Hobby Master 1/72 HA6106 Su-25K Frogfoot 9013, Czechoslovak AF, 30th Combat Air Regiment, Zatec Airbase, summer 1992

In 1999 Russia decided to upgrade their aging Su-25 aircraft with actual work beginning in 2001. The first of the upgraded aircraft designated Su-25SM (Stroyevoy Modernizirovannyi) Grach (Rook) flew on March 3, 2002 with the first six modernized aircraft entering service with the Russian Air Force in December 2006. The idea behind the modernization was to expand the life of the Su-25, make it All-Weather capable, more lethal and reduce operating and maintenance cost. Increased ordnance loads and a wider selection were also added.

Su-25K Frogfoot 9013 c/n 25508109013 was delivered to the Czechoslovak People’s Army in 1987. In 1992 while with the 30 BLP (30th Combat Air Regiment) at Zatec Airbase it received a very colorful paint scheme. Since the Su-25 is referred to as a tank buster this aircraft’s tail had a very vivid image of a frog destroying a tank. This art work made this particular aircraft the most popular for photographers. The aircraft is on display in the Vyskov Museum.