Heads Up! Fighter Pilot: The Real Top Gun
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Anyway...
Liking this thread and the series but a few of questions if I may.
I noticed in the F-35B hover the pilot was struggling to look over the cockpit sill at the landing spot and yet they mentioned earlier the helmet enabled then to view through the fuselage - did they forget about looking straight down?
I've not seen any evidence of simulators being used on the T2 or F-35 training - both of which I believe have extensive facilities or am I wrong?
Is it better to keep the head level with the horizon or the wings in turning flight?
I noticed in the F-35B hover the pilot was struggling to look over the cockpit sill at the landing spot and yet they mentioned earlier the helmet enabled then to view through the fuselage - did they forget about looking straight down?
I've not seen any evidence of simulators being used on the T2 or F-35 training - both of which I believe have extensive facilities or am I wrong?
Is it better to keep the head level with the horizon or the wings in turning flight?
At the risk of being misinterpreted, I’m pointing out it’s different being a “total warrior” flying a drone or an F-35, compared to say fighting hand to hand against a well trained male opponent set on killing you .
However,I would suggest when it comes to brains vs brawn, the female of our species is at a definite advantage.
However,I would suggest when it comes to brains vs brawn, the female of our species is at a definite advantage.
Last edited by hunterboy; 3rd Sep 2019 at 12:57. Reason: Spelling
At the risk of getting my head shot off again as I raise it above the parapet...
I was in the TA infantry before the RAF and for a short period the Infantry Training Centre at Catterick experimented with putting women in (TA-only) infantry roles. I can honestly say without glee that they struggled to reach the basic standards of fitness while carrying bergans, webbing and rifle over a week's field exercise. This was the mid-90s well before all roles were opened up.
Applying this experience to downed aircrew is hard as it is different to the infantry role (on your own (stand fast RW/ME), no heavy kit, possibly deep sausage-side, trying to E&E instead of actively closing with the enemy, etc). And I was never trained in hand-to-hand knife fighting...
I was in the TA infantry before the RAF and for a short period the Infantry Training Centre at Catterick experimented with putting women in (TA-only) infantry roles. I can honestly say without glee that they struggled to reach the basic standards of fitness while carrying bergans, webbing and rifle over a week's field exercise. This was the mid-90s well before all roles were opened up.
Applying this experience to downed aircrew is hard as it is different to the infantry role (on your own (stand fast RW/ME), no heavy kit, possibly deep sausage-side, trying to E&E instead of actively closing with the enemy, etc). And I was never trained in hand-to-hand knife fighting...
Thanks for the vote of confidence but I suspect my ageing body would be unable to withstand the rigours. And I never understood BFM or ACM even in the Tonka so there's no chance. I'm still hopeful for a pax ride though.
At the risk of getting my head shot off again as I raise it above the parapet...
I'm sure someone will fix that for you JAJ. Now you've mentioned it....
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57mm
Not quite sure that is the correct use for oxymoron?
Any way, In the Tornado (any variant) BFM/ACM was essential since the aircraft's turning performance was so poor. Typhoon, F35 and beyond, with a HMS and ASRAAM the requirement for conventional combat is far reduced.
Back to "Fighter Pilot" - Is tonight going to prove that AAR is NOT dangerous or are we to witness some more jousting using poor technique?
BFM or ACM in the Tonka, even in the F3, was an oxymoron
Any way, In the Tornado (any variant) BFM/ACM was essential since the aircraft's turning performance was so poor. Typhoon, F35 and beyond, with a HMS and ASRAAM the requirement for conventional combat is far reduced.
Back to "Fighter Pilot" - Is tonight going to prove that AAR is NOT dangerous or are we to witness some more jousting using poor technique?
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While AAR might be described as pushing wet spaghetti up a reluctant cat's arse, and having been 'in prod' on occassion for upwards of 20 minutes, it was work, but hardly any more dangerous than any other form of close formation.
That's what get's me about media luvvie edited series like this, the almost hysterical commentary.
That's what get's me about media luvvie edited series like this, the almost hysterical commentary.
ExAscoteer
Try and find a friend who has nothing to do with aviation and ask them what they think of AAR.
Explain to this person that AAR involves plugging a small tube into a small receptacle whilst flying at hundreds of miles an hour in all weathers. Watch their face and see what they think of it.
To those of us that have done it we are aware that it is a skill that can be practiced and becomes almost routine.
The programme is not intended to explain AAR to us though is it? It is trying to explain it to the wide eyed public who think what we do is a black art.
If the producers made a dry, emotionless programme to please pilots it wouldn’t get funded.
Surely this isn’t too hard to understand?
BV
Explain to this person that AAR involves plugging a small tube into a small receptacle whilst flying at hundreds of miles an hour in all weathers. Watch their face and see what they think of it.
To those of us that have done it we are aware that it is a skill that can be practiced and becomes almost routine.
The programme is not intended to explain AAR to us though is it? It is trying to explain it to the wide eyed public who think what we do is a black art.
If the producers made a dry, emotionless programme to please pilots it wouldn’t get funded.
Surely this isn’t too hard to understand?
BV
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BV, thankyou for your condescending reply. 
My point being is that it is not necessary to ramp up 'Ooh AAR is the most dangerous thing you can do in Military Aviation' (it isn't as I am sure you are aware), but maybe to discuss it in a non-hysterical way.
Surely that isn’t too hard to understand?
My point being is that it is not necessary to ramp up 'Ooh AAR is the most dangerous thing you can do in Military Aviation' (it isn't as I am sure you are aware), but maybe to discuss it in a non-hysterical way.
Surely that isn’t too hard to understand?
ExAscoteer
I didn’t think I was being condescending. Sarcastic maybe.
Anyway, the producers are trying to attract viewers who watch Love Island and X Factor.
Whilst the style may seem annoying to you, it must be what the perceived audience wants.
Honestly, whilst I have whinced at a couple of moments, I think the programme has been very good. I think everyone in it has come across very well.
As for ‘Danners’, I don’t envy her having to put herself out there on national TV. She will have known the attention it would attract and probably didn’t ask to be put in the position.
BV
Anyway, the producers are trying to attract viewers who watch Love Island and X Factor.
Whilst the style may seem annoying to you, it must be what the perceived audience wants.
Honestly, whilst I have whinced at a couple of moments, I think the programme has been very good. I think everyone in it has come across very well.
As for ‘Danners’, I don’t envy her having to put herself out there on national TV. She will have known the attention it would attract and probably didn’t ask to be put in the position.
BV
The only snowflake here is you, bringing your weird language of 6th-Form victimhood and gender studies to a grownup forum.
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Never criticise another pilot’s AAR. You are only ever a ‘spokes’ away from eating humble pie...
Hat’s off to all my Navs who sat in the back while I lunged, jabbed, chased, and generally made life difficult for us.
But I never missed. Obvs ��
Hat’s off to all my Navs who sat in the back while I lunged, jabbed, chased, and generally made life difficult for us.
But I never missed. Obvs ��
