The reason the 509th was sent to Ton Son Nhut was that low level tracks were observed flying over laos and Cambodia to reach the delta areas. These tracks were only on moonlit nights and were believed to be dropping supplies to rebel forces. Initially only two seat aircraft were deployed because the targets were slow and low and it was thought that it would be too hazardous for one man to fly the aircraft and operate the radar system flying at low altitudes at night.

Single seat fighters were also used in Waterglass in an attempt to keep viet cong awake during the day. From very high altitude the F1-2 would enter a steep supersonic dive at a specific location. By pulling out about 25,000' a loud sonic boom woould be heard on the ground and the aircraft would not be seen or heard. It was hoped that this would be interpreted as artillery fire and disrupt the sleeping habits of the enemy.

As for being a safe airplane I can tell you from personal experience that it is no fun to eject from one, especially when over water.

Ed Clark