Beyond The Sprues

Current and Finished Projects => Physical Models => Aero-space => Topic started by: pigflyer on January 19, 2017, 01:56:26 AM

Title: Not a Tupolev?
Post by: pigflyer on January 19, 2017, 01:56:26 AM
In 1966 China was accused of stealing plans for the Dassault Mirage IV bomber.  China, of course, denied this, claiming to have bought a tech transfer from the soviets, the "dead on the drawing board" Tupolev Tu 21, NATO codename Blighter. Russia refused to comment.

The Xian H4 Was revealed in 1969 in prototype form.  By late 1972 it was in full production, an eventual 237 serving the Chinese, including a dozen pre production models in the test role.
With the soviets refusing the Tu22 for Egypt, China leaped in to sell a dozen bombers plus four trainers with a raised rear cockpit, and limited operational performance. Syria took ten and three respectively, and Uganda five and two.
Of the 36 sold abroad, 7 were lost and the rest removed from operations by the Israelis through various means.
China has 11 left in the recce role, five in testing and several as ground instructional airframes.
 ;)
Title: Re: Not a Tupolev?
Post by: pigflyer on January 19, 2017, 02:11:21 AM
I don't have the actual Chinese spelling, but the name of the missile translates roughly as "Not a copy of the bullpup, honest guv!"
Most Chinese and soviet weapons can be carried, the NR23 cannon, mounted in a pod under the rear, is controlled by the "Proper original Chinese radar" pod on the fin.
Top speed, clean,  mach 1.8.   Recce fit, 3 tanks = 1.6
Max load, center fuel tank as shown, mach 1.4 at 50,000 ft.
Ceiling, 59,500 ft.
Max range hi low hi, 900 miles with standard load.
Crew 2.

The aircraft dedicated to low level ops often had the gun/radar removed.

Title: Re: Not a Tupolev?
Post by: GTX_Admin on January 19, 2017, 02:13:43 AM
 :)
Title: Re: Not a Tupolev?
Post by: KiwiZac on January 19, 2017, 03:13:07 AM
Very cool idea - the back end and canopy look very Tupolev!
Title: Re: Not a Tupolev?
Post by: The Big Gimper on January 19, 2017, 03:30:31 AM
Very nice Mr. Flyer.  Great execution.
Title: Re: Not a Tupolev?
Post by: Brian da Basher on January 19, 2017, 04:56:29 AM
Just fantastic! I'm especially impressed with the outstanding paintwork!

Great stuff!

Brian da Basher
Title: Re: Not a Tupolev?
Post by: pigflyer on January 20, 2017, 09:11:31 PM
Thanks for the nice words guys.
It was the canopy that gave me the Tupolev idea.  All the paint work is mark one hairy stick.

I appreciate your looking folks, thanks,

Ian
Title: Re: Not a Tupolev?
Post by: Old Wombat on January 21, 2017, 04:05:44 AM
Wild camo scheme, love it! :)