Originally Posted by
Maverick972
You are correct in all your points. From a pilot skill prospective the F-8 was a hard aircraft to fly and required a higher degree of skill to pilot effectively in a dog fight. The F-4 is an outstanding aircraft on its own, and its long sales record and ongoing development proves that. My post was slanted by my nostalgic love for the F-8.
I don't what else to say..great points and a great read. Well Done!
Dogfighting, in and of itself, requires a high degree of pilot skill.
I visited the USS Midway last weekend. They jave a wonderful walking audio tour - very easy. Up on the flight deck on Cat 1 there is a F-8 positioned for the cat shot. When listneing to the audio tour it describes the airplane for a little bit and then offers up some pilot perspective on flying the F-8. This particular pilot describes flying the F-8 as one of the smoothest and easiest airplanes to fly - EXCEPT when landing aborad the boat! Then is was as squirrely as squirrely can be he says. I mean it is the only naval tactical aircraft ever bought where the WHOLE wing from end to end moves up and down right?
USMCFLYR