Chapter 86 — The Brain of the Fighter
"The MiG-25 fighter we're currently flying—if equipped with a fly-by-wire system—could significantly improve its maneuverability. It could serve not only as an interceptor, but also engage enemy fighters directly," Andrei continued.
Although Andrei was eager to discuss the Su-27, he knew better than to speak carelessly. The T-10 project within the Sukhoi Design Bureau was still top secret. Not even Andropov might know about it, and if Andrei revealed too much, he could be accused of espionage—something even Andropov couldn't shield him from.
So, he stuck to discussing the MiG-25 he piloted. In truth, the digital fly-by-wire system had already been installed, and it substantially improved the aircraft's performance. With it, pilots could operate with greater confidence.
"This digital fly-by-wire system is promising, but unfortunately, our current technological capabilities are limited. We haven't even managed to develop a reliable analog system," Simonov said.
Analog circuits produce continuous signals, while digital circuits process encoded signals via computers. The difference is fundamental.
With analog circuits, once a system is built, it's fixed. Any future upgrades require redesigning the whole circuit. Additionally, analog systems process data inefficiently. Essentially, they function as operational amplifiers. Digital circuits, by contrast, are programmable. Performance can be improved simply by updating the software.
For example, later-generation American missiles didn't require hardware changes for upgrades. They simply updated software with optimized algorithms, increasing accuracy and performance.
"Looking ahead, digital fly-by-wire systems are a hurdle we must overcome," Andrei said. "Eventually, flight control, fire control, and engine management could all be integrated—flight-fire-thrust cross-linking. Such a system would function like a pilot's brain."
Flight-fire cross-linking is a comprehensive control system the United States proposed a few years ago. It uses radar and other sensors to predict target movements based on the aircraft's status. It then calculates the optimal weapon release point and trajectory in real time. This gives the pilot clear guidance via HUD, enabling precise flight and weapon delivery. Simultaneously, this system transmits control signals to the fly-by-wire system, allowing automatic tracking and attack.
With such integration, American fighter performance has improved dramatically—even in close-range gun combat. The onboard computer controls every aspect, calculating trajectories and adjusting flight and fire control systems with high precision. The aircraft can even fire on targets while flying head-on at high speed.
Thrust-vectoring, when integrated with flight and fire control, further amplifies this capability. Flight control governs rudder surfaces, fire control manages weapons, and thrust control adjusts the engines directly. With all three linked—especially using vector nozzles—a fighter jet gains unprecedented agility. It could fire while rolling, pitching, climbing, or even flipping mid-air.
Simonov, as deputy chief designer at Sukhoi, was already a leading figure in aircraft development. But after hearing Andrei's explanation, he was impressed by the vision laid out before him. Andrei spoke with insight and clarity. When he finished, Simonov nodded in approval.
"Yes, you're absolutely right. If future fighters can integrate these systems, their combat effectiveness will be unparalleled."
"For now, though, developing the fly-by-wire system is essential," Simonov added. "Unfortunately, our electronics are still behind. Our radar department still clings to vacuum tube technology."
Simonov expressed clear frustration with the supporting industries. He had approached the Tikhomirov Instrument Research Institute multiple times to address radar issues for new fighters, but their outdated technology remained a problem. They still relied on vacuum tubes, making it nearly impossible to match or exceed the performance of the American F-15's radar.
"Vacuum tubes are a dead end," Andrei said. "We've been increasing transmission power blindly, which only leads to overheating and bulky, unreliable radars. This in turn compromises the aircraft's overall performance."
Historically, the Su-27's airframe had been well-designed, but poor radar integration forced compromises. The aircraft had to be lightened, even to the point of cutting into structural beams, leading to chronic airframe stress. The Su-27 development became a constant back-and-forth between weight reduction and performance sacrifice.
Simonov nodded, sharing Andrei's concern. The T-10 hadn't flown yet, but the prototype's nose was already loaded with lead for counterbalance. If the radar ended up overweight, it would spell disaster for the entire program.
"If only we could get our hands on one of their radar systems," Andrei said.
The EP-3 incident had opened Soviet engineers' eyes. Some began letting go of outdated ideas and embracing modern systems. If they could study American radar tech directly, they might finally convince the rest of the holdouts. And if those holdouts still refused? Then perhaps it was time for a new design bureau altogether.
But Andrei knew he didn't yet have the influence to shift Soviet policy. Besides, getting American radar systems would practically require defection. Why would anyone from the West bring such systems into the so-called oppressive Soviet Union?
As he pondered possible avenues, one country came to mind.
Iran.
At the time, Iran had the most powerful air force in the Persian Gulf, especially after acquiring American-made F-14 Tomcats. The AWG-9 radar on those jets was extremely advanced. And in a few years, Iran would experience major political upheaval. That might be the window of opportunity.
"What are you two chatting about? You look like you're having a great time," came a voice nearby.
Andrei looked up. He was immediately drawn to the shining medals on the man's chest. In this room, everyone had medals, but this man's uniform stood out.
His gaze rose to the man's face, and recognition struck instantly.
It was Marshal Ustinov.