One of the analysts tasked with compiling the reports stood at a table inside the same hanger. She typed, in her olive drab coveralls, stained with grease and oil. Her cheetah-like face furrowed as the words on the text were being edited.
[spoiler]
Subsequent analysis revealed a simple-yet-functional design with vacuum-tube electronics, two massive turbojet engines, and sparing use of advanced materials such as titanium. The MiG-25 series has an unknown production run, estimates put it over the thousand range. The MiG-25 flew with a number of nations such as Genosha and it remains in limited service in several nations.
The MiG-25 ‘Foxbat’, despite panic about its tremendous performance, made substantial design sacrifices in capability for the sake of achieving high speed, altitude, and rate of climb. It lacked maneuverability at interception speeds, was difficult to fly at low altitudes, and its thirsty turbojet engines resulted in a very short combat range at supersonic speeds. The MiG-25’s speed gauge was redlined at Mach 2.8, and pilots were instructed not to top Mach 2.5 in order to preserve the engines. Achieving the MiG-25’s maximum speed of Mach 3.2 would result in the destruction of the engines.
The MiG-25’s radar is also powerful enough to burn through the electronic countermeasures (ECM) of enemy aircraft. The radar’s power system operated on vacuum tubes, which may seem odd to observers and nations utilizing solid state electronics, but their use was very practical and served them well, including reduced susceptibility to damage from the electromagnetic pulses generated by nuclear explosions. Nonetheless, the Foxbat proved to be more useful in the reconnaissance role than as an interceptor. Such evidence points to eight of the thirty eight Genoshan Foxbats being built purely with recon tasks.
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The aircraft was assembled very quickly, and was essentially built around its massive Tumansky R-15(B) turbojets.
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Welding was done by hand and construction was relatively crude. Rivet heads were left exposed in areas that would not adversely affect aerodynamic drag.
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The aircraft was built of a nickel-steel alloy and not titanium as was assumed (though some titanium was used in heat-critical areas). The steel construction contributed to the craft’s massive 64,000 lb (29,000 kg) unarmed weight.
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The majority of the on-board avionics were based on vacuum-tube technology, not solid-state electronics. Seemingly obsolete, vacuum tubes were actually more tolerant of temperature extremes, thereby removing the need for providing complex environmental controls inside the avionics bays. In addition, the vacuum tubes were easy to replace in remote northern airfields where sophisticated transistor parts may not have been readily available. The MiG-25 was designed to be as rugged as possible. Also, the use of vacuum tubes makes the aircraft’s systems more resistant to an electromagnetic pulse, for example after a nuclear blast.
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Thanks to the use of vacuum tubes, the MiG-25’s ‘Foxfire’ radar had enormous power about 600 kilowatts.
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The airspeed indicator was redlined at Mach 2.8, with typical intercept speeds near Mach 2.5 in order to extend the service life of the engines. An Genoshan MiG-25 was tracked flying at Mach 3.2 in 2015, but the flight had resulted in the destruction of its engines.
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Maximum acceleration (g-load) rating was just 2.2 g (21.6 m/s²) with full fuel tanks, with an absolute limit of 4.5 g (44.1 m/s²). One MiG-25 withstood an inadvertent 11.5 g (112.8 m/s²) pull during low-altitude dogfight training, but the resulting deformation decommissioned the airframe.
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Combat radius was 186 miles (300 km), and maximum range on internal fuel (at subsonic speeds) was only 744 miles (1,200 km). In fact, during a combat flight, a intercepted Mig-25 retreated after failing to successfully shoot down an RAe Skua.[/spoiler]
She finally wrapped up the brief summary of the Foxbat, followed by numerous pages of data that describe the specifications in so much more detail. Her focus now turned to the reports of the Foxhound, compiling once again and editing.
[spoiler]
Like the MiG-25, the Foxhound is a large twin-engine aircraft with side-mounted air intakes, a shoulder-mounted wing with an aspect ratio of 2.94, and twin vertical tailfins. Unlike the Foxbat, it has two seats, with the rear occupied by a dedicated weapon systems officer.
The wings and airframe of the MiG-31 are stronger than those of the MiG-25, permitting supersonic flight at low altitudes. Its Aviadvigatel D30-F6 turbofans, rated at 34,000 pounds thrust, (also described as “bypass turbojets” due to the low bypass ratio) allow a maximum speed of Mach 1.23 at low altitude. High-altitude speed is temperature-redlined to Mach 2.83. The thrust-to-drag ratio is sufficient for speeds in excess of Mach 3, but such speeds pose unacceptable hazards to engine and airframe life in routine use.
Given the MiG-31’s role as Mach 2.8 interceptor and the sustained afterburning this requires, its fuel consumption is higher when compared to other aircraft serving in different roles, such as the Su-27 variant in service with the Vekaiyun Union. As a result, the aircraft’s fuel fraction has been increased to more than 16,350 kg (36,050 lb) of high-density T-6 jet fuel. The outer wing pylons are also plumbed for drop tanks, allowing an extra 5,000 liters (1,320 gallons) of external fuel. Current example aircraft captured have aerial refueling probes.
Despite the stronger airframe, the Foxhound is limited to a maximum of 5 g at supersonic speeds. At combat weight, its wing loading is marginal and its thrust to weight ratio is favorable. However, it is not designed for close combat or rapid turning.
The MiG-31 is a fighter with a passive electronically scanned array radar, the Zaslon S-800. Its maximum range against fighter-sized targets is approximately 200 km (125 mi), and it can track up to 10 targets and simultaneously attack four of them with its long range air-to-air missiles. It has limited astern coverage (perhaps the reason for the radome-like protuberance above and between the engines). The radar is matched with an infrared search and tracking (IRST) system in a retractable undernose fairing. Up to four MiG-31s, spaced up to 200 km (125 mi) apart to cover a wide swath of territory, can coordinate via datalink. Such a capability comes shocking.
However, the current captured Foxhounds come with Zaslon-M passive electronically scanned phased array radar (PESA) with larger antenna and greater detection range (said to be 400 km (250 mi) against AWACS-size targets) and the ability to attack multiple targets -air and ground- simultaneously. The back-seater’s controls are replaced with modern MFDs. Its electronic countermeasures capabilities have also been upgraded, with new ECM pods on the wingtips.
The aircraft is a two-seater with the rear seat occupant controlling the radar. Although cockpit controls are duplicated across cockpits, it is normal for the aircraft to be flown only from the front seat. The pilot flies the aircraft by means of a center stick and left hand throttles. The rear cockpit has only two small vision ports on the sides of the canopy. It is argued that the presence of the WSO (Weapon Systems Operator) in the rear cockpit improves aircraft effectiveness since he is entirely dedicated to radar operations and weapons deployment. This decreases the workload of the pilot and increases efficiency.
Both cockpits are fitted with zero/zero ejection seats which allow the crew to eject at any altitude and airspeed.
The MiG-31’s main armament is four Long Range Air-To-Air Missiles (LRAAMs) carried under the belly. LRAAMs can be guided in semi-active radar homing (SARH) mode, or launched in inertial guidance mode with the option of mid-course updates from the launch aircraft and switching to SARH for terminal guidance. A more advanced version of the LRAAMs captured, features folding stabilizers to reduce its stored size.
Unlike the MiG-25, the MiG-31 has an internal cannon, a six-barrel, 23 mm GSh-6-23 with 800 rounds of ammunition, mounted above the starboard main landing gear bay. The GSh-6-23 has a rate of fire of over 10,000 rounds per minute.
It is the heaviest interceptor in Rhodesian Records, with a maximum takeoff weight on 56 tonnes.
[/spoiler]
Now exhausted, she waves to a nearby Marine tasked with guarding the hanger. Handing him the laptop, nothing else needed to be said, for he took it and went to the Command Center for transmitting to the Free Pacific States. The felidae looked around, grease and oil marks present all over the hanger. Parts strewn all over in a rather organized manner. To her right the frame of the Foxhound and Foxbat stood there, hoisted by chains and padding to the roof of the hanger. To her left she saw the closed doors of the hanger, and went out through a small opening made for aircrew.
Once outside the hanger through the normal door, she saw a Foxhound and Foxbat flying in formation. Genoshan mechanics and pilots stood there, in Rhodesian coveralls. They talking more with Rhodesian military crews, sharing and teaching information in a very casual manner as they looked up.
“God, the Incentives Program must have been very generous,” she said out loud. Unaware of the fact that the Vice President stood there next to here.
“Indeed,” he said while the Navy Airwoman had a face of shock and saluted at attention. “At Ease.”
She stopped saluting and resumed her casual manner of standing, still a bit in shock that the Vice President sneaked up on her. She asked, “What are you doing here Sir?”
“Talent hunting primarily,” Val said, this time in more casual clothing than the usual suit and tie. He wore a hawaiian shirt, with a few top buttons undone, revealing his muscular torso. On his face, rather expensive five hundred dollar sunglasses with amber tinted lenses could be seen. Sand colored cargo pants were completed by brown loafers. One could say that he wore the perfect clothing for the day’s weather, the sun being out, and temperatures hitting the high 80’s. Some clouds dotted the skies, but it was a beautiful day at Fort Anaston.
“You aren’t here for the Genoshans are you?” she asked again.
“Nope, already convinced them to join our side. Here for something else,” he said, watching the dots in the sky.
“Ok, why me?”
Val chuckled, “Smart girl, your psych profile suggested your alliances are not at very strong ties with your nation.”
Zaura Hunt was taken aback at first, then a defensive tone came out, “How you know that?”
“It’s my job to know things, despite public opinion,” he said, still looking at the sky. “I’m coming to you for a employment opportunity, I only want the best, and your combat experience fighting the Mig-25 a few days ago proved just that. Especially how it managed to take down two of your wingmates.”
“I’m flattered Sir, but it’ll be a few more years until I can say yes and work for you,” she said, humbled.
“Say yes, and you will be looking at a massive paycheck every week. The contract that you signed with the military can be revised to the day your employment with us starts. Which I’m sure as you know, the Military-Industrial complex can do. We give kickbacks and benefits in return, quite a beneficial relationship if you think of it,” he nodded, this time looking at Hunt, the soon to be employee.
“Then what? I am not particularly looking forward to flying cargo planes across the globe,” she said in a rather humorous manner.
Saar’bac stood there, now laughing while Hunt raised an eyebrow. It ended with a sigh. “Well, I’m glad to know that the secrets are being kept. No, I am not coming to you with an opportunity to fly cargo planes in and out of nations. I’m giving you an opportunity to be a Fighter Pilot for Hire, working for our shell companies.”
Without a doubt in her mind, Zaura said yes. It was a massive improvement over the crap of paperwork and meager pay. She really wanted something that would be an upgrade over her lifestyle. Now looking at massive paychecks, bonuses, and a lifetime of adventure, she looked forward to. Both figures concluded their business with a handshake. Val looked at her in the eyes, “Great, now remember this. You will meet your new wingmates in the Weapons Hanger, from there, you will take the company plane to the corporate islands. The plane will be here by midnight. As we speak, you are now cleared from service. Gather your bags and make your way. Miss the plane and your employment is terminated. Got it?”
“Yes Sir,” were the words that came from Hunt’s mouth. It was a major step in her life, excited to know that it was going somewhere. Val took his leave and walked towards the Command Center.