I lock the reticle onto the north-most cooling tower and fire as I come into range. The Georgian Kh-29L hit the center tower. I will kill the two outer towers.
The Kh-23L is similar to your laser Maverick F. Its engagement parameters are much the same. | |
I see it detonate with a satisfying fireball. |
The PB-250 bombs come up automatically, once the Kh-23 is off the rail.
It is but a quick adjustment to place the CCIP reticle over the south-most tower. I roll wings onto target, as the A-10 pilot, Col. Andy Bush taught us in my A-10 familiarization course, which I took with the American squadron at Sochi. As Col. Andy said, one does not put nose-on-target with the rudder. One will certainly miss, and this would be tragic: I would hit the reactor building and then the civilians near the plant will breathe radioactive particles for many months.
I take a deep breath, and steady wings onto target. I will not bob the nose and pitch long, as I did with the Kub radar at Suhumi. The MiG’s targeting computer will punch bombs off symmetrically. I have two, therefore both will drop.
I have one chance only to get it right.