It climbs like a rocket, has gone higher than any other airbreathing aircraft and can outrun just about anything with wings. The next decision he makes will have to be perfect. Some defectors believe that the very freedom they sought becomes. The real value of this story is its account of life in the workers paradise known as the ussr. Viktor belenko, a pilot in the soviet air defense command, flew his highly classified mig 25 to japan and asked for asylum. An extremely fast interception and reconnaissance aircraft created by mikoyan gurevich for the soviet union during the cold war this thing was probably a muscle car in another life. The capabilities of the mig25 were better understood in 1976 when soviet pilot viktor belenko defected in a mig25 to the united states via japan. Belenko took off with his flight of mig25 for a regular training mission. Thirtyseven years ago today, on september 6, 1976, while flying his mig 25 foxbat fighter on a practice mission from chuguyevka air. The story of mig25 foxbat garuda pakistans nightmare. A soviet pilot defected to japan with the secretive mig25.
As explained by yefim gordon in his book mig25 foxbat mig31. If you ever thought communism was a good thing, this book will tell you what that idea does to people and society. Production of the mig25 series ended in 1984 after completion of 1,190 aircraft. The then lieutenant belenko was a pilot with the 5th fighter regiment, 11th air army, based in chuguyevka, primorsky krai, in the east of the country. This is one of the reasons why it was replaced with the mikoyangurevich mig 31, whose zaslon radar has that capability. The japanese government originally only allowed the u.
Oct 07, 20 asylumseekers famous and not so famous soviet defectors by editor 7 october, 20 2 comments on sept. As it turned out, soviet technology was so far behind u. List of cold war pilot defections project gutenberg self. Mig pilot who defected serves as announcer at air show here. The then lieutenant belenko was a pilot with the 5th fighter regiment, 11th air army.
During the cold war, the americans acquired examples of a number of soviet fighters via defecting pilots, from several countries. Iranian russianmade mig29s perform a flyover during a military demonstration in 2006. The mig25 became operational in 1970 and it was a major source of consternation for western intelligence. Yefim is a bit passionate in this section as he discusses the treasonous act. The final escape of lieutenant belenko is a 1980 biography by john barron about the life and 1976 defection of soviet mikoyangurevich mig25 fighter pilot viktor belenko to the united states. By the time the mig 25 entered service in 1969, this was a serious shortcoming, as strategic bombing doctrine was shifting towards lowlevel penetration of enemy territory. It happened on september 6, 1976, when soviet pilot victor ivanovich belenko flew his mig25 plane to hakodate, japan. On such missions, to ensure that no soviet pilot could defect and make it to japan the nearest airport in the free world, the fuel levels were always carefully recorded and limited. Viktor belenko defected from the soviet airbase at chuguyevka, siberia, to a civilian airport in hakodate, japan. The most famous example is viktor belenko, who defected with a mig25 in 1976 to japan. Sep 07, 2018 its january 1991 and a usaf pilot is in trouble. The final escape of lieutenant belenko is a 1980 biography by john barron about the life and 1976 defection of soviet mikoyangurevich mig 25 fighter pilot viktor belenko to the united states.
The foxbat remained shrouded in mystery until 1976 when pilot victor belenko defected to japan, allowing for systematic study of his airplane before it was returned. When russians see migs flying in america, they have tears in their eyes, belenko told the crowd in a heavy accent. The mig25 was, at the time, russias most advanced and most secret fighter plane. Asylumseekers famous and not so famous soviet defectors. An unintended effect of belenkos defection to japan was to dramatically boost the scales of hasegawa model companys 172 scale model kit of the mig25 for months immediately afterwards. Viktor belenko, a pilot who stole a mig25 and landed in. The story of viktor belenkos defection, and particularly his acclimatization to life in the united states, was told.
Seamans deemed the mig25 as probably the best interceptor in production in the world today. Jan 29, 2010 mig25 foxbat by yefim gordon, 9781857802597, available at book depository with free delivery worldwide. Buy mig pilot book online at low prices in india mig. Viktor belenko was a soviet fighter pilot who defected to japan in the. Viktor belenko, a pilot who stole a mig25 and landed in japan on sept. The story of soviet pilot who defected mig25 fighter jet. Its a little amazing to me, partly because it doesnt seem that long ago, and partly because somewhere in my pile of stillpacked model aircraft i have a contemporary hasegawa model of that very same mig25. The format and style should be familiar by now and is similar to the other books of the redstar series. Back in the 1970s there was a lot of similar concern about the mig25, the ussrs most advanced and highly secret fighter plane. An iraqi mig has locked on to his plane and is preparing to take him down. Viktor belenko, is a mig25 pilot who defected to the united states via japan on sept. Story of defected soviet mig25 pilot who landed in japan.
Belenko was flying a topsecret mig25 foxbat interceptor when he defected from russia to japan on sept. Viktor belenko, a pilot who stole a mig25 and landed in japan on. Designed by the soviet unions mikoyangurevich bureau the first prototype flew. When he brought his mig25 foxbat to hakodate he gave the. Yes, all the stuff about stealing a mig 25 is interesting. With his defection, he gave the western intelligence officers the opportunity to give a first close look at one of the most secretive airplanes of. The mig 25 was, at the time, russias most advanced and most secret fighter plane.
Military themed kits continued to remain hasegawas main focus for some time and unlike its competitors, diversification into other product categories like. Lt viktor belenko was a mig25 pilot one of russias elite warriors and the supreme. How a soviet pilot brought a secret warplane to the west. One of the most fascinating story occurred during the cold war was the defection of soviet pilot named viktor belenko, who decided to defect and landed in japan, flying the most powerful and secret jet of soviets air force.
Lt viktor belenko was a mig25 pilot one of russias elite warriors and the supreme expression of the ideal communist man. In the sequel, firefox down, the description was more like the mig 31 in the 1982 movie. After being inspected by the foreign technology division of the united states dod, the mig25 was released to japan who then returned it in pieces to the soviet union after having been disassembled and analyzed by the united states. To be a mig pilot in russia is to be as close to heaven as communism allows. During the cold war, a number of pilots from various nations eastern bloc, western. Mig pilot is a captivating and fascinating story of a soviet pilot who escapes russia and flies his mig25 to japan.
This russian superjet could fly so fast it blew up its own engines. His name became known worldwide on september 6, 1976, when he successfully defected to the west, flying his mig25 foxbat jet fighter to hakodate, japan. Not only does this book provide hours of entertainment, but it also provides a first hand look into the soviet union and what can happen when governments get too much power. No westerner had ever been close to a mig25 and much about the aircraft were unknown. Within months of the mig25 landing in japan, hasegawa released a 172nd scale plastic model kit of the mig25 complete with decals for viktor belenkos aircraft. How a soviet pilots defection to japan benefitted mig. Next is the section on the big defection which chronicles bellenkos flight, its impact in the ussr and the countermeasures taken to mitigate the compromise of such a sensitive aircraft. By the time the mig25 entered service in 1969, this was a serious shortcoming, as strategic bombing doctrine was shifting towards lowlevel penetration of enemy territory. It turned out that the weight of the aircraft necessitated large wings. A very japanese arrangement to dismantle a soviet mig25. Discover delightful childrens books with prime book box, a subscription that. He landing the mig25 in japan under adverse weather conditions. Detta var forsta gangen ovriga varlden fick studera flygplanet pa nara hall.
Mig pilot who defected serves as announcer at air show. Lieutenant belenko was a pilot with the 5th fighter regiment, 11th air army, soviet air defence forces based in chuguyevka, primorsky krai. Belenko, an effusive, ruddyfaced man, emotionally described the aerobatics of a mig17 flying at the air show. Thirtyseven years ago today, on september 6, 1976, while flying his mig25 foxbat fighter on a practice mission from chuguyevka air. On may 20, 1989, captain aleksandr zuyev defected with his mikoyan mig29 to trabzon, turkey. Details of the soviet unions mig25 were a wellkept secret until a pilot defected with one to japan in 1976.
This was the aircraft that viktor belenko flew to northern japan in 1976, in order to defect from the ussr and to enable the americans to. His defection caused significant damage to the soviet air force. The then lieutenant belenko was a pilot with the 5th fighter regiment, 11th air army, bas. While the aircraft is still operational, the planes that are primarily flying are the reconnaissance variant where the mission is still required. How a defecting soviet pilot showed the us the mig25 was. The mig25 foxbat was an incredible rat rod of a planeheavy, big and extraordinarily powerfuland it indirectly led to the development of western planes like the f15 eagle. Milavia aircraft mikoyangurevich mig25 foxbat video.
This was the first time that western experts were able to get a close look at the aircraft, and it revealed many secrets and surprises. Viktor belenko in his mig25 foxbat to japan on september 6, 1976. Lieutenant viktor belenko defected from the ussr to the us by flying his mig25p aircraft to hakodate airport in hokkaido, japan the defection of viktor belenko took place on september 6, 1976 when lieutenant viktor belenko of the soviet air defence forces flew his mikoyangurevich mig25p foxbat aircraft from near vladivostok in the far east of the soviet union to hakodate airport in hokkaido prefecture of japan. Apr 28, 2019 it happened on september 6, 1976, when soviet pilot victor ivanovich belenko flew his mig25 plane to hakodate, japan. A mig25 foxbat, the kind of plane belenko flew to japan. Viktor belenko, a soviet pilot who flew his mig25 jet fighter to japan. The then lieutenant belenko was a pilot with the 5th fighter regiment, 11th air army, based in chuguyevka. Belenko was born in nalchik, russian sfsr in a ukrainian family. The then lieutenant belenko was a pilot with the 5th fighter regiment, 11th air army, based in chugu. Viktor belenko was a soviet fighter pilot who defected to japan in the 1970s in his topsecret mig 25. The story of viktor belenko, a mig25 pilot who defected to the united states via japan on sept.
Forty years of the foxbat and firefox rambles in the air. The story of viktor belenko, a mig 25 pilot who defected to the united states via japan on sept. World heritage encyclopedia, the aggregation of the largest online encyclopedias available, and the most definitive collection ever assembled. His defection to the united states caused tension between japan and the ussr. A mig 25 foxbat, the kind of plane belenko flew to japan. He hightailed it to japan the very first time he had a full fuel load, taking. He was a lieutenant in the soviet air force and an ace fighter pilot. Soviet pilot viktor belenko, in 1976, went rogue and defected in a mig25 to the united states through japan.
When belenko arrived in japan he was given the book by soviet dissident. The west thought the mig25 was a deadly, agile superfighter. Published october 1st 1983 by avon books first published 1980. In his defection he brought to the west the best fighter the soviets had managed to produce up to that time, the mikoyangurevich mig25 foxbat, along with its pilots manual. After belenkos defection to japan exposed this flaw to the west, a government decree issued on november 4, 1976 called for urgent development of a more advanced radar.
The defection of viktor belenko took place on september 6, 1976 when lieutenant viktor belenko of the soviet air defence forces flew his mikoyangurevich mig25p foxbat. Lt viktor belenko was a mig 25 pilot one of russias elite warriors and the supreme expression of the ideal communist man. How a defecting soviet pilot showed the us the mig 25 was a paper tiger and no, this story doesnt involve clint eastwood. How a defecting soviet pilot showed the us the mig25 was a paper tiger and no, this story doesnt involve clint eastwood. On 6 september 1976, he successfully defected to the west, flying his mig25 foxbat jet fighter to hakodate, japan. Its existence shaped a number of design features of the f15 eagle. Mikoyangurevich mig25 wikipedia republished wiki 2. His defection caused quite a damage to the soviet airforce and it revealed some of the guarded secrets the foxbat had, he even brought the pilots manual with him to assist u. Some of these planes were returned, but others were kept. How a defecting soviet pilot showed the us the mig25 was a. Im worrying about mortgages and insurance and keeping up with the latest books. They story of a reallife tom clancylike soviet defection. This was the aircraft that viktor belenko flew to northern japan in 1976, in order to defect from the ussr and to enable the americans to find out everything they wanted about the mig25. After belenkos defection to japan exposed this flaw to the west, a government decree issued on 4 november 1976 called for urgent development of a more advanced radar.
Foxbat is a supersonic interceptor and reconnaissance aircraft that was among the fastest military aircraft to enter service. The defection of viktor belenko took place on september 6, 1976, when lieutenant viktor belenko of the soviet air defence forces flew his mikoyangurevich mig25p foxbat aircraft from near vladivostok in the far east of the soviet union to hakodate airport in hokkaido prefecture of japan. Sep 29, 2016 iranian russianmade mig29s perform a flyover during a military demonstration in 2006. Details of the soviet unions mig25 were a wellkept secret until a pilot defected with one to japan. The next decision he makes will have to be perfect or it could be his. Viktor belenko, a pilot who stole a mig25 and landed in japan on september 6, 1976. Bush, the director of central intelligence at the time, called the opportunity to examine the plane up close an intelligence bonanza for the west. The defection of viktor belenko, the pilot who stole the supersecret. Theres a lot to think about from reading this book. Mig25 foxbat by yefim gordon, 9781857802597, available at book depository with free delivery worldwide. Cold war great planes mig 25 foxbat the mikoyangurevich mig25 russian. Sep 06, 2016 it was a reference to the defection of lt. How one soviet pilot pulled the sheet off the ghostly mig25. Even if the japanese government didnt originally give full access to the.
An excellent account of the defection of viktor belenko with his mig25 foxbat. Viktor ivanovich belenko is a former soviet pilot who defected to the west while flying his mig25 foxbat jet fighter and landed in hakodate, japan. The mig25s arrival in japan was a windfall for western military planners. On september 6, 1976 a mig25 foxbat, the most advanced soviet fighter jet at the time, landed at hokadote airport in hokkaido, japan. Viktor belenko project gutenberg selfpublishing ebooks. As a highspeed interceptor the mig25 has been supplanted by the mig31, itself a relic. In his mig pilot book 1983 john barron claims that viktor belenkos defection was. There are a couple of photos of viktor and his mig after it landed in japan. Belenkos reaction to soviet union propaganda and the details of life in the russian military. Asylumseekers famous and not so famous soviet defectors by editor 7 october, 20 2 comments on sept. Memoir of the wartime north korean defector who first. The lightningfast mig25 foxbat couldnt adapt to the future. Yes, all the stuff about stealing a mig25 is interesting. In summary the loss ultimately made the mig 25 into a better plane.
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