Black Thunder (1998) - full transcript
When the top secret prototype of the Nova Stealth fighter has been stolen, the Pentagon launches big alarm; the plane shouldn't come into hostile hands. There is only one man who can get back the plane; the test-pilot Vince Conners. He and his partner Jannick pursues the Nova to Libya but when they land at the site their mission fails. Jannick has been captured and Conners is on the run. Without friends or allies they have to try to find the Nova without falling into the hands of the military regime and before Libyian terrorists uses the plane to bomb a meeting of the United Nations in Paris, with nerve gas.
All systems a go,
waiting for your order, Sir.
Thank you, Colonel.
I got F-16's at 10 and two o’clock.
-Roger, that is a bogey. Let's get him.
-I'm right on your Wing, Boss.
-There he goes.
-I’m on him.
You hang back, I’ll take him.
Bogey in sight.
Closing to mark 0.7.
I’m coming up on his 6.
Mel to Edwards, standby
to go active on my mark.
Getting a fix, target locking on.
Got you.
-Ratchets got a lock, sir.
-Told you, he’s the best.
Nova, engage active stealth on my mark.
3, 2, 1, mark.
Blue 2, I've lost contact with
our bandit. Do you have a positive?
It’s gone.
Cheek your FLARE.
No sign of him on the HOZ,
the FLARE or the E-O, sir.
Target locator line is blank,
range to target negative.
Closure rate zero. Nothing.
-What about visual contact?
-Now you see him, now you don’t.
He’s not on any of our displays
and I don’t see him out there.
A plane can’t just disappear.
Where the hell did he come From?
Incredible.
Trying evasive maneuvers.
Weapons engaged.
I can’t shake him, shit!
Lock on.
Fire side missile.
Blue 1, you’ve been tagged. Abort
your mission and return to base.
Shit.
Let's rock and roll.
Going full throttle.
I can’t see him, I can’t see him.
Ratcher’s been tagged.
Ratcher’s been tagged.
Sorry, Tom. You are the best we’ve got
but nobody can beat Nova technology.
Go ahead and continue
on to rendezvous point Delta.
That’s a 95 percent PK,
Splash two F-16‘s.
Nice job, Nova.
That’s an impressive piece
of hardware you’ve got there.
Thank you, sir.
Black Thunder returning to base.
Roger, Nova. Great job.
-Congratulation, Colonel.
-Thank you, sir.
Event Tom couldn’t get past the Nova.
We gave him a hell of a surprise.
Yes, sir, I’m sure we did.
General Barnes...
Great Job...
-Thanks.
-Great job.
It's a milk run, sir.
I could have blasted those F-16‘s out
of the sky if you’d given me any word.
I know you could have, I know. Well
tomorrow’s our last test exercise.
After that we go from
prototype to production.
You sending me to Baghdad, sir?
From your lips to God’s ears.
Now, unfortunately I'm only
putting Nellis on full alert.
Everyone from General Sorenson to
the janitor will be looking for you.
You get in there, I’ll buy you dinner.
Sir, I can taste that lobster now.
I bet you can.
Edwards, we’ve got a problem.
Sir, Ratcher’s reporting a malfunction.
-Talk him through it, Captain.
-Blue 1, what’s your status, over?
Blue 1 to Edwards, do you copy?
Flame out! We’ve lost
both rear engines.
Going down.
Base..base!
-Sir, he’s got a flame out.
-Tom, get the hell out of there.
He's losing altitude fast, Blue 1, eject.
Eject, eject.
Can’t eject.
The G-force is too strong.
-We’ve lost all radar contact.
-Did he have time to eject?
-It doesn’t look good.
-Dammit.
OK, I’ll inform General Barnes.
-Sir.
-Yes, Colonel.
-Colonel Ratcher’s plane went down.
-What?
-He crashed a few miles out.
-What the hell happened?
Apparently a flame out. Search and rescue’s
starting their investigation now.
-Did he get out?
-No, sir.
How the hell did this happen?
Torn Ratcher’s one of the
best pilot’s we’ve ever had.
-What do we have here?
-A surprise.
Very-nice.
Awesome.
No.
-Who is it?
-Base camp.
They’re probably passed
I didn’t fill out my reports.
Yes, sir.
Yeah, right away.
Hey, babe. Uh,
You’re not going to believe
this but I’ve got to go.
You’re kidding.
Man, I wish I was.
Can we do this tomorrow?
-Do I have a choice?
-Thanks.
Okay.
Hey, Nick.
How are you?
Nick.
-Morning.
-Morning.
You up for this today?
Yeah. Sure, as ready
as I’ll ever he.
Good.
Investigation team will want to talk
to you about Torn when you get back.
Sure, yeah, set it up.
Gentlemen.
Today the Nova goes up against the best
air craft detection system in the world.
A United States Air Force Base.
Sir, you really think the Nova
can get through Nellis’ radar
and patrol fighter net?
They’re locked down tight as a drum.
Not only will the Nova get through,
but Colonel Moore will
drop a dummy payload...
right in the middle of runway one.
When he succeeds it will he the beginning
of a new era in stealth technology.
Captain.
Nova 1, you are now
cleared for take-off.
Sir, last radar contact with the Nova
was here, that was 15 minutes ago.
He should have reached
Nellis two minutes after that.
Now if he’s still cloaked
he’s in experimental territory.
We’ve never been active that long before.
And Nellis has no confirmation
of payload drop?
Alright, Captain,
let’s break radio silence.
Yes, Sir.
Nova, Edwards, do you copy?
Break radio silence and answer, Nova.
Nova, do you copy?
There is nothing, sir.
Alright, Colonel, have Nellis start a
search and rescue operation immediately.
-There is one other possibility, sir.
-Yes?
Colonel Moore went AWOL with the plane.
I hand picked the Colonel
for this project.
I flew with his father in Vietnam,
goddamn it.
This man would not steal my airplane.
Stone, this is Black Thunder.
Black Thunder to Stone, do you copy?
-Ha, ha, ha. Go Black Thunder.
-The Nova is secure.
Excellent, excellent.
-Proceed to phase 2.
-Copy that.
Sir, Colonel Moore went through
security check point this morning,
Three sets of blue caps saw his ID
card, his thumb prints on the records.
And no one else had access to the
notebooks, including our other pilots?
-Right.
-While there’s no way to get a radar fix.
And Nellis has no reports
of wreckage in the area.
Dammit.
Come with me, Colonel.
There’s something kind of funny
about us losing a stealth plane.
I’m not laughing, Colonel:
What I mean, sir, is we build
an invisible War Plane and...
I knew what you mean.
Have CIO start a satellite
re-con immediately.
And I want an SR71
fueled and ready to go.
-Yes, Sir.
-And Colonel, get Vince Connors.
OK, ready?
What are the four forces of flying?
Uh, the four forces...
Thrust, Drag, Lift and Weight.
You are very good, Winston.
So, you gonna let me fly the plane now?
Like I said, you’ve got
to learn this stuff.
The basics, like this guy here.
See this guy?
Tom Ratcher, taught me everything I know.
He's the best pilot there is.
-And you know what?
-He was your teacher.
You got it. You’re smart, you know what?
You know everything.
Whiskey tango delta 71, do you copy?
This is Whiskey Tango Delta, copy.
Connors, you are to return
to the airfield immediately...
by order of General Barnes, USAF.
This is a national emergency.
Copy, heading back.
I guess we’re going to have
to cut this day short.
This is Edwards
Air Force Base, to Nova 1.
You’ve been detected
by Eye In the Sky satellites.
By the power and authority
of the President of the
United States of America,
you are hereby ordered
to land immediately.
-Sorry, sir, we lost him again.
-Damn.
-Sir, how are you?
-Vince, I'm not well.
What’s the problem?
Vince, what I’m about to tell you does
not leave this building, understood?
Yes, sir.
Earlier today one of our
experimental aircraft, the Nova,
was stolen from this base.
-Stolen?
-Stolen.
The Nova’s a black project, ultra top
secret. Code name Black Thunder.
It incorporates standard
stealth technology...
but it adds something new,
an active stealth system.
Active?
What do you mean active?
You’re familiar with the black box
ECM on the SR71?
Yes, the radar jammer.
Yes.
We’ve had a team working on improvements
for the past thirty five years.
What they’ve come up with
is active stealth. It's a cloaking device.
A cloaking device?
Like in Space Tech.
Exactly.
It uses an electromagnetic impulse.
Which bend light to a wavelength
of under 3500 angstrom units
Which renders the Nova
invisible to the human eye.
Blanketed from radar,
positioning devices.
Things of that nature.
Vince. This is a completely
invisible airplane.
Someone stole this, sir?
Yes. One of our best pilots.
Took off about three hours ago
on a routine training mission.
He hasn't returned.
Search and Rescue found no indication,
no evidence of a crash site.
Sir, what kind of range
does this plane have?
I mean, can’t we just send in a
strike force when it stops to refuel?
It’s equipped with the latest
fuel cell turbine technology.
It can fly over twenty thousand
kilometers without refueling.
-That’s halfway around the world, sir.
-Vince.
It’s the ultimate weapon, Vince.
Whoever has the Nova
can literally rule the world.
Sir, if each of our bases uses
their AWAC’s planes to search...
Only a handful of people know this plane
even exists. I want to keep it that way.
You’re the best pilot I’ve ever seen.
Vince, I need you to get
that plane back for me.
How am I supposed to do that?
Active stealth is a drain
on the Nova’s power system.
It's designed to only work with
strategic and evasive operations.
So for most of the time it'll be under
the cover of standard stealth only.
Now, our CIO spy satellite
spotted the Nova here,
over the Bonan Islands, flying
on a heading of two six zero.
The Nova is equipped with a DAX
satellite monitoring system,
so naturally it went active stealth here.
Probably moving
in a straight line to conserve fuel.
Sir, this route’s going to
take him through China,
India, Iran, Iraq...
I don’t know, that’s a lot of ground.
That's why I'm sending you up
in a modified SR7l.
It’s equipped with the Phillips
Thermal Tracking System.
Which can pick up the Nova’s heat
signature, but only at close range.
Sir, they found Colonel Moore’s
body in his apartment. Shot twice.
Nick Moore?
Yes. They cut off his thumb
to get by the print scanner.
Well at least we know Nick
didn’t steal the plane?
Well then who the hell did I put
in that cockpit this morning?
Does the man have
an identical twin brother?
Vince, I need you to get me that
plane back. Minimum footprint.
Yes, Sir.
You'll be working with
Captain Rick Jannick.
Geez.
-I’m not working with him.
-What?
He’s not a pilot. Sir.
He’s a skydiver,
he takes too many chances.
With all due respect, sir,
I’d rather work with Tom Ratcher.
He’s the best ACM pilot in the world.
-He’s thought me more stuff than...
-Vince...
Tom is dead.
His plane went down
in that training exercise yesterday.
This-E Black Thunder to Stone.
Preceding to rendezvous-point Alpha.
This ought to be interesting.
Vince, buddy, it's been along time.
That was pleasant.
Remember the Blackbird
interceptor project back in ‘65?
Before my time, sir, but I know of it.
-New plane, Same weapons.
-Weapons? Great.
Let’s just hope we don't
have Tu use them, huh?
I don’t know about you.
But I'm ready to rock and roll.
These scumbags took our plane.
Let's waste them.
We'll get the Nova back without
any international incident, sir.
Good.
I don't want to sound overly dramatic
but I don't need to tell
you how important this is.
No, Sir.
-Good luck.
-Thank you, Sir.
Thank you.
Okay, Connors, Jannick.
She’s prepped and ready to go.
It’s just like old times, Vince.
Oxygen pressure, good. Oil pressure, good.
And the fuel is flowing.
We are set to go.
Okay, Tower, in position.
Ready for take off.
Roger. All systems go.
General Barnes. Connors and Jannick
are airborne in the SR71, sir.
-Radio frequency is open.
-Alright. Captain.
Let’s find this thing and blast it.
I got dinner plans tonight
if you know what I mean.
Orders are to get it back in one piece.
Minimum footprint.
Jannick, let me be honest with you.
You the last person I would have
picked to back me up.
You're not a pilot, you're a skydiver.
You bail at the first sign of trouble.
Ancient history, My man.
I got a lot of air under my wings
since then.
Yeah? Well just remember
my life’s in your hands.
And mine in yours, partner.
New toy here, my man.
Turn right going two five nine.
Turning right going two five nine.
Bingo CIO imaging the Nova.
Where?
Stand by. Triangulating
Nova's position.
Over the Thar Desert, in India.
It will take five minutes
for the fuel cells to recharge.
Right, Colonel.
Until then he can't go active.
-Blackbird, Edwards.
-This is Blackbird, go ahead.
Vince, we’ve get a fix on the Nova.
27 degrees, 31 minutes north,
by 69 degrees 27 minutes east...
on a heading of
two four-five. Over.
Roger that.
We’re on our way.
Here we go, may have something.
Going Infrared.
-Take her down for a visual.
-Descending to 45.
We have a positive IR signature
on the Nova Stealth Fighter.
Moving in for visual contact.
This is US SR71 Blackbird,
please land your aircraft immediately.
Got a lock.
Nova, please respond.
Please respond.
If you do not respond,
we'll be forced to fire.
Jannick, common. Help me out here.
Where's the visual?
It's hard to make a visual at Mag 2.
Where is he?
-He’s right behind us.
-Hold on.
-He’s gone.
-Dammit.
Where is he?
-Base, Connors.
-This is Edwards, go ahead.
We lost him.
He went active stealth.
Roger, Vince.
What's your status?
Sir, if you want us to continue
the search, we need to refuel.
Vince, there is 135 in your quadrant.
-Okay, I copy that.
-Okay, I have it.
Turning left to point zero eight.
This is 135, we have a visual
contact with Blackbird.
Moving in to begin refueling process.
135, you are locked in Blackbird.
Fueling Commencing.
-Fueling complete.
-Copy. Disengaging.
Hey, aren’t you guys
going to do the windows?
Approaching landing coordinates.
Approach vector locked in.
Magnificent.
Look at my beautiful new Nova plane.
Nice work, Ratcher.
Not yet.
Where’s my money?
A man with priorities.
I like that.
Half now.
The rest when we finish
our little bombing mission.
Next time you wear the mask.
Look at my beautiful plane.
Anything?
Negative.
Got something.
Take us to 70 degrees and drop us to 30.
70 degrees, drop to 30.
Confirmed sighting of the Nova.
Appears to be in Libya,
inside some kind of structure.
Coordinates, four seven
eight by three seven zero.
Repeat. Coordinates four seven
eight by three seven zero.
Positive heat signature.
Edwards, Connors.
Go ahead, Vince.
Jannick located the Nova.
Copy that, Vince.
There’s a deserted airstrip 7
clicks from those coordinates, sir.
The SR71 can land there.
Thank you, Colonel.
Vince, proceed to eight
seven three zero point two.
You can land there.
And avoid enemy detection.
Okay, proceeding to rendezvous.
Admiral Pendleton please, General Barnes.
Admiral Pendleton.
Admiral, we found the Nova
on the ground in Libya.
Copy that.
I’m sending in a pair of men
for recovery.
We need air support and intelligence
on who we’re dealing with.
Copy that, Pendleton out.
Starting landing site.
-Connors, Edwards.
-Copy.
We’re working on a tight decision cycle.
You’ve got twenty four hours
to get the plane back.
What happens then?
An aircraft carrier in the
Mediterranean will send in planes.
They’ll carpet bomb the area.
It’ll start a war, sir.
If we don’t get the plane
back in twenty four hours...
they’ll have a chance
to organize a first strike.
Or duplicate the Nova’s technology.
The Nova drove the balance of power in
their favor with nuclear strike capacity.
Good luck, men.
What do you got from
Interpol on these people?
They’re all part of a movement.
It’s tied to a radical middle
eastern terrorist group.
Well funded organized OP.
Their MO isn’t money, it’s domination of
the free world by any means necessary.
They’d use a nuclear bomb
without a second thought.
So they plan to nuke us.
I'm afraid that’s what we must assume.
There’s an airstrip here.
Bridge, small village.
We’re somewhere here.
Shit.
What are you thinking?
We move to plan B.
I want you to stick with the stealth.
I may need air support.
I need the pictures.
Now, Wait, wait, wait.
You think that’s a good idea?
Well, you got a better one?
Move.
You could give me a few minutes.
Shit.
The plane went down
somewhere over here. Vit!
Stay with the plane, that’s a great idea.
-Let's go.
-We go.
Ah shit.
-And there’s no response to radio calls?
-None at all, sir.
This is Admiral Pendleton US Navy.
We’ve lost all contact
with Connors and Jannick.
Sir, we’ve lost radio contact
with Connors and Jannick.
Damn.
Halt, stop or I will shoot.
According to the CIA this region is run
by the Graebner/Stone Terrorist Group.
They make Bahder-Minhoff look like
a bunch of school yard bullies.
I want everything the CIA has on them.
Right, sir.
What do we have here?
It looks like an American pilot.
So, Mr Pilot,
where is your plane?
I parachuted in.
I’m a sky diver.
You didn’t have to use this, eh?
I always land on my feet.
Where is the plane?
-Why don’t you kiss my ass?
-I will kill you.
What are you waiting for, asshole?
Sir. We found the plane.
An American SR71.
Stone, this is Elias.
What is it, Mr Elias?
We have found the pilot.
And an American SR71.
You found an American SR71?
Interesting.
Another man was seen near the woods.
We’re searching for him now.
-Bring in the pilot.
-And the SR71?
I'll bring it in.
It’s being taken care of,
Mr Elias.
CIA made me jump through
hoops for this stuff.
Okay, Petar Stone, son of
a wealthy industrialist.
Joined a skinhead faction at 16
where he met Jose Graebner...
Skip the bio’s, Colonel.
Okay, CIA has been monitoring
terrorist weapons buys,
lately there’s been a change in methods.
Which is?
They’ve been networking.
Forming buyers clubs.
What are you telling me, Colonel?
Terrorists are getting 10 percent
off on their guns?
No, sir, group like Graebner
and Stone are joining forces...
to buy weapons of mass destruction.
Nuclear?
At the very least, sir, they
could be chemical or biological.
-Pass me through to Admiral Pendleton.
-Yes, sir.
This is Admiral Pendleton, US Navy.
Yes, Admiral.
We’ve confirmed they have nukes.
Jesus. We can send in
our planes on a fly over.
Negative, Admiral.
I don’t want to spook those
people into hiding the plane.
If our team can’t get it back
we’ll have to go ahead with the bombing,
-Destroy it, and anyone who’s seen it.
-Copy that.
Thank you, Admiral.
Good evening, my friend.
I'm so glad you could make it.
My name is Mr Stone and this
is my associate, Mr Elias.
And your name is?
Asshole.
Yes. Mr asshole.
So please tell me, Mr Asshole.
I have some questions to ask you about
this Nova stealth fighter plane.
Oh, you just ask away.
You let me know when you are
ready to cooperate. Alright?
This is Stone, what is it?
We’ve located the other pilot. We
need help in searching the village.
I'll go take care of it.
Let’s go.
Elias is on his way.
Shit.
Don’t move.
Put up your hands.
Okay, okay.
Step away from the door.
Slowly.
Drop the gun.
Drop the bag.
Turn around.
Slowly.
Who are you?
Open the door.
One word and I'll kill
you, you understand?
One word.
Look at me.
The door, Mela.
A minute please.
Just a minute.
What do you want?
We are searching for an American spy.
I am the only one here.
We’ll see.
This American, has killed
many of my patrol.
Look if you want
but there is no man here.
But you have had men here
before, Mela, haven’t you?
That is none of your business.
Everything in this town is my business.
Graebner Stone’s business.
You have a lot of nice things
in this town, Mela.
I can take them away from you.
Leave you with nothing.
Except my love for you.
Is this what you are looking for?
Perhaps I can help you find what you want.
Maybe you would like this?
Yeah. What is it?
I will be there.
Our day will come.
Remember that.
You watch her. She’s a dissident,
she cannot be trusted.
Okay, let’s go.
Nice gun collection.
So you want to know why a...
Why a woman like me
would have so many guns.
Yeah.
Because of this filthy government.
They parcel out our land. They give our
towns and villages to these terrorists.
And then they just come in here
and they just take whatever they want.
So some of us are trying to stop them.
To take the government
away from the military...
and the terrorists and give...
And give it back to the people.
So you’re with the underground?
I am their leader.
Bring it up, Chris.
They haven’t budged.
I don’t get it.
11 hours, 52 minutes.
There’s still time.
Sir.
Are we really going to destroy
a 75 million dollar prototype
war plane if they fail?
I have no choice, Colonel.
You're insane.
Millions of people will die.
That’s the point.
That’s what we’re counting on.
Finally, you stupid Americans
with your free market invasion.
You will know what it’s like
to have your culture destroyed.
And from the ashes of
the corrupt western world,
we will build a new civilization.
Our primary target,
The Paris Peace Talks.
Presidents and Premiers
from all over the world will be on hand.
At first, they’ll think
it’s food poisoning.
But then within 12 hours
they’ll all be dead.
And thanks to your Nova Stealth fighter...
they'll never know what hit them.
Which will leave us free
to go on to our second target.
The State of Kansas.
What is it you call it?
The Heartland?
Well I hope they appreciate
our little heart attack.
You know, we’ll be flying in two days.
-It’s a pity you’ll be dead.
-We’ll see who'll be dead, asshole.
Maybe the arrogant American pilot...
knows something that I don’t know.
Maybe a smart man would
move his mission forward.
This is Stone, fuel the planes.
We fly this morning.
You people are too stupid
to fly that plane.
Ah yes, but I’ve thought of everything.
I’ve recently acquired
a very gifted American pilot.
Ratcher?
So how is my favorite student?
Shame you missed your funeral,
it was real touching.
I wasn’t talking about you, Richard.
How’s my old buddy Vince Connors?
I need to get to this airstrip,
right here.
This is a very difficult
region to get to now.
They have patrols guarding everywhere.
They will be searching for you.
There will be a check point right
here, and another one right here.
Yes, I know. And another
one right here.
Look, it’s almost morning.
I’m running out of time.
No, this is impossible in the daytime.
You will be captured, they'll kill you.
I will make it through.
That’s not what I wanted to hear.
You're being crazy.
Look, in six hours and
twenty eight minutes...
they're gonna carpet bomb this place.
Do you know what that means?
You are going to destroy my country.
Yes. Yes.
The decision, thank god,
I didn’t have to make.
And I’m sorry.
I’m truly sorry.
I’ve got to go.
Thank you.
Wait.
My cousin, Rojar, he has a fruit truck.
Who is it?
It is your cousin Rojar.
I bring you melons.
Rojar.
Oh, Rojari Ber.
Friend, you have American cigarettes?
You send me American cigarettes
we both make a lot of money.
Sure.
And Coca-cola.
Yea, get in here.
Get in Get in.
Hey, What are you doing?
Selling fresh produce.
Melons, oranges, onions.
Here. For you.
-American cigarettes?
-No.
I go before they spoil.
Jeber, produce king.
I want these armed and loaded now.
-How much longer?
-It’ll be ready.
Be in the air in one hour.
Hey, tell me, you like American cowboy?
Shut up, Rojar.
What about the check point?
Check point?
We drive straight through.
What if they search the truck?
Then we find out if old fruit cart
can out run motorcycles.
Good morning, General, I have
produce, fresh for your pilots.
I must hurry before the sun wilts them.
Let me see your papers.
You are not_a general, you’re a private.
Rojar Jeber, the produce king.
I deliver produce
to the colonel himself. Here.
-This is for you and your friend.
-Let’s check your cargo.
Don’t check my cargo. Don’t put
your dirty hands on my cargo.
Don’t you mix up everything,
chickpeas, carrots, onions, don’t!
-Should have put in new spark plugs.
-Fine.
-They’re gaining.
-You go like wind you ancient cart.
Rojar, drive faster.
Get my gun.
Get him,
Rojar, get him.
He’s gaining on us.
Dammit.
-Kick him.
-Yeah, but..
Use stranglehold.
Stop. Stop. Tum it around.
Turn it around.
What? Are you crazy?
Go back.
Right. Right.
There's only two hours left
on the clock, sir.
Is the carrier on station?
Yes, sir. The Admiral's giving the wing
commanders his final briefing right now.
Good.
Sir, I’ve got the best fighter pilots
waiting for immediate
departure on your command.
Our information leads us to believe
the President will upgrade
the situation to Defcon 3.
It is therefore imperative
that you take out Stone...
before the Nova can launch.
Make sure that you burn
it all, nothing left.
Sir, what’s our primary target?
Take out the airfield, the hangar
and any outbuildings in the vicinity.
Yes, sir.
Good luck, Lieutenant.
You may be out last line of defense.
Yes, sir, I’ll get my men
in the air immediately.
Get me the President.
The planes are out in the wide open.
Yeah.
They probably got Jannick in that hangar.
So why do you help this man?
Who is he to you? A friend?
Definitely not a friend.
You do not like this man but
you risk yourself to rescue him.
He’s my partner,
I'm not leaving without him.
Even if it kills you?
I’d rather die doing what’s right
than live doing what’s wrong.
You’re a good man.
I wish there were more men
like you in my country.
Thank you.
I thought the American cowboy
no kiss girl.
Sometimes they do.
Sir, Connors and Jannick
are still in the area.
I know, Colonel, they still
have two hours left.
We have to give them time
to get the Nova back intact.
If they do, I'll call it off.
If not...
This is squadron leader. Our ETA to.
Target is one hour four seven minutes.
Our orders are to roast and toast.
No survivors.
Patrol to Stone, Patrol to Stone.
What is it?
Sir, we are being attacked.
-It’s Connors.
-Come.
-You’re dead, Ratcher.
-Guard him.
You’re both dead.
Behind you!
-Mela.
-Yeah?
Mela.
Get up.
You two, Men, Come here!
You okay?
Never better.
You shouldn’t have come here.
You should have gotten your ass in that
plane and gotten the hell out of here.
Your life was in my hands, remember?
I didn’t tell them anything.
I know.
-Can you fly?
-Like a bird.
Good, I’m going to need cover
fire and that Nova’s no UAB.
Vince, Ratcher’s alive.
He stole the Nova, faked his own death.
How do you know that?
Because I saw the asshole.
He’s going to fly the
bombing mission for them.
He’s as sick as they are.
Shit. I got more ammo.
Let’s go.
Come on.
So, this is your day.
The day you die.
Ratcher, the plane. Go, go now.
Cover me. Shit.
Now. Move. Go.
Mela.
OK, ETA to target is two, three minutes.
Look alive guys, look sharp.
Keep your eagles open,
don’t want no surprises.
Jannick.
No.
No.
Jannick.
I’m about up now, partner.
Come on.
Common, we’re going.
No. You try to take me out of
here we’re both going to die.
No.
You give me the slaver.
Blow this place to hell.
Come on.
You give them hell, partner.
You give them, Hell.
Ratch.
Put the gun down.
I said put it down.
Vincent, nice to see you again.
-What the hell are you doing, Ratch?
-Getting rich.
Getting rich?
Do you know how much
I’m getting paid for this?
This is treason, Ratch.
This is treason.
Connors has escaped.
Let’s go take back our life.
Attention, GS squadron leader.
This is GS squadron leader.
The American has stolen my Nova plane.
Shoot him down.
I repeat, shoot him down.
Copy that, missile armed and ready.
Common!
Come on, come on.
My old friend Mr Jannick.
Not so arrogant now, huh?
Time to die, Captain.
Wait, I’ve got something for you.
Jannick’s little parting gift.
Courtesy of the United States Air Force.
Asshole.
Hey, Kemosabe.
Kemosabe.
We did it.
Edwards, this is Black Thunder.
Connors, do you read?
Vince, General Barnes.
Go ahead.
General, the good news
is I have the Nova.
I am at seventeen point
0 four three degrees east.
And the Tropic of the Cancer,
headed north.
Roger, Vince, copy that.
What's the bad news?
I'm carrying two big NBC bombs.
I’m afraid if I take a hit and go down
I take half a continent with me.
Roger, Vince, stand by one.
You were right, sir.
Those bombs have biological
capacity as well as nuclear.
Give me all the information on possible
fallout scenarios, Colonel.
Yes, sir.
Vince, we’ve got a squadron
five minutes east of you.
I can’t go east, I got Ratcher on my six.
Ratcher?
Ratcher’s dead.
No, sir, he faked his death
to steal the Nova.
Sorry. Sir, I’ve got to cut you out.
I got Ratcher on my tail.
You are entering French airspace,
please identify yourself.
If you do not identify yourself you
will be shot down. Do you understand?
Do not shoot, I repeat, do not shoot.
I'm an American Air Force pilot
being chased by unfriendly aircraft.
Vince, you’ve got to keep Ratcher
off your tail. Help’s on the way,
Just hold on for three more minutes.
Give it up, Vincent,
you know I’m the better pilot.
Hey, Ratchet, I’ve picked up a few tricks
since then, I think you’ll like them.
Tricks.
That’s all they are, Vincent.
I can out-fly you
in a school bus.
One well placed hit might
take the whole plane down.
Take Europe down.
Stone’s dead, Tom,
there’s no one to pay for this.
I’ve already been paid.
Have you perished, make nice the revenge.
Drop the load, Vincent,
I’ll let you live?
We could be partners.
Why fly against each other
when we can fly together?
Kill millions of people?
Come on, Ratch, for what?
For millions of dollars.
What do you care about those people?
From up here, they’re nothing.
So small you can’t even see them.
If you could get a hundred
dollars for each one who died.
Sorry, Tom, no deal.
I’m the one who’s sorry.
If Nova’s shot down over Europe
the gas will spread like this.
12 hours.
24 hours.
36 hours.
48 hours.
Jesus.
You can’t hit me cause
you can’t see me, Ratch.
I don’t have to see you, Vincent,
I just have to predict where you are.
Shit, heat seekers.
It’s right behind you, Connors.
Hey, Ratch.
You taught me, you taught Jannick.
But you forgot to teach yourself.
Edwards, this is Black Thunder.
Do you read?
Threat neutralized.
I'm on my way home.
Admiral, the situation is diffused.
You can call off your boys.
Great, great.
Mike, you can call off the B-3's.
The job has been taken care of.
And damn well
taken care of if I may say so.
Vince, great job.
Sony, red. Connors got them
this time, we’ll get them next time.
Let’s take it home.
-Good job, Colonel.
-You too, sir.
Let’s get a drink.
How are you doing?
Welcome back, Vince.
Sorry to hear about Captain Jannick.
Thank you, sir, he's a good man.
Vince, they’ll be a medal
in this for you.
Sir...
If anyone deserves a medal,
It’s Jannick.
Give it to him, sir.
Hell of a mission, sir.
I didn’t think he could pull it off.
You’re damn right, Colonel.
I hate to mention this now, sir,
but there’s one more thing.
Yes, what is it?
That SR71. It’s still out
in the Libyan desert, sir.
You're right.
And there’s only one man
who can go in and get it.
Oh, Vince.
waiting for your order, Sir.
Thank you, Colonel.
I got F-16's at 10 and two o’clock.
-Roger, that is a bogey. Let's get him.
-I'm right on your Wing, Boss.
-There he goes.
-I’m on him.
You hang back, I’ll take him.
Bogey in sight.
Closing to mark 0.7.
I’m coming up on his 6.
Mel to Edwards, standby
to go active on my mark.
Getting a fix, target locking on.
Got you.
-Ratchets got a lock, sir.
-Told you, he’s the best.
Nova, engage active stealth on my mark.
3, 2, 1, mark.
Blue 2, I've lost contact with
our bandit. Do you have a positive?
It’s gone.
Cheek your FLARE.
No sign of him on the HOZ,
the FLARE or the E-O, sir.
Target locator line is blank,
range to target negative.
Closure rate zero. Nothing.
-What about visual contact?
-Now you see him, now you don’t.
He’s not on any of our displays
and I don’t see him out there.
A plane can’t just disappear.
Where the hell did he come From?
Incredible.
Trying evasive maneuvers.
Weapons engaged.
I can’t shake him, shit!
Lock on.
Fire side missile.
Blue 1, you’ve been tagged. Abort
your mission and return to base.
Shit.
Let's rock and roll.
Going full throttle.
I can’t see him, I can’t see him.
Ratcher’s been tagged.
Ratcher’s been tagged.
Sorry, Tom. You are the best we’ve got
but nobody can beat Nova technology.
Go ahead and continue
on to rendezvous point Delta.
That’s a 95 percent PK,
Splash two F-16‘s.
Nice job, Nova.
That’s an impressive piece
of hardware you’ve got there.
Thank you, sir.
Black Thunder returning to base.
Roger, Nova. Great job.
-Congratulation, Colonel.
-Thank you, sir.
Event Tom couldn’t get past the Nova.
We gave him a hell of a surprise.
Yes, sir, I’m sure we did.
General Barnes...
Great Job...
-Thanks.
-Great job.
It's a milk run, sir.
I could have blasted those F-16‘s out
of the sky if you’d given me any word.
I know you could have, I know. Well
tomorrow’s our last test exercise.
After that we go from
prototype to production.
You sending me to Baghdad, sir?
From your lips to God’s ears.
Now, unfortunately I'm only
putting Nellis on full alert.
Everyone from General Sorenson to
the janitor will be looking for you.
You get in there, I’ll buy you dinner.
Sir, I can taste that lobster now.
I bet you can.
Edwards, we’ve got a problem.
Sir, Ratcher’s reporting a malfunction.
-Talk him through it, Captain.
-Blue 1, what’s your status, over?
Blue 1 to Edwards, do you copy?
Flame out! We’ve lost
both rear engines.
Going down.
Base..base!
-Sir, he’s got a flame out.
-Tom, get the hell out of there.
He's losing altitude fast, Blue 1, eject.
Eject, eject.
Can’t eject.
The G-force is too strong.
-We’ve lost all radar contact.
-Did he have time to eject?
-It doesn’t look good.
-Dammit.
OK, I’ll inform General Barnes.
-Sir.
-Yes, Colonel.
-Colonel Ratcher’s plane went down.
-What?
-He crashed a few miles out.
-What the hell happened?
Apparently a flame out. Search and rescue’s
starting their investigation now.
-Did he get out?
-No, sir.
How the hell did this happen?
Torn Ratcher’s one of the
best pilot’s we’ve ever had.
-What do we have here?
-A surprise.
Very-nice.
Awesome.
No.
-Who is it?
-Base camp.
They’re probably passed
I didn’t fill out my reports.
Yes, sir.
Yeah, right away.
Hey, babe. Uh,
You’re not going to believe
this but I’ve got to go.
You’re kidding.
Man, I wish I was.
Can we do this tomorrow?
-Do I have a choice?
-Thanks.
Okay.
Hey, Nick.
How are you?
Nick.
-Morning.
-Morning.
You up for this today?
Yeah. Sure, as ready
as I’ll ever he.
Good.
Investigation team will want to talk
to you about Torn when you get back.
Sure, yeah, set it up.
Gentlemen.
Today the Nova goes up against the best
air craft detection system in the world.
A United States Air Force Base.
Sir, you really think the Nova
can get through Nellis’ radar
and patrol fighter net?
They’re locked down tight as a drum.
Not only will the Nova get through,
but Colonel Moore will
drop a dummy payload...
right in the middle of runway one.
When he succeeds it will he the beginning
of a new era in stealth technology.
Captain.
Nova 1, you are now
cleared for take-off.
Sir, last radar contact with the Nova
was here, that was 15 minutes ago.
He should have reached
Nellis two minutes after that.
Now if he’s still cloaked
he’s in experimental territory.
We’ve never been active that long before.
And Nellis has no confirmation
of payload drop?
Alright, Captain,
let’s break radio silence.
Yes, Sir.
Nova, Edwards, do you copy?
Break radio silence and answer, Nova.
Nova, do you copy?
There is nothing, sir.
Alright, Colonel, have Nellis start a
search and rescue operation immediately.
-There is one other possibility, sir.
-Yes?
Colonel Moore went AWOL with the plane.
I hand picked the Colonel
for this project.
I flew with his father in Vietnam,
goddamn it.
This man would not steal my airplane.
Stone, this is Black Thunder.
Black Thunder to Stone, do you copy?
-Ha, ha, ha. Go Black Thunder.
-The Nova is secure.
Excellent, excellent.
-Proceed to phase 2.
-Copy that.
Sir, Colonel Moore went through
security check point this morning,
Three sets of blue caps saw his ID
card, his thumb prints on the records.
And no one else had access to the
notebooks, including our other pilots?
-Right.
-While there’s no way to get a radar fix.
And Nellis has no reports
of wreckage in the area.
Dammit.
Come with me, Colonel.
There’s something kind of funny
about us losing a stealth plane.
I’m not laughing, Colonel:
What I mean, sir, is we build
an invisible War Plane and...
I knew what you mean.
Have CIO start a satellite
re-con immediately.
And I want an SR71
fueled and ready to go.
-Yes, Sir.
-And Colonel, get Vince Connors.
OK, ready?
What are the four forces of flying?
Uh, the four forces...
Thrust, Drag, Lift and Weight.
You are very good, Winston.
So, you gonna let me fly the plane now?
Like I said, you’ve got
to learn this stuff.
The basics, like this guy here.
See this guy?
Tom Ratcher, taught me everything I know.
He's the best pilot there is.
-And you know what?
-He was your teacher.
You got it. You’re smart, you know what?
You know everything.
Whiskey tango delta 71, do you copy?
This is Whiskey Tango Delta, copy.
Connors, you are to return
to the airfield immediately...
by order of General Barnes, USAF.
This is a national emergency.
Copy, heading back.
I guess we’re going to have
to cut this day short.
This is Edwards
Air Force Base, to Nova 1.
You’ve been detected
by Eye In the Sky satellites.
By the power and authority
of the President of the
United States of America,
you are hereby ordered
to land immediately.
-Sorry, sir, we lost him again.
-Damn.
-Sir, how are you?
-Vince, I'm not well.
What’s the problem?
Vince, what I’m about to tell you does
not leave this building, understood?
Yes, sir.
Earlier today one of our
experimental aircraft, the Nova,
was stolen from this base.
-Stolen?
-Stolen.
The Nova’s a black project, ultra top
secret. Code name Black Thunder.
It incorporates standard
stealth technology...
but it adds something new,
an active stealth system.
Active?
What do you mean active?
You’re familiar with the black box
ECM on the SR71?
Yes, the radar jammer.
Yes.
We’ve had a team working on improvements
for the past thirty five years.
What they’ve come up with
is active stealth. It's a cloaking device.
A cloaking device?
Like in Space Tech.
Exactly.
It uses an electromagnetic impulse.
Which bend light to a wavelength
of under 3500 angstrom units
Which renders the Nova
invisible to the human eye.
Blanketed from radar,
positioning devices.
Things of that nature.
Vince. This is a completely
invisible airplane.
Someone stole this, sir?
Yes. One of our best pilots.
Took off about three hours ago
on a routine training mission.
He hasn't returned.
Search and Rescue found no indication,
no evidence of a crash site.
Sir, what kind of range
does this plane have?
I mean, can’t we just send in a
strike force when it stops to refuel?
It’s equipped with the latest
fuel cell turbine technology.
It can fly over twenty thousand
kilometers without refueling.
-That’s halfway around the world, sir.
-Vince.
It’s the ultimate weapon, Vince.
Whoever has the Nova
can literally rule the world.
Sir, if each of our bases uses
their AWAC’s planes to search...
Only a handful of people know this plane
even exists. I want to keep it that way.
You’re the best pilot I’ve ever seen.
Vince, I need you to get
that plane back for me.
How am I supposed to do that?
Active stealth is a drain
on the Nova’s power system.
It's designed to only work with
strategic and evasive operations.
So for most of the time it'll be under
the cover of standard stealth only.
Now, our CIO spy satellite
spotted the Nova here,
over the Bonan Islands, flying
on a heading of two six zero.
The Nova is equipped with a DAX
satellite monitoring system,
so naturally it went active stealth here.
Probably moving
in a straight line to conserve fuel.
Sir, this route’s going to
take him through China,
India, Iran, Iraq...
I don’t know, that’s a lot of ground.
That's why I'm sending you up
in a modified SR7l.
It’s equipped with the Phillips
Thermal Tracking System.
Which can pick up the Nova’s heat
signature, but only at close range.
Sir, they found Colonel Moore’s
body in his apartment. Shot twice.
Nick Moore?
Yes. They cut off his thumb
to get by the print scanner.
Well at least we know Nick
didn’t steal the plane?
Well then who the hell did I put
in that cockpit this morning?
Does the man have
an identical twin brother?
Vince, I need you to get me that
plane back. Minimum footprint.
Yes, Sir.
You'll be working with
Captain Rick Jannick.
Geez.
-I’m not working with him.
-What?
He’s not a pilot. Sir.
He’s a skydiver,
he takes too many chances.
With all due respect, sir,
I’d rather work with Tom Ratcher.
He’s the best ACM pilot in the world.
-He’s thought me more stuff than...
-Vince...
Tom is dead.
His plane went down
in that training exercise yesterday.
This-E Black Thunder to Stone.
Preceding to rendezvous-point Alpha.
This ought to be interesting.
Vince, buddy, it's been along time.
That was pleasant.
Remember the Blackbird
interceptor project back in ‘65?
Before my time, sir, but I know of it.
-New plane, Same weapons.
-Weapons? Great.
Let’s just hope we don't
have Tu use them, huh?
I don’t know about you.
But I'm ready to rock and roll.
These scumbags took our plane.
Let's waste them.
We'll get the Nova back without
any international incident, sir.
Good.
I don't want to sound overly dramatic
but I don't need to tell
you how important this is.
No, Sir.
-Good luck.
-Thank you, Sir.
Thank you.
Okay, Connors, Jannick.
She’s prepped and ready to go.
It’s just like old times, Vince.
Oxygen pressure, good. Oil pressure, good.
And the fuel is flowing.
We are set to go.
Okay, Tower, in position.
Ready for take off.
Roger. All systems go.
General Barnes. Connors and Jannick
are airborne in the SR71, sir.
-Radio frequency is open.
-Alright. Captain.
Let’s find this thing and blast it.
I got dinner plans tonight
if you know what I mean.
Orders are to get it back in one piece.
Minimum footprint.
Jannick, let me be honest with you.
You the last person I would have
picked to back me up.
You're not a pilot, you're a skydiver.
You bail at the first sign of trouble.
Ancient history, My man.
I got a lot of air under my wings
since then.
Yeah? Well just remember
my life’s in your hands.
And mine in yours, partner.
New toy here, my man.
Turn right going two five nine.
Turning right going two five nine.
Bingo CIO imaging the Nova.
Where?
Stand by. Triangulating
Nova's position.
Over the Thar Desert, in India.
It will take five minutes
for the fuel cells to recharge.
Right, Colonel.
Until then he can't go active.
-Blackbird, Edwards.
-This is Blackbird, go ahead.
Vince, we’ve get a fix on the Nova.
27 degrees, 31 minutes north,
by 69 degrees 27 minutes east...
on a heading of
two four-five. Over.
Roger that.
We’re on our way.
Here we go, may have something.
Going Infrared.
-Take her down for a visual.
-Descending to 45.
We have a positive IR signature
on the Nova Stealth Fighter.
Moving in for visual contact.
This is US SR71 Blackbird,
please land your aircraft immediately.
Got a lock.
Nova, please respond.
Please respond.
If you do not respond,
we'll be forced to fire.
Jannick, common. Help me out here.
Where's the visual?
It's hard to make a visual at Mag 2.
Where is he?
-He’s right behind us.
-Hold on.
-He’s gone.
-Dammit.
Where is he?
-Base, Connors.
-This is Edwards, go ahead.
We lost him.
He went active stealth.
Roger, Vince.
What's your status?
Sir, if you want us to continue
the search, we need to refuel.
Vince, there is 135 in your quadrant.
-Okay, I copy that.
-Okay, I have it.
Turning left to point zero eight.
This is 135, we have a visual
contact with Blackbird.
Moving in to begin refueling process.
135, you are locked in Blackbird.
Fueling Commencing.
-Fueling complete.
-Copy. Disengaging.
Hey, aren’t you guys
going to do the windows?
Approaching landing coordinates.
Approach vector locked in.
Magnificent.
Look at my beautiful new Nova plane.
Nice work, Ratcher.
Not yet.
Where’s my money?
A man with priorities.
I like that.
Half now.
The rest when we finish
our little bombing mission.
Next time you wear the mask.
Look at my beautiful plane.
Anything?
Negative.
Got something.
Take us to 70 degrees and drop us to 30.
70 degrees, drop to 30.
Confirmed sighting of the Nova.
Appears to be in Libya,
inside some kind of structure.
Coordinates, four seven
eight by three seven zero.
Repeat. Coordinates four seven
eight by three seven zero.
Positive heat signature.
Edwards, Connors.
Go ahead, Vince.
Jannick located the Nova.
Copy that, Vince.
There’s a deserted airstrip 7
clicks from those coordinates, sir.
The SR71 can land there.
Thank you, Colonel.
Vince, proceed to eight
seven three zero point two.
You can land there.
And avoid enemy detection.
Okay, proceeding to rendezvous.
Admiral Pendleton please, General Barnes.
Admiral Pendleton.
Admiral, we found the Nova
on the ground in Libya.
Copy that.
I’m sending in a pair of men
for recovery.
We need air support and intelligence
on who we’re dealing with.
Copy that, Pendleton out.
Starting landing site.
-Connors, Edwards.
-Copy.
We’re working on a tight decision cycle.
You’ve got twenty four hours
to get the plane back.
What happens then?
An aircraft carrier in the
Mediterranean will send in planes.
They’ll carpet bomb the area.
It’ll start a war, sir.
If we don’t get the plane
back in twenty four hours...
they’ll have a chance
to organize a first strike.
Or duplicate the Nova’s technology.
The Nova drove the balance of power in
their favor with nuclear strike capacity.
Good luck, men.
What do you got from
Interpol on these people?
They’re all part of a movement.
It’s tied to a radical middle
eastern terrorist group.
Well funded organized OP.
Their MO isn’t money, it’s domination of
the free world by any means necessary.
They’d use a nuclear bomb
without a second thought.
So they plan to nuke us.
I'm afraid that’s what we must assume.
There’s an airstrip here.
Bridge, small village.
We’re somewhere here.
Shit.
What are you thinking?
We move to plan B.
I want you to stick with the stealth.
I may need air support.
I need the pictures.
Now, Wait, wait, wait.
You think that’s a good idea?
Well, you got a better one?
Move.
You could give me a few minutes.
Shit.
The plane went down
somewhere over here. Vit!
Stay with the plane, that’s a great idea.
-Let's go.
-We go.
Ah shit.
-And there’s no response to radio calls?
-None at all, sir.
This is Admiral Pendleton US Navy.
We’ve lost all contact
with Connors and Jannick.
Sir, we’ve lost radio contact
with Connors and Jannick.
Damn.
Halt, stop or I will shoot.
According to the CIA this region is run
by the Graebner/Stone Terrorist Group.
They make Bahder-Minhoff look like
a bunch of school yard bullies.
I want everything the CIA has on them.
Right, sir.
What do we have here?
It looks like an American pilot.
So, Mr Pilot,
where is your plane?
I parachuted in.
I’m a sky diver.
You didn’t have to use this, eh?
I always land on my feet.
Where is the plane?
-Why don’t you kiss my ass?
-I will kill you.
What are you waiting for, asshole?
Sir. We found the plane.
An American SR71.
Stone, this is Elias.
What is it, Mr Elias?
We have found the pilot.
And an American SR71.
You found an American SR71?
Interesting.
Another man was seen near the woods.
We’re searching for him now.
-Bring in the pilot.
-And the SR71?
I'll bring it in.
It’s being taken care of,
Mr Elias.
CIA made me jump through
hoops for this stuff.
Okay, Petar Stone, son of
a wealthy industrialist.
Joined a skinhead faction at 16
where he met Jose Graebner...
Skip the bio’s, Colonel.
Okay, CIA has been monitoring
terrorist weapons buys,
lately there’s been a change in methods.
Which is?
They’ve been networking.
Forming buyers clubs.
What are you telling me, Colonel?
Terrorists are getting 10 percent
off on their guns?
No, sir, group like Graebner
and Stone are joining forces...
to buy weapons of mass destruction.
Nuclear?
At the very least, sir, they
could be chemical or biological.
-Pass me through to Admiral Pendleton.
-Yes, sir.
This is Admiral Pendleton, US Navy.
Yes, Admiral.
We’ve confirmed they have nukes.
Jesus. We can send in
our planes on a fly over.
Negative, Admiral.
I don’t want to spook those
people into hiding the plane.
If our team can’t get it back
we’ll have to go ahead with the bombing,
-Destroy it, and anyone who’s seen it.
-Copy that.
Thank you, Admiral.
Good evening, my friend.
I'm so glad you could make it.
My name is Mr Stone and this
is my associate, Mr Elias.
And your name is?
Asshole.
Yes. Mr asshole.
So please tell me, Mr Asshole.
I have some questions to ask you about
this Nova stealth fighter plane.
Oh, you just ask away.
You let me know when you are
ready to cooperate. Alright?
This is Stone, what is it?
We’ve located the other pilot. We
need help in searching the village.
I'll go take care of it.
Let’s go.
Elias is on his way.
Shit.
Don’t move.
Put up your hands.
Okay, okay.
Step away from the door.
Slowly.
Drop the gun.
Drop the bag.
Turn around.
Slowly.
Who are you?
Open the door.
One word and I'll kill
you, you understand?
One word.
Look at me.
The door, Mela.
A minute please.
Just a minute.
What do you want?
We are searching for an American spy.
I am the only one here.
We’ll see.
This American, has killed
many of my patrol.
Look if you want
but there is no man here.
But you have had men here
before, Mela, haven’t you?
That is none of your business.
Everything in this town is my business.
Graebner Stone’s business.
You have a lot of nice things
in this town, Mela.
I can take them away from you.
Leave you with nothing.
Except my love for you.
Is this what you are looking for?
Perhaps I can help you find what you want.
Maybe you would like this?
Yeah. What is it?
I will be there.
Our day will come.
Remember that.
You watch her. She’s a dissident,
she cannot be trusted.
Okay, let’s go.
Nice gun collection.
So you want to know why a...
Why a woman like me
would have so many guns.
Yeah.
Because of this filthy government.
They parcel out our land. They give our
towns and villages to these terrorists.
And then they just come in here
and they just take whatever they want.
So some of us are trying to stop them.
To take the government
away from the military...
and the terrorists and give...
And give it back to the people.
So you’re with the underground?
I am their leader.
Bring it up, Chris.
They haven’t budged.
I don’t get it.
11 hours, 52 minutes.
There’s still time.
Sir.
Are we really going to destroy
a 75 million dollar prototype
war plane if they fail?
I have no choice, Colonel.
You're insane.
Millions of people will die.
That’s the point.
That’s what we’re counting on.
Finally, you stupid Americans
with your free market invasion.
You will know what it’s like
to have your culture destroyed.
And from the ashes of
the corrupt western world,
we will build a new civilization.
Our primary target,
The Paris Peace Talks.
Presidents and Premiers
from all over the world will be on hand.
At first, they’ll think
it’s food poisoning.
But then within 12 hours
they’ll all be dead.
And thanks to your Nova Stealth fighter...
they'll never know what hit them.
Which will leave us free
to go on to our second target.
The State of Kansas.
What is it you call it?
The Heartland?
Well I hope they appreciate
our little heart attack.
You know, we’ll be flying in two days.
-It’s a pity you’ll be dead.
-We’ll see who'll be dead, asshole.
Maybe the arrogant American pilot...
knows something that I don’t know.
Maybe a smart man would
move his mission forward.
This is Stone, fuel the planes.
We fly this morning.
You people are too stupid
to fly that plane.
Ah yes, but I’ve thought of everything.
I’ve recently acquired
a very gifted American pilot.
Ratcher?
So how is my favorite student?
Shame you missed your funeral,
it was real touching.
I wasn’t talking about you, Richard.
How’s my old buddy Vince Connors?
I need to get to this airstrip,
right here.
This is a very difficult
region to get to now.
They have patrols guarding everywhere.
They will be searching for you.
There will be a check point right
here, and another one right here.
Yes, I know. And another
one right here.
Look, it’s almost morning.
I’m running out of time.
No, this is impossible in the daytime.
You will be captured, they'll kill you.
I will make it through.
That’s not what I wanted to hear.
You're being crazy.
Look, in six hours and
twenty eight minutes...
they're gonna carpet bomb this place.
Do you know what that means?
You are going to destroy my country.
Yes. Yes.
The decision, thank god,
I didn’t have to make.
And I’m sorry.
I’m truly sorry.
I’ve got to go.
Thank you.
Wait.
My cousin, Rojar, he has a fruit truck.
Who is it?
It is your cousin Rojar.
I bring you melons.
Rojar.
Oh, Rojari Ber.
Friend, you have American cigarettes?
You send me American cigarettes
we both make a lot of money.
Sure.
And Coca-cola.
Yea, get in here.
Get in Get in.
Hey, What are you doing?
Selling fresh produce.
Melons, oranges, onions.
Here. For you.
-American cigarettes?
-No.
I go before they spoil.
Jeber, produce king.
I want these armed and loaded now.
-How much longer?
-It’ll be ready.
Be in the air in one hour.
Hey, tell me, you like American cowboy?
Shut up, Rojar.
What about the check point?
Check point?
We drive straight through.
What if they search the truck?
Then we find out if old fruit cart
can out run motorcycles.
Good morning, General, I have
produce, fresh for your pilots.
I must hurry before the sun wilts them.
Let me see your papers.
You are not_a general, you’re a private.
Rojar Jeber, the produce king.
I deliver produce
to the colonel himself. Here.
-This is for you and your friend.
-Let’s check your cargo.
Don’t check my cargo. Don’t put
your dirty hands on my cargo.
Don’t you mix up everything,
chickpeas, carrots, onions, don’t!
-Should have put in new spark plugs.
-Fine.
-They’re gaining.
-You go like wind you ancient cart.
Rojar, drive faster.
Get my gun.
Get him,
Rojar, get him.
He’s gaining on us.
Dammit.
-Kick him.
-Yeah, but..
Use stranglehold.
Stop. Stop. Tum it around.
Turn it around.
What? Are you crazy?
Go back.
Right. Right.
There's only two hours left
on the clock, sir.
Is the carrier on station?
Yes, sir. The Admiral's giving the wing
commanders his final briefing right now.
Good.
Sir, I’ve got the best fighter pilots
waiting for immediate
departure on your command.
Our information leads us to believe
the President will upgrade
the situation to Defcon 3.
It is therefore imperative
that you take out Stone...
before the Nova can launch.
Make sure that you burn
it all, nothing left.
Sir, what’s our primary target?
Take out the airfield, the hangar
and any outbuildings in the vicinity.
Yes, sir.
Good luck, Lieutenant.
You may be out last line of defense.
Yes, sir, I’ll get my men
in the air immediately.
Get me the President.
The planes are out in the wide open.
Yeah.
They probably got Jannick in that hangar.
So why do you help this man?
Who is he to you? A friend?
Definitely not a friend.
You do not like this man but
you risk yourself to rescue him.
He’s my partner,
I'm not leaving without him.
Even if it kills you?
I’d rather die doing what’s right
than live doing what’s wrong.
You’re a good man.
I wish there were more men
like you in my country.
Thank you.
I thought the American cowboy
no kiss girl.
Sometimes they do.
Sir, Connors and Jannick
are still in the area.
I know, Colonel, they still
have two hours left.
We have to give them time
to get the Nova back intact.
If they do, I'll call it off.
If not...
This is squadron leader. Our ETA to.
Target is one hour four seven minutes.
Our orders are to roast and toast.
No survivors.
Patrol to Stone, Patrol to Stone.
What is it?
Sir, we are being attacked.
-It’s Connors.
-Come.
-You’re dead, Ratcher.
-Guard him.
You’re both dead.
Behind you!
-Mela.
-Yeah?
Mela.
Get up.
You two, Men, Come here!
You okay?
Never better.
You shouldn’t have come here.
You should have gotten your ass in that
plane and gotten the hell out of here.
Your life was in my hands, remember?
I didn’t tell them anything.
I know.
-Can you fly?
-Like a bird.
Good, I’m going to need cover
fire and that Nova’s no UAB.
Vince, Ratcher’s alive.
He stole the Nova, faked his own death.
How do you know that?
Because I saw the asshole.
He’s going to fly the
bombing mission for them.
He’s as sick as they are.
Shit. I got more ammo.
Let’s go.
Come on.
So, this is your day.
The day you die.
Ratcher, the plane. Go, go now.
Cover me. Shit.
Now. Move. Go.
Mela.
OK, ETA to target is two, three minutes.
Look alive guys, look sharp.
Keep your eagles open,
don’t want no surprises.
Jannick.
No.
No.
Jannick.
I’m about up now, partner.
Come on.
Common, we’re going.
No. You try to take me out of
here we’re both going to die.
No.
You give me the slaver.
Blow this place to hell.
Come on.
You give them hell, partner.
You give them, Hell.
Ratch.
Put the gun down.
I said put it down.
Vincent, nice to see you again.
-What the hell are you doing, Ratch?
-Getting rich.
Getting rich?
Do you know how much
I’m getting paid for this?
This is treason, Ratch.
This is treason.
Connors has escaped.
Let’s go take back our life.
Attention, GS squadron leader.
This is GS squadron leader.
The American has stolen my Nova plane.
Shoot him down.
I repeat, shoot him down.
Copy that, missile armed and ready.
Common!
Come on, come on.
My old friend Mr Jannick.
Not so arrogant now, huh?
Time to die, Captain.
Wait, I’ve got something for you.
Jannick’s little parting gift.
Courtesy of the United States Air Force.
Asshole.
Hey, Kemosabe.
Kemosabe.
We did it.
Edwards, this is Black Thunder.
Connors, do you read?
Vince, General Barnes.
Go ahead.
General, the good news
is I have the Nova.
I am at seventeen point
0 four three degrees east.
And the Tropic of the Cancer,
headed north.
Roger, Vince, copy that.
What's the bad news?
I'm carrying two big NBC bombs.
I’m afraid if I take a hit and go down
I take half a continent with me.
Roger, Vince, stand by one.
You were right, sir.
Those bombs have biological
capacity as well as nuclear.
Give me all the information on possible
fallout scenarios, Colonel.
Yes, sir.
Vince, we’ve got a squadron
five minutes east of you.
I can’t go east, I got Ratcher on my six.
Ratcher?
Ratcher’s dead.
No, sir, he faked his death
to steal the Nova.
Sorry. Sir, I’ve got to cut you out.
I got Ratcher on my tail.
You are entering French airspace,
please identify yourself.
If you do not identify yourself you
will be shot down. Do you understand?
Do not shoot, I repeat, do not shoot.
I'm an American Air Force pilot
being chased by unfriendly aircraft.
Vince, you’ve got to keep Ratcher
off your tail. Help’s on the way,
Just hold on for three more minutes.
Give it up, Vincent,
you know I’m the better pilot.
Hey, Ratchet, I’ve picked up a few tricks
since then, I think you’ll like them.
Tricks.
That’s all they are, Vincent.
I can out-fly you
in a school bus.
One well placed hit might
take the whole plane down.
Take Europe down.
Stone’s dead, Tom,
there’s no one to pay for this.
I’ve already been paid.
Have you perished, make nice the revenge.
Drop the load, Vincent,
I’ll let you live?
We could be partners.
Why fly against each other
when we can fly together?
Kill millions of people?
Come on, Ratch, for what?
For millions of dollars.
What do you care about those people?
From up here, they’re nothing.
So small you can’t even see them.
If you could get a hundred
dollars for each one who died.
Sorry, Tom, no deal.
I’m the one who’s sorry.
If Nova’s shot down over Europe
the gas will spread like this.
12 hours.
24 hours.
36 hours.
48 hours.
Jesus.
You can’t hit me cause
you can’t see me, Ratch.
I don’t have to see you, Vincent,
I just have to predict where you are.
Shit, heat seekers.
It’s right behind you, Connors.
Hey, Ratch.
You taught me, you taught Jannick.
But you forgot to teach yourself.
Edwards, this is Black Thunder.
Do you read?
Threat neutralized.
I'm on my way home.
Admiral, the situation is diffused.
You can call off your boys.
Great, great.
Mike, you can call off the B-3's.
The job has been taken care of.
And damn well
taken care of if I may say so.
Vince, great job.
Sony, red. Connors got them
this time, we’ll get them next time.
Let’s take it home.
-Good job, Colonel.
-You too, sir.
Let’s get a drink.
How are you doing?
Welcome back, Vince.
Sorry to hear about Captain Jannick.
Thank you, sir, he's a good man.
Vince, they’ll be a medal
in this for you.
Sir...
If anyone deserves a medal,
It’s Jannick.
Give it to him, sir.
Hell of a mission, sir.
I didn’t think he could pull it off.
You’re damn right, Colonel.
I hate to mention this now, sir,
but there’s one more thing.
Yes, what is it?
That SR71. It’s still out
in the Libyan desert, sir.
You're right.
And there’s only one man
who can go in and get it.
Oh, Vince.