Probably also the fact that Soviet/Eastern European military planners always considered their air fields to be military facilities and were not too concerned about appearance.
The words “It’s a military installation, it’s not meant to look pretty” spring to mind.
All Soviet aircraft were designed from the outset to operate from s****y conditions including rough fields if they needed to so smooth runways were never considered essential.
Most Russian airfields I have seen on the net (never in person) appear rather run down compared to UK airfields for example. The grass is seen running riot, wrecks are littered here and there and the fence is rather crude. However, IMO, this does not reflect the lack of professionalism of the crews be they pilot or mechanic.
It does reflect the way of thinking though. It does the job for Russian aircraft. When Western aircraft make a trip to them, they need to be tended to.
I have often seen footage of Americans walking the runways to clear it of foreign objects, I have yet to see Russians do this as certain features were included in their aircraft to minimize the damage down by these foreign objects on their runways.

What ever happened to the Shafaq or whatever it was called? Not the F-5 mod but the little two seater we saw in mock up form years ago?

What’s the difference from a guided missle? What don’t you call it a serial killer aircraft? Or ruthless dictator aircraft? Or raper of Western women aircraft? Or child molester aircraft?

I agree with Spitfireman, what are you on about?

I remember one from a while ago, it went like this…

Phones bank and gets an Indian call centre…..

“Hello can I please be put through to my branch please”…

“Madam this is the XYZ bank call centre I can help you with your requirements”…

“Good, can you put me through to my branch in xyz high street”

“No Madam I will help you, do you require a loan”?

“No I wish to speak to my local branch”…

“Your branch can not tell you anything I cannot do Madam”,

“Then can you please tell me if I left my gloves on the counter when i popped in 30 mins ago and are they still there”?…………

Silence…………………………

This made me chuckle :p. I agree with what a lot of people have said, and it really annoys me when I get called by a company who insist I should prove I am who they think they are calling. I don’t do that to them! “If you are ********* ltd then prove it!”….they would be bloody lost then!

Thanks guys,

Can’t wait til I have kids who grow up and learn. I’ll sit there as they take me out for a spin in their hovercar and say say “I learnt to drive in a 106.” to which they will probably reply “What mach could that do dad?” :rolleyes:

Lol thanks everyone. Inkworm, believe it or not that came very close…little s*** walked straight out in front of me on test. Thank God I was half expecting it :rolleyes:.
The feeling of freedom is amazing and it has opened up so many doors career wise for me now.

Seriously though, you see a little green 106 being driven around Worcester remember to wave hello :p

Are the Moldovan Fulcrums airworthy? They don’t look it. Has the economic situation improved enough to get them flying again?

Russia Debuts Stealth Fighter—with Implications for the U.S.

I’d be more concerned about the US selling F-35s to nations that then under go a revolution and end up fighting their own tech 😮