F-16s for Ukraine and a low flying Phantom
Can the Viper turn the tide, and a fast, low-flying, record setting Phantom
“Go in close, and when you think you are too close, go in closer.”
-Thomas McGuire
On the Radar
As of this writing, Ukraine is receiving or will receive some 61 F-16s: 42 from the Netherlands, and 19 from Denmark. The acquisition includes pilot training, which will take place in the US and Europe. Although a relatively easy jet to fly, employing the vast range of weapons systems that the jet can use AND using the jet effectively will take time, some estimate 3 months or more.
The real question is: how effective will the jet be? While there have been some gains made by Ukranian forces in their summer counteroffensive, most experts agree that the counteroffensive has stalled. The inclusion of the F-16 into the conflict raises some interesting questions, and potential scenarios. I will take a deeper dive into this topic in the form of a video which will be released tomorrow (Wednesday) at 9AM Central US Time, be sure to check the channel!
This week in aviation history
28 August 1961: As part of the celebration of 50 years of Naval Aviation, the Navy sponsored a project known as Operation SAGEBURNER, designed to set new speed records at low altitudes. The aircraft to be used was none other than the F-4 Phantom, specifically a F4H-1F. The first attempt ended in tragedy when Commander J. L. Felsman was killed as a result of a pitch dampener failure which caused his Phantom to break up in flight and explode. The second attempt was performed on 28 August 1961 in F4H-1F BuNo 145307 flown by Lt. Huntington Hardisty with Lt. Earl De Esch as his RIO.
The Phantom flew at an average speed of 907.76 mph over a low altitude course at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. Incredibly, the maximum altitude reached during the speed run was just 125 feet. An incredible performance by two brave pilots.
It’s incredible to think that in just 50 years, we went from a mostly wood and fabric biplane landing on the aft deck of the armored cruiser USS Pennsylvania, to a Mach 2 F-4 Phantom. The advancements made in the first half century of US naval aviation were truly impressive.
Huntington Hardisty would go on to make admiral, and serving as the Vice Chief of Naval Operations, then Commander in Chief, United States Pacific Command. He would retire from the Navy in 1991 and passed away in 2003 aged 74.
In case you missed it
Getting back to the F-16, the jet is widely used by NATO countries, and parts commonality along with similar tactical doctrine likely played a role in the Nordic nations forming a combined air force:
Photo Outlet
Sticking with the F-16, here is the Viper Team’s jet performing a max power takeoff, and a school bus:
Parting Shots
Next week my focus will shift from fighter planes to a somewhat controversial transport, stay tuned!
That’s all for this week, thanks for reading! If you know a fellow aviation enthusiast that would enjoy these weekly newsletters, then please forward this along. Now you know!
-Tog