Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

To: psalm37
One version of the F-16, the F-16A\ADF (Air Defence Fighter) is flown by some Air Guard units.

This type has an extra identification light, about the size of a landing light. It is mounted on the left side of the nose, pointing left slightly fwd and slightly up. The light allows the F-16 pilot to intercept another aircraft and slide in behind and low, out of veiw from the other pilot. The F-16 pilot then turns on the ID light and can get a good look at the tail markings and numbers of the intercepted aircraft.

You probably did see an intercept as the Washington area is a very high security area under constant airborn CAP. Aircraft are intercepted and identified on a routine basis. You probably saw the ID light reflected off the intercepted aircrafts' tail.

58 posted on 01/04/2002 3:39:11 PM PST by Wrench Bender
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 31 | View Replies ]


To: Wrench Bender
You probably saw the ID light reflected off the intercepted aircrafts' tail.

Now that's an interesting idea, and quite possible. My recollection is that it looked like a bright light shining in my general direction, but it could also have been glare or a lit-up part of the airliner.

70 posted on 01/04/2002 3:57:29 PM PST by psalm37
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 58 | View Replies ]

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article


FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson