This is why we had spare rudders

[gkainz]

From a facebook post of a squadron mate...
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Back in the early 70's we were on board the USS Ranger ( CV-61 ) off the coast of southern California doing carrier qualifications when our E-2B was hit by a A-7. Our aircraft made it back to NAS North Island with all this damage.
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[John Baker]

I think, or more likely, am just guessing, that most military aircraft are designed to take some serious damage before becoming unfliable. Much more than civilian aircraft. WWII saw some amazing looking wrecks returning home from bombing runs.

I would think that they have been improving on those capabilities ever since.

It would still be unsettling as hell to fly with your plane in such a condition, assuming you could see the damage.

-John

 

[Skylane81E]

I think, or more likely, am just guessing, that most military aircraft are designed to take some serious damage before becoming unfliable. Much more than civilian aircraft. WWII saw some amazing looking wrecks returning home from bombing runs.

I would think that they have been improving on those capabilities ever since.

It would still be unsettling as hell to fly with your plane in such a condition, assuming you could see the damage.

-John

Spam cans do OK too
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1466902/posts