Re: USAF air to air losses during 'Linebacker I'
From he very detailed book Vietnam Air Losses by Chris Hobson that describes each and every USAF, USN and USMC fixed-wing a/c loss I could make out the following.
In the 10 May 72-12 Oct 72 period a total of 24 fighters were lost due to Migs (2 Mig-19 cannon, 1 probable Mig-19, 21 Mig-21 missile). Of these 24, 23 were F-4D/E and 1 F-105G.
You can add 1 F-105G as an indirect loss, when in a dogfight with a MiG a launched Sidewinder from the Weasel exploded prematurely and so damaged the a/c that the crew had to eject off Danang.
The tasks of the 24 lost a/c were: 6 CAP, 9 escort, 1 SEAD (F-105), 4 chaff, 2 SAR protection and 2 strike.
The other "indirect" F-105 was on a SEAD mission.
In Linebacker II the USAF lost 2 x F4E due to Migs.
Regards,
Leendert
|