The F-74 Vampires of 'Project Gunsight'

Spinners · October 12, 2023

de Havilland F-74A Vampire - 44th Aggressor Fighter Squadron, Ash Fork AFB, North Arizona, 1952

In the opening weeks of the Korean War in 1950 the various UN air forces encountered a wide range of North Korean aircraft and the rather pedestrian looking Yak-17 (later codenamed 'Feather') was an early surprise being tough, agile and available in large numbers. Despite its modest speed the lightweight Yak-17 could turn on the proverbial sixpence and the heavily laden UN piston-enginned fighter-bombers soon fell prey to its twin 23mm cannon armament.

Of course, even more of a shock was the MiG-15 and the USAF soon became increasingly concerned at the steadily worsening kill to loss ratio. Whilst better equipment was on its way, most notably in the shape of the superb F-86A Sabre, visionaries within the USAF quickly realised that better training and tactics were also required.

Led by Colonel Irwin J. Reinhard, 'Project Gunsight' was quickly created to provide air combat training and tactics for USAF fighter pilots and an important aspect was dissimilar air combat training as most USAF fighter-jocks learned by training against their own aircraft type or by the occasional 'bounce' against (or by) another USAF aircraft type. Project Gunsight was formed at Ash Fork AFB in Northern Arizona and whilst, initially at least, nothing could effectively simulate the MiG-15 Reinhard reckoned that the British de Havilland Vampire would make an ideal Yak-17 simulator. Accordingly, 12 ex-RAF Vampire aircraft were quickly dispatched to Ash Fork to form the 44th (Aggressor) Fighter Squadron in February 1951 and these were used until November 1952 when it became apparent that the numbers of Yak-17's being encountered had dwindled to zero. However, the F-74A remained a popular 'check ride' aircraft at Ash Fork for a few years after its operational role had ended.