Posted by dlevine2100 on
URL: https://www.shado-forum.com/Interceptors-tp1500519p1500520.html

--- In [hidden email], <rkrueg@t...> wrote:
> Hello all,
> I would think the "rescue" decal is for morale purposes, much as
our pilots today carry a sidearm. The sidearm is fairly useless when
confronted by an enemy platoon with automatic rifles, heavy caliber
machine guns, etc. but having it is infinitely better then NOT
having one. Perhaps the decal represents a radar reflector, IFF type
system for the rescue craft... [stuff deleted]
> ...It has also been noted that the Interceptors are small so I
would assume that they have limited fuel range. In addition, since
they are kept on "alert" status, I assume they are kept ready to
launch, i.e. engines warmed and/or running, missile loaded, systems
up (like communications/ computer) and is therefore burning fuel. So
a pilot sent out on an intercept mission may have to fly out, launch
his missile, then fly an evasive return route and try to navigate
back to base with less then a full tank of fuel, which is limited to
start with. The rescue decal might mark where a fuel-tanker
vehicle "tops off" the fuel load.

I think it would be misleading an even dangerous to put an
indication (rescue decal) on the interceptors for "morale purposes".
One has to assume that the interceptor pilots were professionals
with a lot of training, who would know the risks of flying the
interceptors. In case of an emergency, you want the people trying to
help to have precise information about what they can do and cannot
do to help. The rescue decal could have indicated that pressing a
button would blow up the canopy. But somewhere there should had been
an indication saying this was to be done only within a pressurized
chamber. Of course, the most likely explanation for the decal is
that the model builder was thinking about a military aircraft, and
the decal would add "coolness" to the model, but I don't think they
thought much about the details involved in actually trying to rescue
an interceptor pilot.

Regarding the propulsion system on the interceptors, does anyone
know any details? It couldn't have been anything we use nowadays for
rocket propulsion, since the interceptors would had needed huge fuel
thanks. Did they ever mentioned how fast they could go??

David Levine