A question regarding the MiG-29Ks; would it be possible to retrofit the TVC nozzles from the MiG-29OVT/35 on to these? I recall Klimov advertising them as being retrofittable, and I also recall the Naval Typhoon presentations that suggested thrust vectoring would improve a fighter’s STOBAR take-off performance.

Yes, any MiG-29M variant with fly-by-wire can be fitted with the TVC, hassle free.

Also who said the Vik is using the same propulsion as the Kuznetsov? The Kuz’s propulsion has been problematic for years, is going to be completely replaced during its refit. I find it extremely unlikely the Vik will repeat the mistake.

In other news:
http://rian.ru/defense_safety/20110316/354448429.html

Nerpa will be handed over to India before October.
Lease is for ten years, cost – 920 million dollars.

First pic I see of two Telletubbies side by side.

Yes, but that seems just utterly optimistic. Ten by 2020 (received no less, not under construction!) would mean they would have to lay down another 7 boats before 2015…I do not see that happening, I am not even sure if it possible.

But, 3rd boat this year, makes me a happy panda.

http://www.rian.ru/defense_safety/20110317/354893529.html

3rd Yasan to be laid down this year.

Music to my ears.

Thanks for your ideas Jang.

Another thing is the speed of construction- the boat is planned to be handed over in 2013- that seems to indicate it is not the first of a kind! It could be a modest improvement over the 636 though and still achieve that timescale.

Is that the same as Mi 8 MTKO? but with dual EO systems?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRBH0z4ae_o

As I understand there have been IDed a seperate MTKO and an AMTSh, so I guess both Kazan and Ulan-Ude went for that configuration.

That is the infamous Telepoozik (Telletuby) :).

I think at least 2 were IDed.

Wow, nice pics, what is that large radar under the large circular one? Looks like the same massive one on the Kerch.

Also, gotta love Russian weather.