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Text: |
Andy Herzog |
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Pictures: |
Guido Bühlmann |
With a gigantic air show the Russian Air Force was celebrating on 10th to 12th of August 2012 her "100" years anniversary of Russian military aviation. Not only in Zhukovsky near Moscow, but throughout the country, there were numerous celebrations. The government of President Vladimir Putin was showing strength and power.
But
the visit of the air show on Saturday was reserved to invited guests
with special permits, diplomats and government people, much to the
regret of all the other guests.
But also
outside the site it was possible to take some great pictures, even if
only in the air. Regarding the poor lighting conditions on the grounds
of Zhukovsky (mainly backlight) it was certainly a advantage, as the
following report by Guido E. Buehlmann impressively shows.
The celebration
In
order of the thousands of spectators, the leaders of the Russian Air
Force pulled all the registers to celebrate this memorable occasion in
style. Aviation in Russia has forever strong ties with the military what
has been demonstrated in an impressive way for these three days!
Fighters
Suchoi Su-27 Flanker, Suchoi Su-34
Fullback, MIG-29 Fulcrum
Most modern fighter jets such as the
Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker, the Sukhoi Su-34 Fullback, and the legendary
MiG-29 Fulcrum showed their skills in association
as well
as in solo performances.
Highlights were certainly the firing of so-called "flares" and the
stylized formation flight in the figure of the Jubilee number "100" at
the beginning and end of the show.
(Picture courtesy Guido Bühlmann)
(Picture courtesy Guido Bühlmann)
(Picture courtesy Guido Bühlmann)
(Picture courtesy Guido Bühlmann)
(Picture courtesy Guido Bühlmann)
(Picture courtesy Guido Bühlmann)
(Picture courtesy Guido Bühlmann)
(Picture courtesy Guido Bühlmann)
Suchoi Su T-50
Unmistakable the similarity of the
Sukhoi Su-50 T, here escorted by a MIG-29, with the American
Lockheed-Martin F-22 Raptor. Equipped with stealth characteristics the
Su T-50 is still in flight testing and will be built in series by 2015.
Yak-130
The Yak-130 is a trainer and light
attack aircraft that was ordered along with Russia by Algeria,
Bangladesh, Libya, Syria and Vietnam. The first deliveries were made to
the Russian armed forces (11) and Algeria (3).
MIG-31 Foxhound
With over 500 built MIG-31Foxhound it
is an advanced variant of the former MIG-25 Foxbat, here flying in
formation with three other aircrafts.
(Picture courtesy Guido Bühlmann)
(Picture courtesy Guido Bühlmann)
(Picture courtesy Guido Bühlmann)
Bomber
Tupolev Tu-22M3
Backfire
In the "middleweight" class, three
Tupolev Tu-22M3 Backfire from the Air Base Solzy near Novgorod Oblast,
showed a precise formation flying that was very impressive.
Tupolev Tu-95 Bear, Tupolev Tu-160
Blackjack
The backbone of the Russian strategic
bombers is the Tupolev Tu-95 Bear and the Tupolev Tu-160 Blackjack.
A fly-past of six aircrafts impressed the
crowds and showed the capability of these aircrafts.
All aircrafts are stationed at Engels Air Force Base near Saratov.
(Picture courtesy Guido Bühlmann)
(Picture courtesy Guido Bühlmann)
(Picture courtesy Guido Bühlmann)
(Picture courtesy Guido Bühlmann)
Attack
Aero L-39 Albatros
As a trainer and light fighter plane
the Aero L-39 Albatross is found not only in the Russian inventory.
Almost thirty countries and there air force’s set on these robust and
proven training aircraft. Also acrobatic teams, such
as the Breitling aerobatics team, the Baltic Bees and the pictured "RUSS
team" relied on the albatross.
Suchoi Su-24M Fencer
A low flying formation of four Sukhoi
Su-24M Fencer, with their distinctive swing wings.
Suchoi Su-25 Frogfoot
Much like the American
Fairchild-Republic A-10 Thunderbolt, the Sukhoi Su-25 Frogfoot is known
as "Tank Buster". Tested during the Afghanistan conflict in the 80s, the
Frogfoot on the battlefield is mainly used to bust and destroy tanks and
armored vehicles. Their heavy weaponry and superior armor makes it to a
dreaded enemy be recognizing also in formation as shown on this picture.
(Picture courtesy Guido Bühlmann)
(Picture courtesy Guido Bühlmann)
(Picture courtesy Guido Bühlmann)
(Picture courtesy Guido Bühlmann)
Helicopter
MIL Mi-26 Halo,
MIL Mi-8 Hip
Further developed from the MIL Mi-6
"Hook", the MIL Mi-26 "Halo" is the world's largest helicopter ever
manufactured in series. With a payload up to 20 tons of cargo, it is the
"heavyweight" champignon among the helicopters. Not only the Russian
army (30) flies the Halo, even countries such as India (11), Mexico (1)
and Venezuela (3) and many more operate the MIL-26. Even the UN needs
this helicopter for their humanitarian efforts. The picture shows the
MIL-26 Halo escorted by four MIL Mi-8 of the newest generation.
MIL Mi-28 Havoc
With an aim of tracking 20 objects
simultaneously, the MIL Mi-28 "Havoc" is the ideal combat helicopter on
the battlefield and is mainly used for armored targets.
In the association, as the pictures shows, the heavily armed Havoc is a
serious opponent, similar to the U.S. AH-64 "Apache"
(Picture courtesy Guido Bühlmann)
(Picture courtesy Guido Bühlmann)
(Picture courtesy Guido Bühlmann)
(Picture courtesy Guido Bühlmann)
Aircrafts for special mission
IL-86VKP Maxdome
As a flying command post, the Russian
Air Force operates two IL-86VKP "Maxdome" (RA-86147 and RA-86149) from
its Air Base Chkalovsky near Moscow.
Myasischev M-55 Geophysica
As the flying laboratory "Aero
Monitoring" presented, Myasischev M-55 Geophysica is still used as
research aircraft among others in exploring of the ozone hole.
Tupolev Tu-134UBL Crusty
This Tupolev Tu-134UBL (RF-93938) is
used for training the pilots of the Tupolev Tu-160 Blackjack and Tupolev
Tu-22M3 Backfire. Very distinctive is the typical pointy nose.
Beriev A-50 Mainstay
The Beriev A-50 "Mainstay" is the
Russian AWACS-Version and originally based on the IL-76. The only other
operator in addition to Russia is the Indian Air Force.
(Picture courtesy Guido Bühlmann)
(Picture courtesy Guido Bühlmann)
(Picture courtesy Guido Bühlmann)
(Picture courtesy Guido Bühlmann)
Transporter
Antonov An-2 Colt
With over 18,000 units had been built,
the Antonov An-2 "Colt" is the largest, single-engine biplane in the
world and, as shown in this picture, used for paramilitary tasks and
training of parachutists.
Antonov An 12 Cub
The Antonov An-12 "Cub" is in many air
forces, including the Russian, still the standard transport-aircraft. In
addition to countless more developed versions, the An-12 was also
produced as a construction license (Shaanxi Y-8) in China.
Antonov An-22 Cock
Only a few Antonov An-22 "Cock", the
largest aircraft in the world powered by propellers, are still in use
today. The pictured RA-09342 shows its gigantic size.
Antonov An-124-100 Ruslan Condor
Everywhere transporting bulky loads is
the place where you will find the Antonov An-124-100 "Ruslan" in use.
The pictured RA-82013 is part of the 224th Air Transport Wing.
(Picture courtesy Guido Bühlmann)
(Picture courtesy Guido Bühlmann)
(Picture courtesy Guido Bühlmann)
(Picture courtesy Guido Bühlmann)
IL-76MD Candid-B
These modern versions of the IL-76MD
'Candid-B "are subject to the Transport Squadron 196 from Tver.
(Picture courtesy Guido Bühlmann)
(Picture courtesy Guido Bühlmann)
In
the form of the number "100" the modern Russian fighter jets opened and
closed in each case the impressive air show.
Certainly an impressive demonstration of the Russian air force also with
the participation of well-known aerobatic teams, such as the "Russian
Knights and Swifts" as well as their guests, the Red Arrows from
England, the Frecce Tricolori from Italy and the Iskry from Poland, in
the grand finale.