Pop quiz

panzergator · Post by **panzergator** » Fri Apr 10, 2020 9:16 am

Nope, That was mutual attraction.

mike robel · Post by **mike robel** » Fri Apr 10, 2020 9:48 am

F-111A for the USAF and B for the Navy. Only the USAF version was ever produced and entered combat in Viet Nam. The only other country to use them was Austrailia.

It was more correctly a fighter-bomber.

panzergator · Post by **panzergator** » Fri Apr 10, 2020 10:25 am

Its original designation, when SecDef McNamara insisted that both the Air Force and Navy could use the same plane, was TFX - Tactical Fighter, Experimental. It BECAME a fighter -bomber as it developed. Multi-role was the way to go in the 1960s. There was a courageous admiral who testified that there was no way in Hell the TFX would EVER be a Navy plane. But the swing-wing was carried over to one that would - the F-14.

7.62 · Post by **7.62** » Fri Apr 10, 2020 10:55 am

I always wonder if GD ever landed one (F-111) on a carrier? Anyone know?
Having seen the AF bounce them in and out of the UK a lot, I never believed it was possible to safely work any version of those things off a boat but what would I know.

Fun fact, I was detained on the ramp at gun point at Upper Heyford in the early 80's.
Too much fun but that is a tail that will require beer to be told.

chrisswim · Post by **chrisswim** » Fri Apr 10, 2020 10:58 am

PG, good post on TFX, thank you for sharing.

panzergator · Post by **panzergator** » Fri Apr 10, 2020 11:14 am

Thanx, Chris.

The F111 was big, and it did demonstrate that a big plane was possoble, whoch was fortunate, because the Phoenix missile was a heavy system and it took a lot of airplane to carry the missiles and radar, as well as all the other stuff to make it go. The F14 was built to support it. I am still surprised the Navy let it go. I don't think tbe tradeoffs were worth it. It was a world-beater.

chrisswim · Post by **chrisswim** » Fri Apr 10, 2020 11:18 am

PG, as I have read and discussed keeping the F-14 flying was getting more expensive, more hours and parts. Systems did not work as well. I do not know if they could have gutted them and put in new stuff with upgrades. I thought is was great, certainly for what its role was, hunt bear from a distance.

panzergator · Post by **panzergator** » Fri Apr 10, 2020 5:38 pm

Fall of the Wall. "Peace dividend.".

panzergator · Post by **panzergator** » Sat Apr 11, 2020 12:56 am

You can watch an F111B land on US S Coral Sea on YouTube. It had already been cancelled, but 're trial had been paid for.

7.62 · Post by **7.62** » Sat Apr 11, 2020 1:16 am

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UxDV9y5Is64

Now that is impressive! A little tight getting it down the elevator.
Approach speeds in the landing configuration seem very modest. Looks like at least one cat with dry power only! Very good for the day.
Cheers.

redleg · Post by **redleg** » Sat Apr 11, 2020 3:50 am

If I'm not mistaken, somebody landed a C-130 on a carrier once. I think it was the Forrestal?

redleg · Post by **redleg** » Sat Apr 11, 2020 3:50 am

If I'm not mistaken, somebody landed a C-130 on a carrier once. I think it was the Forrestal?

7.62 · Post by **7.62** » Sat Apr 11, 2020 4:10 am

Yes I remember seeing that one. Also at about the same time they did the U2.
I think it was the same carrier judging by the deck marking painted straight down the full length of the boat.

redleg · Post by **redleg** » Sat Apr 11, 2020 4:21 am

I didn't know about the U2! I think I need to make a new aircraft carrier model! Anybody know where I can get 1/2400 scale C-130 and U-2? The land-based aircraft pack already has F-111 right?

panzergator · Post by **panzergator** » Sun Apr 12, 2020 9:21 am

This battle occurred the same decade as Little Bighorn. The odds in favor of the natives were SO much better than even the Cheyenne had. The rifles used by the invader were much better than those used by the 7th Cavalry. The invader was in a vulnerable position and was completely overwhelmed by the native forces. What was the battle, who were the opponents, what was the date?

For the technical among you, you can tell the first M60 model from all the other models by looking at the side of the hull and without looking at the turret. How?

And the last question... What's the significance of "35mm?"