Russian pilot dies in Su-25 warplane crash

Moscow, June 28 (UNI) An Su-25 warplane of the Russian Air Force crashed today near Bryansk in south-west Russia, near the border with Ukraine, killing the pilot.

''The accident occurred during a planned flight. The pilot died when his plane crashed,'' Air Force spokesman Alexander Drobyshevsky told mediapersons.

Mr Drobyshevsky said an investigation had been launched into the crash of Frogfoot close support aircraft.

The most recent crash involving an Su-25 plane occurred on May 21, 2005 in Tajikistan. The pilot managed to eject from the plane and an investigation later established that the accident had been caused by technical problems.

Survivability was one of the main design criteria when the aircraft was developed by the Sukhoi Design Bureau. The pilot is encased in an all welded titanium-enforced cockpit, while the widely separated engines are armoured with stainless steel bays. The fuels tanks are also armoured and filled with foam to prevent explosion.

According to the experts, Su-25 is faster and more agile than its US counterpart, the A-10 Thunderbolt II.

UNI XC SHB HS1615