This is one for the Lghtning experts among you all, I am reading a book that goes into great detail about the AFDS and their use of high speed targets.
The high speed targets were Mk1A Lightnings fitted with Luneberg lenses, I have no idea about these and would like to now more about them, what are they, where were they fitted, does anyone have any pictures of them?.
Any help will be greatly appreciated.
John.
By: Peter Mills - 5th March 2007 at 14:06
The lens were fitted in place of the AI23 radar in the “bullet”.
If my memory is correct the bullet also had ballast in to ensure that the correct weight was in the nose. The AI alone weighed 225lbs.
The F1A’s were a lot faster than the squadron F3/F6 models.
TFF pilots would have great fun at the end of the day slowing opening their throttles as a squadron F3/F6 approached and then out running them!
It was a common occurrance to hear over the radio a frustrated F3/F6 pilot
cursing the TFF pilot.
By: 25deg south - 5th March 2007 at 12:49
Correct as guessed for the TFF Lightning.
If you look at many photographs of the Wasp helicopter you can see them mounted either side of the fuselage out on the elbow of the undercarriage assembly: they look like footballs. Same function as a corner reflector but totally multidirectional.
Also mounted internally in F117s I gather for some non-combat operations.
By: Arabella-Cox - 5th March 2007 at 12:48
Also found this:
http://www.cfcforums.com/archive/index.php/t-387.html
“The F1A fitted with a Luneberg lens was a real sports edition and would out accelerate any of the others. (Note: the comment on the ‘Luneberg lens’ almost certainly refers to one of the F1/F1As operated by the TFF. These were stripped of radar and guns (saving weight) and had the cannon ports faired over thus reducing drag.)”
Anyone know any more?
By: FMK.6JOHN - 5th March 2007 at 12:29
Wow! that was quick, thanks wwrsimon, I suppose the sensible place would be to fit one in the radome as a target plane would have no use for the radar.
John.
By: Arabella-Cox - 5th March 2007 at 12:24
Try here:
http://www.buoys.com.au/luneberg.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luneberg_lens
Looks like they made the Lightnings appear bigger on radar…
This is one for the Lghtning experts among you all, I am reading a book that goes into great detail about the AFDS and their use of high speed targets.
The high speed targets were Mk1A Lightnings fitted with Luneberg lenses, I have no idea about these and would like to now more about them, what are they, where were they fitted, does anyone have any pictures of them?.
Any help will be greatly appreciated.
John.
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March 5, 2007 at 12:19 pm