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Old 03-05-2008, 00:50 AM   #9 (permalink)
S65
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Join Date: 12-22-07
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Fact Sheets : RB-47H Shot Down : RB-47H Shot Down

In this instance they destroyed an RB-47 while it was not in their territory. Of course that could very well be explained away by an accident, but according to the pilot in that statement by the USAF he was under pressure. I would understand given that failures within the USSR were dealt with harshly. When it comes to instances such as KAL 007 where egregious errors were made though, coupled with this kind of history, it does seem rather suspect that they would have a persistent, trigger-happy defense plan.

I know the USS Vicennes fired on an airliner too but in that event there were actual worries of being under attack by enemy aircraft. It's inexcusable but they were in a higher threat environment, and in the RB-47 and KAL 007 case were able to examine what it was the pilots had before them before shooting.
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