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Modern Russian Army in the photos.

USAFSS-ColdWarrior

USAFSS-ColdWarrior

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Although common worldwide in may DUCTED propulsion systems (Jets and Turbofans) COUNTER-ROTATING PROPULSION technology with airplane propellers, helicopter rotors, and both surface and submarine ship propellers was greatly appreciated and made huge advances by design engineers in the USSR.

One of my personal favorites from a design perspective is the TU-95 Bomber. If you've ever heard on flying nearby you will never forget the unique sound produced by those counter-rotating props.
 
marchplumber

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USAFSS-ColdWarrior said:
Although common worldwide in may DUCTED propulsion systems (Jets and Turbofans) COUNTER-ROTATING PROPULSION technology with airplane propellers, helicopter rotors, and both surface and submarine ship propellers was greatly appreciated and made huge advances by design engineers in the USSR.

One of my personal favorites from a design perspective is the TU-95 Bomber. If you've ever heard on flying nearby you will never forget the unique sound produced by those counter-rotating props.
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Yep, agreed. Just like one never forgets the sound of the A-10 or the C-5....... distinctive sounds for sure.
 
Another Ahab

Another Ahab

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USAFSS-ColdWarrior said:
One of my personal favorites from a design perspective is the TU-95 Bomber. If you've ever heard on flying nearby you will never forget the unique sound produced by those counter-rotating props.
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marchplumber said:
Yep, agreed. Just like one never forgets the sound of the A-10 or the C-5....... distinctive sounds for sure.
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Where did you all happen to be to hear airborne TU-95's?!
 
marchplumber

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Another Ahab said:
Where did you all happen to be to hear airborne TU-95's?![/QUOTE


The "Bear" for me Ahab? Of course, youtube. LOL The others, at different military installations during exercises or during normal duty. =) They are glorious to hear though, and once heard, VERY hard to forget.
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Another Ahab

Another Ahab

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marchplumber said:
Another Ahab said:
Where did you all happen to be to hear airborne TU-95's?![/QUOTE


The "Bear" for me Ahab? Of course, youtube. LOL The others, at different military installations during exercises or during normal duty. =) They are glorious to hear though, and once heard, VERY hard to forget.
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DOH; well, of course, I should have thought of that! :doh:

That gear is tall isn't it?! The prop clearance, I guess; they sure sit up high.


https://youtu.be/nVtyPx30Tos
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USAFSS-ColdWarrior

USAFSS-ColdWarrior

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Another Ahab said:
Where did you all happen to be to hear airborne TU-95's?!
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At one time, my required reply to that question would have been.... WITHOUT ANY implied humor.... "I could tell you, but then I'd have to kill you."

But alas.... Since the Iron Curtain fell, I can now vaguely say.....

I was once the "cargo" on one of our largest USCG vessels which carried some specialized equipment to the middle of the North Atlantic to observe and record the announced and publicized test launch of a Soviet Ballistic Missile from a nuclear submarine. (YES, the Coast Guard at times has been "contracted" by "No Such Agency" to wander from our coastlines for special projects.) My assignment was simply to escort and activate the monitoring package, then post-test secure it for later analysis.

We were just 3-5 miles from the submerged launch platform as we loitered awaiting the test. Soviet Naval TU-95's were patrolling the area both as range safety and counter surveillance ops as we were prepared to monitor and record any and all SIGINT during the test.
Being in the middle of the North Atlantic, the TU-95's had the range and endurance to perform their assignments. Smaller carrier-based aircraft were also in the area, as were various Allied aircraft.
As launch-time grew closer the TU-95 passes became lower and lower as though to both intimidate and "herd" observation ops away. The sound of those props is unforgettable.
The sight of a missile breaking the sea surface, fully igniting, and arcing to the south from so close a position as we were was utterly amazing. That sound was also surreal, to say the least.

When the USCG returned me to dry land they invited me to ride with them ANY TIME. It was only then that the skipper told me that only when dispatched on those "special missions" funded by "No Such Agency" did they eat so well - steak, lobster, fresh stocks, and all the goodies. They never knew me as active duty USAF, but only as "the kid" in civvies who was to be treated "like royalty."


..... And now, I have to kill you.
 
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