Interview with Al Brown on the A-10 Thunderbolt II
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 27 ก.ย. 2024
- Al Brown chats about flying the A-10 Thunderbolt II (Warthog) at RAF Bentwaters in the UK. He also talks about his time on the F-86D, F-89, F-100 and the F-4E.
This interview was filmed at Bentwaters Cold War Museum - www.bcwm.org.uk
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"Oooooooo there are no cars on that Autobahn, you're in the East Sector - get out!"
Absolute unit
I also had to laugh real hard at that one. It was THE thing for pilots back then. If you see a highway with no cars and you have even minimal doubts about your position, head west immediately!
Consider for a moment the reality of flying jets this man dealt with.
Steam gauges, no HUD, seat of pants reactions.
Huge respect. A real pilot.
Flew with Al Brown as a second assignment, young A-10 pilot in England. Taught us youngsters a bunch, one could never know a funnier guy who was an awesome fighter pilot. Brought back lots of fond memories!
That is really cool.
That’s insane good for you
As a retired career U.S. Army Infantry NCO I am a big fan of the A 10. You guys are a huge comfort to have on the battlefield.
I taught myself how to fly this in 1994 via a playstation dogfighting game and microsoft flight sims. this aircraft is amazing and needed forever in the days of potential hacking. preserve under radar and hydraulic, steam technology. if the enemy hacks us or ai breaks, we kick the kill switch, blame it on solar flares and rock em oldschool manual............
man > ai.
Loved Al's impersonation of the Vulcan cannon sounds, and his "matter-of-fact" style indicative of back in those days.
This is one gentleman that I could have faith in, as a provider of air cover, if I was in a 'tricky' situation on the ground. A great warrior, and a fine man.
Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrilliant interview, very down to earth guy, I will have to visit this museum sometime, loved hearing his stories and enthusiasm ☺
Cheers Mike!
09:50 “equivalent to 50,000 hours on airliners drinking coffee” 😂😂
Probably one of the funniest interviews. Love this. Great chap.
We used to see A10s regularly flying lowlevel over the woods up a valley at the back of our school, youd hear them coming, then only see them for a few seconds then theyd be gone again. Amazing stuff.
I think out of all of your interviewees, this guy is probably the most down to earth and likeable. Which is not to say the others weren't likeable by any means. Al Brown just seems to warm and affable.
Thank you. Al was really nice and happy to give you plenty of stories. He sadly passed away a few months ago so glad I managed to capture a little bit of his story.
@@Aircrewinterview yeah I think your has more than mere entertainment value. Keep up the good work!
I like the old school guys the most... It's awesome that these fellas are getting their. Adventures documented..
Great stories of his experiences ,very interesting, much respect.
The best plane for close air to ground support. Keep it updated and in service.
Oh man, seeing the Vulture logo brings back lots of memories.
That IMO was an excellent interview! Many thanks. Also Al many thanks for serving your country and doing your duty.
Great insight into early aircraft types- F-86D, F-89 and F-100.
Also wonderful idea of early A-10 Hog operations. Always felt the Hog was a super close support aircraft- rugged construction and simplicity being two of the plane's excellent qualities. As a post below asks one wonders what Al would think of the hi tech F-35 for close support.
He wouldn't even be privy to its' true abilities...
New suscriber here and ex apache technician, love the A10, i regularly walk around Rendlesham forest next to woodbridge looking at the old HAS sites, great interview and will definitely get along to the Cold War museum with my kids
Hi James. Great to hear you have subscribed and enjoying the interviews! It’s a great museum and I’m sure you’re kids will really enjoy it.
Just looking through some older interviews and just thought I'd comment again. It really is a fantastic interview with a amazing pilot who had a lot of experience through some incredible and changeable times in aviation history. Al has quite a few iconic planes under his belt also
Thank you for the kind words, Phillip.
I was "strafed" a few times by A-10s whilst out playing golf in Norfolk. The buggers would line up on you from behind while you were on the tee. Great stuff.
Mess with your concentration a bit did he
Top drawer guys,thank you
i absolutely love this video. Listening to stories such as this one is great and it just makes you wonder what it was like back in the day. Thank you for sharing
Brilliant interview.
Awesome - watched you guys in Suffolk in the 80s
Cheers Iain
I also have a short story .. 2 A10 flew over my home town of Harlow , sometime in the early 80's , they were in close formation , I saw them ... several day later an article in the local paper reported someone had seen 2 planes escorting a UFO at that same time , a guy I worked with who was into aircraft , did a follow up interview with the paper explaining what really was seen :-)
Thanks for finding another fascinating,funny flier for us all to enjoy and envy more than just a little.....
Keep up the great work Mike!
Cheers David. I’m glad we had a great sunny day for filming which is rare!
Epic. Cool stories, fascinating career over so many airframe types.
Ah, the legend that is Filthy Brown. Nickel & RIP
Great Interview! Al is a fun loving, magnificent and very interesting man with a wealth of experience. I would love to hear some more of his stories. Thank you Mike.
Thanks Jim.
I can't help but notice the gleam in is eyes when he mentioned Montreal. Been there love that city. Surely, Al has several not so family friendly stories of his time in Montreal. ;-)
I was at RAF Wainfleet range,1980-83 saw A10s every day and met many of the A10 pilot's who were range safety officers at the range a different pilot each week.
Great interview. Flew bunch of aircraft. Superb.
Cheers.
Fantastic interview! I'd been looking forward to this one for quiet a while. Loved watching the A-10's, ducking and weaving over the Northamptonshire countryside as a kid. Been a fan of them ever since. Keep up the good work!!
Fabulous interview. With a very likeable pilot. Would love to have a drink with Al. Top man 😁
aawesome! Mr. Brown is just such a great guy, and great job on the interview
Cheers!
My favourite interview you've done. Top job. I love the a10s grew up with them buzzing around.
Thanks Richard.
Thank you for posting this ... I could listen to these interviews all day!
Was about to go to sleep, but now cant. Been waiting for and asked for this :)
Hopefully you will enjoy it buddy.
RAF BENDOVER, 82 to 85. Appreciated what we have in the states when I came back. Myrtle Beach 85 to 90 was heaven compared to Bentwaters.
fantastic interview.
Cheers!
I've found my new youtube obsession & its your channel, thank you for giving these exceptional men a voice..... please find some F-104 pilots it's my favorite, all my experience is with shipboard U.S.Coast Guard helicopters and USN. lamps anti-sub helo.
That’s great to hear :) We do have one F-104 interview up, if you search for “Arnulf Hartl” it should come up.
Marvellous...thankyou.
What a great interview! Super cool guy!
Very good. DCS fans will love this too.
Nice old man, it was a pleasure to hear it
This is a fantastic video and interview!
Thank you
sounds like a nice bloke thanks for uploading
This guy is top notch American.
True pilot love this man🤠👍
Thanks. Great Video.
Can the interviewer get a microphone, so I can hear him?
I visited Bentwaters many times, saw some great airshows there over the years, including the
Blue Angels and Thunderbirds (twice)..Went to the final show, it was a sad day when they pulled out.
Amazing guy
What a guy. :D
Reminds me of Homer Simpson’s Dad but what a fantastically interesting guy. Could listen to him for hours.👍🏻
l was south of Bridlington near a bombing range. An A 10 was coming towards me, then he chucked it into a 90 degree bank and did a turn to my left. As l marveled at how low he was...his wingman came from behind me, also in a 90 degree bank, but to my right, and they crossed fifty meters in front of me. The lower aircrafts wing tip was lower than some of the trees!
It is amazing how nimble they are. Big ol' wings.
Perrin AFB is now North Texas Regional near Sherman TX for anyone interested
Well done! Keep it up :)
May God bless all our servicemen and women!
A-10 part starts at 15:53
Sounds like he’s referring to having flown the NF-104A ... time for another interview, as that’s vastly more rare and interesting !
Sounds more like the J79-19 re-engined F-104A. The USAF had a squadron of them at Key West.
Check out the archives of rec.aviation.military on Google, for observations on the airplane by Walt Bjorneby - (WaltBJ)
Talking about at the 10 minute mark? I was trying to figure out which aircraft he's talking about before he flew the F-4E and says was "suped up and could beat an F-16 today."
it was a suped up f100 He called a Hun
Great interview and very informative. Wonder what he thinks of using F-35's to provide CAS?
What an interesting life
Iraqi tank commander: Did you fart?
Gunner: Not me.
Next second:💥 💥 💥 💥 💥
💀
Respect The hog flyer. Very interesting to listening His story and thank you for video!
Al reminds me a bit of Chuck Yeager
Very sad to learn (as reported on the 510th FS FB page) that Al passed away yesterday March 11 2020 at his home in Suffolk .
Blue Skies Al
Ah that is sad news. He was a really nice bloke. Blue Skies.
Sad to hear that.
RIP Al
RIP
I know the F86D and the F89 were not great interceptors but there's something cool about em. The Frontline of North American Air Defense. Our only hope at the time against Russian Bears and Bisons
what is the "souped up" aircraft Al mentions at 10:35ish ? is he talking about a Phantom model or previous (got abit lost there for some reason)..........the one that could get upto U2?? Great video by the way . love to buy him a drink!
He is chatting about a F-104.
@@Aircrewinterview many thanks, love the series, keep up the good work!
Google the F-89 Battle Of Los Angeles incidents and it’ll blow your mind. Sounds like fiction but it’s not!
Is that a hunter behind him?
If you want to see some of the stuff Al and others did as as far as ground ops (Integrated Combat Turnarounds), you can check out this vid filmed at RAF Woodbridge. th-cam.com/video/QSkSGWXurUE/w-d-xo.html
Can’t stand still, using slang, old School Gotta Read MAPS.... if you handed him the keys why he probably be airborne in 30 seconds... what an incredible guy.
This is another one Mike.... he ought to be teaching at The Real Man School of How to Live Life.
7 April 1961A United States Air Force Boeing B-52B Stratofortress, 53-0380, "Ciudad Juarez", of the 95th Bomb Wing, Biggs AFB, Texas, shot down by inadvertent launch of AIM-9 Sidewinder from a 188th Fighter Interceptor Squadron, New Mexico ANG North American F-100A Super Sabre, 53-1662. Two F-100s, piloted by 1st Lt. James W. van Sycoc and Capt. Dale Dodd, had made five passes at the bomber when, on the sixth pass, pilot 1st Lt. van Sycoc radioed "Look out! One of my missiles is loose!" The heat-seeker missile struck one of the BUFF's engine pods on the port wing causing failure of the wing structure, and subsequent break-up of the bomber. Pilot, co-pilot, crew chief and tail gunner successfully eject, but three other crew are killed while flying (KWF) when the B-52 crashed on Mount Taylor, New Mexico.
...and he never got the bright idea to perhaps have his commission upgraded from reserve to regular?
great video.. need more ppl like him today.. but.. with all due respect a F4 can not beat a F-16 even if the f-16 only used 3/4 power.... it is a sweet plane but not a good as a modern f-16 or anything similar to it...
Tj Armand I think he is on about the limited number of F-4 E what was built for reconnaissance what had extra intake doors to let more air in and what would fly higher than the U2.
Did this guy ask if there was fly by wire in an A-10?!!!!! SACRILEGE!!!! 19:05
Did he also ask the task of the A-10 in the Fulda Gap?!?!?!?!?! To KILL TANKS!
(I'm just half-joking here- the questioner asked in order to educate people who do not know... I hope.)
24:10 Pave penny
Great stuff! What a cool guy.
Hey Wags :)
Thanks for your work and your team Wags
Typical of the people you'd meet in Maine, N. NH and Vermont.
It's awesome to see you out in the wild, Wags!
Wanna offer him a "Fluffa-Nutta"! What a particularly wonderful and charming interviewee in a huge crop of wonderful interviews done by Mike.
Fantastic interview, what a career, and love his style. What an absolute legend.
I feel like I owe him a pint just for listening in 🍺
Really wish my grandfather was still alive. He flew in WWII/Korea and Vietnam. Flew P-47's over in Europe then ended up going over to the pacific for the end flying P-51 escorts. Then transitioned to F-84's-F-86's and flew most of the "Century" series at one time or the other. Ended up flying F-105's while on a command post out of Thailand where he'd literally kick pilots out of their slots to fly. He said if he ever got shot down he'd be safer in the Hanoi Hilton compared to hearing that a CO flying un-slotted missions needed to be rescued!lol! He then went to Carswell AFB in Ft Worth where he retired and took a job on the F-111 project where he was about the 3rd person called if something happened to one of them. Actually got to go up in a B-58 as well. Was good friends with John Denvers father also. IIRC he ended his flying career with something like 21k hrs on 12 or 13 different aircraft of all sorts. Spend time at Wright Patt test flying some things as well but not sure what they were.
awsome!
A true stick & rudder old timer. Fantastic!
Came here for the A10 but geez.....wouldve been content with more on the F89. Unique aircraft that many overlook (probably justifiably) however.....those early jets are sure interesting.
Yep, and you must see this F-89 clip, if you haven't already. Mind-blowing era, it was. th-cam.com/video/BlE1BdOAfVc/w-d-xo.html
They call people from Maine, Maniacs, because of their unique take on life. They are down home original people with good common sense. It was great fun to hear him describe his flying experiences.
I've been attacked by A-10s at Fort Irwin California during training. During our rotation 1992 they were "Red Air" or bad guys. They could literally come out of nowhere from behind mountains or ridges. A great plane. Happy its on our side!
What an amazing mix of planes that Al got to fly..!! Watching him and listening to him reminds me of Rodney Dangerfield..LOL..!!!
Great Interview! Those early A-10 guys had a lot on their plate for sure
A fascinating guy, the early jets really sorted the men from the boys, speeds not that far off or equal to some of todays aircraft but without the navigation or handling aids they benefit from now...great interview Mike.
Cheers mate. He was a great guy to chat to.
about 35 years ago I built 2 Tamiya plastic models , this was one of them , seeing it in kit form made me realise what an awesome aircraft it is.
Just outstanding!!!
Please keep it up sir, you certainly have a knack for interviewing pilots ;-)
Thanks Brian :)
these are amazing. Keep them coming please!
Another brilliant interview
Cheers mate
What an absolute character. No nonsense, and shone some light on how easy it is for pilots today who have planes that fly themselves His knowledge and experience, especially with the century series jets, was enlightening due their dangerous quirks... but still loved them. A real fly by the seat of your pants pilot before the days of flying a computer. His views on new pilots was interesting..... Last of the dying breed... eats Tom Cruise for breakfast..!
Superb, thank you.
Cheers.
They should give this guy a f4 for all the time he put in. Some one should give this guy a ride in a f16 I really think they should have a program were pilots jest putting in hrs should be giving pilot vets rides at least once a year.
A wonderful Gentleman. What a privilege. Thank you for making this video.
Be interesting to learn more about that special variant of the F-4 he flew, intersting to hear it intercepted U-2's
HG first time I've ever screamed listening to ACI. Dearest me the guy starts telling us about a f4 that can outfly a f16 and climb over a u2. Either he is telling tall tales or he needs a follow up!
I am going to try and have a follow up interview with Al as he had lots of stories and if I went to follow up each answer with another question it would be a difficult edit.
@@dheujsnrhfydhehehshshhdggsd He didn't actually say it was a hot rod F4 .. He didn't say what it was. Just that it had extra doors open on the intakes at high speed and that the F4 didn't impress him after flying the mystery plane. I'd like to know what he was talking about too.
All we know is that it
a) was used to practice interceptions
b) could hit M1.4 - M2.2/2.3
c) at which speeds it suffered compressor stalls
d) due to lack of variable intake ramps
e) which needed intake holes cut in the sides
f) was flying in 1969
rawnukles the aircraft he is referencing to is a F-104.
the 509th FS patch on the wall behind him looks pretty cool
What an amazing guy and interview 👍😎
Cheers Matt.
Good job, I quite enjoyed that :)
what an awesome guy...so humble and his stories are amazing. Thank you....
Great to hear you enjoyed it, Andrew.
I really wonder what he thinks about F-35 for CAS
Hehe, that would be classified! Probably because the top brass wouldn't like to hear it :D
@@theflyingfool Nah - his biggest A-10 complaint was that it didn't have enough power in certain situations, AND that the missiles were easier and more accurate. Want to know the really shocking thing? Even with those two engines and giant wing, the F-35 still carries a GREATER LOADOUT than the A-10.. by a lot, 22,000 vs 16,000 - which is still crazy for me to wrap my head around. I love the A-10, but people don't give the F-35 enough credit.
Alex Thomas and the gun don't work. Loadout is worthless if you cant get it into the air
mirrored window huh? The gun works fine and all the attachments for external stores work as well. Google is your friend.
@@EstorilEm And that the A-10 is real slooow, although very manoeuvrable . Al even said it himself that even trainees were able to get a jump on it.
Great close quarter ground support craft, but you need total air superiority for that to happen with an A-10. Not all enemies are Islamsts stuck in the Medieval times.
Back in about 1984 i was on a school geography trip to Flamborough Head. We were in a coach on top of the Yorkshire Wolds on a long straight road when in the distance up popped two aircraft flying towards us very low indeed. They rapidly resolved into two A10's. One either side of the carriage way. It was quite the cool sight. No one else on the coach had a clue what they were. Or seemed that bothered. It would be nice to think that it was the same squadron at least.
been waiting for this- great stuff
One of the best so far
Thanks Paul.
This guy is a lot of fun.