Originally Posted by
OldGuy59
I based the above suggestions on an engine test flight and capability demonstration I saw at CFB Cold Lake many years ago. The flight included what I referred to at the time as a dance in the air, with a bow to the crowd at the end. It was amazing watching the pilot put this "jet" through helicopter-like moves. At one point, he literally did a nose stand, holding the plane in place over the taxiway.
Also, based on NATO and Maple Flag exercise anecdotes from RAF pilots flying interdiction missions, they described dropping into small clearings in wooded areas, and then popping up to shoot at passing/pursuing aircraft. So, they would not be heavily loaded with bombs and rockets, but Sidewinders (occasionally, with mods) and bullets. Yes, GR.1s and GR.3s were primarily ground attack, but we are talking an air combat game. Sea Harriers and AV-8s are different, yet again, with different capabilities.
And, I wasn't covering the entire flight profile of all the versions of the plane, in all mission types, with all weapons load-outs, guys. I was just suggesting a possible way to represent transitioning to, and from, level flight. But, we could start a thread? It is worth the discussion, especially if we want helicopters, with CAP escorts, against ground targets. Vietnam War, US Air Cavalry vs Viet-Cong. Lots of opportunities for scenarios. We can use current decks to fudge this, though.
PS: V-22 Osprey?
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