Libyan MiG-25P “6716” is seen here carrying a comprehensive collection of air-to-air missiles for its interceptor role, including a pair of R-60s (Nato reporting name AA-8 Aphid) on the outer pylons, with a pair of much larger R-40s (Nato reporting name AA-6 Acrid) on the inners.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: МиГ МиГ-25П / МиГ-25ПД - РоссияRussia - 1964

A McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom of US Navy unit VF-51 intercepts one of the Libyan Arab Air Force’s Tu-22 Blinders over the Mediterranean during the latter’s delivery flight in April 1977. Note the red, white and black Egyptian-style roundel and fin flash used by LAAF aircraft during 1969-77.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II - СШАUSA - 1958Туполев Ту-22 - РоссияRussia - 1958

Armee de I’Air Sepecat Jaguar “A 89” (coded 11-MM) of Escadron de chasse 2/11 "Vosges" at N’Djamena International Airport with a freshly applied coat of desert camouflage and carrying a pair of 125kg Societe des Ateliers Mecanique de Port-sur-Sambre (SAMP) bombs on the starboard underwing pylon.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: SEPECAT Jaguar - InternationalInternational - 1969

A transporter erector launcher and radar (TELAR) vehicle for a French Crotale short-range all-weather anti-aircraft missile system stands guard at N’Djamena airport. In the background is a recently-upgraded Armee de I’Air C-135FR with turbo fans.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker / C-135 Stratolifter - СШАUSA - 1956

Dassault Mirage F1C “279” (coded 5-NK) of Escadron de chasse 1/5 “Vendee” (and wearing the “Jeanne d’Arc” fin insignia of Escadrille SPA.124, the third flight of the squadron) awaits its next sortie from N’Djamena airport. Note the Matra R.550 Magic Mk 1 infra-red homing air-to-air missile fitted to the aircraft’s port wingtip.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Dassault Mirage F.1 - ФранцияFrance - 1966

A Mirage F1C, coded 12-YB, of Escadron de chasse 1/12 “Cambresis” approaches an Armee de I’Air C-135FR tanker to replenish its fuel supply during a combat air patrol over Chad. It carries a Matra Magic on each wingtip, but its usual load of a pair of Matra Super 530F-1 medium-range AAMs on its inboard underwing hardpoints is missing here.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Dassault Mirage F.1 - ФранцияFrance - 1966

When the Federation of Arab Republics was disbanded in 1977, new national insignia were adopted by the LAAF, comprising a plain dark green flag and roundels, as seen here. This Tu-22 is shown with a FAB-1500M-54 bomb, as carried by LAAF Blinders on strikes against N’Djamena and Abeche on September 7, 1987.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Туполев Ту-22 - РоссияRussia - 1958

The Tu-22 was known as "the flying tank" in Libyan service, not only because of its sheer size and brute power, but also because of its lack of finesse as a flying machine; it was exceptionally hard to master and fly with precision. INSET The squadron badge of the LAAF’s No 1111 Sqn, featuring the unit’s winged-tiger motif.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Туполев Ту-22 - РоссияRussia - 1958

LEFT Locals inspect the wreckage of the Blinder shot down by 403 RA during the LAAF bombing sortie on N’Djamena in September 1987.
RIGHT One of the three FAB-1500 bombs carried by the Tu-22; it was not armed when the bomber was hit, so the French recovered it from the wreckage and put it on display at their HQ.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Туполев Ту-22 - РоссияRussia - 1958

Originally designed as a supersonic intercontinental bomber and missile carrier, the prototype Tu-22 made its maiden flight on June 21, 1958. Despite its science-fiction looks, the type was always a handful to fly and a comparatively small number, just over 300, was built. Fitted with state-of-the-art camera equipment in the nose, this is a reconnaissance variant, Nato codename Blinder-C.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Туполев Ту-22Р - РоссияRussia - 1961