Here's a fascinating video filmed using GoPro miniature video cameras mounted in special housings aboard Mikoyan MiG-31 interceptors of the Russian Air Force. You can see details of how it was done at this LiveJournal page. I highly recommend watching the video in full-screen mode.
The MiG-31 is getting long in the tooth (it entered service in 1981), but it's been upgraded recently and is expected to continue in service until 2028, with a successor aircraft entering service before then. This may be the Sukhoi PAK FA, or a new MiG design allegedly designated the MiG-41.
Peter
NO real yanking and banking though... sigh...
ReplyDeleteNo, but then the MiG-31 wasn't designed as a dogfighter. It was an interceptor, pure and simple, designed to use its huge radar to detect targets at great range (with the help of early-generation AWACS aircraft) and shoot them down using long-range air-to-air missiles. Its whole emphasis was on very high speed to reach its targets quickly. Maneuverability wasn't part of the package. (It was based on the older MiG-25 design, after all.)
ReplyDeleteSharp, even if it's not a very good flyer unless it's going in a straight line. I'd still like to try one on, just once.
ReplyDeleteThat'll go into my "Sunday Morning Jet Noise" queue.
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