Hobby Master 1/72 Air Power Series HA6102 Sukhoi Su-25M1 Frogfoot Blue 06, 299th Aviation Brigade, Ukrainian Air Force, Nikolaev, 2014. 1/72 Scale Diecast Model, Size: 8.5" Wingspan & 7.75" Long, Optional Up & Down Landing Gear, Armaments & Display Stand Are Included.

The Sukhoi Su-25 Grach Russian Frogfoot is a single-seat, twin-engine jet aircraft developed in the Soviet Union by Sukhoi. It was designed to provide close air support for the Soviet Ground Forces. The first prototype made its maiden flight on 22 February 1975. After testing, the aircraft went into series production in 1978 at Tbilisi in the Georgian Soviet Socialist Republic. Primary Role: Close Air Support Aircraft.

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.

In 2014 civil unrest began in Crimea and Russia annexed the area. Russian sympathizers launched attacks throughout parts of the Ukraine and Ukraine forces reacted. On July 2, 2014, returning from a sortie in Eastern Ukraine Su-25M1 Blue 06, assigned to the 299th Aviation Brigade at Nikolaev, Kulbakino Airport (UKOR) crashed at Dneproptrovsk Airport with the pilot safely ejecting. The crash was listed as ôdue to technical difficultiesö but was likely caused by ground fire. Ukrainian Air Force Blue 06 MSN 10121 c/n 25508110121 was the first Su-25 with the pixel paint scheme.