Putin's Pilot Crisis: Russia's fighter pilot training problems

It’s commonly said that Russian fighter pilots are not as well trained as their Western counterparts, particularly those from the United States. But after conspiracy theories began to surface on social media about the Russian pilot colliding with the MQ-9 on purpose so Russian vessels in the Black Sea could recover it, the question of pilot competency within the Russian armed forces became more important.
So how does Russian fighter pilot training compare to the United States? Let's investigate.
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Further Reading:
MQ-9/Su-27 interaction: www.sandboxx.us/blog/russian-...
Citations:
Su-27: aerocorner.com/aircraft/sukho...
Russian spending: www.statista.com/statistics/1...
US fleet size: worldpopulationreview.com/cou....
RUS fleet size: www.globalfirepower.com/aircr...
PPP: knoema.com/atlas/Russian-Fede....
PPP Conversion: www.chrislross.com/PPPConverter/
Rand analysis: www.rand.org/content/dam/rand...
Air Force pilot training: sandboxx.us/blog/how-much-does...
AF pilot trng: sofrep.com/fightersweep/how-t...
AF Pilot trng: www.airforce.com/careers/avia...
IFF Course: www.airandspaceforces.com/PDF...
International Review: international-review.org/dwar...
US pilot hours: www.heritage.org/military-str...
US Pilot hours counterpoint: www.airandspaceforces.com/air...
Vietnam: www.sandboxx.us/blog/more-tha...
Red Flag: www.nellis.af.mil/About/Fact-...
Red Flag costs: migflug.com/jetflights/red-fl...
Plopski quote: hushkit.net/2021/03/23/everyt...

[@navyreviewer]

Not the first time it's been said "the aggressor pilots in Nevada are the best trained MiG pilots in the world"

[@williampotter2098]

That makes perfect sense.

[@kadalbunting1030]

nosense maybe

[@northerninfidelable]

​@@kadalbunting1030 to those who know little it would be no sense.

[@MK_ULTRA420]

@@kadalbunting1030 Someone has to play the bad guy in wargames.

[@johnmcleodvii]

Don't they fly a rather large number of simulated combat missions? Like 2 or so per day? (Not a pilot, never been there. Just rumors I've heard).

[@craig4867]

Bottom Line! As an Air Force fighter pilot, we never underestimate anybody, because that could be a deadly mistake!

[@Lonewolfmike]

One thing I heard about the joint excersie is A-10 pilots who went up against jets had a faster turn radius than jet fighters and the jets would have one of two choices, look right at the barrels of the GAU-8 or turn tail and then have to try and outrun a Sidewinder. You had to chose between 30mm rounds or a missile. Not exactly a great choice.

[@noidontthinksolol]

yep, we always train for the worst case scenario. If we dont lose allot of war games that means the people in charge of planning were lacking. Downright borderline impossible war games are not very good for the reason of adversary propaganda but they are extremely neccesary for honing quick response and dogfighting tactics. The Response plans for agression against a NATO member would be downright brutal and wether an enemy looks strong or weak it will not change a single thing about the response.

[@jonathanpfeffer3716]

@@Lonewolfmike typically that can only happen when both aircraft are limited and are placed into a dogfight artificially. in normal fights the A-10 just gets hit by a radar missile from 50-60 miles. but if in a dogfight an a-10 could be somewhat of a threat.

[@buildmotosykletist1987]

@@Lonewolfmike : One thing I heard about building is that most of what I heard about building is rubbish and urban myth. I was a builder/developer for over 50 years.

[@Taphfy]

😂🤣😂🤣🤣🤣🥰🤣🐾🐾 for them Marine!

[@danielknauss5019]

I’m an AD USCG pilot. I was sent to my first unit after 177 hours of Navy flight school. I got around 20 more during my aircraft-specific transition course before I was standing SAR duty, ready to launch within 30 minutes any time day or night. The big difference was I was qualified as a copilot, and would always have an Aircraft Commander with significantly more time actually running the show. A single seat fighter is a whole different beast than the light cargo planes I have flown, but there were still lives on the line, both on the plane and in the water.

[@Alan-gp7yn]

C27?

[@danielknauss5019]

@@Alan-gp7yn I am now, but I previously flew the 144 for about 11 years.

[@alabamacoastie6924]

I'm a retired Coast Guard CWO. I served at Airsta Cape Cod as their WX chief back in the day. What is an "AD" USCG pilot?

[@danielknauss5019]

@@alabamacoastie6924 active duty.

[@Zbroja69]

shooting down a drone without actually shooting it down takes some skill if you ask me

[@derekheuring2984]

Not if you're risking a $37,000,000.00 aircraft to do it Chumley!

[@Zbroja69]

@@derekheuring2984 and this is why you a keyboard warrior/analyst and those guys fly 37kk jets and don’t give a damn.

[@gonzothawarrior]

If it not white it not right

[@DocWolph]

"It is a tragedy that the most powerful, advanced, and beautiful machines in the world (fighter jets) are weapons of war." -A fighter pilot.

[@MrEshah]

Space rockets are more powerful and quite a lot of other machines are more advanced but they are pretty that i'll give you.

[@brentcollins9727]

@@MrEshah , name some other machines that you think are more advanced than an F35 fighter. I’m curious

[@JoshEmerson0421]

What else would it be for. No reason to ever come up w an idea for one or 2 man airplanes other than for war

[@yancowles]

@@JoshEmerson0421 Everyone likes aerobatic displays and real purty sky paintings with all coloured smoke and that.

[@gviehmann]

​@@brentcollins9727 Machines more advanced than an F-35: Recent fusion reactor experiments (e.g. Wendelstein 7-X), extreme ultraviolet lithography machines, the Starlink network, flagship-class mission crafts by NASA (, ESA, et.al.,) telephony switching in a mid-sized country (including 5G), AMD's chip development software packages, Wolfram Mathematica, Google Marketing Platform. Tunnel boring machines may be somewhat less advanced, but they are still amazingly complex and modern. LIGO is probably in the same class.

[@porthose2002]

I'd love to see a similar analysis comparing the US with China's airforce. Any chance I could ask you to put that in your queue someplace? Thanks, Alex!

[@ROTHSTEIN01]

USA is like a generation ahead of china

[@thelastlatchkeykid8466]

Exactly what I had planned on requesting! Since China is reportedly demonstrating massive naval and air training increases for their inevitable and urgent invasion of Taiwan, this is what many are curious about. Western reports indicate that China seems to be sparing no expense in quickly modernizing their equipment, and even recruiting Western pilots to train their own on modern Western tactics.

[@441rider]

They just beat out the F35 in UAE and are selling them J series jets. Lots of skilled advanced countries out there even China bans export of some of their tech. The Saudi bought mobile high energy lasers as well that helped against Yemen.

[@441rider]

@@thelastlatchkeykid8466 US state position is Taiwan is China under the still active '72 One China policy. Until that changes they don't need to invade and have trade going on anyways as well as cultural connections.

[@cattledog901]

​@@441rider They didn't "beat out" the F35 moron China sold UAE L-15 TRAINER aircraft, nowhere near comparable to an F35 and not the J series you claim. Do some basic research before embarrassing yourself again.

[@xandersnyder7214]

This wasn't dry at all, I love this type of analysis, and it didn't hurt that you picked some great footage to play behind what you were talking about! One thing I also think plays into this gap is the depth of experience in our Reserve and Guard units, who have tons of hours not only in their combat aircraft, but also (generally) fly in some capacity in their civilian lives. Also, and I am sure next weeks video will go into this, I'd like to see (and haven't found a great source for at the moment) would be the disparity in actual combat experience between the USAF and Russian VKS. I am purposely leaving the USN/USMC out of this discussion because the numbers start to get a bit squirrely when you look at how much larger the totality of US airpower is compared to Russia. Oh and to your last point in the video, I'd say my favorite Russian fighter platform would be the Su-35, with the honorable mention going to the Su-35 (I don't count the Su-57 because it really isn't a combat deployed system yet). Bonus, my favorite current Russian aircraft overall would be the Tu-160 White Swan (NATO reporting name "Blackjack"), there is just something to be said for an aircraft that is B-1b meets XB-70!

[@shanehayes6048]

Thanks Alex. I really enjoyed this video, your pre-video video, and am looking forward to the part 2 you are working on. I didn't think it was dry at all, and all the quips you kept throwing out, had my excitement level rising. Between you and Cappy @ Task& Purpose, I'm seeing some real journalism that we just aren't seeing from mainstream media any more. Maybe you two could team up with John Stossel and make some truly remarkable content. Thanks again Sir, and keep up the good work. We (American Public) need it!

[@torinnbalasar6774]

As a casual enjoyer of weekly 1 hour+ long PowerPoint presentations on defense economics, I can say this isn't very dry at all, and is a great quick explanation.

[@litkeys3497]

Perun gang

[@arizonaexplorations4013]

I love how Perun came out of nowhere to rule KZbin via PP

[@wolfgangklotz7820]

Hah, waiting for the new Perun vid to drop and looking for that Sunday morning defense analysis hit.. I know that feeling.

[@snapper_maelstrom7960]

Perun gang perun gang perun gang

[@GabbieTheFox]

Ah. A fellow member of the Perun gang.

[@martindice5424]

Always enjoy your expositions about budgets, logistics and training doctrine Alex! I’m a great fan of Perun and Dr Justin Bronk too. Love the kit - but having an academic qualification in War Studies I LOVE THIS STUFF! Bravo sir!

[@nissan6541]

I think the Su-34 and Su-27’s are some of the best looking planes ever made, especially when they’re all camoed up with the different color blues they use. Absolutely stunning.

[@dragonstormdipro1013]

Greetings from India. I have had the pleasure to meet multiple Indian airforce veterans who have trained with Russians, and they all have repeatedly stated how bad the training in VKS/VVS was. We first brought our MiG 21s in 1963. The team went to Russia under WC K S Nair, and he says in Hushkit that Soviet pilots only did Dash Interception trainings, no DACT, no BFM, nothing. Similarly AC Harish Masand, the team leader who brought MiG 29 stated that avg Russian pilot didn’t put more than 5g during combat. Ground crew training was horrendous. Not only that, but there are issues regarding the structure of the organisation too. VKS has no independence, it’s completely subservient to the ground forces. It does not choose it’s objectives independently, the ground forces do, who obviously aren’t as aware of the pros and cons of VKS. The planes were very capable though, we have won multiple wars with them with relatively few casualties. In fact, "Red Eagle" the US manual of captured Russian aircraft evaluation, openly states India as the best users of Russian aircraft.

[@The_ZeroLine]

Good primary source information. Thanks for that.

[@ROTHSTEIN01]

India should now work with France Japan and USA, Russia is done and dusted, Russia is now aligned with China, India should also fully ally with USA against China and goto war together under

[@nuclearhunter227]

Never heard such a bullsh*t! HAHAHA "openly states India as the best users of Russian aircraft" you are such a clown.

[@noidontthinksolol]

what does indias training shedule look like ?

[@sniperboom1202]

We also have been doing "red hat" training with former Soviet republics to get them up to NATO standards of flying capability while still using Soviet jets. Ukraine for 8 years has been using the red hat program to train some of its fighter pilots. I have a friend who works in the defense sector that wrote some code for the F-35 and he thinks Ukraine would be perfect for getting F-16 right now.

[@PlugInRides]

In my time in the US Air Force Reserve, our unit participated in Red Flag (Nevada) exercises, but we also did Team Spirit in Korea every 2 years, and had various deployments to Red Flag-Alaska, Canada (Maple Flag), New Orleans NAS, and Tyndall AFB, FL for live fire missile targets. Our Reserve pilots and WSOs flew at least 4 sorties per month, and most of them also flew either commercial airliners, or had full time Reserve fighter pilot jobs.

[@deeacosta2734]

🇺🇸 🇺🇸 🇺🇸

[@jessehachey2732]

We really do like to name our military EXs with “maple” in the name 😂 Maple Flag, there’s also our yearly Maple Resolve at CFB Wainwright. 🇺🇦🌻🇨🇦 There’s a few others I’m sure!

[@fillefrans2020]

Exercise Joint Maple

[@jessehachey2732]

@@fillefrans2020 Well, it IS legal up here, heck, even our Dept of Veterans Affairs covers Rx, prescription green stuff 😉🇨🇦!

[@a24396]

It's also important to consider that in the US military a very large percentage of pilots are members of the Air National Guard or the Navy or Marine Reserve. They often get a lot of flight time in civilian flying jobs in addition to their monthly military flight hours. Also skewing the reported hours are the reserve component pilots usually fly a tad bit less and the active component pilots fly a tad bit more. The averages are the same but there's a bit more experience earned by the full timers...

[@tomhenry897]

Most of the air guard already done a tour with the Air Force so have more hours and training then Air Force pilots

[@williampotter2098]

Also, a large percentage of them own their own aircraft that they fly in their spare time. Doubt that the Russians have private airplanes for fun. And if America needed pilots, they could draw from the many thousands of Airline, Corporate and Fractional pilots in this country. (Google: However, it is estimated that around 617,000 pilots hold active pilot certificates, with around 110,000 pilots working in commercial aviation") And those guys are getting a thousand to more fifteen hundred hours a year.

[@MK_ULTRA420]

@@williampotter2098 "And if America needed pilots, they could draw from the many thousands of Airline, Corporate and Fractional pilots in this country." _Cessnas inbound. Take cover!_

[@augustuslunasol10thapostle]

@@MK_ULTRA420 you jest but they are militarizing crop dusters

[@tonidimitrova6078]

We can give them too some quality training. We do that for the Ukrainians...

[@baanibarnes9711]

Always find these break-downs informative and interesting, especially in today's uncertain climate. Interesting to see who we are really up against through your thorough research - keep up the good work!

[@williampotter2098]

Well, we're really up against the Chinese ... While Russia fumbles around in Eastern Europe, China is taking over the world economically. But at least American's politicians are getting that whole Pronoun thing safe for the country ... smh ... China leaders must just sit around drinking and laughing at our misunderstanding of the world

[@gooner72]

The US pilot training model and pilot hours are pretty much the same here for the RAF, fighter pilots don't even get anywhere near an extremely expensive and technically advanced fighter until they've proven themselves capable enough through a slow and gradual scale of aircraft. This includes extremely intensive training at high, normal and extremely low altitudes using training areas like the Mach Loop, which is unbelievably demanding. Those who are good enough to be fighter pilots go through there in prop trainers, jet trainers and eventually their Typhoons and F-35's.

[@johnsmith-po1uo]

As a retired civil pilot, I really enjoy watching vids of the Mach Loop.

[@Mmjk_12]

Except the RAF training is shite and it takes an average of 7 years for a pilot to enter frontline service from the start of training when it should take half of that. Huge numbers drop out because instead of flying planes like they were told would happen, their careers are mostly attached to the desk. There is a shortage of instructors and a chronic lack of adaptability in the leadership.

[@2373stevieb]

@@Mmjk_12 Absolutely. My countries airforce, the RAF, is completely broken right now. Lack of frontline fighter pilots, lack of instructors and a lack of parts and services for the HAWK T2 trainer. Most pilots will be knocking on 30 years old by the time they reach their squadron when they should of started to climb the ranks and earn decent money by that time. Most will leave the service after a few years for the airlines where they can earn a decent wage and secure their future.

[@Neville60001]

That's sad to hear about the RAF.

[@currynoodles4074]

@@boffa-deez Because being a good fighter pilot means you should be able to change car tires?? what?

[@phishphood423]

Jesus Christ, I have over 80 hours in Cessnas and Pipers, and most of that was just getting my private license! Guess I could join the Russian Air Force right now 😂

[@behindenemylines.3103]

Fly with Jesus Christ always.Think about him day and night,because of his name we have a way to the Father.

[@fastindy]

​@@behindenemylines.3103 If you think about him too much before doing the other 3 flying things, you might even get to meet him!

[@marktuyet]

And die ..... better stay home 😊

[@ROTHSTEIN01]

​@@fastindybased 😂

[@kenichitamagusuku3194]

Yes and be a wing commander

[@davidmorais480]

Good job! Really good job! From a veteran of the fighter jet community and retired airline captain, congratulations on a top notch channel

[@wescot]

Good episode as usual. I appreciate your points and explanations

[@stevenmackey582]

$27 million is dirt cheap for a red flag sized air combat training event omg.

[@ashblythe9598]

Years of operations might've reduced it over time, takes time to smoothen things out.

[@AJAtcho]

“Training distinguishes an army from an armed mob.” - Douglas MacArthur

[@akbeal]

From what we see in Ukraine it looks like Russia is definitely just an armed mob.

[@aleshw1224]

So far you lost every war you engage since WWII

[@asdf-mg7tu]

@@aleshw1224 cold war

[@petriew2018]

@@asdf-mg7tu and the gulf war, one of the most objectively perfect planned and executed war plans in the history of mankind but something tells me our friend here is the kind of person who doesn't let reality get in the way of a good internet argument

[@asdf-mg7tu]

@@petriew2018 True.

[@jasonfuller1001]

"Their exercises are unbloody battles, and their battles are bloody exercises" - Flavius Josephus. This was in reference to the Roman legions. Another is "“Victory in war does not depend entirely upon numbers or mere courage; only skill and discipline will insure it.” - Flavius Vegetius Renatus. The amount and quality of training is a major force multiplier.

[@Juice_2288]

This is a great report Alex. I appreciate the details. Do more reports like these where you compare US training va other countries. Thanks

[@williampulley]

Russia increasing their military budget would only result in fancier yachts for oligarchs

[@williamhancock8065]

I lived four years in Karelia. There was an airbase outside of town that shared the airfield with our commercial airport. I almost never saw planes in the air and rarely more than two at a time. There were usually between thirty and fifty SU-30 and SU-27 fighters parked on the tarmac. I lived there twice for a total of four years and the operational tempo was almost nil. I last lived there nine years ago but I doubt much has changed. I can't imagine pilots are logging many hours.

[@artynomenus]

In the 70s we spent a week close to Siversky airforce base in Leningrad Oblast and practically can't sleep because of non-stop flights including sound barrier booms. In the 2000s met a person in NY who recently spent a summer vacation exactly at the same place. Asked a question about an airbase activity and the answer was: what airbase?

[@PlugInRides]

I lived in Austin, Texas for eight years. My first apartment was in the fight pattern for Bergstrom AFB, and the jet noise of Reserve F-4Ds and Active Duty RF-4Cs roaring overhead was so normal, you learned to pause conversations until the noise abated.

[@frenstcht]

"August 12th, 2010. Dear Diary, I was really hoping to see something cool at the airbase today. Disappointed again." "August 13th, 2010. Dear Diary, I was really hoping to see something cool at the airbase today. Disappointed again." "August 14th, 2010. Dear Diary, I was really hoping to see something cool at the airbase today. Disappointed again." ... "August 12th, 2014. Dear Diary, I was really hoping to see something cool at the airbase today. Disappointed again." That would be a huge bummer.

[@nomar5spaulding]

My brother is a USN submariner and he and his wife moved to Virginia Beach because he got reassigned to a boat based in Norfolk. Their house was almost directly under the approach pattern for NAS Oceana and there were two ship flights of Super Hornets practicing landing literally all day every day. His wife and kids *hated* it.

[@TOMAS-lh4er]

The MOST important thing Russian pilots dont get, is flying time !! Compared to the amount of time that US pilots are in the air every month , Then Russian pilots fly once every year, for an hour !!! ALSO , Corruption in the Russian air force is massive, like a fighter pilot with cancer,

[@smokejaguarsix7757]

The Russian aircraft I find to be the most stunning and brave is the one pancaked into the ground outside of Kharkiv. Beautiful!

[@JamesLaserpimpWalsh]

Amen to that.

[@FreedomIsNotFree2023]

100℅ agree! Слава Україні! 💙💛

[@InsTance888]

Was that the one with the EW pod still intact when Ukraine found it? That thing's a goldmine.

[@smokejaguarsix7757]

@@InsTance888 Its the one that left a lovely smear on the ground.

[@myopicthunder]

Very edgy.

[@varum2011]

I'm not a pilot and never was, but I've enjoyed the video. Thanks a lot, Alex!

[@farner01]

Thanks Alex and Hector. Great video

[@harrypolychronopoulos478]

The SU-27 didn't touch the drone, the fuel did the job . First pass the engine shutdown, second pass the force of the fuel that was dropped bent the propeller . It was explained to me by a guy who knows how the liquids behave in certain situations .

[@gonnabeadoctorsoon2]

NGL mate, the SU-57 is just gorgeous to me. I also like the look of the MIG-29. I hope the comments aren't too rough. Have a great day!

[@aaronkowalewski659]

Great channel! I found your channel, and I have been binge watching my whole day off!! Great analysis, and you explain everything in a manner that keeps me interested! Sub'd

[@yuckfoutube6245]

Boy, I have participated in a Red Flag exercise in the Philippines back in the late 80's and we had hundreds of aircraft from all over the world. I remember launching sorties where there were jets lined up on the taxiway the entire length of a 10,000 ft runway. Two jets every 30 seconds for about an hour. The first jets out would actually be returning from their missions just as the last jets were going up. It would take about an hour to get the first wave up off the ground. Then it would take about another hour to get them recovered. They would "hot pit" refuel and head right back up. This would go on around the clock for about a week. I can't even imagine the cost of an exercise like this, but I would imagine it had to be way more than $20 - $60 million dollars. There must have been between 5,000 - 10,000 people there TDY and you had the cost of getting there and home (we went there from Kunsan, AB Korea). Anyway, that was back in the late 80's. I can only imagine the cost of those exercises today.

[@jackwilliamson6018]

i can imagin. that would have been a sight. i bet you'll never forget it.

[@nexpro6118]

I'm a retired, Millennium Falcum Pilot.

[@T33K3SS3LCH3N]

Meta-conspiracy: Russia was willing to risk the aircraft and pilot because they knew both were trash.

[@michaelmichaelagnew8503]

Personally I think Russia has been using the old Top Gun movie as the training tool for all their pilots.

[@Erelio]

Subscribed! Love your commentary!!

[@EdricLysharae]

some say, "Quality over quantity.", while others say, "Quantity is a Quality all its own." but no, i instead say, "Quality takes Quantity!"🇺🇲

[@ge-spot9140]

Dude. You never fail to impress me with the amount of info you can compile and put together on any given subject. Always makes for interesting listening/viewing.

[@mrechonet]

I wish the stats and numbers would be shown on the video. Kind of hard to keep all these numbers in your head.

[@derekbaker6399]

AWESOME upload! Instantly subscribed!

[@dlmsarge8329]

Excellent presentation! I'll be looking for more of your videos!!

[@100PercentAllAmericanMan]

I am a retired Navy Chief and have been out of the game since 2009. Thank you for creating this video. This does reinforce my already present faith in our military.

[@rustyshaklford9557]

Don't watch any videos about the LCS program then...

[@alensnowplowing4160]

Reinforce what Puting You Camies on Backwards so your ass crack is hanging Out

[@kotliz]

Very well researched and well produced piece, Alex. I, for one, would love it if you would display the numbers you discuss (especially totals) for easier comprehension. It would especially be super helpful to see the final opposing totals next to each other on screen to really understand. Thanks for you excellent work.

[@Meower68]

Have to agree. While it's always nice to see lots of footage of various types of aircraft flying around the screen while you're talking, feel free to fade this into the background and overlay some numbers when you want to compare something, such as performance of different aircraft, spending amounts or training hours. We retain a much greater fraction of what we see vs what we hear; hearing you announce the numbers but also being able to SEE the numbers, side-by-side, would add extra "punch" and make it easier to remember, going forward. Also agreeing that this is well-researched and well-produced.

[@SleinJinn]

I'll give the motion a "yea" as well.

[@occamsrayzor7999]

@MudButt it's 2023. Nobody uses emojis on youtube anymore unless you're 12 years old. Davai, get with the program, comrade.

[@LukeBunyip]

@@occamsrayzor7999 🤔

[@user-ef2jp3os1h]

What he said! 👍

[@thomasbeirne8213]

Well done. I enjoyed the humor at the end. Subbed.

[@scottbennett8977]

Out here in Utah near Hill AFB. The Air Force moved an F35 squadron in about two years ago. Every single day every thirty minutes to an hour you'll hear/see at least one usually two F35's over head.

[@kimweaver1252]

One of my best friends was a Lt. Col in the Hawaii Air National Guard. He's now retired, but still gets his air combat kicks with a very realistic flight simulator set up at home. You should consider the deep active and reserve force we have in the State Air Guard units we have. They fly a lot and about half of them also fly privately or with an airline. They also fly with people they know and have long-time experience with, so there are fewer surprises.

[@skipperson4077]

and they currently fly F-22s (which you can see at the main Honolulu airport which shares space with Hickam AFB)...

[@kimweaver1252]

@@skipperson4077 Yep, and they get a bit more air time than the AF guys.

[@beaverbuoy3011]

does he use DCS?

[@gerryshinners7258]

Great content as always, Alex. Looking forward to next weeks edition.

[@christophergraves2300]

Alex, EXCELLENT analysis, Marine. Great numerical regression to get to substantive and meaningful analysis.

[@patricklynch1338]

Thank you for the reporting !

[@WisdomEDM]

Thank you so much to all us aviation nerds for your immaculate reporting and aggregating so much information so clearly!!

[@chrisrfarlow]

Great video! I always liked the look of the MiG-29 personally, but I will freely admit that most fighters look cool, even the PRC ones like the J-20. As a Russian-speaking U.S. diplomat who is a veteran of a USAF F-16 squadron, I’m probably one of a handful of people who have lived in both worlds. We should respect anyone who straps on tons of explosives and rides fire. but there really is no contest here in terms of skill. This video is spot on.

[@theothertonydutch]

Isn't the Mig-29 much more of a scrambler as opposed to the SU-35 and derivatives? (Kind of like how the F-16 and F-15 would compare, if I recall this correctly) How would you say over the horizon capability of Russia's aircraft fares against Nato/US stuff, especially the F-35? Most of the stuff we've seen over the last year from Russia just seems like a lot of Smekalka.

[@gregsutton2400]

Good report, lots of detail and nuance, this is the way.

[@bmobert]

As an American who was a teen I'm the late 80s, early 90s, I can't help but love the looks of the Mig29, even over the Su27. And when I heard there was a proposed set of trainers for the Su27, the s-54, etc, I couldn't help but love the weird look. But I've come to appreciate the su-24 as well as their b-1a tribute bomber, whose designation ascapes me at the moment... Snowbird? I think? Maybe?

[@ConductorDon]

Su-47 is my favorite for looks. Really graceful appearance with that forward swept wing.

[@bmobert]

@Donald Stinnett I know it's a very tiny thing, but that asymmetry in the back, with the differing length of tube on the left than the right, attracted my eye so badly, I just couldn't look past it. I'm sure if I could cover that up with my thumb, or something, I could better appreciate the lovely, raven-like lines of the the Su-47... But I can't, so I can't. Still, it was a pretty damn cool experiment.

[@spooky2bricks]

It’s always a pleasure when you upload, You just made my Friday!

[@c0mputar]

It’s the voice and delivery. Key for any channel.

[@Buttmunch284]

Oh I do like a well painted mig 29

[@SCH292]

SU57 is a cosmetic propaganda jet and same for the SU75. 🤣

[@cadennorris960]

@@SCH292 Especially the SU75. Calling it the “checkmate” is a massive cope when there are close to 900 F35s and 0 SU75s.

[@boikanyoonneng9170]

@@cadennorris960 They literally said its expected to fly in 2027. Did you convieniently leave that out?

[@logantodd5943]

You have an issue with your PPP discription, you say 1 dollar in Russia is 27 in the US, this is incorrect, probably a speaking mistake it’s actually 1:2.7

[@arrtemfly]

interesting vid! love number crunching and stuff like this

[@karolisbareika8306]

Looks like the drone got pissed on 😂

[@xm8553]

Excellent video as always! Can’t wait for part 2 and to see more of the non air power videos too. I’ve always really like the Mig 31. I know it’s older looking but I think it’s mean looking and those massive engines literally and figuratively scream power

[@drenk7]

Thank you Alex. I always enjoy your videos. You are knowledgeable and do your research. I am a retired aircraft systems instructor on F-15, FA-18, AV8B and T-45 aircraft . The F-15FX looks very promising to fill a void in the Air Force’s inventory. It has been in production for 50 years. Quite a remarkable achievement.

[@mountedpatrolman]

F-15FX?

[@drenk7]

@@mountedpatrolman yep a typo

[@drenk7]

@@mountedpatrolman yep a typo

[@beready992]

Weirdly, I think the MIG 29 Fulcrum is one beautiful fighter plane. Sure, it looks like the bizarre love child if a F 16 and an F 18 mated, but that union would reveal one fine looking plane.

[@Battlenude]

During the Syrian conflict. Most VVS pilots rotated in and out of Syria on a three month rotation. While beeing there they flew their new jets to the max in order to find out how much it took to break/wear them down, a simulated high intensity conflict scenario if you will.. They had two pilot for every jet. So while being there the pilots accumelated a lot more flying hour than they normaly would back home

[@Concetied718]

Thanks!! for that lesson/breakdown always looking to know more about these things!!

[@DriveByShouting]

Born in Oklahoma in 1989, Dad fought in Vietnam my Grandmothers brother, (My Great Uncle and hero) was killed at Iwo Jima, my Grandfather fought for the 45th ID (Thunderbirds) landed in Italy and fought until injured, then cycled back into service, was there when they Liberated Dachau. His brother were both in the USN, One a SeeBee, the other the Boxing Champion on His Ship. I was born with ‘Star Spangled eyes, a deep love of America and American Aviation. Being born in 1989, I was a prime candidate for who can ruin their ‘Top Gun’ VHS tape or VHS player first. However, since as early as I can remember, I've been drawing pictures, Building models, getting books, putting posters of what has been my favorite jet since childhood; The MIG-29. I'm as American as you can get, and love my Country like no other but for some reason, and (I'll never know how/why or when) I even saw a MIG-29, but it made a mark with me forever. Decided to be a Fighter Pilot. But…. Was a Shithead in High School, Walked at Graduation but never got a Diploma. Got my GED. Then my Girlffirend broke up with me in the Summer of 2008 and I thought my life was over. So I decided to join the US Army as a 19D Cavalry Scout. Completed Basic at Fort Leonard Wood, did two Deployments in Afghanistan (I sure showed her huh)? Garry Owen! In 2012 I applied and had the good fortune to be accepted into the WOFT (Warrrant Officer Flight Training) Program at Fort Rucker, AL. Was selected to fly the (Unbelievably Underrated and overlooked) OH-58 Kiowa from then until the Army retired my horse a couple years back. Am now flying the AH-64 Apache and will hang up my Spurs someday. *MY HERO* United States Marines Corps Pvt. Leonard Eugene Nunley of Keystone, Oklahoma. #827086, Dog Company, 2nd Battalion, 27th Marines, 5th Marine Division Landed February 19th 1945 fought like the Warrior he was until being Killed in Action by a Japanese Mortar in his Foxhole with two other Marines, Iwo Jima, March 9, 1945. He was 19 years old. Thanks Unc; Love Ya and can't wait to meet when the lord takes me up to the ‘Spirit in the Sky’. CWO J.H. “Sandman” Schaeffer

[@mikebridges20]

I have 2: Tu-160, and Mig 25. I had the great opportunity to walk through a AN-124 at Oshkosh in 1989. While the crew was still "Soviet", I vaguely remember that they were based in Ukraine.

[@djzoodude]

Isn't the Tu-160 basically the same as the B-1 though?

[@mikebridges20]

@@djzoodude Yeah, but it's still a good looking jet.

[@djzoodude]

@@mikebridges20 fair enough

[@John-hu9qg]

​@@djzoodude No, not at all, the TU-160 is a lot bigger, far greater range and payload. Unlike the B1B its a heavy supersonic strategic nuclear bomber designed to off load its thermonuclear payload at standoff distances of 2000 miles from the target.

[@djzoodude]

@@John-hu9qg Bruh, we were talking about looks. They look damn near identical. The Tu-160 looks like an oversize B-1. It's mission set, payload, and range are irrelevant.

[@haitolawrence5986]

Englishman here. Watched a video of two Russian fighter pilots suffering a catastrophic zero altitude collision at an airshow. Both ejected, parachuted down, lit up a cigarette and walked back to the viewing area. Absolutely no f*cks given. Underestimate these guys at your own peril. 😏

[@gansior4744]

What they supposed to do? Lay down and cry?

[@jeffbenton6183]

As per your request, Alex, I've long thought the MiG-29 is beautiful. The Su-27 looks alright too, but there's something about its Su-34 derivative that seems to me even better looking. I can see why you have so much footage of the Fullback in this video!

[@RedDotChiliPepper96]

The SU 34 looks like a duck, I like ducks.

[@handzar0]

I would love to get more videos about Chinese Airforce capabilities, tactics, weapons, personnel, aircraft, AD, radars, AWACS etc. Russia is really not a huge factor like China.

[@penskepc2374]

They consistently demonstrate the same type of incompetence 😂

[@kvnmackenzie]

MIG 25. I saw a couple of them in a scrapyard by the airport in Riga shortly after the wall came down. Even in a shabby state and with an unknown fate, those jets looked gorgeous!

[@neillangridge862]

Great video as always Alex. Very interesting stuff on air force spending and like many I am astonished at how little flight time the average Russian pilot has. One reason for the success of many US 8th air force fighter pilots WW 2 is that unlike many RAF pilots many Americans had over 400 hours including a lot on the type before they came to the UK.

[@hotstepper887]

This is what a lack of education (with an endless tendency to swallow propaganda) does to people like you, (you do everything you're supposed too), and it really must be said, it's only a remedial level of propaganda, that shouldn't fool even the less educated among us. I mean, is it not actually obvious to you? LOL Clearly not, and If you're a Brit, then shame on you!! Move to the terrorist supporting USA, you sad Nazi. Facts... Russian pilots, are today some of the best trained in the avionic world. They have spent over 13 thousand hours over the last year in the air, that is 102% of the planned number. This is connected with considerable increase of the number of combat training activities. Crews of tactical and military transport aviation have been in the air for about 20 000 hours. Over ninety percent of Russian pilots have many real flying hours of combat experience in Syria since 2015, most with between 100 sorties - 400 sorties. Intensive flight training, has been held daily, as well as flight tactical exercises and other combat training activities for all Russian aviators over the last 9 years to improve their flight skills.

[@hotstepper887]

We have a society here in the UK, today, that watched our own PM (Johnston the paid off, elitist and Washington puppet) stand in Ukraine lying like a real treacherous POS, and then lifting the Nazi loving Zelenskiy's hand in the air, but while shouting out "Slava Ukraini" - the official slogan of Stepan Bandera's OUN (order of Ukraine) that was made up from "Ukrainian bourgeois nationalists", "Banderites", and "Nazi henchmen". Members of the OUN took an active part in the Holocaust in Ukraine and Poland. In October 1942. So our own PM knowingly and purposely betrayed all our own relatives and grandparents, many who fought and gave their lives defeating Nazism! While our own PM (on behalf of only the USA), raises a Nazi's hand in the air? Outright treachery against everything we've all been brought up believing in! Only 25 years ago, a PM would have been removed for that. And yet we saw thousands here agree with him?? You could not make it up, we've never seen or ever experienced a more treacherous uneducated society in our entire history, as we have today. It's completely remedial, uneducated idiocy. They also must also, unbelievably, think Russia invaded Ukraine? You couldn't make it up.

[@hotstepper887]

You've not a British bone in you.

[@hotstepper887]

As someone who has done the work, and has studied world history, achieving, a Master's in comparative politics & Economics, and a Bachelor’s in Anglo/American history. It really must be said, It's more than shocking, that we could ever see so many here in the UK, without a clue what is going on in Ukraine, but all wanting an opinion on it? It's actually even more incredible that we could see anyone, let alone so many, think that Russia have acted in any way, other than the correct way, the ethical way, and the moral way, in everything they've done? So, seriously, we must be asking all these uneducated people, if there's something mentally wrong with them all, maybe?, all these people we unbelievably see with their Ukrainian support? It's easily, and by far, the most treacherous thing we've ever seen from any of us throughout our entire history, but It really shows, and it actually proves that none of these people we see supporting Ukraine understand any of this at all. And my goodness, me, these traitors against all of us, couldn't be more dangerous and more wrong than they all are today. It's nothing but outright, in your face, idiocy, idiocy on a scale of idiocy, I don't believe we have ever seen or experienced before. And, not one of these uneducated treacherous people we see supporting Ukraine, actually have a clue what is going on in Ukraine at all, but they all do want an opinion on it? Only, how can anyone ever form any kind of logical opinion on anything, without knowing all the facts? That's more commonly known as outright ignorance. It's completely remedial, uneducated idiocy. And also, while I'm at it, let's get this understood? It is NOT, and has NEVER been, a Russian invasion of Ukraine! And again, this fact alone, proves that none of these uneducated fools understand any of this at all. Obviously, we do hear that from our own criminal lying government, (only they obviously know very well, that it wasn't, and isn't a Russian invasion of Ukraine). Yet none of these people in the UK, seem too? Many here don't even know what we've all really seen happen in Ukraine, (since the illegal US coup of Ukraine in 2014), many don't even know it was the USA that planned, caused, and paid for the coup in Ukraine! They have no idea that the illegal Ukrainian government's army, and their neo-Nazi (NATO trained thugs), have non-stop been trying to murder and wipe those innocent Eastern Ukrainians out, for the last 8 years or even why? Because those Eastern Ukrainians, speak Russian, and they didn't agree with the illegal coup against their legally elected government. So, we then saw all of those innocent Eastern Ukrainians hold a referendum on whether they should claim independence from Ukraine, (who only want to slaughter them all). And they then overwhelmingly voted to claim their own independence from Ukraine, (seeing the creation of both) the Donetsk People's Republic, and the Luhansk People's Republic. They don't even know anything about this, either! Then, in February 2022, (after 8 years) fighting against Ukraine's criminal government, and their Nazis for their own survival. All those people from both the Donetsk People's Republic, and the Luhansk People's Republic, saw Ukraine building up a military force of over 200,000 troops (with Nazi battalions included) on their borders, (who were well dug in, and heavily armed with modern western weapons targetting them). Ukraine were about to carry out a pre-planned full-frontal military assault against all those innocent people in Eastern Ukraine, to wipe them all out. That's what all these uneducated people (we really are suffering from today), are all supporting? They're all supporting Ukraine, trying to murder those innocent eastern Ukrainians, and for no reason whatsoever. So, there really is, without question, something extremely wrong with these idiots we have here living among us today! I've no idea what kind of people I'm actually living alongside here any more?. I'd take up arms against the lot, though. We then saw the Donetsk People's Republic, and the Luhansk People's Republic, REQUEST Russian military protection from Ukraine, and REQUEST Russian military assistance against Ukraine's illegal government's army and their Nazi murdering thugs. They've no idea about any of this, either. To which Russia (QUITE RIGHTLY) agreed, while also recognising their own independence from Ukraine. So, really, I'd be fascinated to know when that, or anything like that, has ever been considered a military invasion by anyone? In fact, when has anything like that, ever seen anyone, claim it to be a military invasion? Not ever! It really only comes down to a juvenile standard of propaganda, and it's all just such obvious nonsensical propaganda claims, (that are all so backward in their entire context), that it's shocking that we could ever see anyone fooled by such juvenile and backward propaganda. Seriously, just how uneducated would one need to be, to even think anything like that, let alone start believing it? I mean, Putin made it very clear what Russia's aim was in Ukraine (before they entered), and honestly, he could not have made it any clearer, than he did. He told us all, very clearly, the aim for Russia was to protect those Eastern Ukrainian people (who have been subjected to bullying, torture, murder, and attempted genocide against them by the Kiev regime for the last eight years). For Russia to achieve that, they planned to carry out a full "demilitarization and denazification" of Ukraine, to bring to justice, all war criminals responsible for the bloody war crimes against civilians in Donbass. And about time too, is the truth! All these supporters of Ukraine, are only supporters of butchery and murder against all those innocent eastern Ukrainian people. They're only supporting an attempted genocide against all those innocent people in Eastern Ukraine! I mean, my goodness me, there's something missing, something not right with them all. But not only that, no, but they unbelievably, must all think, that Russia protecting all those innocent people (at their own request), is a Russian invasion of Ukraine, and the wrong thing for Russia to do? I mean, this is just incredible idiocy and pure stupidity, let alone outright treachery! And all of these people we see supporting Ukrainian, also, must have expected Russia to just ignore all those innocent people's request for protection from Ukraine? And then just watch Ukraine murder them all? Think about it, that is exactly what they all must have expected to see? And that, really is, only a Nazi mindset.

[@hotstepper887]

Also, why do we read so many of you people today, who have absolutely no idea what's going on in Ukraine at all, no idea it's been going on for the last 8 years, and absolutely no idea, it was the US that planned, financed and purposely caused the coup in Ukraine, 2014, during Maidan. Yet we read you all wanting an opinion on it?. How can anyone ever form any logical opinion on anything without knowing all the facts? That's more commonly known as outright stupidity, and utter ignorance! I'm sure we'd find that many of the people we read supporting Ukraine today, were probably all about 10 years old, when the USA committed the coup in Ukraine. Yet these uneducated people, actually, and unbelievably all think Russia is in the wrong? It's just ASTONISHING idiocy, it's idiocy on a scale of idiocy, I really don't believe we've ever seen, or ever experienced before. I mean, what on earth are you all talking about? Do you not even understand that we have, (Victoria Nuland), in a leaked phone call, heard saying on the phone to the US ambassador to Ukraine Geoffrey R. Pyatt, who would be replacing Yanukovych, she's also heard ruling out allowing Klitschko from taking part in the elections, saying the USA couldn't trust a former sports star? I mean, you what? What is that all about? - And when she was asked what the EU might say to it? She replied with "F*** the EU", and isn't it ironic, as it was all said about 6 months before the coup, (that was just as she'd "predicted") took place? So, have any of these super intelligent American people who we see and read blaming Russia, ever listened to that phone call? No? - Why not? So, having an opinion on all of this, without knowing all the facts? It's a completely backward mind set, and just outright stupidity! But, wait, that's not all of it, as we also have the Snowden leaks, showing us many of the USA's plans in Ukraine? So, again, have any of these really intelligent people (who we see and read blaming Russia), ever read those leaks? - No? Why not? The man risked his own freedom to show us so many of these truths? So, we really must ask, is there something mentally wrong with you people, maybe? There simply must be something extremely wrong with you all! I mean, it's really unbelievable, as we even have the old parliament of Ukraine, spelling out exactly what they'd found out the USA was trying to do, about 7 months before the coup took place? As you can all read for yourselves... See below.... But all of you extremely uneducated propaganda swallowing dunces want to blame Russia? For what? Come on, for what? For doing 100% the right and correct thing, maybe? Are you all really as screwed up and uneducated as you all come across? I mean, Russia could not be any more in the right today, even if they really tried to be right. While the USA, could not be any more wrong, if they really tried to be wrong. What is it, none of you understand? Are you really this thick? Transcript: Deputy Oleg Tsarov has the word... Honourable Colleagues... Honourable Vladimir Vasiljevitch... In my role as a representative of the Ukrainian people, activists of the public organization “Volya”, have turned to me, providing clear evidence that within our territory, and with support and direct participation of the USA Embassy in Kiev, the “Tech Camp” project is realized, under which preparations are being made for a civil war in Ukraine. The “Tech Camp” project prepares specialists for information warfare and for the discrediting of state institutions, by using modern social media platforms, that can be used to create potentials to arouse possible revolutionaries, for the organizing of violent protests, and aimed at the toppling of the State Order. The project is currently overseen, and under the responsibility of the US ambassador to Ukraine... Geoffrey R. Pyatt. After my conversation with the organisation “Volya”, I have learned that, they, [Volya], succeeded in accessing facilities of the project “Tech Camp” by disguising themselves as a team of IT specialists, and to their surprise, briefings on the peculiarities of modern social media platforms were held. American instructors explained how social media networks and Internet technologies can be used for targeted manipulation of public opinion, as well as, to activate protest potential, and to provoke violent unrest on the territory of Ukraine, with complete radicalization of the population, and for the triggering of infighting. They also showed examples of successful uses of social media networks and technologies, that were used to organize mass and violent protests, in Egypt - Tunisia - Libya - Syria - and Venezuela. Tech Camp representatives currently hold conferences throughout Ukraine, a total of five events have been held so far, and about 300 people have been trained as operatives, which are now active throughout Ukraine. The last conference “Tech Camp” took place on 14th and 15th of November 2013... In the Heart of Kiev, on the territory of the US Embassy. You tell me, what country, in the world, would ever allow an “NGO” to operate out of, and from... (the US Embassy in Kiev)?. This is extremely dangerous, disrespectful and harmful to the Ukrainian government, and it's completely 100% against the Ukrainian People. I appeal to the constitutional authorities of Ukraine, with the following question... "Is it conceivable that representatives of the US Embassy, in Kiev… (which organize the Tech Camp Conferences)... misuse their diplomatic mission?" -- Let him speak -- Carry On... UN Resolution, of 21 December 1965, regulates the inadmissibility of interference in the internal affairs of a state, to protect its independence and its sovereignty. In accordance with paragraphs one, two, and five. I ask you to consider this, as an official beseech... to pursue an investigation of this case... Thank You... I mean, honestly, could It be any more obvious? It really must take the most backward thinking people who could ever see any of this as anything other than 100% the USA's fault! If you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, eventually the people will come to believe it ~ Joseph Goebbels, 1941. You only need to say it once to an American, as long as it was the American government saying it, they'd all believe it.

[@vtechk]

Very nice analysis. Thank you.

[@normmcrae1140]

I was an Aircraft Technician in the RCAF and saw MANY Maple Flag exercises in Cold Lake, AB. They were designed to supplement the Red Flag exercises in the US, and saw DOZENS of different planes and Nationalities there. Everything from RF-4 Phantoms from the Luftwaffe, to F-16's, CF-18's, F-14's, F-15's, Tornadoes, Mirages, Harriers, Hercs, and more from the US, Canada (of course), the RAF, Israel, Singapore, France, and more.... They usually flew 2 x 3-hour missions PER DAY.... and with around 150 planes PER MISSION - The training hours racked up pretty quickly - and most of it was Dissimilar Aircraft Combat. Pretty intense! An Airplane Watcher's PARADISE! There were even special Viewing and Photo areas set up for enthusiasts.

[@SAS_Programmer]

How were Israelis compared to other participants?

[@normmcrae1140]

@@SAS_Programmer I was a mechanic, so I don't know how they fared in the air, but they WERE killing themselves laughing at the USAF guys from Alaska who were complaining that Cold Lake was TOO COLD and they wanted to go back to Alaska where it was warm!

[@CatFish107]

Ah yes, must be Maple flag time again. There's rental cars on the wrong side of the road. The RAF is in town.

[@normmcrae1140]

@@CatFish107 🤣

[@aaronbaker2186]

​@@normmcrae1140 yipes, how cold was it? In Alaska I have been outdoors in -40 with 40 mph winds, but I was fairly far to the south in Alaska (Homer, not panhandle).

[@defenestrated23]

Did you miss a decimal? 193/65 ~= 2.9, not 22.7. Also a purchasing power of 22 would be incredible. It was about 1.5 in 2019

[@rocketraccoon1976]

Yeah, I was wondering about that, too. When he said 22, I was thinking that means the Russians are spending over a trillion equivalent dollars on their armed forces. Scared me.

[@alexanderSydneyOz]

Thanks. That is a very impressive and informative video.

[@kurtisengle6256]

I'm amazed they have a side by side fighter plane. That's like, some sort of special effect.

[@simisg2121]

Being a fighter pilot is a perishable skill.. it is and it’s no joke with how dangerous their job is. A lot of people have no idea what fighter pilots actually do and deal with.

[@tsugumorihoney2288]

you can now see lots of combat videos of pilots from Ukraine war, there no much fighters, but enough helicopter and attack aircrafts videos

[@kiwianimationssolomonsharp6250]

I’ve really got a thing for the TU-22M. I just love how robust it is, and that iconic beautiful blue afterburner. It’s like if you took a fighter, and just scaled every part of it up by a factor of 5

[@antarashnia84]

I'm pretty sure that the smoke that comes from the afterburners is basically like mustard gas. Now to be clear I'm not saying it is mustard gas I'm just saying it has some kind of byproduct that creates a poisonous smoke.

[@kiwianimationssolomonsharp6250]

@@antarashnia84 Oh yeah that fun stuff, is that a byproduct of the Tu-22M as well? I heard that’s mainly from the Tu-160 with all the yellow gas

[@JohnnyAmerique]

One of the many problems with the Tu-22M is that it its internal cooling system used a blend of ethanol and distilled water, which is otherwise known as vodka. If you know anything at all about the Russians, it doesn’t take a whole lot of imagination to figure out what happened to most of the cooling fluid, nor the resulting impacts on operability. The Soviet pilots literally nicknamed the plane “the booze carrier.”

[@kiwianimationssolomonsharp6250]

@@JohnnyAmerique I could imagine the pilots would often encounter an “unforeseen malfunction” in their cooling systems due to a “sudden decrease” in the coolant available ;)

[@griffinfrensdorff3650]

Keep in mind tu22 and tu22m are essentially entirely different aircraft… not saying they may not share quirks/issues/design features, but the tu22 was essentially a lemon, and the tu22m was a rugged workhorse

[@gregoryvangaya8971]

My Grandfather was a pilot in the RCAF mostly out of New Foundland covering the convoys of mega tonnage Canada sent to keep Britain alive in the early days, then training pilots later in the war. It scarred him

[@briantologie]

"I'm Alex Hollings and this is Air Power" is the coolest way to introduce yourself. My son and I love you on here and the Black Ops show

[@teamOOSD]

I flew the Antonov an2 once. Laughed all the way home, had a nice verbal 'conversation' with the copilot. A plane from the stone age, but all instruments, controls and engine were in good order. Easy to fly, hydraulic controls i wasn't expecting that from a plane build in 1949. It felt like a very slow and heavy van but flying the thing over the tropical canopy at 4/500m is a moment i will remember till i die. So, my favorite Sovjet plane? The Ukrainian AN2.

[@user-dc9oq2pr6v]

sure you did buddy, sure you did

[@Vincent98987]

​@@user-dc9oq2pr6vdid he fly it aftuallfy😊

[@jasonMB999]

You were flying at 500m? Very interesting. But why was your altitude in meters? Nevermind, I can answer that. Cause that never happened. Tell me you're a liar without telling...😅

[@contemporarymonk]

The Antonov Bureau is not Ukranian.... it never was. Its headquarters, as well as the factories and the majority of the engineers/designers and workers were moved to Ukraine in the early 50's from Novosibirsk. Oleg Antonov was born in Moscow region, to ethnic Russians... And he AN2 was designed and built in 1947 by him, in Russia. So you are wrong on every conceptual level here.

[@omgpix]

@@user-dc9oq2pr6v What is so unbelievable about flying an An-2? It's a civilian plane, they built ~20,000 of them, and are found throughout the world. Now if he -- or anyone -- said they flew an SU-57 sure. okay, because that's just barely more believable than riding in Santa's sleigh

[@stevenmackey582]

27.3 PPP doesn’t seem possible….

[@suntower299]

Very nice report, thanks!

[@torch_k8110]

Great information! As someone who occasionally looks around in aerospace stuff the Su-47 is pretty unique. Haven’t really seen anything on it for a couple years, so maybe the performance isn’t as good as it’s looks…

[@ConductorDon]

They couldn't afford to keep the project going, so it was cancelled. Putin needed to get another mega yacht instead I guess.

[@regolith1350]

"Accident" is really stretching it. If you intentionally buzz past another aircraft repeatedly for half an hour, hitting it at some point is more an eventuality than an accident. If I keep crossing the street blindfolded, eventually I'm gonna get run over.

[@mustang5132]

I love the look of the MiG-21 with the old school metallic finish. The best looking is definitely the MiG 1.44 though. That’s a very unique and cool looking aircraft. I’m both happy and sad it was never produced

[@ryleedjonovich8805]

Your video’s are the best free history class I’ve ever seen! Love your work Alex. ❤😂

[@TheEvertw]

"Dredging up the remains from the bottom of the Black Sea" Most people will be amazed to learn that the black sea is about 2000 meter deep where that drone went down. That is more than a mile or a thousand fathoms. Good luck with that dredging, Russia.

[@abrammatthews2628]

I love watching and learning about your videos

[@jamesbohlman4297]

This was informative Alex, thank you. If you could cover the Grippen/F-35B (STOL/VTOL) characteristics against the F-16/F-18 characteristics; this would be interesting.

[@jamesbohlman4297]

@@CaptainDangeax the one thing that most platforms have in common is a ten-thousand foot runway, which is the first thing to get targeted.

[@CaptainDangeax]

@@jamesbohlman4297 Better go back to your cement mixer to finish your alley

[@andersnoren6070]

Gripen, not Grippen. It´s pronounced "Gree-pen". ;-) It´s named after the mythical creature griffin.

[@jamesbohlman4297]

@@andersnoren6070 when the only runways that can handle the F-16s get blasted by missiles, there is going to be some serious ass-kissing to get ahold of any Gripens Sweden can find.

[@dkgamez2959]

@@CaptainDangeax The F-35 actually has very similar performance to an F-16 maneuverability wise

[@manuelstarr3602]

I am a fan of the older Ardvark F111 with it's Terrain following abilities. I wonder how good it would have been if it was further developed.

[@MrGTOFixit]

My son is a former F15c driver and a current F35a driver and the training is constantly ongoing proud parent of a USAF war fighter

[@drmarkintexas-400]

🏆⭐🎖️🙏🇺🇲 Thank you for sharing

[@larrycox7169]

I think you seriously understated the importance and usefulness of US pilot sim seat time. Hands down the best training tool we have and FAR superior to anything Russians provide.

[@ddpeak1]

Well Alex I liked the way that you explained the difference in costings and values 🇬🇧. Thanks for the video Slava Ukraine 🇺🇦

[@seffbones5655]

Seeing a su57 actually get airborne is like seeing a unicorn 😂

[@Millennium7HistoryTech]

Excellent video, just a couple of considerations: 1) Aviadarts happen regularly AFAIK, with large participation of the Chinese Air Force too. 2) Russians do not have multirole aircraft like the west, with the exception of the Su-30, so they are not trained for all the missions (incidentally, this happens in the west as well, where theoretically multirole squadrons do not have fully qualified pilots)

[@lakshaysingh2160]

Woah surprised to see you here 👀

[@sumanneogi2679]

Sir I think its quiet biased

[@finarfin]

Are you Russian or Italian, M7? I know plenty of Italians with accents similar to yours when speaking English. I’m just curious. Please lmk (I’m Italian, so I pick up on these things)

[@tango_uniform]

Russia also doesn't have a TRADOC command.

[@SZarael]

Not surprised to find the usual suspects here :) good points!

[@ottobyte]

Great vid as always Alex. The Flanker is a great looking jet with arguably the best aerodynamic arrangement in a modern combat aircraft. The Felon also has an pretty beautiful shape. The thing is though, it’s clear to me that whilst kinematic performance is a great example for a design, the US/European designs focus on different areas of performance. It’s also arguably proven that out and out air show stunts don’t equate to a real air to air engagement (even WVR). Maintaining speed and manoeuvrability/stealth seems much more valuable than the tightest turn radius. Technologically speaking they would appear to be behind by some way but I focus much more on their shape than the electronic side. Regardless I think they should always be regarded with the utmost respect.

[@geopolitix7770]

Yup. Felon may have been a copy of the YF-23 but it still looks nice

[@Alvi410]

@@geopolitix7770 No. Its not a copy of the YF-23. Because its faaaar worse. Its a "Body Kit" for a Flanker. The suppousedly stealth fighter lack even S-Shaped intakes... And better not speak of the shoddy production quality.

[@geopolitix7770]

@Yellow13 I have no knowledge of what you speak of...but have zero reason to doubt you!

[@Asymmetrical-Saggin]

'catastrophic shortage of well trained Russian pilots' Can't imagine a reason why that is. 😂😂😂😂

[@D9david]

Thanks. Good job!

[@badgerdad777]

I think the SU-34 is pretty cool looking. Kind of unique with side by side seating.

[@charlesworton4020]

Something you didn't mention in the financials was the degree of corruption in the Russian military. X number of dollars may have been allocated for flight training, but how many of those dollars actually were spent on their intended purpose? Probably a surprisingly small number.

[@jacob_90s]

In addition to the time spent training, it's also important to remember that the quality of training has a heavy impact as well. 10 hours of really damn good training might be much 30 hours of poor training, or if it's just basically the equivalent of you and a bunch of buddies dicking around. This is of course much more difficult to measure, but as we've heard more and more about the Russian military since the War started, there seems to be little incentive for soldiers to stick around (even before the war started) meaning anyone with the drive to get good, likely left and moved on to bigger and better things

[@ivanhicks887]

I am 90 and a Korean war vet - MSGT USAF RET - I guided B29 bombers to target - I Still consider the F86 the most beautiful jet and performance Excellent for that time - We are Still The Best - !