I had a pretty cool tiedown neighbor today

[X3 Skier]

Is the reliability or vulnerability of a single engine jet considered when mission planning, or are F18 and F16 assets considered similar from that perspective?

You go with what you have. Weapons available, range and sometimes but rarely, Avionics are the deciding factors on who to send where.

Cheers

 

[dans2992]

So, nobody ever says "this mission is deep into hostile territory, we should try and send a twin"?

I guess flying anything over hostile territory is dangerous, so having a single engine is the last thing you're worried about.

 

[Velocity173]

So, nobody ever says "this mission is deep into hostile territory, we should try and send a twin"?

I guess flying anything over hostile territory is dangerous, so having a single engine is the last thing you're worried about.

I'd say they try and send the best aircraft for the particular mission. For example, the Libya deep attack in 1986 revolved around the capabilities of the F-111 in pulling it off. While it wasn't totally successfully, it was probably the right aircraft for that particular mission.

In the last two wars, they sent all types. CAS or what I would call "hasty CAS," was performed by both single and twin aircraft. It's more about who's overhead and what particular weapon is appropriate for the mission.

 

[nauga]

For example, the Libya deep attack in 1986 revolved around the capabilities of the F-111 in pulling it off. While it wasn't totally successfully, it was probably the right aircraft for that particular mission.

Along with a little light, medium, and electronic attack support from the Navy.

Nauga,
who says, "pardon my intrusion."

 

[Velocity173]

Along with a little light, medium, and electronic attack support from the Navy.

Nauga,
who says, "pardon my intrusion."

Yeah, the A-7, A-6 and F-18 guys got in on the action as well. Think Tomcats provided CAP.

 

[archerdriver]

The whole team was there. I think there were 9 of them. This one was parked in the "GA" ramp at Lubbock Aero, the rest were around the corner.

Was that one flying under SP? Is that why he was alone on the GA ramp with no lights?

and how does he turn to do HIS run-up?

 

[Clark1961]

Was that one flying under SP? Is that why he was alone on the GA ramp with no lights?

and how does he turn to do HIS run-up?

At Lubbock on the GA side? They don't have a turn-out if you're taking off to the north...ya kinda park sorta out of the way near the last taxiway...