The Extraordinary Story of the First Wild Weasels: The Band of Maverick Aviators

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The Hunter Killers: The Extraordinary Story of the First Wild Weasels, the Band of Maverick Aviators Who Flew the Most Dangerous Missions of the Vietnam War

by Dan Hampton

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	8834 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	548 pages

FREE

The Wild Weasels were a group of maverick aviators who flew dangerous missions to suppress enemy air defenses. They were the first pilots to use anti-radar missiles, and their tactics revolutionized air combat.

The Wild Weasels were formed in 1965, at the height of the Vietnam War. The United States Air Force was losing too many aircraft to enemy air defenses, and something had to be done. A group of young, aggressive pilots were selected to form a new unit that would specialize in destroying enemy radar sites.

The Wild Weasels flew F-105 Thunderchiefs and F-4 Phantom IIs. They were armed with AGM-45 Shrike and AGM-78 Standard ARM anti-radar missiles. The Shrike was a fire-and-forget missile that could home in on enemy radar emissions. The Standard ARM was a more sophisticated missile that could be guided to a specific target.

The Wild Weasels flew their first mission in October 1965. They were tasked with destroying a North Vietnamese radar site that was targeting American aircraft. The mission was a success, and the Wild Weasels quickly became a valuable asset to the Air Force.

The Wild Weasels flew hundreds of missions during the Vietnam War. They destroyed dozens of enemy radar sites and helped to pave the way for American victory. They also played a key role in the development of new tactics and technologies for suppressing enemy air defenses.

The Wild Weasels were a band of maverick aviators who flew dangerous missions to protect their fellow pilots. They were pioneers in the field of electronic warfare, and their tactics revolutionized air combat. The Wild Weasels are a testament to the courage, skill, and dedication of the men and women who serve in the United States Air Force.

Legacy of the Wild Weasels

The Wild Weasels left a lasting legacy on the United States Air Force. Their tactics and technologies are still used today to suppress enemy air defenses. The Wild Weasel Association is a non-profit organization that supports the men and women who have served in the Wild Weasel community.

The Wild Weasels are a reminder that even the most dangerous missions can be accomplished with courage, skill, and dedication. They are an inspiration to all who serve in the United States military.

Image Credits

• F-105 Thunderchief by U.S. Air Force
• F-4 Phantom II by U.S. Air Force
• AGM-45 Shrike by U.S. Air Force
• AGM-78 Standard ARM by U.S. Air Force

References

• The Wild Weasels by U.S. Air Force
• Wild Weasel Association

The Hunter Killers: The Extraordinary Story of the First Wild Weasels, the Band of Maverick Aviators Who Flew the Most Dangerous Missions of the Vietnam War

by Dan Hampton

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	8834 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	548 pages

FREE