Ground effect
An Iraqi flying a Mirage F1 came upon a US EF-111A Raven at low level, and pursued it. As a bit of background to this, the Mirage is a reasonably decent aircraft at low level, but the EF-111A is something else. It's an unarmed electronic warfare version of the F-111 Aardvark, and has terrain following radar, which enables it to fly at Mach 1 or more, 60 metres above the ground (that's about 0.4 seconds away from the ground), while the pilot watches the view. It's one of the fastest aircraft in the world at low level. Maybe this Iraqi didn't know anything about the F-111, but he decided that it looked like an easy target, and pursued it at very low level.
The EF-111 crew were credited with a kill when the Iraqi (not surprisingly) slammed into the ground.
There can't be too many occasions when an unarmed aircraft scores a kill.
An aviation story for you to enjoy
Moderator: Vincent
An aviation story for you to enjoy
"We only have a short time to live, so it is essential to do things that are worthwhile and to do them now."Lord Baden-Powell
U.S Space Camp - 1982-1988
Aviation Challenge Staff /Program Manager - 1996-2004
Knight 3, Commander 77th TFS 1999-2004
U.S Space Camp - 1982-1988
Aviation Challenge Staff /Program Manager - 1996-2004
Knight 3, Commander 77th TFS 1999-2004
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Sandrat
- Counselor
- Posts: 588
- Joined: Thu Oct 23, 2003 5:58 pm
- Location: Defending the frontier, pilgrim
Unguided Rocket Pod Kill
During Vietnam, one of the primary weapons deployed for aircraft in an attack role was a pod of 2.5*57mm Folding Fin Aerial Rockets. These pods were slung on every thing from helicopters to jets, and were a common weapon.
During a transit flight from Da Nang to the USS Oriskany Battle Group, two A-4D Skyhawks were engaged by a MiG-17 at low level. The Skyhawk (or Scooter) is one of the fastest and most maneuverable jets at low level ever built. They were used as the aggressor aircraft at Top Gun for years (and are featured in the movie, too).
This MiG pilot jumps the two Scooters, who break. The MiG converges on the leader, while the trailing Skyhawk rejoins the fight in pursuit. After a little maneuevering, the Skyhawk pilot in the trailing aircraft is pumping gun rounds to no effect. He has a "what the hell" moment and squeezes off a burst of completely unguided, point and shoot rockets.
The MiG goes down. One of the funnier aerial victories ever.
During Vietnam, one of the primary weapons deployed for aircraft in an attack role was a pod of 2.5*57mm Folding Fin Aerial Rockets. These pods were slung on every thing from helicopters to jets, and were a common weapon.
During a transit flight from Da Nang to the USS Oriskany Battle Group, two A-4D Skyhawks were engaged by a MiG-17 at low level. The Skyhawk (or Scooter) is one of the fastest and most maneuverable jets at low level ever built. They were used as the aggressor aircraft at Top Gun for years (and are featured in the movie, too).
This MiG pilot jumps the two Scooters, who break. The MiG converges on the leader, while the trailing Skyhawk rejoins the fight in pursuit. After a little maneuevering, the Skyhawk pilot in the trailing aircraft is pumping gun rounds to no effect. He has a "what the hell" moment and squeezes off a burst of completely unguided, point and shoot rockets.
The MiG goes down. One of the funnier aerial victories ever.
"You made a fool out of young lieutenants. That's not against Army regulations."
CPT Nathan C. Brittles
US Cavalry
CPT Nathan C. Brittles
US Cavalry