Rolling inverted to acquire ground targets?

[coolts]

Hey guys

I have been reading the excellent “Warthog: Flying the A-10 in the Gulf War”

http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/1574888862/ref=ox_ya_oh_product

And now “Strike Eagle: Flying the F-15E in the Gulf War”

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Strike-Eagle-Flying-F-15E-Warriors/dp/1574888854/ref=pd_sim_b_1

And have a query.

Why do pilots, when wanting to get their pippers on ground targets roll inverted, pull G’s to target then roll again? wouldn’t it be quicker to push negative G’s? Is this due to the whole low altitude flying axiom of, “at low alt, positive G’s, you die”? Or is there a technical reason?

Edited February 8, 2010 by coolts

[GGTharos]

Negative g's are bad for your g tolerance (and your health), they are bad for the fuel feed, and they are probably bad for the pylons those heavy bombs are hanging from. Also, you can pull more + g's than - g's in a pinch.

[coolts]

Ah, I see. Plus I guess you have the nose / cockpit of the plane in the way if pushing forward, whereas, if you roll inverted you have the whole canopy to view the target from. (and drop your pens).

[GGTharos]

Your pens will probably not drop - you'll be under positive g. If you push the nose DOWN on the other hand ... :)

 

Also keep in mind that the easiest way to point at your target is to usually roll the lift vector onto it and pull.