BATTLE OF PALMDALE - 60 years ago today.
and the initial intercept occurred at 30,000 ft., the F6F drone was probably doing less than 300 kts. The F-89D Scorpion was capable of just over 550 kts in level flight.
(BTW in the apples and oranges department, 550 kts cal is 1.36 mach at 30K)
Join Date: Mar 2010
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sandiego89 ... I have no doubt that the USAF had/has some very capable aircraft and indeed crews. I was thinking more in the context of their employment in CONUS, where perhaps they got/get rather less practice than we did/do in the UK.
Apologies if my comment caused offence.
PS: Glad to see the VA weather is cooling down a bit. Arriving 31 Aug for 2 weeks vacation/shopping in Alexandria
Apologies if my comment caused offence.
PS: Glad to see the VA weather is cooling down a bit. Arriving 31 Aug for 2 weeks vacation/shopping in Alexandria
I'm intrigued at the sort of spin that glorifies a whole series of ignominiously unsuccessful (bungled) slow time, unopposed attacks with state-of-the-art weaponry wielded by alleged specialists on a totally unresponsive target in broad daylight as a "battle".
Battle for credibility perhaps...
Battle for credibility perhaps...
sandiego89 ... I have no doubt that the USAF had/has some very capable aircraft and indeed crews. I was thinking more in the context of their employment in CONUS, where perhaps they got/get rather less practice than we did/do in the UK.
Apologies if my comment caused offence.
PS: Glad to see the VA weather is cooling down a bit. Arriving 31 Aug for 2 weeks vacation/shopping in Alexandria
Apologies if my comment caused offence.
PS: Glad to see the VA weather is cooling down a bit. Arriving 31 Aug for 2 weeks vacation/shopping in Alexandria
No worries, thank you. Yes I think you will find there were some quality crews, and yes perhaps they did not get as many real intercepts, and fortunately no chance to sling Genies at a real massive bomber hoard coming over the top, but they knew what they were doing.
It has indeed cooled down. You should make a point to get to the Smithsonian Udvar Hazy complex near Dulles airport- not to be missed. Enjoy the visit!- Dave
Join Date: Mar 2010
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Cheers sandiego89 ... This will be our 22nd vacation in the area, so guess what ... been there, done that [and revisited the rather lesser one in the District last year]
I'm intrigued at the sort of spin that glorifies a whole series of ignominiously unsuccessful (bungled) slow time, unopposed attacks with state-of-the-art weaponry wielded by alleged specialists on a totally unresponsive target in broad daylight as a "battle".
Battle for credibility perhaps...
Battle for credibility perhaps...
Perhaps consider it as sarcasm rather than spin or glorification. Note the "Battle of Los Angeles" also commonly known as the "Great Los Angeles Air Raid" a few years prior, which may have been UFO's, the Japanese, balloons or perhaps much to do about nothing..... https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Los_Angeles
