Peter E. Davies, David Menard

F-100 Super Sabre Units of the Vietnam War

Illustrator: Ugolini, Rolando

• Broschiertes Buch

Produktbeschreibung

"USAF F-100 Super Sabre Units of the Vietnam War".

Produktdetails

• Combat Aircraft
• Verlag: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
• Seitenzahl: 96
• Erscheinungstermin: 23. August 2011
• Englisch
• Abmessung: 249mm x 187mm x 9mm
• Gewicht: 312g
• ISBN-13: 9781849084468
• ISBN-10: 1849084467
• Artikelnr.: 32794034

Autorenporträt

Peter E. Davies, David Menard

Inhaltsangabe

Chapter 1
A very brief account of the design philosophy and development of the
aircraft from the F-100A day fighter driven by Korean War needs, through
the F-100C which provided Tactical Air Command's contribution to the
nuclear deterrent, to the improved F-100D, the workhorse for Tactical Air
Command world-wide and its war-horse in South Vietnam. Early deployments to
Don Muang Airport, Thailand, in April 1961 in response to Pathet Lao
incursion are followed by squadron-size deployments to Takhli RTAFB in 1962
and the first combat missions from Da Nang, South Vietnam, in June 1964.
Chapter 2
In response to the Gulf of Tonkin incident, more F-100Ds fly escort
missions from Da Nang for reconnaissance flights over Laos and South
Vietnam. Combat air patrols over the Gulf of Tonkin bring many
near-engagements with MiGs, while the first loss on an attack mission in
Laos occurs in August 1964. Super Sabres begin Operation Barrel Roll
missions, including hazardous attacks on anti-aircraft sites, and fly
fighter cover and flak suppression for F-105 strikes in Operation Flaming
Dart. In November 1965 Operation Rolling Thunder involves three squadrons
of F-100s as MiGCAP and flak suppression elements. F-100D pilot Lt Hayden
Lockhart becomes the first USAF prisoner of war in Hanoi. Attacks on the
Than Hoa and Ham Rong Bridges involve five flights of F-100s and a probable
MiG kill for Capt Kilgus. F-4C Phantom IIs arrive and replace F-100s in the
MiGCAP role.
Chapter 3
Four airbases are built or expanded in South Vietnam to house three
tactical fighter wings equipped with F-100s for the 'in-country' war,
leaving only five F-100 squadrons in the USA. Intensive close-support
missions are flown, including challenging night missions over the Ho Chi
Minh trails. Pilots pride themselves on their accuracy and the frequency of
their missions. The chapter will discuss the F-100's flying and fighting
characteristics and the conditions and support networks at the relevant
airbases.
Chapter 4
The conversion of F-100F airframes provided the USAF with its first Wild
Weasels, pioneering SEAD techniques that are still in use and developing
the equipment to defeat enemy radars and radar-guided missiles and guns.
Training is carried out in great secrecy and four modified F-100Fs begin to
operate from Korat RTAFB with F-105 bombers, destroying heavily defended
SAM sites close to Hanoi. Missions continue until July 1966.
Chapter 5
'Misty' FAC
The Commando Sabre detachment at Phu Cat AB provides high-speed FAC for air
strikes from 1967 to May 1970, flying some of the most dangerous missions
of the war and suffering heavy losses. They also fly combat air patrols for
rescue missions searching for aircrew shot down in hostile territory. Once
again the F-100 and its crews develop and introduce new battle techniques
that are still part of today's aerial warfare tactics.
Appendices:
F-100 deployments to Southeast Asia: units, dates and bases, with
commanding officers listed.
F-100 specifications, performance and armament details
F-100 combat losses.