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These are the user uploaded subtitles that are being translated: 1 00:00:02,102 --> 00:00:04,269 Narrator: Quick... 2 00:00:04,337 --> 00:00:07,506 Durable... 3 00:00:07,574 --> 00:00:10,776 And deadly. 4 00:00:10,844 --> 00:00:13,779 Man: This aircraft set the western world on its ear. 5 00:00:13,847 --> 00:00:15,914 Narrator: The mig has been america's enemy 6 00:00:15,983 --> 00:00:18,383 For more than 50 years. 7 00:00:18,452 --> 00:00:21,186 Man: Mig was considered to be the best 8 00:00:21,254 --> 00:00:24,022 Of the soviet fighters. 9 00:00:24,091 --> 00:00:27,893 Narrator: Born in response to a terrifying threat. 10 00:00:27,961 --> 00:00:30,962 Man: Stalin realized that a new class of aircraft 11 00:00:31,031 --> 00:00:32,297 Had to be created. 12 00:00:32,365 --> 00:00:34,266 Narrator: This aircraft turned the tables 13 00:00:34,334 --> 00:00:38,070 On united states airpower... 14 00:00:38,072 --> 00:00:39,738 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. 16 00:00:44,644 --> 00:00:48,213 Narrator: ...All in an effort to fulfill its birthright-- 17 00:00:48,215 --> 00:00:49,381 Defense. 18 00:00:49,449 --> 00:00:51,349 Woman: The north vietnamese mig-21 pilots 19 00:00:51,418 --> 00:00:53,819 Were willing to do whatever it took. 20 00:00:53,887 --> 00:00:57,089 Narrator: It's the aircraft born to give america's adversaries 21 00:00:57,157 --> 00:00:59,158 A fighting chance. 22 00:00:59,226 --> 00:01:02,627 Man: All they needed was to kill one western pilot 23 00:01:02,630 --> 00:01:04,830 To show the world that they were as bad 24 00:01:04,898 --> 00:01:06,431 As everybody thought they were. 25 00:01:06,500 --> 00:01:18,477 ♪ 26 00:01:18,545 --> 00:01:21,313 Narrator: January 1991. 27 00:01:21,381 --> 00:01:23,582 Saddam hussein's republican guard 28 00:01:23,650 --> 00:01:25,317 Occupies kuwait, 29 00:01:25,385 --> 00:01:28,653 Defying the international community. 30 00:01:28,656 --> 00:01:31,323 The united states and its coalition partners 31 00:01:31,391 --> 00:01:34,226 Have finally had enough. 32 00:01:34,294 --> 00:01:35,594 George bush: Five months ago, 33 00:01:35,596 --> 00:01:39,464 Saddam hussein started this cruel war against kuwait. 34 00:01:39,467 --> 00:01:43,535 Tonight, the battle has been joined. 35 00:01:43,603 --> 00:01:46,104 Narrator: U.S. Generals know that whoever controls 36 00:01:46,173 --> 00:01:48,140 The skies over iraq 37 00:01:48,142 --> 00:01:51,610 Will secure victory. 38 00:01:51,612 --> 00:01:54,346 Owning the skies won't be easy. 39 00:01:54,414 --> 00:01:58,083 The iraqis have the fifth largest air force in the world, 40 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 42 00:02:06,627 --> 00:02:09,528 Known as the mig-29 fulcrum. 43 00:02:11,965 --> 00:02:14,966 Migs-- these powerful russian jets 44 00:02:14,969 --> 00:02:17,903 Have been american airpower's fiercest enemies 45 00:02:17,971 --> 00:02:19,605 For over 50 years. 46 00:02:22,976 --> 00:02:25,744 The mig-29 is one of its most recent 47 00:02:25,812 --> 00:02:28,180 And deadly incarnations, 48 00:02:28,248 --> 00:02:32,718 Designed to intercept any aircraft that crosses its path. 49 00:02:32,786 --> 00:02:33,885 Scott marchand: They're there to intercept 50 00:02:33,954 --> 00:02:34,987 Whatever the threat is. 51 00:02:35,055 --> 00:02:37,523 Principally their objective would be bombers 52 00:02:37,591 --> 00:02:40,058 Or high-value targets. 53 00:02:43,397 --> 00:02:46,198 Narrator: Just 57 feet long 54 00:02:46,266 --> 00:02:49,267 And 37 feet wide, 55 00:02:49,270 --> 00:02:53,939 This little fighter is a menace in the skies. 56 00:02:53,941 --> 00:02:55,273 Marchand: Being an interceptor, 57 00:02:55,276 --> 00:02:58,176 They mostly rely on air-to-air rockets. 58 00:02:58,245 --> 00:03:01,479 It also has a single onboard 30-millimeter cannon 59 00:03:01,548 --> 00:03:03,549 That carries about 100 rounds of ammunition. 60 00:03:03,617 --> 00:03:07,752 Narrator: With a price tag of less than $22 million, 61 00:03:07,821 --> 00:03:10,589 These jets are built in bulk, 62 00:03:10,657 --> 00:03:12,991 Making them popular with developing nations 63 00:03:13,059 --> 00:03:16,861 Around the world, including iraq. 64 00:03:16,930 --> 00:03:19,698 Marchand: The iraqis first acquired these in the late 1980s 65 00:03:19,766 --> 00:03:21,566 When they were at war with the iranians, 66 00:03:21,569 --> 00:03:23,569 So iraqi mig pilots had a lot of experience 67 00:03:23,637 --> 00:03:28,640 In the cockpit and in combat by the time of desert storm. 68 00:03:28,642 --> 00:03:31,943 Narrator: January 19, 1991. 69 00:03:32,012 --> 00:03:34,079 Coalition airpower has been pounding 70 00:03:34,147 --> 00:03:36,215 The iraqis for two days. 71 00:03:37,317 --> 00:03:39,517 [explosions] 72 00:03:39,586 --> 00:03:43,989 But u.S. Pilots know the migs are still in the fight. 73 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. 75 00:03:48,595 --> 00:03:50,262 Narrator: Colonel cesar rodriguez 76 00:03:50,330 --> 00:03:55,333 Flew f-15s in the u.S. Air force for over 25 years. 77 00:03:55,336 --> 00:03:58,804 Rodriguez: All they needed was to kill one western pilot 78 00:03:58,872 --> 00:04:00,939 To show the world that they were as bad 79 00:04:01,008 --> 00:04:04,276 As everybody thought they were. 80 00:04:04,278 --> 00:04:08,013 Narrator: Tabuk air base, saudi arabia. 81 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. 86 00:04:24,097 --> 00:04:27,032 Rodriguez: The target was a munitions storage area 87 00:04:27,100 --> 00:04:30,235 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. 92 00:04:40,981 --> 00:04:42,314 Narrator: Coalition pilots know 93 00:04:42,316 --> 00:04:45,650 That once their planes deliver their weapons, 94 00:04:45,653 --> 00:04:50,121 The iraqi migs are likely to respond. 95 00:04:50,190 --> 00:04:54,192 Rodriguez and another f-15 pilot follow the strike force 96 00:04:54,261 --> 00:04:56,595 For just that reason. 97 00:04:56,663 --> 00:04:58,063 Rodriguez: Our job was to make sure 98 00:04:58,065 --> 00:05:00,065 That none of them were vulnerable. 99 00:05:00,133 --> 00:05:03,335 We were their dedicated protection. 100 00:05:03,403 --> 00:05:05,403 Narrator: Not long after takeoff, 101 00:05:05,406 --> 00:05:08,206 The strike package reaches its target 102 00:05:08,275 --> 00:05:10,809 And begins to unload its bombs. 103 00:05:10,877 --> 00:05:14,079 [explosions] 104 00:05:14,147 --> 00:05:17,782 Rodriguez and his wingman watch the mayhem unfold 105 00:05:17,851 --> 00:05:20,218 As they fly close behind. 106 00:05:20,220 --> 00:05:22,087 Rodriguez: The number of weapons that were exploding 107 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, 109 00:05:25,291 --> 00:05:28,326 At a magnitude that we could never imagine. 110 00:05:28,395 --> 00:05:30,095 Narrator: Moments later, 111 00:05:30,097 --> 00:05:33,264 The strike force heads back to base, 112 00:05:33,333 --> 00:05:36,634 But their work doesn't go unnoticed. 113 00:05:36,637 --> 00:05:42,474 Rodriguez: We detected a series of unidentifiable contacts 114 00:05:42,542 --> 00:05:45,143 North-northeast of our position. 115 00:05:47,381 --> 00:05:50,615 As we get closer, our radars can actually now 116 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. 118 00:05:57,757 --> 00:05:59,157 Narrator: The enemy planes are heading 119 00:05:59,225 --> 00:06:01,159 Straight for the american fighters. 120 00:06:04,264 --> 00:06:07,599 Before rodriguez and his wingman can respond, 121 00:06:07,667 --> 00:06:10,635 The two migs turn tail and run. 122 00:06:14,274 --> 00:06:16,274 Rodriguez: They basically start a turn, 123 00:06:16,276 --> 00:06:17,442 And out of their turn, 124 00:06:17,510 --> 00:06:20,512 They are now flying back towards baghdad. 125 00:06:22,683 --> 00:06:25,150 Narrator: The f-15s throttle their afterburners 126 00:06:25,218 --> 00:06:29,954 And fly off in hot pursuit. 127 00:06:30,023 --> 00:06:31,356 Moments later, 128 00:06:31,358 --> 00:06:34,726 They discover they've been lured into a trap. 129 00:06:38,431 --> 00:06:39,765 Rodriguez: What we realized very quickly 130 00:06:39,833 --> 00:06:42,567 Is these two migs are starting to pull us 131 00:06:42,569 --> 00:06:46,771 Into the baghdad integrated air and missile defense zone, 132 00:06:46,840 --> 00:06:49,107 And we start to get radar warning indications 133 00:06:49,109 --> 00:06:51,576 That the sams, the surface-to-air missiles, 134 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 136 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." 146 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." 148 00:07:35,823 --> 00:07:37,655 Narrator: The awacs is an e-3 149 00:07:37,724 --> 00:07:41,159 Early warning and control aircraft. 150 00:07:41,228 --> 00:07:46,164 Its crew has spotted a third mig-29 just eight miles away 151 00:07:46,232 --> 00:07:49,367 And closing in fast. 152 00:07:49,435 --> 00:07:51,570 Rodriguez: He's a matter of seconds 153 00:07:51,638 --> 00:07:54,772 From being able to take a shot at me. 154 00:07:54,775 --> 00:07:57,709 It's, it's not minutes, it's seconds. 155 00:07:57,777 --> 00:08:02,113 I knew that I had to do a lot of work to survive. 156 00:08:02,115 --> 00:08:05,316 Narrator: Rodriguez knows that if a mig-29 fulcrum 157 00:08:05,319 --> 00:08:10,088 Has you in its sights, escape is nearly impossible. 158 00:08:10,156 --> 00:08:12,857 Marchand: The mig-29 is a mach 2 plus capable aircraft. 159 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. 161 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. 163 00:08:23,070 --> 00:08:27,305 Narrator: Its short wings allow the fulcrum to roll on a dime. 164 00:08:29,877 --> 00:08:32,510 Two klimov rd-33 jet engines 165 00:08:32,579 --> 00:08:37,715 Give it over 30,000 pounds of thrust. 166 00:08:37,784 --> 00:08:42,020 Marchand: It's like a dragster. It's a muscle street car. 167 00:08:42,088 --> 00:08:44,022 The speed and maneuverability of the mig-29 168 00:08:44,090 --> 00:08:48,092 Is what really makes them deadly in a dogfight. 169 00:08:48,161 --> 00:08:50,161 Narrator: 10,000 feet above iraq, 170 00:08:50,163 --> 00:08:53,064 Colonel cesar rodriguez knows he and his wingman 171 00:08:53,132 --> 00:08:55,700 Are facing a dangerous opponent. 172 00:08:55,768 --> 00:08:57,702 Rodriguez: We assumed that this guy 173 00:08:57,770 --> 00:09:00,004 Was the biggest, baddest dude on the block, 174 00:09:00,073 --> 00:09:03,909 And we had to be on our number-one a-game to beat them. 175 00:09:03,977 --> 00:09:06,411 Narrator: The incoming mig is just seconds away 176 00:09:06,479 --> 00:09:09,914 From blowing rodriguez out of the sky. 177 00:09:09,917 --> 00:09:12,684 Rodriguez: The mig's radar can see me, 178 00:09:12,752 --> 00:09:16,721 And so I go strictly into the defensive mode. 179 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, 181 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 187 00:09:40,380 --> 00:09:42,347 To deliver the weapon. 188 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 00:09:57,697 --> 00:10:00,331 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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