Then it was the Super Bug, circa 1978

Eyeless in Gaza number two, circa 1977

The text reads: At 1405 hours, the ECM module was intercepted by an unknown object as it began its probe for the emitter signature. This deprived the ECP-2s of their Command Link with the FLIRs Guidance Computer, BABEL (programmed in a pseudo-random, semi-human natural language). This left them dependent on their own In-Flight Tactical Fire Control, and bereft of any discretion whatsoever. The Gaza test showed that ECP-2s on their own become airborne piranhas and will zealously attack any target they see. In this case, the 'Fork Rest' radar. In just one murderous fly-by, they emptied their 7.3 caliber 'Ripstitch' gatlings, leaving several small holes and many dents in the dish, chipped a lot of paint, and jammed two valves. The radar crew never noticed.
The net effect of the miniscule amount of firepower available to the ECP-2s was to pay unexpected dividends. Shortly after, Soviet 'advisors' noticed the damage and diagnosed it as severe sand pitting and corrosion. The unit was withdrawn as being unsuitable until better alloys were developed. It was several years (when the error was later discovered) until this unit was redeployed as Straight-Flush.
In the January issue: Actual gun-camera film of a Soviet ECP!

Eyeless in Gaza number one, circa 1977

The title of the cartoon is a reference to the legend of Samson from the Bible (we were nothing if not literate), where he was blinded by the Philistines but conquered anyway.

The text reads: Due to the limited scope of organization involved in MicroECP projects, several Defense Suppression techniques were tested in early 1969. The most successful of these pointed the way toward the ECM aircraft 'sniffing' the way, and jamming for the 'Gunships'. This was the 'Gaza Operation'.
On July 26th, 1969, four ECP-2s (4.2 cm long, 35 gms fully loaded) ANT-EYE were led on patrol into the Sinai Desert by a basic ECP module fitted with a Forward-Look IR and 'Clutch Pods' carrying EW gear. FLIR units had down great diligence and skill in locating objectives in the jungles of Viet-Nam, where they sometimes acted as 'bird-dogs' in firefights. Hence they were a natural foil for the highly aggressive, heavily-armed ANT-EYEs, who labored under their PROD (Pugnacious Response Ordnance Delivery) systems. After several reports of new SAM sites being deployed, an ECP/ECM team went in to 'fingerprint' the emitter site and to check out Side Lobe Variations. Flying in 'skimmer' mode, the gaggle reached the target area at 1400 hours.

The first one

The text, done in 1977, reads: "Between 1968 & 1972, the 'Exoskeleton Change Project', codenamed ECP, was one of the closest kept secrets in the US. Though the principles remain very touchy about the subject since the project's termination, some information has surfaced which adds new dimension to this 'sensitive' program, the heart of which was the basic ECP. Here then is its early history. Measuring a mere 3.7cm overall, ECPs were powered by the Merganser & Hood 'Feather Fan' micro-turbo jet...
While the 'Feather Fan' gave the ECP module an amazing range, the weight of the drive package plus the bulk of the avionics bay left very little 'brain payload'. ECP units always performed admirably at their given tasks. Beyond the minimum, however, the ECP units often became confused & disoriented. Some flew aimlessly, while others carried out their primary tasks with fanatical, often suicidal, zeal. From this it was found that additonal 'growth' would be necessary.
Next issue: Penetrating S. Baroakistan's missile defenses!

I can't imagine why they didn't like it... (Particularly now that it's almost true.)

First bug

This will be a site to show off the prescience of two wacky guys from Silicon Valley. We came up with 'Bugs', a cartoon about 'intelligent' flying creatures, for the otherwise-quite-sober magazine Defense Electronics back in the 80s.
The industry didn't appreciate our less-than-somber view of intelligence gathering devices, and the publisher quickly stomped our bugs out of existence.
Fool... (And where are you now, Harry?)
There are so many 'bugs', of all sizes, being built these days one can hardly keep up. Suffice it to say that we were more than somewhat ahead of our time...