Libyan Air Force Mutiny ?

[Ascot 1960]

The Arab world in revolt and the West losing ‘’friendly’’ and not so ‘’friendly’’ governments, NATO should be getting very worried, I can hear the sound of cling film being ripped off the Harr’s in Cottesmore!
the Libyan Air Force Pilots have asked for political asylum.

Not the first time that Libyan Pilots have defected or tried to defect.

Libyan MiG-23 defected to Greece in 1981 and 1989. The aircraft were returned to Libya.

In 1980 the wreckage of a Libyan MiG-23 was found in southern Italy. It was assessed that the Pilot was trying to defect and crashed into high ground.

[Frank]

Another interesting thing about the F-1's that arrived in Malta is that they are loaded up with rocket pods, apparently they were tasked to fire on the crowds of protesters but chose to defect instead.

[Irish251]

Great photos of the Mirages here:

http://www.airplane-pictures.net/news.php?p=929

[Frank]

Can anyone identify the pods that are fitted?

[Frank]

That's a rocket pod, and it is loaded with a lot of rockets.

[Frank]

It is called a frangible nose cone, the rockets fire, it shatters and the rockets just keep on going.

[Ascot 1960]

Goodman, that makes sense. Now next subject...

[niallg]

Frank,

Apparently, they are French made Matra rocket pods, which can carry 96 SNEB rockets.

Niall

[Frank]

Thanks Niall!

[Silver]

MATRA? SNEB? ....same as used on the Marchetti's? (albeit with less rockets per pod)