In 1989 the Type 80 MBT is getting older and Norinco embarked on a new tank design base on it's chassis, eventually going on to be designated the Type 85 II. They were developed based in the requirements of the then PLA, with firing trials beginning by mid 1989. This model marks a technological leap … Continue reading Norinco Type 85-II
The Type-79 MBT takes the space between the Type 69 and the Type 80, the main chassis is the same as the Type 69 with the headlamp and towing eyes of its eventualy successor the Type 80. As with most tank improvements the man areas of betterment were to the night vision and firepower, other … Continue reading Norinco Type-79 MBT
The Type 80 MBT began development in 1978, with first delivery of prototypes beginning in 1985. Development as a whole was completed by 1988, where by the Type 80 designation was assigned. The Type 80 was an improvement on the Type 69 MBT with the improvement of the fire control system, for increased probability of … Continue reading Norinco Type-80 MBT
The first production models had the option of both a rifled and smoothbore, however after testing the rifled bore proved to have better range and penetration characteristics. Subsequently all models were built with the rifled gun and designated the Type II. The Type-69 could be considered the successor to the Type-59 with the layout being … Continue reading Norinco Type-69 MBT
As we move toward the rear of the aircraft, beyond the engines we notice that it does not have a traditional tail assembly. It lacks horizontal stabilizers, only having 2 vertical tail fins that canter inward. Even the placement of these is different, as they are located not at the end or rear of the … Continue reading SR-71 Blackbird (Pt. 3 of 3)
As we progress further back we come across the completely delta wings. These highly tapered double delta wings are seamlessly blended outward from the fuselage further maintaining the slim cross section. The wings are the home of the 2 engines, which power the aircraft to Mach 3+ speeds. They sit roughly mid span of the … Continue reading SR-71 Blackbird (Pt. 2 of 3)
The Blackbird was developed by Lockheed to be the successor to the U-2 spy-plane. however this was not only developed to be a high altitude spy-plane but also to serve as a fighter, initially as a fighter interceptor role. Early on only the variants/prototypes had these sophisticated alternative role capacities. For the most part after … Continue reading SR-71 Blackbird (Pt. 1 of 3)
This was flown as a high altitude radar reconnaissance aircraft. This British aircraft was the first jet propelled one for them. When the American company Martin copied the British design they produced it as a tactical strike aircraft. At the very front sits the single pilot, although their is a tandem variant, he has at … Continue reading RB-57
The wings were also home to different pods, that for the most part while extending out from the wing, were not on pylons, they were spliced into the wing structure roughly mid-span or slightly inboard of mid-span. In some variants they were slipper tanks, that held extra fuel to extend the range and overall performance … Continue reading U-2 (Pt. 2 of 2)
The U-2 represented, in its time, one of the aviation pinnacles when it came to reconnaissance. Arguably it could be considered one of the first aircraft designed to penetrate enemy airspace undetected all while conducting operations, essentially operating as a stealth aircraft though not a stealth aircraft, far from it. Development began in the 50s, … Continue reading U-2 (Pt. 1 of 2)