Hello gang! Today, we bring another news update regarding aircraft to be flown within Vietnam. Today’s news post displays the F5 Tiger II.

The F-5A/B Freedom Fighter and F-5E/F Tiger II are part of a family of widely used light supersonic fighter aircraft, designed and built by Northrop in the United States, beginning in 1960s. Hundreds remain in service in air forces around the world in the early 21st Century, and the type has also been the basis for a number of other aircraft.

In October 1965 the USAF began a five-month combat evaluation of the F-5A titled Skoshi Tiger. Twelve aircraft were delivered for trials to the 4503rd Tactical Fighter Wing and redesignated as the F-5C. They performed combat duty in Vietnam, flying more than 3,500 sorties from the 3rd Tactical Fighter Wing at Bien Hoa in South Vietnam.

In June 1967 the 10th FCS’s surviving aircraft were turned over to the air force of South Vietnam, which previously had only A-37 Dragonfly and A-1 Skyraider attack aircraft. This new VNAF squadron was titled the 522nd. The president of Vietnam had originally asked for F-4 Phantoms used by the Americans, but the VNAF flew primarily ground support as the communist forces employed no opposing aircraft over South Vietnam, MiG or otherwise. Ironically, when Bien Hoa was later overrun by Communist forces, several of the aircraft were captured and used operationally by the NVAF, in particular against Khmer Rouge.

In view of the performance, agility and size of the F-5, it might have appeared to be a good match against the similar MiG-21 in air combat; however, US doctrine was to use heavy, faster, and longer-range aircraft like the F-105 Thunderchief and F-4 Phantom II over North Vietnam. Several of the F-5s left over from the Vietnam war were sent to Poland and Russia, for advanced study of US aviation technology, while others were decommissioned and put on display at museums in Vietnam. This brings this news post to a conclusion. Look for future reports of other aircraft flown within Vietnam to come soon!

Special thanks goes to the guys over at the AiX mod www.aixtended.com for permission and use of the F5 Tiger II within the EoD Mod. Without thier support, we would be unable to bring this fine machine into the Vietnam theater of operations. My personal gratitude goes to Clivewel for his time and effort in reworking this model just for the EoD Mod. Thank you Clive and AiX!

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Hey gang! Another news post today. Today we’d like to showcase one of my most favorite fixed winged aircraft. The F4 Phantom II.

The F-4 Phantom was designed as a fleet defense fighter for the U.S. Navy, and first entered service in 1960. By 1963, it had been adopted by the U.S. Air Force for the fighter-bomber role. When production ended in 1981, 5,195 Phantom IIs had been built, making it the most numerous American supersonic military aircraft. Until the advent of the F-15 Eagle, the F-4 also held a record for the longest continuous production with a run of 24 years. Innovations in the F-4 included an advanced pulse-doppler radar and extensive use of titanium in its airframe.

The F-4 could carry up to 18,650 pounds (8,480 kg) of weapons on nine external hardpoints, including air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles, and unguided, guided, and nuclear bombs. Since the F-8 Crusader was to be used for close combat, the F-4 was designed, like other interceptors of the day, without an internal cannon; however, should it be engaged in visual range dogfights, the radar was assisted by the Weapons Systems Officer in spotting opposing fighters. It became the primary fighter-bomber of both the Navy and Air Force by the end of the Vietnam War.

At the time of the Tonkin Gulf incident, 13 of 31 deployable Navy squadrons were armed with the type. F-4Bs from Constellation made the first Phantom combat sortie of the Vietnam War on 5 August 1964, flying bomber escort in Operation Pierce Arrow.

At first reluctant to adopt a Navy fighter, the USAF quickly embraced the design and became the largest Phantom user. The first Air Force Phantoms in Vietnam were F-4Cs from the “Triple Nickel” 555th Tactical Fighter Squadron which arrived in December 1964. Unlike the Navy, the Air Force initially flew its Phantoms with a rated pilot in the back seat rather than a weapon/targeting systems officer (later designated as weapon systems officer or WSO), and all USAF Phantoms retained dual flight controls.

From the initial deployment of the F-4 to Southeast Asia, USAF Phantoms performed both air superiority and ground attack roles, supporting not only ground troops in South Vietnam but also conducting bombing sorties in Laos and North Vietnam.

Both of our F4 Phantoms are equipped to perform well in these roles within EoD. Each aircraft is loaded with Rockeye MK-82 bombs and can also be fitted with Napalm Canisters. The F4 also contains a nose mounted gun pod for air to air defense. In addition to the gun pod, aim 9 sidewinder missles are standard. The RIO has Mavrick air to surface rockets at his disposal.

All in all, the F4 Phantom II is an aircraft to be feared and respected in the skies over Vietnam. Look for this exciting aircraft on a carrier or runway soon.

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Well gang, another news post is upon us! Since we’ve been showing you guys all the neat helicopters to be flying the skies of the EoD mod. We thought it was time for us to introduce you to, “Sandy”, our A-1H SkyRaider. This aircraft can be used for multiple roles. From support of troop insertions to defense of key positions on the battlefield.

The A-1H Skyraider was adopted by the USAF, from the US Navy as they were retired from service use aboard carriers in favor of Jet Aircraft. The USAF used the Skyraider as a ground support/attack aircraft. It was also commony used as a helicopter escort in support of troop insertions and extractions.

The A-1H Skyraider was designed and built at the end of WWII. It was used throughout the Korean conflict and later found a home in Vietnam. The versatility of the design enabled the “Sandy” multiple roles in the fierce combat in the skies over Vietnam. Our “Sandy” is very well armed and equiped to deal with these threats in support of the troops in the jungle. Armament consists of Rockeye Iron Bombs, Napalm Canisters, 2.75in FFAR Rockets and four 20MM cannon.

Affectionately known also as “Able Dog”, the Douglas AD series attacker was one of the most welcomed machines among the US Navy and USMC pilots and ground crews. Its sturdy construction and reliable mechanism allowed the dog to withstand even the toughest battles. Many pilots were able to sustain heavy damage and still make it home.

In addition to the USAF colors of our A-1H Skyraider. It is also available in Navy Colors. (More on this later.) Well gang, there you have it. Another news post in regards to things to be found in EoD.

Stay tuned as there is yet more to aviation goodness to come!