Howdy Fellas,

After having some fun with some of you over on the 'Mi-24 Hind' thread. I thought I'd share my love for the 'full speed ahead' , who needs 'FDA approval' kind of mentality in the Soviet mindset when it comes to Air. Land & Sea vehicle developement. The obvious 'love' some of you have for German ingenuity, especially during WW II , and the sheer speed with which they launched 'new & better' machinery pales in comparison to the Russians. The 'Boys to the Wall' attitude the Soviet's had about experimentation and embracing unique developement as 'normal', created some very amazing craft.
If I may, I'd like to share a few with you here.


This airship, designated the Mi-12, or the Mil-V12, was actually flown in 1968, and is considered THE largest helicopter ever developed to the prototype stage to date.

Tread.

that's just INSANE #:-) #:-) #:-) #:-) #:-) #:-) #:-) #:-)

Then there is the Ekranoplan ?? "Caspian Sea monster" high speed ground (water) effect jet transport.. no real wings and it doesn't 'fly' very far off the water, but boy was it fast!

Who would have EVER come up with something like that!
AND Revell Germany does one in 1/144...

stranger and stranger..

Mike

That MiG-29 (I assume it is) does look tiny next to it... even the, I assume Su-whatever Flanker (somewhere in the 30's ?) looks rather small...

That is one weird lookin chopper Wonder how hard that sucker was to fly

Helicopters don't fly. They aer so ugly that the Earth repels them.

Howdy tedp,

First, may I offer a warm welcome aboard Armorama! Another positive voice is always appreciated!
Secondly, as an old helo driver myself, I will be more than understanding, and turn a blind eye to your 'scathing' comment.........
The fact is, helos fly despite being less than aerodynamic in appearance (at least to the 'unenlightened' ). Another 'fact' to digest, is, that there is no other aircraft that even comes close to the aerodynamic 'lift ratio' numbers that a helo does........
check it out, and then get back to me....
Also...........in an emergency situation. When you are 'going down', the thing that kills you is ground speed.....not, air speed. Please tell me another aircraft that can reduce it's air speed down to '0'.....or even reverse it's airspeed???????









Tread.

Here's a concept vehicle.....can you imagine flying this!!



Tread.

Tread,

I too like Soviet/Russian Helos. I have kits of the Mi-1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 17, 24, and and another couple I can't recall. Of course, having been a tanker in Germany in the early 80s, Soviet Helos were a major enemy!!!! Boy, can they build some UGGLEE choppers!

But then again, I just like helicopters.

Howdy Ranger,

I must admit to at least a 'polite' amount of envy of your kits.... I can only assume they are in 1/72nd? I have been wanting to build the Italeri Soviet 'Alligator' kit for some time, since I've given up on anyone making a bigger scale version. Wouldn't all of those ships be fantastic in a larger scale?

Wait a minute.....you say you have the Mi-10?? Is it the version with the 'Mantis' legs?
Now I am envious!

Tread.

Another.


Kamov Ka-22

Tread.

...another


Kamov Ka-34

Now.......is THAT cool or what!

Tread.

TH - I picked up most of my Soviet helos in East Berlin, back in 1980-83. I had a friend and his wife who were stationed with the Berlin Brigade and I and my wife made three trips to Berlin. The exchange rate between the USD and the Ost Mark was 25 to 1 :-) I purchased two each Mi-1 and Mi-4, a Mi-6 and a Mi-10 for less the $2.50!! Also picked up several east block kits which I eventually sold for a lot more than I paid.

The dollar was doing so well then that the four of us had a five course meal at the Budapest House in East Berlin with a bottle of wine for $7.50 We were even able to get the ORIGINAL "Real" Budweiser Beer in Berlin.

Gee, I miss those days!