Pegasus,
Your friend was not far off the truth. However because the F6 was limited to M2.0 (directional stability) this could be achieved (just) without AAR. Indeed it was part of conversion to type when first joining an F6 squadron. In my case the sortie lasted 40' and as I recall was from abeam Wick to abeam Leuchars. It was the first and last time that I ever flew at M2.0 This was before the installation of the ventral gun pack with its associated reduction in fuel load and extra drag. Might have been a bit more knife-edge thereafter.
Last edited by nipva; 25th Feb 2017 at 09:11.