Air Force·Weapon system retired·In Memoriam
F-111 Aardvark Weapon Systems Officer
Wizzo
Served: 1967–1998
Sat *next to* the pilot (side-by-side, unusual for fighters) running terrain-following radar at 200 feet AGL and Mach 1.2.
The Story
The side-by-side cockpit — bomber-style, not tandem — was specifically because the workload during low-level TFR penetration runs needed real-time conversation, not intercom traffic. The Wizzo could literally point at a switch on the pilot's side of the panel.
Epitaph
“Side by side at 200 feet and Mach 1.2. Retired side by side too.”
Sources
- Wikipedia — Weapon Systems Officeren.wikipedia.org