Jump to content

Interception of an FA-18


Recommended Posts

So I fired up my Iris F-14 Grim Reaper (appropriate for Halloween) and spotted an FA-18 so I decided to intercept and play with him a bit.  He was an AI enroute to some airport so I did my best to annoy him all the way to his descent, approach and landing. And then I buzzed the runway for good measure!

 

First sighting above to my my port

F-14%20intercept%20of%20FA-18%2025_zpsrc

 

He wasn't moving too fast so my first pass I just blew right past him.

F-14%20intercept%20of%20FA-18%2022_zpsae

 

Then I circled back and fell in behind him. I had to slow to a paltry 401 kts and I still felt like I was standing still as I overtook him again.

F-14%20intercept%20of%20FA-18%2020_zps97

 

Then I blasted past him again and he was unfazed. I deployed the speed brakes and still he could not keep up. He probably could not see me as I was just a blur to the Blue Angel.  A fellow navy pilot for sure, but those colors!  Eww!

F-14%20intercept%20of%20FA-18%2019_zpss2

F-14%20intercept%20of%20FA-18%2016_zps22

 

F-14%20intercept%20of%20FA-18%2013_zpsiq

 

Swung around behind him again

F-14%20intercept%20of%20FA-18%207_zpsatj

 

He's still descending and slowing as he turns towards the airport.  I do not like flying this baby so slowly but the squid flying that FA-18 cannot match the Tomcat so why even try? :D

F-14%20intercept%20of%20FA-18%206_zpsiee

 

Man! 248 knots! He's an aeronautical road hazard at that speed. He's getting ready to land now.  I guess he knows he is outmatched by the awesomely amazing F-14!

F-14%20intercept%20of%20FA-18%203_zpsfzr

 

Well, he's calling it quits.  I would too if I was flying that pile of scrap metal! Ha ha ha!

F-14%20intercept%20of%20FA-18%202_zpsdo0

Link to post
Share on other sites

Those "squids" were performing in those "scraps of metal" over SF Bay a week or so ago for Fleet Week :D :D. I didn't make the trip into town to avoid the crowds, but saw several formations practicing/familiarizing with the terrain on the Friday before...including one very close pass over the Bay Bridge while I was crossing. :) They looked like they were made from pretty nice scraps  :P

 

Nice shots here, and a very fun intercept. The Tomcat is a bit more jet than I think I'll ever need...but, never say never. :)

Link to post
Share on other sites

Many of my friends worked for Grumman, even went to a lot of the company's yearly picnics which were fantastic affairs. :thum: The local workers were proud of the Tomcat and the aircrafts history speaks for itself, great aircraft that ate anything sent after it. :D

Link to post
Share on other sites

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in



Sign In Now
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    No registered users viewing this page.

×
×
  • Create New...