A quite stunning chain of events and I concur with the knowledgeable comments above. Clearly there can be a requirement to achieve LoS below the weather for a pure LGB delivery and yes, I have done so in some particularly punk weather, but I have quite a few caveats to add.
I have only ever done so when:
- Flying in a 2 seat jet
- Practicing low level a few times a week
- Current in low level weapons delivery
- Achieving currencies in pod work at medium level first
- Properly supervised by an auth/supervisor who is fully aware of all aspects of the flight profile
- Properly debriefed with a QWI with reference to HUD, head-down and pod imagery
One of my take-away points from this accident is that the squadron supervisors had little or no idea of the risk or of the flight profiles being attempted by a well-meaning sub-set of their pilots. If you do not practice and remain current in low-level tactical flying then there is no justifiable reason to even attempt low-level weapons delivery of any kind. Madness.