Alaskan intercepts of Russian aircraft and looking back on the first flight of a fast MiG
Alaskan intercepts of Russian aircraft and looking back on the first flight of a fast MiG
The frequency of Russian aircraft near Alaska is increasing and remembering the first flight of the Foxhound
“The US Army will never control the ground under the sky, if the US Air Force does not control the sky over the ground.”
- Col Gene Cirillo, USAF (Ret)
Mission Briefing
In recent days, the detection of Russian military aircraft near Alaska has raised attention, particularly because these flights involve specialized maritime patrol planes like the Ilyushin Il-38 and Tupolev Tu-142, both of which have unique capabilities.
The Tupolev Tu-142 is a heavy-hitting member of Russia’s maritime patrol fleet. It shares its origins with the Tu-95 strategic bomber, one of the most iconic aircraft in the Russian arsenal. Like the Il-38, the Tu-142 specializes in long-range maritime patrols and anti-submarine operations. Its larger frame allows it to carry more equipment and weapons, including torpedoes and depth charges. The Tu-142 also features advanced sensors for tracking submarines, making it a crucial asset for Russia in patrolling vast oceanic regions like the North Pacific. The aircraft's ability to stay aloft for extended periods, combined with its high speed for a turboprop, gives Russia an effective tool for conducting surveillance and responding to potential submarine threats.
The Ilyushin Il-38, first introduced in the 1960s, is a maritime patrol aircraft designed primarily for anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and maritime reconnaissance. The Il-38 can track and engage submarines, detect surface vessels, and perform long-range patrols over the ocean. It is equipped with sonar buoys, magnetic anomaly detectors (MAD), and other sensors designed to track submerged submarines. The aircraft typically operates at medium altitudes and has a long range, making it ideal for prolonged maritime operations. Despite its age, the Il-38 has undergone several modernization programs, including the Il-38N "Novella" upgrade, which significantly enhanced its radar and ASW capabilities.
While these flights, like the ones reported by NORAD, remain in international airspace, their proximity to North America is likely a demonstration of Russia’s strategic capabilities. Such patrols, especially when conducted so frequently, send a signal of Russia's continued military reach and its ability to monitor naval activities in critical areas like the North Pacific. These aircraft are not considered a direct threat, but their presence highlights the ongoing global power dynamics, particularly as the U.S. and its allies continue to support Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.
Furthermore, the timing of these flights coincides with diplomatic discussions about NATO's involvement in Ukraine, where decisions about supplying advanced weaponry such as Storm Shadow missiles to Ukraine could have broader implications. The heightened activity in the Alaskan ADIZ may be Russia's way of demonstrating that it remains capable of projecting power even as it faces international sanctions and military challenges.
At the end of the day, while these flights remain within the bounds of international law, their frequency and the types of aircraft involved highlight the ongoing tensions and strategic posturing between Russia and NATO-aligned nations. What do you think? Comment below and join the discussion.
This week in aviation history
19 September 1975: The first flight of the MiG-31 prototype, E-155MP 83/1, took place with Alexander Vasilyevich Fedotov at the controls. As the chief test pilot for the Mikoyan Experimental Design Bureau, Fedotov was responsible for testing the Project 83 prototype—a two-seat, twin-engine interceptor that would become known as the MiG-31.
Designed to replace the MiG-25 "Foxbat," the MiG-31 "Foxhound" was capable of reaching Mach 2.8+ and was built for long-range interception. In classic Soviet style, fighter aircraft received odd-numbered designators, while NATO gave them names beginning with "F"—hence the "Foxhound" moniker. Side note: What exactly is a “Fishbed” anyway? Looking at you MiG-21….getting back to the MiG-31:
The prototype was an impressive machine, measuring 77 feet, 5 inches (22.69 meters) long with a wingspan of 44 feet, 2 inches (13.46 meters). It had a max takeoff weight of 101,413 pounds (46,000 kg), powered by two Soloviev D-30 F6 turbofan engines capable of producing up to 34,171 pounds of thrust with afterburners. It could reach speeds of Mach 2.82 at altitude and had a ceiling of over 65,000 feet, though it wasn't built for close-in dogfights—limited to a load factor of 5 Gs.
Armed with a 23mm GSh-6-23 rotary cannon and the capability to carry various air-to-air missiles, the MiG-31 became a formidable long-range interceptor. Production spanned from 1979 to 1994, and today, approximately 400 remain in service, many modernized to the MiG-31BM standard.
Alexander Fedotov's career as a test pilot was extraordinary. Born in 1932 in Stalingrad, he rose through the ranks to become a Major General in the Soviet Air Force. His accolades included being named a Hero of the Soviet Union and setting 15 world records for speed, altitude, and time-to-climb. One of these, a record altitude flight to 123,534 feet in a Mikoyan E-266M on August 31, 1977, remains unbeaten.
Tragically, on April 4, 1984, Fedotov and his navigator, Valery Zaytsev, lost their lives when the second MiG-31 prototype (83/2) crashed during a test flight. Neither managed to eject. Despite this, Fedotov's legacy endures through the countless achievements he made in the world of aviation.
Checkmate or not?
Since we are on the topic of Soviet/Russian aircraft, will the Su-75 ever get built?
Post Flight Debrief
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-Tog