To PUMA44 - UK Vulcans “attack” US

[63tb]

This question is for PUMA44.

I recently watched this video and was intrigued by the success of the Vulcans.

https://youtu.be/-Wx6npt421c

PUMA, was this exercise something you were involved in, or was it before your time? Were the Vulcans really that sneaky, or were the defending fighters out of position low, trying to get “kills” on the B-52s?

Thanks

63tb

[Puma44]

These exercises were before my time, actually when I was still a little guy, dreaming about flying.

I don’t remember ever hearing about these Vulcan “ attacks” during my time in the air defense world.  ECM was and is a key player in modern air combat.  Hard to say what circumstances were for the Vulcan penetrations.  Could have been a combination of factors but, still embarrassing.  Thus, the need for “CLASSIFICATION”.

The Vulcans at high altitude were in the heart of the envelope for the F-106 which was designed as a high altitude supersonic interceptor.  I’ll query some of my old head 106 contacts and see if they can shed some light on this.

[Oldman731]

These exercises were before my time, actually when I was still a little guy, dreaming about flying.

Both of us.  Heck, in this group, probably most of us.

More info here:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Sky_Shield

- oldman

[Puma44]

Both of us.  Heck, in this group, probably most of us.

More info here:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Sky_Shield

- oldman

Thanks Oldman!  One of my contacts also referenced the wiki article.

[dieter]

It seems the Defense apparatus is often fighting the last war, or trying to get funding for something new with a demonstration during and exercise, not a real test.  Ever hear of Millenium Challenge 2002?  (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Millennium_Challenge_2002)  That was a real mess.  The retired Marine General that was the Opposing force lead on that one demonstrated how asymmetric warfare can ruin the day of people locked into their own way of wanting to face a challenge.  The real challenge in warfare is how to fight the enemy you have, and not the enemy you want.  People are cunning, and want to survive, and will come up with brilliant approaches to make their desires a reality.  Technology does not always win the day.

ULDieter

[Puma44]

It seems the Defense apparatus is often fighting the last war, or trying to get funding for something new with a demonstration during and exercise, not a real test.  Ever hear of Millenium Challenge 2002?  (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Millennium_Challenge_2002)  That was a real mess.  The retired Marine General that was the Opposing force lead on that one demonstrated how asymmetric warfare can ruin the day of people locked into their own way of wanting to face a challenge.  The real challenge in warfare is how to fight the enemy you have, and not the enemy you want.  People are cunning, and want to survive, and will come up with brilliant approaches to make their desires a reality.  Technology does not always win the day.

ULDieter

True.  Be unpredictable.  Be where the enemy thinks you aren’t.

[Meatwad]

It seems the Defense apparatus is often fighting the last war, or trying to get funding for something new with a demonstration during and exercise, not a real test.  Ever hear of Millenium Challenge 2002?  (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Millennium_Challenge_2002)  That was a real mess.  The retired Marine General that was the Opposing force lead on that one demonstrated how asymmetric warfare can ruin the day of people locked into their own way of wanting to face a challenge.  The real challenge in warfare is how to fight the enemy you have, and not the enemy you want.  People are cunning, and want to survive, and will come up with brilliant approaches to make their desires a reality.  Technology does not always win the day.

ULDieter

That was an interesting article. The "bad" guys won and the "good" guys cried and whined until they played their way so they can win

[63tb]

Thanks Puma! First thing I thought of was the F-106!

63tb

[Puma44]

Thanks Puma! First thing I thought of was the F-106!

63tb

You’re welcome!  Thanks for posting about Sky Shield. 

[dieter]

You can always count on Puma to post thought provoking and fun stuff <<S>> Puma!

ULDieter

[Puma44]

You can always count on Puma to post thought provoking and fun stuff <<S>> Puma!

ULDieter

Always keep the other guy/gal wondering where you’ll show up next.   

[dieter]

Thanks 63TB for bringing this up!

ULDieter