Aerial Flamethrower

[deathjester]

Yes, all true - I think that combined with a small FAE on the end of the cable, it could really be a major nuisance for attacking fighters, as it could then affect a much larger area - and certainley take out incoming missiles more efficiently than a gun turret could.

[rickshaw]

As a towed anti missile decoy system for later aircraft - great idea! 

That was proposed for the TSR2 according to Paul Lucas' book and current Typhoons have them as standard. It took while to come to fruition, didn't it? 

AIUI. they are used now, today on fighters.  Basically a small, towed decoy which gives off a large radar and IR signature.  They tow them 'cause it means they will follow the aircraft and no space is lost to fuel and they last as long as the aircraft's flight.  Not sure if they recoverable or not though.

[tahsin]

How about this as a flare? Apparently early in Korea USAF F-51s had napalm tanks with relaxed front ends, meaning a thin film would form on the store while in flight. When in the attack the pilot would fire the wing guns, the heat or whatever would set the tank on fire and the pilot would drop... Could have been interesting in case of stuck pylons.