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ROCK'S COMBAT INTELLIGENCE REPORT

Planes, People, and Events from Hampton, Newport News, and York County Virginia

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T O P G U N '9 9

Wayne Gustafson launching Chris Shepherd's Mustang at the 1999 Top Gun Combat event. I love this photo of Chris "Gator" Shepherd's mustang on launch. Chris says that this plane was a real performer. Unfortunately it met its end in combat.

Combat is exhilarating, but often deadly to the planes involved! I'll update this debrief as I get more information.

Chris 'Gator' Shepherd's Check Six Plans 2105 Mustang at TOP GUN 99

The end for a proud fighter - hold back the tears Shep!

CASUALTIES AT MUNCIE COMBAT

The Rest of the Story

Rocks,

Here is the rest of the story behind the picture of me holding the remains of my Mustang. It happened at Muncie '99. I was flying with six other pilots and had an engine to engine midair with Don Lacey. Don was flying his Ziggs Original F4U Corsair powered with a Mvvs 21. My Mustang was powered by an RJL 15. Closing speed was easily 160 mph at impact.

The end for a proud fighter - here's what's left of Don's Corsair!

I actually rebuilt that Mustang by grafting on a new front end and flew it in several more contests! Don's Corsair was gutted from nose to tail and did not see another day. I have included a pic of him holding the remains of his aircraft. I have also included a pic of how the engines might have impacted. The impact knocked the carb off my engine and his cylinder head was dented. The cylinder head also put a crease into the RJL's muffler. The debris field was over 200' in diameter! It was a spectacular midair and all we could do was fold our antennas and go shake one anothers hand afterwards. :-)

Gator

Squadrons at Muncie '99

Many of the pilots at combat meets bring entire squadrons of planes for the contests. Here's a picture of Don Lacey's squadron at Muncie, courtesy of Chris Shepherd.

Don Lacey's squadron of planes at Muncie 99

Jack Lewis of Mechanicsville VA, takes 1st Place at Muncie 99

And the Winner is.... Muncie '99

Although Jack Lewis, of Check Six Plans, claims that his wins are, "just luck," he keeps taking home the wood. Here he is with the plaque from his first place win at Muncie '99.

COMBAT DEBRIEFS -	NATS 99	Winchester 1	Fool's Folly	Solko Field
NN Park 2000	Studley	Folly 01	Loudon 01	.

Please email comments, questions, or concerns to Wjmillerjr@aol.com