Fun with the Kh-66 Grom

[Bunyap]

Here are some shots from an air-to-ground attack using the Kh-66 Grom guided missile. The training modules that come with the MiG-21 are really quite good. I will still have a lot to cover in the "Test Flight" videos but I am already well on my way to understanding the systems. This was actually just a dry run for an "On the Range" tutorial so look for those to start rolling out very soon.

 

The MiG-21 can carry two Kh-66s, one on each inboard wing station.

 

 

 

At this point, my radar is painting a spot on the ground directly underneath the reticle. The Grom is a beam-rider and will go in the direction the radar is pointing.

 

 

 

I fire the missile when I am happy with the radar lock and ground track.

 

 

 

 

The missile impacts but the radar lock wandered a bit while the missile was in the air. (Or maybe I didn't have it pointed in the right direction in the first place!) The missile hits a bit long but still damages the trucks.

 

 

 

I come around for one more pass, this time manually flying the reticle to keep it stationary over the target instead of letting the radar lock on the ground.

 

 

 

 

The missile is right on target!

 

 

 

I wouldn't say the aircraft is overly complicated but the pilot workload is very heavy. A lot of functions that might be handled by one switch or dial in the A-10 take three or four switch throws, often on different panels, in the MiG-21. This Kh-66 release required checking no less than four switches on the right console and five more up front. Even the "pickle button" has a switch guard that you have to open up. This is going to be a lot of fun. :)

Edited August 16, 2014 by Bunyap

[elchacal]

WOW, awesome! I can't wait to fly on that bird! Thanks a lot for share those pics! :thumbup:

[lucien]

magnificent, i cannot wait :pilotfly::pilotfly::pilotfly:

[-Rudel-]

How was that leveling experience after you fired off the first one? :D

[Muppetlord]

How was that leveling experience after you fired off the first one? :D

 

My friend mentioned that yesterday when he flew the mig-21.

After he fired the first Kh-66 the drag on his other wing was causing him some problems, it was quite fun watching him. :thumbup:

[MauganRa84]

<3 <3 <3 <3 <3

[uboats]

How was that leveling experience after you fired off the first one? :D

 

If I were him, fire another one ASAP (regardless the target) to make load balanced :D

Sad to know MiG21 has no bank trim