Author Topic: Skyraiders tossing nukes - interesting read (Read 348 times)

Tarmac · « **on:** April 20, 2003, 07:58:19 PM »

Got this link from a friend. Never knew Skyraiders were nuke-capable. Wouldn't want to have to do that job.

Both the emails and the fictional account are fascinating. Lot of good email accounts though.

http://www.danford.net/spadguy.htm

Bodhi · « **Reply #1 on:** April 20, 2003, 09:12:33 PM »

Excellent Find!

Makes great reading! Glad they never had to do it!

Fridaddy · « **Reply #2 on:** April 21, 2003, 02:16:16 AM »

Speaking to my dad, who ran MCAF Yuma in 1960, "Toss bombing" was developed when the bomb became too powerful to outrun. IE the blast effect would destroy the plane. Many planes were tested including the AD-1. In fact he tells me in 1961 the target was a 1000 foot circle in the desert from 10 miles. A USAF jockey hit it !

I too, am glad they never needed to try it under combat conditions! The winner in a nuclear exchange is still the looser.

Rasker · « **Reply #3 on:** April 21, 2003, 02:29:24 AM »

I recall reading that B47's tossing H-bombs were to reach full speed, climb at a 45 degree angle, release the bomb, then perform a 135 loop and roll to obtain a reverse course. Bet that was hairy enough as a drill, let alone for real

mora · « **Reply #4 on:** April 24, 2003, 03:23:19 PM »

Fascinating stuff! These guys were definately on a suicide mission. I just tried tossing with a similar technique as described in the article. If AH physics are even somewhat right, these guys wouldn't stand a change of escaping a 100kT burst, thats about Hiroshima times 10...