FLY TO THE EDGE OF SPACE

Russia's newest and most advanced high-altitude interceptor, the incredible MiG-31 Foxhound, now makes it possible to break the sound barrier in a real military jet fighter

Specialist UK tour operator, WildWings, has added a new program to their already well-established space portfolio (Branson beware!) - the chance to break the sound barrier in an incredible MiG-31 Foxhound, Russia’s newest and most advanced high-altitude interceptor.

The location – 300 kilometres from Moscow, at the Sokol Aircraft Plant in the practically unpronounceable Russian town of Nizhny Novgorod, where the security-cleared participants will be escorted past the gates and onto an impressive aircraft plant that employs some of the world’s finest pilots and supplies premier military aircraft to more than 30 countries around the world.

The aircraft – a MiG-31 E, built as the successor to the high-flying MiG-25, with a redesigned airframe for improved supersonic flying at low altitudes. The Foxhound is an extremely advanced aircraft and, during a combat mission, a single MiG-31 E can track up to 10 targets. Each plane features dual controls so the pilot’s manoeuvres can be repeated by the passenger and the altimeter, machmeter and g-force meter will all be in sight. A pilot’s licence and/or previous experience are not a prerequisite for flyers. The pilots are among the world’s top test pilots; they all speak good English and will be in constant communication via the intercom system.

The flight - typically around 50 minutes long the flight includes a period of flying at twice the speed of sound. After the pre-flight training and safety briefing, suit fitting and medical check the flyers are ready. Twin tails of orange flames signify the rapidly increasing speed of the MiG-31E as it moves along the runway and, after a smooth take-off, accelerating towards Mach 1, a couple of gentle 360 degree rolls will bring a surge of adrenaline and excitement. Very soon the aircraft accelerates through the sound barrier heading towards Mach 2. The climb to altitude is quick and the pilot’s voice in the headset will count off the kilometres: 18, 19, 20 and, finally, 21 kilometres, above 99% of the atmosphere. The view from close to 21,000 metres (70,000 feet) is simply breathtaking: the darkness of space above, the pronounced curvature of the Earth clearly visible below and the atmosphere a thin blue line glowing on the horizon.
The 5-day adventure begins with a night in a 5* Moscow hotel, perfectly positioned next to Red Square and the Kremlin, and known for being the location of the film, Doctor Zhivago. Transfers to the aircraft plant at Nizhny Novogorod, Russia’s third largest city sitting at the intersection of the Volga and Oka rivers and just a few hours flying time from Moscow, can be made by VIP six-passenger plane, rail or road. For those with their own private planes, special arrangements can be made for landings at the aircraft plant.

This unique adventure comes at a price – approximately £13,785 per person including 4 nights at a 5* hotel with breakfast, English speaking guides for all transfers in Moscow and Nizhny Novorod (including between the two cities), flight planning, training and medical check, 50 minute flight and souvenir dvd. Non-flying guests can stay in a twin room with the flyer for around £1350. Flights between the UK and Moscow start at £350 return. And, there’s also the cost of a custom made flight suit, around £250. Dates are not a problem - flights are available most weekdays, year round.

Zero-G flights - Alternatively, the Zero-G flights at Russia’s Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre in Star City, just outside Moscow, offer a more affordable space experience.

The interior of the Russian IL76 MDK has been converted into a zero-gravity playroom complete with padded flooring and video cameras to record the experience. During the flight the specially trained pilots fly a series of parabolas; the first stop is Mars for a taste of one-third gravity; next it’s the moon to experience one-sixth lunar gravity, where movements are easily controllable with small steps and giant leaps; then it’s zero-gravity for which nothing can really prepare the flyers – they’ll be bouncing around the cabin uncontrollably like human popcorn. And, by limiting the numbers to just 15 flyers, there’s plenty of space onboard the IL76 for any aspiring Olympic medal gymnasts to really make the most of the weightlessness performing acrobatics and out of this world manoeuvres.

The per person price for the flight day is £2499 including return transfers between Moscow and Star City with an English speaking guide, photographs and video of the flight, briefing, medical check and two hour Zero-Gravity flight, plus a walking tour of Star City and lunch in the trainee cosmonauts’ canteen. Flights between UK and Russia cost from £350 return and hotel accommodation in a 5* Moscow hotel costs from £230 per room per night.

Or, the whole plane is available for charter at approximately £30,000, which works out at around £2000 per person based on the maximum 15 participants. The charter option would be ideal for a corporate event or for a group looking for an unusual way to celebrate a special occasion.

Zero-G flight dates are 24 May, 12 July, 23 August and 27 September, 2007.

For press enquiries please contact Debra Taylor at toucanmoon 01491 613424 debra@toucanmoon.com

WildWings
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wildinfo@wildwings.co.uk www.wildwings.co.uk

Prepared by toucanmoon /April 07
St John’s Hall, Shirburn Street, Watlington OX49 5BT
(t) 01491 613424 (e) debra@toucanmoon.com