Chapter 105 – Takeoff: Meet the Enemy
Now, the Aegis system, which the U.S. Navy is proud of, has not yet completed final integration. The Allen M. Sumner-class destroyers and Gearing-class destroyers that were built during the Second World War are still in service with the U.S. Navy. The Sumner-class destroyers have been gradually withdrawn from active duty, and most of the Gearing-class ships remaining have been refitted with STIR radar and Sea Sparrow anti-aircraft missiles. Unfortunately, the Sparrow missiles are not yet mature. During the Vietnam War, they were essentially unguided rockets and had not yet been transferred to naval platforms.
As for the Standard missiles that would later offer considerably higher precision, they were still years away. Thus, the main air defense of American warships still relied on shipborne missile systems developed during World War II to counter Japanese kamikaze attacks.
These included three missile systems: Terrier, Tartar, and Talos—collectively referred to as the "Three T" ship-to-air missile systems due to their initials.
Among them, the Terrier and Tartar were medium- and short-range systems with an interception ceiling of approximately 10,000 meters, while Talos was the heavyweight, featuring a ramjet engine.
The Talos missile, originally designated SAM-N-6 and later RIM-8, was the earliest and most powerful long-range, medium- and high-altitude air defense missile developed by the U.S. Navy. It was designed for fleet-wide defense against various airborne threats. Its maximum range was 120 kilometers, and it could engage targets between 3 and 26.5 kilometers in altitude.
However, against the MiG-25, which could easily ascend to altitudes of 30,000 meters, these American fleet air-defense systems were useless. This is exactly why Andrei could boldly use the MiG-25 for reconnaissance missions.
To guard against threats, this U.S. carrier battle group included two cruisers equipped with Talos missiles—the "CG-11 Chicago" and the "CLG-5 Oklahoma City."
At that moment, aboard the Chicago, which was leading the formation, the SPS-43 air-search radar was handling the main air surveillance. Unfortunately, its maximum detection range was barely 200 kilometers—far inferior to the Aegis system's future 400-kilometer reach.
As a result, the formation did not detect the approaching aircraft, but a radar station in Hokkaido reported an aircraft flying over Sakhalin Island. Based on its radar cross-section, it was likely a large plane—possibly a Tu-95RT "Bear-D" reconnaissance aircraft. Judging by its flight path, it appeared to be heading toward the waters south of Kunashir Island to probe the carrier group.
"Good job!" Colonel Ted said. "A Soviet recon plane dares to approach our carrier group? Let's shoot it down!"
Last year, the U.S. Air Force suffered embarrassment when an EP-3 reconnaissance plane was intercepted and forced to land in the Soviet Union. The Soviets refused to return the plane or the crew, who were reportedly sent to a Siberian labor camp. The U.S. was furious, and now, revenge was within reach.
Now the Soviets had launched another recon mission. The temptation to retaliate was high.
Lieutenant General Jonard frowned. This could complicate his plans. Still, allowing a Soviet plane to fly directly over them without resistance would make the U.S. Navy look weak.
"Lieutenant General, what do you think?" asked Captain Steve, the aircraft carrier's commanding officer.
"I don't get involved in specific combat operations. This falls under fleet air defense. It's your call," Jonard replied.
"Yes." Steve nodded. "Deck, launch two Tomcat fighters! Vector north and prepare to intercept! Engineering, increase to 20 knots. All ships, ready anti-aircraft systems!"
Finally, action. Everyone was excited. The exercise had been dull with no simulated adversary. The approaching Soviet plane would be the perfect appetizer.
The entire formation accelerated eastward. Thick black smoke rose from the carrier's boilers as speed increased.
The Kitty Hawk, unlike modified WWII-era carriers, was purpose-built postwar. It had the capacity and catapult system to launch heavy fighters like the Tomcat. But the sea was rough. For safe launches, the ship had to boost speed to create more headwind over the deck—20 knots was the optimal compromise.
Earlier, they had cruised at 15 knots. Now, as the carrier accelerated, deck crews sprang into motion.
From the portside parking area, two F-14 Tomcats were towed forward. Deck personnel, clad in color-coded vests, worked swiftly.
The wings swept forward to their minimum angle. Control surfaces moved as checks were completed. Massive Phoenix missiles mounted beneath the fuselage were secured. The jets were brought to the catapults. The front landing gear locked in; spoilers extended.
Inside the cockpit, Major George of the 27th Fighter Squadron looked across to Captain William, his wingman on the neighboring catapult. George raised a clenched fist. William did the same.
"Kitty, Kitty, Boxer requesting launch," George radioed in.
"Cleared for takeoff. No AWACS support—keep sharp," came the reply.
"Copy." George glanced at the deck crew and returned the standard hand signal. He throttled the two TF30 engines to full power.
The launch officer crouched, then swept his arms forward.
A powerful surge slammed George into his seat. The jet catapulted forward, steam hissing around the deck. The F-14 dipped slightly at launch, then climbed sharply.
Takeoff successful.
Intercept underway.