F-111 belly landing

[JimBob]

http://youtube.googleapis.com/v/KIyY...1%26showinfo=0

[Bca8ball]

At roughly 15 million each (a lot more these days), a "D" phase inspection, re-skinning the bottom of the aircraft and of course reupholstering the seats is a lot better than losing a plane for sure.

[ssr71]

Interesting adaptation of the arrestor hook.

[flynSS/R]

That frist step out of the cockpit is one of the shortest steps known to a pilot.

One of my older customers who just landed his plane gear up was standing by his plane when another pilot came up and asked him if he was OK and he was. Then the other pilot told the pilot who just landed gear up, welcome to the club of gear up pilots with a quote" Thems that are going to, and them that have." The new gear up pilot came back with a new quote " and them that are going to do it again". This was his second gear up landing in 20 years of flying. Oh well, you know what happens.

[Highrider]

Correct me if I am mistaken, wasn't the F-111 dubbed the widow maker due to the ejection pod was always a dangerous ejection.

During the early mid 70s when the guidance system for the tomahawks was being tested, they used a F-111 TO FLY THROUGH Quebec and Northern Ontario Canada due to the terrain much like Russia's.

This was done at 100ft off the deck at supersonic speeds, Farmers complained their cows couldn't give milk they were so frightened. ( To the unsuspecting people , it must have been something to witness, especially when you were not expecting this plane coming by like it did)

Always enjoyed watching teh Aussies and their F-111s during Red Flag

They were retired a few years ago

[LTs SSR]

Very interesting... thanks for sharing