Ferrari Mailing List: Ferrari Digest, Vol 113, Issue 48

[Doug & Terri (dnt]

Clyde notes “Yes you are correct But they had parachutes “

 

True true.  However - -  the P38’s had a nasty tendency to cut the exiting piolet in half and the early F104’s dropped the pilot straight down.  Not a problem unless the aircraft suffered flame out on take off.  Bummer Dude.

 

Next door neighbor, a pre-astronaut, taught flying the F104 to the Germans in AZ.  Lynn said they were a crazy bunch full of vim and vigor, NOT prone to taking USofA instructional material –  the attitude cost them big time.  The F104, if not pulled up to a climb almost straight up, on take off could break the sound barrier.  Pissed off neighbors.

 

DOUG