Back when we were all friends :(

[Tim Holden]

With the cold war firmly back on I got nostalgic for the days when we were all friends. I went back through my old photo albums and digitised a few Russians & Ukrainians from days gone by. Sadly most of these types are now fighting each other.

aIMG_9700 by timothyholden, on Flickr

aIMG_9705 by timothyholden, on Flickr

aIMG_9701 by timothyholden, on Flickr

aIMG_9683 by timothyholden, on Flickr

aIMG_9681 by timothyholden, on Flickr

aIMG_9679 by timothyholden, on Flickr

aIMG_9678 by timothyholden, on Flickr

aIMG_9671 by timothyholden, on Flickr

aIMG_9666 by timothyholden, on Flickr

aIMG_9661 by timothyholden, on Flickr

aIMG_9684 by timothyholden, on Flickr

aIMG_9639 by timothyholden, on Flickr

aIMG_9638 by timothyholden, on Flickr

aIMG_9635 by timothyholden, on Flickr

[Stug298]

A thought provoking set of pictures...i appreciate your sentiment...

[paddyboy]

Hi Tim

Awesome set and wonderful memories there

Don’t think they’ll be repeated ever again

Thanks for posting

Paddyboy

[GeorgeA]

Some real gems there and unlikely to be seen again I am afraid.

[flasheart]

A great shame, but realistically were we ever really "Friends".

[F3]

Ah yes. That false dawn of a peaceful new world which only briefly lasted until one repressive regime in Russia replaced the other. Goes to prove the old adage 'Better the devil you know.' When the Communists were in power at least there were checks and balances like the Party itself being bigger than any individual whereas now there is only a total dictator with a court of psychophants and yes men. Give me the good old Cold War anytime. Everyone knew where they stood and less chance of a nutter pressing a button to start WW3. The only good thing about it is that NATO is suddenly relevant once more and complacent members like Germany have suddenly woken up to the fact that the Bear in on the prowl once again.

[Tim Holden]

A few more.

aIMG_9640 by timothyholden, on Flickr

aIMG_9645 by timothyholden, on Flickr

aIMG_9646 by timothyholden, on Flickr

aIMG_9648 by timothyholden, on Flickr

aIMG_9649 by timothyholden, on Flickr

aIMG_9652 by timothyholden, on Flickr
aIMG_9620 by timothyholden, on Flickr

aIMG_9629 by timothyholden, on Flickr

aIMG_9634 by timothyholden, on Flickr

aIMG_9636 by timothyholden, on Flickr

aIMG_9637 by timothyholden, on Flickr

[Unknown74]

Can you please remind me of what the Aircraft types are first set is photo No.14 in the first set and the types in photos 6 & 8 in the second set are please. I seem to remember at least one of them was the Russian version of the Harrier but I am not so sure.

[Tim Holden]

Can you please remind me of what the Aircraft types are first set is photo No.14 in the first set and the types in photos 6 & 8 in the second set are please. I seem to remember at least one of them was the Russian version of the Harrier but I am not so sure.

The last photo in the first set is the MiG 31 "Foxhound"

2nd set photo 6 is the Yak 141 "Freestyle". This had a heavy influence on the F35B.

2nd set photo 8 has a MiG 29 (can't remember the sub variant), MiG 31 and an Mi 17 in the background.

Tim

[haveblue]

Interesting set. Didn't see half of the stuff that you have posted on here but I too thought it was truly the start of different times and a real thawing in defence relationships. Agree with F3 that back in those old cold war days there was some order and at least you knew where you stood in the grand scheme of things.

[binbrook87]

What a great set of photos! Yes indeed those early post cold war years were incredible for the variety of Russian and Eastern European aircraft popping up at shows in the UK. Glad i got to see them while the 'friendship' lasted as i fear we'll not see the likes for a long time...if ever... again.

[Unknown74]

OK Cheerz Tim Holden.............

[Mustang531]

Thanks for sharing these. It was quite an eye-opener when these types started appearing at events in the UK, but they were turning up at the Paris Air Show first. They were fairly regular attendees at IAT and Farnborough for a while and remember the Russians visiting Leuchars, Yeovilton and Valley. Great days and they were friendly too.

[quid21]

Only type I can't see is that type that was supposed to be Russia's equivalent of the U-2, the M-55.

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File ... irshow.jpg