Su-25T FrogfootDCS WORLD Startup Checklist · 172 steps
Su-25T Frogfoot
DCS WORLD - 0/172 STEPS
Wikimedia CommonsCC BY-SA 4.0
AttackCold War
AIRCRAFT BRIEF
The Sukhoi Su-25T is a dedicated anti-tank variant of the Su-25 Frogfoot, developed in the late 1980s and first flying in 1984. It introduces the Shkval electro-optical targeting system and Klen-PS laser designator, enabling day precision attack with the 9K121 Vikhr anti-tank missile at ranges up to 8 km. The Su-25T formed the basis for the further upgraded Su-25TM (Su-39), and the DCS World version is the most advanced freely available variant in the sim.
RANGE VISUALIZER
SPECIFICATIONS
manufacturerSukhoi Design Bureau
first Flight1984
roleDedicated anti-tank / Close air support
crew1 pilot
engines2x Soyuz/Tumansky R-195 turbojet (44.18 kN / 9,930 lbf each)
max Speed975 km/h (526 kts)
range1,000 km (540 nmi)
ceiling23,000 ft
weight19,300 kg (MTOW)
PHS 1 — Pre-Flight Planning8 steps
| 01 | Mission BriefNOTE: Review mission type, target area, ROE, and threat environment. Su-25T specialises in anti-tank and precision CAS with Vikhr/Shkval system. | REVIEWED | |
| 02 | Weather BriefingNOTE: Check departure, target area, and recovery weather. Low-level operations require good visibility. | REVIEWED | |
| 03 | NOTAMs / AirspaceNOTE: Check restricted areas, FEBA position, and SAM threat rings. | REVIEWED | |
| 04 | Fuel Planning - Bingo / JokerNOTE: Internal fuel ~3,600 kg. Low-level CAS burns significantly more. Plan bingo for RTB with reserve. | SET | |
| 05 | Stores / LoadoutNOTE: Confirm weapons per mission - Vikhr ATGMs require Shkval to be active. Verify chaff/flare count. | VERIFIED | |
| 06 | Steerpoints / WaypointsNOTE: Plan route to target area, IP, attack axis, and egress. Note target coordinates for Shkval slew if needed. | PROGRAMMED | |
| 07 | Radio Frequencies / IFFNOTE: Set radio presets. Confirm IFF codes with controlling authority. FAC frequency if CAS tasked. | SET | |
| 08 | Divert BasesNOTE: Know nearest divert fields and frequencies. Su-25T has no radar - visual identification needed. | IDENTIFIED |
PHS 2 — Electrical4 steps
| 01 | Battery SwitchNOTE: Master battery on - activates DC bus. Navigation system begins alignment on power. | ON | |
| 02 | Cockpit Lighting | SET AS REQUIRED | |
| 03 | Warning / Caution Panel | CHECK - NOTE ANY FAULTS | |
| 04 | Fuel QuantityNOTE: Verify fuel load matches briefed quantity on fuel quantity indicator. | CHECK - NOTE TOTAL |
PHS 3 — INS / Navigation Alignment4 steps
| 01 | Navigation System (PNK)NOTE: Turn on PNK navigation system. The inertial platform requires approximately 3 minutes stationary alignment. | ALIGNING | |
| 02 | Navigation Mode SelectorNOTE: Set to INU alignment mode. Do not taxi until alignment is complete. | INU MODE | |
| 03 | Wait for AlignmentCAUTION: Do not move the aircraft during INS alignment. Any movement degrades navigation accuracy. | STATIONARY - 3 MIN | |
| 04 | Navigation System StatusNOTE: Alignment complete indicator - navigation system ready for taxi. | READY |
PHS 4 — Engine Start17 steps
| 01 | CanopyCAUTION: Ensure canopy is fully latched before engine start. | CLOSED AND LOCKED | |
| 02 | ThrottlesCAUTION: Both throttles must be at idle before initiating start. | IDLE | |
| 03 | Right Engine Start SwitchNOTE: Begin right engine start. Monitor RPM rise and EGT. | START (RAlt + Home) | |
| 04 | Right Engine RPMCAUTION: If RPM does not rise within 10 seconds, abort start and check for fault. | RISING - 33% | |
| 05 | Right Engine EGT During StartWARNING: Hot start if EGT exceeds limits before 33% RPM - move throttle to OFF immediately. | < 500 C BEFORE 33% RPM | |
| 06 | Right Engine at 33% RPM | ADVANCE THROTTLE TO IDLE GATE | |
| 07 | Right Engine EGT at IdleNOTE: Normal idle EGT is approximately 440 degrees C at 40% RPM. | 440 C (40% RPM) | |
| 08 | Right Engine StatusNOTE: Allow engine to stabilise before starting left engine. | STABLE AT IDLE | |
| 09 | Left Engine Start SwitchNOTE: Begin left engine start. | START (RCtrl + Home) | |
| 10 | Left Engine RPM | RISING - 33% | |
| 11 | Left Engine EGT During StartWARNING: Hot start - abort if EGT exceeds limits before 33% RPM. | < 500 C BEFORE 33% RPM | |
| 12 | Left Engine at 33% RPM | ADVANCE THROTTLE TO IDLE GATE | |
| 13 | Left Engine EGT at Idle | 440 C (40% RPM) | |
| 14 | Both Engines | STABLE AT IDLE | |
| 15 | Engine Parameters - BothNOTE: Check both engines showing normal RPM and EGT within green arc. | RPM AND EGT IN LIMITS | |
| 16 | Hydraulic SystemsNOTE: Right engine drives hydraulics 1 (flight controls), left engine drives hydraulics 2 (gear, brakes). | PRESSURE NORMAL | |
| 17 | Generators | ONLINE - BATTERY CHARGING |
PHS 5 — Post-Start / Avionics15 steps
| 01 | HUDNOTE: Adjust HUD brightness and contrast for ambient conditions. | ON - BRIGHTNESS SET | |
| 02 | AltimeterNOTE: Set local altimeter setting. | SET QNH / QFE | |
| 03 | Navigation System ModeNOTE: Switch PNK to navigation mode after alignment complete. Nav symbols appear on HUD. | NAV MODE | |
| 04 | Shkval Electro-Optical SystemNOTE: Shkval is the primary targeting system for Vikhr ATGMs and unguided weapons. Allow warm-up. | ON - SELF-TEST | |
| 05 | Shkval TestNOTE: Shkval system self-test should pass. Check electro-optical sensor slews correctly. | PASSED | |
| 06 | Klen-PS Laser DesignatorNOTE: Laser rangefinder and target designator - required for Vikhr missile guidance and range to target. | ON | |
| 07 | Laser Status LampNOTE: Green lamp confirms Klen-PS is active. Laser fires only when weapons are hot and trigger is squeezed. | GREEN (SAFE) | |
| 08 | ECM System (L-166S1)NOTE: IR jammer and chaff/flare system. Configure per threat environment briefing. | STANDBY - AS REQUIRED | |
| 09 | SPO-15 RWRNOTE: Radar warning receiver. Confirm audio working and display active. | ON - CHECK | |
| 10 | Chaff / Flare SystemNOTE: Verify chaff and flare counts. Set appropriate program for mission threat level. | LOADED - MODE SET | |
| 11 | IFF SystemNOTE: Set IFF transponder modes and codes per ATO. | SET CODES | |
| 12 | Radio (R-862 / R-828)NOTE: Set primary and secondary radio frequencies. R-828 for ground forces/FAC comms. | SET FREQUENCIES | |
| 13 | Master ArmCAUTION: Keep weapons safe until arming area or over sea. | OFF / SAFE | |
| 14 | Weapons Station DisplayNOTE: Confirm weapon pylons show correct stores on weapons panel. | VERIFY LOADS | |
| 15 | GSh-30-2 Gun | CHECKED - 250 ROUNDS |
PHS 6 — Before Taxi9 steps
| 01 | INS / NavigationNOTE: Confirm navigation system is fully aligned and in NAV mode before moving. | ALIGNMENT COMPLETE | |
| 02 | Flight ControlsCAUTION: Full stick deflection in all axes - verify correct surface movement before taxiing. | FULL TRAVEL - FREE AND CORRECT | |
| 03 | Flaps | CHECK - RETRACTED | |
| 04 | Air Brakes | CHECK - RETRACTED | |
| 05 | Trim | SET FOR TAKEOFF | |
| 06 | Slats | CHECK - RETRACTED | |
| 07 | Engine Parameters | BOTH ENGINES STABLE | |
| 08 | Navigation LightsNOTE: Steady nav lights for ground operations. | ON - STEADY | |
| 09 | Parking Brake | SET |
PHS 7 — Taxi7 steps
| 01 | Parking Brake | RELEASE | |
| 02 | ThrottlesNOTE: Su-25T requires significant thrust to start rolling due to weight. | ADVANCE TO ~50% | |
| 03 | BrakesNOTE: Test brakes immediately as aircraft begins rolling. | CHECK - APPLY AND RELEASE | |
| 04 | Nosewheel Steering | ACTIVE - CHECK RESPONSE | |
| 05 | Taxi SpeedCAUTION: Keep slow on ramp - aircraft is heavy and braking distance is significant. | < 30 KM/H | |
| 06 | InstrumentsNOTE: HUD heading should track turns - confirms INS is working correctly. | CHECK DURING TAXI | |
| 07 | Landing Gear Lights | ON - FAR FLASH |
PHS 8 — Before Takeoff13 steps
| 01 | Ejection SeatWARNING: Confirm K-36D ejection seat is armed before takeoff. | ARMED | |
| 02 | Canopy | CLOSED AND LOCKED | |
| 03 | Oxygen System | ON - CHECK FLOW AND PRESSURE | |
| 04 | Flight Controls | FULL TRAVEL - FREE AND CORRECT | |
| 05 | FlapsNOTE: Set flaps to takeoff position. Reduces required runway length. | TAKEOFF POSITION | |
| 06 | Air Brakes | RETRACTED | |
| 07 | Trim | SET FOR TAKEOFF | |
| 08 | Engine Parameters | BOTH ENGINES IN LIMITS | |
| 09 | Fuel Quantity | CHECK AS BRIEFED | |
| 10 | Navigation LightsNOTE: Switch to flashing for flight operations. | ON - FLASH | |
| 11 | ECM / Jammer | AS REQUIRED | |
| 12 | Master Arm | OFF | |
| 13 | Warning PanelCAUTION: Resolve any active caution/warning lights before committing to takeoff. | CLEAR - NO ACTIVE WARNINGS |
PHS 9 — Takeoff10 steps
| 01 | Lineup on Runway | CENTERLINE | |
| 02 | Brakes | HOLD | |
| 03 | ThrottlesNOTE: Advance to full military power - Su-25T has no afterburner. Check both engines symmetrical. | 100% MILITARY POWER | |
| 04 | Engine Parameters | CHECK SYMMETRICAL THRUST | |
| 05 | Brakes | RELEASE | |
| 06 | Acceleration | MONITOR AIRSPEED | |
| 07 | At ~160-180 km/h (light)NOTE: Gently relieve nosewheel pressure at 160-180 km/h. Full rotation at 240-260 km/h. | EASE NOSEWHEEL OFF | |
| 08 | Rotate at 240-260 km/hNOTE: Rotate speed varies with weight. Heavy loads require ~280 km/h. | ROTATE 10-12 DEG NOSE UP | |
| 09 | Positive Rate | CONFIRMED | |
| 10 | Landing GearNOTE: Gear speed limit 400 km/h. | UP (above 10 m AGL) |
PHS 10 — After Takeoff / Climb7 steps
| 01 | Landing Gear | CONFIRM UP AND LOCKED | |
| 02 | FlapsNOTE: Do not retract flaps until above 150 m and accelerating through 320+ km/h. | RETRACT (above 150 m AGL, speed > 320-340 km/h) | |
| 03 | Air Brakes | RETRACTED | |
| 04 | Climb SpeedNOTE: Maintain 500 km/h IAS for best climb performance. | 500 KM/H IAS | |
| 05 | Engine Parameters | CHECK - BOTH IN LIMITS | |
| 06 | Fuel State | CHECK | |
| 07 | Navigation | CONFIRM ROUTE ON HUD |
PHS 11 — Cruise / Transit7 steps
| 01 | Altitude | AT BRIEFED LEVEL | |
| 02 | Power SettingNOTE: Reduce power for cruise efficiency. Low-level cruise use 500 km/h at 85-90% RPM. | 75-85% RPM / 700-750 KM/H | |
| 03 | Fuel StateNOTE: High fuel burn at low level - monitor closely on long transits. | MONITOR - CHECK JOKER / BINGO | |
| 04 | Navigation | MONITOR WAYPOINTS ON HUD | |
| 05 | SPO-15 RWR | MONITOR FOR THREATS | |
| 06 | Engine Parameters | BOTH ENGINES IN LIMITS | |
| 07 | ECM | AS REQUIRED |
PHS 12 — Fence-In (Combat Entry)9 steps
| 01 | Navigation Lights | OFF | |
| 02 | Shkval SystemNOTE: Confirm Shkval electro-optical system is operational. Slew to verify movement. | ACTIVE - CHECK SLEW | |
| 03 | Klen-PS Laser | ARMED - SAFE UNTIL ATTACK | |
| 04 | Master ArmCAUTION: Master arm only in the arming area or over water away from friendly forces. | ON | |
| 05 | Weapon SelectionNOTE: Select appropriate weapon for mission - Vikhr ATGMs, rockets, bombs, or gun. | SELECT WEAPON TYPE | |
| 06 | ECM / IR Jammer | ON - AS REQUIRED | |
| 07 | Chaff / Flare | PROGRAM SELECTED | |
| 08 | Fuel State | JOKER CHECK | |
| 09 | SPO-15 RWR | MONITOR ACTIVELY |
PHS 13 — Attack / Weapons Employment9 steps
| 01 | Target AcquisitionNOTE: Positive visual or Shkval identification required. Rules of engagement apply. | IDENTIFY TARGET | |
| 02 | Attack Mode SelectorNOTE: Switch to air-to-ground mode (7 key in DCS). | A/G MODE | |
| 03 | ShkvalNOTE: Use Shkval sighting system to slew onto target and press Enter to lock. Green tracking box indicates lock. | SLEW TO TARGET - LOCK | |
| 04 | Attack SpeedNOTE: Maintain attack speed in diving or level attack profile. | 550-700 KM/H | |
| 05 | Laser RangefinderNOTE: Klen-PS laser fires automatically during attack phase to provide range data for ballistics. | ACTIVE (on attack) | |
| 06 | Weapons ReleaseNOTE: Fire Vikhr at 8-6 km. Release bombs/rockets per weapon parameters. | AT PIPPER / QUANTUM | |
| 07 | Jink / Break OffCAUTION: Break away from target immediately after weapon release. Low-level threats are significant. | BREAK AWAY AFTER RELEASE | |
| 08 | LaserNOTE: Turn off laser after confirmed impact to prevent overheating. | OFF AFTER IMPACT | |
| 09 | Assess and Re-attackNOTE: If target not destroyed and fuel/weapons allow, set up for second pass. | AS REQUIRED |
PHS 14 — Fence-Out (Departing Combat)8 steps
| 01 | Master ArmCAUTION: Safe weapons immediately upon departing target area. | SAFE | |
| 02 | Laser | OFF | |
| 03 | ECM / IR Jammer | OFF (if not needed) | |
| 04 | Navigation Lights | ON - FLASH | |
| 05 | Navigation ModeNOTE: Select return-to-base waypoint on navigation system. | RTB / HOME WAYPOINT | |
| 06 | Fuel StateNOTE: Verify sufficient fuel for RTB with planned reserve. | BINGO CHECK - RTB DECISION | |
| 07 | Engine Parameters | CHECK - BOTH IN LIMITS | |
| 08 | Weapons StatusNOTE: Note any hung weapons or asymmetric loads affecting handling. | VERIFY REMAINING STORES |
PHS 15 — Descent / Approach9 steps
| 01 | NavigationNOTE: Tune navigation aid for recovery airfield. | HOME BASE SET - RSBN / VOR | |
| 02 | Altimeter | SET LOCAL QNH | |
| 03 | Descent Speed | 500-600 KM/H | |
| 04 | Fuel State | ADEQUATE FOR APPROACH | |
| 05 | Pattern EntryNOTE: Enter overhead break, reduce to pattern speed in downwind. | BREAK AT 400-500 M / 500-600 KM/H | |
| 06 | Landing GearCAUTION: Do not exceed 400 km/h gear transit speed. | DOWN (below 400 km/h) | |
| 07 | Landing Gear Lights | 3 GREEN - DOWN AND LOCKED | |
| 08 | Flaps | LANDING POSITION (below 350 km/h) | |
| 09 | Air Brakes | AS REQUIRED FOR DECELERATION |
PHS 16 — Landing11 steps
| 01 | Final Approach SpeedNOTE: Standard weight 250 km/h. Heavy stores or fuel increases approach speed. | 250 KM/H (NORMAL) / 270 KM/H (HEAVY) | |
| 02 | GlideslopeCAUTION: Maintain stable approach - Su-25T approaches are steep at 5-6 deg glideslope. | 5 M/SEC DESCENT RATE | |
| 03 | Landing Gear | CONFIRM DOWN - 3 GREEN | |
| 04 | Flaps | CONFIRM LANDING POSITION | |
| 05 | Engine Parameters | CHECK - BOTH IN LIMITS | |
| 06 | Threshold CrossNOTE: Cross threshold at 250 km/h, reduce power and allow aircraft to settle. | AT RUNWAY THRESHOLD | |
| 07 | TouchdownNOTE: Main gear touchdown, then lower nosewheel gently. | MAIN GEAR FIRST | |
| 08 | Throttles | IDLE | |
| 09 | Air BrakesNOTE: Deploy air brakes immediately on touchdown for aerodynamic braking. | EXTEND | |
| 10 | Drag ChuteNOTE: Deploy drag chute after main gear touchdown to assist deceleration. | DEPLOY | |
| 11 | Wheel BrakesNOTE: Apply brakes progressively as speed decreases below 200 km/h. | APPLY BELOW 200 KM/H |
PHS 17 — After Landing9 steps
| 01 | Drag Chute | JETTISON CLEAR OF RUNWAY | |
| 02 | Air Brakes | RETRACT AFTER RUNWAY CLEAR | |
| 03 | Flaps | RETRACT | |
| 04 | Master Arm | SAFE / OFF | |
| 05 | ECM | OFF | |
| 06 | Navigation Lights | ON - STEADY | |
| 07 | Landing Gear Lights | ON FAR FLASH (TAXI MODE) | |
| 08 | ThrottlesNOTE: Reduce to taxi power for safe ground speed. | ~50% FOR TAXI | |
| 09 | Taxi to Parking | FOLLOW TAXIWAY SIGNS |
PHS 18 — Shutdown16 steps
| 01 | Parking Brake | SET | |
| 02 | ThrottlesNOTE: Allow engines to cool at idle for 2 minutes before shutdown to prevent hot-section damage. | IDLE - 2 MINUTE COOLDOWN | |
| 03 | Avionics | SHKVAL - OFF | |
| 04 | Klen-PS Laser | OFF | |
| 05 | ECM / RWR | OFF | |
| 06 | IFF | OFF | |
| 07 | Radio | OFF | |
| 08 | Navigation System (PNK) | OFF | |
| 09 | Right EngineNOTE: Move right throttle to OFF / cutoff position. Monitor EGT decreasing. | SHUT DOWN (RShift + End) | |
| 10 | Left EngineNOTE: Move left throttle to OFF / cutoff position. | SHUT DOWN | |
| 11 | Engine Parameters | RPM AND EGT DECREASING TO ZERO | |
| 12 | Navigation Lights | OFF | |
| 13 | Landing Gear Lights | OFF | |
| 14 | Ejection SeatWARNING: Safe the ejection seat before anyone approaches the aircraft. | SAFE | |
| 15 | Battery Switch | OFF | |
| 16 | Canopy | OPEN |