Completely off topic!!!
 

Hi guys

Just reading of more Russian air recces off the US coast (and also UK coast), what would be the likely outcome should one of these aircraft experience a major malfunction and had to put down on US or UK soil?

Cheers
Brian

Re: Completely off topic!!!
 

Today, the crew would be rescued and returned quickly, the aircraft would be held pending negotiations and exploitation (i.e. massive inspection, measurement, photographing, etc.). The EP-3 in China would be a good role model.

Even at the height of the cold war, I would expect the aircraft and crew to be returned, unless some of the crew defected. It would all take much longer though. (Didn't the MiG-25 that defected to Japan eventually go back to the USSR?)

Another interesting question: would the crew put down on NATO soil? Or would they have instructions against that, at any cost?

Re: Completely off topic!!!
 

"Didn't the MiG-25 that defected to Japan eventually go back to the USSR?"

As I recall, it was first thoroughly examined in case it was smuggling drugs or other contraband. Can't be too careful!

Re: Completely off topic!!!
 

it was completely dismantled first IIRC. All these Russian types have appeared at European/UK airshows including RIAT, there are NATO air forces that have some of them in their own inventories (have just seen the nice Polish MiG 29 demo at Fairford) so I'm sure the only fuss to be made would be entirely media-generated..

Re: Completely off topic!!!
 

Hi guys

I feel a good novel coming on!!

Cheers
Brian