The ECM pods were carried on the forward AIM-7 stations only on ground attack missions. The 58 th flew only MIG Cap, MIG sweep, Trap and Bait, long and short range escort, and Res Cap missions. The ECM pods were installed on the inboard pylons. There would be two installed, one ALQ-87 and one ALQ-101. If only one was carried, the wingman usually carried the other type. This way they could provide noise and deception coverage.
MIG Cap and long range escort the load out would be one 600 gal tank, two 370 gal tanks, four AIM-7E's four AIM-9J and two ECM pods.
On MIG sweep, Trap and Bait, short range escort, the load out would be the same, except the 600 Gal tank would not be carried. Res Cap missions, same except only one ECM pod.
When flying BUFF escort, they carried four each of the missiles, three bags of gas, and only one ECM pod. The 600 Gal tank was jettisoned as soon as it became empty. With a full load like that, it was hard to keep up with the BUFF's.
Alert aircraft carried the eight missile loadout, two 370's and one ECM pod.
So now you have the decision on what type of mission you want to configure the aircraft for. Lots of luck.
Berny
Phormer Phantom Phixer
On the bench
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