Mohammed Rayyan
Iraqi fighter pilot and flying ace
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Colonel Mohammed Rayyan (1955–1986) was an Iraqi fighter pilot and flying ace during the Iran–Iraq War. He scored 5 air combat kills and was the most successful MiG-25 pilot.[1][2]
Mohammed Rayyan | |
|---|---|
| |
| Nickname | Sky Falcon |
| Born | 1955 |
| Died | 1986 (aged 30–31) Iran/Iraq Border region |
| Allegiance |  Iraq |
| Branch |  Iraqi Air Force |
| Service years | 1977–1986 |
| Rank | .svg){kind=small} Colonel |
| Unit | 47th Squadron |
| Conflicts | Iran–Iraq War † |
Rayyan, while only a Flight Lieutenant and flying a MiG-21MF, claimed two (later confirmed) kills against Iranian F-5 Freedom Fighters in 1980.[1] Later a Captain, he qualified on the MiG-25P in 1981 and claimed 5 more victories (3 verified by western sources). Most of his victories were F-4 Phantoms.[1] Having flown the MiG-25 was evidence of his considerable skill, as Soviet "advisers" were stationed in Iraq specifically to limit access to this advanced jet, and only the best pilots flew them.[2][3]
In 1986, having attained the rank of Colonel, Rayyan was shot down and killed by Iranian Air Force (IRIAF) Grumman F-14 Tomcats.[1]
