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Post by lindel on Jan 23, 2008 7:14:58 GMT 9
Correct me if I'm wrong, but wasn't the Six that set the single engine speed record the back up aircraft, and not "tuned"?
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Post by daoleguy A.J. Hoehn (deceased) on Jan 23, 2008 7:24:30 GMT 9
This might be a bit off topic, but related to fly offs of aircraft types for show and demonstration. In the mid-70's I was stationed at Anfrews AFB. The F-15 was the latest whiz-bang aircraft to be unvieled. Of course what a better convincing element than bringing it to DC to show it off for a few days to Brass and Congress.
The plane did look impressive fully loaded and presented with the total weapons loads infront of it (Ya know the pic with all the stuff neatly arranged). Of course so did the F-4 parked nearby with the same presentation. The morning of the show and tell was the typical deal. Pictures and crap of the VIPs near the F-15, in the cockpit, etc. They even handed out very nice desk display models to the VIPs before braking to the O'Club for lunch.
In the next hour and a half the F-15 prepared the aircraft for flight. EVERYTHING was stipped off the aircraft, tanks, pylons and whatnot. The F-4 on the other hand was left with tanks and exterior fittings. Also the F-15 was polished and shone brilliantly in the sun. The F-4 was the standard finish and not gussied up. By the time the spectators for the fly-off arrived both aircraft had been moved to an area a bit further away for start up. I guess the distance was to lessen the obvious configuration differences.
Both aircraft lined up on the runways and prepared to launch. On queue both pilots kicked their aircraft into "getty-up" and began takeoff roll. Needless to say the F-15 streaked (pardon the pun) out into the lead and was airborne about the time the F-4 rotated. The rest is history. The F-15 screamed straight up and out of sight as the old smoking F-4 lumbered in pursuit. It was impressive and drew applause.
All this time we weenies were chatting it up with the demo crews. The whole show was a total setup. The F-4 was as dirty as possible in configuration and carried a full load of fuel. The F-15 was completely clean and fueled with enough to make the demo flight look good. In a way it reminded me of the old story of how a women looks better after a few brews. They sure snookered the VIPs withn their so-called equal fly-off.
AJ
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Bullhunter
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318th FIS Jet Shop 1975-78
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Post by Bullhunter on Jan 23, 2008 12:12:59 GMT 9
Neet description of the event. And I fully believe it. Got to grease the contract some how. $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
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