MiG Plasma Cloaking Device to Take Off Soon Source: The Telegraph October 6, 1999
A NEW Russian MiG fighter that uses a "Star Trek"-style
plasma cloaking device to hide from enemy radar and missiles is due to
make its first flight any day.
The stealth device weighs under 100kg and can be fitted
to any aircraft. It surrounds the plane with a cloud of plasma or
electrically charged gas, rendering it invisible to enemy radar, say
its makers.
The plasma stealth system on the MiG 1.42 is most likely
real; Russian scientists have long been experts in high-energy
physics.
"The Russians do have some novel approaches to plasma
research," said Nick Cook, of Jane's Defence Weekly. "I suspect they
are very much more advanced than we think. This device promises
passive reductions in both radar cross-section and drag."
The device was developed at a secret base outside Moscow
called the M.V. Keldysh Research Centre. Established as long ago as
1933, it is one of the pioneering centres of rocket research in the
world. The centre's website coyly confirms that work on plasma physics
takes place, as well as building new rocket engines, space power
plants and lasers.
The Russians are so convinced of the value of the new
cloaking shield, they want to sell it to raise hard currency. Jane's
Defence Weekly recently revealed the makers are now offering to fit
the system to any fighter, raising the unhappy prospect of Iraqi or
Serbian MiGs using it.
The first flight has been postponed several times since
January; to date, the plane has only taxied on a runway for some
visiting politicians and generals. Unkind observers in the West have
suggested that the plane is nothing more than a dummy. Said Cook,
"It's a real aircraft, but it is a generation behind our latest
offering in the West."
by Jon Pratty
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