Phantom Phriday
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
From: Somerset
The Red Arrows and 3 x TWCU Tornado GR1 visited the USA in May 83 and gave a number of display. The TWCU aircraft also flew low-level missions from Andrews AFB and Goose Bay, and appeared at the Andrews AFB Open House that year.
I was a FGCS/CODA tech on TWCU at the time and couldn't believe my luck landing this det. We went out and back on an Albert full of GSE so not much legroom. We staged through Gander outbound and Goose on the way back. At Goose we were treated to the sight of the space shuttle departing piggybacked atop its 747 (think I have a pic of that somewhere). There was no accommodation on base at Andrews so we had to slum it at the Camp Springs Holiday Inn
The aircraft just happened to be lined up together on the ramp that day so thinking you don't see those together that often, snapped them with my Instamatic.
Joined: Jul 2007
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 1,090
Likes: 83
From: Germany
I remember reading a first hand report by the pilot of the very impressive picture in post 163. He went on to command an aircraft carrier in the first gulf war and retired as an admiral. As I remember from his very honest report he was flying the display single pilot and in the heat of the moment forgot to put the gear down. Use of afterburner failed to resolve the situation.
I thought maybe tiseo, but I've never seen one and thought it would be pod mounted, also thought it was an F14 toy. 
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Land of The F4 Phantom, USA
Sand Dozer's photo
Hello everyone. I wanted to say how much I enjoy reading all the stories you have shared especially the Phantom. I found the Vulcan thread a jewel as well. Can somebody explain the reason for the "open doors" on the tunnel back towards the rear of the engines? Thanks in advance, Troy
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,110
Likes: 291
From: Nevada, USA
TISEO
P6 Driver,
I realize you jest, but TISEO was a bit more than a "camera".
In Vietnam, the ROE required a visident of a MiG before engaging BVR with Sparrow. Most engagements began head-on and Sparrow could be fired at a maximum of 10 miles and a minimum of 3 miles. However, head-on, the MiGs were much smaller and harder to see even with a radar lock achieved. With closure rates approaching a mile every 3 seconds, by the time the Phantom crew had a positive visident on the MiG, it was already too late to fire a Sparrow. TISEO had a 4x and 10x magnification and displayed the image on the WSO's radar display. When the WSO had a radar lock, he could command the TISEO to track the target and then switch to 10x magnification for a visident while the MiG was still in the firing envelope of the Sparrow missile.
I realize you jest, but TISEO was a bit more than a "camera".
In Vietnam, the ROE required a visident of a MiG before engaging BVR with Sparrow. Most engagements began head-on and Sparrow could be fired at a maximum of 10 miles and a minimum of 3 miles. However, head-on, the MiGs were much smaller and harder to see even with a radar lock achieved. With closure rates approaching a mile every 3 seconds, by the time the Phantom crew had a positive visident on the MiG, it was already too late to fire a Sparrow. TISEO had a 4x and 10x magnification and displayed the image on the WSO's radar display. When the WSO had a radar lock, he could command the TISEO to track the target and then switch to 10x magnification for a visident while the MiG was still in the firing envelope of the Sparrow missile.
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,110
Likes: 291
From: Nevada, USA
QF-4E Display - 2011
QF-4E display at Luke AFB, AZ in 2011 - video by You Tube user spencerhughes2255: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXtVCNZ6MVw
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 128
Likes: 2
From: Dunfermline
Aux Air doors
Reasonably comprehensive explanation here . . . The UK variant was fitted with Rolls Royce Spey two shaft turbofans and required the additional two doors aft.
https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=...20door&f=false
https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=...20door&f=false
Last edited by sandozer; 7th April 2015 at 17:46.
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
From: Belfast
Phantom Help!
First of all apologies for the intrusion from a non military poster.
The Ulster Aviation Society is currently dismantling FG1 xt864 at Leuchars, would anyone have manuals or copies of manuals or first hand knowledge that would assist us with separating the fuselage/wing. We are unsure if we are removing more than required, therefore slowing down the job.
The Ulster Aviation Society is currently dismantling FG1 xt864 at Leuchars, would anyone have manuals or copies of manuals or first hand knowledge that would assist us with separating the fuselage/wing. We are unsure if we are removing more than required, therefore slowing down the job.
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,110
Likes: 291
From: Nevada, USA
Buc Driver,
You could try contacting these guys via their "Forum" - some might even live near you if you check "Members": Home of The Phantomeers
You could try contacting these guys via their "Forum" - some might even live near you if you check "Members": Home of The Phantomeers