Intercepted the Bear
Intercepted the Bear
Saw this on another thread and as it's topical at the moment thought we could take it to the next level.
How many aircraft types, countries have intercepted the Tu95 'Bear' ?
Post with pics if pos.
How many aircraft types, countries have intercepted the Tu95 'Bear' ?
Post with pics if pos.
747 Captain of Braniff and author wrote of one trans Atlantic where he hit the obvious wake of another aircraft at night with no reported traffic in the area, a snooping Bear?
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Re Jhieminga's excellent pic, the oil rig seems to be having difficulty staying in formation...
I was flying VC10K2 ZA141 in that photo which Jhieminga posted. The photo was taken by an F-4 navigator on Tuesday 4th February 1986 and was one of 4 x Bears I nabbed that week!
Thanks BEagle, I guess photographers weren't available on all those interceptions so you're lucky to have one or two photos!
Fascinating range of "intercepters" on show in the pictures. Just as an interested observer what were the "rules of engagement" on these intercepts and were the Russians aware of them?
Last edited by VictorGolf; 21st Oct 2022 at 15:28.
Ask in the Military Forum - you'll get dozens of answers
Interestingly, the rear gunner on the Bear, who was usually wielding a camera, would invariably give a friendly wave and encourage a intercepting pilot to lift their visor, believed to be a strategy whereby, over time, the Russians could work out often the same pilots appeared on intercepts.
Why the large white patches on the underside of the Vulcan in ZH875's photo?
Victor Golf, no real rules (apart from do not collide!!). However, in general terms it was fairly(!) relaxed overall. Night intercepts at low level (fairly rare) were quite demanding, however!