John1 Posted April 6, 2019 Share Posted April 6, 2019 (edited) First pic ever released of the AF's classified F-4SL (SL for short length), reduced length, single seat Phantom. It was designed for a still-classified mission during the Vietnam War. What a great subject for an aftermarket conversion kit. Picture courtesy of Warbird Information Exchange FB page (a great site to visit btw). Edited April 6, 2019 by John1 BiggTim, D.B. Andrus and TimHepplestone 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barry Posted April 6, 2019 Share Posted April 6, 2019 Not sure what happened to the Radome but it looks like the GIB wasn't hanging around to find out what happened next. Barry BiggTim 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John1 Posted April 6, 2019 Author Share Posted April 6, 2019 From what I read, the aircraft took some 37mm hits over Laos. Pilot lost control, windshield was covered in hydraulic fluid, things were looking pretty grim so he ordered the WSO to eject and prepared to eject himself. As soon as the WSO punched out, control was regained. Now in single seat mode, the pilot bid goodbye to his WSO who was now descending into the jungles of Laos and managed to return to base and belly landed. Amazingly enough, the F4 was rebuilt and continued to fly until 1985. Lothar, BiggTim and Gazzas 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chek Posted April 6, 2019 Share Posted April 6, 2019 (edited) 7 hours ago, Barry said: Not sure what happened to the Radome but it looks like the GIB wasn't hanging around to find out what happened next. Barry A story that sticks in my mind is that of the RAF Phantom (FG1 XV589 P of 111 Sqn. whose radome swung open in flight on approach to Alconbury in June 1980. Turned out that as an ex-FAA plane the radome bolt receptacles had become too worn through use over time). The GIB's response was a succinct 'Blimey" before ejecting. Both crew survived. Edited April 6, 2019 by Chek date corrected BiggTim 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LSP_Ray Posted April 7, 2019 Share Posted April 7, 2019 I thought it was the rare max-vent variant for very high temp locations where it was really difficult to keep the cockpit ventilated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Finn Posted April 7, 2019 Share Posted April 7, 2019 Further to the story the WSO was on first flight since arriving in SEA and spent the night in the jungle but was rescued the next day. As mentioned the plane was rebuilt and flew until 1985 when it crashed, the crew ejected. Also here is the RAF F-4 that had the radome open in flight: https://66.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_kqy9i73EYw1qzsgg9o1_500.jpg Jari D.B. Andrus 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iaf-man Posted April 7, 2019 Share Posted April 7, 2019 https://fighterjetsworld.com/air/when-pilot-of-f-4d-phantom-ordered-his-weapons-system-officer-to-eject/7287/?fbclid=IwAR21pryflU39EXZqBtRRgG0aWxRILvTPV0_Xium3oGuPh3Tam8epkrACOa8 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John1 Posted April 7, 2019 Author Share Posted April 7, 2019 (edited) That WSO is a very lucky guy. Not too many US aircrew who ejected in Laos ever made it home. Seem that the Pathet Lao didn't take many prisoners. Wonder what the WSO was thinking as he watched his aircraft fly away while he descended into (very) badguy country? Edited April 7, 2019 by John1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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