Egyptian OOB v5.5

[Marcello]

#155 Su-7BMK - variant with 96 rockets (6 hardpoints) was produced from 1969 and they could be probably delivered to Egypt not sooner, than in 1972 batch. According to a Polish article on Su-7, all Egyptian Su-7 were withdrawn by 1979 after getting worn.

#156 Su-7UM - it should be renamed Su-7BMK, and it could take 4 bombs 500 kg (without external tanks). Used from 4/67 until probably 1979 (see above). UM (correctly UMK) was a trainer variant with maximum bomb load 2x250 kg.

The Su-7s seldom left the base without at least a couple of drop tanks, the ventral ones usually. While I have read of at least one mission when bombs were carried on all six hardpoints it was a very short range mission (few minutes of flight) on an high priority target (an israeli HQ in 1973) and the pilots had at least one eye permanently glued to the fuel gauge. A typical CAS combat load would be well short of the theoretical maximum.

[Pibwl]

Originally Posted by Marcello

The Su-7s seldom left the base without at least a couple of drop tanks, the ventral ones usually. While I have read of at least one mission when bombs were carried on all six hardpoints it was a very short range mission (few minutes of flight) on an high priority target (an israeli HQ in 1973) and the pilots had at least one eye permanently glued to the fuel gauge. A typical CAS combat load would be well short of the theoretical maximum.

That's why I wondered, if we have some policy on using maximum payload of aircraft. Most missions were with drop tanks, but some could use all armament. On the other hand, it's lousy to use such a big plane to deliver only 2x16 57 mm rockets (speaking of 4-hardpoint version, before 32-rocket pods were introduced), which are of limited efficiency (and none against armour).

[Marcello]

Originally Posted by Pibwl

On the other hand, it's lousy to use such a big plane to deliver only 2x16 57 mm rockets (speaking of 4-hardpoint version, before 32-rocket pods were introduced), which are of limited efficiency (and none against armour).

Then again it is what was usually done.
The Su-7 was for all practical purpose an air to air machine adapted for the delivery of a bucket of instant sunshine. And like most of the soviet fighter/interceptor of that era air to air performance was emphasized at the expense of everything else in the design. As an earlier example of such philosophy the basic Mig-15 could carry only two 100 kg bombs, the Sabre could handle 1000 Ibs ones.The former however had an higher ceiling than the latter.
The priority in the Khrushchev was fighters, interceptors and bombers. This was highly sensensible in the context of the time but it meant that tactical strike units were equipped with hand me down planes (typically surplus Mig-17), an hand me down design like the Su-7 and even an hand me down weapon like the
57mm rocket (originally meant as an air to air weapon).
I prefer to use typical payloads that were actually used most of the time, instead of rare or theoretical ones.

[Pibwl]

Originally Posted by Marcello

I prefer to use typical payloads that were actually used most of the time, instead of rare or theoretical ones.

Yes, but free fall bombs and unguided rockets aren't generally much effective in the game (especially S-5 rockets against armour), and planes are a margin, so I think, that we could equip early planes with maximum payloads to compensate low efficiency.

Michal

[Pibwl]

Pictures:
460 Scouts - proper pic is 7096 (.303 rifle)

461 Scouts - proper pic is 1099 (SAFN rifle)

[Pibwl]

I took to Soviet amphibs (it concerns all countries):

#239, 250 K-61 - according to Russian sources, speed was only 36 km/h (12, now: 18), and on water - 10 km/h. It can carry 40 soldiers or a gun or jeep (now: 150). I doubt, if they survived until 12/120, considering, that newer unit PTS-M (below) ends at 12/90. They weren't armoured at all and sides were thin, due to weight (strengthened with evident ribs).

#251 PTS-M - speed is only 42 km/h (14, now: 18) and on water - 11 km/h. They weren't armoured (as above).