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.

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?

I crossed the 95
But that was 30 kilos and 30 years ago.

890 Sqn Sea Vixen, Ark Royal.


https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune....f679b77b7c.jpg

AV-8A
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune....5c4f256be8.jpg
Sea Harrier FRS.1
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune....8330b4a9e0.jpg

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune....94ac95e1e8.jpg
There's another one on this page: https://www.vc10.net/Photos/vc10s_airtoair.html

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune....ffd388c8e8.jpg

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!

Surprising, given that the Tu-95 probably uses a similar level of technology. ;)
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?

Ask in the Military Forum - you'll get dozens of answers

Many years ago I organised a lecture to our local aviation society by a couple of Lightning pilots from Leuchars. As far as I can recall, the only rule was don't hit the other guy. :O

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.

Interesting to note that the Tu-95, which first flew in 1956, is still in service whilst all of the "interceptors" pictured above have been retired.

Tu 95 first appeared in Public in 1955 IIRC

Why the large white patches on the underside of the Vulcan in ZH875's photo?

Ran out of camouflage paint?

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!

Something to do with its air to air refuelling role??

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune....a8df27502b.jpg
Tee-Hee!!

Mog