Pic(k) of the week 36: Sad plane from Russia

The previous post was all about my great visit to the Russian Air Force museum in Monino, near Moscow. Please refer to the post here if you haven't seen it! 

Because I knew it deserved this weeks Pic(k) of the week, the image that is my personal favourite was left out on purpose.

I was exactly 18 months old when the Sukhoi T-4 first took to the skies on 22 August 1972. The aircraft was designed as a high speed reconnaissance, anti-ship and nuclear bomber, a reaction to the US built North American XB-70 Valkyrie. The one on display in Monino, is one of the two prototypes that were built and the only one that ever flew. She only did a total of 10 flights, with just over 10 hours flying time. 

Just like Concorde, the aircraft has a drooping nose section, so the pilots can see the runway for take-off and landing. 

With a design speed of 3200 km/h, she is largely made out of titanium and stainless steel to allow for the high friction temperatures. Unfortunately the project was cancelled in 1974 before the full performance of the aircraft was reached.

Just having seen the trailer for the new movie "Planes" (same production as Cars), she reminds me of some of the cartoon characters. One can even say she looks sad. Sad that she's not allowed to fly again...

2013 Pic(k) of the week 36: Sad plane from Russia

Image details:
FujiFilm X-E1 (Sexy-1) with the 18-55 Fujinon
ISO200, 56mm (full frame equivalent), f8, 1/240s
RAW development in Lightroom 5
Nik SilverEfex for Black and White conversion

In a few days, I'm off to Hahnweide near Stuttgart Germany, for the biannual Oldtimer Fliegertreffen. Over 340 vintage aircraft are planned to fly into the little grass-strip in Southern Germany. With a great weather forecast, this should be a very promising event... 

Remember, " it only takes two things to fly, airspeed and money" 

BJORN


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