Though aware this is normally a WW2 forum, I do see often questions about periods after WW2. So here I have one when reading about the Wiki about the Ducth aircraft carrier Karel Doorman, formerly HMS venerable. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HNLMS_Karel_Doorman_%28R81%29 "..In addition to planning for an invasion, the TNI-AU (Indonesian Air Forces) hoped to sink this aircraft carrier with Soviet-supplied Tupolev Tu-16KS-1 Badger naval bombers using AS-1 Kennel / KS-1 Kometa anti-ship missiles (six planes were intended for the attack on the Karel Doorman). This bomber launched missile strike mission was cancelled because of the implementation of the cease-fire between Indonesia and the Netherlands.." Question is: would Indonesia (with its 1960 piloting skills) with its newly supplied six Tupolev Tu-16KS-1 Badger naval bombers using AS-1 Kennel / KS-1 Kometa anti-ship missiles have managed to sink the Karel Doorman air craft carrier equipped with its Hawker Hunters (with skilled pilots no doubt) and its anti aircraft/missile defenses of the time (year 1960 plus the two accompanying destroyers) ? Would it be "a walk in the park" (compare exocet rockets firing behind the horizon during Falklands war?) for the indonesians, or would it be all in all quite difficult under the circumstances ? data on the missile: Operational range 90 km (56 miles) Speed Mach 0.9 So it had to be fired in sight at the horizon and probably much closer to be more accurate. Mach 0,9 must be pretty "low" for a Nato anti-air missile to track and catch (especially in opposite direction).
Moved thread to 'Postwar' section of forum . Especially set up for threads like these. Just noticed that carrier went on to join the Argentine navy. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ARA_Veinticinco_de_Mayo_%28V-2%29
Were the planes to be flown by Indonesians or more experienced Red Air Force pilots? All the best Andreas
