Delete comment from: Elements Of Power
I worked on the F-4C/D models for 6 years before cross training to the F-16A/B. (Yeah, I'm old.) On the F-4 I was WCS; on the F-16 I was A-Shop initially and later was all avionics qualified (A, B and C shops).
I never got a ride in the F-4, but in a way that was OK. Seven ejection-seat/canopy safety pins IIRC. We had a saying back then - "you can meet your Maker in a Martin-Baker." I did log 1.5 hours in a VTANG F-16B; that was a 3 v 2 DACT mission over Yankee-Laser airspace against 2 Navy A-4s flying out of Brunswick NAS, Maine. (I TOLD you I was old - LOL!)
But your point that ejections are a last-ditch effort to survive is spot on! My F-16 pilot gave me an impromptu ejection briefing, and that's when the reality of what I was about to do sank in. The DACT mission went well, we logged our landing, and three days later the silly grin wore off my face.
I just found your blog and I like it. Keep up your good work trying to educate the uninformed; I wish you the best! Sam S, MSgt, USAF (Retired)
Nov 17, 2015, 5:47:00 PM
Posted to Twisting F-35 Factoids to Spread Untruth? I Smell POGO