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Narrator: Quick...
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00:00:04,337 --> 00:00:07,506
Durable...
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00:00:07,574 --> 00:00:10,776
And deadly.
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00:00:10,844 --> 00:00:13,779
Man: This aircraft set
the western world on its ear.
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00:00:13,847 --> 00:00:15,914
Narrator:
The mig has been america's enemy
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00:00:15,983 --> 00:00:18,383
For more than 50 years.
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00:00:18,452 --> 00:00:21,186
Man: Mig was considered
to be the best
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Of the soviet fighters.
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00:00:24,091 --> 00:00:27,893
Narrator: Born in response
to a terrifying threat.
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00:00:27,961 --> 00:00:30,962
Man: Stalin realized
that a new class of aircraft
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00:00:31,031 --> 00:00:32,297
Had to be created.
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00:00:32,365 --> 00:00:34,266
Narrator:
This aircraft turned the tables
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00:00:34,334 --> 00:00:38,070
On united states airpower...
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Man: And the migs came in
from behind,
15
00:00:39,806 --> 00:00:42,908
And they just knocked him
right out of the sky.
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00:00:44,644 --> 00:00:48,213
Narrator: ...All in an effort
to fulfill its birthright--
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Defense.
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00:00:49,449 --> 00:00:51,349
Woman: The north vietnamese
mig-21 pilots
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00:00:51,418 --> 00:00:53,819
Were willing to do
whatever it took.
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00:00:53,887 --> 00:00:57,089
Narrator: It's the aircraft born
to give america's adversaries
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A fighting chance.
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Man: All they needed
was to kill one western pilot
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To show the world
that they were as bad
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00:01:04,898 --> 00:01:06,431
As everybody thought they were.
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♪
26
00:01:18,545 --> 00:01:21,313
Narrator: January 1991.
27
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Saddam hussein's
republican guard
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Occupies kuwait,
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Defying
the international community.
30
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The united states
and its coalition partners
31
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Have finally had enough.
32
00:01:34,294 --> 00:01:35,594
George bush: Five months ago,
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Saddam hussein started
this cruel war against kuwait.
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Tonight, the battle
has been joined.
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Narrator: U.S. Generals know
that whoever controls
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The skies over iraq
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Will secure victory.
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Owning the skies won't be easy.
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The iraqis have the fifth
largest air force in the world,
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00:01:58,151 --> 00:02:03,688
Equipped with advanced aircraft
supplied by the soviet union,
41
00:02:03,757 --> 00:02:06,558
Most notably
the brand-new jet fighter
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00:02:06,627 --> 00:02:09,528
Known as the mig-29 fulcrum.
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00:02:11,965 --> 00:02:14,966
Migs--
these powerful russian jets
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00:02:14,969 --> 00:02:17,903
Have been american airpower's
fiercest enemies
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00:02:17,971 --> 00:02:19,605
For over 50 years.
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00:02:22,976 --> 00:02:25,744
The mig-29
is one of its most recent
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And deadly incarnations,
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Designed to intercept any
aircraft that crosses its path.
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00:02:32,786 --> 00:02:33,885
Scott marchand:
They're there to intercept
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Whatever the threat is.
51
00:02:35,055 --> 00:02:37,523
Principally their objective
would be bombers
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Or high-value targets.
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Narrator: Just 57 feet long
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And 37 feet wide,
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This little fighter
is a menace in the skies.
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00:02:53,941 --> 00:02:55,273
Marchand: Being an interceptor,
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00:02:55,276 --> 00:02:58,176
They mostly rely
on air-to-air rockets.
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00:02:58,245 --> 00:03:01,479
It also has a single
onboard 30-millimeter cannon
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00:03:01,548 --> 00:03:03,549
That carries
about 100 rounds of ammunition.
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00:03:03,617 --> 00:03:07,752
Narrator: With a price tag
of less than $22 million,
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00:03:07,821 --> 00:03:10,589
These jets are built in bulk,
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Making them popular
with developing nations
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Around the world,
including iraq.
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00:03:16,930 --> 00:03:19,698
Marchand: The iraqis first
acquired these in the late 1980s
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When they were at war
with the iranians,
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00:03:21,569 --> 00:03:23,569
So iraqi mig pilots
had a lot of experience
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00:03:23,637 --> 00:03:28,640
In the cockpit and in combat
by the time of desert storm.
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Narrator: January 19, 1991.
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Coalition airpower
has been pounding
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00:03:34,147 --> 00:03:36,215
The iraqis for two days.
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00:03:37,317 --> 00:03:39,517
[explosions]
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But u.S. Pilots know the migs
are still in the fight.
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00:03:44,057 --> 00:03:45,290
Cesar rodriguez:
Their number-one goal,
74
00:03:45,358 --> 00:03:48,527
Their number-one mission
was get a coalition kill.
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00:03:48,595 --> 00:03:50,262
Narrator:
Colonel cesar rodriguez
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Flew f-15s in the u.S. Air force
for over 25 years.
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Rodriguez: All they needed
was to kill one western pilot
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00:03:58,872 --> 00:04:00,939
To show the world
that they were as bad
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As everybody thought they were.
80
00:04:04,278 --> 00:04:08,013
Narrator:
Tabuk air base, saudi arabia.
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00:04:08,015 --> 00:04:10,548
A 60-plane
coalition strike force
82
00:04:10,551 --> 00:04:14,886
Made up of f-16s,
f-15s, and f-4s
83
00:04:14,954 --> 00:04:18,223
Takes off towards iraq.
84
00:04:18,291 --> 00:04:21,726
Its mission--
bomb an iraqi weapons facility
85
00:04:21,795 --> 00:04:24,029
On the outskirts of baghdad.
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00:04:24,097 --> 00:04:27,032
Rodriguez: The target
was a munitions storage area
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That was supplying
both air-to-air
88
00:04:30,303 --> 00:04:31,637
And air-to-ground weapons,
89
00:04:31,705 --> 00:04:35,040
As well as weapons that were
being used by the iraqi army,
90
00:04:35,108 --> 00:04:36,675
And so the goal
of the strike package
91
00:04:36,743 --> 00:04:40,979
Was to neutralize
that underground bunker.
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00:04:40,981 --> 00:04:42,314
Narrator: Coalition pilots know
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That once their planes
deliver their weapons,
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The iraqi migs
are likely to respond.
95
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Rodriguez and another f-15 pilot
follow the strike force
96
00:04:54,261 --> 00:04:56,595
For just that reason.
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Rodriguez:
Our job was to make sure
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That none of them
were vulnerable.
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00:05:00,133 --> 00:05:03,335
We were
their dedicated protection.
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00:05:03,403 --> 00:05:05,403
Narrator:
Not long after takeoff,
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The strike package
reaches its target
102
00:05:08,275 --> 00:05:10,809
And begins to unload its bombs.
103
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[explosions]
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Rodriguez and his wingman
watch the mayhem unfold
105
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As they fly close behind.
106
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Rodriguez: The number of weapons
that were exploding
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00:05:22,089 --> 00:05:23,254
Was just amazing.
108
00:05:23,323 --> 00:05:25,223
I mean, it was
a fireworks demonstration,
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At a magnitude
that we could never imagine.
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Narrator: Moments later,
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The strike force
heads back to base,
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00:05:33,333 --> 00:05:36,634
But their work
doesn't go unnoticed.
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Rodriguez: We detected a series
of unidentifiable contacts
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North-northeast of our position.
115
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As we get closer,
our radars can actually now
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00:05:50,683 --> 00:05:53,118
Break out
two separate contacts,
117
00:05:53,186 --> 00:05:57,689
And then we start
to determine they're mig-29s.
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Narrator:
The enemy planes are heading
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00:05:59,225 --> 00:06:01,159
Straight
for the american fighters.
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00:06:04,264 --> 00:06:07,599
Before rodriguez and his wingman
can respond,
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00:06:07,667 --> 00:06:10,635
The two migs turn tail and run.
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Rodriguez:
They basically start a turn,
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00:06:16,276 --> 00:06:17,442
And out of their turn,
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00:06:17,510 --> 00:06:20,512
They are now flying
back towards baghdad.
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00:06:22,683 --> 00:06:25,150
Narrator: The f-15s
throttle their afterburners
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00:06:25,218 --> 00:06:29,954
And fly off in hot pursuit.
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Moments later,
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They discover
they've been lured into a trap.
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Rodriguez:
What we realized very quickly
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00:06:39,833 --> 00:06:42,567
Is these two migs
are starting to pull us
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00:06:42,569 --> 00:06:46,771
Into the baghdad integrated
air and missile defense zone,
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00:06:46,840 --> 00:06:49,107
And we start to get
radar warning indications
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00:06:49,109 --> 00:06:51,576
That the sams,
the surface-to-air missiles,
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00:06:51,644 --> 00:06:53,378
Are locking us up.
135
00:06:53,447 --> 00:06:54,846
Narrator: The f-15s are flying
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00:06:54,915 --> 00:06:59,384
Over hundreds of radar-guided
surface-to-air missiles,
137
00:06:59,386 --> 00:07:04,155
Each one vying to take a shot
at the american pilots.
138
00:07:04,224 --> 00:07:06,591
Rodriguez:
So now we're in the trap,
139
00:07:06,593 --> 00:07:08,994
And how do we get out
of the trap?
140
00:07:09,062 --> 00:07:12,464
Narrator: Rodriguez can continue
to pursue the mig-29s
141
00:07:12,532 --> 00:07:14,799
And risk being shot down
142
00:07:14,868 --> 00:07:19,904
Or turn back
and let the fulcrums get away.
143
00:07:19,973 --> 00:07:22,874
Rodriguez: My initial reaction
was, "okay, abort now.
144
00:07:22,943 --> 00:07:24,175
Let's get out of here.
145
00:07:24,244 --> 00:07:27,412
We don't need to be
in this fight anymore."
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00:07:27,414 --> 00:07:29,548
But before
I could call out abort,
147
00:07:29,616 --> 00:07:33,351
Awacs calls out,
"the guy's off my left, 9:00."
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00:07:35,823 --> 00:07:37,655
Narrator: The awacs is an e-3
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00:07:37,724 --> 00:07:41,159
Early warning
and control aircraft.
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00:07:41,228 --> 00:07:46,164
Its crew has spotted a third
mig-29 just eight miles away
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00:07:46,232 --> 00:07:49,367
And closing in fast.
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00:07:49,435 --> 00:07:51,570
Rodriguez:
He's a matter of seconds
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00:07:51,638 --> 00:07:54,772
From being able
to take a shot at me.
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00:07:54,775 --> 00:07:57,709
It's, it's not minutes,
it's seconds.
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00:07:57,777 --> 00:08:02,113
I knew that I had to do
a lot of work to survive.
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00:08:02,115 --> 00:08:05,316
Narrator: Rodriguez knows
that if a mig-29 fulcrum
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00:08:05,319 --> 00:08:10,088
Has you in its sights,
escape is nearly impossible.
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Marchand: The mig-29 is
a mach 2 plus capable aircraft.
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00:08:12,926 --> 00:08:15,059
That means
twice the speed of sound.
160
00:08:15,062 --> 00:08:19,030
Really, really incredibly
speedy aircraft.
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00:08:19,098 --> 00:08:20,398
And it's dangerous
in close combat,
162
00:08:20,467 --> 00:08:23,067
Especially in the hands
of a capable pilot.
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00:08:23,070 --> 00:08:27,305
Narrator: Its short wings allow
the fulcrum to roll on a dime.
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Two klimov rd-33 jet engines
165
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Give it over 30,000 pounds
of thrust.
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00:08:37,784 --> 00:08:42,020
Marchand: It's like a dragster.
It's a muscle street car.
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00:08:42,088 --> 00:08:44,022
The speed and maneuverability
of the mig-29
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Is what really makes them deadly
in a dogfight.
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Narrator:
10,000 feet above iraq,
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Colonel cesar rodriguez
knows he and his wingman
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00:08:53,132 --> 00:08:55,700
Are facing
a dangerous opponent.
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Rodriguez:
We assumed that this guy
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Was the biggest,
baddest dude on the block,
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00:09:00,073 --> 00:09:03,909
And we had to be on our
number-one a-game to beat them.
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00:09:03,977 --> 00:09:06,411
Narrator: The incoming mig
is just seconds away
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00:09:06,479 --> 00:09:09,914
From blowing rodriguez
out of the sky.
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00:09:09,917 --> 00:09:12,684
Rodriguez:
The mig's radar can see me,
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00:09:12,752 --> 00:09:16,721
And so I go strictly
into the defensive mode.
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00:09:16,790 --> 00:09:21,660
Narrator: Rodriguez banks left
and dives down fast.
180
00:09:21,728 --> 00:09:24,162
If he can confuse
the mig's radar,
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00:09:24,230 --> 00:09:26,598
He might have a fighting chance.
182
00:09:26,666 --> 00:09:30,134
Rodriguez: The mig-29 radar is
meant to look into a blue sky,
183
00:09:30,203 --> 00:09:32,470
Where there's
very little clutter,
184
00:09:32,539 --> 00:09:33,671
'cause I want to force his radar
185
00:09:33,674 --> 00:09:37,409
To look down
into the ground environment,
186
00:09:37,477 --> 00:09:40,311
And now the radar's
got to recalculate the math
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00:09:40,380 --> 00:09:42,347
To deliver the weapon.
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00:09:42,415 --> 00:09:46,451
Narrator: Rodriguez must escape
the iraqi mig's deadly grasp
189
00:09:46,519 --> 00:09:51,623
Or risk losing everything to one
of america's most bitter foes.
190
00:09:51,691 --> 00:09:54,025
Rodriguez:
I'm in 100 percent survival mode
191
00:09:54,093 --> 00:09:57,629
Because the enemy's
locked on to my airplane.
192
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That's as vulnerable as you get
in the air-to-air dogfight.
193
00:10:00,400 --> 00:10:02,734
[beeping]
194
00:10:05,905 --> 00:10:10,275
Narrator: January 1991.
Operation desert storm.
195
00:10:11,878 --> 00:10:15,580
Colonel cesar rodriguez
tries to avoid being shot down
196
00:10:15,582 --> 00:10:17,916
By an iraqi mig-29.
197
00:10:21,721 --> 00:10:26,391
Unless his wingman acts quickly,
rodriguez doesn't have a chance.
198
00:10:26,459 --> 00:10:29,060
Rodriguez: At that point,
I am in the pure defensive mode,
199
00:10:29,129 --> 00:10:31,462
And now I turn it over
to my wingman,
200
00:10:31,465 --> 00:10:33,831
Who is about
three miles behind me.
201
00:10:33,900 --> 00:10:36,401
He sees
the same thing that I see.
202
00:10:36,469 --> 00:10:39,170
He locks the lead mig
203
00:10:39,238 --> 00:10:43,041
And then takes a shot
with his aim-7.
204
00:10:43,109 --> 00:10:44,409
Narrator: Seconds later,
205
00:10:44,477 --> 00:10:48,346
Rodriguez's wingman's
heat-seeking aim-7 missile
206
00:10:48,414 --> 00:10:51,849
Reaches the mig.
207
00:10:51,918 --> 00:10:54,619
Rodriguez: The end result
was we had one mig down.
208
00:10:54,687 --> 00:10:57,088
Splash one is the radio call
that I made.
209
00:10:57,157 --> 00:11:00,091
Man on radio: Splash!
Splash coming out westbound!
210
00:11:00,159 --> 00:11:04,028
Rodriguez: And now we're trying
to figure out what's next.
211
00:11:04,031 --> 00:11:06,831
Narrator:
What's next is more trouble.
212
00:11:06,900 --> 00:11:09,333
The e-3 awacs alerts rodriguez
213
00:11:09,402 --> 00:11:14,238
To another mig-29
just ten miles away.
214
00:11:14,307 --> 00:11:17,241
This time,
rodriguez and his wingman
215
00:11:17,244 --> 00:11:19,778
Won't be caught off guard.
216
00:11:19,846 --> 00:11:21,112
Rodriguez: We have two options.
217
00:11:21,181 --> 00:11:23,648
We can turn south and run away,
218
00:11:23,650 --> 00:11:26,584
Or we can turn north and fight
our way through that mig.
219
00:11:26,653 --> 00:11:28,019
And the option that I selected
220
00:11:28,087 --> 00:11:30,822
Was to fight our way
through that mig.
221
00:11:30,890 --> 00:11:33,091
Narrator:
Rodriguez and the mig face off
222
00:11:33,159 --> 00:11:36,060
In a intense aerial spiral,
223
00:11:36,063 --> 00:11:39,330
Chasing each other's tails.
224
00:11:39,398 --> 00:11:44,936
Suddenly the mig-29 flies down
toward the desert floor,
225
00:11:45,004 --> 00:11:48,172
Trying to outmaneuver
the f-15's radar.
226
00:11:48,241 --> 00:11:51,342
Rodriguez: At that point,
I suspect that the mig felt
227
00:11:51,410 --> 00:11:54,011
That I could either be
coming in for a gunshot
228
00:11:54,080 --> 00:11:57,615
Or I could be getting ready
to hit him with a missile.
229
00:11:57,683 --> 00:11:59,283
Narrator:
Rodriguez watches the mig
230
00:11:59,286 --> 00:12:01,886
Take a hard turn back up,
231
00:12:01,954 --> 00:12:06,724
But it's too late
to escape the momentum down.
232
00:12:06,793 --> 00:12:08,893
Rodriguez: You could see
his afterburners are cooking.
233
00:12:08,962 --> 00:12:10,495
He's trying to do
everything he can
234
00:12:10,563 --> 00:12:13,031
To bring the nose of his
airplane through the horizon,
235
00:12:13,099 --> 00:12:14,298
But it doesn't happen.
236
00:12:14,367 --> 00:12:16,300
He put himself
in a no-win solution,
237
00:12:16,369 --> 00:12:19,871
Which ultimately translated
into a fireball on the ground.
238
00:12:23,476 --> 00:12:26,377
It wasn't until
after the final engagement
239
00:12:26,446 --> 00:12:30,314
That I started to reflect on,
"wow, what just happened?"
240
00:12:30,383 --> 00:12:33,684
It was amazing
and also humbling,
241
00:12:33,753 --> 00:12:38,089
Because I knew I was within
seconds of, of being a casualty.
242
00:12:39,860 --> 00:12:41,292
Narrator:
Rodriguez's battle marks
243
00:12:41,360 --> 00:12:43,461
Yet another close-in dogfight
244
00:12:43,530 --> 00:12:49,066
Between a mig
and an american jet.
245
00:12:49,069 --> 00:12:51,736
But when the mig
first took flight,
246
00:12:51,738 --> 00:12:56,007
The united states and the mig
were fighting the same enemy.
247
00:12:58,711 --> 00:13:02,147
September 1939.
248
00:13:02,215 --> 00:13:05,850
World war ii erupts in europe.
249
00:13:05,918 --> 00:13:08,252
Hitler's germany invades poland
250
00:13:08,321 --> 00:13:11,356
And splits the territory
with the soviet union.
251
00:13:12,959 --> 00:13:17,762
The agreement shocks the west.
252
00:13:17,831 --> 00:13:19,764
Once bitter foes,
253
00:13:19,833 --> 00:13:23,768
Stalin and hitler
are suddenly allies.
254
00:13:23,837 --> 00:13:27,038
Stalin fears it won't last long.
255
00:13:27,106 --> 00:13:28,306
Roger connor: Stalin always knew
256
00:13:28,308 --> 00:13:32,376
That his treaties
and arrangements with hitler
257
00:13:32,445 --> 00:13:34,712
Were going to be temporary.
258
00:13:34,781 --> 00:13:36,247
Narrator:
Roger connor is a curator
259
00:13:36,315 --> 00:13:40,451
At the smithsonian
air and space museum.
260
00:13:40,520 --> 00:13:43,254
Connor: Stalin knew
that he had to better prepare
261
00:13:43,323 --> 00:13:44,722
His armed forces,
262
00:13:44,791 --> 00:13:48,159
Particularly to catch up
to the very significant advances
263
00:13:48,227 --> 00:13:51,663
That germany had demonstrated
in the skies over poland.
264
00:13:54,000 --> 00:13:57,802
Narrator: One nazi plane
is particularly troubling--
265
00:13:57,871 --> 00:14:01,239
The messerschmitt bf 109.
266
00:14:01,307 --> 00:14:04,709
Connor: Bf 109 had
good high-altitude performance.
267
00:14:04,777 --> 00:14:07,678
It carried a pretty formidable
weapons package.
268
00:14:07,681 --> 00:14:11,249
It had good range, a high degree
of maneuverability.
269
00:14:11,317 --> 00:14:14,619
It was a wonderful all-around
high-performance fighter,
270
00:14:14,687 --> 00:14:17,155
And unfortunately for stalin,
271
00:14:17,223 --> 00:14:20,625
His small single-seat fighters
were starting to show their age
272
00:14:20,627 --> 00:14:23,961
And certainly were not the match
of the bf 109.
273
00:14:23,964 --> 00:14:26,831
Narrator: Stalin knows
that if the nazis invade,
274
00:14:26,899 --> 00:14:29,667
The soviet air force
will need a new aircraft
275
00:14:29,735 --> 00:14:32,036
That can take them on.
276
00:14:32,104 --> 00:14:35,506
Connor: This meant creating new
designs with a greater emphasis
277
00:14:35,574 --> 00:14:37,909
On high-altitude performance,
278
00:14:37,977 --> 00:14:40,245
Accommodating
better weapon systems,
279
00:14:40,313 --> 00:14:42,780
Improving
the range of the aircraft,
280
00:14:42,782 --> 00:14:45,383
And their weapons loadout.
281
00:14:45,451 --> 00:14:47,451
Narrator: In January 1940,
282
00:14:47,454 --> 00:14:51,289
Stalin demands
a brand-new fighter,
283
00:14:51,357 --> 00:14:55,059
One capable of standing up
to the german air force.
284
00:14:55,061 --> 00:14:57,729
Connor: Stalin tasked
the design of this new fighter
285
00:14:57,797 --> 00:15:00,331
To an associate
of a family friend,
286
00:15:00,399 --> 00:15:04,001
And this was artem mikoyan.
287
00:15:04,004 --> 00:15:07,672
Artem mikoyan
had prior air force experience.
288
00:15:07,740 --> 00:15:10,541
His personal connections
within the communist party
289
00:15:10,543 --> 00:15:13,611
Were impeccable,
and he was a gifted designer,
290
00:15:13,613 --> 00:15:17,682
So he was well-positioned
to take on this role.
291
00:15:17,750 --> 00:15:19,951
Narrator: Mikoyan isn't alone.
292
00:15:20,019 --> 00:15:23,454
His right-hand man
is mikhail gurevich,
293
00:15:23,522 --> 00:15:28,025
An experienced chief constructor
known for getting the job done.
294
00:15:28,028 --> 00:15:30,962
Connor: Mikoyan and gurevich
were an effective pairing.
295
00:15:31,030 --> 00:15:34,565
Mikoyan worked on terms
of managing the production
296
00:15:34,567 --> 00:15:38,769
And smoothing various issues
with the communist authorities.
297
00:15:38,838 --> 00:15:42,974
Gurevich was the gifted engineer
that really understood
298
00:15:43,042 --> 00:15:46,510
What it took to put an effective
fighter plane in the air.
299
00:15:46,579 --> 00:15:50,048
Narrator: April 1940, moscow.
300
00:15:50,116 --> 00:15:55,586
Mikoyan and gurevich
debut their design--the I-200.
301
00:15:55,654 --> 00:15:57,755
Connor: The initial prototype,
the I-200,
302
00:15:57,823 --> 00:15:59,924
Was off to a promising start.
303
00:15:59,993 --> 00:16:01,759
It was a fast aircraft.
304
00:16:01,827 --> 00:16:05,096
It, on paper, certainly could
appear to match the 109,
305
00:16:05,164 --> 00:16:07,131
If not surpass it.
306
00:16:07,200 --> 00:16:11,602
Narrator: Expectations are
high for the fast new aircraft,
307
00:16:11,670 --> 00:16:15,606
But testing reveals
the prototype's flaws.
308
00:16:15,674 --> 00:16:17,241
Connor: Visibility was poor.
309
00:16:17,309 --> 00:16:19,276
It was not
the most stable design.
310
00:16:19,279 --> 00:16:21,279
It was a difficult airplane
to handle on the ground.
311
00:16:21,347 --> 00:16:23,548
Braking was quite poor.
312
00:16:23,616 --> 00:16:26,350
So, all in all,
it was an incomplete package.
313
00:16:26,353 --> 00:16:32,189
Promising, but not quite ready
for effective service.
314
00:16:32,258 --> 00:16:35,226
Narrator: Stalin believes
that the flawed new aircraft
315
00:16:35,294 --> 00:16:38,229
Is better than nothing at all.
316
00:16:38,297 --> 00:16:40,698
Connor: He was desperate
to meet the german threat,
317
00:16:40,766 --> 00:16:42,867
And so it was rushed
into production.
318
00:16:42,935 --> 00:16:45,703
Narrator: December 1940.
319
00:16:45,705 --> 00:16:48,906
Khodynka airfield, moscow.
320
00:16:48,975 --> 00:16:50,708
The mig design bureau rolls out
321
00:16:50,776 --> 00:16:54,779
Its brand new fighter--
the mig-1.
322
00:16:54,847 --> 00:16:56,781
Alexander velovich:
The soviet union established
323
00:16:56,849 --> 00:16:59,650
The custom
of naming the aircraft
324
00:16:59,718 --> 00:17:03,854
By the first letters
of the names of the designers,
325
00:17:03,857 --> 00:17:10,061
So mig, m, mikoyan, I for "and,"
and g for gurevich.
326
00:17:10,129 --> 00:17:12,797
Narrator: Alexander velovich
worked as lead designer
327
00:17:12,865 --> 00:17:16,934
At the mig design bureau
for over 13 years.
328
00:17:16,936 --> 00:17:21,872
Velovich: The mig-1 actually
was, as some engineers say,
329
00:17:21,875 --> 00:17:25,609
A raw design,
and it had some drawbacks,
330
00:17:25,612 --> 00:17:29,947
So improvements were made while
the aircraft was in production.
331
00:17:30,015 --> 00:17:32,283
Narrator:
No sooner is the aircraft built,
332
00:17:32,285 --> 00:17:36,387
Do mikoyan and gurevich
begin upgrading the design,
333
00:17:36,455 --> 00:17:40,691
Improving its visibility,
power, and stability.
334
00:17:43,496 --> 00:17:47,698
They call it the mig-3,
establishing a practice
335
00:17:47,766 --> 00:17:53,104
Of naming each new aircraft
by sequential odd numbers.
336
00:17:53,172 --> 00:17:56,507
Velovich: The mig-3 had
many improvements from mig-1
337
00:17:56,575 --> 00:17:59,110
And eliminated
most of the drawbacks
338
00:17:59,112 --> 00:18:00,845
And was a better design.
339
00:18:00,847 --> 00:18:04,415
Narrator: With a max speed
of almost 400 miles per hour,
340
00:18:04,483 --> 00:18:09,887
The mig-3 can fly just as fast
as the nazi bf 109.
341
00:18:09,955 --> 00:18:12,323
Velovich: So mig was considered
342
00:18:12,391 --> 00:18:16,861
To be the best
of the new soviet fighters
343
00:18:16,863 --> 00:18:23,067
Because it was a good match
for messerschmitt bf 109.
344
00:18:23,135 --> 00:18:27,138
Narrator: Moscow is impressed
and orders mikoyan and gurevich
345
00:18:27,206 --> 00:18:32,576
To begin mass producing
their new aircraft right away.
346
00:18:32,645 --> 00:18:36,981
But the new migs are still
untested where it matters most--
347
00:18:37,049 --> 00:18:38,549
In combat.
348
00:18:41,955 --> 00:18:44,822
June 1941.
349
00:18:44,890 --> 00:18:47,958
The fragile peace between
the germans and the soviets
350
00:18:47,961 --> 00:18:50,728
Has finally broken.
351
00:18:50,796 --> 00:18:56,300
The nazis turn on their
former allies and attack.
352
00:18:56,368 --> 00:18:58,703
Hitler orders
massive airstrikes.
353
00:19:01,473 --> 00:19:03,440
Stalin sees his worst fears
354
00:19:03,443 --> 00:19:07,178
About the readiness
of his air force come true.
355
00:19:07,180 --> 00:19:08,345
Velovich:
The soviet union, of course,
356
00:19:08,414 --> 00:19:11,182
Was caught by surprise
by german invasion.
357
00:19:11,184 --> 00:19:14,919
And in the first months
of the world war ii,
358
00:19:14,921 --> 00:19:19,457
The soviet air force
suffered great losses.
359
00:19:19,525 --> 00:19:22,126
Narrator: Soviet pilots
have had just six months
360
00:19:22,128 --> 00:19:26,397
To learn to fly the new migs.
361
00:19:26,399 --> 00:19:29,800
They're no match
for the seasoned german pilots.
362
00:19:32,538 --> 00:19:35,172
Velovich:
The first year of the war
363
00:19:35,241 --> 00:19:37,341
With the germans
on the eastern front,
364
00:19:37,343 --> 00:19:40,344
German luftwaffe attained
365
00:19:40,412 --> 00:19:42,813
Practically absolute
air superiority.
366
00:19:42,882 --> 00:19:49,587
♪
367
00:19:49,655 --> 00:19:51,222
Narrator:
Over the next few months,
368
00:19:51,224 --> 00:19:55,426
The german army pushes deeper
into the ussr,
369
00:19:55,494 --> 00:19:59,597
Advancing dangerously close
to moscow.
370
00:19:59,665 --> 00:20:03,901
Air-to-ground attack planes
are now the soviets' priority.
371
00:20:03,970 --> 00:20:07,104
The dogfighting migs
fall out of favor.
372
00:20:07,106 --> 00:20:09,240
Velovich: By the end of 1941,
373
00:20:09,242 --> 00:20:13,744
The most useful combat aircraft
374
00:20:13,812 --> 00:20:18,415
Was ilyushin il-2 sturmovik
ground-attack aircraft
375
00:20:18,484 --> 00:20:21,318
Because it was
very, very efficient
376
00:20:21,387 --> 00:20:26,790
Against the german troops
on the ground, and german tanks.
377
00:20:26,859 --> 00:20:31,395
That aircraft had practically
the same engine as the mig-3,
378
00:20:31,464 --> 00:20:36,734
Which was mostly intended
for high-altitude air combat,
379
00:20:36,802 --> 00:20:40,204
Which didn't happen too often.
380
00:20:40,206 --> 00:20:44,408
Narrator: By December,
moscow questions the mig's worth
381
00:20:44,476 --> 00:20:48,812
And orders mikoyan and gurevich
to cease production.
382
00:20:48,881 --> 00:20:51,115
Velovich: So stalin
ordered all the engines
383
00:20:51,183 --> 00:20:54,885
Intended for the mig-3
to be reallocated
384
00:20:54,954 --> 00:20:57,755
For the production
of il-2 sturmovik,
385
00:20:57,823 --> 00:21:02,826
And that's how the production
of the mig-3 stopped,
386
00:21:02,895 --> 00:21:06,830
So mikoyan and gurevich
design bureau
387
00:21:06,899 --> 00:21:10,901
Was left without serious
production for several years.
388
00:21:10,903 --> 00:21:14,238
Narrator: The mig design bureau
refuses to give up.
389
00:21:14,240 --> 00:21:18,108
The partners push hard
for a better fighter.
390
00:21:18,111 --> 00:21:21,712
Velovich: Mikoyan and gurevich
used this opportunity
391
00:21:21,781 --> 00:21:23,814
To experiment
with new technologies
392
00:21:23,882 --> 00:21:25,649
To develop new prototypes,
393
00:21:25,718 --> 00:21:27,551
And it gave them better chances
394
00:21:27,619 --> 00:21:31,989
To be prepared for the next
generation of fighters.
395
00:21:32,058 --> 00:21:34,458
Connor: They were really
starting to address
396
00:21:34,526 --> 00:21:36,327
Some of the critical issues
397
00:21:36,395 --> 00:21:40,331
Associated
with high-performance warfare.
398
00:21:40,399 --> 00:21:43,033
There were a series
of interim mig designs,
399
00:21:43,102 --> 00:21:44,902
Particularly in the latter part
of world war ii,
400
00:21:44,970 --> 00:21:47,204
Things like the mig-5, mig-7
401
00:21:47,206 --> 00:21:51,008
That never made it
to full production.
402
00:21:51,076 --> 00:21:53,878
It's not until
after world war ii
403
00:21:53,946 --> 00:21:57,214
That the mig design bureau
really comes into its own.
404
00:21:57,283 --> 00:21:59,183
[cheering]
405
00:21:59,251 --> 00:22:00,685
Narrator: 1945.
406
00:22:00,753 --> 00:22:03,454
World war ii is finally over.
407
00:22:03,522 --> 00:22:06,290
The soviets
and their former western allies
408
00:22:06,292 --> 00:22:09,760
Slide into a state
of mutual distrust.
409
00:22:09,762 --> 00:22:11,362
Connor: When world war ii ended,
410
00:22:11,364 --> 00:22:14,631
The united states
had demonstrated
411
00:22:14,700 --> 00:22:18,169
That it was now
the world's only superpower,
412
00:22:18,237 --> 00:22:21,705
And the soviet union felt
that its gains,
413
00:22:21,774 --> 00:22:25,909
Particularly in eastern europe,
were potentially at threat.
414
00:22:25,912 --> 00:22:30,181
Narrator: The biggest threat--
america's powerful new weapon
415
00:22:30,249 --> 00:22:33,250
And the american bombers
that can deliver it
416
00:22:33,252 --> 00:22:36,286
Right to the soviets' door.
417
00:22:36,355 --> 00:22:40,858
Velovich: Of course moscow was
very concerned about the ability
418
00:22:40,926 --> 00:22:46,964
Of the u.S. Air force to use
the b-29 strategic bombers
419
00:22:47,032 --> 00:22:50,334
To deliver nuclear bombs.
420
00:22:50,336 --> 00:22:53,404
Connor: Stalin realized
that a new class of aircraft
421
00:22:53,472 --> 00:22:56,407
Had to be created
to defend against those bombers,
422
00:22:56,475 --> 00:22:59,009
And that meant jet engines.
423
00:22:59,011 --> 00:23:00,611
Narrator: During world war ii,
424
00:23:00,613 --> 00:23:04,615
Jet engines
are still being developed.
425
00:23:04,617 --> 00:23:08,952
After the war,
the west quickly races ahead,
426
00:23:09,021 --> 00:23:12,623
Leaving soviet aviation behind.
427
00:23:12,625 --> 00:23:15,092
Connor: Both britain
and the united states
428
00:23:15,160 --> 00:23:19,263
Had developed the jet engine
to a fairly high degree,
429
00:23:19,331 --> 00:23:22,866
And it was obvious that jet
technology was another field
430
00:23:22,935 --> 00:23:25,436
Where the western powers
were well in the lead,
431
00:23:25,504 --> 00:23:30,207
And so stalin was desperate
to see that jet technology
432
00:23:30,275 --> 00:23:33,844
In the soviet union
advanced as fast as possible.
433
00:23:33,846 --> 00:23:35,646
Narrator:
Stalin soon sets his sights
434
00:23:35,714 --> 00:23:38,215
On one engine in particular--
435
00:23:38,283 --> 00:23:41,986
The rolls-royce nene,
a state-of-the-art design
436
00:23:42,054 --> 00:23:45,255
With 5,000 pounds of thrust.
437
00:23:45,324 --> 00:23:48,392
Connor: The nene engine was
well-suited to mass production.
438
00:23:48,394 --> 00:23:51,562
It boasted
a significant advance in power
439
00:23:51,630 --> 00:23:55,566
And was really a very good
all-around capable engine.
440
00:23:55,634 --> 00:23:57,134
Narrator: Moscow sends mikoyan
441
00:23:57,202 --> 00:24:00,270
And a delegation
of engineers to England
442
00:24:00,273 --> 00:24:03,273
To see if the brits will sell.
443
00:24:03,342 --> 00:24:06,210
Stalin knows
that if he can make the deal,
444
00:24:06,278 --> 00:24:10,747
It just may be the break
that the soviet air force needs.
445
00:24:10,816 --> 00:24:12,516
Connor: The soviets needed
446
00:24:12,584 --> 00:24:15,285
The latest advances
in jet technology
447
00:24:15,354 --> 00:24:20,024
To really push their designs
up to an equal level
448
00:24:20,092 --> 00:24:23,560
With what they were seeing
coming from the west.
449
00:24:23,629 --> 00:24:26,430
Narrator: September 1946.
450
00:24:26,432 --> 00:24:28,833
The united kingdom.
451
00:24:28,901 --> 00:24:31,969
Prime minister clement attlee
looks to the east
452
00:24:32,037 --> 00:24:35,906
For new aircraft customers
and potential alliances.
453
00:24:38,110 --> 00:24:41,845
Connor: The british aerospace
industry was very concerned
454
00:24:41,914 --> 00:24:44,047
About american dominance
in the field,
455
00:24:44,050 --> 00:24:47,651
And britain wanted
as many international customers
456
00:24:47,720 --> 00:24:49,653
As they could possibly have,
457
00:24:49,722 --> 00:24:54,424
So attlee saw the transfer
of the nene engine
458
00:24:54,493 --> 00:24:56,159
To the soviet union
459
00:24:56,228 --> 00:25:00,797
As a way of encouraging
a new openness
460
00:25:00,866 --> 00:25:02,432
With the communist bloc
461
00:25:02,501 --> 00:25:07,237
On the basis of commercial
technology transfer.
462
00:25:07,306 --> 00:25:09,940
Narrator: The soviets
quickly make the purchase,
463
00:25:09,942 --> 00:25:13,777
Sending more than 50 of
the nenes back home to moscow,
464
00:25:13,845 --> 00:25:17,381
Where they disappear
from public view.
465
00:25:17,449 --> 00:25:19,216
Connor:
What exactly was done to them
466
00:25:19,284 --> 00:25:20,584
And how they were being used
467
00:25:20,652 --> 00:25:24,021
Was really not well appreciated
within the west.
468
00:25:24,089 --> 00:25:26,456
The western powers
saw most soviet designs
469
00:25:26,525 --> 00:25:30,227
As fairly clunky
and, and somewhat primitive.
470
00:25:30,229 --> 00:25:32,696
There was not a lot of fear
471
00:25:32,764 --> 00:25:35,432
Over some new soviet
super fighter
472
00:25:35,434 --> 00:25:37,034
Appearing overnight.
473
00:25:37,036 --> 00:25:39,102
Narrator:
Behind the iron curtain,
474
00:25:39,171 --> 00:25:41,371
The soviets race
to take advantage
475
00:25:41,440 --> 00:25:44,241
Of their new technology.
476
00:25:44,310 --> 00:25:45,976
The west will soon learn
477
00:25:46,045 --> 00:25:50,247
That it's vastly
underestimated its enemy.
478
00:25:50,249 --> 00:25:52,983
Connor: It was probably one
of the most critical mistakes
479
00:25:53,051 --> 00:25:57,387
Made by great britain
in the cold war.
480
00:25:57,456 --> 00:25:59,723
[guns firing]
481
00:25:59,792 --> 00:26:02,326
Narrator: November 1950.
482
00:26:02,394 --> 00:26:03,994
The united states is at war
483
00:26:04,063 --> 00:26:07,264
With north korea
and its chinese allies.
484
00:26:10,569 --> 00:26:13,403
U.S. Air force
b-29 superfortresses
485
00:26:13,472 --> 00:26:16,873
Bomb their enemies
without mercy,
486
00:26:16,942 --> 00:26:20,077
Hoping to bring the communists
to their knees.
487
00:26:22,949 --> 00:26:27,618
The soviet union watches it all
unfold with increasing alarm.
488
00:26:28,887 --> 00:26:31,889
Velovich:
If north korea would fail,
489
00:26:31,957 --> 00:26:34,791
It would present a great threat
to the communist china,
490
00:26:34,860 --> 00:26:40,297
And it could be the beginning
of world war iii.
491
00:26:40,299 --> 00:26:42,432
Narrator: Stalin vows
to help the north koreans
492
00:26:42,435 --> 00:26:45,369
Push back america
and its allies,
493
00:26:45,437 --> 00:26:48,772
But it must be done in secret.
494
00:26:48,840 --> 00:26:52,309
Connor: Stalin's best option
was to supply
495
00:26:52,378 --> 00:26:55,846
Fighter planes and his pilots,
496
00:26:55,914 --> 00:26:59,516
But ensuring that they would
never be in a position
497
00:26:59,518 --> 00:27:02,252
To have their involvement
exposed.
498
00:27:02,320 --> 00:27:03,787
Narrator:
Moscow quietly stations
499
00:27:03,856 --> 00:27:09,059
Over 100 soviet fighter pilots
along the north korean border,
500
00:27:09,127 --> 00:27:12,863
Ready to battle america
under the chinese flag.
501
00:27:15,334 --> 00:27:16,667
Their fighter of choice
502
00:27:16,735 --> 00:27:20,470
Is one the west has yet
to encounter in battle--
503
00:27:20,473 --> 00:27:24,875
The deadly mig-15.
504
00:27:24,943 --> 00:27:27,144
Rick sharpe: This is the mig-15.
505
00:27:27,146 --> 00:27:28,879
This aircraft, when it came out,
506
00:27:28,881 --> 00:27:31,515
Set the western world
on its ear.
507
00:27:31,583 --> 00:27:36,887
Narrator: 33 feet long,
just 12 feet tall,
508
00:27:36,889 --> 00:27:41,491
The little mig-15
makes a big impression.
509
00:27:41,560 --> 00:27:43,360
Sharpe:
It has two 23-millimeter cannons
510
00:27:43,428 --> 00:27:45,228
And a 37-millimeter cannon.
511
00:27:45,297 --> 00:27:49,566
One hit from one of these could
easily bring down an aircraft.
512
00:27:49,635 --> 00:27:53,103
Narrator: The guns are just part
of the equation.
513
00:27:53,171 --> 00:27:57,574
The mig-15's speed
makes it even deadlier.
514
00:27:57,576 --> 00:27:59,009
Sharpe:
The mig-15 has a climb rate
515
00:27:59,077 --> 00:28:01,912
Of about 10,000 feet per minute,
516
00:28:01,980 --> 00:28:05,048
And that was mainly because
the russians decided to use
517
00:28:05,051 --> 00:28:06,917
The centrifugal
compressor engine,
518
00:28:06,985 --> 00:28:10,220
Which was
the rolls-royce nene design.
519
00:28:10,288 --> 00:28:12,923
Narrator: Inspired
by the rolls-royce nene,
520
00:28:12,991 --> 00:28:15,059
The mig-15's vk-1 engine
521
00:28:15,127 --> 00:28:19,696
Produces nearly 6,000 pounds
of thrust,
522
00:28:19,765 --> 00:28:24,334
Propelling this jet
to nearly 700 miles per hour.
523
00:28:24,402 --> 00:28:27,071
Sharpe: It was designed
with one thing in mind,
524
00:28:27,139 --> 00:28:31,608
And that was shooting down
a b-29 bomber.
525
00:28:31,610 --> 00:28:33,076
Narrator: During the korean war,
526
00:28:33,079 --> 00:28:37,347
The mig-15 is determined
to fulfill its birthright.
527
00:28:37,416 --> 00:28:43,754
♪
528
00:28:43,822 --> 00:28:48,759
1951. Antung province, china.
529
00:28:48,827 --> 00:28:54,698
Soviet mig-15s swarm
just north of the korean border,
530
00:28:54,767 --> 00:28:57,434
Laying in wait
for u.S. Aircraft.
531
00:29:00,639 --> 00:29:05,242
In April, they shoot down
at least 12 allied bombers...
532
00:29:09,782 --> 00:29:12,048
...Giving the airspace
a reputation
533
00:29:12,051 --> 00:29:15,585
As one of the deadliest
over the peninsula.
534
00:29:15,654 --> 00:29:18,322
Earl mcgill:
That area was called mig alley.
535
00:29:18,390 --> 00:29:21,925
Narrator: Lieutenant earl mcgill
served as a b-29 pilot
536
00:29:21,927 --> 00:29:24,194
During the korean war.
537
00:29:24,263 --> 00:29:25,662
Mcgill: So, when you
went into that area,
538
00:29:25,731 --> 00:29:30,667
You pretty much knew you were
going to encounter migs.
539
00:29:30,735 --> 00:29:31,868
Narrator: The u.S. Is reluctant
540
00:29:31,937 --> 00:29:36,072
To antagonize china
and the soviet union,
541
00:29:36,075 --> 00:29:38,742
Giving the migs
and their hit-and-run strategy
542
00:29:38,744 --> 00:29:41,077
A huge advantage.
543
00:29:41,146 --> 00:29:43,413
Mcgill: Our leaders didn't
want us flying into china
544
00:29:43,482 --> 00:29:47,417
Because they didn't want
the soviet union to interfere
545
00:29:47,419 --> 00:29:48,752
And then have this whole thing
546
00:29:48,821 --> 00:29:52,589
Escalate into some sort
of atomic bomb war.
547
00:29:52,657 --> 00:29:56,994
This gave the migs a sanctuary
that we couldn't touch.
548
00:30:00,232 --> 00:30:03,834
Narrator: American bombers learn
to shy away from the area,
549
00:30:03,836 --> 00:30:07,971
Focusing their efforts
on other battles.
550
00:30:07,973 --> 00:30:10,073
But as the war rages on,
551
00:30:10,141 --> 00:30:13,910
Many fear the mig's reach
will only grow,
552
00:30:13,979 --> 00:30:18,081
And the u.S. Must return
to mig alley to stop them.
553
00:30:22,520 --> 00:30:26,056
October 23, 1951.
554
00:30:26,124 --> 00:30:28,258
Okinawa, japan.
555
00:30:28,260 --> 00:30:31,862
Nine b-29s take off
towards korea.
556
00:30:36,335 --> 00:30:38,936
Their mission--bomb namsi,
557
00:30:39,004 --> 00:30:41,538
An airfield
the north koreans are building
558
00:30:41,606 --> 00:30:45,675
Right in the heart
of mig alley.
559
00:30:45,744 --> 00:30:48,378
If namsi airfield
becomes operational,
560
00:30:48,446 --> 00:30:51,481
Some in the u.S. Air force
believe that mig alley
561
00:30:51,483 --> 00:30:55,219
Could quickly become
a mig highway.
562
00:30:55,287 --> 00:30:57,754
Mcgill: Preventing the migs
from coming south
563
00:30:57,823 --> 00:31:00,157
Had to be of high priority,
564
00:31:00,225 --> 00:31:04,928
Because that meant
that targets even further south
565
00:31:04,996 --> 00:31:07,364
Would be within range.
566
00:31:07,366 --> 00:31:11,501
So, yes, it was
an important target.
567
00:31:11,570 --> 00:31:13,737
Narrator:
Five hours after takeoff,
568
00:31:13,805 --> 00:31:19,309
Nine b-29s cross
into north korean airspace.
569
00:31:19,377 --> 00:31:26,149
34 f-86 sabres and
55 f-84 thunderjets join them,
570
00:31:26,217 --> 00:31:30,354
Making the u.S. Strike force
almost 100 aircraft strong.
571
00:31:32,191 --> 00:31:34,057
Mcgill: The f-84s came down
572
00:31:34,126 --> 00:31:39,996
And flew relatively close
air support for the 29s,
573
00:31:40,065 --> 00:31:42,733
While the f-86s stayed high
574
00:31:42,801 --> 00:31:46,336
To come down on 'em
as soon as any migs showed up.
575
00:31:46,338 --> 00:31:49,273
Narrator: The b-29s
arrive over their target
576
00:31:49,341 --> 00:31:51,842
And begin dropping their bombs.
577
00:31:53,279 --> 00:31:55,779
[explosions]
578
00:31:55,847 --> 00:32:02,285
Almost immediately, a pack
of 60 mig-15s comes roaring in,
579
00:32:02,354 --> 00:32:06,022
Ignoring the f-84
and f-86 escorts
580
00:32:06,091 --> 00:32:09,159
And heading straight
for the b-29s.
581
00:32:09,227 --> 00:32:11,661
Mcgill: The aircraft commander
heard it over the radio.
582
00:32:11,730 --> 00:32:14,331
"the migs are on us."
583
00:32:14,399 --> 00:32:17,667
And a moment later,
the migs came in from behind,
584
00:32:17,736 --> 00:32:22,739
And they just knocked him
right out of the sky.
585
00:32:22,807 --> 00:32:25,709
Narrator: While the escort
fighters struggle to regroup,
586
00:32:25,777 --> 00:32:27,577
The migs unload a barrage
587
00:32:27,579 --> 00:32:31,514
Of 22-millimeter and
37-millimeter cannon fire...
588
00:32:31,583 --> 00:32:34,617
[cannon fire]
589
00:32:34,686 --> 00:32:37,854
Thirsty for more bomber blood.
590
00:32:37,856 --> 00:32:40,323
Mcgill: The big advantage
of the mig-15
591
00:32:40,392 --> 00:32:45,428
Was its cannon range
and explosive firepower.
592
00:32:45,497 --> 00:32:48,398
It could fire out of range
593
00:32:48,400 --> 00:32:53,169
Of the b-29's
50-caliber machine guns
594
00:32:53,238 --> 00:32:55,072
And shoot down the b-29
595
00:32:55,140 --> 00:32:58,541
Without the b-29
ever getting a shot back.
596
00:32:58,544 --> 00:33:02,012
Narrator:
B-29 gunners rush to respond,
597
00:33:02,014 --> 00:33:06,750
But the mig-15s
are small, nimble fighters,
598
00:33:06,818 --> 00:33:08,084
Maneuvering easily,
599
00:33:08,153 --> 00:33:12,355
Thanks in part
to their sweptwing design.
600
00:33:12,424 --> 00:33:15,892
Velovich: The mig-15
was the first russian fighter
601
00:33:15,894 --> 00:33:17,894
To have swept wings,
602
00:33:17,963 --> 00:33:21,231
With a sweep angle
of 35 degrees backwards,
603
00:33:21,233 --> 00:33:26,403
And this helped to attain
much greater maximum speed,
604
00:33:26,471 --> 00:33:30,841
Because the swept wings cut
through the air like a knife.
605
00:33:33,245 --> 00:33:36,913
Narrator: The mig-15s continue
to rip into the b-29 bombers
606
00:33:36,981 --> 00:33:41,385
With deadly efficiency,
outflying the americans
607
00:33:41,453 --> 00:33:44,821
And dealing the strike force
a devastating blow.
608
00:33:48,527 --> 00:33:51,394
Mcgill: Six aircraft
never flew again.
609
00:33:51,397 --> 00:33:53,363
Three were shot down,
and three were so badly damaged
610
00:33:53,431 --> 00:33:56,199
That they never took off again.
611
00:33:56,268 --> 00:33:58,668
Narrator: It's the highest
percentage of u.S. Bombers
612
00:33:58,736 --> 00:34:02,739
Lost in a single sortie
in the entire war.
613
00:34:02,808 --> 00:34:08,745
The mig-15 soon becomes known as
the jet that shocked the west.
614
00:34:08,747 --> 00:34:10,547
Connor: The soviets
had fielded a capability
615
00:34:10,615 --> 00:34:14,350
That was a direct threat not
only to u.S. Bomber formations,
616
00:34:14,353 --> 00:34:15,785
But that was giving
617
00:34:15,854 --> 00:34:19,255
The top-of-the-line
u.S. Fighter plane, the f-86,
618
00:34:19,324 --> 00:34:21,891
A pretty good run for its money.
619
00:34:21,960 --> 00:34:25,361
Narrator: The u.S. Must figure
out these deadly migs soon
620
00:34:25,430 --> 00:34:27,764
Or risk falling
behind the soviets
621
00:34:27,832 --> 00:34:31,034
In their race
to control the skies.
622
00:34:33,171 --> 00:34:37,941
July 1953. Korea.
623
00:34:38,009 --> 00:34:40,643
The communist north
and the capitalist south
624
00:34:40,646 --> 00:34:45,382
Agree to a cease-fire,
bringing the fighting to an end.
625
00:34:46,684 --> 00:34:48,251
Rebecca grant: The south
and the north are split
626
00:34:48,253 --> 00:34:52,789
By a demilitarized zone,
but it's still heavy armed.
627
00:34:52,858 --> 00:34:55,592
Narrator: Dr. Rebecca grant
has studied air force history
628
00:34:55,660 --> 00:34:59,162
For over 20 years.
629
00:34:59,230 --> 00:35:01,131
Grant: Everything's ready
to shoot at anything
630
00:35:01,199 --> 00:35:03,200
That comes down from the north.
631
00:35:03,268 --> 00:35:07,471
And the mystery of the mig-15
remains to be solved.
632
00:35:07,539 --> 00:35:10,006
Narrator: America is desperate
to get a close-up look
633
00:35:10,008 --> 00:35:12,676
At the soviet fighter.
634
00:35:12,744 --> 00:35:15,345
The united states
offers north korean pilots
635
00:35:15,347 --> 00:35:19,949
Political asylum
if they deliver an enemy plane.
636
00:35:20,018 --> 00:35:22,085
Grant: Just a few months
after the cease-fire,
637
00:35:22,153 --> 00:35:26,422
One of the north korean pilots
takes the chance.
638
00:35:26,425 --> 00:35:29,626
Narrator: September 21, 1953.
639
00:35:29,694 --> 00:35:32,896
Near pyongyang, north korea.
640
00:35:32,964 --> 00:35:37,867
Pilot no kum-sok takes off
in a mig-15 and flies south,
641
00:35:37,936 --> 00:35:41,571
Heading straight
for an american air base.
642
00:35:41,639 --> 00:35:45,375
Kum-sok nervously approaches
in his mig-15.
643
00:35:45,377 --> 00:35:48,511
He knows he's taking
a dangerous risk.
644
00:35:48,580 --> 00:35:50,714
Grant: No kum-sok sets up
on short final,
645
00:35:50,782 --> 00:35:53,983
And he's going the wrong way
for the traffic pattern.
646
00:35:54,052 --> 00:35:57,453
At the same time,
an f-86 is about to touch down.
647
00:35:57,522 --> 00:36:00,056
He sees another aircraft
in the pattern
648
00:36:00,125 --> 00:36:02,258
Coming right for him,
and it's a mig!
649
00:36:02,327 --> 00:36:03,860
A mig-15!
650
00:36:03,928 --> 00:36:07,130
Narrator: Ground forces
scramble in a panic
651
00:36:07,199 --> 00:36:11,467
As kum-sok taxies his mig
towards an empty parking lot,
652
00:36:11,536 --> 00:36:14,537
Cuts his engine, and surrenders.
653
00:36:14,606 --> 00:36:18,141
Grant: Everyone is shocked!
No kum-sok becomes a celebrity.
654
00:36:18,209 --> 00:36:21,811
He's escaped north korea,
and in exchange,
655
00:36:21,813 --> 00:36:25,148
The americans get a mig-15
that they can exploit,
656
00:36:25,150 --> 00:36:28,552
Take apart, fly,
and figure out how to beat it.
657
00:36:31,423 --> 00:36:36,859
Narrator: The mig-15's
first stop--okinawa, japan,
658
00:36:36,928 --> 00:36:39,896
Where american test pilots
give it a spin,
659
00:36:39,964 --> 00:36:42,766
Hoping to learn
how the aircraft handles.
660
00:36:46,671 --> 00:36:51,107
Next, wright-patterson
air force base in ohio,
661
00:36:51,175 --> 00:36:54,310
Where air force engineers
analyze the mechanics
662
00:36:54,379 --> 00:36:57,180
To learn how it works.
663
00:36:57,249 --> 00:36:58,781
Grant: There's just
one thing they want.
664
00:36:58,784 --> 00:37:00,883
They want to be able
to beat the mig-15
665
00:37:00,952 --> 00:37:02,885
In any future conflicts.
666
00:37:02,954 --> 00:37:04,654
Narrator:
Little do the americans know
667
00:37:04,656 --> 00:37:09,592
That their mig-15
is already obsolete.
668
00:37:09,595 --> 00:37:12,095
In moscow,
the mig design bureau
669
00:37:12,163 --> 00:37:16,099
Has rolled out its replacement--
the mig-17.
670
00:37:18,836 --> 00:37:22,071
With a max speed
of over 700 miles per hour
671
00:37:22,140 --> 00:37:24,274
And a newly designed wing,
672
00:37:24,342 --> 00:37:29,212
The mig-17 is a mig-15
on steroids.
673
00:37:29,214 --> 00:37:32,115
Sharpe: This mig-17
has a 45-degree swept back
674
00:37:32,183 --> 00:37:35,585
Rather than the 35-degree
swept back of the mig-15.
675
00:37:35,653 --> 00:37:39,822
This gave the aircraft
a lot more transonic stability,
676
00:37:39,891 --> 00:37:42,625
Where it could approach mach 1.
677
00:37:42,694 --> 00:37:45,728
Narrator: Propelling these jets
to incredible speeds,
678
00:37:45,797 --> 00:37:50,433
A technology new
to the soviets--the afterburner.
679
00:37:50,502 --> 00:37:52,802
Sharpe: The afterburner gave it
30 percent more thrust.
680
00:37:52,870 --> 00:37:57,107
It did that by feeding fuel into
the affluent of the jet engine.
681
00:37:57,175 --> 00:38:02,378
It allowed the mig-17 variants
to live on to today.
682
00:38:02,447 --> 00:38:07,650
Narrator: The mig-17
is rugged, fast, cheap,
683
00:38:07,653 --> 00:38:11,621
And designed to intercept
jet bombers and shoot them down.
684
00:38:13,058 --> 00:38:15,191
The soviets soon begin
to license it
685
00:38:15,259 --> 00:38:18,861
To other communist countries.
686
00:38:18,864 --> 00:38:21,864
Connor: The mig series
really became known
687
00:38:21,933 --> 00:38:26,536
For this suitability
for third world nations
688
00:38:26,604 --> 00:38:28,338
That didn't have
a lot of infrastructure,
689
00:38:28,340 --> 00:38:29,806
Didn't have a lot of money,
690
00:38:29,808 --> 00:38:32,309
And did not have particularly
well-trained pilots.
691
00:38:35,880 --> 00:38:37,914
Narrator:
The west counters with jets
692
00:38:37,982 --> 00:38:42,852
That can fly higher and faster,
sending the mig design bureau
693
00:38:42,920 --> 00:38:45,422
Back to the drawing board.
694
00:38:45,490 --> 00:38:48,958
Two years later,
they unveil their fastest
695
00:38:49,026 --> 00:38:52,462
And most advanced jet fighter
to date--
696
00:38:52,530 --> 00:38:54,431
The mig-21.
697
00:38:57,068 --> 00:38:59,135
Sharpe: This is the mig 21.
698
00:38:59,203 --> 00:39:03,806
This aircraft was the soviet
bloc's premier fighter.
699
00:39:03,875 --> 00:39:06,609
It has a top speed
of over mach 2,
700
00:39:06,677 --> 00:39:12,081
Can climb to 60,000 feet
in a mere 3 or 4 minutes.
701
00:39:12,150 --> 00:39:15,284
Narrator: With over
16,000 pounds of thrust,
702
00:39:15,353 --> 00:39:17,987
This jet flies
more like a rocket.
703
00:39:17,989 --> 00:39:19,288
Sharpe: As a pilot,
704
00:39:19,357 --> 00:39:22,258
You feel like you're gonna be
riding a bottle rocket.
705
00:39:22,260 --> 00:39:23,993
It is a very hard acceleration.
706
00:39:23,995 --> 00:39:25,595
It's one of the fastest
accelerating airplanes
707
00:39:25,663 --> 00:39:27,063
I ever flew.
708
00:39:27,132 --> 00:39:31,334
Narrator: Keeping it running
at those speeds--the sonic ram.
709
00:39:31,403 --> 00:39:34,637
Sharpe: When you're going
1.5 times the speed of sound,
710
00:39:34,705 --> 00:39:36,673
This is going to start
to extend.
711
00:39:36,741 --> 00:39:39,075
The reason it extends,
it has to slow down the air
712
00:39:39,077 --> 00:39:41,745
So that you're not getting air
at a supersonic speed
713
00:39:41,813 --> 00:39:44,647
Into the engine and possibly
flame out the engine.
714
00:39:44,715 --> 00:39:49,285
Narrator: When dogfighting,
it's like a dancing red spear,
715
00:39:49,353 --> 00:39:54,791
Thanks in part to its
most unique feature--its wings.
716
00:39:54,859 --> 00:39:56,159
Sharpe: This is the delta wing.
717
00:39:56,227 --> 00:39:59,429
It has 65 to 68 degrees
swept back.
718
00:39:59,497 --> 00:40:01,631
It is a straight leading edge.
719
00:40:01,633 --> 00:40:02,832
This is what makes this
720
00:40:02,901 --> 00:40:06,970
Such a high-speed
yet maneuverable aircraft.
721
00:40:07,038 --> 00:40:08,638
Narrator:
If caught in its sights,
722
00:40:08,706 --> 00:40:14,444
The mig-21 can shoot you down
with its 23-millimeter cannon
723
00:40:14,446 --> 00:40:18,181
Or up to four
deadly air-to-air missiles.
724
00:40:18,183 --> 00:40:20,850
Sharpe: This aircraft
could carry either radar-ranging
725
00:40:20,919 --> 00:40:22,285
Or heat-seeking missiles,
726
00:40:22,353 --> 00:40:24,020
And they were quite effective.
727
00:40:24,088 --> 00:40:26,122
Most of the aircraft
shot down by the mig-21s
728
00:40:26,190 --> 00:40:28,124
Were shot down with either
the radar-ranging
729
00:40:28,192 --> 00:40:30,193
Or heat-seeking missiles.
730
00:40:30,261 --> 00:40:34,597
Narrator: It's clear
the mig-21 is a cold killer,
731
00:40:34,599 --> 00:40:37,099
But for its pilots
and maintainers,
732
00:40:37,168 --> 00:40:40,336
Keeping it airborne
is nothing to fear.
733
00:40:40,338 --> 00:40:42,605
Sharpe: The aircraft
is easy to maintain
734
00:40:42,674 --> 00:40:44,574
And easy to operate,
735
00:40:44,642 --> 00:40:47,777
And that's why most of the small
third world nations
736
00:40:47,845 --> 00:40:50,880
Use this aircraft
as a frontline fighter.
737
00:40:50,949 --> 00:40:53,149
Narrator: Soon,
air forces around the world
738
00:40:53,151 --> 00:40:55,818
Are buying the soviet migs,
739
00:40:55,821 --> 00:41:00,356
One of which is north vietnam.
740
00:41:00,425 --> 00:41:06,562
In 1965, the north vietnamese
air force has just 36 migs.
741
00:41:06,631 --> 00:41:10,800
Three years later,
the number has increased to 180.
742
00:41:12,704 --> 00:41:17,006
The mig-17s and mig-21s
confront american airpower
743
00:41:17,074 --> 00:41:20,376
Over 500 aircraft strong
744
00:41:20,445 --> 00:41:23,012
And make fast
and devastating attacks
745
00:41:23,080 --> 00:41:26,449
Against u.S. Formations.
746
00:41:26,517 --> 00:41:30,119
Connor: Their primary mode
of engagement was an ambush.
747
00:41:30,121 --> 00:41:32,221
The mig-17s would usually attack
748
00:41:32,290 --> 00:41:34,790
Either from
much higher altitude,
749
00:41:34,793 --> 00:41:36,225
Coming from behind,
750
00:41:36,294 --> 00:41:40,129
Or they would come up from below
at very high speed
751
00:41:40,131 --> 00:41:42,398
And pull into the vertical.
752
00:41:42,400 --> 00:41:48,104
Narrator: The mig-21s, however,
have an added benefit--missiles.
753
00:41:48,172 --> 00:41:51,341
Connor: The mig-21
was a missile-equipped aircraft.
754
00:41:51,409 --> 00:41:54,810
This gave the north vietnamese
the ability to zoom in quickly,
755
00:41:54,813 --> 00:41:56,913
Launch a missile or two,
756
00:41:56,981 --> 00:41:59,081
And then get right back
out again.
757
00:41:59,084 --> 00:42:02,218
Grant: And as a result,
this elite group often inflicted
758
00:42:02,286 --> 00:42:06,656
A high kill ratio
against u.S. Pilots.
759
00:42:06,724 --> 00:42:07,990
Narrator: Throughout the war,
760
00:42:08,059 --> 00:42:12,428
North vietnamese migs
trade victories and tragedies
761
00:42:12,430 --> 00:42:14,830
With american fighters.
762
00:42:14,833 --> 00:42:16,566
Grant: With the migs
versus the americans,
763
00:42:16,634 --> 00:42:18,901
It's too close for comfort.
764
00:42:18,970 --> 00:42:22,004
The kill ratios shift back
in favor of the migs
765
00:42:22,073 --> 00:42:24,240
On many separate occasions.
766
00:42:24,308 --> 00:42:26,309
Narrator: But mig designers
don't want their jets
767
00:42:26,311 --> 00:42:28,311
To fight to a draw.
768
00:42:28,313 --> 00:42:30,446
They want them to win.
769
00:42:30,448 --> 00:42:33,249
In 1970, the mig design bureau
770
00:42:33,251 --> 00:42:38,221
Reveals yet another
new fighter--the mig-25.
771
00:42:39,724 --> 00:42:42,158
At 40,000 pounds empty,
772
00:42:42,226 --> 00:42:47,597
The mig-25 is heavier
than two mig-21s combined.
773
00:42:47,665 --> 00:42:51,534
Grant: American pilots knew
how good the mig-21 was,
774
00:42:51,536 --> 00:42:55,271
So when we started hearing
rumors about the mig-25,
775
00:42:55,340 --> 00:42:59,141
Everyone was ready to believe
this was a ferocious weapon.
776
00:42:59,144 --> 00:43:01,677
Narrator: U.S. Intelligence
claims the mig-25
777
00:43:01,680 --> 00:43:04,480
Can fly three times
the speed of sound
778
00:43:04,549 --> 00:43:08,317
And reach over 60,000 feet.
779
00:43:08,386 --> 00:43:11,253
Grant: If the mig-25
could fly that high,
780
00:43:11,322 --> 00:43:14,423
Every aircraft in the air force
was vulnerable,
781
00:43:14,492 --> 00:43:17,427
So we needed
something radically different
782
00:43:17,495 --> 00:43:20,530
So that the mig-25
couldn't get ahead of us.
783
00:43:23,434 --> 00:43:24,834
Narrator:
The pentagon ups the ante
784
00:43:24,902 --> 00:43:27,937
With two new
air force fighters--
785
00:43:28,005 --> 00:43:33,042
The f-15 eagle
and the f-16 falcon.
786
00:43:33,044 --> 00:43:36,479
Moscow takes note
of america's new fighters.
787
00:43:36,547 --> 00:43:40,049
It's determined
to rise to the challenge.
788
00:43:40,117 --> 00:43:43,987
Grant: Moscow wants the next mig
to be the world's best fighter.
789
00:43:44,055 --> 00:43:47,023
They'll take the best
of their aerospace technology
790
00:43:47,091 --> 00:43:51,995
In design, maneuverability,
engines, armaments, radar,
791
00:43:52,063 --> 00:43:53,863
And cockpit avionics,
792
00:43:53,931 --> 00:43:55,999
And just like the mig-15,
793
00:43:56,067 --> 00:44:00,269
It'll be a huge shock
to the west.
794
00:44:00,338 --> 00:44:03,739
Narrator: October 1977.
795
00:44:03,742 --> 00:44:08,277
The mig design bureau's sleek
and deadly-looking new mig-29
796
00:44:08,346 --> 00:44:10,279
Makes its debut.
797
00:44:10,348 --> 00:44:12,682
Grant: It's got the agility,
two engines,
798
00:44:12,750 --> 00:44:14,550
And the mig-29,
for the first time,
799
00:44:14,619 --> 00:44:16,352
Includes from the start,
800
00:44:16,420 --> 00:44:19,188
The onboard radar,
avionics, and weapons
801
00:44:19,256 --> 00:44:22,558
That will keep it at
the leading edge of air combat.
802
00:44:24,762 --> 00:44:28,130
Connor: The mig-29
represented mig's desire
803
00:44:28,199 --> 00:44:29,999
To continue their trend
804
00:44:30,067 --> 00:44:33,769
Of having a rugged,
reliable aircraft
805
00:44:33,772 --> 00:44:36,172
That could operate
nearly anywhere in the world,
806
00:44:36,174 --> 00:44:37,640
But one that also embodied
807
00:44:37,709 --> 00:44:42,912
The latest trends
in western fighter design.
808
00:44:42,980 --> 00:44:45,347
Narrator: Soviet allies
like hungary, poland,
809
00:44:45,416 --> 00:44:48,517
And east germany
purchase the new aircraft
810
00:44:48,586 --> 00:44:50,786
And station them
within striking distance
811
00:44:50,855 --> 00:44:53,222
Of american bases in europe.
812
00:44:53,290 --> 00:44:58,394
The united states watches the
buildup with increasing concern.
813
00:44:58,462 --> 00:45:00,996
Grant: We're on the verge
of a second cold war.
814
00:45:00,999 --> 00:45:03,499
This couldn't be
like korea or vietnam,
815
00:45:03,567 --> 00:45:04,600
Where it took us years
816
00:45:04,602 --> 00:45:06,802
To figure out
how to beat the migs.
817
00:45:06,871 --> 00:45:09,605
The pilots had to be ready
from day one.
818
00:45:09,673 --> 00:45:14,710
♪
819
00:45:14,779 --> 00:45:17,747
Narrator: April 1977.
820
00:45:17,815 --> 00:45:22,017
Thousands of soviet migs
are positioned around the globe,
821
00:45:22,086 --> 00:45:25,822
Threatening america
and its western allies.
822
00:45:25,890 --> 00:45:26,989
The pentagon launches
823
00:45:27,057 --> 00:45:29,558
A top-secret
pilot training program
824
00:45:29,561 --> 00:45:32,228
At tonopah air force base.
825
00:45:32,296 --> 00:45:35,498
They call it constant peg.
826
00:45:35,566 --> 00:45:39,135
The pilots who fly it
are called the red eagles.
827
00:45:39,203 --> 00:45:40,703
Karl whittenberg:
Our purpose, our mission,
828
00:45:40,771 --> 00:45:44,907
Was to train u.S. Fighter forces
in air-to-air tactics
829
00:45:44,909 --> 00:45:47,443
Against real mig airplanes.
830
00:45:47,512 --> 00:45:48,844
Narrator:
Colonel karl whittenberg
831
00:45:48,913 --> 00:45:50,980
Was a mig pilot
and instructor
832
00:45:51,048 --> 00:45:54,650
During the constant peg program.
833
00:45:54,652 --> 00:45:57,319
Whittenberg: There's
always been this impression
834
00:45:57,322 --> 00:45:58,721
That migs are scary,
835
00:45:58,789 --> 00:46:01,190
And they're frightfully
effective.
836
00:46:01,259 --> 00:46:03,526
The purpose of constant peg
837
00:46:03,594 --> 00:46:06,395
Was getting people
past the buck fever
838
00:46:06,397 --> 00:46:09,665
Of actually seeing
and engaging against a mig.
839
00:46:09,733 --> 00:46:10,900
Narrator: To do this,
840
00:46:10,968 --> 00:46:13,869
Whittenberg and his fellow
pilots learn to fly
841
00:46:13,872 --> 00:46:18,741
Mig-17s, mig-21s, and mig-23s
842
00:46:18,809 --> 00:46:23,679
And begin flying them against
u.S. Pilots during training.
843
00:46:23,747 --> 00:46:25,948
Whittenberg: Our pilots
had never seen a mig,
844
00:46:26,016 --> 00:46:27,316
Let alone flown against it.
845
00:46:27,384 --> 00:46:31,353
And having done that,
they come to this realization
846
00:46:31,356 --> 00:46:33,556
That the mig
is just another airplane,
847
00:46:33,624 --> 00:46:36,225
And I'm more comfortable
psychologically
848
00:46:36,293 --> 00:46:40,129
And better capable
of fighting one.
849
00:46:40,197 --> 00:46:43,366
Narrator: The program's
existence remains classified,
850
00:46:43,434 --> 00:46:48,003
But the lessons learned
live on.
851
00:46:48,072 --> 00:46:49,171
Whittenberg: After the training,
852
00:46:49,240 --> 00:46:52,175
We would fly back down
to nellis air force base
853
00:46:52,243 --> 00:46:55,511
And meet with that pilot,
whoever flew against him,
854
00:46:55,513 --> 00:46:56,912
And debrief him.
855
00:46:56,981 --> 00:46:59,982
You would want them to impart
any added knowledge,
856
00:47:00,050 --> 00:47:02,585
You know, that they learned
flying against the migs
857
00:47:02,587 --> 00:47:04,386
To their squadron mates.
858
00:47:04,455 --> 00:47:08,123
Grant: The tactics they came up
with were formalized and spread
859
00:47:08,192 --> 00:47:11,660
Throughout the squadrons
in the air force and the navy
860
00:47:11,663 --> 00:47:14,663
So that the entire
u.S. Air forces
861
00:47:14,732 --> 00:47:18,601
Could learn how to defeat migs.
862
00:47:18,669 --> 00:47:20,336
Narrator:
Over the next 20 years,
863
00:47:20,338 --> 00:47:24,607
U.S. Pilots shoot down
several migs in combat.
864
00:47:24,675 --> 00:47:29,945
Mig pilots shoot down
zero air force fighters.
865
00:47:29,948 --> 00:47:34,517
It appears u.S. Pilot training
has finally cracked the code.
866
00:47:36,520 --> 00:47:38,487
Some believe
the mig's deficiencies
867
00:47:38,556 --> 00:47:41,790
Are due to subpar technology.
868
00:47:41,859 --> 00:47:44,426
Others blame economics.
869
00:47:44,495 --> 00:47:47,830
Velovich: In 1990s,
the soviet union collapsed.
870
00:47:47,832 --> 00:47:50,332
It was complete havoc,
871
00:47:50,401 --> 00:47:55,705
And the economical
disastrous situation
872
00:47:55,773 --> 00:47:58,173
Put the russian
aerospace industry
873
00:47:58,242 --> 00:48:00,376
Into very hard conditions.
874
00:48:00,378 --> 00:48:01,844
Connor: The mig design bureau
875
00:48:01,913 --> 00:48:03,979
Was really left
in a very difficult spot.
876
00:48:03,982 --> 00:48:07,182
There were just
no significant orders,
877
00:48:07,185 --> 00:48:11,287
And so the attempts
to improve the mig brand
878
00:48:11,355 --> 00:48:12,454
Through the 1990s
879
00:48:12,523 --> 00:48:15,157
Were done really
on a shoestring.
880
00:48:15,225 --> 00:48:16,625
Narrator:
By the turn of the century,
881
00:48:16,694 --> 00:48:19,528
Mig finds new life.
882
00:48:19,596 --> 00:48:23,532
Russia elects vladimir putin,
a former kgb officer
883
00:48:23,600 --> 00:48:27,836
Committed to rebuilding russia's
air force to its former glory.
884
00:48:27,905 --> 00:48:29,138
Grant: Under putin,
885
00:48:29,206 --> 00:48:32,741
Russia began to aggressively
advance their technology
886
00:48:32,810 --> 00:48:35,544
And build better engines,
better missiles,
887
00:48:35,612 --> 00:48:40,082
And integrate it all into
the right jet fighter package.
888
00:48:40,150 --> 00:48:42,151
Narrator:
Putin allocates new funding
889
00:48:42,153 --> 00:48:44,020
For military aircraft,
890
00:48:44,088 --> 00:48:48,691
And in 2007,
mig unveils its latest attempt
891
00:48:48,693 --> 00:48:52,962
To catch up to the west--
the mig-35.
892
00:48:52,964 --> 00:48:57,032
♪
893
00:48:57,101 --> 00:49:00,970
Velovich: The mig-35 in essence
is the mig-29,
894
00:49:01,038 --> 00:49:05,774
But with better avionics,
better weaponry,
895
00:49:05,777 --> 00:49:08,377
And better maneuverability.
896
00:49:08,445 --> 00:49:12,048
Narrator: With a price tag
of just $45 million,
897
00:49:12,116 --> 00:49:14,984
The mig-35
is less than half the price
898
00:49:15,052 --> 00:49:19,388
Of america's newest fighter,
the f-35.
899
00:49:19,390 --> 00:49:24,727
Connor: The mig-35 is another
attempt to gain the interest
900
00:49:24,795 --> 00:49:29,798
Of nations that need to present
a significant capability
901
00:49:29,801 --> 00:49:32,167
But really are not intending
to go toe to toe
902
00:49:32,236 --> 00:49:36,271
With a first world airpower
like the united states.
903
00:49:36,340 --> 00:49:39,541
Narrator: But the mig has been
underestimated before.
904
00:49:39,544 --> 00:49:43,279
As tensions between the u.S.
And russia continue to rise,
905
00:49:43,347 --> 00:49:45,781
The mig threat remains.
906
00:49:45,849 --> 00:49:51,887
♪
907
00:49:51,955 --> 00:49:55,357
Whether in a deadly dogfight
908
00:49:55,426 --> 00:49:58,494
Or a daring intercept,
909
00:49:58,496 --> 00:50:02,498
The mig brings the fight
no matter the odds.
910
00:50:02,500 --> 00:50:04,600
Connor: It may not have been
the most capable,
911
00:50:04,668 --> 00:50:07,636
But it was certainly
the most scrappy.
912
00:50:07,704 --> 00:50:12,775
Narrator: Rugged, reliable,
and revolutionary,
913
00:50:12,777 --> 00:50:17,446
The mig has inspired
more than just those who fly it.
914
00:50:17,448 --> 00:50:21,450
Grant: The migs have compelled
us to develop better tactics,
915
00:50:21,452 --> 00:50:24,787
Train our pilots better,
build superior aircraft,
916
00:50:24,855 --> 00:50:29,058
And figure out better ways
to control the air battle.
917
00:50:29,126 --> 00:50:31,593
Narrator:
In any fight, at any time,
918
00:50:31,596 --> 00:50:35,064
The mig makes
a lasting impression.
919
00:50:35,132 --> 00:50:38,767
Velovich:
When you ask any western person,
920
00:50:38,836 --> 00:50:40,803
What is
the soviet combat aircraft,
921
00:50:40,871 --> 00:50:44,373
I think 99 percent
would say mig.
922
00:50:44,441 --> 00:50:47,142
Narrator:
To some, an adversary;
923
00:50:47,211 --> 00:50:49,978
To others, a savior.
924
00:50:50,047 --> 00:50:52,347
But one thing is certain...
925
00:50:52,416 --> 00:50:54,583
Whittenberg: The legacy
of the mig is forever.
81103
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