[Black 6]

On the most recent episode of "Dogfights" which dealt with "Desert Aces" (IAF), they portrayed the Israeli jets with large orange (they looked orange to me) triangles on the wings. I thought they looked similar to the markings on the HM Egyption Mig-21. When seen together, standing still, you can see the differences.

My question to any ex (or current) fighter jocks:

If you were an IAF (or Egyption AF) pilot, and were involved in a furball as shown in tonight's "Dogfights" episode, would you be able to make the right decision to shot / not shoot at a plane flashing past you when all you could see was a shape and the orange markings?

Both appear so similar to my untrained eyes that I would think you ran a very good chance of firing on one of your own or not taking a shot at your opponent thinking it was a friendly.

This question is way simplistic I know, and is asked out of complete ignorance of what it is like to be in aerial combat. So try not to be too disgusted by what I am trying to ask and the way I asked it.



( pic from aircraftresourcecenter.com )


( pic from flyingmule.com )

[Kiwi Dave]

The two aircraft shown are from different time periods. The Egyptian Mig-21 is from 1981, I don't think Israeli aircraft had orange markings then, the Egyptians and Israelis were getting on alright then (almost friendly).

[ZS-VAN]

To my knowledge it was the Israelis who first applied the orange triangles for easier quicker recognition. Not long after I'm led to believe the Egyptians applied similar recognition features to their aircraft. Decidedly odd given that the aircraft were operating in the same theatre.

[ZS-VAN]

Nice Mirage you have there Black 6. What model is it?

[Black 6]

Originally Posted by Kiwi Dave

The two aircraft shown are from different time periods. The Egyptian Mig-21 is from 1981, I don't think Israeli aircraft had orange markings then, the Egyptians and Israelis were getting on alright then (almost friendly).

I should have mentioned that Kiwi as I was aware of the different time period. But was it so far apart that, conceivably, the two schemes wouldn't meet? The Yom Kippur War was in 1973 and they did have a "limited" war with Lebanon in 1982 that could have drawn in other Arab States. I have no idea how long air forces generally keep their paint schemes.

[Black 6]

Originally Posted by ZS-VAN

. Decidedly odd given that the aircraft were operating in the same theatre.

That's what I was thinking ZS.

[Black 6]

Originally Posted by ZS-VAN

Nice Mirage you have there Black 6. What model is it?

I wish it was mine ZS. That is an IAF Nesher (you can see more of it on the web site that is credited under its pic). C'mon HM, make one of those!

[Berkut76]

The Israelis applied "triangles" on their Mirages / Neshers because between the Six Day War and Yom Kipput one, French have sold a bunch of Mirages to Arab countries, and these could have been loaned to "front line" Arab states in case of war. Israelis were proven to be correcr as Libyan Mirages flew missions against IAF in the closing stages of Yom Kippur War.

Regards,

Sergey

[flyXwire]

Does anyone know if the CDC Armour still makes this one? Thanks for any leads.

CDC 5157

[PappyB]

Originally Posted by flyXwire

Does anyone know if the CDC Armour still makes this one? Thanks for any leads.

CDC 5157

No, haven't made that one since before the FM acquisition of the -- I'm almost 100% sure... it comes up on ebay every now and then adn I belive it's one of the more sought after... $50-60.... Actually, I see there's one on ebay now for BIN... $75... how badly do you want it fly? :-)