Elbit Systems is preparing to help Georgia secure funds to upgrade its Sukhoi Su-25 Frogfoots and so become launch customer for the Scorpion programme developed by the Israeli company and Tbilisi Aircraft Manufacturing (TAM).
Joseph Ackerman, Elbit president, says that if the Georgian Government seeks a financial package, the Israeli company will help. "We are now conducting a survey of the potential market for the upgraded aircraft. It is essential that Georgia will be the launch customer," he says.
Elbit and TAM flew the first upgraded Su-25 on 18 April and the pair is surveying Frogfoot operators in an effort to find air forces considering a modification programme. TAM manufactured more than 800 Su-25s during the Soviet era.
The Scorpion comprises new cockpit systems including displays and Elbit's Weapon Delivery and Navigation System (WDNS). Elbit says Scorpion improves the Su-25's all-weather capabilities, while WDNS is compatible with eastern and western weapons and navigation/targeting pods.
Source: Flight International
