Long shot question about Soviet pilot training

[Rob de Bie]

Some time ago, I saw a YouTube video that included a brief shot of something I had never seen before. It showed large wire models of pre-planned training missions, say 5 by 5 meters, that a pilot could walk along, mentally executing the mission. Another way of explaining it is that they were sort of miniature rollercoaster models, with climbs, loops, decents, turns, etc. It was outdoors, showing several of these 'rollercoasters', with multiple pilots practicing their flights.

 

I found it fascinating, but of course I forgot which video it was. Just maybe it was one of the videos of the 'Paper Skies' channel, that has interesting videos dealing with Soviet aviation. I just went through a number of these videos, but did not find it.

 

Does anyone know more about this method, like how common it was, what it was called, whether it was used by other air forces too? Are there any photos of these mission models? Anything? Thanks in advance!

 

Rob

Edited December 10, 2025 by Rob de Bie

[Rob Mignard]

Rob, haven't seen the wire models, but it was (is?) Soviet/Russian doctrine to walk through the mission on the ramp prior to flying the mission. It's really goofy to see, but that's what they do. Here's some shots from Syria.

 

Rob

 

[Rob de Bie]

Haha, that looks a bit embarrassing.. I wish I could find that video with the wire models again.

 

Rob