Videos: Uh Oh... Foxbat Lands On CIVILIAN Aircraft Carrier! (The End Is Near)
Monday, November 18, 2013 at 09:19AM
As is so often the case these days, things aren't always what they first appear to be. With that in mind, no, I'm not talking about the Russian MiG-25 Foxbat, and the ship in the video technically isn't a 'civilian aircraft carrier'... however, what takes place in this video is almost as hard to believe as a MiG-25 on a civilian aircraft carrier.
What we really have here, from back in October, is an A-22 Foxbat Light Sport Aircraft from the Ukraine making a landing and takeoff from the deck of a unique cargo ship that has a large flat top deck. The ship's relatively narrow deck, the side railings, and the small tower right off the bow make this whole effort here one giant step over the crazy-line. What I mean to say is DON'T TRY THIS AT HOME! I really have to wonder how you get permission to do something like this. I guess we'll have to watch and see if the video gets pulled before long... a good indication that there was no permission.
Video screenshot: Ukrainian A-22 Foxbat landing on cargo ship at sea... just for fun
Given that the ship was travelling at 9 knots with a 14 knot headwind, the Foxbat was barely moving forward at touchdown. However, the turbulence coming off the front of the boat greatly increased the risk of failure/tragedy. And while the takeoff looks like a human catapult system, I actually think those guys were doing more to keep the airplane clear of the railings on the short takeoff roll.
Screenshot showing the 'Sea Takeoff Using People Initiated Departure' (STUPID)
Ok, I'll admit that there's a lot about this that I love, but I honestly feel these kinds of crazy acts are best done without any video evidence to incriminate those who really should have known better. I'm just glad it worked and no one was hurt. I do think the end is near tho... for at least one person's job, maybe several!
The video below is a longer version that can be watched in HD.
Reader Comments (3)
I heard they were going to make this one leg of "The Amazing Race" later this season or early next season. ;-)
He got to log 3 landings. ; )
Not sure why you disapprove of this. So what if its risky. Aerobatics, skydivers, world-record attempts, and anyone who sky-walks or races at Reno risk just as much or more. Nobody thinks that those people are violating some kind of "rule" or "law."
Judging by all the help the pilot had on deck, I doubt anyone is going to lose their job over a stunt that was obviously planned.
Where is your sense of daring and adventure?