A USAF pilot was quoted saying “I hope they mass-produce the MiG-23 and export it everywhere. In that case, we won’t have to do much fighting. The Russians are going to kill themselves flying it.”

I’ve always wondered what tactical value an older-generation Red Air adversary could provide. To what end could an upgraded F-5 or Mirage F.1 simulate more advanced platforms like the Su-30/35, J-10/20, or even the Rafale. If USAF/USN/USMC aviation does face off against China, or Russia, those parties will send something more potent than an upgraded MiG-21.

By all means, refute.

They’re pretty similar in layout and general appearance, except the Su-25 is outwardly “Russian.” Both have long straight wings with a more-than-usual number of hard points. Both are twin-engined designs with the engines in conformal pods on the sides of the fuselage. Both have a conventional empennage w/dihedral unlike the A-10. Northrop went with a bubble canopy unlike the Soviets, who are not a big fan of large bulbous canopies. The YA-9’s offset nose gear indicates they were planning on fitting the GAU-8 at a later date. YA-9 used turbofans while the Soviets stuck with their traditional turbojet.

They do look the same. Maybe it could be that two different results to the same problem will resemble one another. Like the Space Shuttle vs. Buran similarity.

That’s the latest J-31 build. Japan is not getting that.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]259714[/ATTACH]

F-15C No.1 loaded with an experimental bomb load.

Anyone want to make a pool on Bulgaria?

AB.204 http://www.airwar.ru/image/idop/uh/ab204/ab204-6.jpg Similar to UH-1D
AB.205 http://www.airwar.ru/image/idop/uh/ab205/ab205-2.jpg Similar to the “Slick”

My experience in Vietnam-era Hueys was Dk. Grey (Gunship Grey) for the interiors, everywhere, black on the dash and instrument clusters. All examples were heavily weathered and covered with the standard dark Army OD green. Top windows above the pilot/copilot was tinted green.