Chapter 112 – Supersonic Duel
The Brass Knight, a heavy anti-aircraft missile of the U.S. Navy, boasted an effective range of over 80 kilometers and the ability to strike at long distances. However, due to its massive size and complex structure, once the two missiles on the dual-arm launcher were fired, reloading wasn't a simple task.
Typically, the missile was stored in three components—warhead, fuselage, and booster—which had to be assembled manually. These parts were kept in three designated zones on the front deck of the USS Chicago: the third zone housed 30 stored missiles; the second zone featured cranes for transfer; the first zone, nearest the launcher, was the assembly area. Each reload required crane operations and a careful assembly process, which took no less than five minutes under combat conditions.
In practice, the Brass Knight system could only perform a single salvo during a short engagement.
Andrei, having successfully dodged the first missile volley, assumed he was now safe from further threats. But the radar warning receiver buzzed again—he was being locked again.
This time, it wasn't a cruiser. It was a Tomcat.
George's missile systems had failed, but his wingman, Captain William, still had a functioning Phoenix missile system. Determined, William began climbing rapidly to get a suitable launch profile for the AIM-54 Phoenix.
The launch platform plays a crucial role in missile performance. By ascending and building speed, William gave the Phoenix missiles greater range and altitude. The TF30 engines roared as the swept-wing fighter surged upwards.
By this point, the MiG-25s had pulled 80 kilometers away from the U.S. carrier formation. Captain William's Tomcat reached Mach 1.2 at 10,000 meters. He ordered his radar officer to lock on the trailing MiG-25, the easier target.
Two Phoenix missiles roared off the rails beneath the Tomcat's fuselage, their rocket motors trailing long streaks of smoke. They didn't dive at the target immediately—instead, they climbed to 24,000 meters before switching to level flight, guided by the Tomcat's AWG-9 radar, waiting to engage their active seekers.
Inside the cockpit of his MiG-25, Andrei's warning receiver screamed again. He gritted his teeth.
"Alexander, keep climbing!" he ordered.
The altitude and speed of Alexander's fighter were optimal for avoiding a Phoenix. By the time the missiles arrived, he would be out of reach. Andrei, however, was trailing slightly behind.
If the Americans were intent on a fight, then so be it. He would return the favor. Tit for tat.
With that thought, Andrei slammed the rudder, beginning a wide high-speed turn. He didn't dare pull too tight—excessive G-force risked structural failure in the aircraft. At the same time, he flipped switches to warm up his radar and activate the TP-26-SH1 infrared search-and-track system.
In the Tomcat's radar display, the MiG-25's abrupt maneuver brought it closer into range. The radar officer reported a closing distance. Captain William smiled—he was going to be the first carrier pilot to down a Soviet aircraft in years.
Far below, on the Kitty Hawk, everyone stood tense in the command bridge. George's Tomcat had already landed—his missile was useless. William had taken the initiative, but now, the MiG-25 was turning to face him.
They weren't retreating. They were coming back.
Now it wasn't a routine interception. It was shaping into a full aerial dogfight.
In the air, Captain William was elated. The MiG-25 was flying straight toward the incoming Phoenix missile. A head-on kill was all but certain.
But Andrei wasn't about to run. He intended to meet the missiles head-on.
On paper, the Phoenix seemed unbeatable—active guidance, high speed, and a long range. But Andrei knew these specifications were idealized. The 17G maneuverability was valid only during powered flight. Once the booster burned out, each turn drained its limited energy.
Andrei called for full thrust from the R-15 engines. The MiG-25 responded with a deafening roar. He flipped another switch—the water-ethanol injection system activated. Fine mist sprayed into the air intake to cool and densify incoming air, boosting engine performance.
A distinctive MiG-25 feature, this system temporarily enhanced thrust—exactly what Andrei needed.
The aircraft shook with vibration as the twin engines surged. The altimeter spun upward, the speedometer closed in on Mach 2.5.
Andrei leveled the wings and checked his trajectory. Two Phoenix missiles were coming in hot.
He had no intention of dodging. He was going to outfly them.