Tracers were loaded in the “tactical load” of our M-61s in the Tomcat when we were on cruise. I don’t recall what the ratio and/or other types of rounds included. The RTGS (Rube-Type Goldberg Sight😊) in the F-14A was terrible so tracers made a big difference.
We were also cautioned that if we had to fire an A-A missile at night, try to remember to at least close one eye.👁️ Our A-7 drivers were trained to do the same if they were firing the old Shrike or Harm at radar sites at night.
We attended a debrief by some Israeli fighter pilots after the middle east dust up in the mid ‘80s. Seeing all the gun camera footage vs missile firings, we were curious and somebody asked why so many of their kills were with their guns. Their response…”their enemy pilots were poorly trained and AIM-9s cost too much (about $250,000 at the time vs ~ $9 per 20 mm round) 😁
Last edited by navlav8r; 03/06/24.
