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TonyMac · 02-08-2018, 01:13 PM

Backseater in the F-4E air superiority at Ramstien, 81-83. Then F-4G Wild Weasel at George, 84-89. Phinaly Phlight Test/PDM at Hill 89-92, flying all models of the F-4. Got out for a while, went back to the C-130H3 Slicks with the Wyoming Air National Guard, 2002-2015. 10 Combat deployments to OEF/OIF/OND.

TonyMac · 02-08-2018, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FL420

IIRC, it's okay to spin the little rollers on the tail fins of an AIM 9 but not okay to spin the little propeller on the front of a MK 82. [emoji33]

Did I get that right? Correct me if I'm wrong.[emoji13]

Nope, you got that right. The aim-9 rollers acted like gyros to stabilize the aim-9. They were sharp, don't cut yourself.

The propeller on the front of the bomb armed the fuse -- not good.

wayneroe · 02-09-2018, 12:31 AM

26+ years in USAF, retired in '96. F-4D Weapons Control Sytems Tech from '66-70 at George, Clark, and Mt. Home. Separated in Jan 70 and went back to college, then returned through OTS in Dec 73. Completed Undergratuate Navigator Training and Navigator-Bombardier Training, served several years as a B-52G Radar Navigator, the worked in Radar Bomb Scoring, and last 6 years as a war planner. Enjoyed my time as a WCS guy and never lost my love for the Phantom.

After retiring, I worked for a contractor at Scott AFB, IL for another 20 years. As I was walking across the commissary parking lot with a co-worker to buy lunch one day, I heard an aircraft noise I hadn't heard in years. I said, "That's an F-4." He said, "What are you talking about? There aren't any F-4s any more." I said, "Trust me, that is an F-4. There us not another airplane anyplace that sounds like that." All of a sudden two of them appeared from behind the trees and flew right over us. Turns out they were part of a vintage aircraft team for the base open house the previous weekend and were on their way home. Almost made me feel young again.

flywithcoop · 02-09-2018, 06:45 AM

it's okay to spin the little rollers on the tail fins of an AIM 9 but not okay to spin the little propeller on the front of a MK 82.

I have scars on my back from those Aim 9 fins. Damn things were sharp. Did hundreds of AN/AWM-20 tests on the WCS system. Have also replaced those little eyeballs on the 20 checker due to delicately applied force. LOL
Ubon, Holloman, Udorn, Luke, Clark, Homestead, Spangdahlem ABs working on F4s. After Spang went to Norton to work PMEL.

mhudson · 02-09-2018, 07:06 AM

Never around any F-4’s except as a teenager I used to park on the hill above Birmingham AL airport in the late 60’s and watch the Alabama ANG F-4’s practice touch and go Landings on the weekends. Was sure impressive to a 15 year old! I think they were a aerial reconnaissance unit.

skypilot_1 · 02-10-2018, 04:22 AM

Worked for McDonnell (before Douglas) flight test at Edwards AFB. F-4K (FG.1), F4-M (FGR.2). Major dif was RR Spey engines and extendable nose strut to increase AOA on carrier launches. Also did flight test on the first F-4E gun mod. 1967-68

Phantom II "World's largest distributor of MiG parts"

VSPA · 02-10-2018, 04:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skypilot_1

Phantom II "World's largest distributor of MiG parts"

Very good, I had not heard that one before!

F4Gary · 02-11-2018, 03:25 PM

USAF F4 nose gunner checking in. Flew the E model. RTU at MacDill in '75, and then was stationed in Holland '76-'78.
Then I got FAC'd.

Long live the Spook!

Badd Andy · 02-11-2018, 04:18 PM

I was born in 61, dad was Weapons Release on F-4 C/Ds 65-79.
Me, 80-83 GAFB 562 AMU Jet Engine Mech, 1 C, 12 Es, and 12 Gs. Loved the jet, hated the BS, so I became a C-141 Flight Engineer for my last 17 years.

VSPA · 02-11-2018, 04:47 PM

Fond memories of the RF4s while at TSN AB during my 1968 visits. The F4s we
re the bird of the day. One of the 07s I met while on post at 7th lost his life in one. Years later while going to the munitions school, Walking around a corner and seeing one mounted on a display stand just broke my heart and made me realize who old I was.

flywithcoop · 02-12-2018, 07:19 AM

Wife and I were driving through the high desert in SoCal. Stopped in Boron, CA to see the 20 Mule Team museum. Driving through town We saw a F4-D on a pedestal. I was shocked to see the Tail Number. I worked on it in Ubon, Thailand. Wanted to open the radom to see if it had my signature. We WCS guys always autographed the inside of the radom for posterity.