Russian Air Force's RF-85655

Another year, another visit by the Russians. Under the Open Skies treaty, Russia sent it's TU-154M outfitted with observation equipment over military installations in the United States. RF-85655 (c/n 89A798) was observed on tracking sights flying locally over Hickam, Kāne‘ohe Bay, and installations on the west side of the island.

Russian Air Force RA-85655

A TU-154M of the Russian Air Force arrived this afternoon. RA-85655 (c/n 89A798) visited a year ago in December. It flies under the "Open Skies" Treaty which promotes the international aviation industry.

Russian Air Force's RF-85655

A Russian Air Force TU-154M-LK1 arrived today for a brief fuel stop at Hickam. RF-85655 (c/n 89A-798) operates under the "Open Skies" treaty which in parts, allows participating nations under the treaty to perform observation flights within each others boarders.

Russian Air Force's RA-78818

RA-78818 (msn 0093495858), an Ilyushin Il-76MD of the Russian Air Force (Voyenno-Vozdushnye sily Rossiya [Военно-Воздушные сили Россия]) arrived at HNL this morning to bring in the limousines for President Dmitry Medvedev, for his visit for the APEC Conference. It's seen above taxiing to Taxiway F, where it will park until the end of the conference.

The Il-76 taxied on its own power to the parking spot, because the tow bar attached to the ground handler's tug had snapped right before towing from the UPS/FedEx ramp. A few minivans led the way to the parking to bring the cargo jet's crew back.

RA-78818 is assigned to the 224th Air Detachment of Military Transport Aviation, 61st Air Army, based at Tver Migalovo (KLD/UUEM), Kalinin, Russia.