Chapter 3

The amount of fuel consumed was not what Andrei was concerned about. According to the basic data, the supersonic interception combat radius of the MiG-25 definitely exceeded 500 kilometers. The later MiG-31 even reached over 700 kilometers. Now, intercepting 200 kilometers at supersonic speed was nothing. Under the guidance of CGI, the two MiG-25s began to descend when they reached the designated target area.

An aircraft resembling a transport plane was flying over the Sea of Japan, near Soviet waters.

Four propeller engines were constantly rotating, and the fuselage was covered with various antennas. There was a round, bulging object under the belly, like a woman's large belly. It was flying at an altitude of 8,000 meters.

"Attention, we are approaching Soviet airspace. Be on high alert," said Lieutenant Ashius in the cockpit. "Turn on all systems and collect the signals. We will leave immediately after the collection is complete."

Following his order, various electronic devices entered operation. Signals from the distant shore were continuously received through the antennas, undergoing initial collection and separation.

"Detected airborne radar waves, single pulse," said an electronic officer. "Very powerful, it's the Typhoon-A radar! The Soviet MiG-25 is here!"

The United States placed great importance on electronic intelligence. After the Soviet MiG-25 was developed, the U.S. began to study this aircraft, including the signal characteristics of its airborne radar, which were well-known to the U.S. side. Especially for this aircraft, which was a dedicated electronic warfare plane, the target was immediately identified as the Soviet MiG-25's airborne radar, the Typhoon-A!

The arrival of the Soviet MiG-25 caused some concern among the crew.

The MiG-25 was the Soviet Union's most advanced interceptor, reportedly capable of flying at Mach 3. To this day, U.S. intelligence agencies were still meticulously studying the secrets of this aircraft.

"Don't be afraid. We are flying over international waters and have not entered Soviet airspace. They can't do anything to us," Ashius said. "We will continue our mission. After completing this task, we will have a month off and can go on vacation to Hawaii."

During the Cold War, encounters between the two sides were very frequent. Even if the Soviet MiG-25 came, what could they do? At most, they would fly up and down, lock onto our aircraft with their radar, and scare us. They wouldn't dare to really fire missiles. This was the Cold War! A slight misstep could trigger World War III!

Ashius was very confident. Such incidents had happened countless times. What was there to be afraid of?

They had an important mission. Over 100 kilometers to the west was the Soviet Far East's most important naval base, Vladivostok! To prevent the U.S. from intercepting their electronic signals, the Soviets frequently changed the frequencies of their electronic systems. The U.S. response was to continuously collect new electronic signals.

This was just a routine mission.

"They're coming out!" the pilot shouted at that moment.

In the sky, two MiG fighters suddenly dove from high altitude, almost directly toward the aircraft, passing overhead in a flash. The red stars on the tails were so glaring.

At the same moment, Andrei saw the aircraft in his field of vision, and his expression immediately turned serious.

The American EP-3!

The P-3 Orion, a maritime patrol aircraft, was developed by Lockheed in the late 1950s by modifying the L-188 Electra regional airliner for the U.S. Navy. This patrol aircraft had a payload of 26 tons, a wide fuselage, and carried a large amount of electronic equipment. It also had ten external weapon hardpoints under the wings and eight internal bomb bays under the belly, capable of carrying AGM-65 air-to-ground missiles, AGM-84 anti-ship missiles, MK-46/50 torpedoes, MU-90 torpedoes, and depth charges and mines.

After its development, the aircraft was used by the U.S. for reconnaissance, anti-submarine, anti-surface, and surveillance patrols. The Americans used this aircraft to conduct close reconnaissance of many other countries' coastlines, exclusive economic zones, and other sensitive areas. By adding the ALQ-110 signal collection system, ALD-8 radio direction finder, ALR-52 automatic frequency measurement receiver, and ALR-60 multi-channel radio communication recorder, it became a dedicated electronic reconnaissance aircraft, serving as the vanguard of American battlefield operations.

In 1969, the first EP-3 joined the U.S. Air Reconnaissance Squadron 1 and, by 1974, had completely replaced the EC-121 "Super Constellation" electronic warfare aircraft, becoming the U.S. dedicated electronic reconnaissance aircraft.

Now, Andrei and Belyakov were intercepting this American electronic reconnaissance aircraft!

The aircraft had no equipment under its belly, just a reconnaissance plane without weapons! It looked harmless, but by collecting electronic information, it could severely impact Soviet national defense security.

Although it was still in international waters, for the Soviet Union, it was too close and needed to be driven away.

"032, pay attention to monitoring," Belyakov's voice came through the headphones. "I will drive it away!"

After flying over the EP-3, the two fighters drew an arc in the sky and flew back. Seeing that the EP-3 showed no fear and continued to fly boldly, Belyakov, the lead pilot, immediately said,

"032, acknowledged," Andrei replied, pulling his thoughts together. Andrei increased his altitude and followed behind.

Belyakov's MiG-25 flew toward the EP-3.

"Damn Russians, what are they doing?" The American pilot stabilized the aircraft. Just now, the MiG-25 flew from behind, creating a massive airflow disturbance that almost made the electronic reconnaissance aircraft lose control. When the MiG-25 appeared overhead, he instinctively pushed the control stick, almost performing a roll. If that had happened, the EP-3 might have disintegrated.

The pilot panted and cursed.

"Don't be afraid, they won't do anything serious," Ashius said. "We will fly for three more minutes, and all the electronic data will be collected."

"Damn!" The pilot stabilized the aircraft, watching the MiG-25 perform a high-G maneuver in front of him, like a sudden stop on a highway, almost causing the EP-3 to collide.

Who said the MiG-25's low-altitude maneuverability was poor due to its high-altitude performance? This heavy interceptor was almost as agile as an F-16.

"Let's ignore him, we will continue flying," Ashius said calmly.

Of course, the maneuverability was good now! The supersonic cruise had consumed several tons of fuel, and with the reduced weight and powerful engines, it was quite agile. As for structural strength, a stainless steel aircraft wouldn't have any issues.

Belyakov performed various maneuvers but could not drive away the EP-3. The Americans seemed stubborn. Did they really not fear being shot down? Climbing away from the EP-3, Belyakov was still frustrated.

"031, 032 requests permission to drive it away," Andrei's voice came through the headphones.

"Approved," Belyakov agreed.