Albanian JBM - MRE Fishpot D

[comrade harps]

When the team at the Progress Air Design Cooperative were asked to produce a long-range version of their JBM all-weather interceptor, they proposed a two-part solution.

The interim solution was a crude lash-up of the Fishpot A with an increased take-off weight and extra fuel, plus the more powerful radar and engine of the upcoming Fishpot C. An IRST was also added. Although capable of being armed with the IR and radar guided Alkali missiles, the better IR only guided Awl was preferred. For cannon, a pod mounted British Aden was normally carried as an alternative to a podded GSh-23. When SAMs were likely to be encountered, two Ether 23 series ECM pods were mounted alongside the cannon. The IRST, Awls and the Ether 23 pods are seen here, as carried by the sotie described.




Despite numerouse problems, some success was achieved with the Fishpot D, notably by Flight Leader Besmir Raco of the Albanian Socialist Republic. Raco clocked up 9 kills with the type:2 C-130s, 1 C-135, 1 B-52, 1 C-124, 1 EB-57, 1 F-102, 1 P-2 and 1 RB-66. Flying with the 7th Albanian Escradrille from Ovar in the Socialist Republic of Portugal, F/L Raco had his best night on the 23 March, 1962. With 3 kills already to his credit, Raco claimed 2 USAF C-130As on this sortie when he penetrated the airliift corridor approaching the Azores with 3 other Fsihpot D pilots. UN records confirm the losses.




The Fishpot D came to be known by its crews as the "mule" because of its poor performance and difficult flight characteristics. The ultimate long-range version, the JBM - RTA Fishpot E, featured an extended fuselage, an enlarged dorsal spine and two crew members; it was a far superior machine.

comrade harps
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Kit: Amodel Su-9 Fishpot A, with donations from Hasegawa Lightning F.6. Colours: Revell matt 74 and Humbol Matt 32.