Flying platform

Flying platforms were a type of personal VTOL aircraft that were used by the Soviet Union during the 1960s.

Description
Though based on an American design that used contra-rotating motors to generate lift, the Soviet flying platform was instead propelled by jet engines, which used solid fuel. Guards used these aircraft in areas where it was difficult to access on foot, such as canyons, up in mountains and in jungles. The platform provided great mobility to the guards and had thick armor plating at the front, which provided a shield to hide behind. It was often equipped with a searchlight that was used for scouting, but could also be used to blind enemies as they attempted to target the pilot. However, its main weakness lied in its design, since the body of the pilot and the engine on the underbelly was exposed, and therefore vulnerable to gunfire. Also, the platform itself was unarmed, so the pilot would have to carry a one-handed weapon, since one hand was required to operate the vehicle. Some of the Flying Platforms were equipped with strobe lights for nighttime searches and searches in areas where it is hard to see. However, if the strobelight is damaged, their search capabilities are weakened, and they may sometimes have to return to base for repairs.

Usage
During 1964's Operation Snake Eater, several of the GRU personnel in Tselinoyarsk used flying platforms to patrol the Ponizovje swamp and would sometimes be called upon to assist in search parties should an intruder's presence be discovered. Several participated in the pursuit of the enemy spies Naked Snake and EVA on their motorcycle, through the Lazorevo forest. Also, Ocelot used a flying platform to get on Snake and EVA's WiG in order to have one last friendly duel with Snake. These flying platform variations were built in Groznyj Grad from Volgin's colossal resources.

During the 1970 San Hieronymo Takeover, FOX Lieutenant Cunningham had a personal flying platform to ambush and later battle against Big Boss (Naked Snake) at the Silo Complex on the San Hieronymo Peninsula.

Gameplay
If the Player manages to sabotage the Hind B at Bolshaya Past Base, flying platforms will be encountered at Krasnogorje in the Hind's place on its mountainside.

Appearances

 * Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater
 * Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops