A-10C2 vs. Su-25

Attribute	A-10C2	Su-25
Origin	United States	Russia
Role	Close air support	Ground attack
Max Speed	439 mph	610 mph
Armament	30mm GAU-8 Avenger cannon, missiles, bombs	30mm GSh-30-2 cannon, missiles, bombs
First Flight	1972	1975

Introduction

When it comes to ground attack aircraft, the A-10C2 and Su-25 are two of the most well-known and widely used options in the world. Both aircraft are designed to provide close air support to ground troops and engage enemy targets with precision and firepower. While they share some similarities in terms of their role and capabilities, there are also key differences that set them apart. In this article, we will compare the attributes of the A-10C2 and Su-25 to help you understand the strengths and weaknesses of each aircraft.

Design and Development

The A-10C2, also known as the A-10 Thunderbolt II, was developed by Fairchild Republic in the 1970s specifically for the United States Air Force. It was designed to be a dedicated close air support aircraft with a primary focus on providing effective firepower against ground targets. The A-10C2 features a distinctive design with a large gun mounted in the nose, which gives it the nickname "Warthog."

The Su-25, on the other hand, was developed by the Soviet Union in the 1970s as a counterpart to the A-10. It was designed to fulfill a similar role as the A-10, providing close air support to ground troops and engaging enemy targets with precision. The Su-25 features a more traditional design with twin engines and a straight wing configuration.

Performance

When it comes to performance, the A-10C2 and Su-25 have some notable differences. The A-10C2 is powered by a pair of General Electric TF34-GE-100 turbofan engines, which give it a top speed of around 439 mph. It has a combat radius of approximately 250 miles and can carry a wide range of weapons, including the GAU-8 Avenger rotary cannon.

The Su-25, on the other hand, is powered by a pair of Tumansky R-195 turbojet engines, which give it a top speed of around 560 mph. It has a combat radius of approximately 300 miles and can carry a variety of weapons, including rockets, missiles, and bombs. The Su-25 is known for its agility and maneuverability, making it a formidable opponent in air-to-ground combat.

Armament

Both the A-10C2 and Su-25 are equipped with a wide range of weapons to engage ground targets effectively. The A-10C2 is best known for its GAU-8 Avenger rotary cannon, which is capable of firing 30mm rounds at a high rate of fire. In addition to the cannon, the A-10C2 can carry a variety of bombs, missiles, and rockets to engage enemy targets.

The Su-25, on the other hand, is equipped with a twin-barrel GSh-30-2 30mm cannon, which is also capable of firing at a high rate of fire. In addition to the cannon, the Su-25 can carry a wide range of weapons, including rockets, missiles, and bombs. The Su-25 is known for its versatility in terms of armament, allowing it to engage a variety of ground targets effectively.

Survivability

Survivability is a key factor for any ground attack aircraft, as they are often exposed to enemy fire and threats. The A-10C2 is known for its rugged design and durability, with features such as redundant flight controls and armor protection for the cockpit and critical systems. The A-10C2 is also equipped with countermeasures such as chaff and flare dispensers to defend against enemy missiles.

The Su-25, on the other hand, is also designed with survivability in mind, with features such as armor protection for the cockpit and critical systems. The Su-25 is equipped with countermeasures such as chaff and flare dispensers, as well as an infrared jammer to defend against enemy threats. Both the A-10C2 and Su-25 are designed to withstand enemy fire and continue to operate effectively in combat situations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the A-10C2 and Su-25 are both formidable ground attack aircraft with unique strengths and capabilities. The A-10C2 is known for its firepower and durability, while the Su-25 is known for its agility and versatility. Both aircraft have proven themselves in combat situations and continue to be used by air forces around the world. Whether you prefer the rugged design of the A-10C2 or the maneuverability of the Su-25, both aircraft are capable of providing effective close air support to ground troops and engaging enemy targets with precision and firepower.