Comment by tivert | Hacker News Reader

Comment by tivert | Hacker News Reader

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Maybe it's another Cornfield Bomber (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cornfield_Bomber):

> The "Cornfield Bomber" is the nickname given to a Convair F-106 Delta Dart, operated by the 71st Fighter-Interceptor Squadron of the United States Air Force. In 1970, during a training exercise, it made an unpiloted landing in a farmer's field in Montana, suffering only minor damage, after the pilot had ejected from the aircraft. The aircraft, recovered and repaired, was returned to service, and is currently on display at the National Museum of the United States Air Force.

Given it's a military plane (which IIRC, aren't required to have transponders or have them activated) and stealth. it seems understandable that it would be hard to find if it didn't crash immediately.

> aren't required to have transponders or have them activated

Seems like you'd want them activated in domestic airspace.

The confluence of events that allowed an unpiloted jet to land with its engine idling.. its unbelievable.

Incredible:

> One of the other pilots on the mission was reported to have radioed Foust during his descent by parachute that "you'd better get back in it!"

The best part is he actually did (nine years later.)

Most aircraft are designed to be inherently stable so as long as it doesn't hit anything a good percentage of them should be able to manage pretty well w/o a pilot.

The F35 and other modern fighter jets are the exception to the rule: they are inherently unstable because this makes them more maneuverable. They use electronic control systems to keep themselves stable.

It was only possible to fly the original stealth fighter, the F-117, with the help of computers controlling the plane, due to its unorthodox design.

So what does a FCS do after an ejection.

I've always wondered what his squadronmates changed his callsign to afterwards.

O'Chute

Scarecrow?

Walkhome?

Valet?

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