Historical Articles - Model Airplane Collectors2024-03-29T11:04:10Zhttp://www.modelairplanecollectors.com/forum/categories/historical-articles/listForCategory?categoryId=6343803%3ACategory%3A68767&feed=yes&xn_auth=noWorld Firststag:www.modelairplanecollectors.com,2015-09-12:6343803:Topic:1998402015-09-12T12:56:17.929ZAMhttp://www.modelairplanecollectors.com/profile/AhmedMisbah
<p><strong><span class="font-size-3"><strong><span class="font-size-3" style="color: #000000;">First airplane (first heavier than air, fixed wing, propulsion driven vehicle)</span></strong><br></br></span></strong> <span class="font-size-3"><br></br></span> <span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3">Wright Flyer…</span></span></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p><strong><span class="font-size-3"><strong><span style="color: #000000;" class="font-size-3">First airplane (first heavier than air, fixed wing, propulsion driven vehicle)</span></strong><br/></span></strong> <span class="font-size-3"><br/></span> <span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3">Wright Flyer</span></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><a width="737" height="552" target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869028041?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"><img width="737" height="552" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869028041?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></span></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><strong><span class="font-size-3">First operational jet fighter in the world</span></strong><br/> <br/> <span class="font-size-3">Messerschmitt Me 262 Schwalbe</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"><a width="737" height="552" target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869028861?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"><img width="737" height="552" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869028861?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"><strong><span class="font-size-3">First western operational jet fighter</span></strong><br/> <br/> <span class="font-size-3">Gloster Meteor</span></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><a width="737" height="552" target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869030300?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"><img width="737" height="552" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869030300?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></span></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"><strong><span class="font-size-3">First Soviet/Russian operational jet fighters</span></strong></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3">Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-9 and Yakovlev Yak-15</span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><a width="737" height="552" target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869031984?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"><img width="737" height="552" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869031984?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></span></span></span></span></span><a width="737" height="414" target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869033867?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"><img width="737" height="414" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869033867?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><strong><span class="font-size-3">First operational supersonic fighter in the world</span></strong><br/> <br/> <span class="font-size-3">Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-19</span></span></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><a width="737" height="552" target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869033403?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"><img width="737" height="552" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869033403?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></span><span class="font-size-3"><br/> <br/> <strong><span class="font-size-3">First operational American supersonic fighter</span></strong><br/> <br/> <span class="font-size-3">North American F-100 Super Sabre</span></span></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><a width="737" height="414" target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869044464?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"><img width="737" height="414" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869044464?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><strong><span class="font-size-3">First operational Mach 3 capable Soviet jet<br/></span></strong></span></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><strong><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><br/></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></strong> <span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3">Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-25</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><a width="737" height="552" target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869048302?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"><img width="737" height="552" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869048302?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><a width="737" height="414" target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869050404?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"><img width="737" height="414" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869050404?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><strong><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><strong><span class="font-size-3">First operational Mach 3 capable American jet</span></strong></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></strong></span></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3">Lockheed SR-71</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><strong><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><strong><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><br/></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></strong></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></strong></span></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><a width="737" height="552" target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869051350?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"><img width="737" height="552" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869051350?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><strong><span class="font-size-3">First Mach 3 capable jet bomber</span></strong><br/> <br/> <span class="font-size-3">North American XB-70 Valkarie</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><a width="737" height="552" target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869053040?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"><img width="737" height="552" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869053040?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></span></span></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><strong><span class="font-size-3">First operational stealth aircraft</span></strong><br/> <br/> <span class="font-size-3">Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk</span><br/></span></span></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><a width="737" height="552" target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869054804?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"><img width="737" height="552" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869054804?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></span></span></span></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><strong><span class="font-size-3">First operational jet airliner</span></strong><br/> <br/> <span class="font-size-3">Tupolev Tu-104 (based on the Tu-16 Badger Soviet Bomber)<br/></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"><a target="_blank" href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/15/Aeroflot_Tupolev_Tu-104B_at_Arlanda%2C_July_1972.jpg/800px-Aeroflot_Tupolev_Tu-104B_at_Arlanda%2C_July_1972.jpg"><img class="align-center" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/15/Aeroflot_Tupolev_Tu-104B_at_Arlanda%2C_July_1972.jpg/800px-Aeroflot_Tupolev_Tu-104B_at_Arlanda%2C_July_1972.jpg"/></a></span></p>
<p><a width="737" height="414" target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869057588?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"><img width="737" height="414" class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869057588?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></p>
<p></p>
<p><strong><span class="font-size-3">First western jet airliner</span></strong><br/> <br/> <span class="font-size-3">de Havilland Comet</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"><a width="737" height="552" target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869060284?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"><img width="737" height="552" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869060284?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"><strong><span class="font-size-3">First American jet airliner</span></strong><br/> <br/> <span class="font-size-3">Boeing B707</span></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-3"><a width="737" height="552" target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869062204?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"><img width="737" height="552" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869062204?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></span></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><br/> <strong><span class="font-size-3">First fly-by-wire airliner</span></strong><br/> <br/> <span class="font-size-3">Airbus A320 family</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><a width="737" height="552" target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869068948?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"><img width="737" height="552" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869068948?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a><br/> <br/> <br/> <strong><span class="font-size-3">First Russian fly-by-wire airliner</span></strong><br/> <br/> <span class="font-size-3">Ilyushin Il-96</span><br/> <br/> <a width="737" height="552" target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869070644?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"><img width="737" height="552" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869070644?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a><br/> <br/> <br/> <strong><span class="font-size-3">First American fly-by-wire airlines</span></strong><br/> <br/> <span class="font-size-3">Boeing B777</span></p>
<p><a width="737" height="552" target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869071637?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"><img width="737" height="552" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869071637?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></p>
<p><br/> <strong><span style="color: #000000;" class="font-size-3">First supersonic jet airliner</span></strong><br/> <br/> <span class="font-size-3">Aérospatiale-BAC Concorde</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"><a width="737" height="552" target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869073235?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"><img width="737" height="552" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869073235?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><strong><span class="font-size-3">First Russian supersonic airliner</span></strong><br/> <br/> <span class="font-size-3">Tupolev Tu-144</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"><a width="737" height="552" target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869076668?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"><img width="737" height="552" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869076668?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><strong><span class="font-size-3">First jumbo jet</span></strong><br/> <br/> <span class="font-size-3">Boeing B747</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"><a width="737" height="414" target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869077230?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"><img width="737" height="414" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869077230?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></span></p> History of MiG Aircraft (Part 8) – MiG-29 – MiG's 4th Generation fightertag:www.modelairplanecollectors.com,2015-04-12:6343803:Topic:1955652015-04-12T21:18:52.686ZAMhttp://www.modelairplanecollectors.com/profile/AhmedMisbah
<p><em><span class="font-size-3"><b><u>Introduction:</u></b></span></em></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">The lessons learned from the Vietnam War proved to both military personnel and aircraft designers around the world that the bid on BVR air-to-air engagements was very unrealistic. Engagements still occurred at visual range and only the agile fighters emerged victorious.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">By the late 1960s, it was obvious that the need was for fighters…</span></p>
<p><em><span class="font-size-3"><b><u>Introduction:</u></b></span></em></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">The lessons learned from the Vietnam War proved to both military personnel and aircraft designers around the world that the bid on BVR air-to-air engagements was very unrealistic. Engagements still occurred at visual range and only the agile fighters emerged victorious.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">By the late 1960s, it was obvious that the need was for fighters that would carry the latest in Sensors technology to allow pilots to engage enemies from beyond visual range and be able to outmaneuver them in close combat.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">The west at that time observed that the Soviets have developed aircraft of their own that would excel in both areas (BVR and close combat). The Soviets had both the MiG-23 and MiG-25 (complemented by their aging but agile MiG-21). Those aircraft with their speed, radar, armament and design were capable of outperforming any western aircraft. The west needed to develop something that would encounter such a threat from the Soviets.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-3"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869027315?profile=original"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869027315?profile=original" width="640"/></a></span><strong>MiG-23 Flogger</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869025398?profile=original"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869025398?profile=original" width="640"/></a><strong>MiG-25 Foxbat</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">Design on the first western 4th generation fighters began in 1968 when both the US Air force and Navy started requesting designs for aircraft that would replace their current fleet of F-4 Phantom II fighters. The aircraft proposed were the F-15 Eagle for the US Air force and F-14 Tomcat for US Navy.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-3"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869027345?profile=original"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869027345?profile=original" width="543"/></a></span><strong>F-15 Eagle</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869027466?profile=original"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869027466?profile=original" width="607"/></a><strong>F-14 Tomcat</strong></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">Both aircraft excelled over any existing Soviet fighter at the time in every aspect. Range, armament, radar, sensors, speed, you name it. But they had one major drawback and that was cost. That was one area in which the Soviets always excelled. Lower cost meant more aircraft can be ordered thus giving more striking power and more aircraft to cover losses endured in combat.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">Requests were issued for having lightweight fighters that are cheaper and thus could be produced in larger numbers. General Dynamics won the bid for the USAF with its F-16 Fighting Falcon. McDonnell Douglas on the other hand won the contract for the Navy's lightweight fighter the F/A-18 Hornet.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-3"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869027538?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869027538?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a></span><strong>F-16 Fighting Falcon</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869027613?profile=original"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869027613?profile=original" width="620"/></a><strong>F/A-18 Hornet</strong></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">The Soviets could not stand still watching the US develop all of these fighters with such superb qualities. The Soviet Air force decided to produce their own aircraft to counter America's long range and front-line fighters.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"> </span></p>
<p><em><span class="font-size-3"><b><u>Development:</u></b></span></em></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">In 1969, the Soviet General Staff issued a requirement for an "Advanced Frontline Fighter" program (called PFI). Specifications were extremely ambitious, calling for long range, good short-field performance, excellent agility, Mach 2+ speed, and heavy armament. The Russian aerodynamics institute TsAGI (Russia’s NASA) worked in collaboration with the Sukhoi design bureau on the aircraft's aerodynamics.</span><br/> <br/> <br/> <span class="font-size-3">By 1971, however, Soviet studies determined the need for different types of fighters. The PFI program was supplemented with an “Advanced Lightweight Tactical Fighter" program (called LPFI). The PFI fighter was assigned to Sukhoi, resulting in the Sukhoi Su-27, while the lightweight fighter went to Mikoyan. Detailed design work on the resultant Mikoyan Product 9 (designated MiG-29A) began in 1974, with the first flight taking place on 6 October 1977.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869027635?profile=original"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869027635?profile=original" width="640"/></a><strong>Su-27 Flanker</strong></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869027644?profile=original"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869027644?profile=original" width="700"/></a><strong>MiG-29 Fulcrum</strong></p>
<p><br/> <br/> <span class="font-size-3">The workload split between PFI and LPFI became more apparent as the MiG-29 filtered into front line service with the Soviet Air Forces in the mid-1980s. While the heavy, long range Su-27 was tasked with the more exotic and dangerous role of deep air-to-air sweeps of NATO high-value assets, the smaller MiG-29 directly replaced the MiG-23 in the frontal aviation role. Features such as rugged landing gear and protective intake grates allowed MiG-29 operations from damaged or under-prepared airstrips that Soviet war planners expected to encounter during a rapid armored advance.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-3"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869024716?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869024716?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a></span><strong>Size difference between Su-27 and MiG-29 clearly describes their different roles</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869027994?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869027994?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a></strong><strong>Size difference between Su-27 and MiG-29 clearly describes their different roles</strong></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p><em><span class="font-size-3"><b><u>Design:</u></b></span></em></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">The MiG-29’s design was based on an integral layout which was composed of:</span></p>
<ul>
<li><span class="font-size-3">A mid-mounted swept wing with blended leading-edge root extensions (LERXs) which formed the aircraft’s single lifting body with the fuselage. </span></li>
<li><span class="font-size-3">Leading edge slats fitted on the wings to enhance its lifting capacity.</span></li>
<li><span class="font-size-3">Two vertical fins for providing the aircraft with better stability at high speed.</span></li>
<li><span class="font-size-3">Two engines that were mounted under the lifting body for providing redundancy in case one engine fails to operate and for offering better performance.</span></li>
</ul>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-3"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869027590?profile=original"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869027590?profile=original" width="640"/></a></span><strong>MiG-29 Fulcrum</strong></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">Though the Su-27 and F-16 incorporated fly-by-wire control systems, the MiG designers decided not to follow suit as they believed that fly-by-wire technology was not yet perfected to enter service on Soviet jets. Instead, the MiG designers went for an aircraft design that was aerodynamically stable with excellent instantaneous and sustained turn performance, high-alpha capability, and a general resistance to spins. The aircraft’s control however had limiters to prevent the pilot from exceeding its g and alpha limits.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">It is interesting to note that by the 1970s Western aircraft were starting to use <span class="font-size-3">lightweight composite material</span> in construction of their airframe. This was another feature that the MiG-29 fell behind in early models as it was not yet perfected in the Soviet Union. However, in later models, composite materials made a huge percentage of the overall material used to manufacture the aircraft's air frame as show below in the latest MiG-29K photo.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-3"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869028336?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869028336?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a></span><strong>MiG-29K before the paint job. Composite material colored in yellow</strong></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p><strong><span class="font-size-3">Powerplant:</span></strong></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">The MiG-29 has two widely spaced Klimov RD-33 turbofan engines, each rated at 50.0 kN dry and 81.3 kN in afterburner. The engines are fed through intake ramps fitted under the leading-edge extensions (LERXs), which have variable ramps to allow high-Mach speeds. As an adaptation to rough-field operations, the main air inlet can be closed completely and alter using the auxiliary air inlet on the upper fuselage for takeoff, landing and low-altitude flying, preventing ingestion of ground debris.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-3"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869028533?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869028533?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a></span><strong>Klimov RD-33 Engine</strong></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-3"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869029060?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869029060?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a></span><strong>MiG-29 air inlets covered on the ground to prevent ingesting ground debris</strong></p>
<p></p>
<p><strong><span class="font-size-3">Range:</span></strong></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">The MiG-29 has a ferry range of 1,500 km without external fuel tanks, and 2,100 km with external tanks. The internal fuel capacity of the original MiG-29B is 4,365 liters distributed between six internal fuel tanks, four in the fuselage and one in each wing. For longer flights, this can be supplemented by a 1,500-litre centerline drop tank and two 1,150-litre underwing drop tanks. In addition, a small number have been fitted with port-side inflight refueling probes, allowing much longer flight times.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869029185?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869029185?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"> </span></p>
<p><strong><span class="font-size-3">Cockpit:</span></strong></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">The cockpit of the MiG-29 features a conventional center stick and left hand throttle controls. It has conventional dials, with a head-up display (HUD) and a Shchel-3UM helmet mounted display. Upgraded models introduce "glass cockpits" with modern liquid-crystal (LCD) multi-function displays (MFDs) and true HOTAS (Hands on Throttle and Stick) controls.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-3"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869029361?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869029361?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a></span><strong>Older MiG-29 cockpit</strong></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-3"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869029896?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869029896?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a></span><strong>Older MiG-29 cockpit</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869030504?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869030504?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a></strong><strong>Older MiG-29 cockpit</strong></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869031480?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869031480?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a><strong>Older MiG-29 cockpit</strong></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869031803?profile=original"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869031803?profile=original" width="408"/></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>MiG-29 HUD</strong></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"><strong><span class="font-size-3"><strong><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869031987?profile=original"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869031987?profile=original" width="640"/></a></strong></span></strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>More advanced MiG-29SMT cockpit with MFDs and HOTAS controls<br/></strong></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"><strong><span class="font-size-3"><strong>Ejection System</strong></span>:</strong></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">MiG-29 pilots sat in the respected Zvesda K-36D zero-zero (meaning zero altitude zero speed) ejection seat.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-3"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869032386?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869032386?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a></span><strong>K-36 Ejection Seat</strong></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869032660?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869032660?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a><strong>K-36 Ejection Seat</strong></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">Judging by accidents we have seen in air shows that involved the MiG-29 and other Soviet/Russian fighters that utilized this seat, there are no doubts that the seat provides an impressive escape system. One notable accident was that in the 1989 Paris air show when a MiG-29 suffered from engine failure and the pilot had to eject second before the plane crashed at very low altitude.<br/></span></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-3"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869032928?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869032928?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a></span><strong>MiG-29 pilot ejects before seconds from impact at very low altitude in 1989 Paris Air show</strong></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"><strong>Sensors:</strong></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">The baseline MiG-29B has a Phazotron RLPK-29 radar fire control system which includes the N019 Sapfir 29 look-down/shoot-down coherent pulse-Doppler radar and the Ts100.02-02 digital computer. Tracking range against a fighter-sized target was only about 70 km in the frontal aspect and 35 km in the rear aspect.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-3"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869033205?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869033205?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a></span><span class="font-size-2"><strong>N019 Sapfir 29 look-down/shoot-down</strong></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">The MiG-29 also incorporates the S-31E2 KOLS, a combined laser rangefinder and IRST in an "eyeball" mount forward of the cockpit canopy. This allows the MiG-29 to acquire and engage targets at acceptable ranges without emitting any radar signature.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869033484?profile=original"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869033484?profile=original" width="350"/></a><strong><span class="font-size-2">S-31E2 KOLS</span></strong></p>
<p></p>
<p><strong><span class="font-size-3">Armament</span>:</strong></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">Armament for the MiG-29 includes a single GSh-30-1 30 mm cannon in the port wing root. This originally had a 150-round magazine, which was reduced to 100 rounds in later variants. Original production MiG-29B aircraft cannot fire the cannon when carrying a centerline fuel tank as it blocks the shell ejection port. This was corrected in the MiG-29S and later versions.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-3"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869033620?profile=original"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869033620?profile=original" width="575"/></a></span><span class="font-size-2"><strong>GSh-30-1 30 mm cannon</strong></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">Three pylons are provided under each wing (four in some variants), for a total of six (or eight). The inboard pylons can carry a 1,150 liter fuel tank, one Vympel R-27 (AA-10 "Alamo") medium-range air-to-air missile, or unguided bombs or rockets. Some Soviet aircraft could carry a single nuclear bomb on the port inboard station. The outer pylons usually carry R-73 (AA-11 "Archer") dogfight missiles, although some users still retain the older R-60 (AA-8 "Aphid").</span></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-3"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869035625?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869035625?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a></span><strong><span class="font-size-2">Vympel R-27 (AA-10 "Alamo")</span></strong></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869038649?profile=original"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869038649?profile=original" width="480"/></a><strong><span class="font-size-2">Vympel R-73 (AA-11 "Archer")</span></strong></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">The MiG-29’s BVR capabilities were very limited due to its relatively small radar, which in turn did not allow for its medium range R-27 missiles to be used with their full range. However, the fighter’s close combat capabilities were superb because of its R-73 missile.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">The R-73 is an infrared homing (heat-seeking) missile with a sensitive, cryogenic cooled seeker with a substantial "off-bore sight" capability. The missile’s seeker can detect targets up to 40° off its centerline. It can be targeted by a helmet-mounted sight (HMS), allowing pilots to designate targets by looking at them. Minimum engagement range is about 300 meters, with maximum aerodynamic range of nearly 30 km at altitude.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-3"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869039044?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869039044?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a></span><strong><span class="font-size-2">Vympel R-73 (AA-11 "Archer")</span></strong></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869039948?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869039948?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a><strong><span class="font-size-2">Vympel R-73 vectored thrust nozzle</span></strong></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869040365?profile=original"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869040365?profile=original" width="742"/></a><strong><span class="font-size-2">Vympel R-73 (AA-11 "Archer")</span></strong></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869040393?profile=original"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869040393?profile=original" width="305"/></a><strong><span class="font-size-2">MiG-29 R-73 Helmet Mounted Sight</span></strong></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869040756?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869040756?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a><strong><span class="font-size-2">MiG-29 R-73 Helmet Mounted Sight</span></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869046435?profile=original"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869046435?profile=original" width="480"/></a><strong><span class="font-size-2">MiG-29 R-73 Helmet Mounted Sight</span></strong></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">This weapon was certainly years ahead of its time. It later promoted the development of a number of western air-to-air missiles including the AIM-132 ASRAAM, IRIS-T, MICA IR, Python IV and the latest Sidewinder variant, the AIM-9X which entered squadron service in 2003.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"> </span></p>
<p><em><span class="font-size-3"><b><u>Service History:</u></b></span></em></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">Like the MiG-15, the MiG-29’s combat records are not as impressive as those of its western counter parts though its potential and capabilities suggests otherwise. The reasons behind this could be the following:</span></p>
<ul>
<li><span class="font-size-3">Export versions of the MiG-29, which were not fitted with all of the aircraft’s avionics and armament, engaged the best the west had to put in combat. MiG-29s went into combat against F-15s and F-16s either flown by their producers (i.e. America) or their closest allies that acquired the aircraft with their full capabilities (e.g. Israel).</span></li>
<li><span class="font-size-3">Early MiG-29s (which mostly saw combat as the export versions) lacked many capabilities western aircraft enjoyed, such as HOTAS, inter-aircraft data link, and glass cockpits. This meant that MiG-29 pilots had to do more effort during combat than pilots flying western aircraft and in turn made them lose their situational awareness and fall behind.</span></li>
<li><span class="font-size-3">Pilots chosen to fly the MiG-29s were never given the same training western pilots experienced in their air forces neither in duration nor in quality. The Soviet Union never offered its clients the opportunity to conduct training such as Red flag for instance. This meant that western aircraft pilots always had an edge when it comes to combat experience.</span></li>
<li><span class="font-size-3">MiG-29 pilots rarely got the chance to train against western aircraft such as the F-15 and F-16. On the other hand, F-15 and F-16 pilots got the chance to engage the MiG-29 in countries such as Germany. This meant that a western pilot understood how to engage the MiG-29 in combat while MiG-29 pilots had to rely on simulated engagements with aircraft mocking F-15s and F-16s.</span></li>
<li><span class="font-size-3">For an aircraft to emerge victories in a modern air engagement, it must be complemented with other assets such as AWACS, electronic jamming, air refueling, etc. Most air forces that used MiG-29s in combat lacked those assets and engaged other air forces (such as the USAF) which were fully equipped with them.</span></li>
<li><span class="font-size-3">In many of the engagements that involved the MiG-29, there were always more aircraft engaging it from the enemy side. Some people attribute this to the fact that the aircraft was feared so much that its enemies had to throw everything they had against it.</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span class="font-size-3"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">The most notable conflicts that involved the MiG-29 were the Gulf War and the Kosovo War.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-3"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869046636?profile=original"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869046636?profile=original" width="600"/></a></span><strong><span class="font-size-2">Iraqi MiG-29</span></strong></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">Although the MiG-29 never enjoyed a good combat-record, it did earn much of its respect from its outstanding performance in air shows all around the world. Aerobatics performed by teams such as the Russian Swifts and Ukrainian Falcons demonstrated the aircraft’s agility and maneuverability in front of audiences worldwide.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-3"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869046934?profile=original"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869046934?profile=original" width="670"/></a></span><strong>The Swifts (old livery)</strong></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869047167?profile=original"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869047167?profile=original" width="710"/></a><strong>The Swifts (old livery)</strong></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869049812?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869049812?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a><strong>The Swifts (new livery)</strong></p>
<p></p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869050111?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869050111?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869050242?profile=original"></a></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869050242?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869050242?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a><strong>Ukrainian Falcons</strong></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"> </span></p>
<p><em><span class="font-size-3"><b><u>Personal Account:</u></b></span></em></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">I never saw the MiG-29 but I do own 3 diecast models for it. Two models from Witty Sky Guardians and one from Maisto. I also own a model of the MiG-35 Super Fulcrum (picture at the end of the post).<br/></span></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-3"><a width="737" height="552" target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869026557?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"><img width="737" height="552" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869026557?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></span><strong>Witty Sky Guardians Soviet MiG-29 in 1:72 scale</strong></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a width="737" height="552" target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869052684?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"><img width="737" height="552" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869052684?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a><strong>Witty Sky Guardians Slovak MiG-29AS in 1:144 scale</strong></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"> </span></p>
<p><em><span class="font-size-3"><b><u>Finale:</u></b></span></em></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">The MiG-29 hasn’t seen any major upgrades to the design of its airframe since its introduction in the 1980s. This is a great testimony to its ingenious design that was first proposed in the 1970s and still continuous to serve in the 21<sup>st</sup> century.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">The MiG-29 currently serves in 24 countries. Mikoyan is looking forward to sell its latest variants to countries that want to upgrade their air forces but can’t afford buying or developing 5<sup>th</sup> generation fighters.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">New MiG-29 variants of the 4++ or 4.5 generation such the MiG-29M/M2, MiG-29SMT, MiG-29K, MiG-29OVT, and MiG-35 incorporate features and technologies from 5<sup>th</sup> generation fighters such as AESA radar, engines with thrust vectoring nozzles, integrated avionics, and improved radar jamming capabilities. These upgrades will surely make the MiG-29 a worthy opponent for years to come.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-3"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869052920?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869052920?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a></span><strong>Mikoyan MiG-35</strong></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869053032?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869053032?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869029302?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869029302?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a><strong>Mikoyan MiG-35</strong></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869053295?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869053295?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869029710?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869029710?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a><strong>Mikoyan MiG-35 AESA Radar and Glass cockpit</strong></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-3"><a width="737" height="414" target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869031176?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"><img width="737" height="414" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869031176?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a> <span class="font-size-2"><strong><strong>My MiG-35 model</strong></strong></span></span></p> History of MiG Aircraft (Part 7) – MiG-25 – USSR’s Mach 3 interceptortag:www.modelairplanecollectors.com,2013-12-07:6343803:Topic:1545822013-12-07T13:24:19.061ZAMhttp://www.modelairplanecollectors.com/profile/AhmedMisbah
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><span class="font-size-3">Introduction:</span></strong></em></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">The story of the MiG-25 Foxbat is one of the most interesting stories of Russian fighter jets. It all started when the Soviet's realized in the late 1950s that they were in need for an interceptor that would be able to climb to high altitudes and fly fast to engage bombers such as the Mach 2…</span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><span class="font-size-3">Introduction:</span></strong></em></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">The story of the MiG-25 Foxbat is one of the most interesting stories of Russian fighter jets. It all started when the Soviet's realized in the late 1950s that they were in need for an interceptor that would be able to climb to high altitudes and fly fast to engage bombers such as the Mach 2 capable Convair B-58 Hustler and the Mach 3 capable North American XB-70 Valkyrie.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-3"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869024632?profile=original"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869024632?profile=original" width="640"/></a></span><strong>MiG-25 Foxbat</strong></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-3"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869024681?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869024681?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a></span><strong>XB-70 Valkyrie</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869024688?profile=original"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869024688?profile=original" width="400"/></a>B-58 Hustler</strong></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">The Soviets clearly learned a great lesson after downing Gary Power's U-2 spy plane with a SA-2 SAM. The lesson was that there skies were vulnerable to the west's high altitude flying aircraft that have the capability to fly un-detected and spy on Soviet territory. If the U-2s were able to penetrate with their performance, what would bombers like the B-58 and XB-70 be able to do? This question took into consideration that fact that these bombers had capabilities exceeding those of all Soviet fighter aircraft and interceptors that were operating at that time (notably Mikoyan-Guryvich’s MiG-21 Fishbed and Tupolev’s Tu-28 Fiddler).</span></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-3"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869024991?profile=original"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869024991?profile=original" width="556"/></a><span class="font-size-2"><strong>U-2 Dragon Lady<br/></strong></span></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-2"><strong><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869025176?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869025176?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a></strong></span></span><strong>Soviet SA-2</strong></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"> </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-3"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869025361?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869025361?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a></span><strong>MiG-21 Fishbed</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869025378?profile=original"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869025378?profile=original" width="655"/></a>Tu-28 Fiddler</strong></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">And so the decision was taken. A major upgrade in the Soviet Air Defense Forces (<b>PVO</b>) homeland defense system was required. At the start of 1958, a requirement was issued for manned interceptors capable of reaching 3,000 km/h and heights of up to 27 km (88,583 ft). Mikoyan and Sukhoi responded. The result in 1964 was Mikoyan-Guryvich OKB's MiG-25 Foxbat.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">The MiG-25 made its first public appearance in 1967. And as America influenced the MiG-25's development with its XB-70, B-58, and A-5 Vigilante, the MiG-25 also influenced the development of America’s super fighter the McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle. The American’s however were influenced to develop such a remarkable due to the fact that they west made a lot of false assumptions about the MiG-25. Those assumptions were exploited when the jet fell into western hands by the defection of Soviet pilot Victor Belenko in 1976.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-3"><a target="_blank" href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d0/RA-5C_Vigilante_overhead_aerial_view.jpg"><img class="align-center" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d0/RA-5C_Vigilante_overhead_aerial_view.jpg?width=500" width="500"/></a></span><b>A-5 Vigilante</b></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"> </span></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-3"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.fyjs.cn/bbs/attachments/Mon_1003/27_86276_76e3be4be11b405.jpg?69"><img class="align-center" src="http://www.fyjs.cn/bbs/attachments/Mon_1003/27_86276_76e3be4be11b405.jpg?69"/></a></span><strong>F-15 Eagle</strong></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">After the MiG-25's secrets were discovered, it was clear that what the west thought about it was completely over exaggerated. The MiG-25 was a different machine. What the fighter was is explained in the sections below.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"> </span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><span class="font-size-3">Development:</span></strong></em></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">From Wikipedia (with some changes):</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">The Mikoyan-Guryvich OKB had been working on a series of interceptors during the second half of the 1950s: the I-1, I-3U, I-7U, I-75, Ye-150, Ye-150A, Ye-152, Ye-152A, Ye-152P, and Ye-152M. The Ye-150 was noteworthy because it was built specifically to test the Tumansky R-15 engine, two of which would later be used for the MiG-25. This led to Ye-152, alternatively known as Ye-166, which set several world records. The Ye-152M (converted from one of the two Ye-152 aircraft) was intended to be the definite heavy interceptor design. But before it was finished, the PVO had selected the Tupolev Tu-28. As the work on the MiG-25 was well under way, the single-engine Ye-152M was abandoned.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-3"><a target="_blank" href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8e/YE-152_%26_YE-152M.jpg"><img class="align-center" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8e/YE-152_%26_YE-152M.jpg"/></a></span><strong>MiG YE-152 and YE-152M</strong></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">Work on the new Soviet interceptor that became the MiG-25 started in mid-1959. The design bureau studied several possible layouts for the new aircraft. One had the engines located side-by-side, as on the MiG-19. The second had a stepped arrangement with one engine amidships, with exhaust under the fuselage, and another in the aft fuselage. The third project had an engine arrangement similar to that of the English Electric Lightning, with two engines stacked vertically. Options two and three were both rejected because the size of the engines meant any of them would result in a very tall aircraft which would complicate maintenance.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">The first prototype was a reconnaissance variant, designated "Ye-155-R1”, which made its first flight on 6 March 1964. It had some characteristics that were unique to that prototype, and some of these were visually very evident:</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"> </span></p>
<ol>
<li><span class="font-size-3">The wings had fixed wingtip tanks (600 liter capacity) to which small winglets were attached for stability purposes. But when it was found fuel sloshing around in the tanks caused vibrations, they were eliminated.</span></li>
<li><span class="font-size-3">The aircraft also had attachments for movable foreplanes, canards, to help with pitch control at high speed (provisions for canards had previously been installed, but not used, on the Ye-152P.)</span></li>
</ol>
<p><span class="font-size-3"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">The first flight of the interceptor prototype, "Ye-155-P1", took place on 9 September 1964. Development of the MiG-25, which represented a major step forward in Soviet aerodynamics, engineering and metallurgy, took several more years to complete.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"><a target="_blank" href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5b/Ye-155.png"><img class="align-center" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5b/Ye-155.png"/></a></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-2"><strong>YE-155</strong></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">On 9 July 1967, the new aircraft was first shown to the public at the Domodedovo air show, with four prototypes (three fighters and a reconnaissance aircraft) making a flypast.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-3"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869025398?profile=original"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869025398?profile=original" width="640"/></a></span><strong>MiG-25</strong></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"> </span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><span class="font-size-3">Design:</span></strong></em></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">Outward design of the MiG-25 "Foxbat" was highly conventional by any standard, fitting a long slab-sided fuselage against a square-shaped airframe. The airframe design was necessitated by the installation of the large pair of engines buried deep within the design. Intakes were set to either side of the cockpit and sported sharp angles to accept airflow from the sides of the nose assembly. The nose protruded a great length ahead of the cockpit, eliminating any natural "look-down" capability for the pilot. The pilot's vantage point was further hindered by setting the cockpit between the two intake openings with the fuselage spine beginning aft of the canopy. The canopy was a simple two piece system but heat resistant.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869025612?profile=original"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869025612?profile=original" width="640"/></a></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">Wings were of a monoplane arrangement, high-set along the intake sides and swept sharply along their leading edges, less so along the trailing. To counter airflow from these assemblies, the horizontal stabilizers were set well below the main wings and featured similar sweep back, though increased in comparison along their trailing edges. The engine exhaust rings promoted a smoother shape to the fuselage aft section, derailing the true boxy shape of the MiG-25 design to an extent. The engines were set close to one another in a side-by-side seating. As such, twin vertical tail fins were affixed outboard of each engine placement, though both maintained a rather straight - albeit rearward-swept - standing profile.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869026651?profile=original"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869026651?profile=original" width="640"/></a></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"> </span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><span class="font-size-3">Variants:</span></em></strong></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">The MiG-25P ("Foxbat-A") was the initial single-seat, all-weather interceptor to see service. Power was supplied by a pair of Tumansky R-15B-300 afterburning turbojet engines delivering 16,524lbf thrust each and 22,494lbg thrust each with afterburner. Maximum speed was listed at Mach 3.2 (2,170mph) at high altitude and about 740mph at low altitudes. Range was limited to 1,075 miles discounting any use of external fuel stores. Ferry range was up to 2,575km. This MiG-25 model could reach 80,000+ feet with a four missile payload and obtain a rate-of-climb equal to 40,950 feet per minute. Typical armament load was a pair of radar-guided R-40R (AA-6 "Acrid") air-to-air missiles and a pair of infrared-guided R-40T infra-red/semi-active air-to-air missiles. Alternative loads could include the AA-7 "Apex" medium-range, radar-guided and AA-8 "Aphid" short-range, infra-red homing air-to-air missiles.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-3"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869026660?profile=original"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869026660?profile=original" width="505"/></a></span><strong>MiG-25A</strong></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">The MiG-25R ("Foxbat-B") became the single-seat reconnaissance aircraft fielding cameras, ECCM equipment and sensor suites suitable for the role. The reconnaissance model was cleared for acceptance into service as the MiG-25R in April of 1969 - despite flying as a prototype before the interceptor model, the interceptor was first to achieve full-scale production.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.aer.ita.br/~bmattos/mundo/images_b/avmig2511.jpg"><img class="align-center" src="http://www.aer.ita.br/~bmattos/mundo/images_b/avmig2511.jpg"/></a></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">In 1968, the MiG-25PU ("Foxbat-C") was delivered to serve as a conversion trainer for MiG-25 pilots. The MiG-25PU was stripped of all of its critical war-making capacity (including radar) and a second cockpit for the instructor was fitted ahead and below the primary cockpit position as found on the original MiG-25 design. The trainer model seated each pilot in a "stepped" arrangement allowing for unfettered views and redundant controls access for both instructor and trainer alike. While being utilized to train MiG-25 pilots in the ways of the Foxbat, the MiG-25PU model went on to prove itself as a valuable weather reconnaissance platform as well. Eventually, the MiG-25PU model would be cleared to fly more hours than her single-seat sisters ever would.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">In 1970, the MiG-25RB/RBS ("Reconnaissance Bomber") (also "Foxbat-B") was delivered to replace the MiG-25R reconnaissance types. While still retaining the needed camera suite for reconnaissance sorties, the MiG-25RB was fitted with a Soviet aircraft "first" - an operational inertial navigation system. Additionally, a Peeling automatic bombing system was installed and effectively doubled the potent value of the MiG-25 series as a whole. Not only could the aircraft now scout targets, target areas and engage aerial foes, it could also now engage ground targets with some level of accuracy. The MiG-25RB/RBS model proved quite valuable within the Soviet ranks, enough to see quantitative production up until 1982. MiG-25RBSh was used to signify MiG-25RBS models fitting newer, improved equipment. The MIG-25RBV designation was also used to mark reconnaissance bomber variants with new equipment.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">Building upon the reconnaissance-minded Foxbat, Mikoyan-Guryvich delivered the MiG-25RBK ("Foxbat-D") into the fray, coupling the camera fittings with passive and active receivers/"Kub" Side-Looking Airborne Radar (SLAR) and Sabla radio location systems for ELINT (ELectronic INTelligence) sorties. These models could be identified by the installation of dielectric panels to either side of the forward nose facings, replacing the reconnaissance antennas of previous. Operational status of this new Foxbat type was achieved in 1972 and production would run until 1980. An improved - and final - reconnaissance model appeared with the delivery of the MiG-25RBF featuring an improved jamming suite. Aircraft of this type were either brought up to standard from their MiG-25RB origins or appeared as all-new products to replace the older MiG-25RBK types. MiG-25RBT was another designation reserved for ELINT variants.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-3"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.aer.ita.br/~bmattos/mundo/images_d/mig-25-diagram-019.jpg"><img class="align-center" src="http://www.aer.ita.br/~bmattos/mundo/images_d/mig-25-diagram-019.jpg"/></a></span><strong>MiG-25 Variants</strong></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">The MiG-25PD ("Foxbat-E") eventually became the definitive Foxbat, entering production in 1978. The MiG-25PD was fitted with modernized RP-25 series radar system allowing for "look-down, shoot-down" capability. Additionally, the aircraft received more powerful revised engines as well as Infra-Red, Search and Track (IRST) installed in a mount under the nose assembly. Armament was now a pair of R-40 (AA-6 "Acrid") missiles with 4 x R-60 (AA-8 "Aphid") missiles destined to counter any marauding enemy aircraft. With the unveiling of the Foxbat-E, remaining Foxbat-A model series were brought up to the newer potent standard beginning in 1979 under the in-house designation of MiG-29PDS. The upgrade program served to ensure potency of the MiG-25 worldwide, at least in the short term. Incidentally, the AA-6 "Acrid" missile was specifically designed to target the failed Valkyrie bomber venture of the Americans. The MiG-25BM ("Foxbat-F") was similar in scope and armed with Kh-58 or Kh-31 series air-to-surface missiles.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-3"><a target="_blank" href="http://img709.imageshack.us/img709/3692/mig25pds.jpg"><img class="align-full" src="http://img709.imageshack.us/img709/3692/mig25pds.jpg"/></a><strong><span class="font-size-2">MiG-25PDS Design</span></strong> <br/></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">Good reference: </span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"><a href="http://www.aer.ita.br/~bmattos/mundo/country/russia/mig25.html" target="_blank">http://www.aer.ita.br/~bmattos/mundo/country/russia/mig25.html</a></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><span class="font-size-3">Service History:</span></strong></em></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"> </span></p>
<p><strong><span class="font-size-3">MiG-25 records:</span></strong></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">The Mikoyan-Guryvich OKB realized that the performance of the Foxbat gave it great potential to set new flight records. In addition to their normal duties, the prototypes Ye-155-P1, Ye-155-R1, Ye-155-R3 were made lighter by removing some unneeded equipment, and were used for these attempts. Under Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FAI) classification the Ye-155 type belonged to class C1 (III), which specifies jet-powered land planes with unlimited maximum take-off weight. Records set included:</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"> </span></p>
<ul>
<li><span class="font-size-3">The first claim was for world speed records with no payload and payloads of 1,000 and 2,000 kilograms. Test pilot Alexander Fedotov reached an average speed of 2,319.12 km/h over a 1,000 km circuit in 16 March 1965.</span></li>
<li><span class="font-size-3">For pure speed, with no payload, test pilot Mikhail M. Komarov averaged 2,981.5 km/h over a 500 km closed circuit on 5 October 1967. On the same day A. Fedotov reached an altitude of 29,977 metres (98,350 ft) with a 1,000 kilogram payload. The MiG eventually became the first aircraft to go higher than 35,000 metres (115,000 ft).</span></li>
<li><span class="font-size-3">Time to height records were recorded on 4 June 1973 when Boris A. Orlov climbed to 20,000 m in 2 min 49.8 sec. The same day, Pyotr M. Ostapenko reached 25,000 m in 3 min 12.6 sec and 30,000 m in 4 min 3.86 sec.</span></li>
<li><span class="font-size-3">On 25 July 1973, A. Fedotov reached 35,230m with 1,000 kg payload, and 36,240 m with no load (an absolute world record). In the thin air, the engines flamed out and the aircraft coasted on in a ballistic trajectory by inertia alone. At the apex the speed had dropped to 75 km/h.</span></li>
<li><span class="font-size-3">A few years later, on 31 August 1977, "Ye-266M" flown by MiG OKB Chief Test Pilot Alexander V. Fedotov, set the recognized absolute altitude record for a jet aircraft under its own power.He reached 37,650 metres (123,520 ft) at Podmoskovnoye, USSR in zoom climb (the absolute altitude record is different from the record for sustained altitude in horizontal flight). The aircraft was actually a MiG-25RB fitted with a new engine, the powerful R15BF2-300. It had earlier been part of the program to improve the aircraft's top speed that resulted in the MiG-25M prototype.</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span class="font-size-3"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">In all 29 records were claimed, seven of which were all-time world records for time to height, altitudes of 20,000 m and higher, and speed. Several records still stand.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"> </span></p>
<p><strong><span class="font-size-3">Arab - Israeli Conflict:</span></strong></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">The USSR sent two MiG-25Rs, and two MiG-25RBs to Egypt in March 1971 and stayed until July 1972. They were operated by the Soviet 63rd Independent Air Detachment (Det 63) set up especially for this mission. Det 63 flew over Israeli held territory in Sinai on reconnaissance missions roughly 20 times. The flights were in pairs at maximum speed and high altitude (between 17,000–23,000 m).</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">On 6 November 1971, an Egyptian MiG-25 flying at Mach 2.5 was met by Israeli F-4Es and fired upon unsuccessfully. A MiG-25 was tracked flying over Sinai at Mach 3.2 during this period. The MiG-25 engines went into over-speed, which led to their later destruction. Unit Det 63 was sent back home in 1972, though reconnaissance Foxbats were sent back to Egypt in 19–20 October 1973 during the Yom Kippur War. Unit Det 154 remained there until late 1974.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-3"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869026684?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869026684?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a></span><strong>EAF MiG-25RB</strong></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"> </span></p>
<p><strong><span class="font-size-3">Iran- Iraq War:</span></strong></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">The MiG-25 was in service with the Iraqi Air Force during the Iran–Iraq War. According to research by journalist Tom Cooper, at least 10 MiG-25s may have been shot down by Iranian F-14s (one of them shared with an F-5) during the Iran-Iraq war. However, confirmed combat losses are between three and five MiG-25s (2-3 reconnaissance aircraft and 1-2 fighters). Two of them in air combat, one RB and one PD.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">Iraqi MiG-25s made their first kill against Iran in February 1983, when an Iraqi MiG-25PD shot down an Iranian C-130. On April 1984, an Iraqi MiG-25PD shot down an Iranian F-5E. On 21 March 1984, an Iraqi MiG-25PD shot down an Iranian F-4E and on 5 June 1985 an Iraqi MiG-25PD shot down a second Iranian F-4E. On 23 February 1986, an Iraqi MiG-25PD shot down an Iranian EC-130E and on 10 June an RF-4E, later in October 1986, an Iraqi MiG-25PDS shot down a second RF-4E.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">The most successful Iraqi MiG-25 pilot of the war and in history was Colonel Muhammed "Sky Falcon" Rayyan, who was credited with 10 kills. Eight of these were while flying the MiG-25P from 1981 to 1986. In 1986, after attaining the rank of Colonel, Rayyan was shot down and killed by Iranian F-14s. The Iraqis claimed a total of 19 Iranian fighters, plus 4 foreign jets shot down by the MiG-25. The Iranian fighters were no match for the Mig-25PD/PDS which prevailed in every clash with Iranian F-4Es and F-5Es. The only MiG-25PD loss occurred December 2, 1982, when the MiG was hit by an F-14's missile.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">On 3 May 1981, an Iraqi MiG-25PD shot down an Algerian Gulfstream III. On 2 October 1986, an Iraqi MiG-25PD shot down a Syrian MiG-21RF.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-3"><a target="_blank" href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/54/Iraqi_MiG-25.jpg"><img class="align-center" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/54/Iraqi_MiG-25.jpg"/></a></span><strong>IrAF MiG-25</strong></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"> </span></p>
<p><strong><span class="font-size-3">The Gulf War:</span></strong></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">During the Persian Gulf War, a US Navy F/A-18, piloted by Lt Cdr Scott Speicher, was shot down on the first night of the war by a missile fired by a MiG-25. The kill was reportedly made with a Bisnovat R-40TD missile fired from a MiG-25PDS flown by Lt. Zuhair Dawood of the 84th squadron of the IrAF.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">In another incident, an Iraqi MiG-25PD, after eluding eight U.S. Air Force F-15s, fired three missiles at General Dynamics EF-111A Raven electronic warfare aircraft, forcing them to abort their mission and leave attacking aircraft without electronic jamming support.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">In yet another incident, two MiG-25s approached a pair of F-15s, fired missiles (which were evaded by the F-15s), and then outran the American fighters. Two more F-15s joined the pursuit, and a total of 10 air-to-air missiles were fired at the MiG-25s, although none reached them. According to the same sources, at least one F-111 was also forced to abort its mission by a MiG-25 on the first 24 hours of hostilities, during an air raid over Tikrit.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">After the war, on 27 December 1992, a U.S. F-16D downed a MiG-25 that violated the no-fly zone in southern Iraq with an AMRAAM missile. It was the first USAF F-16 air to air victory and the first AMRAAM kill.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">On 23 December 2002, an Iraqi MiG-25 shot down a U.S. Air Force unmanned MQ-1 Predator drone, which was performing armed reconnaissance over Iraq. This was the first time in history that an aircraft and an unmanned drone had engaged in combat. Predators had been armed with AIM-92 Stinger air-to-air missiles, and were being used to "bait" Iraqi fighter aircraft then run. In this incident, the Predator did not run, but instead fired one of the Stingers, which missed, while the MiG's missile did not.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"> </span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><span class="font-size-3">Personal Account:</span></strong></em></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">I never saw the MiG-25, but I do own a Herpa 1:200 Soviet MiG-25P Foxbat-A. This was the one flown by Soviet Pilot Lt. Victor Belenko, who defected in 1976 landing his MiG-25P at Hakodate Airport in Japan. Photos of the model I own are below.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"><a width="737" height="552" target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869027393?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"><img width="737" height="552" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869027393?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></span><a width="737" height="552" target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869027722?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"><img width="737" height="552" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869027722?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a><a width="737" height="552" target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869028399?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"><img width="737" height="552" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869028399?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a><a width="737" height="552" target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869028718?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"><img width="737" height="552" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869028718?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">I also own a Herpa 1:200 MiG-25PDS with old Iraqi Air Force livery.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"><a width="737" height="414" target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869029547?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"><img width="737" height="414" class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869029547?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></span></p>
<p><a width="737" height="414" target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869030775?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"><img width="737" height="414" class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869030775?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></p>
<p><a width="737" height="414" target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869032932?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"><img width="737" height="414" class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869032932?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></p>
<p><a width="737" height="414" target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869035399?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"><img width="737" height="414" class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869035399?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></p>
<p><a width="737" height="414" target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869038082?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"><img width="737" height="414" class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869038082?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a> <span class="font-size-3"><br/></span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><span class="font-size-3">Finale:</span></strong></em></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">Inaccurate intelligence analysis caused the West initially to believe the MiG-25 was an agile air-combat fighter rather than an interceptor. In response, the United States started a new program which resulted in the McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle. NATO obtained a better understanding of the MiG-25's capabilities on 6 September 1976, when a Soviet Air Defense Forces pilot, Lt. Viktor Belenko, defected, landing his MiG-25P at Hakodate Airport in Japan. The pilot overshot the runway on landing and damaged the front landing gear. Despite Soviet protests, the Japanese invited U.S. Air Force personnel to investigate the aircraft. On 25 September, it was moved by a C-5A transport to a base in central Japan, where it was carefully dismantled and analyzed. After 67 days, the aircraft was returned by ship to the Soviets, in pieces.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-3"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.atomicexpress.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/image1162060171.jpg"><img class="align-center" src="http://www.atomicexpress.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/image1162060171.jpg"/></a></span><strong>Victor Belenko's MiG-25 #31</strong></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"> </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-3"><a target="_blank" href="http://img.wp.scn.ru/camms/ar/38/pics/1_2.jpg"><img class="align-center" src="http://img.wp.scn.ru/camms/ar/38/pics/1_2.jpg"/></a></span><strong>Victor Belenko's MiG-25 #31</strong></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-3"><a target="_blank" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d11LmnnHa-w/TcA8RsF5i4I/AAAAAAAAE7U/TmSLKLSTNRs/s640/viktor-belenko.jpg"><img class="align-center" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d11LmnnHa-w/TcA8RsF5i4I/AAAAAAAAE7U/TmSLKLSTNRs/s640/viktor-belenko.jpg"/></a><strong><span class="font-size-2">Victor Belenko</span></strong> <br/></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">The analysis, based on technical manuals and ground tests of engines and avionics, revealed unusual technical information. The west finally discovered what the MiG-25 was. This forced Soviet officials to order the design of its upgrade, The MiG-31 Foxhound.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">The MiG-31 would be the first Soviet generation 4 jet aircraft to enter service in the Soviet Air Force in 1981. But its development was preceded by two other Soviet fighters that were being designed to counter America's latest generation 4 fighters, the F-15 Eagle and F-16 Falcon. Those Soviet fighters were the Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker and Mikoyan- Guryvich MiG-29 Fulcrum. The next article in this series will discuss the MiG-29 Fulcrum, perhaps one of the best Soviet fighters ever produced and one of the best aircraft in the world.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">As for the MiG-25, it remains in service today in the armies of 6 countries even after its production was terminated since 1984. And until our present day, it is the second fastest and second highest-flying military aircraft ever fielded after the SR-71 reconnaissance aircraft.</span></p> jeff23-Oldies but Goldies (3) To Bruno Auger.tag:www.modelairplanecollectors.com,2013-11-19:6343803:Topic:1506222013-11-19T15:26:21.681ZJEAN-FRANCOIS QUILLIENhttp://www.modelairplanecollectors.com/profile/JEANFRANCOISQUILLIEN
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Hello, all!</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">This time, I'd like to introduce to you one more of my personal "heroes" <span class="font-size-3">(a</span><span> living one ...)</span>, I mean: my brother in law Bruno Auger.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">... (I never asked him any…</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Hello, all!</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">This time, I'd like to introduce to you one more of my personal "heroes" <span class="font-size-3">(a</span><span> living one ...)</span>, I mean: my brother in law Bruno Auger.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">... (I never asked him any permission to write this little post, as he never considered himself as a hero !!).</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869024484?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869024484?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Ceremonial drill during UN Peace-keeping mission, Kosovo, 2003.</span></em></p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869024600?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869024600?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><span class="font-size-2">Ceremonial drill during UN Peace-keeping mission, Kosovo, 2003.</span></em></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Having begun his service life in the Artillery, he retired in Jan. 2006 from the French Army, ALAT, (Aviation Légère de l'Armée de Terre - French Army Light AirForce), 3ème RHC (Régiment d'Hélicoptères de Combat). He ended his career at the Etain-Rouvres Airbase as a Major, highly decorated, including the "Croix de Guerre TOE" (Théatre des Opérations Extérieures - External Operations Theater.) and the "Légion d'Honneur" (croix de chevalier - Knight's Cross) during his service time (2002). It is to be known that Major Bruno Auger wears this of his grand father Lucien Auger, wounded WW1 soldier, who's been involved in the Somme Battle and thrice in the Verdun front.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/7367076857?profile=RESIZE_710x&height=600" alt="Legion d'honneur"/></span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><em><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> Avers Revers</span></em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Légion d'Honneur Knight's Medal</span></em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869024722?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="635" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869024722?profile=original"/></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><span class="font-size-2">Ceremonial drill during UN Peace-keeping mission, Kosovo, 2003. On Major Auger's breast, upper left is in first the Croix de Chevalier de la Légion d'Honneur (White cross, red ribbon) and, immediately under it, the Croix de Guerre TOE (bronze cross with swords, red and white ribbon).</span></em></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">He was a leader and showed as much technicity abilities as enthusiasm to gather all his men and keep and improve moral. He is nicknamed and was widely known in the ALAT (and more !!) as "Super Bennett":</span></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869024732?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869024732?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><span class="font-size-2">Ceremonial drill during UN Peace-keeping mission, Kosovo, 2003.</span></em></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">He was an engineer on helicopters such as the well known Gazelle and SA 330 Puma. As a "Chef de piste" (Mech. chief), he managed to service with his team sometimes more than 15 machines and participated to several abroad conflicts (OPEX = Opérations Extérieures - External Operations, f.i. 1st Gulf War), and peace-keeping missions under UN mandat (f.i. <span>Tchad, </span>Kosovo).</span></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869024820?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869024820?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">SA 340-342 Gazelle</span></em></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869024842?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869024842?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">SA 340-342 Gazelle cockpit.</span></em></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869025180?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869025180?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></span><em style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">SA 330 Puma</span></em></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869026696?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869026696?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">SA 330 Puma's cockpit. The photograph is taken from the MECNAV's seat (MecNav = Mécanicien Naviguant =<em><span class="font-size-2"> flying engineer</span></em>).</span></em></p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Among the "souvenirs" he told me about, one of the best is the French participation in the humanitary rescue in Indonesia after the 2004 Tsunami (Operation Béryx).</span></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869029272?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="540" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869029272?profile=original"/></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Children can play even in the worst situation: tennis balls are of highest interest for them !!</span></em></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">After so much deads in the wars he was involved in, these contacts with suffering people and particularly children led him to considerate other sides of his duty. That was for him a strongly positive match.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869029686?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869029686?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a><em><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869029686?profile=original" target="_self">U</a>pper photograph: in "L'Express" French newspaper.</span></em></p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Here is a photo showing one of the ways supplies and equipments were shipped to destination: the Antonov An 124:</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869030175?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869030175?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869030373?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869030373?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Sumatra: the wide An 124 standing ajar after delivery of her shipment. On both upper photographs, Major Auger is the one turned back on the far right, </span></em></p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">After this 11th of November, Veteran's Day for a lot of Countries, it's a little tribute I offer to my brother in law (long live Super Bennett !!), and with him, to all of our fighting and gallant soldiers of the past, the present and the future.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">God bless them all.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869032576?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869032576?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">UN SA 330 Pumas over Indonesian seas.</span></em></p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869047452?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869047452?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">His daughter Kim signed too. She choosed Artillery, as her father when he began. Relief is assumed. Major Auger sponsored her as she and her class left the ENSOA-St Maixent Military School, He was himself an ancient non-commissioned officer student of this institution. Note that a MecNav without his clean-mop IS NOT a MecNav !!! - Hyères, France, 2005 -</span></em></p>
<p></p>
<p>The 5th January 2006, this is the 2nd official review of the 3RHC regarding the retiring Major Bruno Auger's carreer:</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://st4.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/7970982701?profile=original"/></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://st4.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/7970982697?profile=original"/></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><em><strong> 14 years later... August 2020: attribution of the French Aeronautic Medal to retired Major Bruno Auger, Etain-Rouvres airfield (3ème RHC airbase), near Metz.</strong></em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/7352610261?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/7352610261?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p><em><strong>Quand 2 HM POWER se retrouvent à Etain et que le jeune a la chance et l'honneur de remettre, sur le front des troupes du 3e RHC, la médaille de l'aéronautique à son Ancien... Emotion et fierté ! (Crédit JP Houze)</strong></em></p>
<p></p>
<p><em><strong>When 2 HM Power meet at Etain and that the youngest has the luck and the honor to decorate his Eldest with the Aeronautic Medal in front of the 3rd RHC Regt troops... Emotion and pride (thanks to JP Houze).</strong></em></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Take care, all !</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Jeff</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><em>Photographs: friendly ALAT sources, except the one from the "L'Express" newspaper.</em></p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869029686?profile=original" target="_self"> </a></p> Vintage Westway Models Videotag:www.modelairplanecollectors.com,2013-11-16:6343803:Topic:1499482013-11-16T07:24:18.957ZMatt Whisenanthttp://www.modelairplanecollectors.com/profile/0c8gbbvyb2nys
<p><object width="640" height="480" classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="false"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="never"></param><param name="src" value="//www.youtube.com/v/UJtWO-UImlw?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0"></param><param name="allowfullscreen" value="false"></param><embed wmode="opaque" width="640" height="480" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="//www.youtube.com/v/UJtWO-UImlw?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0" allowscriptaccess="never" allowfullscreen="false"></embed> <param name="wmode" value="opaque"></param></object>
</p>
<p><object width="640" height="480" classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="false"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="never"></param><param name="src" value="//www.youtube.com/v/UJtWO-UImlw?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0"></param><param name="allowfullscreen" value="false"></param><embed wmode="opaque" width="640" height="480" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="//www.youtube.com/v/UJtWO-UImlw?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0" allowscriptaccess="never" allowfullscreen="false"></embed> <param name="wmode" value="opaque"></param></object>
</p> jeff22-The rocket propelled fleas - (3of3)tag:www.modelairplanecollectors.com,2013-10-23:6343803:Topic:1452902013-10-23T17:18:50.348ZJEAN-FRANCOIS QUILLIENhttp://www.modelairplanecollectors.com/profile/JEANFRANCOISQUILLIEN
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="font-size-5"><strong><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869024527?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869024527?profile=original" width="379"></img></a></span></strong></span></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="font-size-5"><strong><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869024527?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="379" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869024527?profile=original"/></a></span></strong></span></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="font-size-5"><strong><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Rocket propelled fleas - (3of3)</span></strong></span></span></p>
<p></p>
<p>Main source: Wikipedia + Web search</p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-4"><strong><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">* 1944- Me 163C / Ju 248/ <strong>Me 263 / </strong>Ju EF 127 Walli</span></strong></span></p>
<p><br/> <span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The <strong>Me 163C</strong> was an improvement of the rustic Me 163 B by these points:</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Although the Me 163 had very short endurance, it had originally been even shorter. In the original engine designs the rocket had only one throttle setting, "full on", and burned through its fuel in a few minutes.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Not only did this further limit endurance, in flight testing, pilots found the aircraft quickly exhibited compressibility effects as soon as they levelled off from the climb and speeds picked up.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">This led the RLM to demand the addition of a throttle, leading to lengthy delays and a dramatic decrease in fuel economy when throttled.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">But by far the biggest problem was the limited fuel load and resulting low endurance. The aircraft had a total power endurance of less than 8 minutes, much of which was used up taking off and climbing to altitude. This gave the aircraft very little time to find and attack the enemy, limiting it to a small area of operations almost directly above its own base. When initially proposed for operational use, there had been talk of building dozens of such bases to provide continual coverage, but as the problems above became clear these plans ended.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869024727?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="568" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869024727?profile=original"/></a></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The Me 163 C</span></em></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">This problem was addressed in the slightly updated Me 163C. This featured a new dual chamber rocket engine; the upper chamber was tuned for high thrust while the lower was much lower thrust for cruise.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869024771?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869024771?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><em><span class="font-size-2">Me 163 C mode</span></em>l</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">In operation, throttling was accomplished by starting or stopping the main engine, which was about four times as powerful as the smaller one. This change greatly simplified the engine, while also retaining much higher efficiency during cruise. Along with slightly increased fuel tankage, the powered endurance improved to about 12 minutes, a 50% improvement.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869024836?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869024836?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">As the aircraft spent only a short time climbing, this meant the time at combat altitude well over doubled."</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">These other improvements were welcome too:</span><br/> <span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Pressurized cockpit.</span><br/> <span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Bubble canopy.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span>Three </span>Me 163 C-1a<span> prototypes were planned, but it appears only one was flown, without its intended engine.</span></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The</span></span> <span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span><span class="font-size-4"><strong>Me 163 D</strong></span> was projected and some photos seem to show it. Dual exhaust chamber and apparently retractable gear, but Me 163 B canopy.</span></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869025107?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="344" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869025107?profile=original"/></a></span></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Rare photograph of presumed Me 163 D V1</span></em></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p><strong><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869025843?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="450" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869025843?profile=original"/></a></span></strong></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869025977?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869025977?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Me 163 D model</span></em></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p><strong><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="font-size-4">The Ju 248</span>:</span></strong></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Throughout development the RLM proved unhappy with the progress on the 163 project, and eventually decided to transfer development to Heinrich Hertel at Junkers. However, Lippisch remained at Messerschmitt and retained the support of Waldemar Voigt, continuing development of the 163C.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">At Junkers, the basic plan of the 163C was followed to produce an even larger design, the <strong>Ju 248.</strong> It retained the new pressurized cockpit and bubble canopy of the 163C, but had even more fuel tankage and a new retractable landing gear design. On 25 September 1944 a wooden mock-up was shown to officials.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The production version was intended to be powered by the more powerful BMW 708 rocket engine in place of the Walter power plant.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><strong><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="font-size-4">The Me 263</span>:</span></strong></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">In November 1944, the aircraft was again redesignated as the <strong>Me 263</strong> to show its connection with the Me 163. The two projects also got names - the <strong>Ju 248 Flunder</strong> (Flounder) and the <strong>Me 263 Scholle</strong> (Plaice). In early 1945, Junkers proposed its own project, the <strong>EF 127 Walli</strong> rocket fighter, as a competitor to the Me 163C and Me 263.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869025926?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="520" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869025926?profile=original"/></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">For information: the V1 type pulse jet powered Junkers EF 126 "Lilli"</span></em></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869025941?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="368" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869025941?profile=original"/></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The rocket-powered EF 127.</span></em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869026019?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869026019?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-center"/></a></span></em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>From left to right: models of the rocket EF 127 "Walli" and of the pulse EF 126 "Lilli"</em></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869026094?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="488" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869026094?profile=original"/></a></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">For information: the jet powered Junkers EF 128 model</span></em></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869026266?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="618" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869026266?profile=original"/></a></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Me 263 model</span></em></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">This was typical for the German war industry where companies still tried to outbid each other instead of focusing resources on a common project.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869026281?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869026281?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></p>
<p><br/> <span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">First unpowered flight of the Me 263 V1 was in February 1945. Several more unpowered flights took place that month.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869026360?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="600" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869026360?profile=original"/></a></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Only 3 prototypes and a mock-up of the Me 263 were finalized, and though 2 were equipped with their power plant in Febr. 1945, none were flown other than as gliders, towed by Me 110.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Test flights were later stopped because of fuel shortages for the Bf 110 towplanes. As the Me 263 was not a part of the Jägernotprogramm (Emergency Fighter Program), it was difficult to get the resources it needed.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">For the time being the plane was not expected to enter production but further development was allowed. The V2 and V3 were not yet ready. The V2 was to get the retractable landing gear and the V3 would have the armament built in. The next month both the V1 and the V2 had the two-chambered HWK 109-509C installed, correcting the center-of-gravity problems. They flew only as gliders.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">In April, the Americans occupied the plant and captured the three prototypes and the mock-up. The V2 was destroyed but another prototype ended up in the USA. The rest was handled over to the Russians who then created their own <strong>Mikoyan-Gurevich I-270</strong> interceptor:</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869026382?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="659" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869026382?profile=original"/></a></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">For information: MiG I 270 model, showing a "strange" similitude with th<em><span class="font-size-2">e Ju EF 127 !!.</span></em></span></em></p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869026506?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869026506?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">For information: MiG I 270 drawing</span></em></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-4"><strong><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">* 1944- The VTO Bachem Ba 349 "Natter"</span></strong></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The <strong>Bachem Ba 349 Natter</strong> (English: Viper, Adder) was a World War II German point-defence rocket powered interceptor, which was to be used in a very similar way to a manned surface-to-air missile. After a VTO (vertical take-off), which eliminated the need for airfields, the majority of the flight to the Allied bombers was to be controlled by an autopilot, essentially because of the rough accelerat</span><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">ion of the missile which caused the pilot to suffer the black "curtain" during the first minutes of the flight (which shows at evidence that this rocket plane was more a torture instrument than a glider !!!).</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869029291?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="401" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869029291?profile=original"/></a></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869029430?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="185" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869029430?profile=original"/></a></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869029491?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="600" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869029491?profile=original"/></a></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span><strong>Erich Bachem</strong> (<span>who had been the technical manager of the </span><span class="SpellE">Fieseler</span><span> aircraft plant )</span>'s BP-20 ("Natter") was a development from a design he had worked on at Fieseler, the <strong>Fieseler Fi 166 </strong></span><span><strong>concept</strong>, but considerably more radical than the other submissions.</span></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869029543?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="325" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869029543?profile=original"/></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">For information: the Bachem Fi 106 design I: an A5 rocket</span></em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">boosting a twin jet engined plane; </span></em><em><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">design II:</span></em><em><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">the rocket plane.</span></em></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span>It was built using glued and nailed wooden parts with an armour-plated bulkhead and bulletproof glass windshield at the front of the cockpit. The initial plan was to power the machine with a Walter HWK 109-509 A2 rocket motor; however, only the 109-509 A1 unit was available as used in the Me 163 </span><span>rocket aircraft.</span></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869029737?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869029737?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869030017?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869030017?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></span></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869030934?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869030934?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></span></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Clearly visible on this photograph are the 24 Hs 297 rockets nose mounting and the rustic look of the Ba 249. The 4 engined plane shown just behind is a Junkers Ju 290 A7(A8?) radar-equipped and, just under the left wing radar antenna, appears a Junkers Ju 388 K or L on background (particular canopy clearly visible).</span></em></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span>It had a sea level thrust of 1,700 kg. thrust with its quartet of Schmidding SG34 solid fuel rocket boosters used in its vertical launch to provide an additional thrust of 1,200 × 4 = 4,800 kg for 10 seconds before they burned out and were jettisoned.</span></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869031180?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869031180?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></span></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span>The experimental prototypes slid up a 20 m high vertical steel launch tower for a maximum sliding length of 17 m in three guideways, one for each wing tip and one for the lower tip of the ventral tail fin. By the time the aircraft left the tower it was hoped that it would have achieved sufficient speed to allow its aerodynamic surfaces to provide stable flight.</span></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869031239?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="695" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869031239?profile=original"/></a></span></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Unmanned Ba 349 launching</span></em></p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The primary mission of the relatively untrained pilot, was to aim the aircraft at its target bomber and fire its armament of 24 Hs 297 Föhn ( or 33 R4M) high explosive rockets, situated in the nose with releasable cone.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The pilot and the fuselage containing the rocket motor would then land under separate parachutes, while the nose section was disposable.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span>From Dec. 23 1944 up to and including 1 March 1945, 16 prototypes had been used, eight in glider trials and eight in VTO (vertical take off) trials.</span></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869031378?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="633" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869031378?profile=original"/></a></span></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The only manned vertical take-off flight on (28 Febr. 1945 ?) 1 March 1945 ended in the death of the test pilot, Lothar Sieber.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Oberleutnant Lothar Siebert climbed into the Ba 349A, strapped in, and rocketed off the launch tower. At about 500 m (1600 ft), the Natter shed its canopy and headrest and the aircraft veered off and flew into the ground, killing Siebert. No cause was determined but the ground crew may have failed to lock the canopy and it could have struck the pilot. Despite the tragedy, more pilots volunteered to fly and the Bachem team launched three flights in March.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869031554?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="627" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869031554?profile=original"/></a></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Launch tower for Ba 349. The scale is given by the men sizes.</em></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869031780?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869031780?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">US troops discovering some Ba 349s</span></em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span class="font-size-3" style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">A short movie illustrating the inspection by US engineers of some battered Ba 349s and Ruhrstahl X4 missiles:</span></span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span class="font-size-3" style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://youtu.be/t-P8NjcMemY">http://youtu.be/t-P8NjcMemY</a></span></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869031818?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869031818?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The surviving Bachem Ba 349A-1 at the Smithsonian Institution's Paul E. Garber Preservation, Restoration, and Storage Facility in Suitland, Maryland</span></em></p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869031845?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="640" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869031845?profile=original"/></a></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Another link to a short video regarding the Ba 349:</span></p>
<p><a href="http://youtu.be/Df-50yROvFs">http://youtu.be/Df-50yROvFs</a></p>
<p></p>
<p><em><strong><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">General characteristics:</span></strong></em></p>
<p></p>
<p><em><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Crew: 1</span></em><br/> <em><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Length: 6 m (19 ft 8 in)</span></em><br/> <em><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Wingspan: 4 m (13 ft 1 in)</span></em><br/> <em><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Height: 2.25 m (7 ft 5 in) height without fins</span></em><br/> <em><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Wing area: 4.7 m2 (51 sq ft)</span></em><br/> <em><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Empty weight: 880 kg (1,940 lb) fuel expended</span></em><br/> <em><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Gross weight: 2,232 kg (4,921 lb)</span></em><br/> <em><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Gross weight boosters jettisoned: 1,769 kg (3,900 lb)</span></em><br/> <em><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Fuel capacity: 650 kg</span></em><br/> <em><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Powerplant: 1 × Walter HWK 109-509C-1 bi-fuel rocket motor, 11.2 kN (2,500 lbf) thrust main chamber</span></em><br/> <em><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">2.9 kN (652 lbf) auxiliary chamber</span></em><br/> <em><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Powerplant: 4 × Schmidding SG 34 solid fuel booster rockets, 4.9 kN (1,100 lbf) thrust each</span></em><br/> <em><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">or 2 x 9.8 kN (2,203 lbf) solid fuel booster rockets</span></em><br/> <em><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Performance</span></em><br/> <em><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Maximum speed: 1,000 km/h (621 mph; 540 kn) at 5,000 m (16,404 ft)</span></em><br/> <em><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Cruising speed: 800 km/h (497 mph; 432 kn)</span></em><br/> <em><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Range: 60 km (37 mi; 32 nmi) after climb at 3,000 m (9,843 ft)</span></em><br/> <em><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">55 km (34 mi)after climb at 6,000 m (19,685 ft)</span></em><br/> <em><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">42 km (26 mi)after climb at 9,000 m (29,528 ft)</span></em><br/> <em><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">40 km (25 mi)after climb at 10,000 m (32,808 ft)</span></em><br/> <em><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Endurance: 4.36 minutes at 6,000 m (19,685 ft)</span></em><br/> <em><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">3.15 minutes at 9,000 m (29,528 ft)</span></em><br/> <em><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Service ceiling: 12,000 m (39,370 ft)</span></em><br/> <em><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Rate of climb: 190 m/s (37,000 ft/min)</span></em><br/> <em><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Time to altitude: 62 seconds to 12 km (7.5 mi)</span></em><br/> <em><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Armament</span></em><br/> <em><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">24 x 73 mm (2.874 in) Henschel Hs 297 Föhn rocket shells</span></em><br/> <em><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">or 33 x 55 mm (2.165 in) R4M rocket shells</span></em><br/> <em><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">or 2 x 30 mm (1.181 in) MK 108 cannon with 30 rpg (proposed)</span></em></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-4"><strong>* For information and investigating ways - other projects of similar concept:</strong></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><strong><span class="font-size-3">-The Heinkel P1077 "Julia"</span></strong></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869032401?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="527" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869032401?profile=original"/></a></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><span class="font-size-2"> Heinkel P1077 Julia model</span></em></p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869033073?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="432" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869033073?profile=original"/></a></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869033170?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="585" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869033170?profile=original"/></a></p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869033417?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="350" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869033417?profile=original"/></a></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p><strong><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">-The Focke Wulf Ta 183 Volksjäger</span></strong> (not to be confused with the He 162 single jet plane)</p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869033552?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="704" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869033552?profile=original"/></a></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869033953?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869033953?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869033989?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="580" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869033989?profile=original"/></a></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869034568?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="580" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869034568?profile=original"/></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">... for information ...and fun: the Ta 183 never left the paper ...</span></em></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p><strong><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">* CONCLUSION</span></strong></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">These last chance weapons never saw action til the end of war, and terminate here the 3rd and last post dedicated to rocket interceptor manned planes.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">In a nutshell, of all the rocket propelled interceptors we reviewed here, only the Messerschmitt 163 in its A or B versions saw real operational use and combat for a short time (with debatable results) before lack of fuel components left it on the ground.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Hereunder is a list of the main WWII rocket interceptors, whom sizes made them nickname "fleas", as for the Me 163. Did someone count the German flags hereunder ? Once again, one must notice the 30ies-40ies German scientists technological advance ... <em><strong>Thanks a lot to Wikipedia !!!</strong></em>.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869035074?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869035074?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Other relative linked posts - Parts 1 and 2:</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.modelairplanecollectors.com/forum/topics/jeff20-the-rocket-propelled-fleas-1-of-3" target="_self">http://www.modelairplanecollectors.com/forum/topics/jeff20-the-rocket-propelled-fleas-1-of-3</a></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.modelairplanecollectors.com/forum/topics/jeff21-the-rocket-propelled-fleas-2of3-in-development" target="_self">http://www.modelairplanecollectors.com/forum/topics/jeff21-the-rocket-propelled-fleas-2of3-in-development</a></span></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869035074?profile=original" target="_self">T</a>ake care, all!</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Jeff</span></p>
<p></p>
<p></p> jeff21-The rocket propelled fleas - (2of3)tag:www.modelairplanecollectors.com,2013-10-23:6343803:Topic:1455332013-10-23T12:09:44.588ZJEAN-FRANCOIS QUILLIENhttp://www.modelairplanecollectors.com/profile/JEANFRANCOISQUILLIEN
<p><span class="font-size-4" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869024527?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869024527?profile=original" width="379"></img></a></strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-4" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>The rocket propelled fleas (2of3)</strong></span></p>
<p></p>
<p>master source: Wikipedia…</p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-4" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869024527?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="379" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869024527?profile=original"/></a></strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-4" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>The rocket propelled fleas (2of3)</strong></span></p>
<p></p>
<p>master source: Wikipedia</p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">* <strong>1935</strong>- <strong>Wernher von Braun</strong> met <strong>Ernst Heinkel</strong>, who was interested in trying some of these new rocket propulsion ideas on planes. An <strong>He 112</strong> (piston engined) was equipped with a von Braun's conception rocket (liquid oxygen / alcohol) and undertook trials.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869024443?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="696" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869024443?profile=original"/></a></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869026998?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="700" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869026998?profile=original"/></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The He 112 R</span></em></p>
<p><br/> <span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">* <strong>June 1937</strong>, Neuhardenberg (70 km east of Berlin) - Taking off with his standard engine and reaching the trial altitude, the <span class="font-size-4"><strong>He 112 R</strong></span> prototype, flown by <strong>Erich Warsitz</strong>, proved the rearward push rocket effectiveness, in spite of some fire bugs !!!.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869027075?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="480" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869027075?profile=original"/></a></span><em><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Erich Warsitz</span></em></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869027192?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="700" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869027192?profile=original"/></a><em><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">He 112 R in flight.</span></em></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Von Braun's rocket was soon replaced with a Walter one (hydrogen peroxide / calcium permanganate, obtaining the pushing by hot vapor and not by ignition), less dangerous for the pilot and his environment !!.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">These successfull trials ended with year 1937, all activity leaving Neuhardenberg for Peenemünde which was under construction.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">* <strong>1939</strong>- Following He 112 R's trials, Heinkel developped a project for a new plane: the <span class="font-size-4"><strong>He 176</strong></span>.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">"The <strong>He 176</strong> was built to utilise one of the new Walter engines. It was a tiny, simple aircraft, built almost entirely out of wood, but did possess an advanced, totally-enclosed cockpit, with a frameless single-piece clear nose, through which the pilot's rudder pedal mounts were visible, and a flush upper cockpit glazing which was removable for entering the aircraft, making the cockpit fit completely within the forward, bullet-like contours of the fuselage.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869027287?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="692" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869027287?profile=original"/></a></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869027051?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869027051?profile=original"/></a></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869028661?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="540" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869028661?profile=original"/></a></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The landing gear was a combination of conventional and tricycle gear designs, with the main gear's struts intended to retract rearwards into the fuselage, with a fixed, aerodynamically faired nose wheel and strut, and a retractable tail wheel.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">A unique feature of the He 176 was its jettisonable nose escape system. Compressed air was used to separate the nose from the aircraft. A drogue chute was used to reduce the opening force required. After the drogue was deployed, the flush-fitting cockpit canopy was released and a conventional pilot/parachute bailout occurred. The 1st flight occured the 20ieth of June 1939.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869028726?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="480" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869028726?profile=original"/></a><em><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">He 176 taking off</span></em></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Heinkel demonstrated the aircraft to the RLM, but official lack of interest led to the abandonment of the company's rocket propulsion programme. Testing of the He 176 ended with only one aircraft being built. It was put on display at the Berlin Air Museum and was destroyed by an Allied bombing raid in 1943.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869028761?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="600" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869028761?profile=original"/></a></span><em><span class="font-size-2">A project of further development for the He 176 with full enclosed transparent canopy that never left the mock-up state.</span></em></p>
<p></p>
<p><strong><em><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">General characteristics:</span></em></strong></p>
<p><br/> <em><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Crew: One</span></em><br/> <em><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Length: 5.2 m (17 ft 1 in)</span></em><br/> <em><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Wingspan: 5.0 m (16 ft 5 in)</span></em><br/> <em><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Height: 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in)</span></em><br/> <em><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Wing area: 5.4 m² (58 ft²)</span></em><br/> <em><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Empty weight: 900 kg (1,980 lb)</span></em><br/> <em><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Loaded weight: 1,620 kg (3,570 lb)</span></em><br/> <em><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Performance</span></em><br/> <em><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Maximum speed: 345 km/h [750 km/h theoretical] (215 mph [470 mph theoretical])</span></em><br/> <em><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Range: 95 km [theoretical] (60 mi)</span></em><br/> <em><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Service ceiling: 9,000 m [theoretical] (29,500 ft)</span></em><br/> <em><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Rate of climb: 60.6 m/s (199 ft/s)</span></em><br/> <em><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Endurance 50 s"</span></em><br/> <span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">(Wikipedia).</span></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">* <strong>March 1938</strong>- "The <span class="font-size-4"><strong>DFS 194</strong></span> was based on Alexander Lippisch Delta series of tail-less designs. As originally conceived, it would have been a tail-less aircraft similar to his <strong>DFS 40</strong>, powered by a conventional piston engine driving a pusher propeller. The airframe was completed in this configuration in March 1938.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869028783?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869028783?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869028929?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="550" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869028929?profile=original"/></a></span></em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869028950?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869028950?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></span></em><em><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">For info: The Lippisch DFS 40</span></em></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869028889?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869028889?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></span><em><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The original Lippisch's DFS 194</span></em><em><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></em></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Lippisch</strong>'s designs had attracted the attention of the RLM who believed that tail-less aircraft were the best basis for a rocket-powered fighter on January 2, 1939, Lippisch and his team were transferred to the Messerschmitt company to begin work on such an aircraft, under what was known as Project X.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869028830?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869028830?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></span><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869029190?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869029190?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869029474?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="518" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869029474?profile=original"/></a></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Model of the rocket powered DFS 194</span></em></p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869029389?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="478" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869029389?profile=original"/></a></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869029847?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="478" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869029847?profile=original"/></a><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869029873?profile=original" target="_self"></a></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The DFS-194 was modified to accept a Walter R I-203 rocket engine and by October, the aircraft was undergoing engine tests at Peenemünde.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">These were followed by glide tests in early 1940 leading to the first powered flight in August with <strong>Heini Dittmar</strong> at the controls. The flight went well, the DFS 194 reaching 343 mph (550 km/h), bettering the speed of the earlier (20 July 1939) Walter rocket powered Heinkel He 176.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869030055?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="414" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869030055?profile=original"/></a></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869029873?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="499" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869029873?profile=original"/></a>Heini Dittmar prior to a DFS 194 test flight</span></em></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869030094?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="478" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869030094?profile=original"/></a></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The aircraft proved to have excellent flying characteristics and proved safe to fly at nearly twice the anticipated speed. These results paved the way for the next stage of the project, which now received priority status from the RLM. The following year the Messerschmitt Me 163, a considerably refined design along the same basic lines, flew.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><strong><em><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">General characteristics:</span></em></strong></p>
<p><br/> <em><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Crew: one, pilot</span></em><br/> <em><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Length: 6.4 m (20 ft 11 in)</span></em><br/> <em><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Wingspan: 10.4 m (34 ft 1 in)</span></em><br/> <em><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Height: 2.13 m (7 ft)</span></em><br/> <em><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Wing area: 18 m² (193 ft²)</span></em><br/> <em><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Loaded weight: 2,100 kg (4,620 lb)</span></em><br/> <em><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Powerplant: 1× Walter R I-203 rocket, 3.9 kN (882 lbf) 3.9 kN</span></em><br/> <em><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Performance</span></em><br/> <em><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Maximum speed: 550 km/h (343 mph)</span></em><br/> <em><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Rate of climb: 1,615 m/min (5,297 ft/min)"</span></em><br/> <span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">(Wikipedia).</span></p>
<p><em><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Maingear:</span></em></p>
<p><em><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Taking off: dropping two wheels roller</span></em></p>
<p><em><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Landing: retractable belly skid</span></em></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869030358?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869030358?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></span></em><em><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">The jettisonable roller.</span></em></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-4"><strong><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">* 1941: The Messerschmitt Me 163</span></strong></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">----> complete documentary "Wings of the Luftwaffe" on the Me163, featuring between others Alex Lippisch and Rudy Opitz testimonies:</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-cFNjWZUiw&feature=share">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-cFNjWZUiw&feature=share</a></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">----> link showing shortly R Opitz (secont test pilot) flying a Komet:</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://youtu.be/p42t_lGht8M">http://youtu.be/p42t_lGht8M</a></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Direct heir of the DFS 194, production of a prototype series started in early 1941, known as the Me 163.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The Me 163A V4 was shipped to Peenemünde to receive the HWK RII-203 engine on May 1941. By 2 October 1941, the Me 163A V4,</span> <span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">bearing the radio call sign letters, or Stammkennzeichen, "KE+SW", set a new world speed record of 1,004.5 km/h (624.2</span> <br/> <span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">mph), piloted by Heini Dittmar, with no apparent damage to the aircraft during the attempt.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869031131?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869031131?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869031045?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="500" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869031045?profile=original"/></a></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">During flight testing, the superior gliding capability of the Komet proved detrimental to safe landing. As the now</span> <span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">unpowered aircraft completed its final descent, it could rise back into the air with the slightest updraft. Since the</span> <span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">approach was unpowered, there was no opportunity to make another landing pass. For production models, a set of landing</span> <span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">flaps allowed somewhat more controlled landings. This issue remained a problem throughout the program.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869031382?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="600" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869031382?profile=original"/></a></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The initial test deployment of the Me 163A, to acquaint prospective pilots with the world's first rocket-powered fighter,</span><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">occurred with Erprobungskommando 16, led by Luftwaffe Major Wolfgang Späte and first established in late 1942, receiving</span> <span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">their eight A-model service test aircraft by July 1943.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869031578?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="350" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869031578?profile=original"/></a><em><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Me 163 V6</span></em></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Their initial base was as the Erprobungsstelle test facility located at the Peenemünde-West field, then departed</span> <span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">permanently following an RAF bombing raid on the area on August 17, 1943. The next day the unit moved out, southwards to</span> <span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">the base at Anklam, near the Baltic coast. Their stay was brief, as a few weeks later they were placed in northwest</span> <span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Germany, based at the military airfield at Bad Zwischenahn (at 53°12′16.48″N 7°59′37.20″E) from August 1943 to August</span> <span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">1944.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">All JG 400 Me 163 B models whom 7 photographs are exposed herunder are 1/72 EasyModel "Winged Ace" series (ready to show Trumpeter items).</span></em></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869032497?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869032497?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869032748?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869032748?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a><em><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Me 163 B of 2/JG 400</span></em></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">EK 16 received their first B-series armed Komets in January 1944, and was ready for action by May while at Bad</span> <span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Zwischenahn, first seeing combat flights on the 13th of the month.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">As EK 16 commenced small scale combat operations with the Me 163B in May 1944, the Me 163B's unsurpassed velocity was</span> <span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">something that the Allied fighter pilots were at a loss as what to do about it. The Komets attacked singly or in pairs,</span> <br/> <span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">often faster than the opposing fighters could dive in an attempt to intercept them.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869033468?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869033468?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869033602?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="744" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869033602?profile=original"/></a></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Me 163 B drawing</span></em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869033969?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869033969?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869034329?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869034329?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><span class="font-size-2">Me 163 B of 14/JG 400</span></em></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">A typical Me 163 tactic was to zoom through the bomber formations at 9,000 m (30,000 ft), rise up to an altitude of</span> <span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">10,700–12,000 m (35,100–39,000 ft), then dive through the formation again. This approach afforded the pilot two brief</span> <span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">chances to fire a few rounds from his cannons before gliding back to his airfield. The pilots reported that it was</span> <span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">possible to make four passes on a bomber, but only if it was flying alone.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869034671?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869034671?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869035146?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869035146?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869035425?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869035425?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><span class="font-size-2">Me 163 B of 2/JG 400</span></em></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">As the cockpit was unpressurized, the operational ceiling was limited by what the pilot could endure for several minutes</span> <span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">while breathing oxygen from a mask, without losing consciousness.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Pilots underwent altitude-chamber training to harden</span> <span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">them against the rigors of operating in the thin air of the stratosphere without a pressure suit. Special low fiber diets</span> <span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">were prepared for pilots, as gas in the gastrointestinal tract would expand rapidly during ascent.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Following the initial combat trials with the Me 163B with EK 16, during the winter and spring of 1944 Major Wolfgang Späte</span> <span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">formed the first dedicated Me 163 fighter wing, (Jagdgeschwader 400 (JG 400) ), in Brandis near Leipzig.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869024527?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="379" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869024527?profile=original"/></a></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The well known emblem of the 2/JG400 'As a flea, but... oho !"</span></em></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869035911?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="198" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869035911?profile=original"/></a></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">This, less illustrated, of the 14/JG400</span></em></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">JG 400's purpose</span> <span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">was to provide additional protection for the Leuna synthetic gasoline works which were raided frequently during almost all</span> <span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">of 1944. A further group was stationed at Stargard near Stettin to protect the large synthetic fuel plant at Pölitz (today </span><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Police, Poland).</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Further defensive units of rocket fighters were planned for Berlin, the Ruhr and the German Bight.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The first actions involving the Me 163 occurred on July 28, 1944, from I./JG 400's base at Brandis, when two USAAF B-17</span> <span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Flying Fortress were attacked without confirmed kills. Combat operations continued from May 1944 to spring 1945. During</span> <br/> <span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">this time, there were nine confirmed kills with 14 Me 163s lost. Feldwebel Siegfried Schubert was the most successful</span> <span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">pilot, with three bombers to his credit.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">At the end of 1944, 91 aircraft had been delivered to JG 400 but a continuous lack of fuel had kept most of them grounded. It was clear that the original plan for a huge network of Me 163 bases was never going to be realized.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Up to that point, JG 400 had lost only six aircraft due to the enemy actions. Nine were lost to other causes, remarkably few for such a revolutionary and technically advanced aircraft. In the last days of the Third Reich the Me 163 was given up in favor of the more successful and threatening Me 262.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">In May 1945, Me 163 operations were stopped, the JG 400 disbanded, and many of its pilots sent to fly Me 262s.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">In any operational sense, the Komet was a failure. Although it shot down 16 aircraft, mainly expensive four-engined bombers, that did not warrant the effort put into the project. With the projected Me 263, things could have turned out differently, but due to fuel shortages late in the war, few Komets went into combat, and it took an experienced pilot with excellent shooting skills to achieve "kills" with the Me 163.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869036216?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869036216?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The Me 163 was a helpless target when coming back gliding from mission.</span></em></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Here is a short movie showing Me 163A prototypes and some Me 163B</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://youtu.be/dLelTbeXA4g">http://youtu.be/dLelTbeXA4g</a></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">and there, some combat films extracts showing 8th AF fighters encountering Me 163s and Me 262s:</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://youtu.be/nc8yFWgdQ3g">http://youtu.be/nc8yFWgdQ3g</a></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">and now, only for the fun, big RC models demo of a Me 109 and 2 Me 163s</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://youtu.be/qyddg7z6crA">http://youtu.be/qyddg7z6crA</a></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The Komet also spawned later weapons like the Bachem Ba 349 Natter and Convair XF-92. Ultimately, the point defense role that the Me 163 played would be taken over by the <strong>surface-to-air missile (SAM)</strong>, Messerschmitt's own example being the <strong>Enzian</strong>.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869036278?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="593" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869036278?profile=original"/></a></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869039450?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="398" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869039450?profile=original"/></a><em><span class="font-size-2"><span style="color: #333333;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869043027?profile=original" target="_self"><span style="color: #333333;">E</span></a></span>nzian's launching system based on a 8.8cm FLAK gun chassis</span></em></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869043194?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="481" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869043194?profile=original"/></a></span></p>
<p><a style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869043027?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869043027?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">For information: the Messerschmitt ENZIAN E-4 Surface-to-Air-Missile (SAM)</span></em></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The airframe designer, Alexander Martin Lippisch went on to design delta winged supersonic aircraft for the Convair Corporation" (Wikipedia).</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><strong><em><big>Me 163 B1's General characteristics:</big></em></strong></p>
<ul>
<li><em><span style="color: #000000;">Crew: 1</span></em></li>
<li><em><span style="color: #000000;">Length: 5.98 m (19 ft 7 in)</span></em></li>
<li><em><span style="color: #000000;"><a title="Wingspan" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wingspan"><span style="color: #000000;">Wingspan</span></a>: 9.33 m (30 ft 7 in)</span></em></li>
<li><em><span style="color: #000000;">Height: 2.75 m (9 ft 0 in)</span></em></li>
<li><em><span style="color: #000000;">Wing area: 18.5 m² (200 ft²)</span></em></li>
<li><em><span style="color: #000000;"><a title="Manufacturer's Weight Empty" class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manufacturer%27s_Weight_Empty"><span style="color: #000000;">Empty weight</span></a>: 1,905 kg (4,200 lb)</span></em></li>
<li><em><span style="color: #000000;">Loaded weight: 3,950 kg (8,710 lb)</span></em></li>
<li><em><span style="color: #000000;"><a title="Maximum takeoff weight" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maximum_takeoff_weight"><span style="color: #000000;">Max. takeoff weight</span></a>: 4,310 kg (9,500 lb)</span></em></li>
<li><em><span style="color: #000000;"><a title="Aircraft engine" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aircraft_engine"><span style="color: #000000;">Powerplant</span></a>: 1 × <a title="Walter HWK 109-509" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walter_HWK_109-509"><span style="color: #000000;">Walter HWK 109-509</span></a>A-2 liquid-fuel rocket, 17 kN (3,800 lbf)</span></em></li>
</ul>
<p><em><span style="color: #000000;"><big>Performance</big></span></em></p>
<ul>
<li><em><span style="color: #000000;"><a title="V speeds" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/V_speeds#Regulatory_V-speeds"><span style="color: #000000;">Maximum speed</span></a>: 959 km/h (596 mph)</span></em></li>
<li><em><span style="color: #000000;"><a title="Range (aircraft)" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Range_(aircraft)"><span style="color: #000000;">Range</span></a>: 40 km (25 mi)</span></em></li>
<li><em><span style="color: #000000;"><a title="Ceiling (aircraft)" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ceiling_(aircraft)"><span style="color: #000000;">Service ceiling</span></a>: 12,100 m (39,700 ft)</span></em></li>
<li><em><span style="color: #000000;"><a title="Rate of climb" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rate_of_climb"><span style="color: #000000;">Rate of climb</span></a>: 60 metres per second (12,000 ft/min) from Take-off to 12 kilometres (39,000 ft).<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-57"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Messerschmitt_Me_163#cite_note-57"><span style="color: #000000;">[55]</span></a></sup> (160 metres per second (31,000 ft/min) maximum)</span></em></li>
<li><em><span style="color: #000000;"><a title="Wing loading" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wing_loading"><span style="color: #000000;">Wing loading</span></a>: 213 kg/m² (43 lb/ft²)</span></em></li>
<li><em><span style="color: #000000;"><a title="Thrust-to-weight ratio" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thrust-to-weight_ratio"><span style="color: #000000;">Thrust/weight</span></a>: 0.42</span></em></li>
</ul>
<p><em><span style="color: #000000;"><big>Armament</big></span></em></p>
<ul>
<li><em><span style="color: #000000;">Guns: 2 × 30 mm (1.18 in) Rheinmetall Borsig <a title="MK 108 cannon" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MK_108_cannon"><span style="color: #000000;">MK 108 cannons</span></a> (60 rpg)</span></em></li>
</ul>
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869043615?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869043615?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Source: WIKIPEDIA and Web searchs</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Other relative linked posts - Parts 1 and 3:</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.modelairplanecollectors.com/forum/topics/jeff20-the-rocket-propelled-fleas-1-of-3" target="_self">http://www.modelairplanecollectors.com/forum/topics/jeff20-the-rocket-propelled-fleas-1-of-3</a></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.modelairplanecollectors.com/forum/topics/jeff22-the-rocket-propelled-fleas-3of3" target="_self">http://www.modelairplanecollectors.com/forum/topics/jeff22-the-rocket-propelled-fleas-3of3</a></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><em><strong>- To be followed -</strong></em></p>
<p></p> jeff20-The rocket propelled fleas - (1 of 3)tag:www.modelairplanecollectors.com,2013-10-21:6343803:Topic:1453362013-10-21T13:34:54.506ZJEAN-FRANCOIS QUILLIENhttp://www.modelairplanecollectors.com/profile/JEANFRANCOISQUILLIEN
<p align="center"><span class="font-size-5"><font color="#000000"><font face="Calibri"><font size="4"><u><b><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869024527?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869024527?profile=original" width="379"></img></a></b></u></font></font></font></span></p>
<p align="center"></p>
<p align="center"><span class="font-size-5"><font color="#000000"><font face="Calibri"><font size="4"><u><b>The rocket propelled fleas (1 of 3)…</b></u></font></font></font></span></p>
<p align="center"></p>
<p align="center"><span class="font-size-5"><font color="#000000"><font face="Calibri"><font size="4"><u><b><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869024527?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="379" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869024527?profile=original"/></a></b></u></font></font></font></span></p>
<p align="center"></p>
<p align="center"><span class="font-size-5"><font color="#000000"><font face="Calibri"><font size="4"><u><b>The rocket propelled fleas (1 of 3)</b></u></font></font></font></span></p>
<p align="center"></p>
<p align="center" style="text-align: left;"><span>Thanks to the following sources:</span></p>
<p align="left"><span><a href="http://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/K-12/TRC/Rockets/history_of_rockets.html"></a><a href="http://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/K-12/TRC/Rockets/history_of_rockets.html">http://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/K-12/TRC/Rockets/history_of_rockets.html</a>,<br/></span></p>
<p align="left"><span>Wikipedia and Web researchs.</span></p>
<p align="left"></p>
<p align="left"><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><font color="#000000"><font face="Calibri">In the last years of WWII, German engineers conceived under high pressure some of the most important milestones of XXth Century's technology.</font></font></span></p>
<p align="left"><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><font color="#000000"><font face="Calibri">Such was the development of rocket engines in aviation use. Some of these were only "quick take off add-ins" for heavy bombers or airlifters, but their best known career was their use in the young rocket industry (V2, and several kind of missiles) and in piloted interceptors (Bachem Ba 349, Messerschmitt Me 163, aso).</font></font></span></p>
<p align="left"><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><font color="#000000"><font face="Calibri">Though in advanced scientifical knowledge and technological mastery, these weapons or prototypes arrived too late to change WWII outcome, but opened the way to supersonic planes such as X1, X15, and to the space conquest.</font></font></span></p>
<p align="left"><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><font color="#000000"><font face="Calibri">This series of posts in 3 parts will be dedicated more particularly to the use of rockets with german airplanes (though other countries, as USSR with Sergei Korolev, did well in their experiments too) .</font></font></span></p>
<p align="left"></p>
<p align="left"><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><font color="#000000"><font face="Calibri"><i><u><b>I- The Rocket historical origins.</b></u></i></font></font></span></p>
<p align="left"><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><font color="#000000"><font face="Calibri">The propulsion effect obtained by gas output reaction was observed as far as by the Greeks and Romans.</font></font></span></p>
<p align="left"><span class="font-size-3"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Around 400 BC, a Greek named Archytas living at Tarentum </span><font color="#000000" style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri;"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><font size="2"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">m</span>ystified and amused the citizens of</font></font></font> <font color="#000000" style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri;"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><font size="2">this Southern Italy city</font></font></font> <font color="#000000" style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri;"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><font size="2">by flying a pigeon made of wood. Escaping steam propelled the bird suspended on wires. The pigeon used the action-reaction principle, which was not stated as a scientific law until the 17th century.</font></font></font></span></p>
<p align="left"><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><font color="#000000"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><font size="2">About three hundred years after the pigeon, another Greek, Hero of Alexandria, invented a similar rocket-like device called an aeolipile. It, too, used steam as a propulsive gas. »</font></font></font></span></p>
<p align="left"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869025779?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="300" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869025779?profile=original"/></a></p>
<p align="left"><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><font color="#000000"><font face="Calibri"><font size="2"><font color="#000000"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">« Hero mounted a sphere on top of a water kettle. A fire below the kettle turned the water into steam, and the gas traveled through pipes to the sphere. Two L-shaped tubes on opposite sides of » « the sphere allowed the gas to escape, and in doing so gave a thrust to the sphere that caused it to rotate »</font></font></font></font></font></span></p>
<p align="left"><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><font size="2"><font color="#000000"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">« In the first century A.D., the Chinese reportedly had a simple form of gunpowder made from saltpeter, sulfur, and charcoal dust. To create explosions during religous festivals, they filled bamboo tubes with a mixture and tossed them into fires. Perhaps some of those tubes failed to explode and instead skittered out of the fires, propelled by the gases and sparks produced by the burning gunpowder.</font></font></font></span></p>
<p align="left"><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><font size="2"><font color="#000000"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">The Chinese began experimenting with the gunpowder-filled tubes. At some point, they attached bamboo tubes to arrows and launched them with bows. Soon they discovered that these gunpowder tubes could launch themselves just by the power produced from the escaping gas. The true rocket was born.</font></font></font></span></p>
<p align="left"><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><font size="2"><font color="#000000"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">The date reporting the first use of true rockets was in 1232. At this time, the Chinese and the Mongols were at war with each other. During the battle of Kai-Keng, the Chinese repelled the Mongol invaders by a barrage of "arrows of flying fire."</font></font></font></span></p>
<p align="left"><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><font size="2"><font color="#000000"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">These fire-arrows were a simple form of a solid-propellant rocket. A tube, capped at one end, contained gunpowder. The other end was left open and the tube was attached to a long stick. When the powder was ignited, the rapid burning of the powder produced fire, smoke, and gas that escaped out the open end and produced a thrust.</font></font></font></span></p>
<p align="left"><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><font size="2"><font color="#000000"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">The stick acted as a simple guidance system that kept the rocket headed in one general direction as it flew through the air. It is not clear how effective these arrows of flying fire were as weapons of destruction, but their psychological effects on the Mongols must have been formidable. »</font></font> <font color="#000000"><font face="Calibri"> </font></font></font></span></p>
<p align="left"><br/> <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869025790?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="255" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869025790?profile=original"/></a></p>
<p align="left"><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><font color="#000000"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><font size="2">* <strong>During the end of the 18th century</strong> and <strong>early into the 19th</strong>, rockets experienced a brief revival as a weapon of war. The success of Indian rocket barrages against the British in 1792 and again in 1799 caught the interest of an artillery expert, <strong>Colonel William Congreve</strong>. Congreve set out to design rockets for use by the British military.</font></font></font></span></p>
<p align="left"><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><font color="#000000"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><font size="2">The Congreve rockets were highly successful in battle. Used by British ships to pound Fort McHenry in the War of 1812, they inspired Francis Scott Key to write "the rockets' red glare," words in his poem that later became The Star- Spangled Banner.”</font></font></font></span></p>
<p align="left"></p>
<p align="left"><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><font color="#000000"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><font size="2"><i><u><b>II- The « modern » era.</b></u></i></font></font></font></span></p>
<p align="left"><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><font color="#000000"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><font size="2">Some names are the pillars of rocket fundamental laws and trials:</font></font></font></span></p>
<p align="left"><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><font color="#000000"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><font size="2">* <strong>XVIIth century: Isaac Newton</strong> established his 3 laws of physical motion.</font></font></font> <font color="#000000"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><font size="2">The laws explain how rockets work and why they are able to work in the vacuum of outer space.</font></font></font></span></p>
<p align="left"><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><font size="2"><font color="#000000"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">*</font></font> <font color="#000000"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><strong>About 1720</strong>, a Dutch professor, <strong>Willem Gravesande</strong>, built model cars propelled by jets of steam,</font></font> <font color="#000000"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">while in the sa</font></font><font color="#000000"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">m</font></font><font color="#000000"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">e time German and Russian searchers developped their own ways,</font></font></font></span></p>
<p align="left"><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><font color="#000000"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><font size="2">* “<strong>In 1898</strong>, a Russian schoolteacher, <strong>Konstantin Eduardovich Tsiolkovsky</strong> (1857-1935), proposed the idea of space exploration by rocket. In a report he published in 1903, Tsiolkovsky suggested the use of liquid propellants for rockets in order to achieve greater range. Tsiolkovsky stated that the speed and range of a rocket were limited only by the exhaust velocity of escaping gases. For his ideas, careful research, and great vision, Tsiolkovsky has been called the father of modern astronautics.”</font></font></font></span></p>
<p align="left" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869025737?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="261" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869025737?profile=original"/></a><em>Tsiolkovski</em></p>
<p align="left"><font color="#000000" style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><font size="2">* “</font></font></font><font color="#000000" style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><font size="2"><strong>Early in the 20th century</strong>, an American, <strong>Robert H. Goddard</strong> (1882-1945), conducted practical experiments in rocketry. He had become interested in a way of achieving higher altitudes than were possible for lighter-than-air balloons. He published a pamphlet in 1919 entitled “A Method of Reaching Extreme Altitudes”. It was a mathematical analysis of what is today called the meteorological sounding rocket.”</font></font></font></p>
<p align="left"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869025913?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="457" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869025913?profile=original"/></a><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869026647?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="240" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869026647?profile=original"/></a></p>
<p align="left"><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><font color="#000000"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><font>* “</font></font></font><font color="#000000"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><font size="2">A third great space pioneer, <strong>Hermann Oberth</strong> (1894-1989) born on June 25, 1894 in Hermannstadt (Transylvania), and died on December 28, 1989 in Nuremberg, Germany, published a book in 1923 about rocket travel into outer space.</font></font></font></span></p>
<p align="left"><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><font color="#000000"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><font size="2">His writings were important. Because of them, many small rocket societies sprang up around the world. In Germany, the formation of one such society, the Verein fur Raumschiffahrt (Society for Space Travel), led to the development of the V-2 rocket, which was used against London during World War II.</font></font></font></span></p>
<p align="left"></p>
<p align="left"><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><font color="#000000"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><font size="2">The excitement for this new branch did not always give good fruits !!!</font></font></font></span></p>
<p align="left"><a href="http://youtu.be/k-Yljxm2_jI">http://youtu.be/k-Yljxm2_jI</a></p>
<p align="left"></p>
<p align="left"><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><font color="#000000"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><font size="2">In 1937, German engineers and scientists, including Oberth, assembled in Peenemunde on the shores of the Baltic Sea. There the most advanced rocket of its time would be built and flown under the directorship of <strong>Wernher von Braun</strong>.”</font></font></font></span></p>
<p align="left"><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869028679?profile=original" target="_self"><font color="#000000"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><font size="2"><img width="403" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869028679?profile=original"/></font></font></font></a></span></p>
<p align="left" style="text-align: center;"><em><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><font color="#000000"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><font size="2">Oberth</font></font></font></span></em></p>
<p align="left"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869028766?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="363" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869028766?profile=original"/></a></p>
<p align="left" style="text-align: center;"><em>von Braun</em></p>
<p align="left"><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">* <strong>Fritz von Opel</strong>: German automotive industrialist and grandson of Adam Opel, founder of the Opel car company, who took part, with <strong>Max Valier</strong> (of the newly formed Verein für Raumschiffahrt. Valier was later to die in his rocket car explosion) and Friedrich Wilhelm Sander, in experiments with rocket propulsion for automobiles and aircraft, earning himself the nickname "Rocket Fritz."</span></p>
<p align="left"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869028855?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="250" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869028855?profile=original"/></a></p>
<p align="left" style="text-align: center;"><em>Fritz von Opel</em></p>
<p align="left"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869028981?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="245" height="356" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869028981?profile=original"/></a></p>
<p align="left" style="text-align: center;"><em>Max Valier</em></p>
<p align="left"><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">On Mar. 15, 1928, Kurt Volkhart tested the world's first rocket-propelled car, the Opel-RAK 1 and achieved a top speed of 75 km/h (47 mph) in it, proving the concept. On May 23 of that year, he reached a speed of 230 km/h (143 mph) in an improved version, the RAK 2, driven by 24 solid-rockets.</span></p>
<p align="left"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869029019?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="474" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869029019?profile=original"/></a></p>
<p align="left"><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Later that same year, Opel purchased a sailplane named <span class="font-size-4"><strong>the Ente</strong></span> from <strong>Alexander Lippisch</strong> and attached rocket motors to it, creating the world's first rocket plane on Jun. 11.</span></p>
<p align="left"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869029715?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="188" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869029715?profile=original"/></a></p>
<p align="left" style="text-align: center;"><em>Alexander Lippisch</em></p>
<p align="left" style="text-align: left;"><em><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869029777?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869029777?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></em></p>
<p align="left"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869030184?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869030184?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></p>
<p align="left" style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The so called "Ente" rocket glider</span></em></p>
<p align="left"><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The aircraft exploded on its second test-flight, before Opel had a chance to pilot it himself, so he commissioned a new aircraft, also called the <span class="font-size-4"><strong>RAK 1</strong></span> from <strong>Julius Hatry</strong>, and flew it at Frankfurt-am-Main on Sep. 30, 1929.</span></p>
<p align="left"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869030535?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="700" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869030535?profile=original"/></a></span></p>
<p align="left"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869030995?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869030995?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></span></p>
<p align="left" style="text-align: center;"><em>Hatry/OPEL's RAK glider taking off</em></p>
<p align="left"><span class="font-size-3" style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">On Sep. 30, 1929, Opel piloted the second rocket airplane to fly, another Hatry glider fitted with 16 solid-fuel rockets:</span></p>
<p align="left"><span class="font-size-3" style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://youtu.be/vsqg28y_s3s">http://youtu.be/vsqg28y_s3s</a></span></p>
<p align="left"><em><strong>- to be followed -</strong></em></p>
<p align="left"><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><font size="2"> </font></span></p>
<p align="left"><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><font color="#000000"><font face="Calibri"><font><font color="#000000"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><font size="2">sources:</font></font></font> <font color="#000000"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><font size="2">NASA -</font></font></font> <a href="http://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/K-12/TRC/Rockets/history_of_rockets.html">http://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/K-12/TRC/Rockets/history_of_rockets.html</a>,<br/></font></font></font></span></p>
<p align="left">Wikipedia and Web researchs.</p>
<p align="left"><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Other relative linked posts - parts 2 and 3:</span></p>
<p align="left"><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.modelairplanecollectors.com/forum/topics/jeff21-the-rocket-propelled-fleas-2of3-in-development" target="_self">http://www.modelairplanecollectors.com/forum/topics/jeff21-the-rocket-propelled-fleas-2of3-in-development</a></span></p>
<p align="left"><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.modelairplanecollectors.com/forum/topics/jeff22-the-rocket-propelled-fleas-3of3" target="_self">http://www.modelairplanecollectors.com/forum/topics/jeff22-the-rocket-propelled-fleas-3of3</a></span></p>
<p align="left"></p> Air Forces owning both Su-27 and MiG-29tag:www.modelairplanecollectors.com,2013-10-13:6343803:Topic:1451342013-10-13T20:33:12.954ZAMhttp://www.modelairplanecollectors.com/profile/AhmedMisbah
<p><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;" xml:lang="EN-US">I was interested to find out which air forces around the world own both Russian 4rth generation fighters, the Su-27 Flanker and MiG-29 Fulcrum. I found out that 4 air forces own both fighters, one of which is an air force of an Arab state (Eritrean Air Force) and three ex-Soviet states (Russian Air Force, Ukrainian Air Defense Force and Kazakh Air and…</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;" xml:lang="EN-US" lang="EN-US">I was interested to find out which air forces around the world own both Russian 4rth generation fighters, the Su-27 Flanker and MiG-29 Fulcrum. I found out that 4 air forces own both fighters, one of which is an air force of an Arab state (Eritrean Air Force) and three ex-Soviet states (Russian Air Force, Ukrainian Air Defense Force and Kazakh Air and Air Defense Forces).</span></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;" xml:lang="EN-US" lang="EN-US"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869024716?profile=original"><img width="500" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869024716?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="500"/></a><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><strong>Su-27 (left) and MiG-29 (right)</strong></span></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal;" xml:lang="EN-US" lang="EN-US"><a target="_blank" href="http://static.panoramio.com/photos/large/58884401.jpg"><img class="align-center" src="http://static.panoramio.com/photos/large/58884401.jpg?width=500" width="500"/></a></span><strong>Su-27 (left) and MiG-29 (right)</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/russia/images/su-27-vs-mig-29.gif"><img class="align-center" src="http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/russia/images/su-27-vs-mig-29.gif?width=500" width="500"/></a><strong>Comparison between Su-27 and MiG-29</strong></span></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;" xml:lang="EN-US" lang="EN-US"> </span></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;" xml:lang="EN-US" lang="EN-US">The Su-27 and MiG-29 were designed to perform different roles. Su-27 is an air superiority/multirole fighter designed to have the range to penetrate deep into enemy territory and strike and outmatch enemy aircraft, such as the F-15, with its long range radar and armament and its superior performance and maneuverability.</span></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"></p>
<p style="text-align: center;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span xml:lang="EN-US" lang="EN-US"><a target="_blank" href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/04/Sukhoi_Su-27SKM_at_MAKS-2005_airshow.jpg"><img class="align-center" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/04/Sukhoi_Su-27SKM_at_MAKS-2005_airshow.jpg?width=500" width="500"/></a></span><strong>Su-27SKM Flanker</strong></span></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;" xml:lang="EN-US" lang="EN-US"> </span></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;" xml:lang="EN-US" lang="EN-US">The MiG-29 on the other hand is also an air superiority/multirole fighter designed to operate from front-line bases. It is also designed to be a cheaper and smaller fighter than the Su-27 (so as to be produced in large numbers), with less range, armament radar range and performance. The MiG-29 can be considered the answer to the American F-16 and F-18.</span></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"></p>
<p style="text-align: center;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span xml:lang="EN-US" lang="EN-US"><a target="_blank" href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/69/Serbian_mig-29_missiles.jpg"><img class="align-center" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/69/Serbian_mig-29_missiles.jpg?width=500" width="500"/></a></span><strong>MiG-29 Fulcrum</strong></span></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;" xml:lang="EN-US" lang="EN-US"> </span></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;" xml:lang="EN-US" lang="EN-US">When an air force has both these fighters in its inventory, it indicates that its doctrine allows for missions that can be satisfied by both aircraft according to their characteristics. Let us now take a look at each air force and see why its own both fighters:</span></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;" xml:lang="EN-US" lang="EN-US"> </span></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><em><span class="font-size-3"><strong><span xml:lang="EN-US" lang="EN-US">1- Russian Air Force:</span></strong></span></em></span></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><em><span class="font-size-3"><strong><span xml:lang="EN-US" lang="EN-US"><a target="_blank" href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/72/Flag_of_the_Air_Force_of_the_Russian_Federation.svg/800px-Flag_of_the_Air_Force_of_the_Russian_Federation.svg.png"><img class="align-left" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/72/Flag_of_the_Air_Force_of_the_Russian_Federation.svg/800px-Flag_of_the_Air_Force_of_the_Russian_Federation.svg.png?width=200" width="200"/></a></span></strong></span></em></span></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;" xml:lang="EN-US" lang="EN-US"> </span></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;" xml:lang="EN-US" lang="EN-US">It makes perfect sense that the country that designed and produced the MiG-29 and Su-27 would actually OWN them. The Russian Air Force is the largest and oldest operator of both fighters since their introduction in the 1980s, with a total number of 289 MiG-29s and 355 Su-27s currently in service.</span></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;" xml:lang="EN-US" lang="EN-US"> </span></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><em><strong><span xml:lang="EN-US" lang="EN-US">2- Eritrean Air Force:</span></strong></em></span></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><em><strong><span class="font-size-4"><span xml:lang="EN-US" lang="EN-US"><a target="_blank" href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/36/Emblem_of_Eritrea_(or_argent_azur).svg/401px-Emblem_of_Eritrea_(or_argent_azur).svg.png"><img class="align-left" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/36/Emblem_of_Eritrea_(or_argent_azur).svg/401px-Emblem_of_Eritrea_(or_argent_azur).svg.png?width=200" width="200"/></a></span></span></strong></em></span></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><em><span style="font-style: normal;" xml:lang="EN-US" lang="EN-US"> </span></em></span></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;" xml:lang="EN-US" lang="EN-US">The Eritrean Air Force saw a great expansion during the Eritrean-Ethiopian War. It acquired MiG-29s as an answer to Ethiopia’s purchase of the Su-27. The Su-27s were later acquired in 2003, most probably because the <em><span style="font-style: normal;">Eritreans lost 4 MiG-29s to</span></em> Ethiopian <em><span style="font-style: normal;">Su-27s between 1999 and 2000, which proved that the MiGs were no match for the Sukhois and needed to be complimented by more powerful fighters.</span></em></span></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><em><span style="font-style: normal;" xml:lang="EN-US" lang="EN-US"> </span></em></span></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><em><span style="font-style: normal;" xml:lang="EN-US" lang="EN-US">The Eritrean Air Force currently owns 18 MiG-29s and 16 Su-27s.</span></em></span></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"></p>
<p style="text-align: center;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><em><span style="font-style: normal;" xml:lang="EN-US" lang="EN-US"><a target="_blank" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_6izHM7-NzcQ/S2lRZeANm0I/AAAAAAAAAU4/iwzuJQ4w3eA/s400/Google+Satalite+of+Eritrea+Air+force.jpg"><img class="align-center" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_6izHM7-NzcQ/S2lRZeANm0I/AAAAAAAAAU4/iwzuJQ4w3eA/s400/Google+Satalite+of+Eritrea+Air+force.jpg"/></a></span></em></span><strong>Images from Google Earth showing parked Eritrean AF Su-27s and a MiG-29</strong></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><em><span style="font-style: normal;" xml:lang="EN-US" lang="EN-US"> </span></em></span></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"><span class="font-size-3"><em><strong><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;" xml:lang="EN-US" lang="EN-US">3- Ukrainian Air Defense Force:</span></strong></em></span></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;" xml:lang="EN-US" lang="EN-US"> </span></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;" xml:lang="EN-US" lang="EN-US"><a target="_blank" href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2a/Ensign_of_the_Ukrainian_Air_Force.svg/800px-Ensign_of_the_Ukrainian_Air_Force.svg.png"><img class="align-left" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2a/Ensign_of_the_Ukrainian_Air_Force.svg/800px-Ensign_of_the_Ukrainian_Air_Force.svg.png?width=200" width="200"/></a></span></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;" xml:lang="EN-US" lang="EN-US">I couldn’t obtain information on when the Ukraine acquired MiG-29s and Su-27s. But I am assuming that both fighters were inherited from the Soviet Air Force when the USSR was dissolved.</span></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;" xml:lang="EN-US" lang="EN-US"> </span></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;" xml:lang="EN-US" lang="EN-US">The Ukrainian Air Defense Force currently operates 80 MiG-29s and 36 Su-27s. According to Wikipedia, the Ukrainian Air Defense Force plans to buy newer MiG-29s and Su-27s from Russian to modernize their air force. However, due to lack of funding, it is expected that they will continue modernizing existing fighters until a budget is allocated.</span></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;" xml:lang="EN-US" lang="EN-US"> </span></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"><span class="font-size-3"><em><strong><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;" xml:lang="EN-US" lang="EN-US">4- Kazakh Air and Air Defense Forces:</span></strong></em></span></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"><em><span class="font-size-4"><strong><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;" xml:lang="EN-US" lang="EN-US"><a target="_blank" href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3f/Kazakhstan_AF_roundel.svg/630px-Kazakhstan_AF_roundel.svg.png"><img class="align-left" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3f/Kazakhstan_AF_roundel.svg/630px-Kazakhstan_AF_roundel.svg.png?width=200" width="200"/></a></span></strong></span></em></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;" xml:lang="EN-US" lang="EN-US"> </span></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;" xml:lang="EN-US" lang="EN-US">Again, I couldn’t obtain information on when Kazakhstan acquired MiG-29s and Su-27s, but it seems that both fighters were purchased well after the resolution of the USSR. Kazakh Air and Air Defense Forces currently operate 39 MiG-29s and 26 Su-27s.</span></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;" xml:lang="EN-US" lang="EN-US"> </span></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;" xml:lang="EN-US" lang="EN-US">In comparison with the MiG-29 and Su-27, 4 air forces own their western counter parts, the F-15 Eagle, F-16 Falcon and F-18 Hornet. Those air forces are the United States Air Force (though it currently does not operate the F-16), Israeli Air Force, Japanese Air Self-Defense Force and Republic of Korea Air Force. The total number could have risen to 5 if the US approved Egypt’s request in 2002 to acquire F-15E Strike Eagles to serve with its large number of F-16s (240 fighters). However, this sale was banned after Israel provided evidence that the Egyptians considered Israel as the “enemy” in of Egypt’s military exercises (obviously, a peace accord doesn’t make an enemy a friend in an instant).</span></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;" xml:lang="EN-US" lang="EN-US">Speaking of models, I own a couple of models for both fighters. I own 4 models for the Su-27 and its derivatives (Su-30, Su-35 and Su-37) and 3 models for the MiG-29.</span></p>
<p class="ecxMsoNormal"></p>
<p style="text-align: center;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;" xml:lang="EN-US" lang="EN-US"><a width="737" height="552" target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869025445?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"><img width="737" height="552" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869025445?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></span><strong>Witty Sky Guardian Su-27 Flanker scale 1:72</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;" class="ecxMsoNormal"></p>
<p style="text-align: center;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><a width="737" height="552" target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869025834?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"><img width="737" height="552" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869025834?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a><strong>Gaincorp Su-30MK Flanker C scale 1:72</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;" class="ecxMsoNormal"></p>
<p style="text-align: center;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><a width="737" height="552" target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869026010?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"><img width="737" height="552" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869026010?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a><strong>Altaya Su-35 (initially known as Su-27M) scale 1:72</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;" class="ecxMsoNormal"></p>
<p style="text-align: center;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><a width="737" height="552" target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869026272?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"><img width="737" height="552" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869026272?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a><strong>Maisto Tailwinds Su-37 Terminator (Flanker F)</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;" class="ecxMsoNormal"></p>
<p style="text-align: center;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><a width="737" height="552" target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869026557?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"><img width="737" height="552" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869026557?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a><strong>Witty Sky Guardian MiG-29 Fulcrum scale 1:72</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;" class="ecxMsoNormal"></p>
<p style="text-align: center;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><a width="737" height="552" target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869026715?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"><img width="737" height="552" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869026715?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a><strong>Witty Sky Guardian MiG-29AS scale 1:144</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;" class="ecxMsoNormal"></p>
<p style="text-align: center;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><a width="737" height="552" target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com/files/jtIkBUuM4pD8oBNavSJtLeO70zNZ6Q1bwXsa09u9gSU*JsFm-N7VfX3kRH4d7HP9PDft5UfnWfZppLD3mZfewPP1XrDuyntr/DSC02243.JPG?width=737&height=552"><img width="737" height="552" class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com/files/jtIkBUuM4pD8oBNavSJtLeO70zNZ6Q1bwXsa09u9gSU*JsFm-N7VfX3kRH4d7HP9PDft5UfnWfZppLD3mZfewPP1XrDuyntr/DSC02243.JPG?width=737&height=552"/></a><strong>Maisto Tailwinds MiG-29 Fulcrum</strong></p> History of MiG Aircraft (Part 6) – MiG-23, Enter the variable wing geometry fightertag:www.modelairplanecollectors.com,2013-05-06:6343803:Topic:1302992013-05-06T19:55:28.611ZAMhttp://www.modelairplanecollectors.com/profile/AhmedMisbah
<p><em><strong><span class="font-size-3"><u>Introduction:</u></span></strong></em></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">The story of the MiG-23 started when the Soviets came to know the drawbacks of its predecessor, the MiG-21. Some of these drawbacks were:</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"> </span></p>
<ul>
<li><span class="font-size-3">It required long runways for takeoff and landing. This imposed great threats to airfields as long runways tend to be easy targets during air…</span></li>
</ul>
<p><em><strong><span class="font-size-3"><u>Introduction:</u></span></strong></em></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">The story of the MiG-23 started when the Soviets came to know the drawbacks of its predecessor, the MiG-21. Some of these drawbacks were:</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"> </span></p>
<ul>
<li><span class="font-size-3">It required long runways for takeoff and landing. This imposed great threats to airfields as long runways tend to be easy targets during air raids.</span></li>
<li><span class="font-size-3"> Poor low altitude performance due to its delta wing configuration which was designed for performing well at high altitudes.</span></li>
<li><span class="font-size-3">Low fuel capacity which meant less range and less time during dogfights.</span></li>
<li><span class="font-size-3">Poor armament in comparison with its western counter parts (2-4 short range missiles in comparison with 4 short range and 4 medium range missiles in the F-4 Phantom II).</span></li>
<li><span class="font-size-3">No BVR (Beyond Visual Range) capability due to its poor radar.</span></li>
<li><span class="font-size-3">Poor cockpit visibility.</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span class="font-size-3"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">All of these drawbacks put on the table the requirements for the Soviet Union’s third generation jet fighter:</span></p>
<ul>
<li><span class="font-size-3">Its range had to be longer than that of the MiG-21.</span></li>
<li><span class="font-size-3">It had to support shorter runway distance for takeoff and landing.</span></li>
<li><span class="font-size-3">It had to perform well at all attitudes.</span></li>
<li><span class="font-size-3">It had to support BVR.</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span class="font-size-3"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">MiG design bureau formed a team headed by its founder and chief designer Artem Mikoyan to design this new fighter. Though the design bureau was also working on designing the Soviet Union’s Mach 3 capable interceptor (MiG-25), Artem Mikoyan was advised by his doctors (due to his heart condition which developed during the design of the MiG-15) not to be involved in this project as it was very demanding. This was to be Artem Mikoyan’s last project until his death in 1970.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><em><strong><span class="font-size-3"><u>Development:</u></span></strong></em></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">The first prototype of MiG’s new fighter, called "23-01", was a tailed delta similar to the MiG-21 but with two lift jets in the fuselage. However, it became apparent very early that this configuration was unsatisfactory, as the lift jets became useless dead weight once airborne. The second prototype, known as "23-11", featured variable-geometry wings which could be set to angles of 16, 45 and 72 degrees, which was clearly more promising. The maiden flight of 23–11 took place on 10 June 1967, and three more prototypes were prepared for further flight and system testing. All featured the Tumansky R-27-300 turbojet engine with a thrust of 7850 kp. The order to start series production of the MiG-23 was given in December 1967.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"><a target="_blank" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8DAL7gPYBiM/TNtuNtHZeKI/AAAAAAAAAmw/zN8rl7Cpbh8/s1600/mig23pd-4.jpg"><img class="align-center" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8DAL7gPYBiM/TNtuNtHZeKI/AAAAAAAAAmw/zN8rl7Cpbh8/s1600/mig23pd-4.jpg"/></a></span></p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8DAL7gPYBiM/TNtuOaDhnnI/AAAAAAAAAm0/Gw9dhrZaaF8/s1600/mig23pd-8.jpg"><img class="align-center" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8DAL7gPYBiM/TNtuOaDhnnI/AAAAAAAAAm0/Gw9dhrZaaF8/s1600/mig23pd-8.jpg"/></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a target="_blank" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8DAL7gPYBiM/TNtuNVuLjAI/AAAAAAAAAms/burJWT3TTGk/s1600/mig23pd-1.jpg"><img class="align-center" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8DAL7gPYBiM/TNtuNVuLjAI/AAAAAAAAAms/burJWT3TTGk/s1600/mig23pd-1.jpg"/></a><strong>Y-23-01</strong></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.palba.cz/forumfoto/albums/userpics/10486/mig23-2.jpg"><img class="align-center" src="http://www.palba.cz/forumfoto/albums/userpics/10486/mig23-2.jpg"/></a><strong>Y-23-11</strong></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">The General Dynamics F-111 and McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II were the main Western influences on the MiG-23. The Soviets, however, wanted a much lighter, single-engine fighter to maximize agility. Both the F-111 and the MiG-23 were designed as fighters, but the heavy weight and inherent stability of the F-111 turned it into a long-range interdictor and kept it out of the fighter role. The MiG-23's designers kept the MiG-23 light and agile enough to dogfight with enemy fighters.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-3"><a target="_blank" href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/a/a3/F-111A_Wing_Sweep_Sequence.jpg/762px-F-111A_Wing_Sweep_Sequence.jpg"><img class="align-center" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/a/a3/F-111A_Wing_Sweep_Sequence.jpg/762px-F-111A_Wing_Sweep_Sequence.jpg"/></a></span><strong>F-111 Aradvark</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><a target="_blank" href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fc/F-4B_VMFA-314_1968.jpg"><img class="align-center" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fc/F-4B_VMFA-314_1968.jpg"/></a>F-4B Phantom II</strong></p>
<p></p>
<p><em><strong><span class="font-size-3"><u>Design:</u></span></strong></em></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">The design of the MiG-23 was capped by a conical assembly housing the radar system. The cockpit was situated just aft of this assembly and featured seating for the pilot with adequate views forward, above and to the sides. Cockpit vision was hindered by way of the raised fuselage spine and high-mounted wings, both playing critical roles in the variable geometry wing process. Rear-view mirrors helped to an extent but the priority for the design was always in forward and downward visibility from the cockpit at high speeds.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-3"><a target="_blank" href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6f/Mig-23-DNST8908431_JPG.jpg/800px-Mig-23-DNST8908431_JPG.jpg"><img class="align-center" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6f/Mig-23-DNST8908431_JPG.jpg/800px-Mig-23-DNST8908431_JPG.jpg"/></a></span><strong>MiG-23 Flogger</strong></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">Going against previous Mikoyan-Gurevich jet designs and their identifiable nose-mounted intakes, the MiG-23 utilized split rectangular side intake inlets with each opening fitted to either side of the fuselage, just aft of the cockpit. From there, the fuselage took on a tubular look with slab-sides. The empennage consisted of a large single engine exhaust ring, a large-area tapered vertical tail fin emerging from the fuselage spine and sporting clipped and swept edges and strong conventional horizontal tailplanes. A ventral fin was noted just under the engine exhaust housing. One of the definitive characteristics of the MiG-23 became its tricycle landing gear arrangement with all three centered along the fuselage. The complicated main landing gears retracted into housings along the sides of the fuselage and were single-wheeled. The twin-wheeled nose landing gear recessed rearwards just under the cockpit floor. When at rest on the ground, the MiG-23 definitely maintained a pronounced and distinct appearance all her own.<a target="_blank" href="http://www.militaryfactory.com/aircraft/imgs/mikoyangurevich-mig23-flogger_3.jpg"><img class="align-center" src="http://www.militaryfactory.com/aircraft/imgs/mikoyangurevich-mig23-flogger_3.jpg"/></a></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-3"><a target="_blank" href="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSWaiBiI3YQEfI6pxyVRBqf2NYpO9NHQT-jt75tTnJFTxSO4Vc3"><img class="align-center" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSWaiBiI3YQEfI6pxyVRBqf2NYpO9NHQT-jt75tTnJFTxSO4Vc3"/></a><span class="font-size-2"><strong>MiG-23 intakes</strong></span></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">Of course the most notable exception in the MiG-23’s design lay in its wings. The wings were extended from the main fuselage body via static swept-wing "gloves" located at the wing roots. The variable geometry wing system allowed for three modes of flight that included take-off/landing, cruising and high-performance. The initial mode with wings fully extended sported a (approximately) 16-degree sweep angle and was sufficient in promoting stable low-speed flight by incorporating more drag and lift. The second mode, this at a 45-degree sweep angle, was used in typical cruising actions where a balance of drag and sweep was optimal. The final mode saw the wings fully-retracted by way of a 72-degree sweep, allowing for good high-performance flight at altitude by decreasing drag and forward surface area. The value of such a system would still allow the MiG-23 to carry a potent ordnance load across fuselage, wingroot and underwing weapon stations while still retaining strong performance output. Additionally, the MiG-23 afforded its operators an increase in range that would make the MiG-21 envious.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-3"><a target="_blank" href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/85/Aircraft_engine_MiG-23_sweep_wing_mechanism.jpg/800px-Aircraft_engine_MiG-23_sweep_wing_mechanism.jpg"><img class="align-center" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/85/Aircraft_engine_MiG-23_sweep_wing_mechanism.jpg/800px-Aircraft_engine_MiG-23_sweep_wing_mechanism.jpg"/></a></span><strong>MiG-23 sweep wing mechanism</strong></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"> </span></p>
<p><em><strong><span class="font-size-3"><u>Armament:</u></span></strong></em></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">Like the MiG products before it, the lethality of the MiG-23 was made potent by its ever-expanding weapons suite primarily coupled to the radar, HUD (Heads-Up Display) and gunsight. Standard armament became a twin-barreled 23mm Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-23L cannon with 200 to 260 projectile rounds (sources vary) mounted in a GP-9 gun pack under the fuselage. Six total hardpoints allowed for up to 6,600lbs of external stores. Hardpoints included two fuselage stations, two underwing "glove" stations and two underwing pylons for the fitting of various air-to-air missile systems. Cleared missile systems eventually included the AA-7 "Apex", AA-8 "Aphid", AA-10 "Alamo", AA-11 "Archer" and AA-12 "Adder" missiles of differing seeker heads and engagement range. A typical interceptor loadout became 2 x AA-7 "Apex" radar/infra-red and 2 x AA-8 "Aphid" short-range infrared missile assortments. In 1974, "double pylons" - fitting two missiles to one weapon station - were fitted for increased loadouts.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-3"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.aerospaceweb.org/aircraft/fighter/mig23/mig23_50.jpg"><img class="align-center" src="http://www.aerospaceweb.org/aircraft/fighter/mig23/mig23_50.jpg"/></a></span><strong>MiG-23 Armament</strong></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">The resulting expansion of the MiG-23 as a ground attack fighter enabled the type to bring to bear a bevy of conventional drop bombs, napalm, rocket pods and air-to-surface missiles as needed (as well as nuclear-tipped weapons). Further development would create the dedicated MiG-27 series variant.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-3"><a target="_blank" href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e4/MiG-27K_2008_G9.jpg/800px-MiG-27K_2008_G9.jpg"><img class="align-center" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e4/MiG-27K_2008_G9.jpg/800px-MiG-27K_2008_G9.jpg"/></a></span><strong>MiG-27</strong></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"> </span></p>
<p><em><strong><span class="font-size-3"><u>Service History:</u></span></strong></em></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">The MiG-23 took part in various conflicts around the world but mostly in the Middle East. Syria received the MiG-23 in 1973 and first used it against the Israelis in 1974. On 19 April 1974, Captain al-Masry, flying a MiG-23MS on a weapons test mission, spotted a group of IAF F-4Es and shot two of them down after firing three missiles. He was about to attack another F-4 with cannon fire, but was shot down by friendly fire from a SAM battery. Due to this success, an additional 24 MiG-23MS interceptors, as well as a similar number of MiG-23BN strike variants, were delivered to Syria during the following year. In 1978 deliveries of MiG-23MFs started and two squadrons were equipped with them.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">Egypt became one of the first export customers when in 1974 bought eight MiG-23MS interceptors, eight MiG-23BN strikers and four MIG-23U trainers, concentrating them into a single regiment based at Mersa Matruh. By 1975 all Egyptian MiG-23s had been withdrawn from active duty and placed in storage. Sometime in 1987, Egypt had sold its entire MiG-23 inventory to China and the US.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-3"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869023616?profile=original"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869023616?profile=original" width="394"/></a></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869023694?profile=original"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869023694?profile=original" width="394"/></a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-3"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869026809?profile=original"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869026809?profile=original" width="563"/></a></span><strong>EAF MiG-23s</strong></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">The MiG-23 also took part in the Iran–Iraq War and was used in both air-to-air and air-to-ground roles. The reports about performance in air combat are mixed – some authors claim that Iraqi MiG-23s had some victories and several losses against Iranian F-14s and F-4s. For example it is said that Colonel Mohammed-Hashem All-e-Agha was shot down by an Iraqi MiG-23 while flying his F-14 on 11 August 1984. Furthermore, Capt. Bahram Ghaneii was shot down by a MiG-23ML on 17 January 1987. According to Iranian sources, four MiG-23s were shot down by F-14s on 29 October 1980.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">According to researcher T. Cooper, Iranian F-14s caused exceptionally heavy losses to the MiG-23s early in the war, much to the disappointment of the Iraqi Air Force, which thought that the Soviet fighter would be a match for the Tomcat. During the Iran-Iraq War at least 58 MiG-23s are claimed to be shot down by F-14s and 20 MiG-23s are claimed by F-4s.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">During the Persian Gulf War, the USAF reported downing eight Iraqi MiG-23s with F-15s. Some Russian sources claim that a U.S. F-16 and an Italian Tornado were shot down by Iraqi MiG-23 in this war; however the Italian Air Force maintained that the only Tornado lost during the war (pilots: Bellini and Cocciolone) was shot down by a ZSU-23-4 Shilka AA cannon.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">Other claims include the story about an Iraqi pilot named Hassan, flying a MiG-23 having supposedly damaged an F-111 with an R-24T missile at 4:30 somewhere south of Balad airbase, and at 5:10 another F-111 (tail number 70-2384) being damaged by another R-24T missile fired by a MiG-23.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><span class="font-size-3">Personal account:</span></strong></em></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">I have seen the MiG-23 a year ago in the Deutsches Museum Flugwerft Schleißheim, Munich, Germany. This one was flown by East Germany’s Air Forces of the National People's Army.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"><a width="737" height="552" target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869027034?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"><img width="737" height="552" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869027034?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></span></p>
<p><a width="737" height="441" target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869027405?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"><img width="737" height="441" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869027405?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></p>
<p><a width="737" height="441" target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869027584?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"><img width="737" height="441" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869027584?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a><a width="737" height="441" target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869027804?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"><img width="737" height="441" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869027804?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><span class="font-size-3">Models:</span></strong></em></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">I own a Model Power Postage Stamp 1:136 die cast model of the MiG-23. I also own a model of the MiG-27.<br/></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"><a width="737" height="552" target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869027962?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"><img width="737" height="552" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869027962?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></span></p>
<p><a width="737" height="414" target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869028432?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"><img width="737" height="414" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2869028432?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><span class="font-size-3">Finale:</span></strong></em></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">Over 5000 MiG-23s were produced from 1970 until 1985. It is still in active service in 10 countries and served around the world in more than 20 countries.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">During its development, another Soviet interceptor was being designed to counter America’s Mach 2-capable Convair B-58 Hustler and the even faster North American B-70 Valkyrie. That interceptor was the Mach 3 capable MiG-25 Foxbat. It was the second fastest and second highest-flying military aircraft ever fielded after the SR-71 reconnaissance aircraft.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">The story of MiG aircraft continues with the story of the MiG-25 in the coming article. Stay tuned.</span></p>