x35147d3@usma8.usma.edu (Bergman Charles CDT) (12/07/90)
From: x35147d3@usma8.usma.edu (Bergman Charles CDT) In the October issue of JANE'S SOVIET INTELLIGENCE REVIEW, there was many articles dealing with the capabilities of the Iraqi Army, Navy and Air force. The article syas that there are atleast 14 Soviet Tu-16 'Badger' Bombers and Chinese H-6 Bombers in the Air Force. The H-6 is the Chinese copy of the Badger. The article says they have a combat radius of over 3150 km! It goes on to say that the real significant capabilities in the Iraqi Air Force lie in the 15 Su-24 Fence Strike aircraft (similar to the U.S. F-111). The Fencer has a combat radius of 1050 km with a good load and the Su-24 might have a chance of leaving Iraqi air space. The Mirage F-1 has a very good offensive capability also of a combat radius of 700 km. I might note that all of these aircraft can very well cover Israel. The article is very long and comprehensive on the capabilities of Iraq and its weapon systems. Other notable aircraft in Iraqi hands are their own developed Il-76 T-tail 'Mainstay' AWACS aircraft, none as Bagdad One! The other aircraft mentioned in their Air Fleet includes the Su-7 'Fitter', Su-20 Fitter, MiG-23F 'Flogger', Su-25 'Frogfoot' (proven in Afgan and like our A-10), F-7 Xian, F-6 Shengyang, MiG-21 'Fishbed' and the Tu-22 'Blinder'. They would probably use convential delivery systems, but have AM-39 Exocet missiles (proven on the USS Stark), AS-14 laser guided Soviet missiles, and AS 30L French laser guided missiles. Other possible, but unconfirmed air launched missiles, include the AS-4 'Kitchen', AS-5 'Kelt', AS-6 'Kingfish' and the Iraqi designed "Ababil". Who knows for sure. One must wonder how a nation can logistical support such a wide variety of aircraft, espicially while under a United Nations embarg. The Iraqi Air Force is very capable and let's hope we can get it on the ground! Charles K. Bergman x35147d3@usma8.usma.edu *********************************** CDT CPL, USMA'93 * Peace through superior firepower* P.O. Box 54, U.S.C.C. *********************************** West Point, NY 10997
nobody@Kodak.COM (Rick Lafford (x37825)) (12/09/90)
From: nobody@Kodak.COM (Rick Lafford (x37825)) Organization: Eastman Kodak Co. In response to Charles Bergmans item. The Iraqi Airforce is indeed a force to watch but it is neither so large or so capable as Charles note might lead one to believe. First of all most of the aircraft are not front line capable and have degraded systems due to vintage, foreign purchase options and lack of repair parts. Second, the Il-76 probably does not have very sophisticated look-down capability which leaves it open to destruction by F-117 attack. Three, I believe that the NATO navys have developed so rather effective ECM countermeasures against Exocet attack as well as having the CLAWS systems onboard most ships which the Stark did not have. As for the rest of the story, the Iraqi pilots have shown little inclination to venture anywhere near intense anti-aircraft fire or missile defences. This rules out conventional ordinance and also laser guided munitions, due to the requirement to hang around long enough for the missile to get to the target. I personally do not feel that many Iraqi aircraft will escape the notice of the AWACS aircraft, avoid the Airforce, surprise the Navy CAP and have their limited number of Exocets get through the ECM and CLAWS systems. Note that this is a personal opinion based on a limited knowledge of the various layers of the system. I would welcome any dialog either pro or con. All this is stimulating but I sure hope no one ever knows for sure. Rick Lafford Don't use my return address!!!!!! Eastman Kodak Co. lafford@serum.Kodak.Com