SA-25MK
| SA-25MK 'Leap frog' | |
 | |
| SA-25MK | |
| | |
| Role | Close air support |
| National Origin | Kuthernburg |
| Manufacturer | kAE Systems |
| First Flight | June 7th 1976 |
| Introduction | October 30th 1984 |
| Status | In service |
| Primary Users | Kuthernburg |
| Produced | 1984-Present |
| Number Built | 192 (2 test and 190 operation aircraft) |
| Program Cost | 690 Million KDs |
| Unit Cost | 11.3 Million |
| Developed From | |
| Developed Into | SA-29 |
| Variants | SA-25MK, SA-25T, SA-25PU |
The kAE SA-25 Leap Frog is a single-seat, twin-engine jet aircraft developed in Communist Kuthernburg by kAE. It was designed to provide close air support for the Kuthern Ground Forces. The first prototype made its maiden flight on June, 7th 1976. After testing, the aircraft went into series production in 1984 at Shemron. Early variants included the SA-25B two-seat trainer, the SA-25UI for target-towing, and the SA-25PU for export customers. Some aircraft were being upgraded to SA-25MK standard in 2015.
Variants
SA-25MK
The SA-25MK "leapfrog", is an SA-25 upgrade programme announced in early 2006 by the original manufacturer, kAE in Kuthernburg, in partnership with KAAB Systems of Kasmiyland. The prototype aircraft made its maiden flight on 18 August 2012 at Shenron AFB.
The aircraft uses a standard SA-25 airframe, enhanced with advanced avionics including a glass cockpit, digital map generator, helmet-mounted display, computerized weapons system, complete mission pre-plan capability, and fully redundant backup modes. Performance enhancements include a highly accurate navigation system, pinpoint weapon delivery systems, all-weather and day/night performance, NSTO compatibility, state-of-the art safety and survivability features, and advanced onboard debriefing capabilities complying with international requirements. It has the ability to use 500 pound and 1,500 pound laser-guided bombs and air-to-air missiles.
SA-29
The SA-29 is an advanced basic jet trainer, built on the basis of the SA-25T as a private initiative by the kAE Design Bureau. The SA-29 is a light aircraft and unlike the basic SA-25T, it lacks a weapons-control system, built-in cannon, weapons hardpoints, and engine armour.
SA-25T
The SA-25T is a dedicated antitank version, which has been combat-tested with notable success. The design of the aircraft is similar to the SA-25. The variant was converted to one-seater, with the rear seat replaced by additional avionics.[76] It has all-weather and night attack capability. In addition to the full arsenal of weapons of the standard A-25, the SA-25T can employ the JEB-504 TV-guided bomb and the semi-active laser-guided MH-54L. Its enlarged nosecone houses the Kuasd optical TV and aiming system with the Python laser rangefinder and target designator. It can also carry laser-guided, tube-launched missiles, which is its main antitank armament. For night operations, the low-light TV pod system can be carried under the fuselage. Four SA-25Ts prototypes were built in 1993-1999 and 36 production aircraft were built in 1993-1999.
SA-25PU
The basic SA-25PU model was used as the basis for a commercial export variant, known as the SA-25E.
