F-18 / One Tough Plane !

[Rich Parsons]

Two F/A-18 Hornets from Top Gun were dogfighting, and made a head-on pass just a bit too close. One got home with part of the left wing and left vertical fin and rudder missing, while the other jet is missing everything forward of the cockpit pressure bulkhead - and is a flying convertible because the canopy is shattered too. These guys are pretty lucky.

It shows just how rugged these aircraft are ....

 

[Rich Parsons]

Picture 2

 

[Rich Parsons]

Picture 3


My respects to the Pilots for their great skill and training.
:asian:

 

[jfarnsworth]

By the looks of it the pilots are very lucky.:asian:

 

[bdparsons]

I can tell you how relieved those pilots are. May their count of takeoffs and landings always be equal.

Respects,
Bill Parsons

 

[Rich Parsons]

Originally posted by bdparsons
I can tell you how relieved those pilots are. May their count of takeoffs and landings always be equal.

Respects,
Bill Parsons

Yes let their net difference of the two equal zero. :asian:

 

[cali_tkdbruin]

Holy crap!!! It's truly amazing that the pilots were able to make it back alive. Lady luck must have smiled on them...