It appears Viktor Belenko passed away earlier this year.

[njiiaf]

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/washingtonpost/name/viktor-belenko-obituary?id=53291095The Legendary MiG pilot who defected with the Foxbat.

 

[Dynoman]

I have John Barron's book MiG Pilot on the Foxbat exploits of Victor Belenko. Its a pretty good story. I believe Craig Thomas' novel Firefox, later made into a movie with Clint Eastwood, was inspired by the 1976 Belenko flight.

 

[Sferrin]

I have John Barron's book MiG Pilot on the Foxbat exploits of Victor Belenko. Its a pretty good story. I believe Craig Thomas' novel Firefox, later made into a movie with Clint Eastwood, was inspired by the 1976 Belenko flight.

On my bookshelf as well. Good book.

 

[Dynoman]

For those who don't recall the story.

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=HiRfMP4AVgI

 

[njiiaf]

I have John Barron's book MiG Pilot on the Foxbat exploits of Victor Belenko. Its a pretty good story. I believe Craig Thomas' novel Firefox, later made into a movie with Clint Eastwood, was inspired by the 1976 Belenko flight.

It’s a wonderful book. As is Firefox. The latter formed my interest in aviation. I’ve seen the film on repeat so many times Ive basically memorized every scene.

 

[Fencer]

...

 

[NMaude]

The most amusing aspect of Belenko's defection is that the Soviets demanded Japan return his MiG-25, they did, eventually, in crates (The MiG-25 was completely dismantled and every single part was photographed, measured AND tested).

 

[martinbayer]

RIP for a man that apparently followed his conscience. The whole World direly needs *many* more principled people/whistleblowers like him.