TS RT-11 Iskra FINISHED

[The Rat]

1 by Dave Bailey, on Flickr

On 27 December 1971, a Fairchild C-123K Provider enroute from Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base was reportedly shot down by anti-aircraft fire approximately 35 km east northeast of Xieng Lom resulting in the loss of four crew members. Viet Cong operatives recovered one of the General Electric J85 engines intact, and it was passed on to Russia. Due to the engine's known reliability and ease of service, copies were constructed and made available to Warsaw Pact countries.

2 by Dave Bailey, on Flickr

Poland saw an opportunity to modify its TS-11 Iskra trainer, which utilised the WSK SO-3 engine. The J85 could transform it into an aircraft that would be much more efficient, as it promised weight savings of 300lbs, a much smaller size, and a dry thrust increase of over 500lbs.

3 by Dave Bailey, on Flickr

The variant chosen was a high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft, with extended wings, two cameras in the nose, and a single crew member. Intakes were significantly increased in size to provide air for the new powerplant, and conformal fuel tanks were added to the side of the fuselage, above the wings and behind the cockpit. A service ceiling of 75,000 ft was projected, but flights are reported to have successfully reached 81,000 ft.

4 by Dave Bailey, on Flickr

The new aircraft was designated the RT-11, with RT standing for 'Rozpoznanie Taktyczne', Tactical Reconnaissance. Such was their ability that many were used by different WARPAC nations, and following the American philosophy of 'plausible deniability, they carried only serial numbers, no national markings. Paint has been described as black or extremely dark blue, and to this day questions still elicit passionate responses and fights on internet forums.



The build
This was one absolutely rotten model. I've had bad ones before, but this may have been the worst. If built 'as is' it will not go together and look like an Iskra, that is certain. The nose needs large molding blobs carved from it, it has a larger circumference than the fuselage it is supposed to go on, and wheel wells are non-existent, The interior is minimal, but good luck seeing anything through the canopy. Paint was Tamiya XF-17 Sea Blue, decals came from the spares bin. Intakes were enlarged by mounting the kit intakes on top of the wing instead of under it, and using an old drop tank to make the bottoms. An old drop tank was also used for the conformal tanks.

[Dizzyfugu]

The black livery is unexpected, but the result look great, like a U-2 hatchling! 

[PR19_Kit]

Where would we be without old drop tanks, eh? 

From a total sow's ear of a kit you've made a pretty good silk purse there. 

[chrisonord]

That's a brilliant  build there Ratty, I  have heard so many  horror stories  about those kits and you have made  something exceptional  from it
Chris

[Tophe]

Good! (and unusual shape, thanks for the enjoyment)

[comrade harps]

Impressive 

[The Rat]

The black livery is unexpected, but the result look great, like a U-2 hatchling! 

Dark blue, actually, Tamiya XF-17 Sea Blue, which up close seems more green than blue. From a distance it looks black. Maybe they should just call it XF-17 Chameleon.

[Weaver]

Is this the Polish kit with the engine in it? If so, well done indeed...

[Old Wombat]

 

[The Rat]

Is this the Polish kit with the engine in it? If so, well done indeed...

It's this fiendish collection of misused hydrocarbons, no engine in it.

[Dizzyfugu]

There is apparently a worse option than the Intech/Mastercraft kit! Respect for the great result! 

[loupgarou]

Where would we be without old drop tanks, eh? 

From a total sow's ear of a kit you've made a pretty good silk purse there. 

Indeed! You managed to build a pretty Junior U-2 from that "thing".