The world of military aviation, as with any stressful, exciting, death-inducing human endeavor does, is no stranger to tall tales of mystique and heroism. From Hal Far Fighter Flight, a tale of three obsolescent RAF Gloster Gladiators named Faith, Hope, and Charity, who single handedly driven off German invasion force from the beleaguered island of Malta to Colonel Tomb, a mythical MiG-21 double ace who racked up a dozen of USAF and USN planes over the jungles of Vietnam; aviation stories are filled with tales of larger-than-life aviators achieving immense feat in the face of adversity.
The most recent one came from the skies over East European Plains where, one year ago, the Russian Federation launched the invasion of Ukraine in a major escalation of the Russo-Ukrainian war. In the opening weeks of the invasion, emerges the story of Ukrainian air force pilot who racked up an astonishing number of aerial kills in the chaos of invasion. The "Ghost of Kyiv" ("Привид Києва") as he became known among the public, reportedly shot down six Russian aircraft within the first 30 hours of the offensive, making him an ace in a day and the first fighter ace of the 21st century.
Despite all his accomplishment, little was known about his exact identities. Rumor has it that he was one of the experienced pilots who returned to the armed force after the Russian invasion. Photos of Ukrainian pilots were circulating claimed to be the mystical pilot, yet none of them turned out to be true. official sources had confirmed neither an individual identity nor an official record for the rumored pilot, yet the number of kills rises as he continue to resist the aggression.
One year has passed now from the first time the tale circulated and it has been widely believed that the Ghost of Kyiv was nothing more than a myth, a tale born out of heat of war, told and retold, heard and reheard, until it rises as a legend. However, as with most of other tall tales of military aviation, from the age of canvas biplane to metal jets streaking through the clouds at blinding speeds, the legend of the Ghost of Kyiv had served its mission: It has since become the embodiment of the fighting spirit of the fighting force struggling with odds stacked against them, and the beacon of hope for the people they defended.
While not the exact "Ghost", the aircraft pictured is Mikoyan MiG-29 (9.13), "White 71" of the 114 Brihada Taktichnoyi Aviatsiyi (BrTA), Ukrainian air force. The aircraft was originally part of the 161 IAP at Limans'ke airbase. When the unit was disbanded in 2002, its aircraft were distributed to other MiG-29 units, 114 BrTA included.
The most recent one came from the skies over East European Plains where, one year ago, the Russian Federation launched the invasion of Ukraine in a major escalation of the Russo-Ukrainian war. In the opening weeks of the invasion, emerges the story of Ukrainian air force pilot who racked up an astonishing number of aerial kills in the chaos of invasion. The "Ghost of Kyiv" ("Привид Києва") as he became known among the public, reportedly shot down six Russian aircraft within the first 30 hours of the offensive, making him an ace in a day and the first fighter ace of the 21st century.
Despite all his accomplishment, little was known about his exact identities. Rumor has it that he was one of the experienced pilots who returned to the armed force after the Russian invasion. Photos of Ukrainian pilots were circulating claimed to be the mystical pilot, yet none of them turned out to be true. official sources had confirmed neither an individual identity nor an official record for the rumored pilot, yet the number of kills rises as he continue to resist the aggression.
One year has passed now from the first time the tale circulated and it has been widely believed that the Ghost of Kyiv was nothing more than a myth, a tale born out of heat of war, told and retold, heard and reheard, until it rises as a legend. However, as with most of other tall tales of military aviation, from the age of canvas biplane to metal jets streaking through the clouds at blinding speeds, the legend of the Ghost of Kyiv had served its mission: It has since become the embodiment of the fighting spirit of the fighting force struggling with odds stacked against them, and the beacon of hope for the people they defended.
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While not the exact "Ghost", the aircraft pictured is Mikoyan MiG-29 (9.13), "White 71" of the 114 Brihada Taktichnoyi Aviatsiyi (BrTA), Ukrainian air force. The aircraft was originally part of the 161 IAP at Limans'ke airbase. When the unit was disbanded in 2002, its aircraft were distributed to other MiG-29 units, 114 BrTA included.
Category All / All
Species Unspecified / Any
Gender Any
Size 2000 x 1284px
Eh, not yet. I still got one pending and i don't think i have enough spare time to do another
I think I'd have to second this, you have an amazing art style and excellent skill portraying military equipment. I know I'd be willing to pay for a piece from you.
With the quality of Graue's art and writing he really should take commissions for a living and end up buying an island in the Bahama's to retire to ;)
In all seriousness though I suspect we're probably better off enjoying the art he chooses for himself rather than things he may feel forced to draw, however any new Graue art is a good day!
What a beautiful rendition of such a cool aircraft. Pleasure as always to see your work <3
Thanks!
MiG-29 does have pretty curvy shape for a Soviet design.
MiG-29 does have pretty curvy shape for a Soviet design.
I still treasure the A10 piece you did for me, the detail, your stylizing... aviation bliss!
you are simply so very good at this Grau... you made my morning coffee that much better...
Yes, the 'Ghost' is a good tale, and helped the country's moral when it was needed most.
Vix
Yes, the 'Ghost' is a good tale, and helped the country's moral when it was needed most.
Vix
Amazingly done as always, especially the detailing and shading ^.^ !
It doesn't matter if the Ghost is real or not, the hope and courage is.
Excellent work.
Excellent work.
Its also discussed that the 'Ghost' is a number of pilots, mainly to infuriate the Soviets. The Ukrainians need a hero, their aviation version of Joan of Arc.
Great job on the 29!!
Great job on the 29!!
Well, at this point, it is the embodiment of the entire air force.
I cannot fav this enough. Please, if I could I would give you a thousand favs for this.
Slava Ukraini!
Slava Ukraini!
I always love seeing that plane. The Fulcrum has been one of my favorite fighters for years and you captured it beautifully.
Slava Ukraini!
Slava Ukraini!
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