We ran into the IP in trail in order to allow for a quick in-place turn to the left to put us back into Wedge for a Shooters/Wedge/Maverick run in on the target. This went as planned with both aircraft successfully employing a single missile, with -1 hitting the RADAR and -2 one of the launchers. We then returned to the IP and repeated the attack this time both engaging a launcher.
Panther 1-1, Rifle
Panther 1-2 Running-In with -1 heading back to IP.
Following the Maverick attacks we performed another attack this time Shooters/Trail/Rockets, each employing 14 M-151 HE rockets on the target, both aircraft performing a 5 degree Loft Rockets delivery. Following the rocket attack we immediately performed 2 Shooters/Trail/Gun attacks on the remaining units and then having spent 60 longer than briefed in the attack, we egressed to the south and began our climb to 10,000 feet MSL toward BEATTY for the recovery.
Panther 1 Rejoined En-Route to BEATTY for the JAYSN Recovery
The JAYSN recovery went as planned, with things once again becoming busy as 16 aircraft (with Panther 2 already having landed at Creech following their mission abort) began their recovery at the same time. However all flight were able to safely and easily deconflict with each other heading towards STRYK.
As we continued on the STRYK recovery for 3R we maintained visual contact with Panther 4 2 miles up ahead and slightly delayed our turn to SIMNS so as to maintain safe separation.
Panther 4 making the turn to SIMNS in front of us
In the turn to SIMNS, with Trigger maintaining position.
The turn onto Initial was sporty but Trigger maintained position as we headed into the overhead with Panther 4 ahead of us and Panther 3 already on the ground. The first of the Vanguard flights were also heading in behind us so quick and effective execution of the break and landing was essential. I elected to break at midfield to afford Pather 4 some extra space and we conducted an unspectacular overhead break with the Vanguard flights heading in behind us.
Running in for the Break, Panther 4 off to the right
At the Perch with Vanguard 1 Heading In for their Break
We landing behind Panther 4 and taxied to the north east EOR and carried out our after landing check before heading back to the LOLA to join the rest of the Panthers, before shutting down and heading for the debrief at the end of a successful and highly enjoyable flight.