I like this one!

See This Old Plane? (F-104 Starfighter)

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It Killed 4 F-15s In Simulated Battles in the Sky

TL;DR? Technology does not necessarily triumph over age/experience/tactics every time.

:devil:

Old School Rules.

When I were a lad, I attended an airshow at RAF Upper Heyford which, despite the name, was a USAF station.

Aircraft from several NATO nations were displayed in the air and on the ground.

An F-104 (Italian Air Force?) was in the static display with large pieces of paper (for the sake of conspicuity) attached to the leading edge of the wings.

They were so sharp that you almost ran the risk of decapitation should you be unfortunate enough to come into contact with them.

I remember an extremely worried looking USAF member spending all his time keeping people a safe distance from danger.

These days you'd be kept 50 yards away behind a barrier.

As I just mis-posted in the badger thread, I wonder if precautions around the thin leading edge of F104's were more to protect damage TO rather than FROM.

In this instance the danger was from the leading edge rather than the other way on.

Presumably, as a visiting aircraft, leading edge guards weren't available so they had to improvise with paper and tape!

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Link

Henry's Fliver...

BV-141 recon plane...

I went by the EAA airshow in Oshkosh WI a bit ago. Unfortunately, no semi parking, as usual so I didn't get to stop and explore or take any pictures. I know LC from our dim history was there but alas, no meetup either.

I did, however, get treated to a low and loud flyover by two F4U Corsairs which were overnighting at a nearby airport when I finally did stop. While walking the dog in the morning, I heard the distinctive growl of two R-2800 radials winding up and taking off. I saw them as they cleared the treeline, climbing and turning north towards Oshkosh, so I assume they were heading there. Be still my fluttering heart!

Sometimes, I hate my job.

BV 141 better have a hefty rudder.

Another from the Mach Loop but with a difference.

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I think that the quoted speed of 600mph is overstated.
I'm pretty sure that the limit is 450 knots (520mph).
Still PD fast!

There is not a lot of that plane in front of the pilot, but behind, WHOA!

http://cellar.org/2015/willy_nilly.gif That's the trouble these days, whippersnappers zipping through the park to check it off on they're to-do list.
Nobody stopping to smell the flowers or feed the squirrels. :crone:

Also from Lakenheath, a different airframe but still with a Welsh flag and the chap in the back appears to be emulating Slim Pickens in Dr Strangelove.:)

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It is obviously up to the job, but the nose gear looks kinda fragile.