Russian Air Force practiced night bombing trials using its An-26 light transport aircraft for the first time. The pilots from the West...
Russian Air Force practiced night bombing trials using its An-26 light transport aircraft for the first time.
The pilots from the Western Military District, engaged simulated tank column targets from altitudes ranging from 500-900 metres using P-50T bombs.
These trials will train pilots to carry out low-level carpet bombing, in which the bombs are dropped from the rear cargo ramp of the airlifter, with the aircraft in slight pitch up.
Indian Air Force is known to use this technique to complement fighter jets due to lack of a dedicated bomber aircraft. IAF has employed its An-32 airlifter, an India specific upgrade of An-26, to carry out carpet bombing, during the IronFist air power exercise in 2013. IAF have also used its An-12 transport in similar role during the 1971 war with Pakistan.
The Russian Western MD separate combined transport air regiment is based at the Levashovo airfield near St. Petersburg. The unit is home to aircraft including An-12, An-26, An-30, An-72, Tu-134, L-410 and Mi-8 helicopters.
