This photo was taken in November or December 1981, just weeks before this aircraft was lost, ironically when the author and Skipper Switzer had to eject during a landing mishap on USS Constellation, December 19, 1981. The split-second decision, the rocket ride, and subsequent life-or-death struggle are described in TOPGUN DAYS. The plane was "Renegade 205," also known by its unique bureau number, 159623. A video of the ejection is on this page.