THE online version of the Sunday Leader on June 22, 2008, in its article titled "Govt kills 5000 Tigers, but the war goes on" by Ranjith Jayasundara makes the following errorneous statement in the body of the article;
" ...Impossible to intercept
The LTTE aircraft travel at a maximum speed of 262 kilometres per hour. The minimum speed that a MiG-29 can sensibly travel at without stalling is about 2600 kilometres per hour, thus making it almost impossible to intercept the much slower propeller aircraft from behind..."
The Mig-29 is a versatile and a sophisticated aircraft, and has a maximum speed of 2,445 km/h, which is lower than the stalling speed stated by the above article. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mig29#Specifications] Quite obviously the specifications considered by the author have been errorneous, leading to incorrect conclusions.
" ...Impossible to intercept
The LTTE aircraft travel at a maximum speed of 262 kilometres per hour. The minimum speed that a MiG-29 can sensibly travel at without stalling is about 2600 kilometres per hour, thus making it almost impossible to intercept the much slower propeller aircraft from behind..."
The Mig-29 is a versatile and a sophisticated aircraft, and has a maximum speed of 2,445 km/h, which is lower than the stalling speed stated by the above article. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mig29#Specifications] Quite obviously the specifications considered by the author have been errorneous, leading to incorrect conclusions.
While opinions may be divided regarding the Mig-29 acquisition along many lines and affiliations, resorting to ludicrous mis-reporting undermines not only the value of the article, but also that of its author.
It is also important to point out to the reader that interception from the rear in aerial combat ceased to be the only means of destroying hostile aircraft in a combat situation, decades ago. Technology in use for well over 30 years have made such interceptions completely unnecessary. Present day aircraft, including the Mig-29 are capable of shooting down another aircraft from any angle.
The Mig-29 possesses long range radar and sophisticated missiles which can take out the Tamil Tigers' flying tincans from almost beyond visual range.
It is also important to point out to the reader that interception from the rear in aerial combat ceased to be the only means of destroying hostile aircraft in a combat situation, decades ago. Technology in use for well over 30 years have made such interceptions completely unnecessary. Present day aircraft, including the Mig-29 are capable of shooting down another aircraft from any angle.
The Mig-29 possesses long range radar and sophisticated missiles which can take out the Tamil Tigers' flying tincans from almost beyond visual range.
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1 comment:
TropicalStorm,
I bow you for your single-handed relentless effort in honouring and protecting our forces.
May the force be with you!
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