Feather Duster

Project Feather Duster (1965)

At the beginning of US involvment in the Vietnam War (in early 1965), the US Air Force developed a program to work out the best tactics to use against Vietnam's key fighter aircraft, the MiG-17. Since the US did not have access to MiG-17s during this time, older F-86s were used to simulate the MiG fighter. Each of the main US Air Force fighters (F-4, F-105, F-5 and F-100) were flown against the "MiG" under very particular parameters of altitude (20,000 or 35,000 feet), range (one to one and a half miles or 3000 feet), and each aircraft in the role of attacker or defender. Feather Duster I tested mainly one against one engagements, while Feather Duster II tested larger formations. The scenarios presented here simulate Feather Duster I.

FD.zip

All Feather Duster scenarios in one .zip file (added 1/10/10)

FDI1.btl

Soon after the beginning of the Vietnam War, the US Air Force began a program known as Feather Duster designed to assess the best tactics to be employed by each of the Air Force first-line fighters (F-4 and F-105) against the mainstay of the Vietnamese Air Force, the Mig-17. To simulate the MiG-17, the US Air Force employed Air National Guard pilots flying F-86H (I use the F-86F as a substitute). Feather Duster I simulated engagements that occurred between single aircraft coming into visual contact at either one to one and a half miles or at 3000 feet, and at altitudes of 20,000 or 35,000 feet, alternating each side as attacker and defender.

In this version, one F-4C encounters one F-86F head on at 20,000 feet.

From Clashes: Air Combat Over North Vietnam 1965-1972 by Michael L. Michel III

FDI1A.BTL

Soon after the beginning of the Vietnam War, the US Air Force began a program known as Feather Duster designed to assess the best tactics to be employed by each of the Air Force first-line fighters (F-4 and F-105) against the mainstay of the Vietnamese Air Force, the Mig-17. To simulate the MiG-17, the US Air Force employed Air National Guard pilots flying F-86H (I use the F-86F as a substitute). Feather Duster I simulated engagements that occurred between single aircraft coming into visual contact at either one to one and a half miles or at 3000 feet, and at altitudes of 20,000 or 35,000 feet, alternating each side as attacker and defender.

In this version, one F-4C encounters one F-86F head on at 35,000 feet.

From Clashes: Air Combat Over North Vietnam 1965-1972 by Michael L. Michel III

FDI1B.BTL

Soon after the beginning of the Vietnam War, the US Air Force began a program known as Feather Duster designed to assess the best tactics to be employed by each of the Air Force first-line fighters (F-4 and F-105) against the mainstay of the Vietnamese Air Force, the Mig-17. To simulate the MiG-17, the US Air Force employed Air National Guard pilots flying F-86H (I use the F-86F as a substitute). Feather Duster I simulated engagements that occurred between single aircraft coming into visual contact at either one to one and a half miles or at 3000 feet, and at altitudes of 20,000 or 35,000 feet, alternating each side as attacker and defender.

In this version, one F-4C encounters one F-86F head on at 20,000 feet, with only 3000 feet separation.

From Clashes: Air Combat Over North Vietnam 1965-1972 by Michael L. Michel III

FDI1C.BTL

Soon after the beginning of the Vietnam War, the US Air Force began a program known as Feather Duster designed to assess the best tactics to be employed by each of the Air Force first-line fighters (F-4 and F-105) against the mainstay of the Vietnamese Air Force, the Mig-17. To simulate the MiG-17, the US Air Force employed Air National Guard pilots flying F-86H (I use the F-86F as a substitute). Feather Duster I simulated engagements that occurred between single aircraft coming into visual contact at either one to one and a half miles or at 3000 feet, and at altitudes of 20,000 or 35,000 feet, alternating each side as attacker and defender.

In this version, one F-4C encounters one F-86F head on at 35,000 feet, with only 3000 feet horizontal separation.

From Clashes: Air Combat Over North Vietnam 1965-1972 by Michael L. Michel III

FDI1D.BTL

Soon after the beginning of the Vietnam War, the US Air Force began a program known as Feather Duster designed to assess the best tactics to be employed by each of the Air Force first-line fighters (F-4 and F-105) against the mainstay of the Vietnamese Air Force, the Mig-17. To simulate the MiG-17, the US Air Force employed Air National Guard pilots flying F-86H (I use the F-86F as a substitute). Feather Duster I simulated engagements that occurred between single aircraft coming into visual contact at either one to one and a half miles or at 3000 feet, and at altitudes of 20,000 or 35,000 feet, alternating each side as attacker and defender.

In this version, one F-4C is jumped by one F-86F at 20,000 feet.

From Clashes: Air Combat Over North Vietnam 1965-1972 by Michael L. Michel III

FDI1E.BTL

Soon after the beginning of the Vietnam War, the US Air Force began a program known as Feather Duster designed to assess the best tactics to be employed by each of the Air Force first-line fighters (F-4 and F-105) against the mainstay of the Vietnamese Air Force, the Mig-17. To simulate the MiG-17, the US Air Force employed Air National Guard pilots flying F-86H (I use the F-86F as a substitute). Feather Duster I simulated engagements that occurred between single aircraft coming into visual contact at either one to one and a half miles or at 3000 feet, and at altitudes of 20,000 or 35,000 feet, alternating each side as attacker and defender.

In this version, one F-86F is jumped by one F-4C at 20,000 feet.

From Clashes: Air Combat Over North Vietnam 1965-1972 by Michael L. Michel III

FDI1F.BTL

Soon after the beginning of the Vietnam War, the US Air Force began a program known as Feather Duster designed to assess the best tactics to be employed by each of the Air Force first-line fighters (F-4 and F-105) against the mainstay of the Vietnamese Air Force, the Mig-17. To simulate the MiG-17, the US Air Force employed Air National Guard pilots flying F-86H (I use the F-86F as a substitute). Feather Duster I simulated engagements that occurred between single aircraft coming into visual contact at either one to one and a half miles or at 3000 feet, and at altitudes of 20,000 or 35,000 feet, alternating each side as attacker and defender.

In this version, one F-4C jumps one F-86F at 35,000 feet.

From Clashes: Air Combat Over North Vietnam 1965-1972 by Michael L. Michel III

FDI1G.BTL

Soon after the beginning of the Vietnam War, the US Air Force began a program known as Feather Duster designed to assess the best tactics to be employed by each of the Air Force first-line fighters (F-4 and F-105) against the mainstay of the Vietnamese Air Force, the Mig-17. To simulate the MiG-17, the US Air Force employed Air National Guard pilots flying F-86H (I use the F-86F as a substitute). Feather Duster I simulated engagements that occurred between single aircraft coming into visual contact at either one to one and a half miles or at 3000 feet, and at altitudes of 20,000 or 35,000 feet, alternating each side as attacker and defender.

In this version, one F-86 jumps one F-4C at 35,000 feet.

From Clashes: Air Combat Over North Vietnam 1965-1972 by Michael L. Michel III

FDI1H.BTL

Soon after the beginning of the Vietnam War, the US Air Force began a program known as Feather Duster designed to assess the best tactics to be employed by each of the Air Force first-line fighters (F-4 and F-105) against the mainstay of the Vietnamese Air Force, the Mig-17. To simulate the MiG-17, the US Air Force employed Air National Guard pilots flying F-86H (I use the F-86F as a substitute). Feather Duster I simulated engagements that occurred between single aircraft coming into visual contact at either one to one and a half miles or at 3000 feet, and at altitudes of 20,000 or 35,000 feet, alternating each side as attacker and defender.

In this version, one F-4C jumps one F-86F at 20,000 feet, with only 3000 feet separation.

From Clashes: Air Combat Over North Vietnam 1965-1972 by Michael L. Michel III

FDI1I.BTL

Soon after the beginning of the Vietnam War, the US Air Force began a program known as Feather Duster designed to assess the best tactics to be employed by each of the Air Force first-line fighters (F-4 and F-105) against the mainstay of the Vietnamese Air Force, the Mig-17. To simulate the MiG-17, the US Air Force employed Air National Guard pilots flying F-86H (I use the F-86F as a substitute). Feather Duster I simulated engagements that occurred between single aircraft coming into visual contact at either one to one and a half miles or at 3000 feet, and at altitudes of 20,000 or 35,000 feet, alternating each side as attacker and defender.

In this version, one F-86 jumps one F-4C at 20,000 feet, with only 3000 feet separation.

From Clashes: Air Combat Over North Vietnam 1965-1972 by Michael L. Michel III

FDI1J.BTL

Soon after the beginning of the Vietnam War, the US Air Force began a program known as Feather Duster designed to assess the best tactics to be employed by each of the Air Force first-line fighters (F-4 and F-105) against the mainstay of the Vietnamese Air Force, the Mig-17. To simulate the MiG-17, the US Air Force employed Air National Guard pilots flying F-86H (I use the F-86F as a substitute). Feather Duster I simulated engagements that occurred between single aircraft coming into visual contact at either one to one and a half miles or at 3000 feet, and at altitudes of 20,000 or 35,000 feet, alternating each side as attacker and defender.

In this version, one F-4C jumps one F-86F at 35,000 feet, with only 3000 feet horizontal separation.

From Clashes: Air Combat Over North Vietnam 1965-1972 by Michael L. Michel III

FDI1K.BTL

Soon after the beginning of the Vietnam War, the US Air Force began a program known as Feather Duster designed to assess the best tactics to be employed by each of the Air Force first-line fighters (F-4 and F-105) against the mainstay of the Vietnamese Air Force, the Mig-17. To simulate the MiG-17, the US Air Force employed Air National Guard pilots flying F-86H (I use the F-86F as a substitute). Feather Duster I simulated engagements that occurred between single aircraft coming into visual contact at either one to one and a half miles or at 3000 feet, and at altitudes of 20,000 or 35,000 feet, alternating each side as attacker and defender.

In this version, one F-86 jumps one F-4C at 35,000 feet, with only 3000 feet horizontal separation.

From Clashes: Air Combat Over North Vietnam 1965-1972 by Michael L. Michel III

FDI2.BTL

Soon after the beginning of the Vietnam War, the US Air Force began a program known as Feather Duster designed to assess the best tactics to be employed by each of the Air Force first-line fighters (F-4 and F-105) against the mainstay of the Vietnamese Air Force, the Mig-17. To simulate the MiG-17, the US Air Force employed Air National Guard pilots flying F-86H (I use the F-86F as a substitute). Feather Duster I simulated engagements that occurred between single aircraft coming into visual contact at either one to one and a half miles or at 3000 feet, and at altitudes of 20,000 or 35,000 feet, alternating each side as attacker and defender.

In this version, one F-105 encounters one F-86F head on at 20,000 feet.

From Clashes: Air Combat Over North Vietnam 1965-1972 by Michael L. Michel III

FDI2A.BTL

Soon after the beginning of the Vietnam War, the US Air Force began a program known as Feather Duster designed to assess the best tactics to be employed by each of the Air Force first-line fighters (F-4 and F-105) against the mainstay of the Vietnamese Air Force, the Mig-17. To simulate the MiG-17, the US Air Force employed Air National Guard pilots flying F-86H (I use the F-86F as a substitute). Feather Duster I simulated engagements that occurred between single aircraft coming into visual contact at either one to one and a half miles or at 3000 feet, and at altitudes of 20,000 or 35,000 feet, alternating each side as attacker and defender.

In this version, one F-105 encounters one F-86F head on at 35,000 feet.

From Clashes: Air Combat Over North Vietnam 1965-1972 by Michael L. Michel III

FDI2B.BTL

Soon after the beginning of the Vietnam War, the US Air Force began a program known as Feather Duster designed to assess the best tactics to be employed by each of the Air Force first-line fighters (F-4 and F-105) against the mainstay of the Vietnamese Air Force, the Mig-17. To simulate the MiG-17, the US Air Force employed Air National Guard pilots flying F-86H (I use the F-86F as a substitute). Feather Duster I simulated engagements that occurred between single aircraft coming into visual contact at either one to one and a half miles or at 3000 feet, and at altitudes of 20,000 or 35,000 feet, alternating each side as attacker and defender.

In this version, one F-105 encounters one F-86F head on at 20,000 feet, with only 3000 feet separation.

From Clashes: Air Combat Over North Vietnam 1965-1972 by Michael L. Michel III

FDI2C.BTL

Soon after the beginning of the Vietnam War, the US Air Force began a program known as Feather Duster designed to assess the best tactics to be employed by each of the Air Force first-line fighters (F-4 and F-105) against the mainstay of the Vietnamese Air Force, the Mig-17. To simulate the MiG-17, the US Air Force employed Air National Guard pilots flying F-86H (I use the F-86F as a substitute). Feather Duster I simulated engagements that occurred between single aircraft coming into visual contact at either one to one and a half miles or at 3000 feet, and at altitudes of 20,000 or 35,000 feet, alternating each side as attacker and defender.

In this version, one F-105 encounters one F-86F head on at 35,000 feet, with only 3000 feet horizontal separation.

From Clashes: Air Combat Over North Vietnam 1965-1972 by Michael L. Michel III

FDI2D.BTL

Soon after the beginning of the Vietnam War, the US Air Force began a program known as Feather Duster designed to assess the best tactics to be employed by each of the Air Force first-line fighters (F-4 and F-105) against the mainstay of the Vietnamese Air Force, the Mig-17. To simulate the MiG-17, the US Air Force employed Air National Guard pilots flying F-86H (I use the F-86F as a substitute). Feather Duster I simulated engagements that occurred between single aircraft coming into visual contact at either one to one and a half miles or at 3000 feet, and at altitudes of 20,000 or 35,000 feet, alternating each side as attacker and defender.

In this version, one F-86 jumps one F-105 at 20,000 feet.

From Clashes: Air Combat Over North Vietnam 1965-1972 by Michael L. Michel III

FDI2E.BTL

Soon after the beginning of the Vietnam War, the US Air Force began a program known as Feather Duster designed to assess the best tactics to be employed by each of the Air Force first-line fighters (F-4 and F-105) against the mainstay of the Vietnamese Air Force, the Mig-17. To simulate the MiG-17, the US Air Force employed Air National Guard pilots flying F-86H (I use the F-86F as a substitute). Feather Duster I simulated engagements that occurred between single aircraft coming into visual contact at either one to one and a half miles or at 3000 feet, and at altitudes of 20,000 or 35,000 feet, alternating each side as attacker and defender.

In this version, one F-105 jumps one F-86F at 20,000 feet.

From Clashes: Air Combat Over North Vietnam 1965-1972 by Michael L. Michel III

FDI2F.BTL

Soon after the beginning of the Vietnam War, the US Air Force began a program known as Feather Duster designed to assess the best tactics to be employed by each of the Air Force first-line fighters (F-4 and F-105) against the mainstay of the Vietnamese Air Force, the Mig-17. To simulate the MiG-17, the US Air Force employed Air National Guard pilots flying F-86H (I use the F-86F as a substitute). Feather Duster I simulated engagements that occurred between single aircraft coming into visual contact at either one to one and a half miles or at 3000 feet, and at altitudes of 20,000 or 35,000 feet, alternating each side as attacker and defender.

In this version, one F-105 jumps one F-86F at 35,000 feet.

From Clashes: Air Combat Over North Vietnam 1965-1972 by Michael L. Michel III

FDI2G.BTL

Soon after the beginning of the Vietnam War, the US Air Force began a program known as Feather Duster designed to assess the best tactics to be employed by each of the Air Force first-line fighters (F-4 and F-105) against the mainstay of the Vietnamese Air Force, the Mig-17. To simulate the MiG-17, the US Air Force employed Air National Guard pilots flying F-86H (I use the F-86F as a substitute). Feather Duster I simulated engagements that occurred between single aircraft coming into visual contact at either one to one and a half miles or at 3000 feet, and at altitudes of 20,000 or 35,000 feet, alternating each side as attacker and defender.

In this version, one F-86 jumps one F-105 at 35,000 feet.

From Clashes: Air Combat Over North Vietnam 1965-1972 by Michael L. Michel III

FDI2H.BTL

Soon after the beginning of the Vietnam War, the US Air Force began a program known as Feather Duster designed to assess the best tactics to be employed by each of the Air Force first-line fighters (F-4 and F-105) against the mainstay of the Vietnamese Air Force, the Mig-17. To simulate the MiG-17, the US Air Force employed Air National Guard pilots flying F-86H (I use the F-86F as a substitute). Feather Duster I simulated engagements that occurred between single aircraft coming into visual contact at either one to one and a half miles or at 3000 feet, and at altitudes of 20,000 or 35,000 feet, alternating each side as attacker and defender.

In this version, one F-105 jumps one F-86F at 20,000 feet, with only 3000 feet separation.

From Clashes: Air Combat Over North Vietnam 1965-1972 by Michael L. Michel III

FDI2I.BTL

Soon after the beginning of the Vietnam War, the US Air Force began a program known as Feather Duster designed to assess the best tactics to be employed by each of the Air Force first-line fighters (F-4 and F-105) against the mainstay of the Vietnamese Air Force, the Mig-17. To simulate the MiG-17, the US Air Force employed Air National Guard pilots flying F-86H (I use the F-86F as a substitute). Feather Duster I simulated engagements that occurred between single aircraft coming into visual contact at either one to one and a half miles or at 3000 feet, and at altitudes of 20,000 or 35,000 feet, alternating each side as attacker and defender.

In this version, one F-86 jumps one F-105 at 20,000 feet, with only 3000 feet separation.

From Clashes: Air Combat Over North Vietnam 1965-1972 by Michael L. Michel III

FDI2J.BTL

Soon after the beginning of the Vietnam War, the US Air Force began a program known as Feather Duster designed to assess the best tactics to be employed by each of the Air Force first-line fighters (F-4 and F-105) against the mainstay of the Vietnamese Air Force, the Mig-17. To simulate the MiG-17, the US Air Force employed Air National Guard pilots flying F-86H (I use the F-86F as a substitute). Feather Duster I simulated engagements that occurred between single aircraft coming into visual contact at either one to one and a half miles or at 3000 feet, and at altitudes of 20,000 or 35,000 feet, alternating each side as attacker and defender.

In this version, one F-105 jumps one F-86F at 35,000 feet, with only 3000 feet horizontal separation.

From Clashes: Air Combat Over North Vietnam 1965-1972 by Michael L. Michel III

FDI2K.BTL

Soon after the beginning of the Vietnam War, the US Air Force began a program known as Feather Duster designed to assess the best tactics to be employed by each of the Air Force first-line fighters (F-4 and F-105) against the mainstay of the Vietnamese Air Force, the Mig-17. To simulate the MiG-17, the US Air Force employed Air National Guard pilots flying F-86H (I use the F-86F as a substitute). Feather Duster I simulated engagements that occurred between single aircraft coming into visual contact at either one to one and a half miles or at 3000 feet, and at altitudes of 20,000 or 35,000 feet, alternating each side as attacker and defender.

In this version, one F-86 jumps one F-105 at 35,000 feet, with only 3000 feet horizontal separation.

From Clashes: Air Combat Over North Vietnam 1965-1972 by Michael L. Michel III

FDI3.BTL

Soon after the beginning of the Vietnam War, the US Air Force began a program known as Feather Duster designed to assess the best tactics to be employed by each of the Air Force first-line fighters (F-4 and F-105) against the mainstay of the Vietnamese Air Force, the Mig-17. To simulate the MiG-17, the US Air Force employed Air National Guard pilots flying F-86H (I use the F-86F as a substitute). Feather Duster I simulated engagements that occurred between single aircraft coming into visual contact at either one to one and a half miles or at 3000 feet, and at altitudes of 20,000 or 35,000 feet, alternating each side as attacker and defender.

In this version, one F-100 encounters one F-86F head on at 20,000 feet.

From Clashes: Air Combat Over North Vietnam 1965-1972 by Michael L. Michel III

FDI3A.BTL

Soon after the beginning of the Vietnam War, the US Air Force began a program known as Feather Duster designed to assess the best tactics to be employed by each of the Air Force first-line fighters (F-4 and F-105) against the mainstay of the Vietnamese Air Force, the Mig-17. To simulate the MiG-17, the US Air Force employed Air National Guard pilots flying F-86H (I use the F-86F as a substitute). Feather Duster I simulated engagements that occurred between single aircraft coming into visual contact at either one to one and a half miles or at 3000 feet, and at altitudes of 20,000 or 35,000 feet, alternating each side as attacker and defender.

In this version, one F-100 encounters one F-86F head on at 35,000 feet.

From Clashes: Air Combat Over North Vietnam 1965-1972 by Michael L. Michel III

FDI3B.BTL

Soon after the beginning of the Vietnam War, the US Air Force began a program known as Feather Duster designed to assess the best tactics to be employed by each of the Air Force first-line fighters (F-4 and F-105) against the mainstay of the Vietnamese Air Force, the Mig-17. To simulate the MiG-17, the US Air Force employed Air National Guard pilots flying F-86H (I use the F-86F as a substitute). Feather Duster I simulated engagements that occurred between single aircraft coming into visual contact at either one to one and a half miles or at 3000 feet, and at altitudes of 20,000 or 35,000 feet, alternating each side as attacker and defender.

In this version, one F-100 encounters one F-86F head on at 20,000 feet, with only 3000 feet horizontal separation.

From Clashes: Air Combat Over North Vietnam 1965-1972 by Michael L. Michel III

FDI3C.BTL

Soon after the beginning of the Vietnam War, the US Air Force began a program known as Feather Duster designed to assess the best tactics to be employed by each of the Air Force first-line fighters (F-4 and F-105) against the mainstay of the Vietnamese Air Force, the Mig-17. To simulate the MiG-17, the US Air Force employed Air National Guard pilots flying F-86H (I use the F-86F as a substitute). Feather Duster I simulated engagements that occurred between single aircraft coming into visual contact at either one to one and a half miles or at 3000 feet, and at altitudes of 20,000 or 35,000 feet, alternating each side as attacker and defender.

In this version, one F-100 encounters one F-86F head on at 35,000 feet, with only 3000 feet horizontal separation.

From Clashes: Air Combat Over North Vietnam 1965-1972 by Michael L. Michel III

FDI3D.BTL

Soon after the beginning of the Vietnam War, the US Air Force began a program known as Feather Duster designed to assess the best tactics to be employed by each of the Air Force first-line fighters (F-4 and F-105) against the mainstay of the Vietnamese Air Force, the Mig-17. To simulate the MiG-17, the US Air Force employed Air National Guard pilots flying F-86H (I use the F-86F as a substitute). Feather Duster I simulated engagements that occurred between single aircraft coming into visual contact at either one to one and a half miles or at 3000 feet, and at altitudes of 20,000 or 35,000 feet, alternating each side as attacker and defender.

In this version, one F-100 jumps one F-86F at 20,000 feet.

From Clashes: Air Combat Over North Vietnam 1965-1972 by Michael L. Michel III

FDI3E.BTL

Soon after the beginning of the Vietnam War, the US Air Force began a program known as Feather Duster designed to assess the best tactics to be employed by each of the Air Force first-line fighters (F-4 and F-105) against the mainstay of the Vietnamese Air Force, the Mig-17. To simulate the MiG-17, the US Air Force employed Air National Guard pilots flying F-86H (I use the F-86F as a substitute). Feather Duster I simulated engagements that occurred between single aircraft coming into visual contact at either one to one and a half miles or at 3000 feet, and at altitudes of 20,000 or 35,000 feet, alternating each side as attacker and defender.

In this version, one F-86 jumps one F-100 at 20,000 feet.

From Clashes: Air Combat Over North Vietnam 1965-1972 by Michael L. Michel III

FDI3F.BTL

Soon after the beginning of the Vietnam War, the US Air Force began a program known as Feather Duster designed to assess the best tactics to be employed by each of the Air Force first-line fighters (F-4 and F-105) against the mainstay of the Vietnamese Air Force, the Mig-17. To simulate the MiG-17, the US Air Force employed Air National Guard pilots flying F-86H (I use the F-86F as a substitute). Feather Duster I simulated engagements that occurred between single aircraft coming into visual contact at either one to one and a half miles or at 3000 feet, and at altitudes of 20,000 or 35,000 feet, alternating each side as attacker and defender.

In this version, one F-100 jumps one F-86F at 35,000 feet.

From Clashes: Air Combat Over North Vietnam 1965-1972 by Michael L. Michel III

FDI3G.BTL

Soon after the beginning of the Vietnam War, the US Air Force began a program known as Feather Duster designed to assess the best tactics to be employed by each of the Air Force first-line fighters (F-4 and F-105) against the mainstay of the Vietnamese Air Force, the Mig-17. To simulate the MiG-17, the US Air Force employed Air National Guard pilots flying F-86H (I use the F-86F as a substitute). Feather Duster I simulated engagements that occurred between single aircraft coming into visual contact at either one to one and a half miles or at 3000 feet, and at altitudes of 20,000 or 35,000 feet, alternating each side as attacker and defender.

In this version, one F-86 jumps one F-100 at 35,000 feet.

From Clashes: Air Combat Over North Vietnam 1965-1972 by Michael L. Michel III

FDI3H.BTL

Soon after the beginning of the Vietnam War, the US Air Force began a program known as Feather Duster designed to assess the best tactics to be employed by each of the Air Force first-line fighters (F-4 and F-105) against the mainstay of the Vietnamese Air Force, the Mig-17. To simulate the MiG-17, the US Air Force employed Air National Guard pilots flying F-86H (I use the F-86F as a substitute). Feather Duster I simulated engagements that occurred between single aircraft coming into visual contact at either one to one and a half miles or at 3000 feet, and at altitudes of 20,000 or 35,000 feet, alternating each side as attacker and defender.

In this version, one F-100 jumps one F-86F at 20,000 feet, with only 3000 feet horizontal separation.

From Clashes: Air Combat Over North Vietnam 1965-1972 by Michael L. Michel III

FDI3I.BTL

Soon after the beginning of the Vietnam War, the US Air Force began a program known as Feather Duster designed to assess the best tactics to be employed by each of the Air Force first-line fighters (F-4 and F-105) against the mainstay of the Vietnamese Air Force, the Mig-17. To simulate the MiG-17, the US Air Force employed Air National Guard pilots flying F-86H (I use the F-86F as a substitute). Feather Duster I simulated engagements that occurred between single aircraft coming into visual contact at either one to one and a half miles or at 3000 feet, and at altitudes of 20,000 or 35,000 feet, alternating each side as attacker and defender.

In this version, one F-86 jumps one F-100 at 20,000 feet, with only 3000 feet horizontal separation.

From Clashes: Air Combat Over North Vietnam 1965-1972 by Michael L. Michel III

FDI3J.BTL

Soon after the beginning of the Vietnam War, the US Air Force began a program known as Feather Duster designed to assess the best tactics to be employed by each of the Air Force first-line fighters (F-4 and F-105) against the mainstay of the Vietnamese Air Force, the Mig-17. To simulate the MiG-17, the US Air Force employed Air National Guard pilots flying F-86H (I use the F-86F as a substitute). Feather Duster I simulated engagements that occurred between single aircraft coming into visual contact at either one to one and a half miles or at 3000 feet, and at altitudes of 20,000 or 35,000 feet, alternating each side as attacker and defender.

In this version, one F-100 jumps one F-86F at 35,000 feet, with only 3000 feet horizontal separation.

From Clashes: Air Combat Over North Vietnam 1965-1972 by Michael L. Michel III

FDI3K.BTL

Soon after the beginning of the Vietnam War, the US Air Force began a program known as Feather Duster designed to assess the best tactics to be employed by each of the Air Force first-line fighters (F-4 and F-105) against the mainstay of the Vietnamese Air Force, the Mig-17. To simulate the MiG-17, the US Air Force employed Air National Guard pilots flying F-86H (I use the F-86F as a substitute). Feather Duster I simulated engagements that occurred between single aircraft coming into visual contact at either one to one and a half miles or at 3000 feet, and at altitudes of 20,000 or 35,000 feet, alternating each side as attacker and defender.

In this version, one F-86 jumps one F-100 at 35,000 feet, with only 3000 feet horizontal separation.

From Clashes: Air Combat Over North Vietnam 1965-1972 by Michael L. Michel III

FDI4.BTL

Soon after the beginning of the Vietnam War, the US Air Force began a program known as Feather Duster designed to assess the best tactics to be employed by each of the Air Force first-line fighters (F-4 and F-105) against the mainstay of the Vietnamese Air Force, the Mig-17. To simulate the MiG-17, the US Air Force employed Air National Guard pilots flying F-86H (I use the F-86F as a substitute). Feather Duster I simulated engagements that occurred between single aircraft coming into visual contact at either one to one and a half miles or at 3000 feet, and at altitudes of 20,000 or 35,000 feet, alternating each side as attacker and defender.

In this version, one F-5A encounters one F-86F head on at 20,000 feet.

From Clashes: Air Combat Over North Vietnam 1965-1972 by Michael L. Michel III

FDI4A.BTL

Soon after the beginning of the Vietnam War, the US Air Force began a program known as Feather Duster designed to assess the best tactics to be employed by each of the Air Force first-line fighters (F-4 and F-105) against the mainstay of the Vietnamese Air Force, the Mig-17. To simulate the MiG-17, the US Air Force employed Air National Guard pilots flying F-86H (I use the F-86F as a substitute). Feather Duster I simulated engagements that occurred between single aircraft coming into visual contact at either one to one and a half miles or at 3000 feet, and at altitudes of 20,000 or 35,000 feet, alternating each side as attacker and defender.

In this version, one F-5A encounters one F-86F head on at 35,000 feet.

From Clashes: Air Combat Over North Vietnam 1965-1972 by Michael L. Michel III

FDI4B.BTL

Soon after the beginning of the Vietnam War, the US Air Force began a program known as Feather Duster designed to assess the best tactics to be employed by each of the Air Force first-line fighters (F-4 and F-105) against the mainstay of the Vietnamese Air Force, the Mig-17. To simulate the MiG-17, the US Air Force employed Air National Guard pilots flying F-86H (I use the F-86F as a substitute). Feather Duster I simulated engagements that occurred between single aircraft coming into visual contact at either one to one and a half miles or at 3000 feet, and at altitudes of 20,000 or 35,000 feet, alternating each side as attacker and defender.

In this version, one F-5A encounters one F-86F head on at 20,000 feet, with only 3000 feet horizontal separation.

From Clashes: Air Combat Over North Vietnam 1965-1972 by Michael L. Michel III

FDI4C.BTL

Soon after the beginning of the Vietnam War, the US Air Force began a program known as Feather Duster designed to assess the best tactics to be employed by each of the Air Force first-line fighters (F-4 and F-105) against the mainstay of the Vietnamese Air Force, the Mig-17. To simulate the MiG-17, the US Air Force employed Air National Guard pilots flying F-86H (I use the F-86F as a substitute). Feather Duster I simulated engagements that occurred between single aircraft coming into visual contact at either one to one and a half miles or at 3000 feet, and at altitudes of 20,000 or 35,000 feet, alternating each side as attacker and defender.

In this version, one F-5A encounters one F-86F head on at 35,000 feet, with only 3000 feet horizontal separation.

From Clashes: Air Combat Over North Vietnam 1965-1972 by Michael L. Michel III

FDI4D.BTL

SSoon after the beginning of the Vietnam War, the US Air Force began a program known as Feather Duster designed to assess the best tactics to be employed by each of the Air Force first-line fighters (F-4 and F-105) against the mainstay of the Vietnamese Air Force, the Mig-17. To simulate the MiG-17, the US Air Force employed Air National Guard pilots flying F-86H (I use the F-86F as a substitute). Feather Duster I simulated engagements that occurred between single aircraft coming into visual contact at either one to one and a half miles or at 3000 feet, and at altitudes of 20,000 or 35,000 feet, alternating each side as attacker and defender.

In this version, one F-5A jumps one F-86F at 20,000 feet.

From Clashes: Air Combat Over North Vietnam 1965-1972 by Michael L. Michel III

FDI4E.BTL

Soon after the beginning of the Vietnam War, the US Air Force began a program known as Feather Duster designed to assess the best tactics to be employed by each of the Air Force first-line fighters (F-4 and F-105) against the mainstay of the Vietnamese Air Force, the Mig-17. To simulate the MiG-17, the US Air Force employed Air National Guard pilots flying F-86H (I use the F-86F as a substitute). Feather Duster I simulated engagements that occurred between single aircraft coming into visual contact at either one to one and a half miles or at 3000 feet, and at altitudes of 20,000 or 35,000 feet, alternating each side as attacker and defender.

In this version, one F-86 jumps one F-5A at 20,000 feet.

From Clashes: Air Combat Over North Vietnam 1965-1972 by Michael L. Michel III

FDI4F.BTL

Soon after the beginning of the Vietnam War, the US Air Force began a program known as Feather Duster designed to assess the best tactics to be employed by each of the Air Force first-line fighters (F-4 and F-105) against the mainstay of the Vietnamese Air Force, the Mig-17. To simulate the MiG-17, the US Air Force employed Air National Guard pilots flying F-86H (I use the F-86F as a substitute). Feather Duster I simulated engagements that occurred between single aircraft coming into visual contact at either one to one and a half miles or at 3000 feet, and at altitudes of 20,000 or 35,000 feet, alternating each side as attacker and defender.

In this version, one F-5A jumps one F-86F at 35,000 feet.

From Clashes: Air Combat Over North Vietnam 1965-1972 by Michael L. Michel III

FDI4G.BTL

Soon after the beginning of the Vietnam War, the US Air Force began a program known as Feather Duster designed to assess the best tactics to be employed by each of the Air Force first-line fighters (F-4 and F-105) against the mainstay of the Vietnamese Air Force, the Mig-17. To simulate the MiG-17, the US Air Force employed Air National Guard pilots flying F-86H (I use the F-86F as a substitute). Feather Duster I simulated engagements that occurred between single aircraft coming into visual contact at either one to one and a half miles or at 3000 feet, and at altitudes of 20,000 or 35,000 feet, alternating each side as attacker and defender.

In this version, one F-86 jumps one F-5A at 35,000 feet.

From Clashes: Air Combat Over North Vietnam 1965-1972 by Michael L. Michel III

FDI4H.BTL

Soon after the beginning of the Vietnam War, the US Air Force began a program known as Feather Duster designed to assess the best tactics to be employed by each of the Air Force first-line fighters (F-4 and F-105) against the mainstay of the Vietnamese Air Force, the Mig-17. To simulate the MiG-17, the US Air Force employed Air National Guard pilots flying F-86H (I use the F-86F as a substitute). Feather Duster I simulated engagements that occurred between single aircraft coming into visual contact at either one to one and a half miles or at 3000 feet, and at altitudes of 20,000 or 35,000 feet, alternating each side as attacker and defender.

In this version, one F-5A jumps one F-86F at 20,000 feet, with only 3000 feet horizontal separation.

From Clashes: Air Combat Over North Vietnam 1965-1972 by Michael L. Michel III

FDI4I.BTL

Soon after the beginning of the Vietnam War, the US Air Force began a program known as Feather Duster designed to assess the best tactics to be employed by each of the Air Force first-line fighters (F-4 and F-105) against the mainstay of the Vietnamese Air Force, the Mig-17. To simulate the MiG-17, the US Air Force employed Air National Guard pilots flying F-86H (I use the F-86F as a substitute). Feather Duster I simulated engagements that occurred between single aircraft coming into visual contact at either one to one and a half miles or at 3000 feet, and at altitudes of 20,000 or 35,000 feet, alternating each side as attacker and defender.

In this version, one F-86 jumps one F-5A at 20,000 feet, with only 3000 feet horizontal separation.

From Clashes: Air Combat Over North Vietnam 1965-1972 by Michael L. Michel III

FDI4J.BTL

Soon after the beginning of the Vietnam War, the US Air Force began a program known as Feather Duster designed to assess the best tactics to be employed by each of the Air Force first-line fighters (F-4 and F-105) against the mainstay of the Vietnamese Air Force, the Mig-17. To simulate the MiG-17, the US Air Force employed Air National Guard pilots flying F-86H (I use the F-86F as a substitute). Feather Duster I simulated engagements that occurred between single aircraft coming into visual contact at either one to one and a half miles or at 3000 feet, and at altitudes of 20,000 or 35,000 feet, alternating each side as attacker and defender.

In this version, one F-5A jumps one F-86F at 35,000 feet, with only 3000 feet horizontal separation.

From Clashes: Air Combat Over North Vietnam 1965-1972 by Michael L. Michel III

FDI4K.BTL

Soon after the beginning of the Vietnam War, the US Air Force began a program known as Feather Duster designed to assess the best tactics to be employed by each of the Air Force first-line fighters (F-4 and F-105) against the mainstay of the Vietnamese Air Force, the Mig-17. To simulate the MiG-17, the US Air Force employed Air National Guard pilots flying F-86H (I use the F-86F as a substitute). Feather Duster I simulated engagements that occurred between single aircraft coming into visual contact at either one to one and a half miles or at 3000 feet, and at altitudes of 20,000 or 35,000 feet, alternating each side as attacker and defender.

In this version, one F-86 jumps one F-5A at 35,000 feet, with only 3000 feet horizontal separation.

From Clashes: Air Combat Over North Vietnam 1965-1972 by Michael L. Michel III

FDI5.BTL

Soon after the beginning of the Vietnam War, the US Air Force began a program known as Feather Duster designed to assess the best tactics to be employed by each of the Air Force first-line fighters (F-4 and F-105) against the mainstay of the Vietnamese Air Force, the Mig-17. To simulate the MiG-17, the US Air Force employed Air National Guard pilots flying F-86H (I use the F-86F as a substitute). Feather Duster I simulated engagements that occurred between single aircraft coming into visual contact at either one to one and a half miles or at 3000 feet, and at altitudes of 20,000 or 35,000 feet, alternating each side as attacker and defender.

In this version, one F-104G (armed with AIM-9Js rather than the more historically accurate AIM-9B) encounters one F-86F head on at 20,000 feet.

From Clashes: Air Combat Over North Vietnam 1965-1972 by Michael L. Michel III

FDI5A.BTL

Soon after the beginning of the Vietnam War, the US Air Force began a program known as Feather Duster designed to assess the best tactics to be employed by each of the Air Force first-line fighters (F-4 and F-105) against the mainstay of the Vietnamese Air Force, the Mig-17. To simulate the MiG-17, the US Air Force employed Air National Guard pilots flying F-86H (I use the F-86F as a substitute). Feather Duster I simulated engagements that occurred between single aircraft coming into visual contact at either one to one and a half miles or at 3000 feet, and at altitudes of 20,000 or 35,000 feet, alternating each side as attacker and defender.

In this version, one F-104G (armed with AIM-9Js rather than the more historically accurate AIM-9B) encounters one F-86F head on at 35,000 feet.

From Clashes: Air Combat Over North Vietnam 1965-1972 by Michael L. Michel III

FDI5B.BTL

Soon after the beginning of the Vietnam War, the US Air Force began a program known as Feather Duster designed to assess the best tactics to be employed by each of the Air Force first-line fighters (F-4 and F-105) against the mainstay of the Vietnamese Air Force, the Mig-17. To simulate the MiG-17, the US Air Force employed Air National Guard pilots flying F-86H (I use the F-86F as a substitute). Feather Duster I simulated engagements that occurred between single aircraft coming into visual contact at either one to one and a half miles or at 3000 feet, and at altitudes of 20,000 or 35,000 feet, alternating each side as attacker and defender.

In this version, one F-104G (armed with AIM-9Js rather than the more historically accurate AIM-9B) encounters one F-86F head on at 20,000 feet, with only 3000 feet horizontal separation.

From Clashes: Air Combat Over North Vietnam 1965-1972 by Michael L. Michel III

FDI5C.BTL

Soon after the beginning of the Vietnam War, the US Air Force began a program known as Feather Duster designed to assess the best tactics to be employed by each of the Air Force first-line fighters (F-4 and F-105) against the mainstay of the Vietnamese Air Force, the Mig-17. To simulate the MiG-17, the US Air Force employed Air National Guard pilots flying F-86H (I use the F-86F as a substitute). Feather Duster I simulated engagements that occurred between single aircraft coming into visual contact at either one to one and a half miles or at 3000 feet, and at altitudes of 20,000 or 35,000 feet, alternating each side as attacker and defender.

In this version, one F-104G (armed with AIM-9Js rather than the more historically accurate AIM-9B) encounters one F-86F head on at 35,000 feet, with only 3000 feet horizontal separation.

From Clashes: Air Combat Over North Vietnam 1965-1972 by Michael L. Michel III

FDI5D.BTL

Soon after the beginning of the Vietnam War, the US Air Force began a program known as Feather Duster designed to assess the best tactics to be employed by each of the Air Force first-line fighters (F-4 and F-105) against the mainstay of the Vietnamese Air Force, the Mig-17. To simulate the MiG-17, the US Air Force employed Air National Guard pilots flying F-86H (I use the F-86F as a substitute). Feather Duster I simulated engagements that occurred between single aircraft coming into visual contact at either one to one and a half miles or at 3000 feet, and at altitudes of 20,000 or 35,000 feet, alternating each side as attacker and defender.

In this version, one F-104G (armed with AIM-9Js rather than the more historically accurate AIM-9B) jumps one F-86F at 20,000 feet.

From Clashes: Air Combat Over North Vietnam 1965-1972 by Michael L. Michel III

FDI5E.BTL

Soon after the beginning of the Vietnam War, the US Air Force began a program known as Feather Duster designed to assess the best tactics to be employed by each of the Air Force first-line fighters (F-4 and F-105) against the mainstay of the Vietnamese Air Force, the Mig-17. To simulate the MiG-17, the US Air Force employed Air National Guard pilots flying F-86H (I use the F-86F as a substitute). Feather Duster I simulated engagements that occurred between single aircraft coming into visual contact at either one to one and a half miles or at 3000 feet, and at altitudes of 20,000 or 35,000 feet, alternating each side as attacker and defender.

In this version, one F-86 jumps one F-104G (armed with AIM-9Js rather than the more historically accurate AIM-9B) at 20,000 feet.

From Clashes: Air Combat Over North Vietnam 1965-1972 by Michael L. Michel III

FDI5F.BTL

Soon after the beginning of the Vietnam War, the US Air Force began a program known as Feather Duster designed to assess the best tactics to be employed by each of the Air Force first-line fighters (F-4 and F-105) against the mainstay of the Vietnamese Air Force, the Mig-17. To simulate the MiG-17, the US Air Force employed Air National Guard pilots flying F-86H (I use the F-86F as a substitute). Feather Duster I simulated engagements that occurred between single aircraft coming into visual contact at either one to one and a half miles or at 3000 feet, and at altitudes of 20,000 or 35,000 feet, alternating each side as attacker and defender.

In this version, one F-104G (armed with AIM-9Js rather than the more historically accurate AIM-9B)jumps one F-86F at 35,000 feet.

From Clashes: Air Combat Over North Vietnam 1965-1972 by Michael L. Michel III

FDI5G.BTL

Soon after the beginning of the Vietnam War, the US Air Force began a program known as Feather Duster designed to assess the best tactics to be employed by each of the Air Force first-line fighters (F-4 and F-105) against the mainstay of the Vietnamese Air Force, the Mig-17. To simulate the MiG-17, the US Air Force employed Air National Guard pilots flying F-86H (I use the F-86F as a substitute). Feather Duster I simulated engagements that occurred between single aircraft coming into visual contact at either one to one and a half miles or at 3000 feet, and at altitudes of 20,000 or 35,000 feet, alternating each side as attacker and defender.

In this version, one F-86 jumps one F-104G (armed with AIM-9Js rather than the more historically accurate AIM-9B) at 35,000 feet.

From Clashes: Air Combat Over North Vietnam 1965-1972 by Michael L. Michel III

FDI5H.BTL

Soon after the beginning of the Vietnam War, the US Air Force began a program known as Feather Duster designed to assess the best tactics to be employed by each of the Air Force first-line fighters (F-4 and F-105) against the mainstay of the Vietnamese Air Force, the Mig-17. To simulate the MiG-17, the US Air Force employed Air National Guard pilots flying F-86H (I use the F-86F as a substitute). Feather Duster I simulated engagements that occurred between single aircraft coming into visual contact at either one to one and a half miles or at 3000 feet, and at altitudes of 20,000 or 35,000 feet, alternating each side as attacker and defender.

In this version, one F-104G (armed with AIM-9Js rather than the more historically accurate AIM-9B) jumps one F-86F at 20,000 feet, with only 3000 feet horizontal separation.

From Clashes: Air Combat Over North Vietnam 1965-1972 by Michael L. Michel III

FDI5I.BTL

Soon after the beginning of the Vietnam War, the US Air Force began a program known as Feather Duster designed to assess the best tactics to be employed by each of the Air Force first-line fighters (F-4 and F-105) against the mainstay of the Vietnamese Air Force, the Mig-17. To simulate the MiG-17, the US Air Force employed Air National Guard pilots flying F-86H (I use the F-86F as a substitute). Feather Duster I simulated engagements that occurred between single aircraft coming into visual contact at either one to one and a half miles or at 3000 feet, and at altitudes of 20,000 or 35,000 feet, alternating each side as attacker and defender.

In this version, one F-86 jumps one F-5A at 20,000 feet, with only 3000 feet horizontal separation.

From Clashes: Air Combat Over North Vietnam 1965-1972 by Michael L. Michel III

FDI5J.BTL

Soon after the beginning of the Vietnam War, the US Air Force began a program known as Feather Duster designed to assess the best tactics to be employed by each of the Air Force first-line fighters (F-4 and F-105) against the mainstay of the Vietnamese Air Force, the Mig-17. To simulate the MiG-17, the US Air Force employed Air National Guard pilots flying F-86H (I use the F-86F as a substitute). Feather Duster I simulated engagements that occurred between single aircraft coming into visual contact at either one to one and a half miles or at 3000 feet, and at altitudes of 20,000 or 35,000 feet, alternating each side as attacker and defender.

In this version, one F-86 jumps one F-104G (armed with AIM-9Js rather than the more historically accurate AIM-9B) at 35,000 feet, with only 3000 feet horizontal separation.

From Clashes: Air Combat Over North Vietnam 1965-1972 by Michael L. Michel III

FDI5K.BTL

Soon after the beginning of the Vietnam War, the US Air Force began a program known as Feather Duster designed to assess the best tactics to be employed by each of the Air Force first-line fighters (F-4 and F-105) against the mainstay of the Vietnamese Air Force, the Mig-17. To simulate the MiG-17, the US Air Force employed Air National Guard pilots flying F-86H (I use the F-86F as a substitute). Feather Duster I simulated engagements that occurred between single aircraft coming into visual contact at either one to one and a half miles or at 3000 feet, and at altitudes of 20,000 or 35,000 feet, alternating each side as attacker and defender.

In this version, one F-86 jumps one F-104G (armed with AIM-9Js rather than the more historically accurate AIM-9B) at 35,000 feet, with only 3000 feet horizontal separation.

From Clashes: Air Combat Over North Vietnam 1965-1972 by Michael L. Michel III