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Posted
6 hours ago, Bremspropeller said:

Both are VFP-63 jets, though. VFP-63 was a photo recce unit, flying recce-birds into the early 80s.

The fighter-models were used for training, as VF-124 (the west coast Gator RAG) transitioned to Tomcats in 1972 and VFP-63 took over the RAG role.

So the first is a fighter version an as such still has the IRST while the second has been converted to the camera system?  Interesting.

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Posted (edited)
53 minutes ago, Stackup said:

So the first is a fighter version an as such still has the IRST while the second has been converted to the camera system?  Interesting.

No. Both are fighters. The photo version looked different.

https://www.aviationphotocompany.com/img/s/v-3/p1999354829-4.jpg

VFP-63 was the RAG for all the Crusaders when VF-124 transitioned to Tomcats. They flew both, their operational photo ships, as well as some fighters.

The east coast RAG (VF-174) had become the A-7 RAG in the late 60s.

BTW: This photo-bird is a "late" RF-8G

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51044199472_2dca9dedc4_z.jpg

It not only has the vental fins for improved high speed stability, but also the two afterburner cooling scoops that became neccessary, when they were upgraded with the -420 motor (same as in the later Juliets and some Hotels). Must have een a hell of a fun ride!

Edited by Bremspropeller
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So ein Feuerball, JUNGE!

Posted
26 minutes ago, Bremspropeller said:

No. Both are fighters. The photo version looked different.

https://www.aviationphotocompany.com/img/s/v-3/p1999354829-4.jpg

VFP-63 was the RAG for all the Crusaders when VF-124 transitioned to Tomcats. They flew both, their operational photo ships, as well as some fighters.

The east coast RAG (VF-174) had become the A-7 RAG in the late 60s.

BTW: This photo-bird is a "late" RF-8G

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51044199472_2dca9dedc4_z.jpg

It not only has the vental fins for improved high speed stability, but also the two afterburner cooling scoops that became neccessary, when they were upgraded with the -420 motor (same as in the later Juliets and some Hotels). Must have een a hell of a fun ride!

All cool stuff and I can't wait to fly it in DCS! 

Back to the IRST though, if they are both F-8J's and therefore, both fighters, what does being attached to VFP-63 have to do with the IRST and do you know if the J will be equipped with the same one the E got?  Or is it a case of not all E models recieved the IRST and therefore only those airframes that did would still have it when they were upgraded to J's?

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Posted (edited)

I'm not sure the IRST was used for a long time or used consistently. You don't read that mch about it and it was most probably a spares issue on the boat.

RedFlash 211 (a Juliet) at the ramp without an IRST

http://img.bemil.chosun.com/site/data/img_dir/2019/02/12/2019021201233_0.jpg

Red Flash 205 with the IRST clearly uninstalled. Check out the RHAW antenna on the intake. Just like the jet above.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49940025982_905a16c715_b.jpg

Red Flash 211 and 206 with IRST (housings at least). Both are Juliets. Note the different radome colours. Possibly pre-modification, as neither have RHAW antennae on the intake.

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/7f/a9/5b/7fa95b7a5d06df3c91afd3c97dc0576f.jpg

Again Red Flash 211 - seems like the jet at the boat has a different BuNo.

https://www.aviationphotocompany.com/img/s/v-10/p1733279031-4.jpg

 

Superheat 213 (should be a Project Shoehorn "Echo") with IRST

https://i.pinimg.com/736x/d0/2e/03/d02e037641c66c68ec1e697571840db8.jpg

Superheat 201 - no IRST

https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1640/25214025424_22193326fe_b.jpg

The F-8D was the earliest version with the IRST. Not 100% sure if that was a retrofit during production when preparing for the Echo or if the Deltas came with IRST right from the start. The Phillippines Air Force Deltas certainly had them retained, while many Hotels (upgraded Deltas) had them taken off:

27581494051_37f532689d_b.jpg

Superheat 202 without an IRST after being converted into a Hotel.

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/a7/d6/8a/a7d68a9ee99f6d4c31c14042f1d5d435.jpg

Same jet:

https://4.bp.blogspot.com/_u1GQtVT3jFg/TBQXrUa4XPI/AAAAAAAABCU/9_y4RvcO5mE/s1600/FIGHTER+SQUADRON+ONE+SIX+TWO+_+VF-162+HUNTERS+15.jpg

205

https://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u1GQtVT3jFg/TBQXq5l40HI/AAAAAAAABCE/lzBM2nMCFgM/s1600/FIGHTER+SQUADRON+ONE+SIX+TWO+_+VF-162+HUNTERS+17.jpg

207

https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_u1GQtVT3jFg/TBQXsGryNsI/AAAAAAAABCc/cjw1sh-ArkM/s1600/FIGHTER+SQUADRON+ONE+SIX+TWO+_+VF-162+HUNTERS+14.jpg

Old Nick 460 (a Delta) with the IRST:

https://hushkit.files.wordpress.com/2020/08/e8a36cf16e6323daf5be762d3387e403-1.jpg

Old Nick 105 (a Hotel) with the IRST taken off:

https://navy-seventies.pagesperso-orange.fr/Images/F-8H%20148684%20AJ105%20VF-111%20-%207.jpg

Old Nick 101  with...

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/3d/ef/2a/3def2ad96b8ef7ac7154660b9fb6793e.jpg

...and without the IRST (same jet).

https://i.pinimg.com/736x/d4/f7/57/d4f7576547c0274b1b3178bcb831f327.jpg

Batter Up 116 (Hotel) without the IRST (MIG-KILLER)

https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_u1GQtVT3jFg/TBPHExmsDRI/AAAAAAAAAdU/Ibmpl9bJAus/s1600/IFIGHTER+SQUADRON+FIVE+ONE,+VF-51+SCREAMING+EAGLES+20.jpg

Two Dallas Hunters Hotels with the IRST:

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/69/ec/22/69ec222aa2bd9e1c1e946a26fa2003f3.jpg

https://www.aviationphotocompany.com/img/s/v-10/p1610221763-4.jpg

A Superheats jet without the IRST, but with a wing-pylon, which became a thing with the Hotel.

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/ee/2f/29/ee2f292ca0a328c8c5fecd485b0d22fa.jpg

...and with IRST...

https://www.aviationphotocompany.com/img/s/v-3/p1610221366-4.jpg

https://www.airliners.net/photo/USA-Navy/Vought-F-8H-Crusader/2476840/L

 

I think one can conclude, that the IRSTs may or may not be installed in the fighters that had the capability (Delta/ Hotel and Echo/ Juliet). It's also clear, that if they didn't have the IRST, it was taken off the jet, instead of the jet never having it.

 

Edited by Bremspropeller
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So ein Feuerball, JUNGE!

Posted

In the case of the F-4B, the IRST proved to be of limited use compared to the radar that just took up weight, space, and maintenance hours. No other F-4 variants ever carried the IRST. USAF F-4Cs retained the pod to simplify production, as it was a "minimum change" variant of the F-4B. The IRST on F-4Bs was rapidly replaced by RWR antennas due to Vietnam experience with SA-2 SAMs. It is easy to see the difference in photos as flat black pod is either empty or has an antenna, whereas true IRST pods have the mirrored glass dome on nose.

It doesn't surprise me that F-8s would have phased them out depending on parts availability and the decision of maintenance officers to reduce workload and increase uptime. I wonder why the F-8's IRST pod wasn't hijacked for RWR and/or ECM antenna use like the F-4?

[sIGPIC][/sIGPIC]

Posted (edited)

This discussion got me looking into more info on the earlier IRST and as noted above it's difficult however I did find this (how it was presented to the pilot) as which according to the post in another forum "This picture shows the IRST of the F-8D and early F-8E"

post-2042-12712109080675.jpg

Edited by Oesau
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  • 3 months later...
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Posted (edited)
On 3/14/2019 at 10:52 AM, MiG21bisFishbedL said:

F-8_Crusader_of_VMF-334_on_the_ground.jpeg

Lack of IRST bulb indicates this is a mark prior to E, any ideas?

WU tailcode = VMF-334 "Falcons"

The beta-vane on top of the radome indicates an A thru C variant. All-black radome indicates a B or C. Keel fins indicade a C.

p1610221929-3.jpg

The A would have the smaller ranging radome:

11840L.jpg

 

Edited by Bremspropeller
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So ein Feuerball, JUNGE!

Posted
On 12/7/2023 at 3:18 PM, Ravenus said:

please tell me this ain´t dead

 

Maybe more of an induced coma.

But I’m concerned the patient could still die.

Posted
57 minutes ago, Spino said:

Highly concerning, I was looking forward to this jet.

Yeah, it's number one on my wish list.

They said some time ago they were placing it on the backburner for other priorities.

Posted
1 hour ago, Spino said:

Highly concerning, I was looking forward to this jet.

Unless they are drastically changing how they do development. I wouldn't expect the F8 in this decade.

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  • 3 weeks later...
Posted

I think priority right now is Corsair, after that we'll hear more about the Crusader

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[sIGPIC][/sIGPIC]

 

 

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ED pls gib A-4 and F-4 :cry:

Posted
1 hour ago, carss said:

I think priority right now is Corsair, after that we'll hear more about the Crusader

Corsair has been in every coming soon vid for like 3-4 years now... Its not comin...

 

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Posted

I can remember laying in my rack under the Port Bow Cat and the F-8 going into afterburner for its cat shot... there was a very big and loud boom..... We had VFP-63 on board the Connie, back in the late 70's early 80's.

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Sempre Fortis

Posted
1 hour ago, Harlikwin said:

Corsair has been in every coming soon vid for like 3-4 years now... Its not comin...

 

I know...:badmood:

  • 1 month later...
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Posted (edited)

Cold War IRST like the ones installed in F-101B, F-4B, MiG-25, F-8, Su-27, F-14A, MiG-29, J-35 Draken etc. were of very limited use. Able to detect a target only in very vavourable conditions like high altitude/good weather/flying below the target/rear aspect.

That's why the ones used often as interceptors like F-101, Su-27, MiG-29, MiG-31 often kept them when other lost them in the middle of the service life. I.e. MiG-29 OLS-29 IRST has been rated as practically useless against tactical fighters by USAF testing it during 1990s. In USSR IRST were additionally desirable as Soviets assumed they had older slower microprocessors and their radars will be jammed more easily.

IRL IRST were had many more limitations than we have modeled in DCS right now. Hopefully full fidely MiG-29 9.12 will model it in a more realistic way and create some new IRST API.

Edited by bies
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  • 4 months later...
Posted

I fly on the Enigma Heatblur Cold War server ALOT, and my favorite jet is the F-4. :matrix:

But every time I fly, literally every single time, I think how much better it would be in an F-8 Crusader. :punk:

Then I remember how long we'll have to wait for it. :shocking:

I'm not complaining, because I know M3 has a lot on their plate. It just makes me sad. :unsure:

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  • 3 months later...
Posted

Silver Dragon's roadmap says it is going to be a G-8 variant. Does anyone know What's a G-8 variant? It's not in Wikipedia.

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Posted
1 hour ago, PLAAF said:

Silver Dragon's roadmap says it is going to be a G-8 variant. Does anyone know What's a G-8 variant? It's not in Wikipedia.

I was under the impression they were doing an F-8J. Silver Dragon's listing of G-8 might be a typo? Dunno.

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Posted
5小时前,PLAAF说:

Silver Dragon's roadmap says it is going to be a G-8 variant. Does anyone know What's a G-8 variant? It's not in Wikipedia.

That's Fw 190 G-8...You confused Fw 190 F-8 with F-8.

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