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Aviation History
1955
1955 - 1508.PDF
14 October 1955 1:056'-?; i NTERCEPTION 1 a U.S.A.F. Interception Contest a small reference-circle, the fire-control system automaticallysights and fires the fighter's armament of guns or rockets. Fire- control systems can, when "locked-on", control the completeinterception, but for practice and training purposes lock-on is not normally used. Interception takes place along a collision-course,as described in our April 29th issue, p. 549, as follows: "A collision-course attack starts when the fighter is still asmuch as 30 miles away, closing rapidly upon the bomber from abeam. In this position, the radar return from the bomber isstronger than that from any dispensed 'chaff,' and the target can thus be seen distinctly by the fighter. If the fighter is fitted witha really effective automatic control system, it can home on to the bomber from the side, attack and then break away. "Clearly, the technique requires absolutely reliable automaticcontrol, in order that the interception shall be accurate and yet safe for the attacking fighter. The break-away is also automatic,and it makes the fighter flash over or under the bomber's track in a tight dive or pull-up. Control is then returned to the pilot." The latest U.S.A.F. Air Defense Command contest at YumaAir Base began on October 1. (Above right) The target-towing B-45 Tor- nado. Yuma is one of the hottest parts of America, and a sun hat for the canopy is needed in the desert heat of 118 deg. (Right) Trailing bait: the target, towed a clear mile behind the B-45, consists of a plastic- mesh panel 9ft by 45ft carrying a reflector for the intercepter fire-control. (Left): The ground-control centre, where tar- gets are located and intercepted directed. Close liaison between ground-control and the fighter is vital to a successful interception.
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