Secret Documents #216: F-4E Guide - Navigation Part 2
Added 2025-06-06 11:00:03 +0000 UTCHi folks!
The F-4E's inertial navigation system came at an interesting time in aviation history. While only a single waypoint could be memorized (technically two waypoints if you count TGT 1 mode), Phantom crews had to be creative to work within the limits of this system that was still in its infancy.
Positional error/drift accumulated relatively quickly, and pilots were expected to be able to navigate without the help of the INS at all by using a good old stopwatch and Mark I eyeballs. The ways to correct this drift go from overflying known landmarks to more involved processes like using TACAN stations. Using the air-to-ground radar was also technically feasible but highly impractical in real life.
Feel free to consult the attached pdf to see the draft.
