Deborah Loomis

Fed-Ex Airbus with collapsed nose gear at Baltimore today

As discussed yesterday, the Soviet/Russian Mil Mi-24/25/35 Hind series of Attack Helicopters are unique in combining features of a utility helicopter in what is an Attack oriented design with it's cargo hold.

This feature was long considered to be a Russian curiosity. However, the Americans, or maybe it's a Russian again, had an identical idea.

The Sikorsky S-67 Blackhawk, not to be confused with the UH-60 Blackhawk utility helicopter, was of identical idea of combining utility and attack functions in a purpose designed helicopter.

The irony here is Sikorsky Aircraft was founded by Igor Sikorsky, who was a Russian emigree. The irony will be examined in detail in tomorrow's post.

Chengdu J-20 (China) vs F-22 Raptor (USA) || Specifications Comparison

Identify the aircraft. Clorox.

Here's a picture showing the difference in design philosophy for Western and Soviet/Russian Attack Helicopters.

Consider the American Hughes/McDonnell Douglas/Boeing AH-64E Apache Guardian and Mil Mi-35 Hind. The Americans concentrated on Attack as the Apache's main and only role, and it's design reflects that. Meanwhile, the Soviets designed the Hind in such a way such that it has a secondary transport function as reflected by it's transport bay for troops or cargo.

Meanwhile, the HAL Rudra in the background reflects the philosophy of taking a utility helicopter and mounting weapons on it without making major modifications to the design of the airframe. The HAL Rudra is the armed Light Attack version of the HAL Dhruv utility helicopter.

All 3 aircraft in this picture are in service with the Indian Air Force. ~Clorox.

USA vs Russia vs China | Most Powerful Aircraft

5th Gen Aircraft : Su-57 Felon (Russia) | F-22 Raptor (USA) | Chengdu J-20 (China)

Powerful Bomber Aircraft : Tu-160 Blackjack (Russia) | B-1B Lancer (USA) | Xian H-6K (China) | B-2 Spirit (USA) | F-117 Nighthawk (USA)

Identify the aircraft. ~Clorox.

Bomber Aircraft : B-21 Raider (USA) | B-2 Spirit (USA) | Xian H-20 (China)

Powerful Aircraft :
Shenyang J-16 (China)
Dassault Rafale (France)
Atlas Cheetah (South Africa)