Back in 1978, I was admitted to Northwestern Polytechnical University.

Chapter 536 The First Female Fighter Pilot in the U.S. Navy

Revlon, an American cosmetics brand, used this nickname because the first female U.S. Navy carrier-based pilot, Kara Spears Hotgreen, usually had a tough, tomboyish image. When she wore light makeup for a media interview, her comrades were very surprised! So, they gave her this nickname.

She liked it so much that she simply called it her pilot nickname.

Looking at the female carrier-based pilot, Swift frowned: "You're going on a mission?"

"Yes, the previous flights were without electronic jamming aircraft, and I can't be absent this time. I'm willing to fly the EA-6B and participate in support operations. Also, I request to switch to the Tomcat fighter jet! I want to be the first carrier-based fighter pilot in the U.S. Navy! What men can do, women can do too!"

“Really?” Swift rolled her eyes at him. “Then I think you should go to the Soviet Union.”

"why?"

"Because the Soviet Union was truly gender-equal, they actually made women go down into the coal mines to dig coal!"

These words made Kara's expression change drastically.

"General Swift, you are discriminating against women!"

"Really?" Swift rolled her eyes at her. "Alright, in that case, you'll be in charge of this mission, but... you need to be mentally prepared!"

"Yes!"

Kara answered excitedly and ran towards her companion.

Swift looked at the person next to her: "How are her flying skills?"

Everyone stopped talking.

"She seems really bad. Why not get rid of her? Carrier-based aircraft are not a place for women!"

After saying that, he strode back.

"General! We just received news that France and Spain have refused to open their airspace. Therefore, fighter jets taking off from Britain will have to detour through the Strait of Gibraltar, which will take them 5180 kilometers!"

Swift's face darkened: "What are these countries thinking? We're ridding the world of bad apples! Forget it, let's just go around them!"

After saying that, he walked into the island superstructure.

The deck was still bustling with activity. The fighter jets, ready to take off, began to prepare in an orderly manner. The pilots took a short rest before departure. In Britain, because they had to take a longer detour, the F-111F bombers had already taken off one after another!

Back then, variable-sweep wing technology was just beginning to gain popularity, and General Dynamics began designing a camera-like version. The Air Force needed an all-weather tactical bomber, and the Navy needed an air defense fighter capable of patrolling in the air for extended periods.

Therefore, the two requirements were combined and studied together.

This is also the first time that the navy and air force have jointly participated in the development of a fighter jet.

Unfortunately, during its development, the F-111B carrier-based fighter jet was too heavy to take off from the aircraft carrier deck. As a result, this aircraft became a fighter-bomber unique to the Air Force.

However, the AWG-9 radar and Phoenix missiles developed for the Navy were not wasted and were transferred to the Tomcat fighter jet to continue serving the Navy.

The F-111 has been produced in ten different types, totaling 562 aircraft, which is quite a large number.

As for the latest F-111F model, compared with other models, the main difference is that it is equipped with the latest TF30-P-100 engine, which increases the thrust by 76%. It was delivered in November 11 and is considered the latest model. Subsequent models are upgrades based on existing aircraft.

The lead aircraft of the 48th Tactical Fighter Wing, serial number 70-2390, flew at the very front of the formation.

The regimental commander, Wushim, stared at the terminator on his right, his expression complex.

If they flew directly, they wouldn't see this sight; the terminator would be behind them. But now…

"Colonel, all 24 Aardvarks have taken off!" Major Steven, the deputy, said from the side.

The F-111 has a wide fuselage and a side-by-side two-seat layout in the nose, which makes communication between the two crew members very convenient, much better than those fighter jets with tandem two-seat configurations!

"Yes, our squadron is that strong. Now, let the Air Force regain the Navy's face!"

After speaking, he glanced at his assistant, and then...

"Why are you carrying a handheld Beidou navigation terminal?"

“For such a long flight, it’s much simpler to rely on BeiDou,” Major Steven said.

As a tactical bomber, the F-111 has a maximum range of just over 6,000 kilometers, but it can extend its range through aerial refueling!
Navigation becomes a crucial issue.

The original inertial navigation system will accumulate errors as the flight distance increases, until it accumulates to a very large extent!
This requires further adjustments!

In this era, many bombers had a special skylight on their tops, using instruments such as sextants for star navigation.

None of these are very reliable; the current BeiDou navigation system is still the most convenient! As long as it can receive satellite signals from above the equator, it can easily locate itself!
Before GPS completed its global network, BeiDou navigation was the most useful equipment!
At that moment, he was unaware that someone was once again scratching their head over how to use BeiDou navigation for them.

East, capital, airplane terminal.

"Old Lin, what's happened again! Should I just stay here with you?"

"Great! We'll clear out a small courtyard for you from the family compound!"

The Air Force compound located in Gongzhufen is divided into an office area and a residential area. The residential area consists of ordinary residential buildings and small courtyards.

Only generals could live in houses with courtyards!

Now, as long as Qin Liang is willing to live here, we'll make room for him in a general's courtyard!

"Forget it, what happened now?"

"Data monitored by the BeiDou ground station indicates that an air force unit has taken off from a British airport and is en route to the Strait of Gibraltar."

"Looks like they're about to unleash their big move."

This operation was actually divided into two parts. The first part, called Prairie Fire, was just a series of provocations. The second part, called Golden Canyon, was a series of provocations.

A later scholar conducted a study on these code names, concluding that the code name was inadequate and that "Desert Camel" would be a better name, as "Colonel" had absolutely no connection to Golden Canyon.
In reality, this completely shows a lack of understanding of what the Americans were thinking at the time.

Since withdrawing from Vietnam, the Americans haven't made any major moves, and a pessimistic atmosphere pervades from top to bottom. The subsequent hostage crisis in Lang Tuo also ended in failure!

For the US military at the time, Golden Canyon was already a very difficult place to reach; they had to fly into Littoral territory to carry out bombing missions! This was extremely dangerous!
Golden Canyon is based on an ancient fairy tale, and it's like exploring a canyon full of gold. The story actually came true, which is a good omen.

"What do you mean? Are they going to bomb Littoral?"

“That’s right, they’re going to bomb Lituo,” Qin Liang said. “This batch should be F-111 bombers from the Air Force. It’s quite an achievement to conduct a long-range bombing raid.”

"Why not just fly?"

"I guess the French won't let us fly."

Even the use of British bases was only because of the friendly relations between the two sides. During the Cold War, the French were always sabotaging the Americans!

So the Americans had no choice but to take a detour, but for the U.S. Air Force, which has a large number of tanker aircraft, this was no big deal; it was just a matter of refueling a few more times.

"Then let's..."

"With such a powerful air strike, our JL-10 trainer aircraft is of no use whatsoever," Qin Liang said. "Right now, we don't need to help Li Tuo in any way. If we can help... it's by finding a way to ensure that the JL-10 survives this air bombardment."

This time, Coach Ten shouldn't try to turn the tide. A single fighter jet won't play any role in a battle of this magnitude!

It's a miracle that I can even survive!

"Yes, that's right, but... how should we remind them?" Old Lin frowned.

"Forget it, it's not wise to expose too much of us. Let them leave it to fate!"

"Ok."

Littoral, Wheeler Air Force Base.

"Come on, drink!"

Voropaev raised his glass and gulped it down...

Jagham, standing to the side, looked somewhat embarrassed.

How can one drink alcohol in Lithuania? It is absolutely the most outrageous thing to do.

However, when the Soviet advisors arrived, the Soviets drank freely in the base, and the Lithuanians didn't dare to utter a sound.

As long as you don't go out drinking, having a little drink here isn't a big deal.

then……

The Russians have gone even further; now they're trying to get the Lithuanians to drink with them.

This is not possible!

"I... I'd rather have some tea."

The Lituo people do not drink alcohol, but they like to drink tea. They brew a unique green tea by putting mint, sugar and lemon together, which can quench thirst and refresh the mind.

"Tea is nothing compared to wine! Come on, let's drink!" This...

Jagum's face turned pale. "Aren't you trying to get me into trouble?"
How to do?
He suddenly clutched his stomach: "Oh no, my stomach hurts, I have to go out."

After saying that, he walked outside.

Leaving the canteen, he finally breathed a sigh of relief. These Russians were really going too far. After shooting down the passenger plane at night last time, they relaxed their vigilance again. In their eyes, the US Navy would not come again after these two failures.

The same is true!

The Americans never crossed the death line again, and the Russians drank and celebrated their victory every day, as if they had truly defeated the enemy.

Jagham glanced at his watch.

Damn, it's already past midnight!

Better go back to sleep.

As I passed the control tower, I heard loud shouts coming from inside.

"Whilefly military calling the capital, Wheelerfly military calling the capital, damn it, what's wrong with the radio tonight?"

Wait, what's going on?
He walked in a few steps, took an earphone, and listened carefully. The familiar crackling sound of electricity inside made his hair stand on end!

"There's a problem! This is electromagnetic interference!"

As one of Littor's best pilots, Jagham was a keen learner and had acquired a great deal of knowledge. He knew perfectly well that the Americans liked to activate electronic jamming before launching an attack!
and so……

This is an enemy attack!
"Quickly, notify the base commander immediately. The Americans are about to launch an air strike, I..."

He glanced in the direction of the airport.

It's impossible to get Voropaev to fly the plane again; he's already completely drunk, so...

He rushed to the tarmac, didn't even change out of his flight suit, just put on his anti-G suit, grabbed his flight helmet, and boarded the plane.

then……

Start the engine and taxi to the runway!

During this process, a rumbling sound, like thunder, came from afar.

This is definitely not thunder; it's the enemy's aircraft coming!
Engage afterburner, taxi, takeoff!

All of this was purely coincidental. If he hadn't been dragged off to drink by the Russians, he would have gone back to sleep long ago! The staff on duty in the control tower were too inexperienced to make an accurate judgment.

If that were the case, they would be completely overwhelmed by the bombing!
just now……

Although he was the only pilot, the control systems in the front and rear cabins were almost identical. He easily activated the radar, started the fire control system, and then…

The screen just showed static.

With such strong electromagnetic interference, those guys in the control tower didn't even know to report it immediately!

Following his training, Jagham activated the anti-jamming device. Soon, the static on the screen disappeared, and behind him…

There are already flames!

Enemy planes have already reached their base and launched a bombing raid!
Those damn guys!
He gritted his teeth, wanting to turn around and teach those damned enemies a lesson, but... a clear bright spot appeared on the screen, and that was...

Electronic jammer!
Who cares what kind of plane it is? As long as it's an enemy plane, shoot it down first!
Target locked, missile activated...

Wait, all the medium-range missiles have been used up, only short-range missiles are left!

Therefore, we need to fly even closer!
Jaggerm maneuvered his fighter jet and slowly approached.

On the other side, an EA-6B electronic jammer.

This is a fighter jet based on the A-6, with an extended fuselage and two additional cockpits. The entire aircraft has a large nose and a small body, resembling a strange, big-headed fly.

It has two seats side-by-side in the front and back, which can accommodate four crew members. In addition to one pilot, the other three are electronic warfare officers.

At that moment, pilot Kara was flying along the planned route, and she was very excited as she looked at the flames rising from the ground outside.

"That's awesome! This is what the battlefield feels like. Pressing buttons and dropping bombs is so cool! I want to fly tomcats someday!"

James, who was sitting next to her, was speechless.

This woman has been chattering non-stop since takeoff, which is quite annoying, but... considering it's her first time on the battlefield, her excitement is understandable. Now...

Mission accomplished, time to return home. Once back...

Since you like to yell and shout, then I'll let you yell to your heart's content!

Thinking of this, he looked down and glanced at the woman's body.

In the instant he turned his head back, he saw a band of light appear in the sky ahead—that was…

"Damn it, a missile! Quick, take cover, fire flares!"

Electronic warfare aircraft are generally positioned behind the main force, able to suppress the enemy's electronic systems from a distance of fifty to one hundred kilometers behind the lines. They are usually quite safe as long as they don't go to the front lines, but I didn't expect this...

What's going on with this missile suddenly appearing in the sky?

No one told him what was going on, but there was no doubt that it was dangerous!

At that moment, Kara's body stiffened, her gaze fixed on the band of light that was being pulled towards her, unable to believe it.

"How could this be? How could this be? We..."

"What are you waiting for? Get out of the way! Get out of the way! Get out of the way!"

James's roar startled Kara, who quickly pulled up the nose of the plane and then launched flares.

"Too early, far too early! What's the point of setting off flares now!"

James was utterly speechless. He was already missing his original pilot, a guy who had flown A-6s and dodged countless missile attacks on the battlefield; his skills were top-notch.

If it were him, he would have easily neutralized the attack.

And Kara...

That stupid woman, she's doing all the movements wrong! How did she train?
By the way, her training results are almost always three stars!
Five stars is the highest score, three stars or less is a failing grade!

Many times, her grades were simply failing, but... considering her gender, the instructors would make an exception and give her extra points so that she could barely pass.

Forget about gender equality; what they clearly want is women's privilege!

Other places might be one thing, but on the battlefield, an unqualified pilot means death!

James was completely regretful for having such a pilot, but there was nothing he could do but make the sign of the cross and pray to God.

The scenery before my eyes began to change rapidly. Was the plane... turning around?
Damn it, how could you be so stupid as to point your ass at a missile?

This is simply courting death!

boom!
Sure enough, an explosion rang out! Fire alarm lights flashed!

"Eject! Eject!"

Kara shouted loudly, then pulled the ejection ring between her legs!

If it is a tandem two-seat fighter jet, the rear seat passenger must eject first, and then the front seat passenger can eject. This is the order determined by the mechanical system.

Side-by-side two-seater fighter jets can eject simultaneously, since having one on the left and one on the right at different angles eliminates the risk.

As for this four-seat layout, which is a modification of the side-by-side two-seat layout... there are no strict mechanical requirements. Anyway, there aren't many of these aircraft. When encountering danger, everyone can just seize the opportunity to eject.

However... generally speaking, the pilot will be the last to eject, in order to maintain the aircraft's attitude and leave the other people a chance to escape.

Now look what's happened, the pilot was the first one to go out!

James was furious and, grumbling under his breath, pulled the ejection pin.

Four flames burst in the sky, and four parachutes opened. They were finally able to leave this place safely. However, this did not mean that they could return safely. After all, this was the territory of Li Tuo!
Their best option is to trek across the desert to Ethiopian territory, where Ethiopia has friendly relations with the United States and will send them back.

In the sky, Jagum watched as the plane was destroyed, finally venting his anger, before searching for other targets... The airspace was empty; the warplanes that had come to bomb had already completed their missions and were returning at high speed.

When the Tomcat's wings sweep back, it's very difficult for other aircraft to catch up!

Looking back at the base, which was ablaze with fire, Jagum frowned. For him, the most important thing now was to figure out how to land!
Meanwhile, on the other side, a group of F-111F aircraft from the Air Force also flew to the vicinity of the capital of Lithuania. Their mission was to bomb the colonel!

(End of this chapter)