The White Falcon - 24.03.1978, Síða 1

♦
Photo by PHAN Kirk Faskins
the pilot to be much more accurate with
interceptions with Russian aircraft.
The new F4E is slightly heavier than
the F4C, but this is offset by a larger
engine which creates 900 additional
pounds of thrust capable of carrying the
plane at approximately twice the speed
of sound.
The aircraft has a range of approxi-
mately 1,000 miles and is capable of
being refueled in-flight by the DC-135.
Major Jenkins stated that although
the new aircraft appear to be very
similar, it will definately change the
way that the 57th performs its mission
in Iceland.
Volume 34 Number 12 Keflavik, Iceland March 24, 1978
57th FIS
gets new
plane
The Air Force 57th Fighter Intercept
Squadron received two new F4E "Phantom"
aircraft Tuesday in the first step to
replace the F4C aircraft currently in
use by the squadron. The squadron ex-
pects to have all 13 of its F4C
aircraft replaced by the updated model
with the next five or six months.
At first glance the new F4E model
'Phantom' shows very little change from
the F4C. According to Major Douglas H.
Jenkins, 57th Assistant Operations Of-
ficer, the changes visible on the out-
side of the plane consist of a larger
nose area used to accommodate an in-
ternal gun. On the old 'Phantoms' the
gun was mounted out ide which created
undesirable drag.
One other change is the maneuvering
slats on the wing. These slats auto-
matically change tne shape of the wing
as conditions of flight change. This
makes the aircraft much safer and more
maneuverable in flight.
Some of the improvements inside the
aircraft include a solid state two-way
radio as well as a solid state tactical
air and navigational system. The air-
born radar is also greatly improved and
along those same lines the plane has a
five nautical mile scope which allows

C-121 destroyed by fire;
cause
under investigation
Sixteen crew members and one
passenger escaped a firery death as
their EC-121 aircraft caught fire while
taxiing to the runway for takeoff.
The EC-121 "Constellation" was a
radar aircraft and is considered to be a
total loss. The plane was preparing to
take off on a routine mission when the
accident occured.
The Fire/Crash department received
the crash call at 8:47 a.m., March 15,
and the fire was under control by 9:10
a.m. The crew and passenger escaped
without injury. Two of the firemen
received minor injuries while fighting
the fire and were taken to the Naval
Station Dispensary and later released.
Other firemen were treated on the scene
by corpsmen for smoke related injuries.
The cause of the accident has not
been determined and is under investiga-
tion, according to local sources.
The EC-121 aircratt at the NATO base
are scheduled to be phased out and
replaced by the E-3A Airborne Warning and
Control System aircraft later this year.
Photo by PHC David Brookins
FIREFIGHTERS—had
the EC-121 blaze un-
der control 20 min-_
utes after they re-"*
ceived the call last
week.
ACC0RDING--to LCdr.
Howard Matson, IDF
Public Affairs Of-
,ficer. the aircraft
was considered a
total loss. The
cause of the fire is
under investigation.
Photo by PHAN Michael Blake
Spring sprang
Blue skies dance in the atmosphere of
Iceland as spring makes its debut this
year. The overwhelming spirit of the
season provokes a variety of activities
and an air of excitement on the NATO
base.
If you are the individual who neglect-
ed to keep the body in tone this winter,
spring is the perfect time to get back
in shape. Outdoor sports, such as jog-
ging, softball and tennis offer a
healthy, challenging and fun pasttime.
Tuesday
The adventurous will enjoy the
numerous camping and backpacking oppor-
tunities. Confirmed tourists can indulge
themselves in local tours to Gullfoss,
Reykjavik, Hvitarbakki and Akureyri.
The fishing season opens April 1, for all
avid fishermen.
Spring in Iceland can be a breath-
taking and unforgetable experience. All
persons should take advantage of the op-
portunities available and make Spring
1978 a memorable occasion.
IN LIKE A LI0N--Spring came in at 11:40 p.m. Monday, but, on Tuesday, it was
more like a lamb as fair skies and warm weather lured children of all ages out'
side for some fun in the sun. (photo by PH3 Tom Wall