04 August 2009
Tail End Charlie II

 

This was the first squad night we flew together with the new terrain. The rendering
engine worked very well and the terrain was much more realistic looking.

The *Specialists* launched together, formed up, and then climbed to altitude. As we

approached the enemy airfield a P51 was several thousand feet above us. It
turned out to be a bandit that had set his sights on Luft. Luft had become TEC (Tail End Charlie).
They call it Charlie for a reason. Luft jettisoned the droptank, put the nose down, hit the WEP and gave the 'Stang a good run. 575 knots indicated airspeed weren't enough though and both wings were hit and started leaking fuel. He managed to pull the P51 into position for the rest of the *Specialists* to chase it like a fox on the run. 

P51 closing fast.

The long wings of the TA-152 placed the P51 into a maneuvering and climbing contest.

575 Knots weren't enough to shake the P51

The P51 didn't last long with eight *Specialists* TA-152's on it.
Luft managed to escape and opted for a carrier landing.
Both wings were lost on landing but he survived.