Originally shared by John Chvatal

This Day in Aviation History

September 6th, 1976
Viktor Belenko’s name became known worldwide on September 6, 1976, when he successfully defected to the West, flying his MiG-25 “Foxbat” jet fighter to Hakodate, Japan. This was the first time that Western experts were able to get a close look at the aircraft, and it revealed many secrets and surprises. His defection caused significant damage to the Soviet Union Air Force.[1] Belenko was granted asylum by U.S. President Gerald Ford, and a trust fund was set up for him, granting him a very comfortable living in later years. The U.S. Government interrogated and debriefed him for five months after his defection, and employed him as a consultant for several years thereafter. Belenko had brought with him the pilot’s manual for the MiG-25 “Foxbat”, expecting to assist American pilots in evaluating and testing the aircraft.

Wikipedia, Viktor Belenko:   http://bit.ly/1obJvKJ

YouTube, MIG 25 FOXBAT – Wings Of The Red Star: http://youtu.be/dlMjNMQ8NIY

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