BF2S Forums the Official Real World Facts thread

Alrite, here we go again. This is how it works. All RWF guides will be posted here. If someone makes their own, PM it to me, and I will include it, if it is serious. This will feature RWF about anything. Although, it will be mostly on planes. If you want me to add a previously made RWF to this, I will. As for the responses, productive ones only, please. Debates are encourages. There is a zero tolerance policy for parodies and unhelpful responses. Oh and if you PM me a rude RWF guide as a joke, it will be forwarded to your local friendly moderator. With your name attached.
Since I use the same two sources for my guides:
Fighter Aircraft: By Francis Crosby
American Military Aircraft: General Editor Jim Winchester

Sorry about the bad structuring, I will use lines to seperate planes in the future. Working on a HAWX guide though, so currently busy...

Alright. Special Guides:
USA: F-22 Raptor http://forums.bf2s.com/viewtopic.php?pi … 7#p3163007
USA: UH-60 Black Hawk http://forums.bf2s.com/viewtopic.php?pi … 8#p3163418
USA: VH-60 White Hawk
USA: AH-60 Battle Hawk
Russia: Petlyakov Pe-3bis http://forums.bf2s.com/viewtopic.php?pi … 4#p3164534
Germany: Messerschmitt Me-410 http://forums.bf2s.com/viewtopic.php?pi … 5#p3164905
USA: RAH-66 Comanche http://forums.bf2s.com/viewtopic.php?pi … 6#p3166846

Military RWF Guide by country (This is also a list of what is currently in this thread.) (And in order)
Japan:F-2
USA: F-4 II
USA: AC-119
USA: EA-6B Prowler
Sweden: Saab Gripen
Russia: Mig-29
USA: B-52
USA: V-22 Osprey
USA: F-14A Tomcat
USA: F-105 Thunderchief
USA: SR71A Blackbird
USA: Kaman SH-2 Seasprite ASW
USA: B1B Lancer
Russia: Sukhoi Su-35/37 Superflanker/Terminator
Russia: TU-95 bear
Italy/Britain/Germany: Panavia Tornado ADV F.3
China: Q-5 Fantan

Continued: http://forums.bf2s.com/viewtopic.php?pi … 8#p3122298 Click link to see the below aircraft
Germany: Messerschmitt Me 262
Germany: Messerschmitt ME 163 Komet
Russia: Tu-28 Fiddler
Europe: Eurofighter Typhoon
Germany: Junkers ju-88
USA: A-10 Thunderbolt II (Warthog)
Russia: Mig-21
Russia: Mig-31
Japan: Kawaski Hien
Japan: Mitsubishi A6M Zero
India: Hindustan HF-24 Marut
USA: AH-1 Cobra Single Engined
Britain: Boulton-Paul Defiant
USA: AH-64 Apache
Britain: Harrier Gr.3/ Sea Harrier FA.2
Britain: Hawker Hurricane
South Africa: Atlas/Denel Cheetah
World War One Fighter Ace Biographies: http://forums.bf2s.com/viewtopic.php?pi … 7#p3131997 -NEW-

Next Bunch: http://forums.bf2s.com/viewtopic.php?pi … 2#p3171872
USA: P-38 Lightning
Israel: Lavi
USA: OV-10D Bronco
Britain: Sopwith Camel
USA: C-17 Globemaster III
France: Dassault Mirage F1
Italy: Fiat/Aeritalia G91
Britain: Folland/Hawker Siddely Gnat
USA: A-6 Intruder
India: SU-30 MKI
USA: Vought F4U Corsair
USA: RQ-8 Fire Scout UAV Helicopter
China: J-10
Russia: Sukhoi Su-27
USA: CH-53E Super Stallion
Russia: Su-47 Berkut

Next Bunch: http://forums.bf2s.com/viewtopic.php?pi … 9#p3190699

USA: Grumman F6F Hellcat
USA: RQ-1 Predator UAV
USA: Grumman X-29
Russia: Beriev Be-200
Russia: Tu-160 Blackjack
Sweden: Saab J-32 Lansen
Germany: Ju-87 Stuka
Britain: Avro Lancaster
China: KJ-200
France: M.S.406
USA: F-111F Aardvark
Russia: Mig-1
USA: AC-130U
Sweden: Saab J-35 Draken

Civilian Aircraft: http://forums.bf2s.com/viewtopic.php?pi … 6#p3208126

USA: Boeing 747
Britain/France: Aerospatiale/BAE Concorde
Canada: DHC-2 Beaver
USA: Beech Starship

Vehicles: http://forums.bf2s.com/viewtopic.php?pi … 0#p3185230

USA: M998 HMMWV VS M1114
Russia: Tunguska
Russia: BMP-2

Aircraft Weaponry Overview: http://forums.bf2s.com/viewtopic.php?pi … 4#p3122094

Thurs. Apr. 22/10                                Pace51

Mitsubishi F-2

Maiden Flight: October 1995
Powered by: General Electric 13,444kg afterburning thrust F-110-GE-129 turbofan engine
Country of origin (And service): Japan
Armament: One 20mm Cannon, Plus AIM/9L sidewinders/Mitsubishi AAM-3 Air to Air missiles, plus under wing hard points capable of hauling weaponry like the AIM-7M sparrow missiles.
Max. Speed: Mach 2



     And you thought your 2010 Eclipse was a nice Mitsubishi. Hmph. Did that one come with missiles? Only a cup holder. The Mitsubishi F-2, upon first glance, looks the exact same as an F-16. The F-2 has performance stats similar to those of the F-16, although in my personal opinion, the F-16 was a better aircraft. Back to facts. In real life, the F-16 Fighting Falcon was planned and developed much better, and was much more cost efficient, than Mitsubishi’s F-2, but do not underestimate the F-2. Japan’s air-self-defense force was provided with F-2’s in 2000. Japan ordered 130 F-2’s to replace the JASDF’s aging F-1’s.

     The F-2 was formerly known as the FS-X prototype, and developed in Japan. It’s development was assisted by Lockheed Martin, formerly known as General Dynamics. If the aircraft resembles the F-16, there are several reasons for this.  First of all, Lockheed Martin was the company that designed and built the F-16. Second of all, although the F-SX program intended to produce an indigenous Japanese fighter, in 1987 the F-16 platform was chosen to be the basis for this new fighter. Japan was under pressure from the Americans.

     When the F-2 was ready to enter active service, it ended up costing four times the amount of an F-16A. The F-2 ways about 3 tonnes heavier than the F-16A! The programme was repeatedly plagued by technical problems. The F-2 has wings approximately 25 percent larger than those of the F-16. In an enlarged radome a Japanese designed radar rests. I will try to find out the type, if it isn’t classified. The Fly-by-wire system is completely Japanese built because the US did not want to give Japan their own software. The fuselage is also longer than that of the F-16. Initially, it will serve the roles of ground attack aircraft and maritime strike aircraft, but a new air defense version has been designed and is replacing Japan’s Fleet of F-4’s, which are past their time. The F-2 has the same ceiling as the F-16A, but a longer range.

Real world facts about the F-4B Phantom II (Featured in Vietnam)
I will try to put out guides concerning the F-4G and the RF-4 Variants.

This plane is pure awesomeness.
Discuss. Oh and, there are explosions below. Oorah.

Powered by: Dual 79.65 kN General Electric J79-8A afterburning turbojets
Max. Speed: 2390 Km/H
Radius: 1450 Km
Manufacturer: McDonell Douglas
Range: 3700 Km
Armament: 4 aim-7 Sparrow missiles and 4 AIM-9 Sidewinder AA (Air to Air) missiles, and various AG munitions.




     The F4PhantAwesome. The most famous American fighter of the Vietnam war, this napalm dropping (Here’s an explosion)



     Mig killing, ground-strafing fighter came out in the early 1960’s. It was developed due to a US navy request for a long range interceptor that could defend it’s carrier’s. This plane was superior to other fighters in almost every single way. It was the fastest, farthest reaching, most powerful fighter at the time. The US navy did the natural thing and showed it off. Aand then, Vietnam hit.

     Phantoms carried out some of the first air strikes in ‘Nam, and still carried out missions when the war ended 12 years later. It was challenging for the Pilot and the RIO (Radar Intercept Officer) to take off and land from the carrier, especially on night raids. The phantom’s fought north Vietnamese mig-17’s and also fought the USSR’s brand new MIG-21, an interceptor arguably just as famous as the Phantom. The Mig-21 was the AK-47 of the sky, everybody started acquiring them. So, the Phantom’s had a challenge. The only Navy fighter ace during Vietnam used a Phantom. The US marine’s operated land based F-4’s from South Vietnamese bases.

     It was eventually retired in 1980. However, theres a reason it was the best fighter in ‘Nam. In May 1972, two US pilots from the VF-161 Chargers took on 2 Russian supplied North Vietnamese Mig-19’s. Also in may, Lt Curt Dose took out a mig-19 with his Phantom, shooting a sidewinder up it’s tailpipe. Also in May, Lt Robert Hughes shot down a Mig-21 “Fishbed” (NATO Codename) with his Phantom. His wingman also got a kill, before they returned to the USS Kitty Hawk.

     The F4 carried out various bombing campaigns, using munitions like the Mk 82 bombs, and napalm. The F-4 Featured a Westinghouse APQ-72 Radar. The F-4’s AIM-7 sparrow was a devastating missile, and very effective. When it worked. It was prone to malfunctioning. The sidewinder gave the F-4 an edge in dogfights, although the F-4, as an interceptor, primarily engaged targets at medium range using sparrow missiles, when things go as planned. Usually they didn’t, though, in Vietnam. There weren’t always enough attack aircraft available, but the crew’s viciously despised being sent on bombing sortie’s. Some time’s, the F-4 carried drop tanks or wing fuel tanks, which are pretty similar, though the latter were uncommon. The phantom was nicknamed “Double ugly”, because of the bulky twin J-79 engines. By the 1970’s, the Navy re-equipped, and replaced the F-4B Phantom II with F-4J Phantom’s. These new models were much improved, which really says a lot.

     Only large carrier’s could operate phantom’s, the Essex class were to small for these fighters. In the 1970’s F-14 Tomcats replaced the F-4 phantom’s.

Fri. Apr. 9/10                                    Pace51

Real world facts about the AC/C-119

Manufacturer: Fairchild
Powered by: Twin 2610-kWright R-3350-85 Duplex Cyclone 18-cylinder radial piston engines(All models) and dual 12.6 kN General Electric J85-GE-17 Turbojets(K model).
Speed (Cruising): 391 Km/H
Range: 1565 Km
Armament(AC-119K): 4 Miniguns and 2 M61 Cannons.
This guide focuses on the following three models:
C-119 Flying Boxcar
AC-119G Shadow
AC-119K Stinger

     In the 1950’s, the C-119 Boxcar was a useful cargo aircraft with quite the spacious interior. Paratroopers and infantrymen nick-named it the Flying Boxcar. It serviced the US by upholding aerial supply lines. It was a capable cargo aircraft and was used quite frequently in the 50’s. When the Korean War broke out, the large multiple engined propeller driven C-119 was called in to drop supplies. It flew from Japan to Korea and back, delivering valuable supplies. They also drop paratroopers in the Korean war. However, when the Korean war ended, the C-119’s usefulness gradually declined, as faster and better transport aircraft began to emerge. They were returned to their former glory many years after retrieving satellite capsules.

     When Vietnam broke out, the army saw how useful converted C-119’s could be. So, they began to convert the C-119 Flying Boxcars into AC-119’s, by adding powerful support armament, transforming the C-119 from a Cargo aircraft into a gunship. In fact, the C-119 was the third transport aircraft to be converted into a gunship. The most notable were the AC-119G “Shadow” and the AC-119K “Stinger”. These modifications extended the lives of the C-119, turning them into powerful and hard hitting gunships. The main difference between the G and K models was that the Stinger model carried two cannon and four miniguns, while the Shadow only carried 4 miniguns. The cannon’s were much more hard hitting then the miniguns, and as the war progressed, more crew opted for cannons to replace their miniguns. While the C-119 used to wear a traditional gray paint scheme, the AC-119’s wore jungle camouflage or green paint schemes.



     The Gunship variants were equipped with all sorts of handy equipment, and crewed by a staff of ten(Stinger model). The stinger model had powerful doorway mounted Xenon searchlight, and sensors, as well as searcher radars in the nose. This enabled them to fight in many conditions, and deliver a hard hitting punch. The gunships also had protective armour plating, which saved lives in Vietnam. The AC-119’s were designed for night Op’s, and had a dark underbelly.

     One story of an AC-119 surviving against the odds occurred in Laos, a hot zone. After razing a convoy while performing armed surveillance, AA fire pierced the right wing and set it aflame. In about 3 seconds, the aircraft lost 300 Meters of altitude, in a near fatal dive. During this process, the crew pressed the throttle to maximum capacity to get out of the dive. Unfortunately, more throttle means more fuel is used. The fire burned more harshly and the aircraft ran low on fuel. The crew knew they needed to stay at their current height, so they proceeded to pick up everything that wasn’t bolted to the plane, and threw everything they could out the window. The aircraft managed to land at base with the captain making a no-flap approach maneuver, which requires skill. And the crew managed to do this despite the slightly distracting inferno consuming their plane. Upon landing, the aircrew checked the wing, and realized barely one third remained.

In the future, I'll write more facts guides on gunships, and heli's.

Wed. Apr. 21/10                                Pace51

Real world facts about the EA-6B Prowler

This is an apology for every factual inaccuracy I have made, ever.

Powered by: Two Pratt & Whitney 49.80 kN J52-P-408 turbojets
Range: 1770 Km
Country of Origin: USA
Max. Speed:  1048 KpH, at good conditions at sea level
Armament/Equipment: 4 AGM-88A HARM, AN/ALQ-99 Emitter pods, or Aero 1-D 1136 drop tanks; some with AN/ALQ-149 jamming system
Version: EA-6B
Designation: Electronic warfare/Attack

     Got a problem? Call in the troubleshooter. Prowlers are the same model as the A-6 Intruder, but with some technical modifications. These are advanced electronic warfare aircraft. Although there are many, they are in such high demand that more may be needed in the future.



     The Grumman Prowler is based on the Grumman Intruder platform, and each share very similar looks. However, they each carry different ordinance. The prowler is a four seater, whereas the A-6E intruder is a two seat attack aircraft. This aircraft exhibits the two trademarks of Grumman. One, it is has naval capabilities. Two, its name refers to a cat. Since modern combat needs electronic warfare aircraft, the Prowler is a very potent electronic warfare attack aircraft.


The AGM-88 HARM Missile

     The prowler fought in:

Vietnam, 1972
Grenada, 1983
Libya, 1986
The Gulf war, 1991
Bosnia, 1995

     The last prowler rolled off the assembly lines in 1991 and in 1993, the upgrade program took place. It’s longer and heavier than the Intruder, and although it is middle aged, it is still one of the best electronic warfare aircraft out there. It has underwing pods which send out jamming signals and analyses hostiles with it’s tail mounted ordnance. The tail houses the System Integration Receiver, and the ALQ-136. The ALQ-136 Countermeasures Deception system is fondly known as the “beer can”, and it does exactly what its name suggests. The SIR detects enemy radar emissions and then directs them to the central computer for a full threat analysis scan.

     The Prowlers replaced EF-111 Raven Electronic Warfare Fighters. The Raven’s have much more range and speed then the prowlers, but this says a lot about the Prowler’s capabilities. On a more realistic note, though, the EF-111 was going to be retired any way’s, and congress filled the gap with Prowler’s.



     Many EA-6B’s often deploy with the Carrier fleets in the USA. The Prowler is probably best at anything to do with neutralizing radar’s. It can jam enemy radar’s, and as for those HARM missiles mounted underwing, they can be used to smash radar’s. Prowler’s, whether attacking or analyzing, usually work in teams of two prowler’s. For example, this is how they usually detect radar:

Step 1: When in pair’s, the prowler’s produce much more potent jamming transmissions, but also can fix the sites of enemy radar’s.
Step 2: The lead EA-6B Flies close towards the hostile, which persuades the hostile to activate his radar. The onboard “senso” locates the bearings of the enemy transmitter.
Step 3:The trailing Prowler will be far enough away from the enemy radar to be picked up, but close enough to pick up the radar.
Step 4: The trailing prowler also notes the radar bearing.
Step 5: Using relatively simple trigonometry, the location is fixed and the prowler’s can now retreat before being in range of enemy SAM sites.

     When on deck, the prowler’s electronic systems are always turned off. The reason being, if you get to close when they’re on, prepare to get microwaved. In fact, a black radiation warning symbol is painted on the nose to prevent inadvertent frying. It’s that powerful. Powerful enough to black out all of France. More specifically, they can black out an area the size of France. In 1990, the ADVCAP variants were released. These models have chaff’s, flares, and self-protection jamming systems. They also have a GPK (Global Position Kit) for perfect navigation. In the gulf war, EA-6B’s protected the Coalition air offensive. Since the Prowler is heavy, a catapult launch system is required for a carrier takeoff, so that the aircraft reaches flying speed. If the launch fails, the entire four man crew will eject as the plane is clearing the deck.

     The first EA-6 Flew at Calverton, New York, on May 25, 1968. The Navy EA-6B’s can be found at their home port, Whidbey Island Air Station, North of Seattle. Under the fixed wingroot rests a massive TJS jamming pod. This contains a high powered noise generator and a tracking receiver. It is powered by a wind turbine on the nose of the pod. The pilot sits in the front port cockpit. Electronic Countermeasures officer one operates the navigation, radar, and communications equipment. ECO’s 2 and 3 operate the Tactical Jamming Suite (TJS). ECMO Two also operates the Norden ground-mapping APS-130 system, a downgraded version of the A-6E Intruders APQ-156, with deleted attack functions. Next to the refueling probe, an antenna can be found. This contains self protection jamming which decoys enemy radar missiles. The self protection jamming is provided by a deception jamming suite (DJS). Grumman’s Prowler is one of the highest costing US navy aircraft. It has saved many lives and aircraft, which more than makes up for the cost.


Su-25 Frogfoot


     The Prowler has undergone not one, but 5 extensive upgrade programme’s. For example, the ICAP-II programme lets the underwing TJS pods jam in one of seven frequency bands. They can also now simultaneously interfere with multiple hostile radar’s, even if different frequencies are being used. The well-named HARM missile, with a passive seeker head, can be used in pre-programmed or standby modes. The prowler can carry 6995 Kg’s of internal fuel, plus 4547 Kg if drop tanks are equipped. On the wingtips of the Prowler, two speed brakes can be found. These are similar in design and performance to those found on the Sukhoi Su-25 Frogfoot.

     The EA-6B also has wing spoilers for primary roll control, and flaperon’s assist these at low speeds. The wing has upper surface blowing which increases lift at low airspeeds. The J52 turbojets located in the fuselage could also be found in the A-4 Skyhawk, built by McDonnell Douglas. Although the prowler can barely clear Mach 1, it is meant to escort heavily loaded strike aircraft.

Tues. Apr. 20/10                                Pace51

Real world facts about the Saab Gripen

I take full responsibility for any factual inaccuracies.

Expect more Real World Facts guides on European jets now, too. Also, I’m now going into extreme technological detail so that people unexperienced with planes can better understand. If someone wrote a guide about something I don’t completely understand, like for instance, Submarine’s, I’d want details too.

Maiden Flight: December 9, 1988
Armament: One internal 27mm cannon and one AIM-9 sidewinder on each wing tip,  plus five hard points on which missiles, rockets, and bombs can be mounted.
Max. Speed: 2126 KpH
Country of Origin: Sweden
Manufacturer: Saab. Yes, they build jets.
Powered by: Volvo Aero Corporation/General Electric 8210kg afterburning thrust RM-12 turbojet.

     Yes. Saab does build jets. You know on those cool Saab commercials that used to run? Well, they were telling the truth. Though I doubt your Saab sedan will turn into a Gripen at the press of a button. Shame, really. The Gripen specializes in getting the best of its enemy, and then blowing them to the afterlife.

     It’s a lightweight multirole fighter, and shiny, and used to be the most advanced and capable single seat fighter in 2005. The only fighters that could match it were the F-16’s, the Mig’s, the Dassault Rafale’s, Eurofighter Typhoon’s, and other incredibly high performance aircraft. The Gripen has two Canard foreplanes on either side of the cockpit. Aa canard is a small wind shaped like a triangle, behind the nose but beside the cockpit. It can move, like a flap, and can be found on many aircraft with thrust vecotoring. Canards give a plane incredible agility. You know the J-10 and Eurofighter Typhoon in Bf2? Those funny looking fins on the front of the plane, in front of the delta wing, are Canards. In fact, the Gripen greatly resembles the Eurofighter Typhoon, although that’s only in aesthetics. The Gripen is also a delta winged aircraft. Instead of wings, elevators, and tailfins, this aircraft has one tailfin, and large triangular wings stretching across the aircraft, like the Typhoon or Rafale.



     It was designed to replace the Swedish Air force’s aging Saab Viggens, also deadly delta winged fighters. The Gripen is a “ride” many fighter pilots would love to try out. Although it only breaks mach 2, it has killer handling. Also, its technology is much more advanced than its predecessors, much in the same way the F-16 was said to be technologically advanced compared to its predecessor’s as well. Gripen means “Griffen”, which is a suitable name. The aircraft sends info to the pilots via an onboard Tactical Information Data Link System that lets different tactical air squadron’s share data quickly. This means that it’s squadron’s can assess situations from different angles, and respond in kind. The cockpit is an ergonomics’ engineers dream, but Saab definitely made sure to take as much time as was needed to make the cockpit as useful as possible. Now, not huge amounts of people will know about this fighter. It’s top secret, and much of its data remains classified. The cockpit has Multi-Function displays and a large HUD. They are given light sensors to control brightness, and allow the pilot to respond very quickly to dangerous situations.



     20 percent of the frame is constructed out of carbon composites. The Gripen has a low infra-red signature and a low radar signature, meaning that although it isn’t a stealth fighter, it’s not easily detectable. It has a long range Ericsson PS-05/A multi-mode pulse Doppler radar, letting it track multiple targets at the same time. It’s a deadly fighter and air-to-ground attack jet. It can take off from smaller strips and regular roads, allowing front-line insertion as quickly as possible. It’s also relatively cheap and quite easy to maintain. In June 1997, 200 Gripen’s were in service with Sweden. South Aafrica has also ordered copies.

Celebrity appearances: Featured in Tom Clancy’s H.A.W.X.
Thanks Sheriff for the pictures.

Mon. Apr. 19/10                                Pace51

Real World Facts about the Mikoyan-Gurevich Mig-29 “Fulcrum”

NATO Codename: Fulcrum
Powered by: Dual Klimov 8312Kg afterburning thrust RD-33 turbojet engines.
Max. Speed: 2445 KpH
Maiden Flight: October 7, 1977
Armament: One 30 mm underwing cannon, six underwing harpoint’s carrying 3000 Kg’s of weapons, I.E. 6 AAM’s, or rocket and bomb combinations.



     This incredibly agile and deadly high performance, highly maneuverable fighter was developed in the early 1970’s. Although the first prototype flew in 1977, the “Fulcrum” entered service in 1984. 1200 have been built, some entering service, and others being exported. 460 Entered Russian service. Many countries that it was exported to were Warsaw Pact countries, the USSR’s version of NATO, and non-WP countries as well. It was exported to Germany, Bulgaria, Cuba, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia, Peru, Syria, Iraq, India, Iran, North Korea, Malasia, Moldova, Artemis Global security, the MEC, Al-Assaad’s forces, and more.

     In a not well-known agreement, Moldova transferred 21 mig-29’s to the … United States! This was done in 1997. Iran had looked at Moldova, and was very interested in the high performance fighters. So, the US is safekeeping the Mig’s for Moldova so that rogue parties cannot acquire them.

     The Mig-29’s radar has a range of up too 245 kilometer’s, and can track 10 targets at a time. The pilot gets a helmet mounted sight, and look-down-shoot-down capabilities. This means that, all the pilot has to do is look at an enemy fighter, and the Fulcrums Air-to-Air missiles will be directed there. The Fulcrum is designed for rough operations, and special doors seal up the main intakes, preventing foreign or unwanted objects being ingested during the start-up and taxiing processes. Wingroot louvers draw in the air instead, and the inlet doors open when the aircraft leaves the ground.



     Russia has upgraded their MIG-29’s to the Mig-29SMT standard. In the SMT model, the range and payload are increased, computer screens replace cockpit instruments, and the radar is improved. They also acquire in-flight refueling abilities. When Germany was reunified in the 90’s, and joined NATO, Daimler Chrysler Aerospace modified their mig-29’s so that they would be NATO compatible. They did the same to Poland 9 years later. There is also a navalized version, the mig-29K.

Wed. Mar. 31/10                                Pace51

Real world facts about the B-52 Strato Fortress

Manufacturer: Boeing
Range: 16,000 Km
Armament: One 20mm tail mounted M61A1 cannon, 81 bomb (1000 pounders), or 20 AGM-86 or AGM-129 Cruise missiles, or 4-6 nuclear tactical bombs. Older B-52’s carried varied bomb loads, and featured 4 50. cal browing machine guns instead of the M61A1 cannon.
Speed: 958 KpH
Maiden Flight: April 1952

     The B-52 is the oldest bomber that is still operational. Built and operated post-ww2, this giant behemoth is capable of razing cities and emplacements with its massive bomb loads and nuclear weaponry. Although it can pull an “operation desert storm” and block out the sun with its ridiculous 81 bombs, bombing can be risky, since it renders the aircraft vulnerable to AA fire and enemy fighters. So, cruise missiles are used in modern times to take out targets. In the past, B-52’s featured several gun turrets and average armour. Today, the B-52’s now have a computerized rear turret, a very complex cockpit dominated by every lever imaginable, and its wings have been strengthened immensely to support the 8 engines. Also, the wings are filled with fuel, giving it a huge range boost. K class tankers can increase a B-52’s range to allow it to travel the world. In fact, it can reach any point in the world in 18 hours, maximum. 744 were originally built, and the last was completed in October of 1962.



     B-52 are nicknamed “BUFF” (Big Ugly Fat Fellow). A stratofortress taking off is a sight to see, as the 8 engines billow smoke and the enormous wingspan make it look like a black swirling cloud is pushing the B-52 upwards. The B-52 Can carry nuclear missiles, making it a super powerful weapon of destruction. However, the B1B Lancer has taken over from the B-52 as the USA’s chief tactical nuclear bomber. Under the cockpit, there is a mounted radome carrying the bombing radar scanner. B-52’s were heavily involved in Vietnam, incinerating North Vietnamese and damaging the environment. They were also active in the gulf war, where they launched cruise missiles at large Iraqi cities, like Mosul. The ultimate H model carries a 20mm Vulcan for defense.

     The mass produced E series cost 6 million, but the first A series cost a whopping 29 million, which is a lot in the 50’s.

Wed. Mar. 31/10                                Pace51

Real world facts about the V-22 Osprey

Manufacturer: Boeing/Bell:
Speed: 556 Kph
Range: Aquatic Assaults- 1000 km, and 1880 km for search and rescue missions.
Maiden Flight: September 14 1989 (First transition test flight)
Cargo: 25 troops in full battle gear, or 6500 worth of external loads, or 4500 kg internal loads.
Crew: A pilot and a co-pilot/navigator
Powered By: Dual 4593 –kW Allison T406 –AD-400 turboprops

     The most dangerous part of a USMC assault is the insertion itself. If something is botched during the insertion, the Marines face large odds. The problem with offshore assaults is that their longest ranged helicopters have a range slightly less than that of modern artillery guns. Most conventional artillery has a range of 15-50 km. However, the easier to attain and most common guns will have ranges of 16-26 km. This does not include mortars. Aalso, the 15-26 km ranged guns are easily attainable, and these are the weapons I refer to when I say landing insertions are unsafe. This means that they must bring assault ships within range of the enemy guns in order to launch the helicopters. Also, landing craft can be easily picked off by enemy artillery as well. The V22 Osprey is a brilliant innovative aircraft. It has two large propellers mounted on two long arms that stretch out from the middle of the aircraft. The brilliance of these propeller’s is that they can be transitioned. When the aircraft is taking off or landing, the propellers are pointed upwards, allowing the aircraft to take off or land like a helicopter. However, after the aircraft takes off, the propeller’s slowly decrease until both face forwards, allowing it to fly like a standard propeller plane. This means that the Osprey can take off from a small assault ship, without needing a massive carrier, out of artillery range, fly with the range and speed of a plane, and with a sizeable load of troops.

     Although the CH-53 helicopter, a cousin of the famous MH-53 Pave Low, can carry 55 troops at once, its range is too low for safe insertions. The V-22 carries about twenty five troops at a time, but has more than twice the range of the CH-53. And because of it’s greater speed, it can transport 75 troops (three trips) into an LZ in the time it takes a Sikorsky CH-53E Sea Dragon to transport 1 load. However, this means that the Osprey will face triple the amount of enemy fire a Sea Dragon would have to face. However, if the marines do their job well, and they usually do, the enemy will be weakened greatly by the time the Osprey makes its second and third trips. Since the marines need light and fast, the Osprey’s are usually launched in groups. Several will carry troops, and several others will transport APC’s and IFV’s that the marine’s can use.

     The osprey’s rotors and arms can be folded for under-deck carrier storage. Any carrier vet will tell you how valuable every meter of space is inside a carrier or cruiser. The Osprey’s propellers are in fact quite unique. They have paddle blades, which give the Osprey the power of helicopter rotor’s with the speed of lighter aircraft propeller’s. They are a compromise, however, and are slightly less effective than standard helicopter and aircraft propeller’s. However, the combination gives the aircraft excellent versatility. Bell spent lots of time making endless lines of pre-V-22 prototypes, like the XV-15. It was loved by the marines, who snapped it up instantly, but many American Congressmen are opposed to the aircraft. An interesting feature of the osprey is the sheer power of the propeller’s. The rotor’s are 11.58 meters in diameter, which is huge, and are immensely fire resistant. And as a bonus feature, if one rotor was blown off by Antiaircraft fire, the other rotor still has enough power to keep the Osprey airborne! The V-22’s are positioned with the marines and US forces across the world in specific pattern. No matter if you are in the Canadian Arctic, Siberia, the Sahara desert, or Rio, the osprey can reach you in 36 hours at most.

Celebrity Appearances: In the movie “Transformers”, the V-22 was shown transporting US army troops across the desert. Also, these can be seen in one or two scenes of the movie “The Hurt Locker”.

Sat. Apr. 17/10                                Pace51

Grumman F-14A Tomcat

Manufacturer: Grumman
Maiden Flight: December 21, 1970
Max. Speed: 2485 Km/H
Armament: One 20-mm Vulcan and 4 AIM-9 Sidewinder’s, + Either six AIM-54 Phoenix missiles or 6 AIM-7 Sparrow missiles.
Powered By: 2 92.97 kN Pratt & Whitney TF-30 Turbofans with afterburning capabilities

     The Mach-2 capable F-14A Tomcat is one of the most famous aircraft in the world. It has it’s good points, and bad point’s, but most importantly, it’s hardpoints which carry some of the most expensive missiles in the world.

     The F-14a carries the AIM-54 Phoenix missiles mentioned above. The special thing about these missiles is that they are high performance beyond-visual-range missiles. These are the longest ranging unclassified AAM’s in the world, having a range of a whopping 200 Km. In the nose of the Tomcat, a powerful Hughes AN/AWG-9 Radar rests. This radar allows the Tomcat to detect fighters and larger aircraft at incredible distances, and give the F-14A the ability to shoot down even Cruise missiles. However, don’t get excited about the AIM-54, especially if you live in the states. They cost 2 million dollars. Each. Though, the Tomcat’s are retired now. Sadly.

     The first operational F-14A Tomcat squadron flew in 1972(The year team Canada beat team Russia, Yay Henderson!). The Tomcat’s were also used in the famous Top gun program. Remember the movie? As the commander there said to his pilots, “You’re the best of the best. We’re going to make you even better”. The top gun program was for the most daring, disciplined, and skilled pilots in the US. Famous pilots include:



     Now, when an Aircraft carrier is at sea, especially in the 70’s, bomber’s are the biggest threat, because of their range and power. One bomber can carry enough firepower to level a carrier, although they don’t always fly with full bomb loads. The Tomcat had the speed, range, and firepower necessary to destroy bombers before they could reach the carrier’s. In fact, an F-14A can even take out sea-skimming missiles with the use of the Phoenix and other missiles. The Tomcat incorporates swing wings for superb low level performance and high interception speeds. The Tomcat’s used to be flamboyant an wear colorful tail markings, and other designs. Now, they come in trademark gray camouflage, which makes them trickier to spot.


     A Tomcat is a team. The pilot and the Naval Flight Officer co-ordinate to use the Tomcat as effectively as possible. In 1981, Lt Muszynski and Cdr Kleeman were engaged by two su-22’s. They destroyed both. In 1989, a similar incident involving mig-23’s occurred. The F-14A Also cooperated with E-2C Hawkeye aircraft. Tomcat’s are able to engage up to six enemy aircraft at one time. Since they have long range “Fire and forget” missiles, they are extremely potent fighters.

     Some flaws of the F-14A, other than the AIM-54 “Taxpayer’s worst enemy”, were the design of the TF-30 Turbofans. They are great for the economy, and yield a high performance, but have a moderate-to-low reliability. They sometimes cause more trouble than they’re worth.

Some Topgun movie facts:
The F-14A was the fighter in the movie
The Mig-28’s in the movie actually were Northrop’s. Mikoyan Gurevich never built a mig-28. The movie Top-gun used Northrop F-5 Freedom Fighter’s with a black and red paint scheme as mig’s. However, in real life, the military’s “Aggressor” program function’s similarly. The program modified aircraft so that they would perform like Russian mig-21’s, mig-23’s, mig-29’s, and more. This way, the airforce pilot’s would be able to do target practice on jets with similar capabilities to the Russian jets, which were the main threat at the time, and today still are. However, in real life, these aircraft existed. A real mig28 never existed, only in Top gun.


Mig-28 (Northrop F-5) ^^^^^


F-14D Super Tomcat Stats

Manufacturer: Grumman
Max. Speed: 2485 Km/H
Armament: One 20-mm Vulcan and 4 AIM-9 SidewinderM’s.
Powered By: 2 102.75-kN

Thurs. Apr. 8/10                                Pace51

Real world facts about the F-105 Thunderchief

Company: Republic
Powered by: 1 Pratt and whitney J75-P-19W afterburning turbojet engine
Speed: 2337 Km H
Range: 2975 km
Armament: One m61a1 vulcan cannon and 8 340 kg dumb bombs, or a maximum 6350 kg of ordnance.
Designation- F (Fighter)

     The republic F-105 thunderchief was a hero of the Vietnam War. One that got shot down. A lot. Also one tremendously loved by pilots, although courageous ones. It was actually an amazingly designed jet, with considerable AG firepower, but faced many threats, the most noticeable being Mig-17’s.

This is not an F-105. It's a nuke launch.

     The pilots who flew this jet had nerves of steel, and needed them. A typical mission of the pilots was to bomb the jungle canopy using cloud cover, or engaging targets in and around Hanoi. The Thunderchief was used for bombing and strafing. A total of nearly one-thirds of all Thunderchiefs were shot down in Vietnam. F-105 missions were so long that the pilots needed in-air refueling before they could continue on with their mission. These aircraft flew tremendously long, dangerous, and frequent missions. In Vietnam, you had to fly 100 F-105 sorties. Now, take into consideration everything north of South Vietnam was trying to kill you, 1/3 F-105’s were shot down, but at least the missions didn’t take too long. Oh wait. Lucky you. Since the F-105 could refuel in mid-air, your missions were quite long. One of the saddest facts is that a study proved that by the time you reached your 68th sortie, you were much overdue and would probably be shot down very soon.

     The F-105 engaged targets over and around Hanoi frequently. Although dumb bombs packed a punch, their lack of accuracy means that the bombs are usually only effective if you can score a direct or very close hit. When the F-105’s bombed the Doumer bridge, A.K.A. the Hanoi Railroad, they weren’t able to cause enough damage. They definitely did a good job, but F-4 Phantoms had to be called in to finish off the bridge with Laser-Guided bombs. Hilariously enough, an F-105 pilots had plenty of stories to tell. Near death experiences with little chance of survival make good conversation. Very good for picking up the ladies. One F-105 pilot saw another aircraft, and as many pilots can tell you, split second decisions save lives, and are required. Unfortunately, poor conditions mean that you can make mistakes. The pilot fired at a friendly aircraft. Normally, getting hit in the tailpipe or rear fuselage with an AIM-9 sidewinder is very bad. However, F-105’s had some serious armour. The other pilot returned to base. After exiting his aircraft, he looked at the back. This is probably what ensued (The historical accuracy stops after line one).
Pilot: What the hell? Theres a sidewinder in my tailpipe.
Pilot: Hey guys! Look what I survived. Its still hot!
Crowd: That’s what she said
Pilot: Wait a minute. The things still armed.
Other Pilot: Should we be doing something?
Pilot: Yes.
Other pilot: What?
Pilot: Run.

     After he and the airfield attendants spent the next ten minutes screaming OHMYGODAAAAAAAH and running in circles, it was removed and the pilot got one hell of a souvenir. I feel bad for the poor guy that had to remove it. This paragraph isn’t historically accurate.

     The jet commonly carried drop tanks, air-to-air missiles, and air-to-ground (AG) missiles. One awesome advantage the F-105 had was Thud Ridge. This was a large ridge that allowed the F-105’s to reach their targets safely, after which things went boom. The only word that really describes an F-105 is valiant.

     Sorry about the inaccuracy of the other articles, this one should be more accurate, I double checked it. However, when I refer to Sortie’s in Hanoi, I really mean sortie’s around Hanoi. I’m cross referencing and cross-checking my sources now, so I’ll post these facts guides less frequently (Finray and Seymoure, stop clapping) but they should be more accurate Should. Tell me if you notice any errors.

This is on the vietnam war variant, not the wild weasel or post Vietnam variant...
Yes, sheriff, I will find out more about Thud Ridge, then I'll put it on here.
I'll make a heli facts guide soon too

Tues. Mar. 30/10                                Pace51

Real world facts about the SR-71A Blackbird

Manufacturer: Lockheed
Country of Origin: United States
Crew: Pilot and Recon Officer
Range: 4000 km(Without in-flight refueling)
Speed: 3190 km/h. MACH 3.
Powered By: Dual 144.57 –kN Pratt & Whitney J58-1 Afterburning turbo-ramjets

     The Blackbird is one of the most remarkable engineering accomplishments of all time. It was developed by Lockheed and has a stunning performance and a speed unmatched by any non-classified aircraft. Pilots who fly the SR-71A are required to first log 100 hours of test simulation before they are allowed to fly on missions. Every pilot undergoes the same rigorous training that Astronauts boarding the space shuttle are given. The blackbird is painted in a famous black paint scheme. It is not a stealth aircraft, and carries no armament. However, its speed is so great that nothing can catch it. Most accidents and mishaps generally occur when an SR-71 is taking off. In flight, a common practice is to yaw (tilt the tailfin to propel the aircraft left or right) so that it doesn’t spin out of control upon entering mach 3. In several famous incidents, the sr-71’s were spotted by Russian control centers. The Russians sent incredibly fast Mig-25 Foxbat fighter aircraft to intercept the blackbirds. The blackbirds actually managed to accelerate away from the Migs. Blackbirds can fly faster than many older missiles. It has an incredible ceiling altitude of twenty four thousand meters. At least, that’s the information released. Its maximum altitude is suspected to be higher than this.

     The SR-71 was briefly retired from service due to enormous maintenance costs and because extremely inconvenient and large facilities needed to be built for each individual aircraft to maintain them. They were pulled back into service several years later, at a cost of 100 million dollars in restoration fees. Each. Hilariously enough, many spare parts were located in scrap yards. The aircraft is currently retired from the USAF, although evidence has been found suggesting that the CIA and US intelligent services hire the blackbird every so often to perform top secret recon missions. If you would ever like to see one of these aircraft, don’t worry. Just break into Beale Air force Base located in California. Use pliers. The wings and fuselage were blended in such a way to increase the aircrafts super sonic cruising abilities. There are ejection seats, but at those heights, you might want to decrease altitude before using them. The pilots must wear pressure suits and take part in 30 minute breathing exercises similar to those deep sea divers take part in to decrease their chances of getting the bends. The Blackstronauts (NOT RACIST) need to get the nitrogen out of there system so that they do not get pressure sickness. Falling asleep at the helm of a mach 3 multi-million dollar aircraft while cruising at 24000 meters over countries who are very pissed off at the fact you are photographing them is not a good way to stay alive. The aircraft usually carries no serial number, which is highly and internationally illegal, and if it has one, it’s often bogus. The Americans began using false serial numbers when the U2’s were flying in the cold war days. The best time to watch the blackbird is when it activates the afterburner to cruise at Mach 3. Seriously. Google SR-71 Shock Diamonds. The shock diamonds are large sparks of light that stream out of the twin engines like massive shiny bullets, and they look really cool. They are seriously a must-see. The aircraft is such a speed demon that it has to slow down to mach 1.3 before it can begin the landing process. It uses a parachute to pull to a stop and land. This isn’t a fighter, but it is such a cool innovative technology. You really have to Google it.

Must Sees: Search the following terms for more information or gorgeous pictures. Seriously. These pictures are as awesome as Crysis had good graphics.

Mach 3 Yaw
SR-71 Shock Diamonds
SR-71 Landing
SR-71 Refueling
SR-71 Pilot pre-warm up

And of course… SR-71 Blackbird cruising at Mach 3

If you would like to see one without breaking into Schwartzenegger’s (Put da cookie down) backyard base and possibly getting arrested/shot/overtaxed, visit the Smithsonian Air and Space museum In Washington. Also, they have them on certain decommissioned aircraft carriers opened to the public. If you talk to Russian’s about them, get ready for a slap in the face.

SH-2 Seasprite (F) model
Superseasprite (G) model
It's and ASW (Anti-Submarine Warfare) Helicopter, although it use to serve the transportation role. Ships use sonar to locate submarines, and the SH-2 Destroys them. Also, it was used to monitor the Russians.

Real world facts about the Kaman SH-2 Seasprite

Power: 2 1285-kW General Electric T700-GE-401/403C; F model has dual 1007-kWw T58-GE-8F Turboshafts
Armament: 2 Mk 46/Mk 50 torpedoes; The G model can carry an AGM-65 Maverick AG missile, and a .30 cal mg can be mounted on the doors. Depth charges may also be used.
Maximum Speed: 265 K/H, however, it usually cruises at 230 KpH
Range: 679 Km
Country of Origin: America
Manufacturer: Kaman
Ceiling: 5670M

     Kaman’s SH2F Seasprite and SH2G SuperSeasprite are the ASW (Anti-submarine-warfare) variants of this capable helicopter. In the Vietnam War, it played a transport role. Before that, it was a rescue helicopter and utility copter, and was ship-launched. One of its biggest accomplishments was a 1968 rescue mission deep into enemy territory. Commander Clyde Lassen flew his SH-2 into enemy territory to rescue a downed F-4 Phantom crewmember. He was one of only two people who were awarded the Medal of Honour in that conflict for his daring actions.

     Today, these are deadly weapons for use against submarines. Although not as capable as Sikorsky’s SH-60B Seahawk, these are still very capable aircraft. SH-2F’s were gradually replaced with the more heavy hitting and more heavily armored SH-2G Super Seasprite. Kaman is famous for the use of their meshing rotors. However, the F and G models do not use the meshing rotors, instead opting for the more conventional single rotor design. The SH-2G also carries a more powerful engine, and the AGM-65 Maverick missile. This missile is incredibly powerful, and although they are only useful against surface ships, they can cripple large ships and destroy smaller ones. The SH-2F and even the G model usually carried, and some still do carry, the Mk 46 anti-submarine air-launched homing torpedo, a NATO standard weapon. However, the Soviet submarine hulls, and other submarine hulls, are getting much thicker and more durable, rendering this torpedo obsolete. The more powerful Mk 50 is used with more effect.



     An SH-2 attacks like this. Its parent ship will acquire a submarine through the use of its onboard passive or active Sonar. Then, the SH-2F or G is sent out to engage the submarine. As the Seasprite approaches, the ship guides Kaman’s Seasprite toward the target. The seasprite will then drop sonobuoy’s or use MAD gear which reacts to the magnetic field of a target. The crew will launch a torpedo or a depth charge at the target, from a nearby position. If a torpedo is used, the Mk 46/50 will do a spiral search pattern to acquire the target, and because it’s a homing torpedo, it will locate the target and hone in on it. If the first hit fails to destroy the submarine, a second torpedo is fired or new orders are given to the flight crew. However, many Seasprites only carry one torpedo on standard patrol missions, so the helicopter is most effective when its parent ship locates a submarine nearby. That way, it can be properly equipped. The US Navy frigates amd destroyers use the SH-2G.

     The SH-2 rescue variants had floatation devices so that it could safely ditch in calm water only.
Britain utilizes the Lynx, and the USSR utilized the ka-25 Hormone-A



Discuss

Sun. Apr. 11/10                                    Pace51

Real world facts about the B-1B Lancer

Manufacturer: Rockwell
Range: 11, 675 Km
Powered by: Four 133.57 kN General Electric F101-GE-102 turbofans
Max. Speed: Mach 1.2, however it is usually used at speeds of Mach 0.99 (999 Km/H)
Accommodates: Four crew members
Armament: Eight cruise missiles, or 12 B28 Nuclear bombs, or 24 B61/B83 Nuclear bombs. However, in theory, it can carry a load of 60, 782.



     Although other bombers, like the B52, had more nostalgia, and bombers like the B-2 were released with more pomp and ceremony, the B-1B lancer is one of the most advanced and deadliest nuclear bombers out in the world today. It is a very large long-range strategic nuclear bomber. It now fills the strategic bomber roll previously filled by the b-52. The first B-1A was flown in 1974. The B-1B came out 10 years later.

     The plane is equipped with PLZT blast curtains that shield the crew from the thermonuclear blast; however this doesn’t mean its nuclear-bomb proof. Like the tu-160 blackjack, the B1’s tail is high set and avoids the engine efflux. The B-1 generally only carries the SRAM nuclear missile, or B-28, B-61, and B83 free falling bombs. The B-1 has decent stealth capabilities, and incorporates a radar cross-section. Like the F-14, the B-1 is a swept-wing aircraft. It’s quite an advanced bomber, but most of its equipment, especially in the nose, is still classified. However, it a Westinghouse AN/AQP-164 Attack Radar.

     When carrying out a nuclear strike with an SRAM, the B-1B lancer is capable of performing several attack maneuvers. It can launch the cruise-style nuclear missiles a safe distance from its target. It was originally supposed to carry out nuclear strikes from high levels with its missiles, but before the prototype was developed, new and advanced SAM technologies made this strategy useless, and dangerous. This strategy was also popular at the time for propelling nuclear bombs large distances by launching them at a 45 degree angle, and although this tactic is not very accurate or reliable, the bomb is, after all, nuclear. You could miss by 2, or more miles and still smash your target. Wwhen it entered service, the Air Force decided that they would put the Lancers amazing low-level performance to good use. The swing-wing’s gave the low level performance needed to secure the B-1 in its role as a low level penetration bomber. This means that its primary tactic is to fly at low level’s and launch missiles from a distance away, and then escape.

     The B-1B is flown similarly to a fighter by the pilot and co-pilot. The offensive and defensive systems operators sit close behind the pilots. It has great handling for a bomber, and flies comfortably and effectively at cruising speeds. Now, the Lancer is used conventionally, as a regular bomber. The structure of the fuselage is composed of incredibly strong titanium alloys, as well as aluminum alloys and composite glass fibres. The bomber also carries three bomb bays. It crashed once in training when the fuel transfer computer was overrode by the crew, which unbalanced the aircraft. It wasn’t carrying any active munitions.

This RWF is very specific, talking mainly about the technical performance of the aircraft. No trolls, I didn't copy-paste it from wikipedia

B-1B Lancer Awesome nuclear bomber
Discuss.

Tues. Mar. 30/10                                Pace51

Real world facts about the Sukhoi Su-37 Super Flanker

Maiden Flight: June 28, 1988
Power: Dual Lyulka AL-31M Turbofans
Armament: 1 30mm cannon and 14 hardpoints that can accommodate various weapon combinations and drop tanks up to 6000 Kg’s.
Maximum Speed: 2500 Kph
Range: 4000 Km
Country of Origin: USSR Commisioned, Russian Operated
Manufacturer: Sukhoi

     The Sukhoi SU-37 is a brilliant but hard hitting Russian dogfighter. Don’t let its massive size fool you, it has the dogfighting capabilities of a Mig-21 with better agility and a powerful 30mm cannon. In fact, the Russian designer challenged any American aircraft to a mock-up dogfight, literally saying “Any time, any place”. He wasn’t kidding either. Those two bizarre looking fins on either side of the cokpit are canards. They give an aircraft absolutely incredible agility, meaning the SU-37 Super Flanker can literally Super Flank you. It can out maneuver enemy aircraft, flank them, get beside them and down them with the 30mm.


I suspect that this is a GR4, because its Luttewaffe, and not an ADV


     It was an improvement upon Sukhoi’s also potent SU-27 Flanker. However, the SU-35/37 is basically a giant Flanker. It has increased thrust, better fuel consumption, better thrust vectoring, and although the canards are the same, there was a brilliant computerized fly-by-wire system. It allowed the aircraft to analyze and respond to outside conditions. Sukhoi got bad publicity after a tragic accident when on of their SU-27’s or perhaps Su-37’s lost control at a public airshow. The aircraft was performing a standard barrel roll, but the pilot’s controls jammed. The pilot swerved to a low altitude, and was barely able to control his aircraft. He finally hit telephone wires and the aircraft rammed right into the middle of the crowd, killing hundreds.

     It carries a beautiful Phazotron radar which gives it even better radar capabilities than it’s cousin, the SU-27 flanker. At another airshow, Sukhoi’s brilliant test pilot Frolov put the SU-37 through totally lethal(Dangerous=Fun) maneuvers. I don’t think that you quite understand what I mean by lethal. Google the 1996 Farnbourough airshow. The pilot literally flipped the jet upside down on its back, so that it was facing the opposite direction it was flying in. Upside down. He did this for two seconds, which is a huge accomplishment. He then successfully did a 360 and righted the aircraft while ground crew supplied toilet paper to the fans who were busy soiling their pants and muttering “Comrade, Holy crap” to each other.

Sat. Apr. 24/10                                Pace51

Real World Facts- Tupolev Tu-95 “Bear”

Country: Russia
Max. Speed: 650 KpH
Radius: 6, 400 km
Powered By: Four Samara Kuznetsov NK-12MP Turboprop engines.

     The large Tu-95 bomber can often be seen in a silvery-gray colour camoflauge. This large 4-engined aircraft is truly a marvel of Russian engineering, and it almost looks like a Russian version of the B-52 Strato Fortress.

     It was originally constructed as a tactical/strategic heavy hitting bomber. They were drawn up, produced, and built at the TJSC (Tupolev Joint Stock Company) Aviation factory which was located in urban Moscow. Just as the Americans did long range reconnaissance and bomber patrols during the cold war, so did the Russians. The Bear was used to patrol and monitor the airspace near NATO, American, and other non-Warsaw Pact nations.

     By the order of President Putin, the Tu-95 raided NATO airspace yet again after a 15 year sabbatical. In July and August 2007, they made nuisances of themselves several times, by repeatedly flying near key military installations.



     The cockpit has accommodations for two crew members, while the compartments behind it can accommodate 4-5 air staff. A USSR designed Radiotechniczny System Bliskiej Nawigacji sits in the aircraft. It rests under the box tail radome at the base of the aircrafts rudder.

     The tu-95 can carry six KH-55 Granat long ranged nuclear warhead cruise missiles. These missiles have an astounding range of 3000 kilometers, and are mounted in the bomb bay on a catapult launch drum. The ASW Variants of the Tu-95 can equip a total of eight conventional KH-101 air launch cruise missiles which have a long range of 3 thousand kilometers, or 14 KH-SD Anti-Ship missiles. The tail gunner gets a large twin-barreled GSH-23L cannon, accessible via the ventral hatch. There is a handy navigation radar, cannon control radar, weather control radar, and a bombing radar. Engels and Ukrainka are two bases where the aircraft are currently operated. Also, Russia’s Air Force operates 11 TU-95KU aircraft as strategic bomber trainers. This gives young comrades a great opportunity to begin training on the long-range strategical bombers operated by Russia. The engine was low fuel consumption, allowing this heavily armed long range bomber to conduct armed patrols along the Atlantic and other NATO controlled areas. They are some of the fastest propeller engined aircraft in the world, and were built in the late 1940’s. They started out with turboprops which were found to be much better than piston engines. 2020 is the planned expiration date, or at least the earliest possible expiration date.

     Hilariously enough, whenever the Tupolev encounters an enemy aircraft, the pilots wave at one another. They are not being hostile, but they are testing western defenses. Although it can almost fly at supersonic speeds, this is one freakingly speedy aircraft.

Sun. Apr. 25/10                                Pace51

Real World Facts about the Panavia Tornado ADV/F.3

Note: FatherTed, as you requested, this guide is an overview of the whole project. However, it is an overview of the development of the Air Defense Variant (ADV), starting with the F.2 Prototype and culminating with the Panavia Tornado ADV/F.3 Fighter variant. Will try to get more GR4 information. However, currently finishing up Q-5 Fantan guide, A6M zero guide, Thud Ridge facts, and Eurofighter guide so it may be a little while.

Max. Speed: 2381 KpH
Maiden Flight: October 27, 1979
Powered by: dual Turbo-Union 7292 Kg afterburning-thrust RB199-34R Mk 104 turbofans
Armament: One 27mm cannon, 4 Sky Flash AAm’s (Italy’s Regia Aeronautica A.K.A. Air force carries Alenia Aspide AAM’s instead of the sky flash) plus four AIM-9 Sidewinder AAM’s.

     The Tornado project was a large, international project that resulted in one of the best high-performance swept winged fighters in service today. The UK, West Germany, and Italy all worked together to develop this magnificent fighter. It was a technological marvel. Each of the countries who helped to design it built their own, but they were the same design. A powerful Rolls-Royce engine was used in all the aircraft, and the first version of the Tornado intended for service was a strike variant (Like the F-18E, also a fighter with large striking power), and the strike variant ended up coming out first. When the fighter variant was being developed, the RAF wanted to replace their BAC Lightning’s and F-4 phantoms. The Tornado proved to be a better interceptor than either of those two jets, and it also had higher acceleration rates. Although it isn’t much of a dogfighter, have a substantial lack of maneuverability, it was meant to defend the huge UK Air Defense Region. Now, this region doesn’t just cover England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland. Its actually quite larger than that. This region stretches out from all of the south-west approaches to Iceland, includes the entire UK, goes up to the North Sea, and also includes most of the Eastern Atlantic region. That’s a lot of airspace.

     When the RAF requested an interceptor capable of all weather unrefuelled combat air patrols 563 km from base, the Tornado ADV was developed and brought into production. It had to be able to fly deep out over the Atlantic, clear the ranges of all land based radars, and also hang out there for a while. This would mean that they could easily intercept TU-95 bears and similar bombers that could be coming over the arctic.

     In the beginning, only the British wanted the ADV F.3 interceptor version. As time went on, Italy started to lease 24 F.3’s in 1995 while they were waiting for the Euro fighter to be finished. The only export customer of the Panavia Tornado remains Saudi Arabia, and Saudi Arabia used them to fly combat patrols alongside RAF Tornadoes. Neither (Tornado ADV’s) saw any action, though. The RAF’s Tornadoes also flew over Bosnia-Herzegovina to enforce the no fly zone policy. Because of modifications in 2000, the Tornadoes can now carry AMRAAM and ASRAAM missiles. Also, for beyond visual range fighting, a necessary ability for an interceptor, the F.3’s were equipped with the Joint Tactical Information Distribution System.



     The airframes of the interceptor and strike variants of the Tornado are quite similar, but do have their differences. The ADV has a slightly longer fuselage, and a sophisticated GEC-Marconi Foxhunter Radar capable of tracking 20 maximum targets at once, while simultaneously scanning a search area up to 165 km away. When the skyflash was chosen, the missiles were carried in tandem semi-recessed pairs under the center line of the aircrafts fuselage. Like the F-14 tomcat and the B-1B lancer, the Tornado also has “Swing-wings” (Variable Geometry wings). They can automatically go from spread to swept positions and two interim settings which maximize the aircrafts aerodynamics and streamlining performance which are required in flight, landing, and take off.

     The prototype of the Tornado F.3 first flew in 1979. This was called the F.2. The RAF received their first examples in 1984. The aircraft only carried nose ballast, and a radar version that did not meet full RAF standards because of delays in the Foxhunter Radar’s development. It was finished in 1989. In the 80’s RAF F.3’s also performed AWACS duties because of the Royal Air Forces mixed fighter plan. The navigator used the Tornadoes radar to successfully direct hawk trainers towards enemy aircraft armed with AIM-9 sidewinder missiles.

     Early in production, many were introduce as the improved F. Mk.3’s, which carried the better engines, and larger drop tanks, full automatic swept wing config, improved afterburners and provisions necessary to carry four AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles, as well. On September four, 1987, an F.3 Tornado ADV took off from Canada and flew a direct, one way flight to the BAE systems plant located in Warton UK, without even one in flight refueling.

Sat. Apr. 24/10                                Pace51

Nanchang/Shenyang Q-5 Fantan

Max. Speed: 1,190 Kmh
Range: 400 Km
Powered by: two shenyang wp-6 turbojet engines
Armament: Two 23mm cannons, and 4,409 pounds of ordinance could be carried.

     The Nanchang Q-5 Fantan was almost a direct Chinese copy of the famous soviet Mig-19 codenamed farmer by NATO. However, although it used the Russian design, it used Chinese technology, incorporated some very new features, and looked quite different.

     In 1958, the cultural revolution nearly halted the entire Q-5 program. Despite high tensions and even higher threats, Nanchang and Shenyang corporations worked together as hard as

Last edited by pace51 (2010-07-15 07:25:30)