[mayfair35]

To the Experts on This Thread:

With the exception of Stig, most of you appear to misunderstand what the Dog Fights program is attempting to do. It certainly is NOT an attempt to rewrite history. By using a computer simulation, it tries to show exactly what our aces and pilots did during their encounters with the enemy. I believe I can speak with some authority, as I am one of the aces interviewed for this program. My “story” will air on 30 August at 10:00 P.M. Should you think there are some errors in the depiction of my 4th and 5th victories, DO NOT BLAME DOG FIGHTS, BLAME ME! They have developed a computer simulation based on MY description of these encounters!

I was present while they interviewed a Navy pilot for approximately 3 hours. He answered a multitude of questions until both the interviewer and the simulation supervisor were certain they could virtually relive the event and know how to portray it in their computer simulations. The identical thing happened to me. For over 3 hours, we discussed my victories with continual questions: how did you do this, what was your dive angle, how did you get from here to there, what maneuvers did you use, etc. Other requests for clarification followed via E-mail.

In the past, I have often been asked to describe some of my combats. Perhaps I do not have an adequate command of the English language, but I find it very difficult to explain in words exactly what I did. How do you explain a mixture of a chandelle and Cuban Eight combined with a vertical roll? I use my hands, like all good fighter pilots, but that has its limitations. Two hands do not make a very understandable display when eight or eighty planes are involved. However, the Dog Fight simulations do an excellent job of graphically demonstrating the interactions during a combat especially if several aircraft are involved. My children, friends, and military acquaintances have been highly impressed with the programs to date. Yours is the first instance in which I have heard it criticized. Most seem to hold the program in high esteem.

In each of these aviation programs, be sure you understand that it is the pilot’s story that is transformed into what you see on your TV. If an individual is deceased, an expert/s is located who can provide the vital information. Unfortunately, as all you experts clearly know, not all “experts” agree.

Digital Ranch is a fine, dedicated organization of young well-qualified computer specialists who make every effort to ensure the finished product is as realistic as possible. If there is a problem, it is probably traceable to some misunderstanding during the interview. Do they make mistakes? I am sure it happens, as they are human. In John’s comments above, he mentions the incorrect display of F-4E and the F-4D aircraft. Based on my interview, I wonder if Steve failed to advise them which model he had flown at the time or did he assume they were aware of that fact?

Hopefully, if you understand what the program is attempting to do, you will appreciate it even if you detect some “warts.” I am sure any corrective inputs you might have would be appreciated, but please keep your comments civil and do not get into the fruitless arguments such as I see in some of these threads; e.g. “Placing the P-39 Aircobra.”

Art Fiedler,
317th FS; 325th FG, 15th AF