The Shootdown of Trigger 4 : Report of the Project Trigger Study Team

The Project Trigger team began work in the Checkmate division of the operations directorate. They built upon the foundation provided by the Air University researcher. Even though this air-to-air battle occurred nearly 29 years ago, the team found and interviewed 27 participants and other interested observers of the battle. The team was fortunate to be able to synchronize five cockpit tapes, including three from the F-4 flight leaders in the battle, and two others from the flight whose kill was in question. Using the tapes, eyewitness accounts, intelligence records, and the team’s considerable experience, they reconstructed the engagement, and determined that a MiG-21 shot down Trigger 4.

As the reader sees the story unfold, it becomes clear that there are important lessons. None of the three aircrews shot down in this engagement realized they were under attack until it was too late. But firing beyond visual range is also risky, and the system of rules in place today is the direct result of experiences from air battles such as this one. A culture of discipline in the Air Force is an important part of what makes it the best in the world. “Get the first shot” may be axiomatic, but identifying the target is even more basic.