DR Rob Bedford Handles 9G's

PHOTOS

 Hi Tony,

As you know, I've been running around doing exciting things...

I reckon you'll enjoy a brief taste of my Gripen experience. Low level operational cruising at 600 knots (M0.9 - ie just short of the speed of sound) at 200ft feels as effortless as an RX8 at 120km/h - it does so at about 70% dry power (no afterburner). But push the throttle forward, override the dry power stop and engage the afterburner, and things very rapidly get hectic!

Being the chopper pilot and the doctor, the jetties relished their chance to see if they could G-LOC me. I did most of the flying myself, but every now and then my front-seater would take over for a bit of high intensity manoeuvering. So there were plenty of sustained +9Gz turns, jiniking, 3D bomb tosses, and ground attacks. Sadly for them, no G-LOC - sadly for me, lots of G-Measles (skin bleeding due to blood being forced out of capillaries) in my arms, thighs and backside.

So there was a price to pay, but this certainly counts as the ride of my life! Afterwards, I was knighted into the Order of Gripen, and found out that I'm about the 600th person in the world to fly the Gripen (the certificate from SAAB with the confirmation will arrive in due course), but... definitely the first non-fighter pilot in the world to have flown it to +9Gz (I was only legally able to do so because I have completed centrifuge certification to +9Gz in Sweden). And if the High G doesn't get you, the traditional stroh rum based alcohol bomb will be sure to finish the job!

All in all though, I remain a chopper jock. The Gripen is immensely impressive, but ludicrously easy to fly. The flying that takes the most skill (and is therefore the most rewarding), is still Heli ops - esp confined landings and pinnacle landings - which of course comes with stunning Drakensberg scenery as well; and I'll immediately convert to the jet line the minute a jettie does a safe landing (and subsequent take off) on Eastmans peak!
 

When I get a chance, I'll try and organise another Oryx flip for you and Alison.

Cheers,
Rob