On Time On Target

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I saw the aircraft move forward, and the air shook with the sole aircraft's afterburners as it sped down the runway. I too just made it to the runway when the aircraft was quickly moving upward into the air. I too would be in the air, but not as high. I closed the canopy as soon as I stopped the aircraft, nearly perfectly aligned with the middle of the runway. It is not complicated, just something you try to do as a habit. I then unfolded the wings, and checked all the instruments, and I exhaled deeply, then keyed the mike.

"Tower this is Hammer 11, request permission to takeoff."

"Hammer 11, this is Tower, standby."

I swore to myself. The MiG is by far the most fast climbing aircraft in the Russian military has to offer, and the 9.13 is no less capable. A few minutes later the radioman came on the radio. I absentmindedly looked at my watch, 0645. At least I was on time.

"Hammer 11, this is Tower, you have permission to takeoff."

"Tower this is Hammer 11, spasiba."

I usually spoke in English, since most of them were English. The wonders of a multinational operation. Besides, Major Grachev does not mind me speaking in my native tongue. He is Russian, nyet?

I held the brakes down and pushed the throttle forward with a practiced ease. The ALF-31s screamed as it fought the wheel brakes. Or more exactly... the wheel brakes fought the engines. After a few seconds, I released the brakes, and like it's namesake, the aircraft leapt forward gracefully and I began the journey. I added some "up" trim as that always helps during takeoff. The nose gently rose, and after 280 km/h, I pulled the stick gently, and within seconds, was airborne.

Immediately retracting the gear, I let the aircraft build up speed, then made a gentle turn back towards the auxiliary runway. I had been cleared to fly over this one in order for my mission. Major Grachev works wonders, which is why I do not give him problems. He can give me more. I had to be gentle at this moment, as I yet did not have necessary speed, and the aircraft moved a bit slow, but the weapon load did not affect maneuverability... too much.

I flew today "Route 2", which I termed a valley that led eastward, then allowed me movement south. Most of it is easily flyable, with no major concerns, other than the normal ones of course. I had too much time, so I must do something with my time. The other route, in my other mission, was "Route 1" I had contemplated Route 1, but I have had used it quite a bit, and sometimes too many high places, so I will use it for other missions. But Route 2 was more lower, and I can easily navigate towards Tkvarchelli with the waypoint route loaded into the computer. The route at this time was easily navigable, so I did not have any problems reaching the target area. If it were not for low-level flying, I would have slept enroute. With no credible air threat, it is easy to get lax on duty.

As I made my way to the valley that would eventually take me to the target area, I monitored the tactical frequency.

"Captain Scarlet, Destiny Angel out of Adler for one-eight thousand, entering your zone."

"Hallo, Destiny Angel. Clear for your mission as filed. Set IFF according to plan and squawk, please."

"Roger."

I merely smiled in my oxygen mask as I headed in the mouth of the valley. It was Sacha! I wished her luck as I sped along the valley, headed to my target area.

Again comrades, for me to describe the flight to the target area would only put you to sleep, so I will omit that. However, I will say that mountain flying is most impressive.

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