Warbird Information Exchange

Australia helped defeat the North Vietnamese Air Force.

How do you wonder?.....

Back in the Vietnam War, the RAAF's 79 Sqn flying CAC Sabre Mk 32 jets was based in Thailand at Ubon Air Base flying CAP for the base/area and would at times intercept returning USAF F-4 Phantoms and F-105 Thunderchiefs to give them training in the missing art of dissimilar air combat.

They would intercept and using their guns and AIM-9B Sidewinders to practice their skills of CAP and air to air dog fighting.

The training was done to give the USAF aircrews a better way to take on the North Vietnamese MIG -17 fighter.
The MIG-17 was similar to the CAC Sabre jet Mk 32 in size, performance and abilities.

Here we see a short film clip about a USAF F-4 crewman discussing how the Aussies helped save them over North Vietnam.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3LEB3kX-g0

Another small , generally unnoticed but obviously vital bit of work undertaken by the Aussies in the long war.

Phil

Interesting clip, ruined by waltzing matilda, ffs

Phil, with all due respect, "Aussies saved USAF Phantoms over Vietnam" and "Australia helped defeat the North Vietnamese Air Force" is unjustified hyperbole. As you're aiming to build a writing career, don't copy the 'journalism' of the tabloid press, aim for some degree of accuracy. I'm pointing this out as I'd rather the reality check came in from Australia on a predominantly American orientated forum, the exaggeration might otherwise lead to an international slanging match.

All credit to the crews of the Phantoms, and it still seems madness to have 'friendlies' bounce fighter-bombers coming out of a hot area carrying live ammunition. Better than no dissimilar air combat training, though.

(PS - didn't mind the W.Matilda earworm, the budget Bontempi organ rendition was painful.)

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James K

"Switch on the underwater landing lights"
Emilio Largo, Thunderball.

www.VintageAeroWriter.com

Good story, thanks for sharing. Choice of music didn't bother me at all

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Disclaimer: Photo discription, original photographer and/or original web source credit unknown unless otherwise noted.

The interview was a good firsthand account, obviously from a low budget production - better than not having it!

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James K

"Switch on the underwater landing lights"
Emilio Largo, Thunderball.

www.VintageAeroWriter.com

Agreed

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Disclaimer: Photo discription, original photographer and/or original web source credit unknown unless otherwise noted.