"Doug "Woody" and Erin Beal" wrote in message
...
On 11/26/04 9:53 AM, in article
, "Pechs1"
wrote:

Doug- The F
comes in two versions: The F/A-18F(S) has a stick in the back. The
missionized jet is the F/A-18F(T) and has side-stick controllers in the
tub.
The rear crew seat is occupied by an Naval Flight Officer (NFO) who fills
the Weapons Systems Officer (WSO) BRBR

I say-Holy crap, GIBs flying the jet...BUT when on exchange with the
USAF, in
the F-4D, some WSOs I flew with were damn good.

Is there a USN reg yet about when the WSO can fly? No WSO flying below
10,000
ft AGL for the USAF when I was there.

What happens if they start to grab things around the bopat when they are
scared?? Can the pilot uncouple these??
P. C. Chisholm
CDR, USN(ret.)
Old Phart Phormer Phantom, Turkey, Viper, Scooter and Combat Buckeye
Phlyer

Whoa, pardner! I didn't mean to start a rogue thread.

The (S) version with the stick is a "trainer" just like the D model is
now--i.e. they're flown with FRS students in the front, IP's in the trunk.
With the (T) version (side stick mission controllers), they put IP's in
the
front and student WSO's in the back. The fleet squadron's don¹t have 'em.
The only squadron that has the (S) version now is VFA-122 (FRS).

Fleet F squadrons have the (T) exclusively. Sorry if I miscommunicated
less
than clearly.

--Woody

To clarify once more, the F can be field configured as a dual-control
trainer as is done with some jets at VFA-122 or as in the intended mission
role with flight controls in the front cockpit only. The wizzo has two side
stick "mission" controller joysticks for weapons system directions, but
cannot drive the jet. It only takes a few minutes to add or remove the rear
cockpit flight controls with the fly by wire design.