A single F-5E with proud Vietnamese markings is in the Aviation Museum
in Cracow, here in Poland.

I guess some tests of U.S. aircraft were certainly made by the USRR -
well, this is how they made AA-2 Atoll of the early AIM-9 Sidewinder!
But in most cases the technological differences between the Soviets and
the West (different attitudes to manufacturing and maintenance issues),
and differences in measure systems (meters vs. inches) could make it
really difficult to make such aircraft flyable.

I remember some comment when the first Massey Fergusons were sold in
ex-socialistic countries - this comment was like: "it is a good
tractor, but all the screws and nuts diameters are measured in these
damn inches, how to repair that?!". This can give an idea how it could
be with the planes...

Best regards,
Jacek Zemlo


That's not the only way to get an aircraft. See:

http://www.aeronautics.ru/nws002/the...e_sabre_ii.htm


I don't know if the Russians ever built themselves a flying F-4 or F-105
from the numerous damaged samples available to them in Vietnam. After SVN
fell in 1975, Toperczer writes that they were given "one F-5 with full
technical documentation, spare parts, two additional factory fresh
engines, and ground support equipment. The available A-37s were also
checked and the one in best condition was given to the Russians along with
manuals, parts and support equipment. One AC-119 was offered, but because
of transportation difficulties by sea, only the internal equipment of the
gunship was considered worthy of technical exploitation. One CH-47 and
one UH-1 were also loaded aboard a Russian ship. Other countries friendly
to North Vietnam also received a few American aircraft for further
research."

Guy