read somewhere that the TU95 was the noisiest aircraft ever and shadowing crews could hear them quite clearly... Was that the the case?
I seem to recall thay, In the days when everyone was interested in unducted fan engines, there was great interest in the Bear's Kuznetsov engines, particularly the reduction gearbox. RR thought a lot could be worked out from a recording and inquired through back channels if any assistance could be provided. Lo and behold, one of the LU QRA F4s was modified with a recorder and mikes (IIRC it was a portable controlled by the navigator with a couple of mikes strung inside the canopy after take-off). When a suitable Q opportunity came along they were scrambled and then sat in the prop wash behind the wing for a couple of hours making a tape. I doubt it was a very comfortable experience.