The Highly Underrated Eastern Aviation in Photos [21 Pics]

Sep 24 2012

Decided to switch it up from the standard military stuff we see from day to day (Raptors, Hornets, etc) and show you how the East likes their aviation. We like it too.

Cover Photo: Kamov Ka-50 “Black Shark” is piloting around ancient ruins. Only a handful of these helicopters are currently in service due to budget cuts after the fall of the Soviet Union.

Tu-22M3 preparing for take off. It is Russia's primary supersonic, swing-wing, long-range strategic and maritime strike bomber.

Two Ka-50 flying in formation. These helicopters are extremely unique in their construction (no rear rotor) and have ejection seat capability. During an ejection sequence the rotor blades shoot off with explosive charges, and the cockpit is jettisoned allowing a safe exit for the pilot.

MiG-25 “Foxbat” during take off. A most impressive aircraft designed to fill the role of a supersonic interceptor and reconnaissance aircraft. The MiG has a top speed of Mach 2.83+ (as high as Mach 3.2, but at risk of significant damage to the engines) making it the second fastest and second highest-flying military aircraft ever fielded after the SR-71 “Blackbird”.

Ka-52 “Alligator”, is a newer version of the Ka-50. It has a twin side-by-side cockpit layout, which enables the pilot and the copilot to work more closely when attacking ground units.

MiG-29 doing low-flying maneuvers at an airshow. The MiG-29 is one of the most successful (and cost effective) air superiority fighters in the world. Currently 29 countries across the globe are actively using these fighters.

A Mi-24 “Hind” performing a low fly-by over an armored column. A helicopter that was liked by the pilots that flew it. Many called it the flying tank due to the amount of damage it could take during combat. It proved its capability during the Soviet-Afghan war of the 80's.

Two Mi-24 firing unguided rockets (and canons) at ground targets. Over 2,000 of these birds have been made, and many countries across the world are still actively using these helicopters.

The capabilities of the MiG-25 were better understood in 1976 when Soviet pilot Viktor Belenko defected in a MiG-25 to the United States via Japan. The West was shocked about the performance figures of the new MiG, and as a result upped performance figures of their new F-15 fighter during the development.

MiG-29 has proved to be an extremely reliable airplane over the years and is currently undergoing constant modernization. This one is performing aerial maneuvers at an airshow.

Sukhoi PAK FA is a fifth generation stealth fighter. It is one of the most modern aircraft built today (alongside the Raptor and the Lightning). Currently only four have been made, and are undergoing flight testing. Russia is said to have 60 more by 2016.

Tu-95 “Bear” is a huge four engine, turbo-prop powered strategic bomber and missile platform. Despite being a propeller driven aircraft, it is capable of reaching extremely high speeds of approximately 900km/h.

MiG-25 is able to carry four air-to-air missiles and is equipped with an extremely powerful radar that was studied by the West.

Sukhoi PAK FA and MiG-29 flying in close formation during trials. What a stunning paint scheme on the PAK FA!

Su-24 during take off. A supersonic, all-weather attack aircraft developed in the Soviet Union. This variable-sweep wing, twin-engined two-seater carried the USSR's first integrated digital navigation/attack system.

Su-27 is a twin-engine super-maneuverable fighter aircraft designed by Sukhoi. It was intended as a direct competitor for the large United States fourth generation fighters, with 3,530-kilometre (1,910 nmi) range, heavy armament, sophisticated avionics and high maneuverability. It is also the only aircraft capable of doing the "Cobra" maneuver.

Many US submarine commanders said that the Tu-95 engines were so distinctive and loud that they could hear them flying overhead while being submerged. The turbo-prop design provided a longer range and a higher speed over the conventional piston engine design.

Su-34 side-by-side modification of the Su-27. It is intended to serve as a fighter-bomber that will eventually replace the Su-24.

Tu-22M3 taking off with full afterburners. These things are massive!

A closeup of the complex Kuznetsov NK-12M turboprops on the Tu-95. Its blades, which rotate faster than the speed of sound, according to one media source, make it arguably the noisiest military aircraft on earth. The civilian airliner version, Tu-114 still holds the world record for being the fastest propeller driven airliner.

The insanely massive, Tu-160 in flight. Although several civil and military transport aircraft are larger in overall dimensions, the Tu-160 is currently the world's largest combat aircraft, largest supersonic aircraft, and largest variable-sweep aircraft built. In addition, the Tu-160 has the heaviest takeoff weight of any military aircraft besides transports.

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