fiebichpvFebruary 9, 2012, 12:33am
Hun Encounter
02-01-12
While on routine patrol in my AirBike flying the Western Front last week, I could see in the distance, a flurry of activity close to the ground. From far away I couldn't determine its cause. Barrage balloons usually were at 1000 feet and dog-fighting occurred around 3000 feet. The activity I saw was lower than 500 feet. It was perplexing.
Banking slightly to the left, I throttled up my AirBike and climbed to better assess the situation as I closed in on the action. Within 1/4 mile of the activity it was obvious a dog fight was in process between a Hun and two Allied powered parachutes. The fight ranged from just a few feet off the ground to over 500. The PPCs were twisting and turning, streaming smoke within which they could hide and then darting out of it to chase the Hun towards the ground.
Often the tight turning PPCs would cross their own wake as they spiraled in pursuit of an enemy that had the advantage of speed but not maneuverability. Judging by the PPCs canopy colors, pilots were Brent Boggs and Ted Stauth. Brent piloted the black and green one, Ted the multi-colored one.
Maintaining about 200 feet of distance above their highest activity level, I provided top cover for the PPC pilots below. Their canopies created a tremendous blind spot above them so I covered their 12 o'clock high position least they be attacked by a Hun hiding in the clouds. Turning on my reconnaissance cameras I snapped a few stills of the fray.
The fight lasted only 15 minutes before the lone Hun was seen limping away clinging close to the ground while trying to hide behind the windbreaks of Osage Orange trees. The two PPCs created a circling descending pair of smoke trails followed by a head-on pass making their demonstration a well-choreographed "victory dance".
The PPCs happily hedge-hopped across the countryside and eventually out of sight. With the battle over, I continued my patrol returning to the aerodrome 90 minutes after leaving. Securing my plane in the hangar, I left the aerodrome confident that the women and children can sleep well for another night. Thanks to the valiant efforts of Brent and Ted.
I then planned a stop at the local Bistro to enhance my spirits and lift a few.
AirBike Ace
02-01-12
While on routine patrol in my AirBike flying the Western Front last week, I could see in the distance, a flurry of activity close to the ground. From far away I couldn't determine its cause. Barrage balloons usually were at 1000 feet and dog-fighting occurred around 3000 feet. The activity I saw was lower than 500 feet. It was perplexing.
Banking slightly to the left, I throttled up my AirBike and climbed to better assess the situation as I closed in on the action. Within 1/4 mile of the activity it was obvious a dog fight was in process between a Hun and two Allied powered parachutes. The fight ranged from just a few feet off the ground to over 500. The PPCs were twisting and turning, streaming smoke within which they could hide and then darting out of it to chase the Hun towards the ground.
Often the tight turning PPCs would cross their own wake as they spiraled in pursuit of an enemy that had the advantage of speed but not maneuverability. Judging by the PPCs canopy colors, pilots were Brent Boggs and Ted Stauth. Brent piloted the black and green one, Ted the multi-colored one.
Maintaining about 200 feet of distance above their highest activity level, I provided top cover for the PPC pilots below. Their canopies created a tremendous blind spot above them so I covered their 12 o'clock high position least they be attacked by a Hun hiding in the clouds. Turning on my reconnaissance cameras I snapped a few stills of the fray.
The fight lasted only 15 minutes before the lone Hun was seen limping away clinging close to the ground while trying to hide behind the windbreaks of Osage Orange trees. The two PPCs created a circling descending pair of smoke trails followed by a head-on pass making their demonstration a well-choreographed "victory dance".
The PPCs happily hedge-hopped across the countryside and eventually out of sight. With the battle over, I continued my patrol returning to the aerodrome 90 minutes after leaving. Securing my plane in the hangar, I left the aerodrome confident that the women and children can sleep well for another night. Thanks to the valiant efforts of Brent and Ted.
I then planned a stop at the local Bistro to enhance my spirits and lift a few.
AirBike Ace
