1: Serial 92102 is a VIP-equipped Mi-8PS 'Hip-C' operated by Da Nang's 930 Helicopter Regiment. Aircraft from this unit were reportedly transferred to the co-located 954 Naval Aviation Brigade in 2013, but this 'Hip', at least, remains on strength with the VPAF as evidenced by its air force titles. The Mi-8PS 'Salon' is based on the Mi-8P passenger version with rectangular cabin windows. Sub-variants include the PS-7, PS-9 and PS-11 (for seven, nine or 11 passengers, respectively). Later production VIP versions are powered by improved TV2-117AG engines. 2: Periscope up! Serial 8512 is a two-seat Su-22UM3K 'Fitter-G'. Four of these combat training aircraft were delivered to Vietnam by the Soviet Union between 1988 and 1990, followed by five ex-Czech Republic examples handed over in 2005 via Belarus. The VPAF's two-seat 'Fitter' fleet also includes the survivors of eight former Ukrainian Su-17UMs delivered in 2005 and 2006, and a reported three from an original six Su-22UM3s provided by the Soviet Union from around 1980. While the Su-22UM3 export version is powered by the R-29 engine shared with some MiG-23 variants, the Su-22UM3K features the AL-21 engine. One example was lost, along with both crew, in an accident on July 26 last year. 3: A fine profile view of Su-22M4 serial 5878 on short finals to Da Nang. The VPAF received a batch of 32 Su-22M4s of which at least 20 are thought to remain in service with the 929 Fighter Regiment at Da Nang, as well as the 921 Fighter-Bomber Regiment at Hanoi and the 931 Fighter-Bomber Regiment based at Yen Bai. Within the batch of 32 aircraft were five Su-22M4R reconnaissance variants, capable of carrying a centreline KKR-1 pod that can contain dayight cameras, illumination flares and an electronic intelligence (ELINT) system. Confirmed attrition Su-22M4s losses have occurred on June 10, 2009 (the pilot was killed, despite ejecting from the aircraft), April 16,2015 (two Su-22s were in a mid-air collision off the coast of Binh Thuan province, with both pilots missing, presumed killed, and April 23 this year (the pilot ejected safely following a runway excursion). 4: This 'Flanker' is from the first batch of single-seat Su-27SKs delivered to Vietnam. Serial 6001 (c 36911037307) is operated by the 925 Fighter Regiment, part of the 372 Division but based at Phu Cat air base. Originally flown in a blue/grey colour scheme in three different tones, the fighter now wears a green/brown scheme in common with later deliveries of the more advanced two-seat Su-30MK2s. The aircraft was repainted during overhaul at Da Nang's Factory A32. Vietnam received a batch of five Su-27SKs and one two-seat SU-27UBK between March and May 1995, followed by six more (including four trainers) between 1997-98. A single Su-27SK attrition loss occurred on an unknown date in 1998. The 925 Fighter Regiment is the sole operator of the 'first-generation' Su-27 in the Vietnam People's Air Force.
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