Combloc aircraft, anyone?

[dblueS40]

Good to know there are other rotorheads around.....

Haha, agreed. We are far and few between around here.

[B3sat16v]

[eurodreaming]

Funny.... I'm Russian and I hate how these aircraft look. I'd pick an F-16 etc... over anything.. ha. BUTTT I do see your point of view.. They do look like aggressive death machines. Kind of like seeing the inside of a gas chamber or death row chair/room.

My father used to be an electrical engineer in the Soviet army for Sukhoi somethings.(not sure because we rarely talk) and what he has told me was that they were nightmares.

[yz1337]

Dude, you in Atsugi? I'm just up the road at Yokota

[B3sat16v]

Dude, you in Atsugi? I'm just up the road at Yokota

No, I am not an HS type either, but it is a cool vid..... I have been thinking about Japan. How do you like it?

[Elbows]

Bump because I'm bored.

[Elbows]

[Geekengineer]

I am very curious about the two ball turrets just ahead of the main gear. My guess is they are part of some sort of DIRCM system.

Thoughts?

[ambat]

It's the L370-5 PRESIDENT-S DIRCM system.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZyPR6uL6NBI

[TASVW]

I just finished watching this documentary...









I think it would be good idea to create new thread where we can post documentaries that contain lots of history, technical, tactical information and evolution in aviation.

[B3sat16v]

I just finished watching this documentary...









I think it would be good idea to create new thread where we can post documentaries that contain lots of history, technical, tactical information and evolution in aviation.

While I really enjoyed those videos, the one about the F-15 VS the SU-27 in Langley, VA. seems to be extremely biased and mostly a fabricated story. There are no recollections from the Americans, only the Russians. Russians as usual making good propaganda. While the SU-27 and its iterations are a formidable airframe, it is not that much better than a F-15.

[A.Wilder]

While I really enjoyed those videos, the one about the F-15 VS the SU-27 in Langley, VA. seems to be extremely biased and mostly a fabricated story. There are no recollections from the Americans, only the Russians. Russians as usual making good propaganda. While the SU-27 and its iterations are a formidable airframe, it is not that much better than a F-15.

track record/history > russian claims

[Elbows]

I agree, but I'd also say that the Su-27 is definitely on par with our F-15 generation fighters. Heck my dad shot down F-15's by the bushel in his F-4 when they used to fly against the Air Force. It'd be down to pilots...and I think without question we have the better pilots.

Not to mention, the Su-27 is now old like the F-15. I have no real indication of the latest iteration capabilities (the latest Mig-35, and Su-35). Well the Mig-35 is still fighting to be produce I think.

Either way I think it'd end up being like Vietnam ...lots of different airframes, lots of different capabilities, and really boiling down to the pilot skill, where we'd have the largest advantage. Same reason I'm not overly concerned with China producing aircraft carriers. It'll take a LONG time to get a quality, carrier-capable force of pilots into shape.

[B3sat16v]

I also like to point out that when they talked about the smaller more maneuverable Mig-17 taking down F-4 Phantoms it really came down to the lack of an actual gun on the initial iterations of the Phantom. Granted the Phantom was not exactly a very maneuverable airframe, but still with no gun, you are toasted.

[Elbows]

Agreed, but I'm simply a huge believer that a crackin' pilot is a crackin' pilot. While technology can overcome this in many instances, I doubt there is a combat aviator in the world, regardless of what he's flying, who would not take an Su-27, old F-15, etc. seriously if piloted by a damn good pilot.

My father spoke to an American aviator who few in Russia sometime in the early 2000's as part of a similar "friendly" exercise. He told my father point blank "Man, I wish we had played them in the big game.".

He said their equipment was good, but pilots were sub-par (his opinion of course). All of that said, any country with decent 4th generation or better aircraft is someone I'll give a wide berth.

[B3sat16v]

To be honest with you, or Military spends a lot of time and money making pilots and making sure the pilots are doing what they do best. VERY FEW Navies do what our Navy does, if not none. I am talking about flying at night, doing carrier traps, in bad weather (Sames comes to Helo landings on the decks of small boys). That is normal business, it is scary, but it is what we get paid to do. And the only way to get good at it is to do it. I will have to say that our Military has the best pilots out there and our mediocre guys are probably as good as their top notch. And I have respect for the Russian, so I am not trying to bash them in any way, but the amount of training we do and the quality is bar none.

[Elbows]

I finally finished watching those videos...pretty slick. As usual, the Russians come up with some pretty ingenious stuff, even if by accident. The Su-27 looks like a much more stout plane than I had previously thought.

I did get a chuckle out of some of the translation/print on the screen. In one instance they called one of the pilots a "Sniper Pilot". Is that a poor translation from something in Russian or just a goof?

And as usual...lots of generals.

I was doing a double take though when one of the pilots they were interviewing was putting on layer after layer, after layer of clothing. Must be a weird sensation to pilot a plane wearing a couple of jackets AND a big furlined coat. $10 says that ain't fireproof.

Overall excellent video. I'd love to see more from the series, if only for the excellent footage.

B3, I'm with you all the way. I suppose I just like to remain weary of anyone with reasonably good kit. I often fear that with things like Afghanistan and Iraq that our pilots will begin to lose their fighter's edge...over "we own the air" ground attack missions. Same way I think our tankers probably get a little spoiled by shooting up out-of-date T-72's in a nice flat desert.

I just hope that our guys realize that going up against any country with 4th generation/4+ generation aircraft -losses would be inevitable (though I think they'd be very lopsided). I suppose it doesn't help that I've been following the re-building of Russia's military for 10+ years now...

I have figured something out though - it's the paint schemes. I looked at some model kits I had sitting around, and envisioned something like a Blackhawk with a Russian paint-scheme...awesome.

[B3sat16v]

Overall excellent video. I'd love to see more from the series, if only for the excellent footage.

B3, I'm with you all the way. I suppose I just like to remain weary of anyone with reasonably good kit. I often fear that with things like Afghanistan and Iraq that our pilots will begin to lose their fighter's edge...over "we own the air" ground attack missions. Same way I think our tankers probably get a little spoiled by shooting up out-of-date T-72's in a nice flat desert.

I just hope that our guys realize that going up against any country with 4th generation/4+ generation aircraft -losses would be inevitable (though I think they'd be very lopsided). I suppose it doesn't help that I've been following the re-building of Russia's military for 10+ years now...

Great videos indeed!

And our guys won't ever loose their edge unless we just stop paying attention to the military.

[TASVW]

I did get a chuckle out of some of the translation/print on the screen. In one instance they called one of the pilots a "Sniper Pilot". Is that a poor translation from something in Russian or just a goof?

Go to 05:00 mark...one of their pilots explains it...pretty cocky about it too.





My wallpaper

[yz1337]

I finally finished watching those videos...pretty slick. As usual, the Russians come up with some pretty ingenious stuff, even if by accident. The Su-27 looks like a much more stout plane than I had previously thought.

I did get a chuckle out of some of the translation/print on the screen. In one instance they called one of the pilots a "Sniper Pilot". Is that a poor translation from something in Russian or just a goof?

And as usual...lots of generals.

I was doing a double take though when one of the pilots they were interviewing was putting on layer after layer, after layer of clothing. Must be a weird sensation to pilot a plane wearing a couple of jackets AND a big furlined coat. $10 says that ain't fireproof.

Overall excellent video. I'd love to see more from the series, if only for the excellent footage.

B3, I'm with you all the way. I suppose I just like to remain weary of anyone with reasonably good kit. I often fear that with things like Afghanistan and Iraq that our pilots will begin to lose their fighter's edge...over "we own the air" ground attack missions. Same way I think our tankers probably get a little spoiled by shooting up out-of-date T-72's in a nice flat desert.

I just hope that our guys realize that going up against any country with 4th generation/4+ generation aircraft -losses would be inevitable (though I think they'd be very lopsided). I suppose it doesn't help that I've been following the re-building of Russia's military for 10+ years now...

I have figured something out though - it's the paint schemes. I looked at some model kits I had sitting around, and envisioned something like a Blackhawk with a Russian paint-scheme...awesome.

no worries, I just got back from working a Red Flag exercise with the fighter dudes, even took a couple rides in F-16s to get an up close and personal look at what they do...they work their asses off to be ready to kill everything, on the ground or in the air, and they are damn good at it, even when faced with ridiculous challenges.

[Elbows]

I know how good our guys are first hand...I just hope we keep it up, and more importantly, keep the budget to keep them proficient.

[caliatenza]

Why are the roundels still red stars???

[Elbows]

Just because the Soviet Union is gone, doesn't mean Russia is required to change their insignia. Heck most of the German army insignia is still the same from WW2 and before. No big deal.

[ErikGTI]

Why are the roundels still red stars???

The same reason the Guards insignia hasn't been changed from the original Soviet version, or the same reason Soviet flags still fly in Moscow on May 1st. It's down to the fact that it's tradition and some Russians miss the old Russia.


Erik

[NoDubJustYet]

Elbows, you mean like this??

Parachutist badge... Old vs New





To be fair, the Iron Cross changed colors...

[Elbows]

Yep, pretty much. They tried to throw a wrench in the system when they redeemed their old sniper badge too.

Old:



New:

[PanEuropean]

As much as I like Russian Aircrafts, I will have to say that their helos are not as attractive.

I agree - I parked next to one in Vladivostok earlier this week, it looked kind of chunky. It also needed a wash...

Michael

[DonL]

I agree - I parked next to one in Vladivostok earlier this week, it looked kind of chunky. It also needed a wash...

Michael

Whoa, whoa... wait. You were in Vladivostok this week? What brought you there?

[Elbows]

Just a bump for some new pics.



The PAK-FA is still my favorite 5th generation fighter. Just looks better than the others (probably the camo). Still curious to see it with its own engines though.


One of the "ugly" Kamov attack choppers.




^I believe Iraq just purchased 30-40 of the Mil-28 attack helos.




Newer model Hind.








Nice row of flying cigars.










A rather well equipped Mil...no idea what most of the stuff is - lots of ECM stuff perhaps?

[TASVW]

Not sure if off topic...but it was interesting to watch.

[Obin Robinson]

As the son of a naval aviator, I've always appreciated aviation - though I never truly had the drive (nor the capability) to pursue it. However, I noticed at an early age (even back when the Cold War was still goin'!) I definitely prefer the looks of Combloc aircraft. I simply love Soviet/Russian designs.

Me too. I have always loved their aircraft design. If you get a chance to see their stuff up close and personal they have a very simple yet efficient way of design which can be readily appreciated. Probably 75% of my daily desktop wallpaper comes from this site:

http://russianplanes.net/

I am also working on a ComBloc aircraft project. Hush hush for now but plenty of pictures when it's all figured out. Trust me I'll post the pics and info here.

obin

[TASVW]

Photoshopped...obviously.
I must say I enjoy all these internet speculations about final product

[Elbows]

I think the PAK-FA is the best "looking" 5th generation fighter by far. Like everyone else I'm anxious to see it's real engines (currently running modified SU-27 engines or something).

The Russians seem to do engines pretty darn well...we'll see.

[TASVW]

I think the PAK-FA is the best "looking" 5th generation fighter by far. Like everyone else I'm anxious to see it's real engines (currently running modified SU-27 engines or something).

The Russians seem to do engines pretty darn well...we'll see.

Engines are 117 from Su30MKI/Su35. But with PAK FA they're trying different composite materials...which they plan to use also on strategic bomber version around 2020.

Turn on CC

[Elbows]

Yeah, but I thought the 117s were just place-holders....that's the impression I received from various sources. I'm not sure what the PAK-FA's final powerplants will be.

EDIT: Looked back at the milphotos thread...apparently the first 50 or so PAK-FA's will keep the modified 117s with a new engine by 2019-2020.

Indian and Russia just signed on for another joint 5th generation fighter too. The PAK-DA has been approved to eventually replace the Bears and Blackjacks...going with a flying wing, ala B2. Curious to see what it looks like.