Hi chaps,
During the Russian Air Force's centenary bash in 2012, we had a tour around this re-work facility on the edge of Moscow.
I know, lots of guys seem to go there during some tours of the area when MAKS is on. Can't remember any posts covering only here though.......hence.
It's not for everyone, but if you're a particular fan of the An-2, Mi-2 or Mi-8, then this is a little piece of heaven. It made for some original photography.
Not going to claim who any of the ex-users of these machines are. Here is a little selection of the dozens of frames, all with different histories and futures......
First up, Mi-2 'gate guard'
IMG_9210 by Rupert Kelley, on Flickr
Next, a preserved Mi-1.....first one for me
IMG_9213 by Rupert Kelley, on Flickr
And keeping it company, an Mi-4.....Russia's Whirlwind
IMG_9212 by Rupert Kelley, on Flickr
And so, time for the first An-2 line-up
IMG_9221 by Rupert Kelley, on Flickr
This one sums up the place.....rather like an aircraft cemetry. Death is just another chapter of life.....
IMG_9232 by Rupert Kelley, on Flickr
Turn of the Mi-2s.......this one reminds me of those animal groups where they all look at the camera out of curiosity
IMG_9237 by Rupert Kelley, on Flickr
L-29 Delfin, looking a little out of place, but very welcome
IMG_9240 by Rupert Kelley, on Flickr
Looking after the place were a small army of women, who thankfully were friendlier than their dogs
IMG_9241 by Rupert Kelley, on Flickr
Also worth an inclusion were a few PZL Wilgas
IMG_9243 by Rupert Kelley, on Flickr
Belly down An-2 with special markings
IMG_9259 by Rupert Kelley, on Flickr
Ex-civil Aeoflot An-2s having a staring contest with Mi-2s
IMG_9273 by Rupert Kelley, on Flickr
Ah, good to see something not dismantled.......ex-military An-2s
IMG_9284 by Rupert Kelley, on Flickr
Oh, back to dismantled........enter the Mi-8 (I did)
IMG_9253 by Rupert Kelley, on Flickr
This An-2 looked ready to fly out again, but I never found out whether it was returning to the Air Force or not. Anyone know....?
IMG_9285 by Rupert Kelley, on Flickr
Different An-2, same question........
IMG_9290 by Rupert Kelley, on Flickr
These ones look more civil (not my bag), but the colours looked nice, so here they are......
IMG_9288 by Rupert Kelley, on Flickr
And this interesting re-engined one is here only out of novelty......but the old shape is more nostalgic
IMG_9293 by Rupert Kelley, on Flickr
Back to the regular fare......one of many lined-up Mi-8s in varying camoflages. A really hip place to be (sorry)
IMG_9296 by Rupert Kelley, on Flickr
And at the end, a still complete Mi-4. Can only imagine it's been there a long time (grass)
IMG_9311 by Rupert Kelley, on Flickr
But not as long as this (ex)Mi-1.....
IMG_9316 by Rupert Kelley, on Flickr
......or this (ex)Mi-2......flymo anyone ?
IMG_9317 by Rupert Kelley, on Flickr
Another An-2 line-up......just in case some of you were missing them by now
IMG_9325 by Rupert Kelley, on Flickr
Finally, Mi-2 central......probably around 40 of them, mostly ex-civil
IMG_9331 by Rupert Kelley, on Flickr
Even these don't escape being dismantled here
IMG_9330 by Rupert Kelley, on Flickr
And a family photo to end, with daddy Mi-1 hogging the limelight
IMG_9326 by Rupert Kelley, on Flickr
That's all folks, hope you enjoyed this alternative look at the things we love.
Happy snapping chaps,
Rupe (no kiss)
Chernoye, Russia.....planes in bits
Chernoye, Russia.....planes in bits
Name someone who loves you enough to die for you. I can only think of 1.......there is only 1
Re: Chernoye, Russia.....planes in bits
Nice flavour of the place - went there during last year's MAKS trip - all very similar. There was a Mil-4 in the workshop in bare metal being refurbished - wonder if it was the one in the long grass, as that wasn't around in 2017?
Leon
Leon
"Sharpness is in the eye of the holder"
More at http://www.planephotos.org.uk
More at http://www.planephotos.org.uk