Posted on 09/06/2006 8:26:38 AM PDT by Pukin Dog
Iran unveiled its first locally manufactured fighter plane Wednesday during large-scale military exercises, state-run television reported.
The report said the bomber Saegheh is similar to the American F-18 fighter plane, but "more powerful." It also said the plane was "designed, optimized and improved by Iranian experts."
State TV said the Iranian air force had commissioned the Saegheh plane after many test flights in the past year.
Television footage showed the airplane taking off and launching two rockets. The plane had a small cockpit and only one pilot.
"Saegheh is capable of launching both rockets and bombs," the report said.
General Karim Ghavami, commander of Iran's air force, told state-run television that the war games were being held "to show the trans-regional forces that we are ready to defend our country up to the latest drop of our blood."
The Islamic republic is concerned about the U.S. military presence in neighboring Iraq and Afghanistan at a time when the international community has threatened to impose sanctions against Tehran because of its disputed nuclear program.
During the war-games, which began Aug. 19 and have been dubbed "The Blow of Zolfaghar," Iran has test-fired short-range, surface-to-surface missiles, submarine-to-surface missiles, a new air defense system and laser bombs.
Iran's military also test-fired a series of missiles during war games in the Persian Gulf in March and April, including a missile it claimed was undetectable by radar and could use multiple warheads to hit several targets simultaneously.
After decades of relying on foreign weapons purchases, Iran now says it is increasingly self-sufficient, claiming it annually exports more than $100 million worth of military equipment to more than 50 countries.
Since 1992, Iran has produced its own tanks, armored personnel carriers and missiles, the government said. It announced in early 2005 that it had begun producing torpedoes. The government has not said how many warplanes it will build.
And here is a picture of the cockpit (just a mockup I think). First thing that stands out is the angle of the multi-function displays. Unless it was flying at night the Sun would wipe those things blank. And at night the reflections from those things on the canopy would be similar to having an LSD overdose.
We ARE a Country of McGyvers, yah knOOw!
Hi, I'm Katie Couric with the news. Good news first! Today, the Peoples' Islamic Republic of Iran unveiled the most advanced fighter plane in history. Capable of Mach 7, a range of 10,000 miles on a 50 gallon fuel tank, able to hold 250 intercontinental nuclear missiles, and sporting an onboard Iranian computer faster than any computer ever made. This plane is capable of winning a dogfight with any US plane, we hope. We salute them and wish them all the luck.
In other news, petulant President Bush annoyingly questioned the truth of the noble Iranians' claim of total air superiority against the now inferior planes of the, um, American empire.
Saegheh = multi-role hangar queen
Sad...but so true.
The one I saw flying looks more like an F-5 with a twin tail.
The Iranians are releasing a lot of odd footage lately, but it appears that the aircraft in question may be a Sukhoi T-50 (if they have any such aircraft at all). The Iranians may have assembled the kits, but more likely are just pulling stuff out of their butts.
Their video of the sub missile launch was old Chinese video.
Well, at least only one pilot gets killed per sortie that way.
Locally made, locally destroyed hopefully.
We got the aerial refueling thing down... too bad we can't do aerial rearming as well.
Don't say that too loud. Pukin' gets all sentimental and stuff.
God Bless You All for your service to this great Country.
Thank you for making this World a better place!
You RULE!
Now, you know as well as I do, that the Tiger II is about as deadly as a knat in an energy fight. My guess is the modeler stole much from both a Hornet and Viper model.
Well check out the pic in post #52. Looks like the model was the "dream" and the actual aircraft the reality. Ha. Bring 'em on.
Hmmm, sounds like a good DARPA project.
GREAT google and excellent tagline!
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