Kuznetsov on way to Syria with Su-33

[hammarö]

The Russian battle group will not be refuelled in Malta says Maltese foreign minister.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world ... 82901.html

[ehusmann]

Reportedly one of the MiG-29s aboard the Kuznetsov has crashed shortly after launch. Pilot apparantly ok.
http://www.foxnews.com/world/2016/11/14 ... s-say.html

Erwin

[hammarö]

Su-33 and MiG-29 from Kuznetsov use Hmeymim air base, Syria in bombing missions over Syria.

Se sat picture with 8 Su-33, 2 Su-35, 7 Su-24M and 2 Su-34.

http://www.janes.com/article/65775/russ ... 4Q.twitter

[ehusmann]

So in other words, the Kuznetsov was just a ridiculously expensive way of getting some planes to Syria?

Erwin

[11E]

IIRC the Americans did the same during one of the Gulf wars with an even more expensive nuclear ship to get planes into the area.

(Beter een goed gestolen plan dan een slecht verzonnen plan )

[CBR]

So in other words, the Kuznetsov was just a ridiculously expensive way of getting some planes to Syria?

Erwin

but perhaps a strong geopolitical signal.

[11E]

And expensive? Looking at the exhaust they were burning (recycling) old car tires in the boiler room. Can't be that expensive..

[ehusmann]

In one answer to both.... given that they needed to send a tug along just in case it would break down (again!), it can't have been that cost effective, nor impressive...

Erwin

[11E]

Hahaha,
The dreaded tug, it happens to he best. Must be embarrasing for the crew and a lot of beer for the tug crew.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/11 ... ys-sailed/

[Richard from Rotterdam]

When Russian state television is reporting live from the Kuznetsov that they have commenced bombing Syria and only shows Flankers carrying only A-A missiles, you understand it's only for local Russian PR.

[hammarö]

All the Su-33 used in Syria are equipped with Gefest. The same bomb aiming as Su-24M used in Syria.
The others Su-33 are planned to rebuild for Gefest.

The state television reports are certainly not from bomb aiming missions, only just for show.