The Wild Weasels: Air Force Crews Who Fly into Danger First

Picture this: You’re a fighter pilot, deliberately drawing enemy fire to protect your squadron. Your mission? To fly straight into missile-targeting sites, take the heat, and destroy them before they can shoot you down. This is the world of the U.S. Air Force’s Wild Weasel crews, whose motto “YGBSM” (You’ve Gotta Be Sh****n’ Me!) sums up the audacity of their work.

Tasked with one of the most dangerous roles in aviation, these pilots used specialized aircraft and anti-radiation missiles to take out enemy air defenses. Born out of necessity in Vietnam, the Wild Weasels’ tactics revolutionized air combat and set the stage for modern warfare.

Birth of the Wild Weasels

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Image Credit: SSGT A. Taninggo, USAF, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

In 1965, under the direction of General Kenneth Dempster, the USAF launched Project Wild Weasel in response to mounting aircraft losses to Soviet-made surface-to-air missiles in Vietnam. (ref)

The initial program utilized modified F-100F Super Sabres, equipped with specialized radar detection equipment borrowed from U-2 spy planes. 

The first Wild Weasel crews, a select group of ten aviators, began their training at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, operating under strict secrecy. By Thanksgiving 1965, these pioneering crews were deployed to Korat Royal Thai Air Base, ready to engage in what would become one of aviation’s most dangerous missions.

The Hunter-Killer Strategy

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Image Credit: USAF, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The Wild Weasel tactics revolutionized air combat with their “Hunter-Killer” approach. Each mission typically involved a Wild Weasel aircraft leading F-105 Thunderchiefs into enemy territory. 

The Weasel crews would deliberately provoke SAM sites to activate their radars, using sophisticated equipment to detect the “Fan Song” radar emissions from Vietnamese sites. 

Operating in high-threat areas, these crews had approximately 75 seconds from radar detection to missile launch to locate and attack the site. The SAM sites, arranged in a distinctive six-pointed star pattern, could be relocated within six hours, making timing crucial.

Playing Deadly Games of Cat & Mouse

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Image Credit: U.S. Air Force, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The Wild Weasels developed a tactic known as “trolling for SAMs,” where they would intentionally make themselves targets to protect the main strike force. When a SAM site’s radar locked onto a Weasel aircraft, crews would hear a distinctive crackling sound in their headsets, nicknamed the “rattlesnake”. 

This dangerous game forced pilots to master the “SAM break” maneuver to evade incoming missiles while simultaneously marking targets for accompanying strike aircraft. 

The mission demanded extraordinary courage, as crews had to operate below 3,000 feet to avoid SAMs, placing them directly in the range of deadly anti-aircraft artillery.

The Story behind the Motto

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The Wild Weasels’ iconic motto originated from a moment of pure candor. When Boeing B-52 Electronic Warfare Officer Jack Donovan first heard about the mission parameters, his response became legendary.

“You want me to fly in the back of a little tiny fighter aircraft with a crazy fighter pilot who thinks he’s invincible, hone in on a SAM site in North Vietnam, and shoot it before it shoots me? You gotta be sh*****g me!” (ref)

His words perfectly encapsulated the mix of disbelief and gallows humor that characterized the Wild Weasel community.

Modern Legacy

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Image Credit: National Archives at College Park – Still Pictures, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The Wild Weasel program’s success led to continuous evolution in aircraft and tactics. The initial F-100Fs were replaced by the more capable F-105F Wild Weasel III in 1966. 

The program validated the concept of Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD), which remains a crucial component of modern air warfare. 

The first Wild Weasel success came on December 22, 1965, when Captains Al Lamb and Jack Donovan destroyed a SAM site near Hanoi, proving the concept’s effectiveness.

The Human Element

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Image Credit: United States Air Force, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Wild Weasel crews operated under the motto “First In, Last Out,” reflecting their commitment to protecting strike packages. These missions often lasted up to 3.5 hours, with crews remaining in hostile territory until all other aircraft had safely departed. 

The pioneer Wild Weasels demonstrated remarkable effectiveness, destroying nine SA-2 sites during their initial deployment, though at a heavy cost – three of the seven original F-100Fs were lost.

A Lasting Impact

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Image Credit: w_p_o/Shutterstock

The Wild Weasel program revolutionized air combat tactics and significantly influenced modern warfare. Their success in Vietnam led to the development of increasingly sophisticated SEAD techniques and equipment.

The program’s influence extends far beyond its original mission, setting standards for electronic warfare and air defense suppression that continue to shape military aviation today.

Their legacy lives on in modern air forces worldwide, where the principles they established remain fundamental to combat air operations.

Martha A. Lavallie
Martha A. Lavallie
Author & Editor | + posts

Martha is a journalist with close to a decade of experience in uncovering and reporting on the most compelling stories of our time. Passionate about staying ahead of the curve, she specializes in shedding light on trending topics and captivating global narratives. Her insightful articles have garnered acclaim, making her a trusted voice in today's dynamic media landscape.