Topic: Attack on Habbaniyah Air Base

phoenix80 · December 31st, 2005

On 22 October 1980 two F-4D from the 71st Tactical Fighter Wing (TFB 7, Shiraz) as usual in very low altitude on their way to attack a large Iraqi Air Base at Habbaniyah, some 120 kilometers due west from Baghdad. As they flew into the SAM defense of the Iraqi capital, Sadly one Phantom was shot down by an Iraqi SA-6 surface-to-air missile and crew was captured.

While the other F-4 out maneuvered the second missile by making an 11 G turn. Mean while trying to jam the enemy radar emissions with its ALQ-109 jammer pod.

The crew soon realized that it was impossible to continue the attack and turned towards the secondary target at Al-Bakr oil refinery.

After the successful attack, the F-4D turned toward the border, with two Iraqi MiG-23MS in hot pursuit. The Iranian pilot jettisoned it's empty drop tanks and blasted on high speed at very low altitude going back with Iraqi's behind him firing couple of R-13 (NATO code AA-2 Atoll) missiles.

All could be evaded, however, some 70 kilometers from the border the Phantom crew realized that they spent to much fuel, and they could not even reach the border any longer. Thus, they declared an emergency and prepared to eject because they had no other alternative. At this time the supporting Boeing 707 tanker and two F-14A Tomcats that had waited behind the border did cross into Iraq to provide fuel.

At the time of contact between the F-4D and Boeing 707 there were only 700lbs fuel left in the tanks of the Phantom. Although the whole refueling operation was undertaken in medium altitude and Iraqi radar had full picture of what was going on not even one Iraqi interceptor dare come close due to the presence of F-14As.

Rabs · December 31st, 2005

Im not a plane expert, but a phantom pulling an 11g turn? I didnt think the phantom was capable of that And even if it is, with the more primitive g-suits of the day I figure the pilot is one tough SOB or blacked out and got lucky.

Anyway, good story.

bulldogg · December 31st, 2005

www.csd.uwo.ca/~pettypi/elevon/baugher_other/lavi.html

Rabs · December 31st, 2005

link broke

phoenix80 · December 31st, 2005

F-4 is capable of pulling high Gs

sunb! · January 10th, 2006

The G force limit for the F4 is unknown, but with a maximum speed of Mach 2 (approx) and two RB168-25r turbojets with 21,250 lbs thrust each on re-heat - nothing is impossible

MightyMacbeth · January 12th, 2006

technology these days...

I heard that the mig 21 or 17?? cant go over 9G's.. wonder if thats correct..

sunb! · January 13th, 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by MightyMacbeth

technology these days...

I heard that the mig 21 or 17?? cant go over 9G's.. wonder if thats correct..

The MIG 21 has G limits at -4 to +8. Regarding the MIG 17 I cannot find any technical data that is thrustworthy at the time being.

MightyMacbeth · January 14th, 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by sunb!

The MIG 21 has G limits at -4 to +8. Regarding the MIG 17 I cannot find any technical data that is thrustworthy at the time being.

ahh then what I said was mostly correct, thanx

sunb! · January 14th, 2006

Regarding the MIG 17 as asked, it is tolerant of G forces -/+ 8.

December 31st, 2005	Post 1
phoenix80 Banned Gear	Post; Attack on Habbaniyah Air Base On 22 October 1980 two F-4D from the 71st Tactical Fighter Wing (TFB 7, Shiraz) as usual in very low altitude on their way to attack a large Iraqi Air Base at Habbaniyah, some 120 kilometers due west from Baghdad. As they flew into the SAM defense of the Iraqi capital, Sadly one Phantom was shot down by an Iraqi SA-6 surface-to-air missile and crew was captured. While the other F-4 out maneuvered the second missile by making an 11 G turn. Mean while trying to jam the enemy radar emissions with its ALQ-109 jammer pod. The crew soon realized that it was impossible to continue the attack and turned towards the secondary target at Al-Bakr oil refinery. After the successful attack, the F-4D turned toward the border, with two Iraqi MiG-23MS in hot pursuit. The Iranian pilot jettisoned it's empty drop tanks and blasted on high speed at very low altitude going back with Iraqi's behind him firing couple of R-13 (NATO code AA-2 Atoll) missiles. All could be evaded, however, some 70 kilometers from the border the Phantom crew realized that they spent to much fuel, and they could not even reach the border any longer. Thus, they declared an emergency and prepared to eject because they had no other alternative. At this time the supporting Boeing 707 tanker and two F-14A Tomcats that had waited behind the border did cross into Iraq to provide fuel. At the time of contact between the F-4D and Boeing 707 there were only 700lbs fuel left in the tanks of the Phantom. Although the whole refueling operation was undertaken in medium altitude and Iraqi radar had full picture of what was going on not even one Iraqi interceptor dare come close due to the presence of F-14As. Last edited by phoenix80 : December 31st, 2005 at 06:06 AM.

December 31st, 2005	Post 2
Rabs Tribuni Angusticlavii	Im not a plane expert, but a phantom pulling an 11g turn? I didnt think the phantom was capable of that And even if it is, with the more primitive g-suits of the day I figure the pilot is one tough SOB or blacked out and got lucky. Anyway, good story. __________________

December 31st, 2005	Post 3
bulldogg Milforum's Bouncer Gear	www.csd.uwo.ca/~pettypi/elevon/baugher_other/lavi.html __________________ "The purpose of fighting is to win. There is no possible victory in defense. The sword is more important than the shield and skill is more important than either. The final weapon is the brain. All else is supplemental." - John Steinbeck Last edited by bulldogg : December 31st, 2005 at 08:04 AM.

December 31st, 2005	Post 5
phoenix80 Banned Gear	F-4 is capable of pulling high Gs Last edited by phoenix80 : January 12th, 2006 at 04:49 AM.

January 10th, 2006	Post 6
sunb! Forum Barbecuer Gear	The G force limit for the F4 is unknown, but with a maximum speed of Mach 2 (approx) and two RB168-25r turbojets with 21,250 lbs thrust each on re-heat - nothing is impossible __________________ Per Qualitatem Optimum Robur Last edited by sunb! : January 10th, 2006 at 01:35 PM. Reason: Added (approx) on speed

December 31st, 2005	Post 4
Rabs Tribuni Angusticlavii	link broke

January 12th, 2006	Post 7
MightyMacbeth ICBM Gear	technology these days... I heard that the mig 21 or 17?? cant go over 9G's.. wonder if thats correct.. __________________ ~when a man does his best, what else is there? Gen.George S.Patton

January 14th, 2006	Post 10
sunb! Forum Barbecuer Gear	Regarding the MIG 17 as asked, it is tolerant of G forces -/+ 8.

Topic: Attack on Habbaniyah Air Base

Post; Attack on Habbaniyah Air Base