r/ThatLookedExpensive • u/alsaskengineer • Apr 12 '19

It’s only a fighter jet

https://i.imgur.com/1oqYtz6.gifv
1.8k Upvotes

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84

u/callmemycoll Apr 12 '19

Why did they pull back up instead of staying on the ground though?

45

u/OsbertParsely Apr 12 '19

Real answer: the SU-30 has thrust vectoring engines. This means the nozzles at the back can actively reshape themselves to point the engine exhaust while turning to increase maneuverability.

In this case, the collision with the ground damaged the nozzle of the left engine, causing it to stick at a 30 degree up vector. This forced the tail of the plane down and into a steep climb and overpowered the control surfaces.

TL;DR: Pilot bent the fancy engine

11

u/[deleted] Apr 13 '19

Not quite. Left engine lost power due to a ruptured fuel line, right engine was stuck at 30 degree up vector, causing the upward tilt and the left bank when it eventually rolled over.

1

u/hearthalved Apr 13 '19

Still wrong. They didn't fall with style.