Chapter 117 – Tactical Truths and Strategic Shadows
When Lieutenant William left the debriefing room aboard Kitty Hawk, the heavy silence he left behind mirrored the worry etched into every face.
"Originally, we assumed that the MiG-25 was like the second-generation jets—built for raw speed and altitude but lacking agility," said Captain Steve, arms crossed and tone grim. "We believed our Tomcat, guided by the latest energy-maneuvering theory, would dominate. But clearly, we underestimated that aircraft."
Colonel Ted nodded. "We saw it dive with the Tomcat to low altitude and still maintain control. I suspect they had orders not to engage with missiles. Otherwise, that Tomcat wouldn't have gone down from an engine failure—it would've taken an infrared missile right up the tail. The Soviets' short-range missiles are no joke."
Ted felt it keenly. He had hoped to impress, even intimidate, the Soviets by detouring into the Sea of Japan. Instead, they had been humiliated at their own doorstep.
Lieutenant General Jonard stood firm. "We'll accept this setback—but not defeat. We have a mission to complete." He paused, eyes narrowing. "And now, I am announcing a new assignment—classified at the highest level. Our fleet will be taking part in an operation that demands utmost discretion and full readiness."
...…
Back in the Soviet Union, Andre had returned to Vladivostok to report in person. At the headquarters of the Far East Air Defense Forces, he stood before Lieutenant General Konstantin Boermann and a gathering of aviation regiment commanders.
Andre was the only pilot in the Soviet Air Force who had engaged in close-range combat with the American F-14 Tomcat—and lived to tell the tale. His testimony carried the weight of experience.
"The F-14 is classified as a third-generation aircraft by NATO standards, but by our system, it meets the criteria for fourth-generation. Its maneuverability is formidable. The computer-controlled variable-sweep wings allow optimal performance in every altitude band. We must be cautious in any close-range engagement."
The crowd stirred. The head of the 41st Regiment, Colonel Malinlovsky, raised a skeptical brow. "Commander Andre, you're saying the sweep wings are controlled automatically? Not manually?"
"Yes," Andre affirmed. "I witnessed the wing sweep change repeatedly during high-overload turns. No pilot could manually adjust that mid-maneuver. Their system adjusts sweep angles in real time, based on flight parameters. That's something our MiG-23 doesn't do. Ours uses three fixed settings—manual only. In the chaos of combat, no pilot can micromanage sweep angles."
That drew a murmur of concern from the room.
"The Americans' electronic technology is far ahead of ours. My MiG-25 was locked by their radar from over 100 kilometers away. They fired two Phoenix missiles in long-range PDSTT mode."
Gasps. The radar range of the MiG-25's own system didn't come close to that figure.
"What weaknesses did you observe?" another officer asked. "In close combat, what should we watch for?"
Andre nodded. "Their biggest flaw is the engine. It's underpowered for their airframe. It can perform high-speed maneuvers, yes, but the TF30 engine is unstable under heavy stress. Mechanical failure is a real risk if they push too hard. If we can draw them into a turning engagement and keep the pressure on, there's a chance their own systems will fail."
It was a difficult pill to swallow—that victory could hinge on the enemy's engine choking itself to death. But Andre spoke from experience. If not for the TF30's notorious unreliability, the battle might have gone another way.
He thought bitterly of what was coming. Once the Americans fitted the Tomcat with the more advanced F110 engine, the jet would no longer be a temperamental diva. It would become a monster in the sky.
But for now, the TF30 was still coughing.
"The American carrier group continues exercises in the Pacific," Lieutenant General Konstantin said, stepping forward. "Moscow has ordered us to maintain surveillance. We will deploy a Tu-95 for long-range recon, escorted by the 592nd Regiment recently stationed at Kamenei Ruchiy. That includes you, Osipovich. Your Su-15s will ensure that reconnaissance proceeds undisturbed."
"Yes, Comrade General," the commander of the 592nd replied.
"Everyone else is dismissed," Konstantin added. "Andre, remain."