Eddie1
130
Piloting skills and reliable weaponry/ordnance - both are indeed needed.
Dec 07, 2019,02:13 AM
Definitely stressful to go on active duty knowing the questionable reliability of your weapons/ordnance.
I believe when the F4 Phantoms first went into battle in the Vietnam war, the pilots then had similar issues with their Sparrow missiles. And without a gun to fall back on. I understand air battle losses early on in that conflict led to the formation of the "Top Gun" programme/school featured in the movie of the same name. I don't know if the idea of "I'll hit the brakes and he'll fly right by" is drawn from real life events that happened in the Vietnam war - if you have not already seen it, watch History Channel's Dogfight 14 MiG Killers of the USS Midway. On the youtube clip, from 24:00 - 38:00, an incredible engagement, and superb piece of flying by the F4 pilots - tumbling/somersaulting a fighter jet and then later on, putting on the brakes for the MiG to fly by. Man, imagine the G-Forces as well and keeping your mind focused after being whipped around.
My respect and admiration to you guys who pilot such planes, and gratitude for your service. Have a good weekend.
P/S - sorry to digress away from watches in a watch forum, but wanted to share re the incredibly skilled F4-MiG engagement.
PP/S - Hope the introduction of the F-35 is not following the introduction of the F4.....