The cool backseat cockpit GoPro video in this post features the WSO in a USAF F-15E Strike Eagle, belonging to 492nd Fighter Squadron “Madhatters”, out of RAF Lakenheath, flying through the famed “Mach Loop.”
Filmed on Nov. 7, 2019 the cool backseat cockpit GoPro video in this post features the Weapons Systems Officer (WSO) in a U.S. Air Force (USAF) F-15E Strike Eagle, belonging to 492nd Fighter Squadron “Madhatters”, out of RAF Lakenheath, flying over Scottish borders.
Wild how much movement from the top deck of the intake!
Noteworthy the F-15’s intake ramps move up and down depending on speed, AOA and G’s.
The 48th Fighter Wing at RAF Lakenheath, England, is the first and only United States Air Forces in Europe (USAFE) unit to receive the F-15E Strike Eagle. Both the 492nd Fighter Squadron and the 494th Fighter Squadron operate the F-15E.
On Feb. 21, 1992, the 492nd Fighter Squadron became USAFE’s first unit to transition to the F-15E Strike Eagle. The squadron was declared mission ready on Jul. 1, 1993.
Nicknamed the “Madhatters”, the squadron is known for its tradition of adopting the headgear unique to the country in which the squadron is based.
Accordingly, the aircrews wore berets in France (492nd Fighter Squadron was deployed to Chaumont AB, France from 1952 to 1960), and now in the United Kingdom, squadron aircrews wear both the Scottish Glengarry, for informal occasions, and the traditional British Bowler for formal events.
The squadron emblem is also noteworthy as it depicts the versatility of this combat-proven unit. A fierce red Kestrel, a Falcon known for its tremendous flying ability, dominates the emblem.
Below the Kestrel is the torch of freedom highlighting the 492d’s premier role in the Statue of Liberty Wing.
Film Credits: Video by Airman 1st Class Anthony Clingerman, 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
