Really, ya can’t make this stuff up.
TEHRAN – Iran’s sole Simorgh AWACS aircraft was lost during a military parade Sept. 22, one of two Iranian military aircraft that crashed in Tehran while participating in a display to mark the anniversary of the start of the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq War.
The Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force operated a single Simorgh, a former Iraqi Air Force Adnan. The Adnan AWACS was in turn a modification of a Soviet-built Ilyushin Il-76 transport.
Related TopicsThe Simorgh collided with one of the Air Force’s Northrop F-5E Tiger II fighters over the area of the Imam Khomeyni Shrine, southern Tehran. According to eyewitnesses, the crash occurred immediately after the parade. Apparently, no mayday call was issued.
Both aircraft crashed in flames. Initial reports indicate that seven crewmembers were killed in the crash.
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Couldn’t have happened at a more opportune moment or a nicer bunch of guys. They still have Russian made ground based radar but obviously not first rate equipment or well trained operators if they can’t monitor their own airspace. Having Iran AWACS blind is a good thing.
Bwahaha. I read this yesterday and it made me laugh just as hard. When I went through Avionics school in the Air Force, there were two Iranian officers in my class. They were really nice guys. Then one day, they were gone. Thanks Jimmeh.
This sad loss of human life is of no concern to the Ayatollahs running Iran. They’ll find more airmen and the Russians relish the sale of more of their junk to Tehran.
I have doubts about the effectiveness of a single, aged AWACS in the hands of the Iranians alone but with new sales will come Russian technical support and opportunities to improve integration with ground based systems, many of which are Russian, including some newer, very effective mobile SAM systems.
The time is approaching where even small improvements in Iranian air defense pushes Israel closer to the point of no return.
Allah caused the wreckage to actually fall onto the shrine.
(“Face it Flounder. You threw up *on* Dean Wormer.”)
Darn, that’s just a shame. *chuckle* Couldn’t happen to a nicer bunch…
This sad “loss of life” occurs during at an event commemorating the anniversary of the start of an even larger “loss of life.” How fitting.
tfhr, so Israel that had Obama pissing on their boots yesterday should not hesitate to strike now?
They should and without restraint. Iran is the Enemy of America You don’t want to to debate that with me either here or in person. I have 28 years Military Service and 12 years “other service” that I will not discuss here or anywhere but is was for the US Government overseas.
The Current War started a while back for US. I do not teach history. I am currently in Denver selling cattle. In between meetings I go here for a look and meet with Chicago Stock Exchange folks and buyers for cattle, that is what I do now.
Netanyahu delivered his address to the UN General Assembly with great restraint. Pretender UnCrowned Prince Obama was worshiped by the enemies of America.
I will get back to you all here later, with restraint. My Opinion, Israel is a sovereign Nation.
They should hit Iran NOW or die later.
If any of you have doubts, piss on my boots later. I am off to sell cattle while Obama sells off Our Allies in PA. He did it in NYFC already. I rode the train here. With the new legislation I can carry concealed on the train like most places besides NYFC, Chicago or anywhere in California. I sell no beef that goes to California, DC or NYFC anyway.
Be Careful out there!
Lemme see, a Soviet aircraft (ergo built before the fall), owned by Iraq until 1991, then “expatriated” to Iran. Seventeen years of use leading to a local one-of-a-kind “AWACS” mod, being escorted by a pair of Shah era F-5s which haven’t had a supply chain since 1979 from the manufacturer.
Now get them in parade formation and slow down for a flyby and I can’t conceive of the sort of wing vortexes and turbulence being generated. The accident was inevitable. It’s a wonder they go airborne in the first place.
Expect a line at Radio Shack this week end as the Ayatollah’s boys line up to buy replacement Heathkit parts for that high tech electronics stuff that was in the AWACS.
Yeah, they’ll block the pending Israeli strike on the nuclear facilities, sure they will.
Hey Old Trooper:
Moooo! Grab me a sirloin!! 🙂
Here in Cali you can carry open, as long as “Ol Blue” is separated from her babies; Blue’s daddy has no warrants, is not intoxicated, and gladly lets the officer inspect her when the officer asks. Best to do it only on public property, cuz even asking nicely in private areas, will only net you a 10% affirm.
I have a feeling the Blue Star of David will not need to fly over Iran. It will implode on it’s own, and we both know the Mossad isn’t sitting around in the Dead Sea getting tanned.
Michael Ledeen has been providing some good stuff lately. The riots are still going on, and not even the Basij are taking action against the Green-Colored protestors this time. A great rending is approching in that country, and Obama choses to NOT support the ones who will bring down the Mullahs.
I’m sure Israel knows this, and that they’ve been working deep places, with the full knowlege that America will do nothing to support the cause of Her liberty.
They see what’s happening in Hunduras, and to anyone else who thought they were our “friend” such a short time ago….
You see…
Just days before his execution by the Khmer Rouge, one of Cambodian leaders answered an offer to be evacuated, by the US Ambassador. His name was Sirak Metak
The note read:
“I cannot, alas, leave in such a cowardly fashion. As for you and in particular your great country, I never believed for a moment that you would have this sentiment of abandoning a people which has chosen liberty. You leave and my wish is that you and your country will find happiness under the sky.
But mark it well that if I die here on the spot, and in my country that I love, it is too bad because we are all born and must die one day…
I have only committed this one mistake in believing in you, the Americans.”
History trys to move. Progressives “progress”. History repeats move.
So the plane that’s supposed to track all the other planes in the sky runs into another plane? Sounds like they believe in the Peter Principle over there, too!
Ah, Allahs will maybeit, dumb luck karma maybeit, but I would suggest to ObiWon’s nutters that it was Karl Roves mind waves whatdoneit.
Oh for the commentor above on the Mussad; actually the Mussad and our SOF do like resorts where one can tan, eat well and such while smiting the enemy. Do’in the evildoers does not require livin’ poorly.
EdGi, that was Classified Info on not living poorly. At least we got You a good return on your money. My tan is genetic. I am 1/4 Sioux but never claimed it for affirmative action purposes.
I am an OCS Grad and got commissioned the hard way. The Benning School for Wayward Boys,
went through the mill at Bragg, got an education, served where I was sent, did the missions that others did not want and had success because I never quit and got results.
The Mossad are great folks and I respect them. They play by different rules.
Patvann, I prefer a porterhouse cut but sirloin is acceptable if it is from my herd. Grass and grain fed. I am sad that you reside in California. Been there and loved the food at Fishermans Wharf in SF, went through DLI at Monterrey for some skills but that was years ago. On open carry, I prefer Concealed and Legal when I am off property so that is not open for debate here. I just do not go there.
On Iran…
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1983_Beirut_barracks_bombing
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iran_hostage_crisis
The CFP IEDs come from Iran. The ones that are the worst. I shed no tears for anyone in the current Iran Government but the Murder of Ms. Neda Agha-Soltan did anger me a great deal.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzEScqAQfkM&feature=related
Now ask me what I care about two obsolete aircraft having an airspace problem…
Let the IDF deal with Iran because America has domestic terror from Capitol Hill , the White House and Obama is too busy kissing asses in Pittsburgh pushing his agenda and serving the Nation poorly, as usual.
Take Care!
My comment is under Moderation. I reckon I was too blunt.
@Neo:
The loss of an Iranian aircraft and crew does nothing to solve the problems created by Iran’s leadership; It’s just wasted lives. Load some Ayatollahs on board that AWACS and repeat the process and I think I could find a silver lining.
The war between Iran and Iraq was fought to a bloody stalemate and nothing was gained. The hatred that existed between Saddam and the Ayatollahs was the greatest incentive of all for their pursuit of nuclear weapons. The legacy of that war causes us trouble today and that is only likely to grow with time.
Rather than celebrating that loss, I have concern for the continued modernization of integrated air defenses in Iran “courtesy” of the Russians and others. It’s that simple.
@Old Trooper:
Fortunately the Israelis do still have the option to use force if they deem they must but this is not just about destroying a few targets in Iran. The fallout of an Israeli strike will have vast security implications and economic impacts that will be felt around the globe. I, for one, am a little tired of hearing others, including you, Old Trooper, stand on the sideline and cheer for that to happen. The truth is there may not be much of a sideline right now and there is little reason to believe that our current administration will handle the situation well.
28 years? Well good for you. I retire from the Army at the end of this month having passed 20 earlier this year. So between us, we’ve got nearly half a century of military experience, including a few wars. We both know that wars are sometimes inevitable. We also should know that you don’t start one that you’re not sure you can finish, if you have the choice, or until you are ready, if you must. I trust Israel to look out for it’s better interests and I believe America should help them do that.
If an Israeli strike does happen, this will not be another Osirak. Right now I think Israel still has some latitude to delay and prepare but without America and other nations standing firm in support of Israel, there is no telling how far this could go.
As far as I’m concerned, we’ve been at war with the Ayatollahs since 1979; we just refuse to acknowledge it. An Israeli strike will end that state of denial and I suspect it could come in ways far more devastating that anything al Qaeda has done or is capable of doing today. Be careful of what you wish for – particularly right now.
tfhr, Roger that. The years went by in eine augen blink.
The Israelis will Defend themselves regardless of what the Kenyan Pretender in Chief sanctions.
I just completed my business in Denver, am ready to get on a train for Helena with my Federally Approved .45 in a shoulder rig and Dr. Strangelove for my laptop for the trip home while Sen. Max twists arms in DC. Baucus is the Montana equivalent of Ted Kennedy and as much a damn Traitor!
Patvann, Israel does not seek war but when they fight, they win! Give them that and lets leave the UN out of any further discussion as they are corrupt, worthless and need to move their HQ to Mogadishu, Somalia so their Members and the Half Kenyan Pretender can be closer to home.
Train time for me. A little traveling music from the America I loved.
It beats hours on a C-130 or C-141 or C-17 waiting to jump….