Old NFO, the USAF got C/L pods that worked. Bob Titus got one of his three MiG kills with a SUU-16. And Dee Simmonds got two with a SUU-23. I spent four years flogging an F-4C out of Torrejon and averaged around 80% strafe scores with a SUU-23. And I could regularly shoot 85-90% with a SUU-11 mini on an AT-38.
The issue isn't about getting a pod to shoot, it is about drag and a centerline that can be more productively used for 600 gallons of fuel or six Mk-82s.
An old rule but a good one: A "Fighter" has one engine, one seat and a gun. There are few exceptions.
I remember Ed, and I know how frustrated both our guys and the Marines were over the lack of guns. Hell, they didn't want to give up the F-8! By the way, your book on Robin Olds is STILL a best seller in the Exchanges world-wide! I've seen it from Italy to Japan to Bahrain!!!
@ASM: OK, I didn't recognize it because Valiant is doing a massive restoration on that one. I was out there two years ago last and it was in the paint shop getting all prettied up. Thanks for that. I LUV Valiant Air Command--their collection rocks and their restore standards are phenomenal.
I love those old F-4s ... I guess my age is showing.
ReplyDeleteOne of my all time favorite airplanes. Dad was based where a whole bunch were at one time. Still remember the sight and sound as a kid.
ReplyDeleteThem and the Thuds (F105). . . proof that even a brick will fly if you give it enough thrust.
ReplyDeleteBut every single Phantom driver I ever run across during my AF days seemed to like the old bird quite a bit.
The ones that transitioned out of the Phantom and into the Eagles and Falcons, however, never looked back.
--AOA
Never mind any of those Phantom jets!
ReplyDeleteI don't want a Phantom jet, I want a Real one!
That is a VX-4 bird from Pacific Missle Test Center Pt. Magu...
ReplyDeletemissile .... one of these damn days I will learn to spell em, not just shoot em...
ReplyDeleteI'm in for 20 bucks if you promise me an ordinance run on Code Pink HQ.
ReplyDeleteI'll take one with a gun if you don't mind. Navy never did get it right!
ReplyDeleteI would like to own a Big Ugly Fat Fellow aka a B-52
ReplyDeleteI think they said of the F4 that it proved that given enough power even a brick could fly.
ReplyDeleteTrue Ed, but at least we DID get a centerline pod that worked... :-)
ReplyDeleteCould I borrow that for deer season in November?
ReplyDeleteDann in Ohio
Old NFO, the USAF got C/L pods that worked. Bob Titus got one of his three MiG kills with a SUU-16. And Dee Simmonds got two with a SUU-23. I spent four years flogging an F-4C out of Torrejon and averaged around 80% strafe scores with a SUU-23. And I could regularly shoot 85-90% with a SUU-11 mini on an AT-38.
ReplyDeleteThe issue isn't about getting a pod to shoot, it is about drag and a centerline that can be more productively used for 600 gallons of fuel or six Mk-82s.
An old rule but a good one: A "Fighter" has one engine, one seat and a gun. There are few exceptions.
I remember Ed, and I know how frustrated both our guys and the Marines were over the lack of guns. Hell, they didn't want to give up the F-8! By the way, your book on Robin Olds is STILL a best seller in the Exchanges world-wide! I've seen it from Italy to Japan to Bahrain!!!
ReplyDeletePhantom airframe 155563 is currently housed at Valiant Air Command Air Museum, Space Center Executive Airport, Titusville, Florida, United States
ReplyDeleteHere's a link: 155563
@ASM: OK, I didn't recognize it because Valiant is doing a massive restoration on that one. I was out there two years ago last and it was in the paint shop getting all prettied up. Thanks for that. I LUV Valiant Air Command--their collection rocks and their restore standards are phenomenal.
ReplyDeletePlus you can touch 'em.