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Secret Documents #206: F-4E Guide - Weapons - Part 4
🕑 Added 2025-03-07 11:00:04 +0000 UTCHi folks!
This is one of my favorite parts to write about so far: the "weird weapons" sub-section. How were air-to-ground missiles when they were first introduced? Well, most of you might already know about the AGM-65 Maverick... but what about the AGM-12 Bullpup? A remote-controlled missile that will absolutely mess with your brain as you try to steer the missile using pre-Nintendo-era janky controls that may or may not work like you'd expect. The Viggenites among you may remember the rage from the hellish RB-05 missile... well, rest assured, you'll feel right at home with the Bullpup!
But wait, there's more! There are also TV-guided bombs like the GBU-8 HOBOS (Homing Bomb System), which was adopted by US Air Force Phantoms... and the AGM-62 Walleye, which was adopted by the US Navy Phantoms. Both the GBU-8 and AGM-62 are functionally identical and require a lock based on contrast and a very steep dive to make sure the bomb flies itself to the target. Not an easy task since you cannot slew the aiming reticle... you have to fly the aircraft to aim the crosshair reticle. This is where silk hands will come in handy! (ba-dum-tss)
Feel free to consult the attached pdf to see the draft.
Comments
Chuck's Guides
Yeah it's a fun little toy that packs a punch!
hectik
The HOBOS gave me fits until I realized it basically has to be treated like a dumb bomb. It seems to fall short unless I make sure to give it a little excess energy to work with. Very satisfying big boom.
