Chapter 2, The Steel Eagle

"Received." Long-range pilot Belyanko replied: "Heading 270. Speed 2.4."

The unit to which Andrei belongs is stationed in the Far East, with the primary mission of monitoring the U.S. military on the island nation across the sea, ready to carry out interception operations at any time. They have executed such missions many times before

Each time, it was merely an expulsion, but this time, with the arrival of Andrei from another dimension, it is destined to be extraordinary

Two MiG-25 fighter jets, flying at a speed of 2.4 Mach, are rapidly heading towards a target area 200 kilometers away at an altitude of 24,000 meters. This distance requires only four minutes for the MiG-25! In contrast, ordinary fighter jets need at least a dozen minutes, which highlights the advantage of interceptors

Cruising at an altitude of 8,000 meters, Andrei looked outside through the narrow visor. Accustomed to the flight helmets of later generations, Andrei was very dissatisfied with the current helmet. The helmets of the future are half helmets, exposing the entire face; after donning the oxygen mask, one can lower the visor to cover the face completely. In contrast, the current helmet is a full helmet, leaving only a small area in front for visibility. However, the MiG-25 is a fighter jet capable of flying at altitudes of 30,000 meters, and even with weapons attached, it can easily soar to 25,000 meters, which is already the edge of space. Therefore, it is necessary to wear this astronaut-like helmet and also don a high-altitude compensatory suit; otherwise, in the event of an aircraft accident, ejecting from over 20,000 meters would cause the body's blood to instantly vaporize.

This is the Far East region of the Soviet Union, specifically the Primorsky Krai. Across the sea lies an island nation, with gentle sea breezes blowing in, and the entire area is covered by dense forests, presenting a beautiful landscape. In the distance, the Ussuri River flows quietly.

At a speed of Mach 3, the temperature on the surface of the aircraft can reach several hundred degrees Celsius, causing even the aluminum alloys commonly used in the manufacture of fighter jets to melt at such temperatures. Therefore, to create such high-speed aircraft, it is essential to use special materials

Throughout the entire process, Andre did not turn off the afterburner from the moment of takeoff and remained in afterburner flight mode.

Although the later Andre had never piloted such a fighter jet, he was met with a harsh introduction by the MiG-25 upon his arrival, nearly resulting in an accident. However, now experiencing the formidable fighter jet born from a simple yet brutal aesthetic, Andre felt a subtle thrill.

Press the control stick, and the aircraft carves an arc in the sky, flying towards the direction guided to the ground

At this altitude, the air resistance is quite low. The two engines at the rear emit a blazing tail flame. When the afterburner is activated, there is an instantaneous sensation that accelerates the secretion of adrenaline, as the R-15B-300 engine unleashes an afterburner thrust of 109 kilonewtons. The fuel is injected into the afterburner combustion chamber, transforming into high-temperature, high-pressure gas, propelling the fighter jet to continue accelerating. A conical airflow appears at the front of the aircraft, and then the front of the aircraft pierces through this airflow. With a gentle sound of sonic boom, the fighter jet has entered supersonic cruise! The afterburner thrust of 109 kilonewtons is unleashed, the fuel is injected into the afterburner combustion chamber, transforming into high-temperature, high-pressure gas, propelling the fighter jet to continue accelerating. A conical airflow appears at the front of the aircraft, and then the front of the aircraft pierces through this airflow. With a gentle sound of sonic boom, the fighter jet has entered supersonic cruise!

Originally, Andre's aircraft had malfunctioned and should not have been assigned to such an interception mission. However, the positions of the two were just right, allowing them to quickly reach Area 14. Therefore, while returning, they received such a task again.

However, the use of afterburner flight requires a significant amount of fuel. To enable the MiG-25 to have a longer supersonic range, the Soviet approach was to increase the fuel capacity. The internal fuel storage of the MiG-25 reaches as high as 16 tons

Conventional fighter jets, such as the F-15 and other air superiority fighters, can only use afterburners during combat takeoff and aerial dogfights. The duration of afterburner usage accounts for less than 10 percent of their total flight time, and each instance of afterburner use cannot exceed 3 minutes, otherwise, it may damage the engine

031, 032, heading 270, there is an unidentified target in Area 14, proceed to intercept immediately! Cruising at a speed of 2.4 Mach

On the green dashboard, the needle of the Mach meter is slowly moving, 1.2 Mach, 1.5 Mach, 2 Mach, and finally stabilizes at 2.4 Mach

Taking off from the base, they have been conducting flight training at subsonic speeds without engaging afterburners. Now, upon receiving orders, the remaining fuel in their aircraft exceeds 12 tons. This fuel is sufficient to support them in maintaining supersonic cruise to the 14th sea area to complete the interception mission, and then return at subsonic speeds

Otherwise, if the MiG-25 can only fly above Mach 2 for a few minutes, it would have little practical significance. The MiG-25 can maintain an indefinite cruise at Mach 2.4 until fuel is exhausted, while flying at Mach 2.83 to 3.2 may lead to engine failure, though it is not guaranteed. During training, operational units are allowed to fly at Mach 2.6 for 15 minutes, and any flight exceeding Mach 2.83 requires approval at the regiment level. Only the most exceptional pilots are permitted to exceed Mach 3.

Rapid flight causes friction between the aircraft and the air, and at this moment, the cockpit canopy must not be touched by hand; otherwise, the palm will be burned. Although there is an air conditioning system in the cockpit, the temperature has already risen to 50 degrees, which is certainly not a comfortable temperature, yet all pilots flying the MiG-25 fighter jet have stated that it is acceptable

Slightly reducing the throttle, Andre stabilized the aircraft to fly at a speed of 2.4 Mach

The standard interception tactic of the Soviet Air Defense Forces is conducted under ground guidance. Andrei followed his lead aircraft, banking to turn while simultaneously engaging the afterburner in the rear engine to continue increasing his speed

The approach taken by the Americans is to use high-temperature resistant titanium alloys, which are both lightweight and strong, while the Soviets opted for the use of commonly available stainless steel in industry

Indeed, this is a fighter aircraft constructed from stainless steel! It is undoubtedly a heavy fighter jet, with an empty weight of 15 tons, a normal takeoff weight of 36 tons, and a fuel capacity of up to 16 tons!

Recalling the terrible smog of later generations, the perpetually chaotic sky, Andre developed a certain fondness for this place. Although he did not know how he had crossed over, it seemed that this place was quite nice.

Aircraft are designed for combat, not for pleasure. The Soviet Union, which has never placed much emphasis on ergonomics, would not find this to be inappropriate

As for pure interceptor fighters, take the current MiG-25 as an example. During combat takeoff, climb, rush to the combat zone, and engage in aerial combat, the engine can operate at afterburner to propel the aircraft. The time spent using afterburner accounts for nearly fifty percent of the entire flight time

However, the aircraft under the hips is quite impressive; it is a source of pride for the Soviet military industry, a masterpiece of the Mikoyan Design Bureau, and the world's first fighter jet capable of achieving a double three! At an altitude of 30,000 meters, with a speed of three Mach!