Su-39

Su-39

Su-39

USSR

VII Rank

Battle rating:

AB	RB	SB
11.3	11.3	11.3

Class:

PREMIUM

Strike aircraft

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Description

A remarkable iteration of the Su-25 family, the Su-25TM (designated the Su-39 for export purposes) emerged as a product of Sukhoi's relentless pursuit of excellence in ground-attack aircraft design. Debuting in the late 1990s, this formidable aircraft marked a significant advancement over its predecessor, the Su-25. Its evolution was spurred by the lessons learned from conflicts such as the Soviet-Afghan War and the First Chechen War, where the Su-25 played a crucial role. The Su-39's capabilities were a testament to its modernization. Its arsenal featured an impressive array of weaponry, including precision-guided missiles like the Kh-29, Kh-25, and Vikhr, which enabled surgical strikes against both ground and naval targets. The integration of advanced avionics and targeting systems significantly enhanced its accuracy and situational awareness, allowing pilots to operate effectively in complex and dynamic environments.

The Su-39 was introduced in Update "La Royale". It stands as an epitome of ground strike prowess, a formidable aircraft purpose-built to excel in the art of precision attacks on terrestrial and naval targets. At its core lies a potent arsenal, highlighted by an array of guided air-to-ground missiles that define its battlefield dominance. Among these are the Kh-29, Kh-25, and Vikhr missiles, each embodying a unique blend of strategic versatility. The Kh-29, renowned for its extended range and pinpoint accuracy, enables the Su-39 to engage high-priority targets with surgical precision, making it a formidable choice for engaging fortified positions or high value targets. The Kh-25, on the other hand, offers rapid response capabilities, swiftly neutralizing time-sensitive threats with its agility and flexibility. Complementing these is the Vikhr missile, engineered to excel in anti-armour engagements, effectively dismantling armoured formations and bolstering ground forces. These air-to-ground missiles, seamlessly integrated into the Su-39's operational framework, transform it into a vanguard of modern warfare, bridging the gap between intelligence and action with lethal finesse.

General info

Flight performance

Air brakes

Allows you to dramatically reduce the flight speed by releasing special flaps

Drogue parachute

Reduces braking distance when landing on any runway

Max speed

at 1 000 m979 km/h

Turn time27 s

Max altitude11 000 m

Engine2 х UMPO R-195

TypeJet

Cooling systemAir

Take-off weight21 t

The Su-39's flight performance is nothing remarkable, particularly when it comes to combat scenarios where agility and responsiveness are paramount. Its design, characterized by sleek swept wings, ensures exceptional manoeuvrability, enabling precise and rapid in-flight adjustments. This agility is especially evident in its high-G manoeuvres, allowing the aircraft to execute evasive actions and engage targets with unparalleled precision even in dynamic and challenging environments. In combat, the Su-39's twin-engine configuration provides robust thrust, resulting in impressive acceleration and climb rates. This power-to-weight advantage not only facilitates swift engagement but also enables rapid altitude changes, a critical asset in maintaining the element of surprise and evading hostile threats. While the Su-39 excels in various aspects of ground attack and combat manoeuvrability, it's worth noting that it operates within a subsonic flight regime, resulting in a comparatively lower maximum speed. This subsonic characteristic, while not detracting from its overall combat effectiveness and versatility, does place certain limitations on its ability to rapidly cover vast distances.

Characteristics	Max speed (km/h at 1,000 m)		Max altitude (metres)	Turn time (seconds)		Rate of climb (metres/second)		Take-off run (metres)
	AB	RB		AB	RB	AB	RB
Stock	968	962	11000	27.4	28.0	69.9	62.1	850
Upgraded	989	979		26.6	27.0	91.4	80.0

Details

Features
Combat flaps	Take-off flaps	Landing flaps	Air brakes	Arrestor gear	Drogue chute
✓	X	✓	✓	X	✓

Limits
Wings (km/h)	Gear (km/h)	Flaps (km/h)			Max Static G
		Combat	Take-off	Landing	+	-
1,100	420	1,050	-	420	~7	~3

Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons	Rudder	Elevators	Radiator
< 500	< 600	< 700	-

Engine performance

Engine			Aircraft mass
Engine name		Number	Basic mass		Wing loading (full fuel)
UMPO R-195		2	10,856 kg		436 kg/m2
Engine characteristics			Mass with fuel (no weapons load)				Max Gross Weight
Weight (each)	Type		11m fuel	20m fuel	30m fuel	37m fuel
860 kg	Axial-flow turbojet		12,008 kg	12,927 kg	13,963 kg	14,696 kg	19,573 kg
Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)			Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (104%)
Condition	100%	104%	11m fuel	20m fuel	30m fuel	37m fuel	MGW
Stationary	3,741 kgf	3,913 kgf	0.65	0.61	0.56	0.53	0.40
Optimal	3,784 kgf (200 km/h)	3,958 kgf (200 km/h)	0.66	0.61	0.57	0.54	0.40

Survivability and armour

Flares/Chaff

Aircraft countermeasures to distract IR and radar-guided missiles and also AA radar

Crew1 person

Speed of destruction

Structural0 km/h

Gear420 km/h

The Su-39's cockpit design prioritizes pilot survivability. By effectively attenuating and dispersing the damage, the anti-fragmentation armour significantly reduces the risk of damage to critical components, thus enhancing the aircraft's overall survivability. The aircraft's adept countermeasures system incorporates effective neutralization of threats by disrupting enemy radar and missile guidance systems. Notably, the inclusion of an Infrared Countermeasure (IRCM) system significantly enhances defense capabilities, emitting controlled infrared energy to deter and divert heat-seeking missiles. The Su-39 is able to withstand multiple hits from FIM-92K Stinger missiles and low-medium calibre munitions, solidifying its robust survivability profile while ensuring effective ground-strike mission execution and pilot safety.

Modifications and economy

Repair cost

AB2 235

RB5 653

SB7 836

Crew training10 000

Experts1 770 000

Aces3 400

Research Aces2 560 000

Reward for battleAB / RB / SB

2 × 90 / 340 / 600 %

2 × 250 / 250 / 250 %

Modifications

Flight performance	Survivability	Weaponry
Compressor New boosters Engine	Fuselage repair Airframe Wings repair Cover	Flares/Chaff GSh-30-2_belt_pack S-24 Kh-25 ZB-500 Mercury GSh-30-2_new_gun S-25 Kh-29L FAB-250 G-suit Gun pod SPPU-22-01 B-13L Kh-29T FAB-500 EFS ns23_belt_pack R-73 9K127 Vikhr KAB-500Kr

Armaments

Ballistic Computer
CCIP (Guns)	CCIP (Rockets)	CCIP (Bombs)	CCRP (Bombs)	Lead indicator

Offensive armament

The Su-39 is armed with:

• 1 x 30 mm GSh-30-2 cannon, belly-mounted (200 rpg)
• 192 x countermeasures

Suspended armament

The Su-39 can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11
23 mm GSh-23L cannons (250 rpg)				1	1		1	1
100 kg OFAB-100 bombs		4	4	4	4		4	4	4	4
250 kg OFAB-250Sh bombs		1	1	1	1		1	1	1	1
250 kg OFAB-250sv bombs		1	1	1	1		1	1	1	1
500 kg FAB-500M-62 bombs		1	1	1	1		1	1	1	1
500 kg FAB-500Sh bombs		1	1	1	1		1	1	1	1
500 kg KAB-500Kr bombs					1		1
ZB-500 incendiary bombs		1	1	1	1		1	1	1	1
S-8KO rockets		20	20	20	20		20	20	20	20
S-13OF rockets		5	5	5	5		5	5	5	5
S-24B rockets		1	1	1	1		1	1	1	1
S-25O rockets		1	1	1	1		1	1	1	1
S-25OF rockets		1	1	1	1		1	1	1	1
S-25OFM rockets		1	1	1	1		1	1	1	1
S-25L missiles			1	1				1	1
9K127 Vikhr missiles				8				8
Kh-25 missiles			1	1				1	1
Kh-25ML missiles			1	1				1	1
Kh-29L missiles					1		1
Kh-29TE missiles					1		1
R-60M missiles	1										1
R-73 missiles		1								1
Kopyo-25 radar pod						1
Mercury targeting pod						1
820 l drop tanks			1		1		1		1
Maximum permissible loadout weight: 4,400 kg Maximum permissible wing load: 2,200 kg Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 1,500 kg

Default weapon presets

4 x 820 l drop tanks 2 x R-60M missiles 2 x R-73 missiles 4 x S-25L missiles 4 x Kh-25ML missiles 2 x Kh-29L missiles 2 x Kh-29TE missiles 2 x 500 kg KAB-500Kr bombs (1,000 kg total) 2 x R-60M missiles + 32 x 100 kg OFAB-100 bombs (3,200 kg total) 2 x R-60M missiles + 8 x 250 kg OFAB-250sv bombs (2,000 kg total) 2 x R-60M missiles + 8 x 250 kg OFAB-250Sh bombs (2,000 kg total) 2 x R-60M missiles + 8 x 500 kg FAB-500M-62 bombs (4,000 kg total) 2 x R-60M missiles + 8 x 500 kg FAB-500Sh bombs (4,000 kg total) 2 x R-60M missiles + 8 x ZB-500 incendiary bombs 2 x R-60M missiles + 160 x S-8KO rockets 2 x R-60M missiles + 40 x S-13OF rockets 2 x R-60M missiles + 8 x S-24B rockets 2 x R-60M missiles + 8 x S-25O rockets 2 x R-60M missiles + 4 x S-25L missiles 2 x R-60M missiles + 4 x Kh-25ML missiles 2 x R-60M missiles + 2 x Kh-29L missiles 2 x R-60M missiles + 2 x Kh-29TE missiles 2 x R-60M missiles + 16 x 9K127 Vikhr missiles 2 x R-60M missiles + 4 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannons (250 rpg = 1,000 total) 2 x R-60M missiles + 2 x 500 kg KAB-500Kr bombs (1,000 kg total)

Usage in battles

The Su-39's formidable arsenal of precision-guided weapon systems is explicitly tailored to unleash devastating target destruction capabilities across a diverse spectrum of ground attack scenarios. Take, for instance, the Kh-29 missile, a long-range precision instrument capable of obliterating entrenched enemies or flagships with surgical accuracy at an impressive range of 13 kilometres. Its potency is further magnified in engaging time-sensitive targets such as escort warships or mobile air defense systems, where the Kh-25 missile's rapid response capabilities ensure swift and effective destruction. In addition, the use of Mercury and Kopyo pods enhance the power projection capabilities and combat abilities of the aircraft. One of the primary capabilities of the Kopyo-25 radar pod is its ability to provide radar imaging and multi-target tracking via TWS mode. This allows the Su-39 to detect and track ground and air targets, even in adverse weather conditions or challenging terrain. The radar pod's imaging and tracking capabilities enable the aircraft to effectively identify and engage both stationary and moving targets, which are slaved to the FLIR, enhancing the pilot's situational awareness. The Kopyo-25 radar pod also plays a crucial role in target designation and guidance for precision-guided munitions. By accurately locating and designating targets, the radar pod enables the Su-39 to deliver highly accurate and effective strikes against a variety of targets effortlessly, including armoured vehicles, fortifications, and other high-value objectives. This enhances the aircraft's versatility and effectiveness in both offensive and defensive roles.

In the theatre of anti-armour warfare, the Vikhr missile system reigns supreme. Designed with precision engagement in mind, it strikes with unerring accuracy, systematically dismantling armoured formations and neutralizing the enemy's armoured might. Complementing these guided ordnance options is the Su-39's 30 mm GSh-30-2 cannon, a ground-pounding force that decimates ground targets ranging from enemy combat vehicles to fortified emplacements, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Expanding the Su-39's repertoire of devastation are additional munitions with their own specialized roles. Incendiary bombs, capable of igniting ferocious fires, can swiftly consume enemy bases or obstruct routes, adding a layer of tactical impact. Dumb rockets and bombs, with their widespread impact and formidable blast radius, excel in saturating large areas with destruction, obliterating enemy forces and fortifications in a single concerted sweep. Moreover, the Su-39's arsenal extends to high-drag bombs, designed to create concentrated impact points upon release. This capability proves invaluable in hitting entrenched or fortified targets with concentrated force, ensuring maximum structural damage. These high-drag bombs enable the Su-39 to deliver precise and punishing strikes against even the most resilient enemy positions with minimum exposure.

Pros and cons

Pros:

• Has IRCM on rear of the plane
• Wide variety of air-to-ground munition
• Decent acceleration
• Durable airframe

Cons:

• Poor manoeuvrability at low speeds
• Having the radar pod/mercury targeting pod affects manoeuvrability a lot

History

The Su-25TM, also known as the Su-39, is a highly capable and upgraded version of the original Soviet Su-25 "Frogfoot" close air support aircraft. The development of the Su-25TM began in the late 1990s with the aim of modernizing and enhancing the capabilities of the Su-25 platform. The aircraft underwent an extensive overhaul, incorporating advanced avionics, navigation systems, and weapon systems to improve its effectiveness on the modern battlefield.

The Su-25TM's history is marked by a series of technological advancements that transformed it into a formidable combat aircraft. Upgrades to its avionics included modern radar systems, improved navigation equipment, and enhanced communication systems, enabling the aircraft to operate more effectively in both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. Additionally, the Su-25TM was equipped with modern precision-guided munitions and anti-tank missiles, significantly expanding its capabilities to engage a wide range of targets with greater accuracy and lethality.

Operational use of the Su-25TM began in the early 2000s, as the upgraded aircraft showcased its prowess in various conflicts and theatres around the world. It proved to be a versatile asset in counterinsurgency operations, close air support for ground forces, and interdiction missions. The aircraft's improved survivability, range, and versatility allowed it to excel in a variety of operational scenarios, earning the respect of both pilots and ground personnel.

Throughout its operational history, the Su-25TM demonstrated its effectiveness in conflicts such as counterterrorism operations, regional conflicts, and peacekeeping missions. Its ability to deliver precision strikes while enduring hostile environments and threats contributed to its reputation as a reliable and potent asset in modern warfare. The aircraft's success in combat validated the decision to upgrade and modernize the aging Su-25 platform, extending its service life and relevance on the battlefield.

Media

Skins

• Skins and camouflages for the Su-39 from live.warthunder.com.

Images

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  Su-39 firing a Kh-29T missile. View from the cockpit

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  Su-39 firing a Kh-29T missile

Videos

The Shooting Range #363 - Arsenal section at 07:34 discusses the Su-39.

See also

Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:

• reference to the series of the aircraft;
• links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.

External links

• [Devblog] Su-25T and the pre-order of the Su-39: Sergey Strikes Back!