Inverted C160 in a field in Turkey

[Hans Rolink]

A somewhat involved description for a post, I know, but this is what we discovered on our way from Ankara to Konya. It appears to be a tailless C-160 mounted on a plinth right in the middle of a field. Location from where we saw it is N39.34540, E32.91677. It is visible from the grounds of a gas station / restaurant. Looking at Google Earth, one can see a shadow in said field which could be what I mean. Look at N39.346915 E32.915404.

Does anyone know more of this?



Hans.

[K-9]

Don't know much, but i know it's a C-160 ...

[jimmy van drunen]

Don't know much, but i know it's a C-160 ...

Indeed.. It is

[Hans Rolink]

Thanks, editted. But now for the what and why

Hans.

[SG Berlicum]

As far as I know this has to do with radar test.

See pic of the SR71 in Area 51. Back in the 60's is was testet on stealth capabilities. On the F-15 pic they are looking with radar on the F-15 to look how to identify a yet with a missile radar.
My self I once saw a F-14 upside down on a pole in Pensylvania (Near Willow grove).

[P.Terlouw]

to the west of this location are some interesting shapes visible on Google Earth and it seems a testing ground for radar systems.

[Hans van Herk]

Hans,
That is a really nice discovery.
Were you not able to read the serial on this C-160? I see, at least I think, the last three on the nose.

Regards,
Hans van Herk

[Wildpicture]

to the west of this location are some interesting shapes visible on Google Earth and it seems a testing ground for radar systems.

That would be my guess too. Great find. Just unusual that it can be seen so well from public ground. If you look at the area with Bing it is strange that everything in the area has clear satellite photography apart from one block there. Though a small part from the "radar site" is just barely visible.

[DMWR]

It is the 035.

[Krazy]

Manching (Germany) used to have a Tornado mounted upside down on a pole. They could move the plane in all kind of directions. Never found out for what they used it though.

[Optimus]

Thanks, editted. But now for the what and why

Hans.

Testing stealth capabilities of a C160... that sure is interesting ! I wonder if the wings can take the strain of laying upside down...?

Kees

[mwpeters]

I wonder if the wings can take the strain of laying upside down...?

Kees

That shouldn't be a problem, the construction of the wings is very strong and the up and down elevation of the wings during flight (turbulence) is much higher.

[Flyboy]

Thanks, editted. But now for the what and why
Hans.

Testing stealth capabilities of a C160... that sure is interesting !
Kees

Two things come to mind:
1) calibrating new radars to a known signature
2) testing the new signature with a removed vertical stabilizer, as this may provide large reduction in radar cross section. Not for the C-160 itself but future developments of fly by wire tactical transporters, since the S-300 series have proved very efficient... [/speculation mode]

[Wrecks]

The location may be a new finding, the upside down a/c on a pole not a new item.
The one at N38.69919, E35.51435 is there for more the 10 years.

[patrick dirksen]

But not this one for sure? I saw 035 at Konya a few years back, certainly not upside down then....