I think all three missile types would guide on that target and their warheads would function making multiple holes in the Hellcat. The unknown is the vulnerability of the Hellcat. I suspect the pilot was the largest critical thing in that aircraft, which is not a factor here. So it depends on the size, location, and shielding of things like fuel lines/tanks, control cables, etc. as well as fire suppression. Being air-cooled eliminates a liquid cooling system, which is normally a big vulnerability. Those radial air-cooled engines are reputed to function even after severe battle damage but I don't know how factual that really is. In reality, a modern fighter would probably use the 20mm gun, mainly to ensure they were shooting at the right thing (inside visual range), and that would be very effective (especially with a non-maneuvering target). Current 20mm ammo functions (detonates) after it has passed several inches inside the skin of the target.
In defense of the 2.75 FFAM, that shotgun cluster tactic was intended for manned intercontinental bombers, which were quite large and slow in those days. A single hit, almost anywhere on the target, would ruin target crew's day. > -----Original Message----- > From: M. Mitchell Marmel via Mercedes > Yes, but how well could they do against an unmanned Hellcat drone? > > My money's on the Grumman. ;D > > -MMM- _______________________________________ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
