DONE @p.3 +++ TAM-1 "გველგესლას (Viper)", a Georgian, A-10-esque Frogfoot

Dizzyfugu · December 11, 2021, 02:25:18 AM

1:72 Tbilisi Aircraft Manufacturing TAM-1 ,,გველგესლას (Gvelgeslas/Viper)", aircraft ,,Blue 07" of the Georgian Aviation and Air Defence Command of the Defence Forces; Alekseevka air base (Tbilisi), 2021 (What-if/modified Hobbycraft kit) - WiP by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr

The ordnance is a mix for a CAS mission with dedicated and occasional targets. It consists of:
- Drop tanks under the inner wings (left over from a Bilek Su-17/22 kit)
- A pair of B-8M1 FFAR pods under the fuselage (from a vintage Mastercraft USSR weapon set)
- Two MERs with four 200 kg bombs each, mounted on the pylons outside of the landing gear
(the odd MERs came from a Special Hobby IDF SMB-2 Super Mystère kit, the bombs are actually 1:100 USAF 750 lb bombs from a Tamiya F-105 Thunderchief in that scale)
- Four CBU-100 Rockeye Mk. II cluster bombs on the outer stations (from two Italeri USA/NATO weapon sets, each only offers a pair of these)

Yes, it's a mix of Russian and NATO ordnance – but, like the real Georgian Su-25KM "Scorpion" upgrade, the TAM-1 would certainly be able to carry the same or even a wider range of werapons, thanks to modified bomb racks and wirings. Esp. "dumb" weapons, which do not call for special targeting and guidance avionics, are qualified.

The tactical markings became minimal, matching the look of late Georgian Su-25s. The roundels came from a Balkan Models Frogfoot sheet. The large, blue "07" was taken from a Blue Rider decal sheet, it actually belongs to a Lithuanian An-2. Some white stencils from generic MiG-21 and Mi-8 Begemot sheets were added, too, and some small markings were just painted onto the hull with yellow.

1:72 Tbilisi Aircraft Manufacturing TAM-1 ,,გველგესლას (Gvelgeslas/Viper)", aircraft ,,Blue 07" of the Georgian Aviation and Air Defence Command of the Defence Forces; Alekseevka air base (Tbilisi), 2021 (What-if/modified Hobbycraft kit) - WiP by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr

Still some detail work to do, but varnish is approaching an then final assembly.

Pellson · December 11, 2021, 02:59:48 AM

Amazing!

Dizzyfugu · December 11, 2021, 03:07:41 AM

Thank you!

Snowtrooper · December 11, 2021, 08:55:55 PM

Quote from: Dizzyfugu on December 11, 2021, 02:25:18 AM
Yes, it's a mix of Russian and NATO ordnance – but, like the real Georgian Su-25KM "Scorpion" upgrade, the TAM-1 would certainly be able to carry the same or even a wider range of werapons, thanks to modified bomb racks and wirings. Esp. "dumb" weapons, which do not call for special targeting and guidance avionics, are qualified.

Physically carrying and releasing "dumb" munitions might not even require modifications, my memory fails me regarding the source but I do remember reading from somewhere that weapon pylons on many Cold War era Soviet aircraft could take NATO "dumb" bombs as is (or with minor adjustments to attachment lugs done on the spot), the reasoning being that if during a war they "liberated" some, it would be a shame not to be able to use them somehow (bombsight being off the mark and possible problems with a "clean" separation notwithstanding).

Then there's the cross-compatibility of AA-2/AA-8 and the Sidewinder family, as AA-8 was backwards compatible with the AA-2 launch rail, and AA-2 was a direct copy of AIM-9B, it became apparent that these missiles would work crosswise - Finnish Air Force would occasionally carry 'Winders on MiG-21's and AA-2/AA-8 on Drakens and Hawks.

Dizzyfugu · December 12, 2021, 01:57:08 AM

Final assembly steps:

1:72 Tbilisi Aircraft Manufacturing TAM-1 ,,გველგესლას (Gvelgeslas/Viper)", aircraft ,,Blue 07" of the Georgian Aviation and Air Defence Command of the Defence Forces; Alekseevka air base (Tbilisi), 2021 (What-if/modified Hobbycraft kit) - WiP by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr

Gondor · December 12, 2021, 03:45:30 AM

That looks great Dizzy, nice loadout too

Gondor

Old Wombat · December 12, 2021, 05:59:43 AM

Ooh! Yep, that's lookin' the bomb, that is!

Dizzyfugu · December 12, 2021, 11:55:05 PM

Thank you! "Action photo shooting" was done yesterday, and I was amazed how well that paint scheme works at low altitude. Will take some days until I can post the respective edited series and the backgorund behind this late Georgian Frogfoot clone, though.

Dizzyfugu · December 13, 2021, 11:26:20 PM

Finally, it's done!

1:72 Tbilisi Aircraft Manufacturing TAM-1 ,,გველგესლას (Gvelgeslas/Viper)", aircraft ,,Blue 07" of the Georgian Aviation and Air Defence Command of the Defence Forces; Alekseevka air base (Tbilisi), 2021 (What-if/modified Hobbycraft kit) by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr

Some background:
The Georgian Air Force and Air Defense Division (თავდაცვის ძალების ავიაციისა და საჰაერო თავდაცვის სარდლობა; tavdatsvis dzalebis aviatsiisa da sahaero tavdatsvis sardloba) was established on January 1, 1992, and in September the Georgian Air Force conducted its first combat flight during the separatist war in Abkhazia. On August 18, 1998, the two divisions were unified in a joint command structure and renamed the Georgian Air Force.
In 2010, the Georgian Air Force was abolished as a separate branch and incorporated into the Georgian Land Forces as Air and Air Defense sections. By that time, the equipment – primarily consisting of Eastern Bloc aircraft inherited from the Soviet Union after the country's dissolution – was totally outdated, the most potent aircraft were a dozen Suchoj Su-25 attack aircraft and a handful of MiG-21U trainers.

In order to rejuvenate the air arm, Tbilisi Aircraft Manufacturing (TAM), also known as JSC Tbilaviamsheni and formerly known as 31st aviation factory, started a modernization program for the Su-25, for the domestic forces but also for export customers. TAM had a long tradition of aircraft production within the Soviet Union. In the 1950s the factory started the production of Mikoyan's MiG-15 and later, the MiG-17 fighter aircraft. In 1957 Tbilisi Aircraft State Association built the MiG-21 two-seater fighter-trainer aircraft and its various derivative aircraft, continuing the MiG-21 production for about 25 years. At the same time the company was manufacturing the K-10 air-to-surface guided missile. Furthermore, the first Sukhoi Su-25 (known in the West as the "Frogfoot") close support aircraft took its maiden voyage from the runway of 31st aviation factory. Since then, more than 800 SU-25s had been delivered to customers worldwide. From the first SU-25 to the 1990s, JSC Tbilaviamsheni was the only manufacturer of this aircraft, and even after the fall of the Soviet Union the production lines were still intact and spares for more than fifty complete aircraft available. Along with the SU-25 aircraft 31st aviation factory also launched large-scale production of air-to-air R-60 and R-73 IR guided missiles, a production effort that built over 6,000 missiles a year and that lasted until the early 1990s. From 1996 to 1998 the factory also produced Su-25U two-seaters.

1:72 Tbilisi Aircraft Manufacturing TAM-1 ,,გველგესლას (Gvelgeslas/Viper)", aircraft ,,Blue 07" of the Georgian Aviation and Air Defence Command of the Defence Forces; Alekseevka air base (Tbilisi), 2021 (What-if/modified Hobbycraft kit) by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr

1:72 Tbilisi Aircraft Manufacturing TAM-1 ,,გველგესლას (Gvelgeslas/Viper)", aircraft ,,Blue 07" of the Georgian Aviation and Air Defence Command of the Defence Forces; Alekseevka air base (Tbilisi), 2021 (What-if/modified Hobbycraft kit) by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr

1:72 Tbilisi Aircraft Manufacturing TAM-1 ,,გველგესლას (Gvelgeslas/Viper)", aircraft ,,Blue 07" of the Georgian Aviation and Air Defence Command of the Defence Forces; Alekseevka air base (Tbilisi), 2021 (What-if/modified Hobbycraft kit) by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr

In 2001 the factory started, in partnership with Elbit Systems of Israel, upgrading basic Su-25 airframes to the Su-25KM "Scorpion" variant. This was just a technical update, however, intended for former Su-25 export customers who would upgrade their less potent Su-25K export aircraft with modern avionics. The prototype aircraft made its maiden flight on 18 April 2001 at Tbilisi in full Georgian Air Force markings. The aircraft used a standard Su-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 included a highly accurate navigation system, pinpoint weapon delivery systems, all-weather and day/night performance, NATO compatibility, state-of-the art safety and survivability features, and advanced onboard debriefing capabilities complying with international requirements. The Su-25KM had the ability to use NATO-standard Mark 82 and Mark 83 laser-guided bombs and new air-to-air missiles, the short-range Vympel R-73. This upgrade extended service life of the Su-25 airframes for another decade.
There were, however, not many customers. Manufacturing was eventually stopped at the end of 2010, after Georgian air forces have been permanently dismissed and abolished. By that time, approximately 12 Scorpions had been produced, but the Georgian Air Force still used the basic models of Su-25 because of high cost of Su-25KM and because it was destined mainly for export. According to unofficial sources several Scorpions had been transferred to Turkmenistan as part of a trade deal.

1:72 Tbilisi Aircraft Manufacturing TAM-1 ,,გველგესლას (Gvelgeslas/Viper)", aircraft ,,Blue 07" of the Georgian Aviation and Air Defence Command of the Defence Forces; Alekseevka air base (Tbilisi), 2021 (What-if/modified Hobbycraft kit) by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr

1:72 Tbilisi Aircraft Manufacturing TAM-1 ,,გველგესლას (Gvelgeslas/Viper)", aircraft ,,Blue 07" of the Georgian Aviation and Air Defence Command of the Defence Forces; Alekseevka air base (Tbilisi), 2021 (What-if/modified Hobbycraft kit) by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr

1:72 Tbilisi Aircraft Manufacturing TAM-1 ,,გველგესლას (Gvelgeslas/Viper)", aircraft ,,Blue 07" of the Georgian Aviation and Air Defence Command of the Defence Forces; Alekseevka air base (Tbilisi), 2021 (What-if/modified Hobbycraft kit) by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr

In the meantime, another, more ambitious project took shape at Tbilisi Aircraft Manufacturing, too: With the help of Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) the company started the development of a completely new attack aircraft, the TAM-1 "Gvelgeslas" (გველგესლას, Viper). It heavily relied on the year-long experience gathered with Su-25 production at Tblisi and on the tools at hand, but it was eventually a completely new aircraft – looking like a crossbreed between the Su-25 and the American A-10 with a T-tail.

This new layout had become necessary because the aircraft was to be powered by more modern, less noisy and more fuel-efficient Rolls Royce AE 3012 turbofan engines - which were originally intended to power the stillborn Yakovlev Yak-77 twin-engine business jet for up to 32 passengers, a slightly derated variant of the GMA 3012 with a 44 in diameter (112 cm) fan and procured via IAI from the United States through the company's connection with Gulfstream Aerospace. Their larger diameter (the Su-25's original Soyuz/Tumansky R-195 turbojets had a diameter of 109,5 cm/43.1 in) precluded the use of the former integral engine nacelles along the fuselage. To keep good ground clearance against FOD and to protect them from small arms fire, the engine layout was completely re-arranged. The fuselage was streamlined, and its internal structure was totally changed. The wings moved into a low position. The wings' planform was almost identical to the Su-25's, together with the characteristic tip-mounted "crocodile" air brakes. Just the leading edge inside of the "dogteeth" and the wing roots were re-designed, the latter because of the missing former engine nacelles. This resulted in a slightly increased net area, the original wingspan was retained. The bigger turbofans were then mounted in separate pods on short pylons along the rear fuselage, partly protected from below by the wings. Due to the jet efflux and the engines' proximity to the stabilizers, these were re-located to the top of a deeper, reinforced fin for a T-tail arrangement.

1:72 Tbilisi Aircraft Manufacturing TAM-1 ,,გველგესლას (Gvelgeslas/Viper)", aircraft ,,Blue 07" of the Georgian Aviation and Air Defence Command of the Defence Forces; Alekseevka air base (Tbilisi), 2021 (What-if/modified Hobbycraft kit) by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr

1:72 Tbilisi Aircraft Manufacturing TAM-1 ,,გველგესლას (Gvelgeslas/Viper)", aircraft ,,Blue 07" of the Georgian Aviation and Air Defence Command of the Defence Forces; Alekseevka air base (Tbilisi), 2021 (What-if/modified Hobbycraft kit) by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr

1:72 Tbilisi Aircraft Manufacturing TAM-1 ,,გველგესლას (Gvelgeslas/Viper)", aircraft ,,Blue 07" of the Georgian Aviation and Air Defence Command of the Defence Forces; Alekseevka air base (Tbilisi), 2021 (What-if/modified Hobbycraft kit) by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr

Since the Su-25's engine bays were now gone, the main landing gear had to be completely re-designed. Retracting them into the fuselage or into the relatively thin wings was not possible, TAM engineers settled upon a design that was very similar to the A-10: the aircraft received streamlined fairings, attached to the wings' main spar, and positioned under the wings' leading edges. The main legs were only semi-retractable; in flight, the wheels partly protruded from the fairings, but that hardly mattered from an aerodynamic point of view at the TAM-1's subsonic operational speed. As a bonus they could still be used while retracted during emergency landings, improving the aircraft's crash survivability.

Most flight and weapon avionics were procured from or via Elbit, including the Su-25KT's modernized "glass cockpit", and the TAM-1's NATO compatibility was enhanced to appeal to a wider international export market. Beyond a total of eleven hardpoints under the wings and the fuselage for an external ordnance of up to 4.500 kg (9.900 lb), the TAM-1 was furthermore armed with an internal gun. Due to procurement issues, however, the Su-25's original twin-barrel GSh-30-2 was replaced with an Oerlikon KDA 35mm cannon – a modern variant of the same cannon used in the German Gepard anti-aircraft tank, adapted to the use in an aircraft with a light-weight gun carriage. The KDA gun fired with a muzzle velocity of 1,440 m/s (4,700 ft/s) and a range of 5.500m, its rate of fire was typically 550 RPM. For the TAM-1, a unique feature from the SPAAG installation was adopted: the gun had two magazines, one with space for 200 rounds and another, smaller one for 50. The magazines could be filled with different types of ammunition, and the pilot was able select between them with a simple switch, adapting to the combat situation. Typical ammunition types were armor-piercing FAPDS rounds against hardened ground targets like tanks, and high explosive shells against soft ground targets and aircraft or helicopters, in a 3:1 ratio. Other ammunition types were available, too, and only 200 rounds were typically carried for balance reasons.

1:72 Tbilisi Aircraft Manufacturing TAM-1 ,,გველგესლას (Gvelgeslas/Viper)", aircraft ,,Blue 07" of the Georgian Aviation and Air Defence Command of the Defence Forces; Alekseevka air base (Tbilisi), 2021 (What-if/modified Hobbycraft kit) by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr

1:72 Tbilisi Aircraft Manufacturing TAM-1 ,,გველგესლას (Gvelgeslas/Viper)", aircraft ,,Blue 07" of the Georgian Aviation and Air Defence Command of the Defence Forces; Alekseevka air base (Tbilisi), 2021 (What-if/modified Hobbycraft kit) by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr

1:72 Tbilisi Aircraft Manufacturing TAM-1 ,,გველგესლას (Gvelgeslas/Viper)", aircraft ,,Blue 07" of the Georgian Aviation and Air Defence Command of the Defence Forces; Alekseevka air base (Tbilisi), 2021 (What-if/modified Hobbycraft kit) by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr

1:72 Tbilisi Aircraft Manufacturing TAM-1 ,,გველგესლას (Gvelgeslas/Viper)", aircraft ,,Blue 07" of the Georgian Aviation and Air Defence Command of the Defence Forces; Alekseevka air base (Tbilisi), 2021 (What-if/modified Hobbycraft kit) by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr

The TAM-1's avionics included a SAGEM ULISS 81 INS, a Thomson-CSF VE-110 HUD, a TMV630 laser rangefinder in a modified nose and a TRT AHV 9 radio altimeter, with all avionics linked through a digital MIL-STD-1553B data bus and a modern "glass cockpit". A HUD was standard, but an Elbit Systems DASH III HMD could be used by the pilot, too. The DASH GEN III was a wholly embedded design, closely integrated with the aircraft's weapon system, where the complete optical and position sensing coil package was built within the helmet (either the USAF standard HGU-55/P or the Israeli standard HGU-22/P), using a spherical visor to provide a collimated image to the pilot. A quick-disconnect wire powered the display and carried video drive signals to the helmet's Cathode Ray Tube (CRT).

The TAM-1's development was long and protracted, though, primarily due to lack of resources and the fact that the Georgian air force was in an almost comatose state for several years, so that the potential prime customer for the TAM-1 was not officially available. However, the first TAM-1 prototype eventually made its maiden flight in September 2017. This was just in time, because the Georgian Air Force had formally been re-established in 2016, with plans for a major modernization and procurement program. Under the leadership of Georgian Minister of Defense Irakli Garibashvili the Air Force was re-prioritized and aircraft owned by the Georgian Air Force were being modernized and re-serviced after they were left abandoned for 4 years. This program lasted until 2020. In order to become more independent from foreign sources and support its domestic aircraft industry, the Georgian Air Force eventually ordered eight TAM-1s as Su-25K replacements, which would operate alongside a handful of modernized Su-25KMs from national stock. In the meantime, the new type also attained interest from abroad, e. g. from Bulgaria, the Congo and Cyprus. The IDF thoroughly tested two early production TAM-1s of the Georgian Air Force in 2018, too.

1:72 Tbilisi Aircraft Manufacturing TAM-1 ,,გველგესლას (Gvelgeslas/Viper)", aircraft ,,Blue 07" of the Georgian Aviation and Air Defence Command of the Defence Forces; Alekseevka air base (Tbilisi), 2021 (What-if/modified Hobbycraft kit) by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr

1:72 Tbilisi Aircraft Manufacturing TAM-1 ,,გველგესლას (Gvelgeslas/Viper)", aircraft ,,Blue 07" of the Georgian Aviation and Air Defence Command of the Defence Forces; Alekseevka air base (Tbilisi), 2021 (What-if/modified Hobbycraft kit) by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr

General characteristics:
Crew: 1
Length: 15.53 m (50 ft 11 in), including pitot
Wingspan: 14.36 m (47 ft 1 in)
Height: 4.8 m (15 ft 9 in)
Wing area: 35.2 m² (378 sq ft)
Empty weight: 9,800 kg (21,605 lb)
Gross weight: 14,440 kg (31,835 lb)
Max takeoff weight: 19,300 kg (42,549 lb)

Powerplant:
2× Rolls-Royce AE 3012 turbofans with 44.1 kN (9,920 lbf) thrust each

Performance:
Maximum speed: 975 km/h (606 mph, 526 kn, Mach 0.79)
Range: 1.000 km (620 mi, 540 nmi) with internal fuel, clean
Combat range: 750 km (470 mi, 400 nmi) at sea level with 4.500 kg (9,911 lb) of ordnance,
incl. two external fuel tanks
Service ceiling: 7.800 m (25,550 ft)
g limits: +6.5
Rate of climb: 58 m/s (11,400 ft/min)

Armament:
1× 35 mm (1.38 in) Oerlikon KDA cannon with 200 rds in two magazines
under the lower forward fuselage, offset to port side.
11× hardpoints with a capacity of up to 4.500 kg (9,911 lb) of external stores

1:72 Tbilisi Aircraft Manufacturing TAM-1 ,,გველგესლას (Gvelgeslas/Viper)", aircraft ,,Blue 07" of the Georgian Aviation and Air Defence Command of the Defence Forces; Alekseevka air base (Tbilisi), 2021 (What-if/modified Hobbycraft kit) by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr

1:72 Tbilisi Aircraft Manufacturing TAM-1 ,,გველგესლას (Gvelgeslas/Viper)", aircraft ,,Blue 07" of the Georgian Aviation and Air Defence Command of the Defence Forces; Alekseevka air base (Tbilisi), 2021 (What-if/modified Hobbycraft kit) by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr

A major bodywork project – and it's weird that this is basically just a conversion of a stock kit and no kitbashing. A true Frogfoot remix! The new engines were the biggest "outsourced" addition, the A-10 landing gear fairings were a lucky find in the scrap box, and the rest is quite generic and could have looked differently. The result is impressive and balanced, though, the fictional TAM-1 looks quite plausible. The landing gear turned out to be a bit tall and stalky, though, making the aircraft look smaller on the ground than it actually is – but I left it that way.

Old Wombat · December 14, 2021, 12:24:19 AM

Great backstory, Dizzy, & the build is fantastic!

kitbasher · December 14, 2021, 12:57:05 AM

Top work, Dizzy

Very businesslike- certainly better looking than the Frogfoot.

Dizzyfugu · December 14, 2021, 02:13:47 AM

Thank you very much, glad you like it!

NARSES2 · December 14, 2021, 06:25:04 AM

That does look the business

zenrat · December 16, 2021, 03:07:05 AM

Good job Dizz.
Got me thinking about doing the reverse to an A10.

Dizzyfugu · December 16, 2021, 05:54:25 AM

This could be more challenging. But grafting engine nacelles from a Su-25 (kit) onto the A-10 hull and moving the wings to the shoulder should work. Do away with the landing gear nacelles and propably the wing kink, and maybe change to a T-tail (the original twin tail might be too low/close to the jet efflux now), too?