09-03-2022, 01:45 PM
Has anyone read Putin's People? My wife is currently reading it, and often mentions the low-quality of windows and resulting falls/deaths.
DIE LUFT DER FREIHEIT WEHT
(09-03-2022, 11:58 AM)dabigv13 Wrote: Each TB2 can carry 4 missiles, and Ukraine probably has more of them than Su24s and Su25s, and I'm sure is happier losing one than a piloted aircraft. Yes they will be more effective at night and at altitude, but they will still provide a lot of tactical capability in supporting a ground offensive. Ukraine has proven very adept at using systems outside of what they were designed for in this war.I don't disagree, mostly because Ukraine doesn't have many SU-25s and MI-24s. Supposedly, Ukraine has about 31 SU-25s that are operational. At the start of the war Ukraine supposedly had 34 operational MI-24s although they had serious spare parts issues in keeping them that way. These units participated heavily in the early part of the conflict and were key in preventing the fall of Kiev. Subsequently Ukraine has essentially withdrawn these helicopters from combat, using them only in special circumstances.
I wouldn't be surprised if by the end of the war Ukrainian TB2s will have taken out more armor than their Frogfoots and Hinds.
(09-03-2022, 11:58 AM)dabigv13 Wrote: Each TB2 can carry 4 missiles, and Ukraine probably has more of them than Su24s and Su25s, and I'm sure is happier losing one than a piloted aircraft. Yes they will be more effective at night and at altitude, but they will still provide a lot of tactical capability in supporting a ground offensive. Ukraine has proven very adept at using systems outside of what they were designed for in this war.I don't disagree, mostly because Ukraine doesn't have many SU-25s and MI-24s. Supposedly, Ukraine has about 31 SU-25s that are operational. At the start of the war Ukraine supposedly had 34 operational MI-24s although they had serious spare parts issues in keeping them that way. These units participated heavily in the early part of the conflict and were key in preventing the fall of Kiev. Subsequently Ukraine has essentially withdrawn these helicopters from combat, using them only in special circumstances.
I wouldn't be surprised if by the end of the war Ukrainian TB2s will have taken out more armor than their Frogfoots and Hinds.
(09-03-2022, 11:56 AM)thatboy Wrote: This thread seems very focused on tactics and the prosecution of the war. Can I digress slightly and ask you all, who are more knowledgeable than me, what the real cause of this war was? How did we get here?
Offline, I'm in a debate with someone who is pro-Russia and they claim this whole thing traces back to Euromaidan and Victoria Nuland -- and generally the US meddling in Ukrainian politics to the point where Viktor Yanukovych abandoned the Presidency of Ukraine and fled to Russia. I'm oversimplifying it, but that seems to be the crux of it. I know Nuland was caught on tape talking about who she (or the US) would like to work with if the opposition took over from Yanukovych. Is there any evidence the US actually orchestrated any kind of coup? I don't believe so, but curious if I'm being naive or missed something.
(09-03-2022, 11:56 AM)thatboy Wrote: This thread seems very focused on tactics and the prosecution of the war. Can I digress slightly and ask you all, who are more knowledgeable than me, what the real cause of this war was? How did we get here?
Offline, I'm in a debate with someone who is pro-Russia and they claim this whole thing traces back to Euromaidan and Victoria Nuland -- and generally the US meddling in Ukrainian politics to the point where Viktor Yanukovych abandoned the Presidency of Ukraine and fled to Russia. I'm oversimplifying it, but that seems to be the crux of it. I know Nuland was caught on tape talking about who she (or the US) would like to work with if the opposition took over from Yanukovych. Is there any evidence the US actually orchestrated any kind of coup? I don't believe so, but curious if I'm being naive or missed something.
(09-04-2022, 04:00 AM)OutsiderFan Wrote: Your friend has swallowed right wing propaganda planted by Russia
(09-04-2022, 07:35 AM)dabigv13 Wrote: https://twitter.com/bayraktar_1love/stat...5sOo31jGjQNot to belabor the point, but do you see any Ukrainian troops, or any sign of them, in these videos? I don't. I don't even see any signs of a battle., like shell holes or Russian infantry digging/dug in. What these videos show is interdiction, at best, not CAS. Valuable, but not the same thing. Remember too that you are seeing a video picture made with significant magnification, as the pixelation shows. How high is that drone when it launches?
More new footage from Kherson of Bayraktars in an antiarmor role, taking out tanks that are moving and entrenched. Certain that Ukraine is happier with their Bayraktars for close air support than if they had A-10s.
(09-04-2022, 07:35 AM)dabigv13 Wrote: https://twitter.com/bayraktar_1love/stat...5sOo31jGjQNot to belabor the point, but do you see any Ukrainian troops, or any sign of them, in these videos? I don't. I don't even see any signs of a battle., like shell holes or Russian infantry digging/dug in. What these videos show is interdiction, at best, not CAS. Valuable, but not the same thing. Remember too that you are seeing a video picture made with significant magnification, as the pixelation shows. How high is that drone when it launches?
More new footage from Kherson of Bayraktars in an antiarmor role, taking out tanks that are moving and entrenched. Certain that Ukraine is happier with their Bayraktars for close air support than if they had A-10s.
(09-04-2022, 08:25 AM)dabigv13 Wrote: It seems your argument is about purity of the term. Bayraktars may be not functioning in a low altitude role roving the active battlefield. But as you describe, that isn't really how CAS works today for several reasons, even for the US.TOTALLY agree. The US doesn't do CAS anymore (except for VMFA-xxx). When you are 2 miles above the FEBA that isn't "close" air support. The Army isn't happy about this at all, but that is the way it is. There are some things you can't do from up there (strafing, quickly responding to emerging targets), but there are many things you can. Bayraktars fundamentally operate that way. Their small payload is a limitation, but their relatively small size makes them more survivable.
As the air arm of a combined arms maneuver, Bayraktar is probably Ukraine's best tool, even if not operating at low altitudes.
(09-04-2022, 08:25 AM)dabigv13 Wrote: It seems your argument is about purity of the term. Bayraktars may be not functioning in a low altitude role roving the active battlefield. But as you describe, that isn't really how CAS works today for several reasons, even for the US.TOTALLY agree. The US doesn't do CAS anymore (except for VMFA-xxx). When you are 2 miles above the FEBA that isn't "close" air support. The Army isn't happy about this at all, but that is the way it is. There are some things you can't do from up there (strafing, quickly responding to emerging targets), but there are many things you can. Bayraktars fundamentally operate that way. Their small payload is a limitation, but their relatively small size makes them more survivable.
As the air arm of a combined arms maneuver, Bayraktar is probably Ukraine's best tool, even if not operating at low altitudes.
(09-04-2022, 10:30 AM)Goose Wrote: The TB2 also has one other big advantage. You can build more of them (or Turkey can) for relatively little money and relatively rapidly. Building 50 F-16s in a few months just isn't possible. Since you don't lose the "pilots" when a TB2 doesn't come home, the replacement airframes can go right into the fight. Of course, these airframes carry 150kg of weapons, not 7575kg.
(09-04-2022, 10:24 AM)Treefence Wrote: It seems in the Donetsk region, Ukraine crossed the Siversky Donets river to liberated Ozerne, with rumors that Yampil is now contested. This seems like a risky operation, as holding Ozerne will be tough logistically, however maybe Ukraine is taking advantage of a spread out Russian defensive line, or possibly trying to draw troops away from other areas. This also comes as Ukraine shows videos of raising their flag in Vysokopillia in the Kherson region. We will see if we get more news from Kherson.
(09-04-2022, 10:30 AM)Goose Wrote: The TB2 also has one other big advantage. You can build more of them (or Turkey can) for relatively little money and relatively rapidly. Building 50 F-16s in a few months just isn't possible. Since you don't lose the "pilots" when a TB2 doesn't come home, the replacement airframes can go right into the fight. Of course, these airframes carry 150kg of weapons, not 7575kg.
(09-04-2022, 10:24 AM)Treefence Wrote: It seems in the Donetsk region, Ukraine crossed the Siversky Donets river to liberated Ozerne, with rumors that Yampil is now contested. This seems like a risky operation, as holding Ozerne will be tough logistically, however maybe Ukraine is taking advantage of a spread out Russian defensive line, or possibly trying to draw troops away from other areas. This also comes as Ukraine shows videos of raising their flag in Vysokopillia in the Kherson region. We will see if we get more news from Kherson.
(09-04-2022, 11:58 AM)dabigv13 Wrote:Ukraine has adopted a "broad front" approach to their current offensive. While this undoubtedly isn't the way NATO forces would proceed, it may be a good fit for Ukrainian capabilities. Tying down Russian forces prevents moving reinforcements to other threatened areas. As I have noted previously, it is a very "Russian" approach, but it does have it's strengths. Attack in many places, reinforce success.(09-04-2022, 10:24 AM)Treefence Wrote: It seems in the Donetsk region, Ukraine crossed the Siversky Donets river to liberated Ozerne, with rumors that Yampil is now contested. This seems like a risky operation, as holding Ozerne will be tough logistically, however maybe Ukraine is taking advantage of a spread out Russian defensive line, or possibly trying to draw troops away from other areas. This also comes as Ukraine shows videos of raising their flag in Vysokopillia in the Kherson region. We will see if we get more news from Kherson.
Video of Ukrainian troops crossing the Siversky Donets River
https://twitter.com/GirkinGirkin/status/...QUYAnbhM-Q
(09-04-2022, 11:58 AM)dabigv13 Wrote:Ukraine has adopted a "broad front" approach to their current offensive. While this undoubtedly isn't the way NATO forces would proceed, it may be a good fit for Ukrainian capabilities. Tying down Russian forces prevents moving reinforcements to other threatened areas. As I have noted previously, it is a very "Russian" approach, but it does have it's strengths. Attack in many places, reinforce success.(09-04-2022, 10:24 AM)Treefence Wrote: It seems in the Donetsk region, Ukraine crossed the Siversky Donets river to liberated Ozerne, with rumors that Yampil is now contested. This seems like a risky operation, as holding Ozerne will be tough logistically, however maybe Ukraine is taking advantage of a spread out Russian defensive line, or possibly trying to draw troops away from other areas. This also comes as Ukraine shows videos of raising their flag in Vysokopillia in the Kherson region. We will see if we get more news from Kherson.
Video of Ukrainian troops crossing the Siversky Donets River
https://twitter.com/GirkinGirkin/status/...QUYAnbhM-Q
(09-04-2022, 04:00 AM)OutsiderFan Wrote: Your friend has swallowed right wing propaganda planted by Russia and probably not just on the topic of Ukraine and Russia. It is laughable - like roll on the floor style - that "all the way back to" stops with Victoria Nuland. ANY credible destination for where "all the way back to" is in history, must include past efforts by Russia to control Ukraine. They've been at odds with each other since the 1800s, maybe even before that.
Ukraine won its independence from Russia in 1991 after the Soviet Union dissolution. Putin and his advisors are motivated to put the former Soviet Union back together, and Ukraine is a significant territory to get back into the Russian fold. Anyone claiming Ukraine or the U.S. is at fault for the war is just a Russian tool. Someone can make an argument they are in favor of Russia killing thousands of people and wrecking Ukraine to seize control of it, but don't buy this nonsense Russia is just defending itself or whatever other B.S. they spin. Victoria Nuland - LOL!!!
(09-04-2022, 04:00 AM)OutsiderFan Wrote: Your friend has swallowed right wing propaganda planted by Russia and probably not just on the topic of Ukraine and Russia. It is laughable - like roll on the floor style - that "all the way back to" stops with Victoria Nuland. ANY credible destination for where "all the way back to" is in history, must include past efforts by Russia to control Ukraine. They've been at odds with each other since the 1800s, maybe even before that.
Ukraine won its independence from Russia in 1991 after the Soviet Union dissolution. Putin and his advisors are motivated to put the former Soviet Union back together, and Ukraine is a significant territory to get back into the Russian fold. Anyone claiming Ukraine or the U.S. is at fault for the war is just a Russian tool. Someone can make an argument they are in favor of Russia killing thousands of people and wrecking Ukraine to seize control of it, but don't buy this nonsense Russia is just defending itself or whatever other B.S. they spin. Victoria Nuland - LOL!!!
(09-04-2022, 01:11 PM)thatboy Wrote:(09-04-2022, 04:00 AM)OutsiderFan Wrote: Your friend has swallowed right wing propaganda planted by Russia and probably not just on the topic of Ukraine and Russia. It is laughable - like roll on the floor style - that "all the way back to" stops with Victoria Nuland. ANY credible destination for where "all the way back to" is in history, must include past efforts by Russia to control Ukraine. They've been at odds with each other since the 1800s, maybe even before that.
Ukraine won its independence from Russia in 1991 after the Soviet Union dissolution. Putin and his advisors are motivated to put the former Soviet Union back together, and Ukraine is a significant territory to get back into the Russian fold. Anyone claiming Ukraine or the U.S. is at fault for the war is just a Russian tool. Someone can make an argument they are in favor of Russia killing thousands of people and wrecking Ukraine to seize control of it, but don't buy this nonsense Russia is just defending itself or whatever other B.S. they spin. Victoria Nuland - LOL!!!
Thanks. To be clear, this is not a friend of mine. And they are literally from Russia, I believe. So yes, they swallowed Russian propaganda.
(09-04-2022, 01:11 PM)thatboy Wrote:(09-04-2022, 04:00 AM)OutsiderFan Wrote: Your friend has swallowed right wing propaganda planted by Russia and probably not just on the topic of Ukraine and Russia. It is laughable - like roll on the floor style - that "all the way back to" stops with Victoria Nuland. ANY credible destination for where "all the way back to" is in history, must include past efforts by Russia to control Ukraine. They've been at odds with each other since the 1800s, maybe even before that.
Ukraine won its independence from Russia in 1991 after the Soviet Union dissolution. Putin and his advisors are motivated to put the former Soviet Union back together, and Ukraine is a significant territory to get back into the Russian fold. Anyone claiming Ukraine or the U.S. is at fault for the war is just a Russian tool. Someone can make an argument they are in favor of Russia killing thousands of people and wrecking Ukraine to seize control of it, but don't buy this nonsense Russia is just defending itself or whatever other B.S. they spin. Victoria Nuland - LOL!!!
Thanks. To be clear, this is not a friend of mine. And they are literally from Russia, I believe. So yes, they swallowed Russian propaganda.
(09-04-2022, 03:39 PM)dabigv13 Wrote: More Bayraktar video from KhersonVery few air defense vehicles can look straight up. The NASAMS for instance has a maximum elevation angle of 55 degrees. AEGIS can (almost) but that was a modification added in response to Russian missile technology. Once the TB2 gets in the "cone of silence" it is home free with these vehicles. Why the second vehicle didn't move after the first one was hit is another question. Possibly the crew all ran to help their comrades in the first target. The second vehicle, whatever it was, had a significant secondary explosion.
https://twitter.com/UAWeapons/status/156...VMNmAI2tvw
Short range air defense and infantry vehicles being targeted. Looks like they were able to take two shots at the air defense. Wut it doing?
(09-04-2022, 03:39 PM)dabigv13 Wrote: More Bayraktar video from KhersonVery few air defense vehicles can look straight up. The NASAMS for instance has a maximum elevation angle of 55 degrees. AEGIS can (almost) but that was a modification added in response to Russian missile technology. Once the TB2 gets in the "cone of silence" it is home free with these vehicles. Why the second vehicle didn't move after the first one was hit is another question. Possibly the crew all ran to help their comrades in the first target. The second vehicle, whatever it was, had a significant secondary explosion.
https://twitter.com/UAWeapons/status/156...VMNmAI2tvw
Short range air defense and infantry vehicles being targeted. Looks like they were able to take two shots at the air defense. Wut it doing?
(09-04-2022, 05:33 PM)dabigv13 Wrote: That video is the same engagement as the second one I posted. So I guess some conflicting info as to whether Donetsk or Kherson.
Also, if you put in [tweet*] before the tweet link, and [/tweet*] after the link, but deleting the asterisks from those tags, you can embed the tweet in your post rather than just have a link.
(09-04-2022, 05:33 PM)dabigv13 Wrote: That video is the same engagement as the second one I posted. So I guess some conflicting info as to whether Donetsk or Kherson.
Also, if you put in [tweet*] before the tweet link, and [/tweet*] after the link, but deleting the asterisks from those tags, you can embed the tweet in your post rather than just have a link.
(09-04-2022, 08:25 AM)dabigv13 Wrote: Not a surprise that the most extreme American RW politicians/commentators are the ones who are most against supporting Ukraine and make the most pro Russian armed forces statements (MTG, Boebert, Tucker, etc).
(09-04-2022, 08:25 AM)dabigv13 Wrote: Not a surprise that the most extreme American RW politicians/commentators are the ones who are most against supporting Ukraine and make the most pro Russian armed forces statements (MTG, Boebert, Tucker, etc).