Heikkis' Silhouette Challenge

[SincoTC]

Not so old as it looks mate!

Not from the USA

I will leave my light on but will only be able to check periodically

[Lightning Mate]

Is/was it's purpose an aerial target?

There are no obvious sensors, but the tail bulge may contain a radar reflector such as a mini version of the Luneberg Lens.

[SincoTC]

It was designed to tow targets as a secondary mission, but it's design purpose was to conduct photographic intelligence.

The "bulge" is in fact a jettisonable rocket booster, the flame of which can just be seen developing on the extreme right.

Edit: Hi Martin, just seen your light on, still away mate, last I heard you were bound for Kiev.

[Ridge Runner]

Hello Trevor! No, I'm back now, arrived on Friday night with a cold and blocked ears! Its all going away slowly, though.... You azre right, it was Kiev, preceded by 24 hours in Sofia. Both were as hot as hell!!! 38 in Kiev!

RR

[Lightning Mate]

.........

[SincoTC]

Kiev, preceded by 24 hours in Sofia. Both were as hot as hell!!! 38 in Kiev!

And not at all pleasant with a head-cold!! Welcome back RR

Coffee (and clue) time.

My challenge first flew in '72; waddya know it rhymes too Only the one made!

[Lightning Mate]

Well, the term UAV did not arrive until the late '70s. Before that (eg 1972) they were referred to as RPVs.

So is it an RPV?

[SincoTC]

Well, although I think you're are correct, I was surprised to find that my source classifies it as a UAV, and a first! Although the translation doesn't make it clear whether that is first UAV for the country, the manufacturer (both true I think) or the use of the term

[Lightning Mate]

Russian...?

[SincoTC]

Niet; in a manner of speaking you were on the right trail with your first question

[Lightning Mate]

...but my first question asked if it was American, which you have said it isn't.

edit: perhaps you mean South American......

[SincoTC]

Originally Posted by TC

Not from the USA

That isn't not from America is it

[Lightning Mate]

Check my edit above mate.

[SincoTC]

Ah yes, you posted that a minute after I'd gone back into the workshop! It is South American

[Lightning Mate]

....FMA....?

Maybe the X59 Dronner.

[SincoTC]

No maybe mate; it is the FMA IA 59 Dronner X (also known by the nickname Tabano)

You have Control

[Lightning Mate]

Thanks TC.

We have not had a chopper for a while.........

[evansb]

Piasecki 16-H Pathfinder ?

[Lightning Mate]

That's a deal Brian.

Your thread mate - nite.

[evansb]

Really ? I pulled that one right out of my hat ! Must be my lucky day.. Good night, Captain. Here is the next one: