De Laugh & Smile

V-22 Osprey

Quest for hybrid machine which could perform both helicopter and aircraft role was long and dates back to the Cold War. V-22 pushed forward limits of human airplane design. It is a crown jewel of hard work and high people and material cost. This machine can perform landing and take-off from very small and nasty places in which standard transport airplanes can only perform parachute drops. Amongst all it can reach up to 560 km/h in flight, carry 27 tons of cargo and reach up to 7,900 meters of height. United States Army had been given excellent machine.

Antonov An-225

Mriya (”Dream”) is one of a kind airplane. Truly remarkable piece of equipment, this airplane is big enough to carry spaceship modules and aircrafts. The worlds heaviest fixed wing aircraft this machine will surely catch your attention while flying by due to it’s size and beautiful shape. Unfortunately only one aircraft has been completed so far due to the dissolution of Soviet Union. As it can carry 640 tons of cargo with 850 km/h and 4,000 km of range this aircraft is constantly in service since many companies require heavy-load cargo being delivered around the globe. It should be noted that this aircraft require 3,500 meters of airstrip to take off.

Boeing AH-64 Apache

Vietnam war proved the point that combat helicopters are due to prove their effectiveness in the battle. From AH-1 Cobra to AH-64 Apache it was a long road of development. Main purpose of this interesting helicopter is tank and vehicle hunt, forward observe, gunship for close support etc. Armed with 30mm cannon and assorted missiles/rockets this helicopter is also well known for it’s strength and sturdiness, as well as silent approach (lesson learned from UH-1 “Huey”). Used in many conflicts through the last century this helicopter with 300 km/h speed and combat radius of 480 km will remain in the United States Army as well as in certain other armies around the globe.

Kamov Ka-52

The “Alligator” is direct descendant of “Crocodile” – Mi-24 Hind. Strong gunship, versatile, well armed and with it’s distinct shape Kamov 52 will surely prove it’s effectiveness in the future. Rather strange design with two main rotors and without tail rotor it provides 315 km/h and 545 km of range for it’s pilot. Even though Kamov design bureau went through difficult time during dissolution of the Soviet Union this helicopter surely proves that Russian weapons industry goes strong on the international market. Amongst all Russian Army received remarkable helicopter.

Eurocopter Tiger

European Union is not simply political and economical community. Strong military industry is being developed to provide armies with quality weapon systems. Amongst them it’s place hold Eurocopter Tiger, designed to supplement ground troops as a gunship and full-time combat helicopter. Sophisticated and versatile it provides 300 km/h and service range of 800 km. It’s armed with single 30mm cannon and assorted air-to-ground and air-to-air missiles which fortify it’s strength and combat value. Sure a machine to prove it’s worth in the future.

Mikoyan MiG-35

Mikoyan 35 represents classical and battle-proven MiG design. Excellent maneuverability, strong weaponry, extraordinary capabilities. This multirole fighter sure is crown jewel of years of development. From the first MiG-s like 15,17, and world-famous MiG-21 to the MiG-29 and 35 many lessons of the wars and conflict were learned. This airplane is expensive and good 4++ generation jet fighters. It can reach up to 2.25 Mach and 17,500 meters of height armed with assorted missile systems.

Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II

Airplane that pushes the limit. Old quest for speed, maneuverability, stealth capabilities has had full and strong impact in this airplane design. Sharp lines, in-board weapons and high-tech top electronics: it is good enough to participate in Star Wars. It is a continuation of well proven F-22 Raptor. This airplane sure is a pride of American airplane engineering. With 1.6+ Mach top speed and 18,000 meters top height it is yet to prove it’s combat effectiveness in the future.

Eurofighter Typhoon

Joint enterprise of European aircraft manufacturers. Has distinctive shape and capabilities, good enough to provide countries of European Union with strong and top-quality jet multirole fighter. 2 Eurojet engines can produce enough power for airplane to reach 2 Mach in speed and 19,800 meters flight ceiling. Carries wide array of missiles and bombs and often participate in air shows and happenings. It is yet to replace older weapon systems and air designs and serve European air safety in the future.

Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor

The F-22 is an air-superiority fighter with improved capability over current Air Force aircraft. From the inception of the battle, the F-22’s primary objective will be to establish air superiority through the conduct of counter air operations. The F-22 also has an inherent air-to-surface capability. A combination of improved sensor capability, improved situational awareness, and improved weapons provides first-kill opportunity against the threat.

Sukhoi PAK FA

“Future Airborne Complex – Frontline Aviation”. New design of Sukhoi bureau, already world-wide well known with it’s fighter and bomber designs. In recent years Russia has taken large steps forward in upgrading and researching new aviation. Some lessons are taken from general idea of stealth aircraft. Armament is internal in bays. This multirole aircraft is intended to replace array of older aircrafts. It can reach 2+ Mach and is armed with currently secret modern avionics.