris air show in June.
TAM, the Su-25 production facility during the Soviet era, built more than 800 Frogfoots. Elbit has upgrade programmes for several Russian fighters including the Mikoyan MiG-21 Fishbed and the RSK MiG-29 Fulcrum.
Elbit has been picked by Lockheed Martin Aircraft Argentina to supply avionics for the upgrade of Argentinian air force AT-63 Pampa trainers. The company will supply and integrate the avionics - including new multifunction cockpit displays, mission computer and communications system.Source: Flight International
