Bomber Intercepts

[willedoo]

RAF Typhoons were scrambled in the North Sea to intercept and escort two Blackjack Tu-160's

 

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/raf-typhoon-jets-scramble-intercept-6426538

 

The politicians call it provocative and dangerous because the Russian pilots don't identify themselves.

 

I would guess though, that the RAF look forward to these real life training episodes despite the cost.

 

 

 

[Guest Maj Millard]

That Blackjack looks like it's carrying more of a commercial livery than military..........

 

 

[willedoo]

That Blackjack looks like it's carrying more of a commercial livery than military..........

You're right, MM, I hadnt noticed that. Looks like the new livery; here's a couple of closer shots.

 

The Russian flag and red star is on the tail, the blaze at the front is the VVS, Air Force colours, and behind that is the aircraft's name in red, all named after famous people.

 

They've been upgrading the fleet and are planning to return to manufacturing quite a lot of them. Mainly as an interim measure until the strategic stealth bomber is developed.

 

The Valintin Blisniuk

 

 

The Nickolai Kuznetsov (so Russia has it's very own Nick Smith)

 

Cheers, Willie.