What real speed looks like.

[Sully60]

OK. The schematic that I have, shows that half way up the tailfin there is the RWR (Rear Warning Receiver) unit. It hasn't been placed at the top of the fin as there is a major hinge-fold system that folds the top half of the tailfin!
On the underside of the RWR there is the fuel vent pipe!!!
Taaa daaahhhh!! An answer!

Ok I can accept that, it seems highly illogical captain to vent fuel at take off and whilst still on deck

Last clue: It came about because of Soviet made, ground-launched anti aircraft missiles...

Well it has to be the Israelis then, they'd have the most experience outside of the US at dealing with Soviet SAM's, A-4s with extended tailpipes (the story of one landing with an unexploded SA-7 in the tail pipe is impressive) and the most developed 'Wild Weasel' F-4s, there can be no other!

[nudemetalz]

On the underside of the RWR there is the fuel vent pipe!!!
Taaa daaahhhh!! An answer!


Last clue: It came about because of Soviet made, ground-launched anti aircraft missiles...

errr...that's what I said about fuel vent also. Maybe the RA-5 was over takeoff weight.

i.e. SAM2's. Got to be RAF or USAF (or CIA) if it was to do with Cold War or Israeli's like Sully said.

[more_fasterer]

RAF Lightning pilots?

[Swoop]

Well it has to be the Israelis then

Correct!! Bling on the way.
Israeli fighter pilots coined the phrase and the Americans liked it as well. After the trouble the Syrian's caused and the Bekkaa Valley affairs, all quite sensible really.

The F-14 proved the worth of ample speed, when operating over the Eastern end of the Med. and conflicts therewith. Missiles launched at a speeding Tomkitty could not catch up!