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АirForcesMonthly - February 2016
АirForcesMonthly - February 2016
АirForcesMonthly - February 2016
FEBRUARY 2016
ISSUE #335
THE USAF’S
COMBAT
EXERCISE
REPORT
Crimson
Eagle
EDGE
UK Apaches in
the USA
FORCE REPORT
Royal Jordanian MORE WITH LESS
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CONTENTS February
Leading the
Field 72
Cover: Raptors serve with six frontline
operational squadrons and have
32 Securing the Skies light on the Russian military 84 FORCE REPORT
Incursions by Russian military leadership attitudes to the Royal Jordanian Air Force
proved themselves to be potent attack
platforms in the fight against the aircraft into UK-controlled air campaign in Syria. Royal Jordanian Air Force
Daesh in Syria. AirTeamImages.com/ airspace over the North Atlantic commander Major General
Jason Taperell are once again a regular 64 EXERCISE REPORT Mansour S Aljobour discusses
occurrence. The RAF responds Crimson Eagle 2015 with Marco Dijkshoorn and Patrick
News by launching Typhoon fighter Joe Copalman reports on Roegies his latest acquisitions
All the world’s military to intercept them. Tim Ripley Army Air Corps conversion- and the ongoing fight against
aviation news, by region. explains how it all works. to-type training in the desert Daesh in Iraq and Syria.
4-5 Headlines of Arizona and California.
6-7 United Kingdom 38 Operation Okra 90 Attrition
8-11 Continental Europe The Royal Australian Air Force has 72 Leading the Field AFM’s Dave Allport reports on the
12-15 North America been engaged in Operation Okra, Jon Lake examines how Saudi world’s latest military accidents.
16-18 Latin America its contribution to the fight against Arabia has rapidly advanced
19 Africa Daesh in Iraq, since October with the operational capabilities 94 Debrief
20-23 Middle East 2014, as Nigel Pittaway reports. of its Eurofighter Typhoons. Reviews of recently published
26 Russia books on military aviation.
27-30 Asia Pacific 44 USAF Tactical Aviation 80 Discreetly Direct
31 Australasia/Contracts Tom Kaminski examines the US The French Air Force's ET60 96 Base Watch
Air Force tactical airpower, which moves senior government A snapshot of recent military
today relies on precision-guided officials and high-ranking military
Subscribe & Save munitions employed by a reduced officers around the world.
visitors to air bases around
the UK and abroad.
A subscription to AirForces fleet of fast jet and RPA platforms. Its Dassualt Falcons also
Monthly offers great savings fly medevac and special 98 Editorial
on cover price. See pages 60 The View from Above support missions, as Jean- AFM’s view on current
24 and 25 for details. Alexander Mladenov sheds Marc Tanguy reports. military aviation matters. .
USAF Tactical
Aviation 44
HEADLINES
Australian Government
Orders Gulfstream RAF 208 Squadron 100th
G550s for ISR Role Anniversary Hawk
AUSTRALIA’S GOVERNMENT is
acquiring two new Gulfstream
G550s through US company
L-3 Communications Mission
Integration of Greenville, Texas.
A $93.6 million Foreign Military
Sales contract was awarded to
L-3 on December 28 by the US
Air Force’s 645th Aeronautical
Systems Group at Wright-
Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio,
for procurement of the aircraft
and associated maintenance.
They will be prepared by L-3
in its Greenville facility, with Above: Royal Air Force/208 (Reserve) Squadron Hawk T1A XX188, in new markings to celebrate its centenary, during a
completion anticipated by sortie from its home base on January 7. MOD Crown Copyright/RAF Valley
November 30, 2017. There has ROYAL AIR Force Valley, Anglesey- personnel and was created by on October 25, 1916, as No 8
been no official announcement based 208 (Reserve) Squadron the Serco paintshop team at (Naval) Squadron, Royal Naval Air
by the Australian Government has unveiled Hawk T1A XX188 Valley. The colours reflect the Service. When the Royal Air Force
regarding this acquisition. in a new livery to commemorate unit’s long association with the was formed on April 1, 1918, it was
However, Australian Government the unit’s 100th anniversary. Middle East, blue representing renumbered 208 Squadron RAF.
officials have confirmed they will Photographs of the aircraft were the sky and yellow the sands of Today, it flies the Hawk from Valley
be used in electronic warfare released on January 8, showing the desert. The sphinx at Giza, in the advanced flying training and
and airborne intelligence, the tail painted with a design Egypt, which is depicted on the tactical weapons role, converting
surveillance and reconnaissance incorporating the Squadron’s Squadron crest, is incorporated RAF and Royal Navy fast jet pilots
roles. Further details will be distinctive yellow and blue colours. in the design, along with the 208 to front line operational conversion
released with the Defence The scheme draws on a Squadron motto, ‘Vigilant’. unit input standard. It also
White Paper later this year. number of ideas from Squadron No 208 Squadron was formed trains international students.
UNITED KINGDOM
A formation of 771 Squadron Sea King HU5s flying past St operations at the same time.
Michael’s Mount in Cornwall on May 21 last year to mark the Bristow is using two Sikorsky
unit’s 76th anniversary. They comprise, from front to rear, ZA166 S-92s to replace the Sea Kings
‘16’, XV705 ‘29’, XZ920 ‘24’, XV661 ‘26’ and one unidentified
example. After taking off from RNAS Culdrose, they flew over
at Prestwick, while a similar
Penzance, Land’s End, St Ives, Newquay, Truro, Falmouth, Lizard number of S-92s have replaced
Point and Helston before returning to base. On December 31, the the Culdrose Sea Kings,
Squadron ended its SAR role, which has been taken over by Bristow operating from a new base at
Helicopters. MOD Crown Copyright/PO Phot Paul A Barrow Newquay Airport (the former
RAF St Mawgan) in Cornwall.
Although military SAR operations
in the UK have ended, the two
Royal Air Force/1563 Flight Sea
King HAR3s at Mount Pleasant
in the Falkland Islands are still
undertaking the SAR role – see
Long-Range Falklands Sea King
Rescue, January, p7. However,
as from April 2016, AAR Airlift
will take over Falklands SAR
operations using two AW189s,
thus ending helicopter SAR
operations by the UK military.
The two AW189s that will
be used in the Falklands are
G-SAAR (c/n 89003) and
G-FSAR (c/n 89004). They are
registered to British International
Helicopter Services, which
will undertake the role under
sub-contract to AAR Airlift.
CONTINENTAL EUROPE
Sweden Takes Delivery of Its First Full ASW NH90 USAF F-15s
AIRBUS HELICOPTERS has
delivered the first Swedish NH90
Return from Incirlik
in full anti-submarine warfare
(ASW) configuration to the Swedish
Deployment
US AIR FORCE F-15 Eagles
Försvarets Materielverk (FMV –
began returning to their UK
Defence Materiel Administration).
base at RAF Lakenheath,
The fully-qualified helicopter,
Suffolk on December 16 from
handed over at the company’s
Incirlik Air Base, Turkey.
facility in Donauwörth, Germany,
Six F-15C Eagles from the 493rd
on December 17, has an entirely
Fighter Squadron ‘Grim Reapers’
customised mission system
of the 48th Fighter Wing had
including underwater sonar,
deployed on November 6. They
tactical radar and high cabin
were followed by six F-15E
for improved interior space.
Strike Eagles from the 492nd
In total, Sweden has ordered 18
Fighter Squadron ‘Mad Hatters’
NH90s (local designation Hkp14),
on November 12 – see USAF
13 equipped for search-and- Above: Swedish NH90 ASW 142056 (c/n 1197/BSWN02) ’56’ with its dipping
F-15s Deployed to Turkey for
rescue missions (SAR) and five in sonar deployed during a pre-delivery test flight on November 19. Airbus Helicopters
Inherent Resolve, January, p11.
ASW configuration. FMV and the and over water at Marignane, Specially tailored for its maritime
The F-15Cs were only used
manufacturer NHIndustries also France. Wolfgang Schoder, missions and the operative
for the protection of Turkish
signed a contract on December 17 Head of Light and Governmental environment in the Baltic Sea,
sovereign airspace, while the
to modify four already delivered Programmes at Airbus this helicopter is best-suited for
F-15Es conducted air strike
NH90s from SAR to ASW, bringing Helicopters, said: “In terms of the customer’s requirements.”
operations against Daesh. US
the total Swedish NH90 fleet to versatility and customisability, NHIndustries has delivered
Air Force A-10C Thunderbolt IIs,
nine ASW and nine SAR aircraft. the Swedish NH90 ASW 260 NH90s to date to 13
UAVs and other coalition aircraft
Prior to delivery, the aircraft demonstrates the benefits of different nations and these
remain at Incirlik conducting
has been tested by the Swedish an integrated, highly powerful, have completed nearly 100,000
counter-Daesh missions.
acceptance team in Donauwörth fly-by-wire helicopter platform. flying hours in service.
CONTINENTAL EUROPE
Seven More
Tiger HADs
Last Production MQ-1s Delivered to Italy
Ordered for ALAT
FRANCE’S DIRECTION générale
de l’armement (DGA – Directorate
General of Armaments) has
ordered seven more Tigre
Hélicoptère Appui-Destruction
(HAD – fire support/destruction)
variants. The order, announced
by the DGA on December 22, was
placed with Airbus Helicopters
through the Organisation
Conjointe de Co-opération en
matière d’ARmement (OCCAR –
Organisation for Joint Armament Above: One of the final two Italian Air Force MQ-1 Predators on a pre-delivery test flight from the company’s Gray Butte
Field Airport, California, on November 11. At that time, it was devoid of Italian markings and serial number. GA-ASI
Co-operation) on December 17.
The acquisition will give the GENERAL ATOMICS Aeronautical to keep warfighters safe by The AMI is a leader in the
Aviation Légère de l’Armée de Systems (GA-ASI) has delivered equipping them with unparalleled utilisation of Predators and
Terre (ALAT – French Army Air the final two RQ-1 Predator situational awareness for Reapers to support a wide range
Corps) a fleet of 67 Tigres. The remotely piloted aircraft systems many years to come.” of intelligence, surveillance, and
order, in accordance with the to the Italian Air Force (AMI). The last AMI Predator was reconnaissance (ISR) missions
French military programme Acceptance was announced manufactured on the Predator in Italy, over the Mediterranean
for 2014-2019, will boost ALAT by GA-ASI on December 22. XP production line. The XP is an and in support of current
capabilities, particularly for It marked the end of GA-ASI’s improved derivative, designed NATO operations. Italy is the
operations in Sahel-Saharan production of the Predator A for the export market. GA-ASI first country in Europe to have
Africa. A total of 55 Tigres have variant, after more than two has delivered 15 RQ-1s and achieved an RPA airworthiness
been delivered to the ALAT to decades of manufacture. MQ-9s to the AMI. Although the certification. GA-ASI has been
date, of which 40 are of the Frank W. Pace, president, Aircraft number of each type has not supplying AMI with these
Hélicoptère Appui-Protection Systems, GA-ASI, said: “Amassing been disclosed, contracts have critical assets for more than a
(HAP – fire support/protection) over 2.1 million cumulative flight been announced for the purchase decade. The two types are flown
version. Most will progressively hours and featuring the highest of six Reapers for the AMI, all of Amendola-Foggia Air Base by
be converted to the HAD variant. mission capable rate of any which have been delivered. This 32° Stormo’s 28° Gruppo, which
The seven new examples will aircraft in the [US] Air Force’s implies the remainder should also provides detachments for
be delivered in 2017-2018. inventory, Predators will continue comprise nine Predators. its overseas operations.
NORTH AMERICA
More C-130Js
for USAF, USMC
Lockheed Martin Delivers
and Coast Guard 2,500th Hercules
TWO CONTRACTS worth
over $1.22 billion have been
awarded to Lockheed Martin
for 43 C-130J Super Hercules
of various variants for delivery
to the USAF, US Marine Corps
and US Coast Guard. Both deals
were awarded on December
30 by the US Air Force Life
Cycle Management Center at
Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio.
The first, valued at
Above: USAF HC-130J Combat King II 13-5782 ‘FT’, the 2,500th Hercules to be delivered, departing from Marietta,
$1,060,940,036, covers 32 Georgia, on December 11 for Moody AFB. Lockheed Martin/Damien Guarnieri
multi-year production aircraft.
These comprise 13 C-130J-30s, THE 2,500TH C-130 Hercules Moody Air Force Base, Georgia. 68 nations and the global fleet
five HC-130Js, 11 MC-130Js, left Lockheed Martin's facility in The USAF had the distinction has collectively logged more
two KC-130Js (for the US Marietta, Georgia, on December 11. of accepting the first delivery than 22 million flight hours. The
Marine Corps) and one US The landmark Hercules is HC-130J of a Hercules nearly sixty years current production model is the
Coast Guard HC-130J. Work Combat King II personnel recovery ago, on December 9, 1956. It C-130J Super Hercules, which
is expected to be complete by aircraft 13-5782 ‘FT’ (c/n 5782) is the world’s largest Hercules has been selected by 16 nations
April 30, 2020. Fiscal year 2014 assigned to the USAF’s 71st Rescue operator, which includes both and is flown by 19 different
USAF and US Navy aircraft Squadron, part of the 347th Rescue legacy C-130 and C-130J operators. The Super Hercules
procurement funds totalling Group. A US Air Force crew ferried Super Hercules variants. worldwide fleet has more than 1.3
$256,444,432; and FY15 USAF, the HC-130J to its new home at C-130s are today operated from million flight hours to its credit.
US Navy and Coast Guard
NORTH AMERICA
Airborne Imaging DC-3 Testing New MH-60 FLIR Sensor Three Test
AIRBORNE IMAGING DC-3
N737H visited San Diego-
forward-looking infrared (FLIR)
sensor developed by Raytheon
T-33 and various civilian types,
which have been used for P-8As to be
Brown Field Municipal Airport,
California, on December
for the Sikorsky MH-60 fleet
and installed in a ball turret on
missions in Central America.
The company has also tested
Brought to
5. The aircraft is being used
as a test platform for a new
the nose. Airborne Imaging’s
fleet includes three Dakotas, a
a wide array of sensors for
UAVs. Kevin Whitehead
Production
Standard
BOEING IS to modify three
P-8A Poseidon development
airframes to production
standard under a $15.54 million
contract awarded by US Naval
Air Systems Command on
November 30. The aircraft are
the fourth, fifth and sixth flight
test airframes, comprising
167952/T-4 (c/n 40594) ‘JA-
952’, 167955/T-5 (c/n 40595)
Lockheed Martin Awarded $1.25 Billion F-35 Contract ‘JA-955’ and 167956/T-6 (c/n
40596) ‘JA-956’, respectively.
A US NAVAL Air Systems four for Turkey; eight for the US Navy ($256,433,369;
All are currently operated
Command (NAVAIR) advanced Netherlands; eight for Australia; 21.9%); US Marine Corps
by Air Test and Evaluation
acquisition contract valued ten for the Israel; six for Japan ($106,500,000; 9.1%); non-US
Squadron 1 (VX-1) ‘Pioneers’
at $1.17 billion was awarded and ten for South Korea); seven DoD partners ($207,069,044;
at Naval Air Station Patuxent
on December 21 to Lockheed F-35Bs (six for the USMC; 17.7%) and foreign military
River, Maryland, on trials
Martin to procure long lead time and one for the UK); and four sales ($199,694,560; 17%).
work. They will be brought
materials, parts, components and F-35Cs for the US Navy. A second contract on the same
up to low-rate 4-2 production
effort to maintain the planned Also included is production day, valued at $84,434,012,
representative configuration.
production schedule for F-35 of two F-35As for the USAF covered procurement of
The majority of the work (77%)
low rate initial production Lot and F-35Cs for the US Navy. production non-recurring items
will be carried out at Pax
11, comprising 91 aircraft. This contract combines for Lot 9 F-35 aircraft. These
River and is expected to be
Lot 11 includes 80 F-35As (28 purchase for the USAF include special tooling and
completed in January 2017.
for the USAF; six for Norway; ($401,509,516; 34.3%); special test equipment items.
LATIN AMERICA
Peruvian AF
Takes Delivery
of Three
Cessna 172s
THREE NEW Cessna 172
Mexican Air Force Bell Skyhawk SP aircraft have been
407GX 1312/N537QB delivered to the Fuerza Aérea
departing from Arlington del Perú (FAP – Peruvian Air
Municipal Airport, Texas, Force) for use in the training
on November 10 on its role. The aircraft, serial numbers
delivery flight to Mexico.
Michael Keaveney 469, 477 and 478, are the first
of seven being acquired. They
LATIN AMERICA
AFRICA
Visit www.airforcesdaily.com for daily
news stories. E-mail the news team
at milnews@keypublishing.com
to Support
(ZAF) pilots and maintenance to have signed a contract for Brigadier General Jabes Zulu,
personnel have completed acquisition of the L-15, details had confirmed that the type
Egyptian Mi-8T/
conversion to the Hongdu L-15 were never clear. It is now known had been ordered at the Air
Falcon advanced jet trainer at the order is for six aircraft, Force Headquarters Annual
Mi-17-Vs
Nanchang, AVIC announced with a further six options. Ball on December 26, 2014.
on December 28. The training Unlike the first six, the second He also confirmed additional
RUSSIAN HELICOPTERS took place on the first ZAF six will have a new afterburning SF260TW trainers, C-27J
has signed an agreement to L-15s, which are expected engine currently transports and Mi-17 helicopters
provide after-sales service and to begin delivery in June. in development. would also be delivered.
maintenance for the Egyptian
Air Force’s (EAF’s) fleet of
Russian-made helicopters.
Under the contract, announced
on December 8 by the company,
the repair base at Heluane,
Egypt, will be re-tooled to
support the EAF’s fleet of 41 Mil
Mi-8Ts and three Mi-17-1Vs.
All of these helicopters will
undergo comprehensive repair
work at the facility. Russian
Helicopters will authorise the
Heluane plant as an official
aircraft repair plant for the type.
To support comprehensive
work to the airframes,
components, gearboxes and
rotor systems in helicopters
Cameroon and Kenya Order ScanEagle UAVs Egypt Acquiring
operated by the EAF, Russian INSITU WAS awarded two million, also covers one ScanEagle
Helicopters will deliver
specialised equipment
separate Foreign Military Sales
contracts by the US Naval Air
system. Half of the work will be
carried out at the main air force
Additional E-2C
to the facility, carry out Warfare Center Aircraft Division base in Douala, Cameroon. A US Naval Air Systems
commissioning work and on September 29 to supply its The systems for both countries Command (NAVAIR) pre-
transfer all the necessary ScanEagle unmanned aircraft will include analogue medium- solicitation reveals the Egyptian
documentation to Egypt. system to Cameroon and Kenya. wave infrared ScanEagle UAVs, Air Force (EAF) is acquiring an
Egyptian specialists will be The $9.86 million deal for the launch and recovery equipment, additional E-2C Hawkeye from
trained to work on Mi-8Ts, Kenyan Government covers one ground control stations, Insitu surplus US Navy stocks. The
Mi-17-1Vs and Mi-17V-5s at ScanEagle system. Work will be video exploitation systems and October 15, 2015 document
Russian Helicopters’ Novosibirsk divided equally between Insitu’s ground support equipment. is a notification of the intention
Aircraft Repair Plant. The facility in Bingen, Washington Kenya will also procure a Mk4 to award Northrop Grumman
company will provide design and Laikipia/Nanyuki, the launcher, two full mission a contract for supplies and
and technical support for Kenyan Air Force’s main base. training devices and spares services required to deliver
these repairs for two years. The deal with the Cameroon kits. Both contracts are due for E-2C 162615 (c/n A-97) and
Government, valued at $9.39 completion in September 2016. associated parts to Cairo under
the EAF E-2C Tactical Program.
HEADLINES
MIDDLE EAST
An Israeli
Veteran Retires
In December Israel withdrew the veteran
Skyhawk from service. Latterly used
as a trainer, the type also saw extensive
combat during a career spanning
almost 50 years. Amit Agronov
was there to see this old
warhorse retire.
Right: A series of formation flypasts were flown during the ceremony by two
M-346s and two TA-4s – representing the past and the future of pilot training
within the ISAF.
Below: Three TA-4 Skyhawks taxi out to the main runway at Hatzerim Air
Base during the retirement ceremony. Among pilots involved in the flying
on December 13 were three active major generals: ISAF commander Amir
Eshel, commander of personnel Hagai Toplonski, and head of the planning
directorate Amikam Norkin. All images by author
A FTER THOUSANDS of
sorties and a part in almost
all of Israel’s wars since the first
ten TA-4H two-seaters (1969-70),
117 A-4Ns (1973-76), 96 A-4Es
(delivered in 1971 and during the
examples were unloaded from 1973 Yom Kippur War), 16 A-4Fs
a ship at Haifa 48 years ago, and four TA-4Fs (1972), and 21
the Douglas A-4 Skyhawk has TA-4Js (1973-74). A total of 140
been withdrawn from Israeli Air Ayits have been lost in combat, 53
and Space Force (IASF) service. of them during the Yom Kippur
Known as the Ayit (Eagle), the War, and to training accidents.
last of them were replaced by Although the Ayit served
the Alenia Aermacchi M-346 primarily as an attack aircraft,
Master (Lavi – Lion), which first on May 12, 1970, Colonel Ezra
entered service in July 2014. Dotan ‘Beban’, also known as
An official ceremony at Hatzerim ‘Mr Skyhawk’, used an A-4H
air base marked the Ayit’s to down two Syrian MiG-17s.
retirement on December 13, He destroyed one with 30mm
2015. The rainy morning failed cannon fire and the other
to keep a crowd from assembling with air-to-ground rockets.
around 102 Squadron’s flight line During the early 1990s, 102
as the jets took off to perform ‘Flying Tiger’ Squadron, operating
a flypast. Among the pilots the Skyhawk as a trainer, was
involved were three active major attached to the IDF flying school at
generals: IASF commander Hatzerim.
Amir Eshel, commander of The Ayit has trained many
personnel Hagai Toplonski generations of IAF combat pilots.
and head of the planning “Ayit pilots witnessed great
directorate Amikam Norkin. events in the history of aerial
A total of 354 Ayits served with combat,” Eshel said. “Many
the IASF, the very first examples of the air force’s achievements
being purchased directly from the resulted from the combination
US. They comprised 90 A-4H jets of these small aircraft and the
received between 1967 and 1970, greatness of their pilots.”
Entering service in July 2014, the M-346 Master, (called Lavi, Hebrew for lion, by the ISAF)
has replaced the TA-4 in the advanced training role. However, it was clear to everyone at the
ceremony that the Lavi will never gain a combat record equal to that of the TA-4 Skyhawks.
MIDDLE EAST
Qatar Rafale
Order Comes
into Force
A DASSAULT AVIATION contract
with Qatar for 24 Rafales came
into force on December 17 when
the first down payment was
received. The initial contract
was signed on May 4 in Doha in
the company of His Highness
Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al
Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar, Newly acquired UAE Air Force and Air Defence P-750
and French President François XSTOL, serial number 4000, with under-fuselage
Hollande – see Qatar Orders 24 freight pannier, hangared at Al Bateen recently.
Rafales, June 2015, p22. The
deal represents a new stage
in the strategic partnership
between Qatar and France. UAE Air Force Operating P-750 XSTOL
The 24 jets for the Qatar AN UNUSUAL addition to the skydiving aircraft, but is also on June 30. It flew on to Bali
Emiri Air Force comprise 18 United Arab Emirates Air Force used by commercial operators International/Ngurah Rai on
single-seat and six twin-seat and Air Defence inventory is in crop spraying, passenger, July 1 and then to the UAE.
Rafales, with an option on a single Pacific Aerospace survey and utility roles. Cancelled from the New
either 12 or 24 more. The deal P-750 XSTOL. The aircraft is The aircraft was originally Zealand register, the aircraft was
also includes MBDA missiles painted in an overall gloss white registered to the manufacturer allocated US registration N506VS
and training for 36 Qatari colour scheme and devoid of in New Zealand as ZK-KCP on July 31 for Vertol Systems
pilots, 100 technicians and a markings, apart from serial (c/n 191) on June 16, 2014 of Hillsboro, Oregon, which
number of Qatari intelligence 4000 on the rear fuselage. as a P-750XL, although the provides specialised aircraft and
officers by the French military. It entered service last July and company markets the type as helicopter solutions. The US
Weapons included are appears to be operated by the the P-750 XSTOL. It was ferried registration was in turn cancelled
SCALP/Storm Shadow, GHQ SAR Wing at Al Bateen Air from Kerikeri in Northland New on September 23 on transfer
Meteor and Exocet missiles. Base, Abu Dhabi. Its role with Zealand via Norfolk Island to to UAEAF&AD ownership. As
The total package is the UAEAF&AD is unknown. The Brisbane, Australia, on June 28, far as AFM is aware, it is the
valued at €6.3 billion. type was originally designed 2015, and continued to Cairns only example of the type in
specifically as a parachuting/ the next day and on to Darwin military service worldwide.
MoU Signed
US Navy F/A-18C Hornet 165202 ‘AG-301’ from Strike Fighter Squadron 83 (VFA-83) ‘Rampagers’ launches from the
USS Harry S Truman (CVN 75) on December 31 for an Operation Inherent Resolve mission against Daesh. Note that
the unit badge on the fin has been suitably modified for Christmas, complete with Santa hat! US Navy/
for 30 Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class J R Pacheco
An-178s for
Royal Saudi
Air Force
ANTONOV AND Saudi Arabia’s
Taqnia Aeronautics Company
signed a memorandum of
understanding (MoU) on
December 17 for the delivery of
30 An-178 multi-purpose aircraft
to the Royal Saudi Air Force
(RSAF). The deal is an extension
of co-operation between the two
companies – Antonov announced
on May 13 it was developing
the new An-132 multi-purpose
transport aircraft in association
with Taqnia, which will build
USS Harry S Truman Begins Operations Against Daesh
the type in Saudi Arabia. STRIKE AIRCRAFT from the French allow us to maximise the next day. The carriers can
Under the new agreement, aircraft carrier USS Harry S our firepower and provide a then swap, which allows us to put
the two companies will also Truman (CVN 75) flew their unique opportunity to further more sorties in-country while
jointly market the An-178 to first missions in support of progress against Daesh we partner in this operation.”
other Middle Eastern countries Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR) (Islamic State). It validates The Truman left its home port in
and promote special-purpose on December 29. The Truman our abilities to successfully Norfolk, Virginia, on November
variants of the An-148. and embarked Carrier Air Wing operate as an international 16. Its arrival in the region marks
Major General (retired) Ali 7 (CVW-7) have joined French coalition while conducting the return of a US carrier to
Mohammed Al-Ghamdi, carrier FS Charles de Gaulle very dynamic operations.” anti-Daesh operations. Since the
President of Taqnia Aeronautics, (R 91) in combined combat Captain Fredrick Luchtman, departure of the USS Theodore
said the An-178 had been operations against Daesh in Iraq CVW 7’s commander, added: Roosevelt (CVN 71), which ended
selected due to its advantageous and Syria from the Arabian Gulf. “We complement each other in air strike operations against
characteristics, price and low Rear Admiral Bret Batchelder, that while one carrier is able to fly Daesh and left the Fifth Fleet
operating costs compared commander of Carrier Strike sorties in-country to support OIR, area of responsibility on October
to other types in its class. Group 8 (CSG-8), said: “Dual the other carrier can conduct 13, there had not been any US
carrier operations with the maintenance and prepare for carrier presence in the region.
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Delivered to
on December 25. The aircraft, It features a tandem, two-seat project since details were first
designated the SR-10, has configuration with zero-zero revealed at the MAKS Air Show
ASIA PACIFIC
Visit www.airforcesdaily.com for daily
news stories. E-mail the news team
at milnews@keypublishing.com
Russia and India Second Royal Malaysian Air Vietnam in October 2014. Two
more followed on December 6,
Sign Deal for Force A400M Delivered 2014. The most recent deliveries,
the fifth and sixth aircraft, arrived
ASIA PACIFIC
Above: The 15th and final Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force TH-135 training
Above: Sikorsky UH-60M Black Hawk 911, one of the third batch for Taiwan, on
helicopter, 8815, being waved off from the Airbus Helicopters Japan facility
the dockside at Kaohsiung after being unloaded.
on November 25. Airbus Helicopters/Koichi Nakagawa
TAIWAN HAS taken delivery of (serials 901 to 904) arrived on
AIRBUS HELICOPTERS has for the first two was signed on a third batch of four Sikorsky December 3, 2014. The second
completed delivery of 15 February 26, 2009. The first UH-60M Black Hawks. The batch of four (905 to 908) then
H135s (formerly known as the of these was handed over on helicopters arrived by sea at followed on May 24, 2015. One
EC135T2i) to the Japan Maritime December 2, 2009. The type Kaohsiung and were unloaded of the third batch has been
Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), began replacing the OH-6D/ on December 17. The number confirmed as 911, suggesting that
which designates the type the DAs used in the rotary-wing involved has not yet been serials for the latest deliveries
TH-135 and uses it in the training training role by the 211th Kyoiku confirmed, but the previous are likely to be 909 to 912.
role. The company announced Kokutai (Air Training Squadron) two batches have each been of A total of 60 UH-60Ms are
hand-over of the 14th and 15th at Kanoya from 2011. four aircraft and it is believed being acquired for the RoCA,
JMSDF H135 on December 15. In Japan, there are currently 80 the same number were for which a contract valued
Japan had announced selection H135s operating for emergency involved in the latest arrivals. at $1.705 billion was signed
of the EC135T2i for the JMSDF’s medical services, police work, The first four Republic of China on November 22, 2012.
TX training requirement on electronic news gathering, VIP Army Aviation and Special Final deliveries are
January 16, 2009. A contract transport and business aviation. Forces Command UH-60Ms scheduled for 2019.
A N E W S P E C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N F R O M K E Y P U B L I S H I N G
S U B S C R I B E R S C A L L F O R Y O U R £ 1. 0 0 D I S C O U N T !
NEWS
ASIA PACIFIC
Bangladesh AF AW139s
Serial Con No Test Reg
613 31613 I-EASS
Above: The first Bangladesh Air Force AW139, 613/I-EASS (c/n 31613), during a pre-delivery test flight on June 24. It
616 31616 I-PTFR was formally inducted into service on December 6, along with the first example of the type. Marco Bianchi
AUSTRALASIA
Visit www.airforcesdaily.com for daily
news stories. E-mail the news team
at milnews@keypublishing.com
Australia Signs
PC-21 Deal
LOCKHEED MARTIN Australia
Above: USAF F-35A Lightning II AF-03, on its 386th flight on October 27, alongside an RAAF KC-30A during trials from has been contracted by the
Edwards AFB, California, to certify the Australian tanker for F-35 refuelling operations. Lockheed Martin/Tom Reynolds Government to provide the new
Royal Australian Air Force personnel from 33 Squadron. December 3, when the KC-30A AIR 5428 Australian Defence
KC-30As have recently been A flight test team from the refuelled the F-16 for the first time. Force Pilot Training System.
involved in trials in the USA. RAAF's Aircraft Research and In total, 444 contacts were made Signature of the acquisition
From September 23 through Development Unit, supported and 25 tonnes of fuel offloaded. and services contracts took
until October 26, an RAAF by flight test insttrumentation On December 18 the tests were place on December 4.
KC-30A operating from Edwards engineers from the Aerospace paused for the Christmas holiday Under the AUS$1.2 billion
AFB, California, performed Systems Engineering Squadron, break. They are to resume deal, Lockheed Martin Australia
12 sorties with US Air Force was integrated within the early in the new year, when the will deliver 49 Pilatus PC-21s to
F-35A Lightning II AF-3. During USAF Test Centre to work tanker returns to Edwards and the Royal Australian Air Force
these flights, 479 dry and on the test programme. this initial phase was expected (RAAF), along with seven flight
24 wet contacts were made A further KC-30A deployment to be completed in February. simulators and support for
with the refuelling receptacle to Edwards took place from The trials are part of the an initial seven-year term.
on the F-35A. More than 95 November 30, during which Coalition Tanker Aerial Refuelling Performance-based options
tonnes of fuel were transferred similar tests were carried out Certification Effort, which could extend the contract for up to
during the wet contacts. with 416th Flight Test Squadron was signed on June 19, 2015. 25 years. The Lockheed Martin-
Throughout the trials, the F-16D 86-0047 ‘ED’. The first Further tankers and receivers led Team 21 includes Pilatus,
KC-30A was flown by RAAF flight in the series of tests was on will be tested in 2016. which will provide the PC-21s
and through-life engineering and
CONTRACTS airworthiness support. Hawker
Pacific will supply maintenance
Air Force Company No and Type Date Delivery Date & Notes and fleet support. Lockheed
Royal Australian Air Force Lockheed Martin 49 x Pilatus PC-21 Dec 4 From 2019 Martin will provide overall project
management and deliver a
Royal Australian Air Force L-3 Communications 2 x Gulfstream G550 Dec 28 By Nov 30, 2017
family of integrated ground-
French Air Force General Atomics 3 x MQ-9A Reaper Dec 7 2019 based training technologies.
French Air Force Airbus Defence and Space 8 x A330 MRTT Dec 15 2016 to 2025 The contracts will see Basic
Flying Training at RAAF Base
French Army Airbus Helicopters 7 x Tigre HAD Dec 17 2017-2018 East Sale, Victoria, with 22 of the
Italian Air Force Tecnam 3 x P2006T Dec 21 Not announced PC-21s, while Advanced Flying
Training will continue from RAAF
Qatar Emiri Air Force Dassault 24 x Rafale Dec 17 Not announced
Base Pearce, Western Australia.
Royal Saudi Air Force Antonov 30 x An-178 Dec 17 Not announced The contract will also provide
Royal Saudi Naval Forces Sikorsky 10 x MH-60R Dec 17 By Oct 31, 2018 three PC-21s as replacement
aircraft for 4 Squadron at RAAF
US Air Force Lockheed Martin 14 x C-130J-30 Dec 30 By Apr 30, 2020
Base Williamtown, New South
US Air Force Lockheed Martin 8 x HC-130J Dec 30 By Apr 30, 2020 Wales, for forward air control and
US Air Force Lockheed Martin 13 x MC-130J Dec 30 By Apr 30, 2020
four for the Aircraft Research and
Development Unit (ARDU) at RAAF
US Coast Guard Lockheed Martin 3 x HC-130J Dec 30 By Apr 30, 2020 Base Edinburgh, South Australia. .
US Marine Corps Lockheed Martin 5 x KC-130J Dec 30 By Apr 30, 2020 Selection of the PC-21 for
the role had been announced
US Navy Sikorsky 29 x MH-60R Dece 7 By Dec 31, 2017
on September 6 last year.
UK SKIES
Incursions by Russian military aircraft into UK-controlled airspace
over the North Atlantic are once again a regular occurrence.
The RAF launches Typhoon fighters to intercept them, the jets
representing the sharp end of a complex air defence system, as
Tim Ripley explains.
An E-3D Sentry AEW1 can fill gaps in any radar coverage that are caused by high terrain – it’s particularly useful when Russian aircraft are flying around the UK’s
western coast heading south.
for a NATO-wide response, if needed. air-to-air refuelling support to the fighters. into radar ‘black spots’ outside the coverage
In the NADOC, RAF officers usually have a Having made visual contact with the Russian of UK land-based radar. In this case, the RAF
couple of hours to prepare their response aircraft, one of the RAF jets moves into position might launch an alert E-3D Sentry airborne
to the imminent arrival of the relatively slow alongside. The Typhoon pilots attempt to estab- warning and control system (AWACS) from RAF
flying Tu-95 in UK-controlled airspace. If lish radio contact and then pull back to monitor it. Waddington, Lincolnshire, to fill the gaps in
it does not turn for home and looks set to Since these intercepts take place in radar coverage and co-ordinate further air-to-air
head south into the UK sector, the NADOC international airspace, the RAF is obliged refuelling contacts over the North Atlantic
asks controllers at RAF Boulmer to order to leave the Russians to proceed on their Meanwhile the NADOC alerts its French
a QRA launch from RAF Lossiemouth to way, while the Typhoons relay course and counterpart to launch fighters to continue
establish visual contact with the Bear. position information back to Boulmer. the shadowing operation. Alternatively, if the
Given the distances involved in these Russian aircraft have on occasion flown all Russian aircraft swings down into the North Sea
operations, a Voyager tanker is launched from the way around the UK, down past Ireland and and heads into the Baltic, the RAF organises a
RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, providing out into the Bay of Biscay, sometimes flying handover with its Dutch or Danish counterparts.
Above: The Puma with snipers on board was used during the Olympic 2012 Air Security Plan to maintain a
presence to deter any low-flying threats such as small aircraft or UAVs.
Right: Snipers are trained to shoot low-flying threats out of the sky. They were used during the 2012 Lon-
don Olympics but did not need to be called into action.
Below: The UK has purchased the Saab Giraffe AMB to protect the Falkland Islands from any possible threat.
Saab
Future QRA
There has been uncertainty over the Typhoon’s
long-term future as the QRA platform, based on
its 2030 out of service date (OSD), leading to
speculation that the F-35 Lightning II might take
over the role. The Strategic Defence and Security
Review extended the Typhoon’s OSD for at least
a decade. At the same time, the threat to UK
airspace is likely to continue to evolve. The fast-
est growing threat comes from UAVs, or drones.
Cheap and cheerful drones can be bought online
and potentially converted to deliver explosives
or other hazardous materials into urban areas.
Typhoon is a less than ideal solution to intercept-
ing drones that might be little bigger than a
remotely controlled model aircraft. A helicopter –
or, perhaps in future, another drone – is the most
effective defence against such a target. The RAF
used helicopters as interceptors during the 2012
London Olympics, teaming Puma HC1s with
RAF Regiment snipers to counter potential ‘slow
movers’ – general aviation types, helicopters and,
potentially, drones over the capital.
QRA Duty
On Friday July 24, 2015, while policing Baltic airspace, RAF Typhoons intercepted ten Russian aircraft during
a single Baltic Air Patrol, Quick Reaction Alert mission. The Typhoon FGR4s, from 6 (Fighter) Squadron inter-
cepted these four MiG-31 Foxhounds (No 1) from the 790th IAP at Khotilova, north of Moscow.
The Battle of Britain established the ‘scramble’ in three new Lockheed Martin AN/TPS-77 radars. Pleasant – outside the capital, Port Stanley –
popular British consciousness through images of During the Cold War the radar sites were heavily since 2007. The pilots of 1435 Flight stand QRA
plucky RAF pilots sitting on garden chairs reading defended and manned by fighter control person- in much the same way as their counterparts in
newspapers while waiting for a bell to ring and nel. Over the past 25 years the network has been the UK. A Voyager tanker is also based there to
set them running to the cockpits of their Spitfires progressively automated and the sites are now extend the Typhoons’ range and endurance.
and Hurricanes. unmanned and linked by real-time data link to the The major difference in air defence operations on
Fast-forward to 2015, and today’s Typhoon pi- main reporting and control centre at RAF Boulmer. the Falklands compared to the UK mainland is the
lots share similar experiences. But, unlike 1940, The backbone of the network is the Lockheed presence of a British Army Rapier Field Standard C
when every RAF fighter pilot waited 50 yards from Martin Type 92 radar, with units in the remotely missile battery at RAF Mount Pleasant.
his aircraft, today only a fraction of the Typhoon operated radar heads at Benbecula and Buchan, Early in 2015 the British Ministry of Defence
Force is dedicated to QRA at any one time. Aberdeenshire. The Type 92s are being replaced announced it had begun a project to upgrade the
Two pairs of Typhoons are held at readiness for by the AN/TPS-77s at Brizlee Wood in Northum- air defence network in the Falklands by the end of
immediate launch at RAF Lossiemouth and RAF bria, Staxton Wold in North Yorkshire, and the decade. The fixed radar sites are to have new
Coningsby. At each, these are the ‘primary pair’, Trimingham in Norfolk, with the first site Saab Giraffe radars, while the MBDA Future Local
with a second pair in reserve should the prima- scheduled to come on line in 2016. Area Air Defence System (Land) (FLAADS(L)) – a
ries scramble. If an event were so serious that all Further bolstering radar coverage, a BAE Sys- land-based variant of the Sea Ceptor missile to be
eight QRA aircraft were in the air, more Typhoons tems Type 101 is in use at Portreath, Cornwall, installed on Royal Navy frigates – will replace Rapier.
would be brought to higher readiness and pilots and No 1 Air Control Centre at RAF Scamp-
called in from other duty. ton, Lincolnshire, holds mobile radar units at Baltic Air Policing
For pilots, QRA duty involves spending 24 hours readiness for overseas deployment or to ‘gap-fill’ The Crimea crisis in March 2014 prompted the
in a crew room 100 yards from the hardened around the UK. British Government to join NATO efforts to bolster
shelters where the Typhoons are kept ready for the defences of the alliance’s members in Eastern
action. While the number of aircraft involved in Falklands QRA Europe, under the long-running Baltic Air Policing
immediate QRA duty is small, it soaks up a large The RAF also has responsibility for the air defence (BAP) mission – the Typhoon Force joining the NATO
percentage of the RAF’s 120 or so Typhoon pilots. of the Falkland Islands, and since the 1982 con- air policing effort to protect Latvia, Estonia and Lithu-
Every week, 56 pilots stand QRA duty, equivalent flict has maintained fighter aircraft and radars, ania on two occasions over the past 18 months.
to more than three squadrons’ worth of person- along with Rapier surface-to-air missiles, to deter Early in 2015 the government announced that
nel, even without taking into account sickness, the possibility of Argentine aggression. RAF Typhoons would return to BAP duty in 2016.
leave and routine training courses. Air defence of the Falklands is co-ordinated from The most recent deployment, to Amari in Estonia
the operations room of the Headquarters British over the summer, lasted four months. It saw No
Radar Net Forces South Atlantic Islands at RAF Mount Pleas- 6 Squadron’s four Typhoons scrambled on 17 oc-
The military radar element of the UK Air Surveil- ant. Early warning is provided by radars on Mount casions to intercept a total of 40 Russian aircraft.
lance and Control System (UKASACS) is based Alice, Byron Heights and Mount Kent, the highest On one occasion the RAF jets intercepted a
at six sites stretching from Benbecula in the peaks on West and East Falkland. The sites are formation of ten Russian machines, the largest
Outer Hebrides to the toe of Cornwall. The radar connected to Mount Pleasant by data link. encountered by NATO since the beginning of the
network is in the process of being renewed with Four Typhoons have been based at Mount current crisis.
A Typhoon FGR4 still wearing the markings of 1435 Flight at RAF Mount Pleasant touches down at RAF Coningsby after a QRA mission. Note the full missile fit.
All four of the Typhoons that had manned the Falklands QRA since 2007 were replaced by four more modern examples in September 2015. Chris Lofting
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AVIATION SPECIALS
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OPERATION
OKRA AUSTRALIA’S
WAR ON DAESH
The Royal Australian Air Force has been engaged
in Operation Okra, its contribution to the fight
against Daesh in Iraq, since October 2014, as
Nigel Pittaway reports.
Above: Pictured during a period of aircraft rotation between Australia and the Middle East Area of Opera-
tions, two E-7As occupy the ramp at the same time. The serviceability rate and capability of the newer
Wedgetail platform has attracted the attention of other AEW&C operators in-theatre, including the USAF.
Russian Intervention
The introduction of Russian combat aircraft
into Syrian airspace has not only made
Coalition operations more complicated, but
the downing of a Su-24 Fencer by the Turkish
Air Force has increased tension.
However, Bellingham said: “We haven’t changed
anything we’re doing for the moment and it won’t Despite being in service for 30 years, the six F/A-18A ‘Classic’ Hornets deployed on Operation Okra
change anything for the current operations,” have demonstrated a mission success rate of 98% during more than six months of operations, which is
although there had been no RAAF air strikes inside comparable with that of the much newer Super Hornet. Here an F/A-18A loaded with four GBU-38 JDAM
Syria in the immediate aftermath of the shoot- weapons prepares to take fuel from a USAF KC-135R.
down. Obviously we’re concerned about the inci- Australia’s F/A-18A/B ‘Classic’ Hornet force is the wing pylons and the Elta EL-L/8222 electronic
dent and we’re very keen for the relevant parties, now three decades old, but in that time it has countermeasures (ECM) pod. The ‘Classic’ Hornet
Turkey and Russia, to exercise restraint,” he said. undergone an extensive and incremental series uses Northrop Grumman’s AAQ-28 Litening AT
“Russia coming into Syria has made Syrian of updates under the Hornet Upgrade (HUG) (Advanced Targeting) pod and although it employs
airspace a little bit more complex, but our programme, modernising the jets’ avionics, sen- the same strike weapons in the Operation Okra
rules of engagement in relation to how sors and weapons. Among these upgrades was context, the single-seat Hornet uses the MBDA AS-
we’re operating haven’t changed. We are replacement of the original APG-65 radar with the RAAM as its within-visual-range air-to-air weapon.
Raytheon APG-73 which, although mechanically The first rotation of ‘Classic’ Hornets arrived in the-
deconflicting our operations with those of
scanned, is regarded as a very capable system. atre in March 2015, led by 75 Squadron. The two
the Russians. The MoU [memorandum of
The HUG also included several flight control Williamtown-based squadrons, Nos 3 and 77, are
understanding] that’s in place between the
software upgrades, the addition of colour cockpit following it in turn. Operations against Daesh began
US and the Russians has been very effective
displays, Link 16 Multifunctional Information Dis- that same month, initially in mixed formations with
and has supported good co-ordination, or tribution System (MIDS), a new countermeasures Super Hornets. By November 21 the six available
deconfliction if you like, of the US-led Coalition dispensing system (CMDS), tactical aircraft moving aircraft had flown 998 sorties for 7,652 hours, and
air efforts and the Russian air efforts, so our map capability (TAMMAC) display and JHMCS. expended 633 munitions. Of this total, 18 sorties,
rules of engagement remain constant and we Self-defence systems include the Raytheon ALR- for 143 hours, were flown against Daesh targets in
will continue to conduct air operations against 67 radar warning receiver, SAAB BOL CMDS on Syria, with the employment of two PGMs.
Daesh across Syria and Iraq unchanged.”
Below: An RAAF F/A-18F Super Hornet refuels from a KC-30A over Baghdad in an early night-time mission
against Islamic State targets in late 2014.
The KC-30A is cleared to refuel all the coalition strike aircraft that use the hose and drogue method of refuel-
ling under operational contingency clearances (Clearances with Limited Evidence), including RAF Tornados.
Challenges
Conducting sustained air combat operations at a
long distance from any major Australian air base
and in the harsh climatic conditions found in the
Middle East has been ATG 630’s major challenge.
“To deliver the effect that we need to deliver
day in, day out and to achieve the rates of
success that we aim for, and are fulfilling,
the logistics and engineering that underpin
what we do are probably among the great-
est challenges, but also one of the real
success stories,” Bellingham described.
“And we’ve worked in environmentally
extreme conditions as well – the summer here
was brutal, with temperatures in excess of
50°C on the tarmac. I’m really proud of
how we’ve done our business, how we’ve
Above: A KC-30A crew conducts air-to-air refuelling operations over Iraq. RAAF KC-30As have two Air
sustained a high degree of success and Refuelling Operator (ARO) stations on the flight deck to provide a level of mission redundancy and to
how we continue to support Coalition air accommodate training.
operations in the Middle East region.”
USAF TACAIR
National Guard (ANG) to meet its commitments. 18 aircraft, comprising nine at Davis-Monthan
Limited procurement funding has also forced AFB, Arizona, six at Moody AFB, Georgia, and
it to retain legacy aircraft longer than planned three at Nellis AFB, Nevada, were affected.
and to modify them to extend their service lives. At the end of FY14, which finished on Septem-
In response to the US Government’s 2012 ber 30, 2014, the total inventory included 1,962
Defense Strategic Guidance (DSG), which fighter and attack aircraft and the average age
imposed a reduction of $487 billion in defence of the fleet had reached 21.6 years. Split across
spending over ten years, the Air Force rebal- all commands, the fleet included 1,273 fighters
anced its force structure across its core func- assigned to active component squadrons,
tions, resulting in the current Primary Mission 585 to the ANG and 104 to the AFRC.
Aircraft Inventory (PMAI) requirement of 1,100
and Total Active Inventory (TAI) of 1,900 fighters. USAF Fighters – 30 Sept 2014
Considered a blueprint for the joint force of
Inventory
2020, the DSG also emphasised a shift in geo-
Type Average Active ANG AFRC Total
graphical priorities towards the Asia and Pacific
Age (years)
region, while retaining focus on the Middle East.
A-10C 32.5 159 91 47 297
In February 2012, Secretary of the Air Force
Michael B Donley announced that 102 A-10s F-15C 29.6 101 112 0 213
and 21 F-16s would be retired. Between April F-15D 29.5 13 23 0 36
2013 and May 2014, 49 additional A-10Cs F-15E 24.2 220 0 0 220
F-15Es are the USAF’s primary air-to-ground fighter/
were placed in storage. Subsequent fiscal F-16C 23.8 465 294 55 814 bomber. There are three front-line wings flying
constraints led the service to propose the dives- F-16D 23.7 110 45 2 157 the ‘Mud Hens’ as they are known in the USAF – at
titure of 334 additional fighter-class aircraft Seymour Johnson AFB, Mountain Home AFB in the
F-22A 7.7 167 20 0 187
as part of its Fiscal 2015 budget proposal. States and RAF Lakenheath in the UK. They have
F-35A 1.8 38 0 0 38
The suggested reduction aligned with the all been very active on combat ops in recent years.
2014 Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR), which Total 1,273 585 104 1,962 Rick Llinares
85th TES Eglin AFB, FL F-15C/E, OT 122rd FW/OG 163d FS Fort Wayne IAP, IN A-10C IN
F-16C/D (Blk 127th WG/ 107th FS Selfridge ANGB, A-10C MI
40/50) OG Mount Clemens, MI
422d TES Nellis AFB, NV A-10C, F-16C/D OT 169th FW/OG 157th FS McEntire JNGS,
(Blk 42/52) Eastover, SC (*2)
57th WG Nellis AFB, NV F-15C/D/E, 175th WG/ 104th FS Martin SA/Warfield A-10C MD
F-22A, F-35A OG ANGB, Baltimore, MD
USAF ADS Nellis AFB, NV F-16C/D (Blk 52) 180th FW/OG 112th FS Toledo Express AP, F-16C/D (Blk 42)
57th ATG 64th AGRS Nellis AFB, NV F-16C/D (Blk WA Swanton, OH (*2)
25/32/42) 187th FW/OG 100th FS Montgomery RA - F-16C/D (Blk 30) AL
USAFWS Nellis AFB, NV Dannelly Field, AL
16th WPS Nellis AFB, NV F-16C (Blk WA 192nd FW/OG 149th FS (*4) JB Langley-Eustis, VA F-22A
42/52), F-16D Twelfth Air Force/Air Forces Southern (12AF/AFSOUTH) – Davis-Monthan AFB, AZ
(Blk 52), F-35A 355th FW/OG 354th FS Davis-Monthan AFB, AZ A-10C DM
17th WPS Nellis AFB, NV F-15E WA 357th FS Davis-Monthan AFB, AZ A-10C
66th WPS Nellis AFB, NV A-10C WA (FTU)
433d WPS (*1) Nellis AFB, NV F-15C/D, F-22A WA 366th FW/OG 389th FS Mountain Home F-15E MO
AFB, ID
AATC Tucson IAP, AZ F-16C/D (Blk 32) AT
391st FS Mountain Home F-15E
Davis-Monthan AFB, AZ A-10C DP
AFB, ID
First Air Force/Air Forces Northern (1AF/AFNORTH) (ANG) – Tyndall AFB, FL
428th FS Mountain Home F-15SG
Air National Guard (ANG) Units - JB Andrews-NAF Washington, MD AFB, ID
125th FW/OG 159th FS Jacksonville IAP, FL F-15C/D 388th FW/OG 4th FS Hill AFB, UT F-16C/D (Blk 40) HL
Det. 1 Homestead ARB, FL (*2) F-15C (*6)
142nd FW/ 123d FS Portland IAP/ANGB, F-15C/D 34th FS Hill AFB, UT F-35A
OG OR (*2) 421st FS Hill AFB, UT F-16C/D (Blk 40)
144th FW/OG 194th FS Fresno-Yosemite F-15C/D Air National Guard (ANG) Units – JB Andrews-NAF Washington, MD
IAP/ANGB, CA
114th FW/OG 175th FS Sioux Falls RA - Joe F-16C/D (Blk 40)
148th FW/OG 179th FS Duluth IAP /ANGB, F-16C (Blk 50) Foss Field, SD
MN (*2)
Det. 1 March ARB, CA (*2) F-16C
158th FW/OG 134th FS Burlington IAP, VT F-16C (Blk 30)
115th FW/OG 176th FS Dane County F-16C (Blk 30) WI
177th FW/OG 119th FS Atlantic City IAP/ F-16C (Blk 30) RA -Truax Field,
ANGB, NJ (*2) Madison, WI (*2)
Ninth Air Force (9AF) – Shaw AFB, SC 124th FW/OG 190th FS Boise Airport- A-10C ID
1st FW/OG 27th FS JB Langley-Eustis, VA F-22A FF Gowen Field, ID
94th FS JB Langley-Eustis, VA F-22A 138th FW/OG 125th FS Tulsa IAP, OK F-16C/D (Blk 42) OK
4th FW/OG 333d FS Seymour Johnson F-15E SJ Det. 1 Ellington Field JRB, F-16C/D (Blk 42)
(FTU) AFB, NC TX (*2)
334th FS Seymour Johnson F-15E 140th WG/ 120th FS Buckley AFB, Aurora, F-16C (Blk 30) CO
(FTU) AFB, NC OG CO (*2)
335th FS Seymour Johnson F-15E 159th FW/OG 122d FS NAS JRB New F-15C/D JZ
AFB, NC Orleans, LA (*2)
336th FS Seymour Johnson F-15E Tenth Air Force (10AF) – NAS JRB Fort Worth/Carswell Field, TX
AFB, NC Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC) Units – Robins AFB, GA (*7)
20th FW/OG 55th FS Shaw AFB, SC F-16C/D (Blk 50) SW 301st FW/OG 457th FS NAS JRB Fort Worth/ F-16C/D (Blk 30) TX
77th FS Shaw AFB, SC F-16C/D (Blk 50) Carswell Field, TX
79th FS Shaw AFB, SC F-16C/D (Blk 50) 44th FG 301st FS (*8) Tyndall AFB, FL F-22A TY
495th FG (*3) Shaw AFB, SC 419th FW/OG 466th FS (*9) Hill AFB, UT F-16C/D (Blk 40) HL
Det. 100 Dannelly Field, AL F-16C (Blk 30) 442nd FW/OG 303rd FS Whiteman AFB, MO A-10C KC
Det. 134 Burlington IAP, VT F-16C (Blk 30) 476th FG 76th FS (*10) Moody AFB, GA A-10C FT
Det. 157 McEntire JNGS , SC F-16C (Blk 52) 482nd FW/OG 93rd FS Homestead ARB, FL F-16C/D (Blk 30) FM
Det. 303 Whiteman AFB, MO A-10C 926th OG 706th FS Nellis AFB, NV A-10C, F-16C/D, WA
(*11) F-15C/D/E, F-22A
Det. 457 NAS JRB Fort Worth, TX F-16C (Blk 30)
84th TES Eglin AFB, FL F-15C/E, F-16C/D OT
367th FS Homestead ARB, FL F-16C (Blk 30) (*12) (Blk 40/50)
378th FS Dane County RA, WI F-16C (Blk 30) 944th FW/OG (*13) Luke AFB, AZ LF
23rd WG/FG 74th FS Moody AFB, GA A-10C FT 924th FG 47th FS (FTU) Davis-Monthan AFB, AZ A-10C DP
75th FS Moody AFB, GA A-10C 414th FG 307th FS Seymour Johnson F-15E SJ
325th FW/OG 43d FS (FTU) Tyndall AFB, FL F-22A TY (*14) AFB, NC
Notes: *1: Utilizes aircraft borrowed from host 412th TW/OG. *2: Aerospace Control Alert (ACA) site. *3: Active associate squadron. *4: Wing operates F-22A
as an associate to the 1st FW/OG. *5: Squadron supports Republic of Singapore training. *6: The 4th FS will transition to the F-35A in Fiscal 2016. *7: AFRC’s
301st FW/OG, 419th FW/OG and 442d FW/OG are gained by 12th AF. 482d FW/OG is gained by 9th AF and 926th Group is gained by 57th Wing/OG. *8:
44th Fighter Group is an associate unit and is integrated with the 325th FW/OG. *9: Wing operates F-16C (Blk 40) as an associate to the 388th FW/OG. *10:
Squadron operates as an associate to the 23d FG. *11: 706th FS is an associate unit and is integrated with the 57th Wing/OG. *12: 84th TES is an associate
unit and is integrated with the 53d Wing/OG. *13: 944th FW/OG is AETC gained. *14: Associate unit supports ACC training operations.
Purchase plans
Ultimately the USAF aims to buy 1,763 F-35As
by 2038 – and the Lightning II will completely
replace the F-16C and A-10C. In accordance with
the Annual Aviation Inventory and Funding Plan
for Fiscal Years 2016-45, the USAF will procure
272 F-35As during the Future Year Defense
Programs (FYDPs) that run from 2016 to 2020.
Annual F-35A purchases continue to increase
and in FY16 the service will procure 44 aircraft. Inherent Resolve over Syria and Iraq. The need
Full-rate production is scheduled to begin in Total Fighter Inventory 2015 to support these missions has led to increased
2019 and plans call for the purchase of 60 Role Inventory reliance on the A-10C, and Air Combat Command
F-35As until 2021 and 80 annually from 2022. (ACC) commander General Herbert J ‘Hawk’ Carl-
Mission 1,141
Despite its shift towards the Pacific theatre, the isle recently admitted that demand for the aircraft
US has been forced to adjust its plans for Europe Training 436 means the Air Force may be forced to delay its
after recent Russian incursions in Crimea and Research, Development, Test & 116 controversial plans to retire it in two to three years.
eastern Ukraine. In response, it has increased its Evaluation (RDT&E) As recently as December 2, Deborah Lee
support to European security and its NATO allies Back-up (attrition reserve and other 272
James referred to the A-10 when she said:
as part of the European Reassurance Initiative and primary aircraft) “We’re using it, rotating it into the Middle
Operation Atlantic Resolve by deploying assets Eastern theatre. It’s doing a good job for us.
Total Aircraft 1,965
from its stateside units. These Theatre Security So that’s a reason to keep it a bit longer.”
Packages (TSPs) have seen A-10Cs, F-15Cs, Active Component 1,274 Facing a $17 billion reduction in funding in
F-16Cs and F-22As deployed to bases throughout Reserve Component 691 2017, the service will likely put the aircraft on
Europe. At the same time, the service has been the chopping block again as it tries to preserve
forced to expand its commitment to Operation 1,965 funding for other projects, including the F-35A.
Below: As the 56th FW’s first F-35 squadron, the
61st FS spent its first year training new instructors
to fill the squadron’s ranks, with the first class of
students converting to the F-35 in May 2015. Joe
Copalman
Combat Forces
The largest of ten Major Commands (MAJCOMs)
that comprise the USAF, ACC is headquartered
at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia. To support
global implementation of national security strate-
gy it operates fighter, intelligence, surveillance and
reconnaissance, battle management and elec-
tronic combat aircraft. It also provides command,
control, communications and intelligence sys-
tems and conducts global information operations.
Since its creation through the merger of Tacti-
cal Air Command and Strategic Air Command
on June 1, 1992, there have been numerous
changes to ACC’s organisation. Responsibility
for the B-52H and B-2A bombers, along with
the Eighth Air Force, was reassigned to Air
Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) in
February 2010. On October 1, 2015, ACC’s
B-1B bombers also passed to AFGSC.
Air Combat Command is the lead
agency for Combat Air Forces and serves as
the primary force provider for the Combatant A pair of 33rd FW F-35As fly alongside two F-16CM Block 40s of the Hill AFB’s 388th FW/421st ‘Black
Commands (CCMDs) and North American Widows’. The unit’s F-16s are now equipped with the HARM targeting system and the Sniper targeting pod.
Hill is now transitioning to the F-35A. USAF
Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD).
According to its online mission state-
Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) - Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, HI ment, ACC “organises, trains, equips and
WG/Group Sqn Location Aircraft Code maintains combat-ready forces for rapid
15th WG/OG 19th FS (*15) JB Pearl Harbor-Hickam, HI F-22A HH deployment and employment while ensur-
ing strategic air defence forces are ready
Fifth Air Force (5AF) - Yokota AB, Japan
to meet the challenges of peacetime air
18th WG/OG 44th FS Kadena AB, Okinawa (Japan) F-15C/D ZZ sovereignty and wartime air defence”.
67th FS Kadena AB, Okinawa F-15C/D The command’s numbered air forces (NAF)
35th FW/OG 13th FS Misawa AB, Japan F-16C/D (Blk 50) WW provide the air components to US Northern
14th FS Misawa AB, Japan F-16C/D (Blk 50) Command (NORTHCOM), US Central
Seventh Air Force/Air Forces Korea (7AF/AFKOR) - Osan AB, Republic of Korea Command (CENTCOM) and US Southern
Command (SOUTHCOM), and augment
8th FW/OG 35th FS Kunsan AB, Republic of Korea F-16C/D (Blk 40)
the forces permanently assigned to US
80th FS Kunsan AB, Republic of Korea F-16C/D (Blk 40)
European, African and Pacific Commands.
51st FW/OG 25th FS Osan AB, Republic of Korea A-10C OS As well as combat-coded fighter and strike air-
36th FS Osan AB, Republic of Korea F-16C/D (Blk 50) craft, ACC is responsible for the Formal Training
Eleventh Air Force (11AF) - Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, AK Units (FTUs) that provide conversion/type train-
3rd WG/OG 90th FS JB Elmendorf-Richardson, AK (*2) F-22A AK ing for the F-15E, F-22A and A-10C. The FTUs
525th FS JB Elmendorf-Richardson, AK F-22A
for the F-15C, F-16C and F-35A are assigned to
Air Education and Training Command (AETC).
354th FW/OG 18th AGRS Eielson AFB, AK F-16C/D (Blk 30) AK
Air Combat Command’s forces are
Air National Guard (ANG) Units - JB Andrews-NAF Washington, MD organised under a direct reporting unit,
154th Wing/OG 199th FS JB Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii (*3) F-22A HH four NAFs and – when mobilised – an AFRC
Tenth Air Force (10AF) - NAS JRB Fort Worth/Carswell Field, TX numbered air force. Its NAFs control Active
Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC) Units - Robins AFB, GA Component (AC) wings and gain Air Reserve
477th FG 302nd FS (*16) JB Elmendorf-Richardson, AK F-22A AK
Component (ARC) organisations compris-
ing ANG and AFRC wings and groups.
Note: *15: Active associate unit operates F-22A assigned to the Hawaii Air National Guard’s co-located Each of the USAF’s MAJCOMs reports to
199th FS. *16: Squadron operates F-22A as an associate to the co-located 3rd Wing. the Secretary of the Air Force via the Air Force
Below: The 57th Wing at Nellis AFB flew F-15C/Ds in Chief of Staff, and most provide operational
the aggressor role with the 65th AGRS until the unit forces to the nine Unified Combatant Com-
was inactivated on September 26, 2014, due mands (UCCs) or to Sub-Unified Commands.
to budget cuts. Ted Carlson Those MAJCOMs are known as Component
Major Commands (C-MAJCOM) and their Above: Deployments still continue to Bagram AB in Afghanistan to support Afghan and other allied troops
forces can be assigned to NAFs or Component there. The 421st FS F-16s were in evidence during late 2015, this example is seen departing with an AGM-
Numbered or Named Air Forces (C-NAFs). 65 Maverick under its starboard wing. USAF
Whereas the NAF is generally focused Below: Air Combat Command saw its B-1Bs reassigned to the Air Force Global Strike Command on October
1, 2015. The Lancer is now equipped with the Sniper targeting pod, and will help to fill the gap left by the
on ensuring the readiness of assigned
A-10s if they are retired in the near future. USAF
forces and preparing them for deployment
and employment, the C-NAF is tasked with
performing an operational and war fighting
mission in support of a UCC. The C-NAF
plans, commands, controls and executes air,
space and information capabilities in support
of the full range of military operations.
In addition to ACC, tactical fighters are
assigned to the Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) and
US Air Forces Europe/Air Forces Africa (USAFE/
AFAFRICA). Serving as the USAF component
of US Pacific Command (PACOM), PACAF
is allocated three NAFs at bases in Alaska,
Japan and the Republic of Korea (RoK). Its
area of responsibility spans more than 100
million square miles extending from the US
west coast to the east coast of Africa and from
the Arctic to the Antarctic. Headquartered
at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii,
PACAF is responsible for fighter wings located
in Alaska, Hawaii, Japan and the RoK.
Serving as the USAF component of US
European Command (EUCOM) and US
Africa Command (AFRICOM), USAFE/
AFAFRICA’s area of responsibility includes
Iceland, Europe, the Mediterranean, the defence of the contiguous US (CONUS), the objectives for USCENTCOM’s 20-nation area
Middle East and the African continent. US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. As the of responsibility in Southwest Asia.
Headquartered at Ramstein Air Base (AB), Continental United States Region (CONR) Twelfth Air Force/Air Forces Southern
Germany, it directs air operations in a theatre for NORAD, it provides air defence through (12AF/AFSOUTH) is headquartered at
covering more than 19 million square miles airspace surveillance and airspace control. Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona. As a C-NAF it
and containing more than 100 independent The two defence sectors under CONR’s serves as the air component for SOUTHCOM
countries on three continents. Its USAFE responsibility are the Western Air Defense and is responsible for three AC fighter wings
component is the oldest of the USAF’s ten Sector (WADS), headquartered at Joint Base as well as the mission readiness of gained
MAJCOMs and is responsible for a single NAF. Lewis-McChord, Washington, and the Eastern wings and other units of the ANG and AFRC.
Air Defense Sector (EADS), at Rome, New The Air Force Intelligence Surveillance and
ACC breakdown York. The First Air Force is also designated as Reconnaissance Agency (AFISRA) was realigned
Reporting directly to ACC headquarters, the the C-NAF for NORTHCOM. Six ANG fighter and redesignated as the 25th Air Force under
USAF Warfare Center’s (USAFWC’s) wings and squadrons are currently aligned with 1AF. ACC on September 29, 2014. Headquar-
groups are tasked with test and evaluation, Headquartered at Shaw AFB, South Caro- tered at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland,
and tactics development. The USAF Weapons lina, Ninth Air Force (9AF) is responsible for Texas, as a NAF it assumed responsibility
School (USAFWS), which reports to the USAFWC managing six fighter wings and groups. It also for ACC’s ISR aircraft the same day.
via the 57th Wing, provides advanced training maintains oversight of operational readiness The Tenth Air Force is responsible for ten
in weapons and tactics employment to USAF and ensures the standardisation and evaluation AFRC units which, when mobilised, are gained
personnel assigned to several MAJCOMs. (staneval) of its aligned ANG and AFRC units. by ACC. Headquartered at Naval Air Station-
First Air Force (1AF) or Air Forces Northern Shaw is also headquarters to Air Forces Central Joint Reserve Base, Fort Worth, Texas, as a NAF it
(AFNORTH) is headquartered at Tyndall Air (AFCENT), the air component of USCENTCOM, ensures that in excess of 13,300 reservists and
Force Base (AFB), Florida, and is respon- responsible for air operations and developing 900 civilians maintain the highest combat capa-
sible for ensuring the air sovereignty and air contingency plans in support of national bility to augment active forces when required.
An 18th AGRS F-16C from Eielson AFB flies inverted past Denali, the highest peak in Alaska, formerly known as Mount McKinley. The unit plays a major part in the
Red Flag exercises held in Alaska at least twice a year. Ted Carlson
Test and Evaluation A-X competition in 1967 and the first YA-10 modification came in the early 1990s,
Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC) is tasked flew on May 10, 1972. The USAF took 713 when the Low-Altitude Safety and Targeting
to support the development, test, acquisition A-10As from Fairchild Republic between Enhancements (LASTE) were installed.
and support of the USAF’s weapon systems. 1975 and 1984, when the last was delivered. The work provided computer-aided
Headquartered at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, Although the fleet has been reduced by capabilities, including ground collision avoid-
the command’s five centres include the Air Force 60%, more than 280 remain in service ance, enhanced attitude control for aircraft
Test Center (AFTC) at Edwards AFB, California, with active duty, ANG and AFRC units. stabilisation during gunfire and a low-altitude
and the Air Force Life Cycle Management At the height of the Cold War, almost 150 of autopilot system – along with ballistic weapons
Center (AFLCMC) at Wright-Patterson. the ‘tank busters’ were based in Europe and control and target detection and tracking.
The AFTC is responsible for test wings more than 40 at bases in Alaska and Korea. By the mid-1990s, night-vision
at Edwards and Eglin AFB, Florida, that Today, A-10Cs are operated by seven active modifications had also been installed on
conduct aircraft and weapons develop- duty USAF, four ANG and four AFRC units, more than 370 aircraft and incorporation
ment test and evaluation (DT&E) to including ten combat-coded squadrons. Only of an embedded GPS inertial navigation
ensure they meet operational war fighting 24 A-10Cs are based outside the CONUS. system (EGI) capability began in 1999.
requirements. A fleet of around 60 fight- The type’s combat debut was over Kuwait Fielding of the A-10A+ began in 2007, when
ers currently supports test duties. and Iraq during Operation Desert Storm, the first of around 100 ANG and AFRC A-10As
Responsibility for three Air Logistics Com- when 142 A-10As and 15 OA-10As flew more were equipped with a single liquid-crystal
plexes (ALCs) is assigned to the Air Force Life than 8,000 CAS, air interdiction, suppression multi-function colour display (MFCD) which
Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) and the of enemy air defence (SEAD) and other replaced a smaller television monitor.
Air Force Sustainment Center (AFSC) at Tinker sorties, delivering almost 24,000 bombs. Additionally, the Situational Awareness
AFB, Oklahoma. Its assigned organisations The A/OA-10s destroyed almost 2,000 Data Link (SADL), which enabled data
include the Ogden Air Logistics Complex tanks, 500 armoured vehicles, 1,000 artillery transmission from and to other platforms,
(OO-ALC) at Hill AFB, Utah, which is tasked pieces and 2,000 vehicles during the 42-day was incorporated along with the AN/AAQ-28
with programmed depot maintenance (PDM) conflict. The aircraft subsequently saw action Litening Advanced Targeting (AT) pod. Pod
and modifications plus repairs to crashed or over Bosnia, Kosovo, Afghanistan, again in compatibility had initially been added in
battle-damaged F-16, F-22, F-35 and A-10 Iraq, and Libya. Most recently it has flown 2003. Flight testing of the first A-10A+ began
aircraft. The Warner-Robins ALC at Robins AFB, combat missions over Iraq and Syria. in November 2007 and in May 2008 the
Georgia, performs similar work on the F-15. Numerous upgrades had been proposed new variant was deployed to Afghanistan.
for the A-10A, but only minor changes dif- Today only the A-10C remains in service.
Training ferentiated the earliest aircraft from the later Unveiled at Eglin AFB, Florida, in January
Headquartered at Joint Base San Antonio- production machines. The jet’s first large-scale 2005, the first modified aircraft preceded
Randolph, Texas, AETC is the second-oldest
command in the USAF and traces its history The USAF hierarchy wants to withdraw the A-10,
but US politicians have blocked the move. With big
to 1942, when it formed as the Army Air
budget cuts being imposed the USAF command
Corps Flying Training Command. is willing to sacrifice the unique looking fighter
It is responsible for training aircrew, and its primed for close air support so other platforms can
five flying wings provide Euro-NATO Joint Jet stay in service. Rick Llinares
Pilot (ENJJPT), Joint Service Undergraduate
Pilot (JSUPT) and Combat Systems Officer
(CSO) training. Two active component wings
also serve as AETC FTUs, providing advanced
transition/type training for the F-16 and F-35.
Almost 140 fighter aircraft support
AETC’s training commitments. Expansion
of F-35 training at Luke AFB, Arizona, has
resulted in the activation of a new fighter
group at Holloman AFB, New Mexico, which
is taking on the F-16 FTU role.
Air Education and Training Command
also gains the ANG wings that serve as
FTUs for the F-15 and F-16, while the AFRC
supports F-16 and F-35 training at Luke.
Warthog
Universally known as the ‘Warthog’, the A-10A
was selected as the winner of the USAF’s
Weapons
The use of so-called ‘smart’ ordnance has
greatly reduced the number of aircraft and
weapons required to prosecute and destroy a
target. The USAF’s smart weapon inventory
means its tactical aircraft can attack dispa-
rate target types across a broad spectrum,
from the 250lb GBU-39 and GBU-53 SDBs to
the 2,000lb AGM-158A Joint Air-to-Surface
Stand-off Missile (JASSM) and extended range
AGM-158B JASSM-ER.
These missiles offer maximum ranges of 200
and 500 miles (322 and 805km) respectively,
and provide a launch-and-leave stand-off ca-
pability. First used in combat during 2006, the
SDB has enabled commanders to conduct pre-
cision attacks in populated areas with minimal
collateral damage. Low-rate GBU-53 produc-
tion began in June 2015. The GBU-53/B SDB
II is equipped with a tri-mode seeker and can
be launched against moving targets in adverse
weather; it has a maximum range of 45 miles
The ‘JZ’ coded F-15Cs of the 159th FW/122nd
(72km). By comparison, the 5,000lb GBU-28, FS based at NAS JRB New Orleans are part of the
designed to destroy reinforced bunkers, is the network of Aerospace Control Alert (ACA) sites
largest PGM in the inventory. located around the USA. Rick Llinares
large-scale deliveries of the variant, which Cockpit work included the addition of a pair of GBU-10 or six 500lb GBU-12 laser-guided
began in August 2006. It achieved initial MFCDs, a new armament/HUD control panel bombs (LGBs) or four 2,000lb GBU-31 or six
operational capability (IOC) with the Maryland and an upfront controller (a small, rugged 500lb GBU-38 Joint Direct Attack Munitions
ANG’s 104th Fighter Squadron (FS) in August keypad) along with a new control stick grip (JDAMs); or six CBU-103/104 Wind Corrected
2007. The A-10C began its first deployment, and right throttle in common with the F-16 Munitions Dispensers (WCMDs). The A-10C
to Al Asad AB, Iraq, in September 2007. and F-15E. A MIL-STD-1760 data bus and the employed a JDAM during its maiden deploy-
Development work had begun in February AN/AAQ-28 and AN/AAQ-33 Sniper target- ment to Al Asad, on September 19, 2007.
2001, when Lockheed Martin received a $74 ing pods were integrated with the aircraft’s Subsequent updates cleared the aircraft to
million engineering and manufacturing devel- digital stores management system (DSMS) deploy the 500lb GBU-54 Laser-Guided JDAM
opment (EMD) contract to develop the Precision and a central interface control unit (CICU). (LJDAM) in 2009, and work to facilitate the
Engagement (PE) upgrade programme. Merg- MIL-STD-1760 capabilities were also carriage of up to 98 Laser-Guided Advanced
ing several smaller projects, the PE included a incorporated into six of the A-10’s stores pylons, Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS)
redesigned main instrument panel, smart weap- enabling a new precision weapons capability rockets began in February 2013. The
ons capabilities and aircraft DC power upgrades. which initially included up to four 2,000lb system combines a 2.75in (70mm) Hydra
70 rocket with an M151 warhead.
Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC) – Wright-Patterson AFB, OH Other, later A-10C modifications installed
WG/Group Sqn Location Aircraft Code AN/ARC-210 multi-band and multi-mode
Air Force Test Center (AFTC) – Edwards AFB, CA
beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) radios and the AN/
AAR-47 missile approach warning system.
412th TW/OG USAF TPS Edwards AFB, CA NF-16D ED
Further upgrading the A-10C’s combat
411th FLTS Edwards AFB, CA F-22A capabilities, a Helmet-Mounted Integrated
416th FLTS Edwards AFB, CA F-16C/D (Blk 30/40/42/50) Targeting (HMIT) solution, the Gentex Scorpion
461st FLTS Edwards AFB, CA F-35A Helmet-Mounted Cueing System (HMCS),
96th TW/OG 40th FLTS Eglin AFB, FL A-10C, F-15C/D/E, F-16C (Blk 25/40/42/50), ET was integrated from July 2010. First
F-16D (Blk 40/50) fielded by the 74th Fighter Squadron in
2013, it provides day/night colour displays. RoK, also upgraded more than 40 aircraft request for information seeking other sources
The 576th Aerospace Maintenance and based in Germany and Korea respectively. for production of the TUSK wing assembly.
Regeneration Squadron’s ‘Desert Speed Line Originally designed for 6,000 flight hours, the In June 2009, the USAF jointly awarded
(DSL) Project’ at Davis-Monthan AFB has also service life of late production A-10s, built with a four-year $1.6 billion A-10 Thunderbolt
been responsible for several recent A-10C more durable wing assemblies, was extended Lifecycle Program Support (TLPS) contract to
projects. In March 2014, for example, the DSL to 8,000 hours, and then 16,000 hours, Boeing, Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grum-
began replacing the aircraft’s liquid oxygen through service life extension programmes man, under which individual modernisation
system with an onboard oxygen generating (SLEPs). The project to replace the wings and sustainment efforts are completed as
system (OBOGS) that improves the jet’s on earlier aircraft began in June 2007 when task/delivery orders among the three prime
ability to operate from remote locations. Boeing received a contract to construct up contractors – delivering the ‘best value’ solution.
The latest Mode 5 identification friend or to 242 sets of Enhanced Wing Assemblies If all of its options are exercised, the
foe (IFF) capability and Lightweight Airborne (EWAs) rated for 16,000 flight hours. programme could run until 2019.
Radio System (LARS) improvements were Installation of this Thick Updated Skin
fielded in 2015 as part of the Operational (TUSK) wing assembly extends the A-10C’s Eagles
Flight Program (OFP) software Suite 8. Plans service to around 2030. Budget cuts and The McDonnell Douglas F-15 was chosen as
for OFP Suite 9 were cancelled due to the Air planned retirements originally reduced winner of the USAF’s Fighter-Experimental
Force’s planned A-10C retirement date. the project to 233 sets, although Boeing competition in December 1969 and the
The final A-10C had been delivered at Hill AFB, has received orders for only 173. initial full-scale development (FSD) F-15A
Utah, after the OO-ALC’s 309th Maintenance Delivery of the first EWA to the OO-ALC came flew for the first time at Edwards AFB in July
Wing completed the 349th production in March 2011. The initial upgraded aircraft 1972. Production aircraft entered service at
upgrade in June 2011. The Société Anonyme flew again in November and was formally rolled Luke AFB, Arizona, in November 1974 and
Belge de Constructions Aeronautiques out at Hill AFB in February 2012. Completion in July 1975 the jet achieved IOC. The 1st
(SABCA) at Brussels South Charleroi Airport, of the TUSK effort is scheduled for Fiscal 2017. Tactical Fighter Wing (TFW) became the first
Belgium, and Korean Air’s Aerospace Division Although Boeing held options for an additional combat-coded Eagle operator in 1977.
at Gimhae International Airport in Busan, 69 wing sets, the AFLCMC recently issued a Beginning in 1979, production switched to
Air Education Training Command (AETC) – JB San Antonio - Randolph, TX the more capable F-15C and two-seat F-15D.
Wing/Group Sqn Location Aircraft Code Improvements included a 2,000lb (900kg)
increase in internal fuel, provision for conformal
Nineteenth Air Force (19AF) – JB San Antonio - Randolph, TX
fuel tanks and an increased maximum take-off
33rd FW/OG (*17) 58th FS Eglin AFB, FL F-35A EG
weight of up to 68,000lb (30,600kg).
56th FW/OG 21st FS (*18) Luke AFB, AZ F-16A/B (Blk 20) LF The US Eagle fleet has been actively engaged
61st FS Luke AFB, AZ F-35A in combat since Operation Desert Storm, when
62rd FS Luke AFB, AZ F-35A the deployed F-15s accounted for 36 of the
309th FS Luke AFB, AZ F-16C/D (Blk 25) 39 air-to-air victories claimed by the USAF.
310th FS Luke AFB, AZ F-16C/D (Blk 42) F-15Cs later shot down four Serbian MiG-29s
during Operation Allied Force in March 1999.
425th FS (*19) Luke AFB, AZ F-16C/D (Blk 52)
The USAF accepted 905 air superiority
56th OG Det. 1 (*20) Tucson IA AZ F-16C/D AZ
‘light-grey’ Eagles, including 408 F-15Cs and
56th OG Det. 2 (*20) Klamath Falls Airport - Kingsley F-15B/C/D 62 F-15Ds. Today F-15Cs are assigned to
Field, OR three active duty combat-coded squadrons,
54th FG 311th FS Holloman AFB, N.M. F-16C/D (Blk 42) the 18th Wing’s 44th and 67th FSs at
314th FS Holloman AFB, N.M. F-16C/D (Blk 42) Kadena AB and the 48th FW’s 493rd FS
Air National Guard (ANG) Units – JB Andrews-NAF Washington, Maryland at RAF Lakenheath, Suffolk, England.
149th FW/OG 182nd FS (FTU) JB San Antonio-Kelly Field, F-16C/D (Blk 30) SA The Eagles assigned to the latter had been
Lackland AFB, TX scheduled for retirement in 2015, but have
162nd FW/OG 148th FS (FTU) (*21) Tucson IAP, AZ F-16A/B (MLU) AZ since been extended until 2017. The squadron
152nd FS (FTU) Tucson IAP, AZ F-16C/D (Blk 42)
recently deployed six Eagles to Incirlik AB, Tur-
key, in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.
195th FS (FTU) Tucson IAP, AZ F-16C/D (Blk 25/32)
Most of the Eagle fleet is operated by ANG
Det. 1 Davis-Monthan AFB, AZ (*2) F-16C/D (Blk 32) units in California, Florida, Louisiana, Massachu-
173rd FW/OG 114th FS Klamath Falls Airport - F-15B/C/D setts and Oregon, which will retain 17 F-15Cs
Kingsley Field, OR that had been planned for retirement in 2015.
Tenth Air Force (10AF) – NAS JRB Fort Worth/Carswell Field, TX In addition to a combat-coded squadron, the
Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC) Units – Robins AFB, GA Oregon Air National Guard is responsible for a
944th FW/OG 69th FS (*22) Luke AFB, AZ F-16C/D (Blk 25/42) second squadron, which has been tasked as the
sole F-15 FTU since late 2010. It is supported
Notes: *17: 33d FW/OG is home to F-35 training center. *18: 21st FS trains Republic of China AF by a detachment of active duty personnel.
pilots. *19: 425th FS trains Singapore AF pilots. *20: Detachment is responsible for active duty Five other active duty (and one AFRC)
instructor pilots and maintenance personnel that support FTU. *21: 148th FS trains RNLAF pilots using
squadrons operate Eagles on test and
Dutch-owned aircraft. *22: AETC gained associate unit operates F-16C/D in support of 56th FW/OG.
evaluation, tactics development and
graduate-level training duties.
Today the USAF’s light-grey Eagle fleet
comprises 213 F-15C/Ds; the last F-15As
were retired in October 2009. Around
196 F-15s will remain in service until
at least 2040, upgraded with systems
enabling them to operate alongside the
fifth-generation F-22A and F-35A. Under
current plans the USAF will spend around
$1.7 billion on the Eagle across the FYDP.
The largest of these projects replaces the
mechanically scanned radar systems that equip
179 F-15Cs with Raytheon AN/APG-63(v)3
active electronically scanned array (AESA)
radars. Upgraded (v)3 radars were first fielded
by F-15Cs assigned to the Florida ANG’s 159th
FW at Jacksonville International Airport in
April 2010 and by the 18th FW at Kadena
Above: Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, is now home to just one F-16C/D Block 40 squadron, the 480th AB, Okinawa, that November.
FS. The 22nd and 23rd FS made up the 52nd FW until they were deactivated in August 2010, and the 81st The advantages of AESA
FS (with A-10Cs) followed suit in June 2013. Ted Carlson include improvements in
Below: The Seventh Air Force, headquartered at Osan AB in South Korea has three F-16 squadrons under its range and resolution and
responsibility. The jets regularly attend Red Flag exercises in Alaska, where this example, sporting special increased capability
marks of the 35th FS/8th FW based at Kunsan, was seen in April 2011. Robin Polderman
against advanced
electronic attack (EA) systems – as well as sig- will be completed in 2016, will determine the Mud Hens
nificantly better reliability and maintainability. feasibility of an airframe service life extension. Although the F-15 was intended to serve as an air
Technologies incorporated in the earlier AN/ Boeing has proposed numerous improve- superiority fighter, its design included provision for
APG-63(v)2, first fielded in 2000, and the F/A- ments for the Eagle and most recently unveiled air-to-ground weapons. After studying the feasibil-
18E/F’s AN/APG-79 AESA radars were incor- its 2040C Eagle Upgrade. An evolution of the ity of adapting the basic F-15 for the air-to-ground
porated in the (v)3. Under current contracts Silent Eagle proposed to the RoK, it contains role, McDonnell Douglas began a series of dem-
Boeing will install the radar in 127 F-15Cs. some low-observable improvements, but onstrations using an early FSD F-15B two-seater.
Furthermore, the addition of an infrared would primarily double the aircraft’s missile The aircraft featured a modified AN/APG-63
search and track (IRST) sensor will give capacity to 16, via ‘quad pack’ munitions racks. radar, equipped with a synthetic aperture radar
the Eagle a capability considered vital to It will also feature the podded Talon HATE, (SAR) mode, and first flew in July 1980. After
operations in contested environments. which integrates the F-22’s Intra-Flight a fly-off with the General Dynamics F-16E, it
Coupled to the radar, it will create an Data Link (IFDL) with the Multifunctional was chosen as the basis of the USAF’s Dual
integrated fire control system that continues Information Distribution System-Joint Tacti- Role Fighter (DRF) and developed as the
to function under jamming conditions. cal Radio System (MIDS-J). F-15E; FSD was authorised in May 1984.
A new high-resolution colour display will Currently undergoing test, the quick- The F-15E flew for the first time in December
replace the Eagle’s current vertical situation reaction capability (QRC) programme is 1986 and the first production aircraft was
display (VSD) and computer processing designed to provide connectivity between delivered to the 405th Tactical Training Wing at
is being upgraded through the installation fourth- and fifth-generation fighters. Luke AFB, Arizona, in April 1988. Although the
of the Advanced Display Core Processor
(ADCP) II. Replacing the F-15C’s current
mission computer, the enhanced mission
processor will also enable future upgrades,
providing data fused connectivity with other
fighter aircraft, including the F-22A and F-35A
for example. A more robust and powerful
data link is also being incorporated.
The Eagle Passive/Active Warning Survivability
System (EPAWSS) will replace the fighter’s ALQ-
135 Tactical Electronic Warfare System (TEWS).
Developed by BAE Systems under a sub-
contract from Boeing, EPAWSS incorporates
a digital radar warning receiver (RWR), digital
radio frequency memory jammer and AN/ALE-
58 BOL advanced countermeasures dispenser.
The result is an integrated electronic attack
suite that will counter current and future
air-to-air and surface-to-air radars, and infrared
threats; fielding is scheduled to begin in 2018. Three F-16Cs of the 158th FW/Vermont
Structurally, the F-15C is certified to 9,000 ANG highlight the multi-role capabilities of
hours and Boeing is evaluating the airframe the ageing jets. The nearest two are carrying
for alternative service lives of 13,500 and JDAM bombs as well AIM-120 AMRAAMs and
AIM-9 Sidewinders for air defence. Ted Carlson
33,000 hours. A full-scale fatigue test, which
service planned to acquire 392 F-15Es, only A November 2015 contract for 29 systems Above: By August 2020, 152 Raptors will have
236 ‘Mud Hens’, as the type is nicknamed, had brings AN/APG-82(v)1 orders to 47, enabling been upgraded with the latest capabilities to im-
been delivered when production ended in 2004. upgrade of the F-15Es with the 389th and prove the jet’s survivability. There are two F-22
The Strike Eagle first saw combat during 391st FSs at Mountain Home by 2017. As squadrons based at Joint Base Langley-Eustis,
the 27th FS and 94th FS. Rick Llinares
Operation Desert Storm and later in the well as the modified radar, the Strike Eagle will
Balkans, Afghanistan, Libya and, most recently, receive EPAWSS and ADCP II/VSD modifica-
in support of Operation Inherent Resolve
in Iraq and Syria. Six F-15Es operated by
tions in common with the F-15C. Fielding
is scheduled to begin in 2018. The USAF
Abbreviations
AAF-Army Air Field; AATC ANG/AFRC Test
the 48th FW’s 492nd FS arrived at Incirlik plans to spend some $2.2 billion on updating
Center; ACA-Aerospace Control Alert; ACC-Air
on November 12. They were deployed to the Strike Eagle fleet through the FYDP. Combat Command; ADS - Air Demonstration
the southern Turkish base to attack Islamic Besides the two squadrons assigned to the Squadron; AETC Air Education and Training Com-
State (IS) targets in Syria and Iraq. 366th FW at Mountain Home, F-15Es are mand; AFB Air Force Base; AFNORTH Air Forces
Lakenheath’s F-15Es have also flown direct operated by the 4th FW at Seymour Johnson North; AFMC Air Force Materiel Command; AFRC
strikes against targets in Libya. On November AFB, North Carolina, which is responsible for Air Force Reserve Command; AFTC Air Force Test
13, 2015, for example, Strike Eagles operating two combat-coded squadrons and two tasked Center; AGRS Aggressor Squadron; ANG Air
from the Suffolk base hit a compound near as Strike Eagle FTUs. An associate AFRC National Guard; ANGB Air National Guard Base;
Darna, killing the senior IS leader in Libya. squadron also operates 4th FW aircraft. ANGS Air National Guard Station; AP Airport;
Originally fielded with the AN/AAQ-13 Strike Eagles are based at RAF Lakenheath, ARB Air Reserve Base; ARS Air Reserve Station;
navigation and AN/AAQ-14 targeting pods where two squadrons are assigned to the AS Air Station; ATG Adversary Tactics Group;
of the Low-Altitude Navigation and Targeting 48th FW. Three active duty and two AFRC AWC Air Warfare Center; FG Fighter Group; FS
Infrared for Night (LANTIRN) system, the squadrons carry out test and evaluation, tactics Fighter Squadron; FW/OG Fighter Wing; FTU
Strike Eagle has since been made compatible development and graduate-level training duties. Formal Training Unit; MAP Municipal Airport;
with the Sniper and Litening AT pods. NAF Naval Air Facility; NAS Naval Air Station ;
It has had numerous further upgrades Viper OG Operations Group; RAP Regional Airport;
and 217 F-15Es will be equipped with Universally known as the ‘Viper’, the F-16 was TDY Temporary Duty; TEG Test & Evaluation
Raytheon AN/APG-82(v)1 AESA radars in developed as part of the Lightweight Fighter Group; TES Test & Evaluation Squadron; TPS
place of the original, mechanically steered AN/ (LWF) programme. The General Dynamics Test Pilot School; TW Test Wing; USAFE United
APG-70. The first F-15E with the new radar Model 401 first flew as the YF-16 in February States Air Forces Europe; USAFW/OGC USAF
Weapons Center; USAFW/OGS USAF Weapons
was assigned to the 366th FW’s 389th FS at 1974 and was selected as the basis for the
School; USCENTCOM U.S. Central Command;
Mountain Home AFB, Idaho, in June 2014. USAF’s Air Combat Fighter (ACF) campaign.
USEUCOM U.S. European Command; USPA-
Developed by Boeing and Raytheon under the The F-16A first flew in December 1976 and
COM U. S. Pacific Command; USSOUTHCOM
$238 million Radar Modernization Program deliveries to the 58th Tactical Training Wing at
US Southern Command; USSPACECOM U.S.
(RMP) contract, the new radar entered flight test Luke AFB, Arizona, began in August 1978. The Space Command; USSTRATCOM US Strategic
at Eglin AFB in January 2011. Approval for low- first operational F-16A was delivered to the Command; WEG Weapons Evaluation Group;
rate initial production (LRIP) was granted in Sep- 388th TFW at Hill AFB, Utah, in January 1979. WG Wing WPS Weapons Squadron
tember 2011 after a 110-sortie test programme. In 1983 production switched to the F-16C,
AN/AAQ-28 Litening and AN/AAQ-33 Sniper the F-16s of the ANG and AFRC units.
targeting pods. The latter capability has also Seven active duty, one AFRC and four ANG
been ‘back-fitted’ to the Block 30/32s. squadrons are tasked as FTUs, while seven active
Between 2002 and 2011 an upgrade duty and two AFRC squadrons conduct test and
known as the Common Configuration evaluation, tactics development and graduate-
Implementation Program (CCIP) provided level training. The USAF Air Demonstration
enhanced mission capabilities and integrated Squadron, the Thunderbirds, also flies F-16C/Ds.
a common avionics configuration for more
than 200 Block 50/52 and 420 Block 40/42 Raptor
F-16C/Ds. It installed a new MMC, colour Stationed at Tyndall AFB, Florida, the 325th
displays, common missile warning systems, FW serves as the Raptor FTU. It received its
advanced data link IFF systems and the Joint first F-22A in September 2003 and the initial
Helmet-Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS). assignment to a combat-coded squadron
Lockheed purchased the General Dynamics occurred when deliveries to the 1st FW
Fort Worth division in 1993 and, as Lockheed at Langley AFB began in May 2005. The
Martin, delivered the last of 2,231 USAF Raptor achieved full operational capability, at
F-16s in 2005; more than 950 remain in Langley, in December 2007 and Lockheed
service. The inventory primarily comprises Martin delivered the final aircraft to Joint Base
Block 30/32, 40/42 and 50/52 aircraft, but Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, in May 2012.
a small number of Block 25s continue to The Raptor is operational with five combat-
support test and training missions. The coded active duty squadrons at Tyndall,
The sleek lines of a 3rd Wing F-22A Raptor are
clearly evident. All its missiles are housed in the air-
F-16C remains the USAF’s primary multi-role Langley and Elmendorf. Additionally, F-22As
craft’s internal weapons bay. This keeps the USAF’s fighter, representing 50% of its tactical fleet. are assigned to a single ANG unit at Joint
premier jet as stealthy as possible. Ted Carlson The USAF intends to invest $1 billion across Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii.
the FYDP on upgrades and modernisation Associate squadrons at each of the facilities
featuring AN/APG-68 radar and modified plans, including an SLEP enabling the Viper include one active duty, one ANG and two AFRC
cockpit controls and displays. The first of to remain in service until at least 2025. The units. A single squadron at Tyndall serves as
the initial C-model, the Block 25, flew in June SLEP will extend the airframe structural the FTU and four active duty and one AFRC
1984 and was delivered the following month. service life of 300 aircraft from the current squadron conduct test and evaluation, tactics
The Block 25’s Pratt & Whitney F100-GE-200 8,000 to more than 10,000 hours, adding development and graduate-level training.
turbofan was later upgraded to the more eight to ten years’ service life. It is initially Air Combat Command’s plans originally
reliable F100-PW-220E configuration. planned for Block 40/42 and 50/52 aircraft called for the acquisition of 648 Raptors, but
Block 30/32 and subsequent F-16C/Ds and was originally included in the cancelled production was curtailed and only 195 were
are powered by either the General Electric Combat Avionics Programmed Extension Suite delivered. Whereas the baseline Increment
F110-GE-100 turbofan (Block x0) or F100- (CAPES), which also included AESA radar. 1 aircraft was designed as an air superiority
PW-220 (Block x2); the engines are not The F-16’s modular mission computer fighter, Increment 2 jets featured a Global Strike
interchangeable. The Block 40/42 aircraft were (MMC), programmable display generator Basic capability and all operational aircraft had
the first capable of carrying LANTIRN pods. (PDG) and MIDS will also be upgraded and been updated to that configuration by 2009.
Block 50/52 aircraft were respectively updates to the operational flight programme The update enabled employment of AIM-9M
powered by F110-GE-129 and F100-PW-229 (OFP) will enable new weapons, avionics and and AIM-120C air-to-air missiles and two
Improved Performance Engines. Block improved targeting pods to be integrated. 1,000lb GBU-31 JDAMs, upgraded the
50D/52D jets were equipped with the In response to an urgent operational need IFDL and enhanced connectivity with other
High-Speed Anti-Radiation Missile (HARM) (UON) submitted by NORTHCOM, the USAF Raptors. Despite cutting back the number of
avionics/launcher interface computer (ALIC) is reconsidering options for integrating production aircraft, the Air Force committed to
and the AN/ASQ-213 HARM Targeting System AESA radar on Block 30 and later F-16Cs. an incremental upgrade plan for the Raptor.
(HTS), which provided full autonomous Active duty squadrons fly Block 40 and Increment 3.1 added advanced air-to-ground
employment of the AGM-88 missile. 50 F-16Cs, while 12 ANG and three AFRC capabilities, including a SAR ground-mapping
As well as AIM-9 and AIM-120 missiles, the squadrons fly Block 30, 40, 42 and 50 jets mode for the Raptor’s Northrop Grumman
Block 50/52 is compatible with a variety of operationally. Personnel assigned to active AN/APG-77 radar. Additionally, EA and
precision laser and GPS-guided weapons and duty fighter groups also operate and maintain threat geolocation capabilities enable it to
locate enemy radars. The fighter also gained coded Block 30/35s, 32 training Block 20s, Distributed Aperture System (DAS).
the capability to deliver up to eight 250lb 12 development test/operational test (DT/OT) The radar has 32 operating modes, including
GBU-39/B Small Diameter Bombs (SDBs). Block 20/30/35s and two pre-block test aircraft. air-to-air, air-to-ground, maritime, EW, naviga-
Increment 3.2 upgrades are separated into Raptors assigned to the 1st FW’s 27th FS flew tion and weather. The EOTS is an all-weather
a series of smaller packages and Increment the F-22A’s first combat missions, against IS tar- active targeting sensor supporting air-to-air
3.2A, which should be fielded by October 2017, gets under Operation Inherent Resolve, on Sep- and air-to-ground missions and the DAS is
is a software upgrade. It provides additional tember 22, 2014. The type’s initial strike mis- a passive infrared sensor that relies on six
enhanced electronic protection and improved sion delivered GPS-guided munitions against a high-resolution infrared cameras embedded
communications, including a Link 16 data command and control facility in Raqqa, Syria. in the airframe to provide a spherical day/
link receive mode and enhanced combat night vision capability that allows the pilot to
identification and targeting capabilities. Lightning II ‘see’ directly below and behind the aircraft.
Increment 3.2B production will begin in 2016 The multi-role F-35A JSF, or Lightning II, is As well as short-range IRST, DAS warns of
and its hardware and software updates are the centrepiece of the USAF’s future fighter approaching missiles, locates the point of origin
scheduled for fielding from 2018. By August precision attack capability and will form of a missile launch and delivers navigation
2020, 152 Raptors will have had the upgrades. the backbone of its force. Complementing imaging. Imagery is displayed on the aircraft’s
They will improve the IFDL and enhanced stores the F-22A’s air superiority capabilities, panoramic cockpit display (PCD) and the pilot’s
management system (ESMS), upgrade emitter it is designed to penetrate air defences Helmet-Mounted Display System (HMDS).
geolocation and electronic protection capabili- and deliver a wide range of PGMs. Developed from the F-22A’s BAE Systems
ties and integrate AIM-9X and AIM-120D. A single F-35 prototype was followed by AN/ALR-94, the F-35’s AN/ASQ-239 EW
The USAF is also moving forward with plans four production-representative ‘weight system performs several functions, including
to equip Raptor pilots with a Helmet-Mounted optimised’ F-35As built as part of the system radar warning, emitter location, direction
Display and Cueing System (HMDCS) by 2020. design and development (SDD) contract; finding and electronic countermeasures.
The early Block 10 Production Representative the first of them took its maiden flight in Sensor fusion provides the capability to
Test Vehicle and Block 10 and 20 aircraft November 2009. The first flight of the initial search, detect, track and identify targets of
from LRIP Lots 1, 2 and 3 were upgraded to LRIP F-35A followed in February 2011 and interest using individual or multiple sen-
a common Block 20 configuration under the deliveries to the Integrated Training Center sors that can be directed against a single
Common Configuration Program (CCP), which at Eglin AFB, Florida, began in July 2011. track. Three data links facilitate information
added computer memory, faster processors The F-35A is powered by the Pratt & Whitney sharing with other platforms and the
and new power supplies. Additionally, 39 F135-PW-100 turbofan and features the Multifunction Advanced Data Link (MADL)
Block 20 aircraft from Lots 3 and 4 will be Northrop Grumman AN/APG-81 AESA radar, shares sensor data with other Lightning IIs.
upgraded to Block 30/35 configuration. Lockheed Martin AN/AAQ-40 Electro Optical The jet has 11 weapons stations: three
Ultimately, when modifications are complete, Targeting System (EOTS) and Northrop under each wing, two in each of its two bays
the Raptor fleet will include 139 combat- Grumman AN/AAQ-37 electro-optical and one on the fuselage centreline. The
F-35A can carry 18,000lb (8,165kg) of
ordnance and is equipped with an internal
four-barrel 25mm GAU-22/A cannon.
The first fully capable Block 4 F-35As are
expected to enter service in 2021. Although
the configuration is still being developed,
Lockheed Martin has proposed the incorpora-
tion of an Advanced EOTS to deliver improved
targeting capabilities. The system includes
short-wave infrared and high-definition televi-
sion capabilities along with an infrared marker
and improved resolution, which will make for
increased recognition and detection ranges.
The Block 4 could also include a number
of additional weapons, among them the
Raytheon GBU-53/B SDB II, the Kongsberg/
Raytheon Joint Strike Missile (JSM) and the
B61-12 guided nuclear bomb, which is under
An F-35A from the 61st FS ‘Top Dogs’ taxies back to the squadron’s ramp at Luke AFB. Air Force F-35
development by Boeing, the USAF and the
pilots are currently sourced from the A-10, F-15C, F-15E, and F-16 communities. Joe Copalman
National Nuclear Security Administration.
The MQ-9 Reaper is part of a remotely piloted aircraft system. This fully operational system consists
of several sensor/weapon-equipped aircraft, a ground control station, Predator primary satellite link,
and spare equipment along with operations and maintenance crews for deployed 24-hour missions.
USAF/432nd Wing
The View
T HE RUSSIAN Air and Space Force (RuASF)
has being undertaking combat operations
from Above
Alexander Mladenov sheds
in Syria safely and effectively, according to its light on the Russian military
Commander-in-Chief (CinC), Colonel General leadership’s attitude to the air
Viktor Bondarev. In an interview with the campaign in Syria, where its
Russian daily Komsomolskaya Pravda, published
in early November, he revealed previously
aircraft have been carrying out
unreported details of the air campaign. strikes since September 30 at
The RuASF has struck various Islamic and the request of Syrian President
anti-Assad militant groups in the war-torn Bashar Assad.
country, bombing moderate nationalist and
Islamist armed opposition from the beginning.
Above: A Su-24M Fencer releases its load of OFAB-
250-270 bombs onto a target during a mission
Not on our borders over Syria. All images Russian MOD unless stated
Bondarev is a combat-hardened Su-25 pilot Left: Colonel General Viktor Bondarev, CinC of the
decorated with the highest state award, RuASF, stated that the air campaign in Syria is a
the Golden Star of the Hero of the Russian preventive measure, to stop the proliferation of
Federation, for his combat exploits during the Islamic terrorism into Russian territory.
first war in Chechnya in the mid-1990s. He Andery Zinchuk via author
Right: Armourers check an R-73 (AA-11 Archer)
considers the Russian military involvement in
air-to-air missile mounted on a Su-30SM multi-
Syria as timely: “I think this option [Russian role fighter at Hmeimim air base.
military intervention] is much better than Far right: All Russian strikes in Syria are recorded
waiting for this trouble to reach our borders. by UAVs or via the targeting systems on the Su-34 or
“We’ve taken all possible threats [that could Su-24M for post-mission battle damage assessment.
e
that, during the preceding couple of years, in counter-insurgency missions on Russian
the Russian armed forces have changed territory, in the troubled North Caucasus
dramatically: “We’ve been taking 250 fixed-wing region) while the rest were selected from
aircraft and helicopters on strength annually, among those with the best results in training.
while the combat training system has also The training regime between January and
changed. Since 2012 we’ve introduced so- September saw each pilot and navigator/
called sudden combat readiness inspections, weapons system operator amass more than
which have taught us many new things. 100 flight hours, so they were well prepared
“We don’t expect an enemy will send us a for combat missions at short notice.
Satellite intelligence
Speaking about the intelligence used for targeting
and planning combat sorties, Bondarev noted
that the main source is satellite data. This is
complemented by information gathered by
unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) and manned
intelligence-gathering aircraft. The Russian air
group also receives intelligence information
supplied by a network of agents on the ground.
“That’s why each and every target and mission
we have been tasked to carry out is the subject
of a detailed prior examination and preparation.
We co-ordinate the mission with the local Syrian
military authorities and with the Syrian gener-
als, and only after this do we decide whether Above: A Fullback releases a pair of 500kg KAB-
designated objects of interest will be targeted.” 500S satellite-guided bombs onto an undisclosed
target in Syria. The Russian Government has given
The CinC denied Western media reports that
its media unprecedented access to post-mission
RuASF aircraft had bombed Syrian civilians imagery throughout the campaign.
and claimed that battle damage assessment, Left: At least one Il-20M Coot electronic intelligence
using post-strike video footage of every gathering aircraft has been supporting Russia’s
target, ensures strict control is exercised. air operations over Syria, flying from Hmeimim air
Bondarev noted that the operational tempo base. The Coot provides satellite communication
was initially slow, with nine strikes reported and real-time data sharing for aircraft on strike
missions.
during the first day of the air campaign. Over
subsequent days the number gradually
increased to 80, while in early November the
figure hovered at between 50 and 60.
A s custodian of
the British mili-
tary’s helicopter gun-
month detachment com-
bining desert environmental
training at Naval Air Facility
fixed-wing,
elementary
rotary, and intro-
ship capability, the Army El Centro (NAFEC), California, ductory tactical
Air Corps (AAC) Attack Helicopter with live weapons training rotary-wing
Force (AHF) must be ready to sup- at Gila Bend Air Force training, before
port the British Army and Royal Auxiliary Field in Arizona. being assigned
Marines wherever they deploy. Based at Wattisham Airfield, to the Apache.
With the proven AgustaWestland Suffolk, 653 Operational They go to 673
Apache AH1 as its mount, AHF Training Squadron assumed the Squadron at
has seen extensive Apache conversion-to-role Middle Wallop,
combat in the deserts (CTR) mission during a Hampshire, for
of Iraq, Afghanistan reorganisation of the Apache conversion-
and Libya. AAC in 2014 and is to-type (CTT) training, which the front seat generally doing
Although the UK now responsible for lasts eight months and teaches all of the weapons and the rear
has been re-orien- running Crimson Eagle, new Apache crews the funda- seat generally doing the flying.”
tating its forces to which typically occurs mentals of operating the type. The CTR course at Wattisham
meet a wide array of twice a year. Crimson During CTT, all students learn consists of six months of advanced
contingencies, includ- Eagle 15B ran from the basics from the front and rear tactical training on the AH1,
ing emerging threats late September to mid- seats. Upon its completion, they including threat reaction, electronic
in Europe and Asia, the November 2015 and saw are tracked into either a front-seat warfare and, of course, employing
likelihood of desert deployments the participation of around 150 or rear-seat curriculum. Capt Rob the Apache as a weapons system,
supporting operations against personnel, flying or supporting McCrea, a recent 653 Sqn gradu- which happens in the US during
Daesh and other insurgencies a detachment of six aircraft. ate, explained: “We’re divided the final two months of training.
remains high. As such, AHF’s Crimson Eagle comes at the into front-seat/rear-seat based on
Apache crews train to meet the end of a long road for 653’s CTR certain attributes – including how Coming to America
challenges of desert operations. students, as the capstone event well you’ve done in the sim and The UK’s desert helicopter
For this it sends Apache crews to on nearly four years of training. what aspects they think you’re training in the US has been
the southwestern United States They arrive on the CTR course most suited for. So we come here institutionalised to the point that
for Exercise Crimson Eagle, a two- having already completed basic and we qualify on a seat, with Joint Helicopter Command (JHC)
Party
deserts of Arizona
and California.
“We’re divided
into front-seat/rear-
seat based on certain
attributes – including how well
you’ve done in the sim and what
aspects they think you’re most
suited for”
www.airforcesdaily.com #335 FEBRUARY 2016 65
Above: An Apache groundcrewman photographs the leading edges of the Bend’s radar, so we then start time into South Carolina, and
main rotor blades on an Apache that had just returned from dust landing train- going through everything, like then it was freighted across.”
ing. The leading edges are sprayed with a frequently reapplied protective diplomatic clearances, import
coating to prevent any damage caused by stones and abrasive dirt.
Above right: A 357th FS ‘Dragons’ A-10C on initial approach for a gun run on
licences and just the co-ordination Getting Dirty
the BMGR. Crews from 662 and 663 Sqns, as well as instructors from 653 needed to get all the assets. Even One of the many advantages of
Sqn, worked with the 357th on the range. Paul Dunn though we’ve got six Apaches attack helicopters is that they
Below: Groundcrewmen shelter from the downwash of a departing Apache here, the engineering support, can move with the infantry while
at Gila Bend. life support, and all of the kit relying on forward arming and
and equipment is enormous.” refuelling points (FARPs), which
For this particular exercise, a pair keep them close to the battle by
of Antonov An-124s was hired avoiding lengthy return trips to a
to transport the aircraft from faraway airfield for replenishment.
Wattisham along with most of the With most FARPs established in
equipment to El Centro. Simply unimproved areas, the potential
breaking down the aircraft for for dust, grass, or even snow kicked
transport was good training for up by rotor downwash obscuring
the squadron’s Royal Electrical pilot vision is high, and Apache
and Mechanical Engineers (REME) crews train to operate safely in
aircraft technicians. Describing the degraded-visibility environments.
journey, REME aircraft technician Dust landings involve consider-
Cpl Tom Newey said: “It was 20ºC able teamwork, with the desert
maximum in the UK and we came landing sites west of NAFEC requir-
out to 40ºC. That’s one of the main ing preparation and manning
challenges. We came here and had during the landings themselves,
two days to get used to the heat as well as communications.
and try to get rid of the jet lag, and Capt Torbett explained the role
then it was building the aircraft.” of 653’s signallers and ground
Transportation of the ordnance crew: “We send out a signaller to
needed for the live-fire portion of speak with the aircraft, then two
Crimson Eagle was handled quite ground crew to churn up the dust
differently, and involved sea and landing areas and set out the
land transport. As Capt Torbett desert landing boxes [15m×30m
explained: “We get our ordnance areas surveyed as landing zones],
from IGMR [the International then they’re the immediate
Guns, Rockets, and Missiles Project response out there in case of any
Team] in Canada, so quite often accident or incident as well.”
it will just be shipped straight Airtrooper Conn Sweeney, a
here. But we have shipped 653 Sqn signaller, elaborated
ordnance from the UK as well. on his job during dust landings:
We actually transported it this “There’s a signaller out there and
Above: The Typhoon has supplanted the F-15C as the RSAF's primary fighter. Here a Taif-based RSAF Eagle breaks away from a Typhoon wearing the marks of 10 Sqn,
armed with IRIS-T missiles. All photos, Jamie Hunter unless stated
SAUDI TYPHOONS
LEADING
THE FIELD Jon Lake examines how Saudi Arabia has rapidly advanced with the
operational capabilities of its Eurofighter Typhoons.
to Saudi Arabia on board leased Antonov aircraft instead went to 3 Squadron, which more pilots were trained in Spain (although one
An-124 freighters and the remainder from kits. acted as the RSAF Typhoon OCU (Operational was killed in an accident at Getafe) and a further
The first Typhoon for Saudi Arabia made Conversion Unit). The OCU’s first six two- two in the UK – these formed the cadre of instruc-
its maiden flight on October 20, 2008 and seaters were delivered between March and tor pilots who initially formed 3 Squadron at Taif.
was formally handed over to the RSAF October 2010, with four more single-seaters The rising cost of this instruction in the UK
on June 11, 2009. The first pair was following during the last quarter of that year. led to the cancellation of plans to train an
delivered to the RSAF on June 23, 2009. initial batch of 22 to 24 further RSAF pilots
The initial eight Typhoons delivered to Saudi Pilot training there. Instead, the RAF and Spanish-taught
Arabia (all single-seaters) were painted in An initial cadre of six RSAF pilots (Col Al Shahrani, instructors (augmented by a group of BAE
10 Squadron markings, leading many to Lt Colonel Al Ibrahim, Majors Al Amri, Al Hamad, Systems and RAF Typhoon pilots) locally trained
assume this unit had stood up as the RSAF and Al Qahtani, and Capt Al Tamimi), plus ground- batches of seven or eight Typhoon pilots, who
Typhoon OEU (Operational Evaluation Unit). crew, completed training with the RAF, the pilots graduated in late 2010 and early 2011.
In the event, RSAF plans changed and 10 undergoing conversion with No 29 (Reserve) After a hesitant start, with the Tranche 2
Squadron did not form at that time. Its Squadron at RAF Coningsby, Lincolnshire. Two aircraft’s initial Service Release Package (SRP)
Left: A five-ship formation of 3 Sqn Typhoons including one aircraft in 10 Sqn markings, high over the Saudi
desert. The aircraft are each armed with a pair of infra-red homing IRIS-T air-to-air missiles.
Below: A 3 Squadron two-seater trainer taxies out of a sun shelter at Taif Air Base for another local training
sortie. Student RSAF Typhoon pilots follow the traditional path of basic training on the Pilatus PC-21 before
progressing to the BAE Systems Hawk Mk65 (to be replaced by the Mk165), for the fast jet phase.
up’ at Warton and Samlesbury, waiting for a Airshow, in February 2012, the deputy tion pod (LDP) to the other Typhoon users,
decision on where they would be ‘put together’. commander of 3 Squadron, Col Hammad Al selecting the French-designed Thales Damocles
The failure to establish full local assembly Hammad, told this author that he had person- LDP over the Israeli-designed Litening 3 pod.
from the 25th Saudi Typhoon onwards was ally dropped several LGBs, though he declined To appease Saudi sensibilities, BAE offered a
“the cause of great frustration, disappointment to identify exactly what weapons were being UK-built version of Litening 3 with no Israeli con-
and even anger”, according to an Arabian used. He and Lt Col Khalid Almalki confirmed tent, which was known simply as the Ultra Pod.
Aerospace online news report at the time, but they had dropped ‘many’ laser guided weapons, The Damocles pod was already being
eventually it was realised that Riyadh’s aspira- with Damocles-equipped Tornados ‘spiking’. built under licence by Saudi Arabia’s AEC
tions for full local assembly were “unrealistic”. The RSAF Typhoon force always planned for use by RSAF Tornados – and the RSAF
It was decided that local participation in to move quickly to self-designation, using decided to integrate this LDP before the full
through-life support for the RSAF Typhoons an ‘early cut’ of the P1E software. This was release of P1E – a contract for the integra-
would confer greater benefits than those that integrated under a service engineering tion of Damocles on the Saudi Typhoons
might accrue from in-country final assembly modification (SEM), using a process similar to was reportedly placed in May 2012.
and a modification to the 72-aircraft project a UK urgent operational requirement (UOR) After a rapid development and integration
Salam contract was signed in early 2012. modification, even before the NATO Eurofighter programme, BAE Systems flew the Thales
The sub assemblies that had built up at and Tornado Management Agency (NETMA) Damocles pod on the UK’s Typhoon instru-
Warton, waiting shipment, were therefore had issued a full service clearance for P1EA. mented series production aircraft (ISPA), ZK303
fed into the BAE assembly line. Six (BT017), on November 29, 2012 at Warton.
two-seaters from the second batch were Damocles pod The ISPA is a test asset jointly owned
assembled first, with final assembly of the The RSAF chose to use a different laser designa- by BAE Systems and the RAF, and was
first of these beginning in January 2012.
Above: A pair of Tranche 3 RSAF Typhoons line up on the runway at Bologna Airport on October 22 whilst on delivery. Even though they have 80 Sqn serials, the unit
has not yet stood up and the jets are being flown by pilots from the other two units. Lucio Alfieri
Germans, for example,” and that Saudi mission straight into storage, the RSAF used theirs This would give the RSAF an unmatched beyond
data is good enough to support the most to form a new unit, 80 Squadron. visual range air combat capability in the region.
demanding operational use of the aircraft. The new unit formed at Taif, with a squadron Saudi Arabia also ordered the new Raytheon
commander and principal squadron executives Paveway IV dual mode bomb – the first
Tranche 3s already appointed, and with a number of pilots Paveway version to incorporate a GPS/INS
The RSAF started taking delivery of Tranche transferring from Taif’s other units, while new targeting capability, a programmable detona-
3 Typhoons in June 2015 and whereas pilots go through training with 3 Squadron. tion capability, and variable attack directions
some other customers (including the RAF) It was once expected that, after being formed, and angles. Raytheon announced it had
have placed their new Tranche 3 aircraft 80 Squadron would transfer to the new wing secured its first export order for Paveway IV
due to form at the ‘new’ base being constructed on March 25, 2015 though it did not confirm
Saudi Typhoons Tranche Three (or more accurately rebuilt and upgraded) that the customer for this £150 million order
Prodn Serials Con First Delivery at King Saud Air Base, Hafr al Batin, near the for 2,400 Paveway IVs was Saudi Arabia.
No No Flight date Kuwaiti border. The base is close to King Khalid From March 24, 2015 the RSAF (supported
CS031 8001/ZK600 445 Mar 13, June 05, Military City Air Base and has been used as the by a number of allied Arab air arms) began
2015 2015 Hafr al Batin domestic airport, though it now Operation Decisive Storm, attacking Houthi and
CS032 8002/ZK601 450 Feb 26, June 05, has heavily protected and hardened shelters Al Qaeda targets in neighbouring Yemen, at the
2015 2015 capable of housing several squadrons of fast request of Yemen’s beleaguered President, Abd
CS033 ZK602/8003 ? Apr 20, Jul 14, jets. This plan now seems to be in doubt – not Rabbuh Mansur Hadi. The operation ended
2015 2015 least because the Typhoons at Taif are heavily on April 21, 2015 though bombing continued
CS034 ZK603/8004 459 Apr 02, Jul 14, committed to the Yemeni air campaign. as part of the follow-on Operation Restoring
2015 2015 The Typhoons are expected to provide Hope. The RSAF Typhoons were heavily com-
CS035 ZK604/8005 464 May 19, Oct 22, both the primary air defence asset and mitted and reportedly settled into a routine.
2015 2015 the offensive backbone of the future RSAF, Armed with Paveway II LGBs and Paveway IV
CS036 ZK605/8006 470 Jul 28, Oct 22, augmented by new and refurbished F-15SAs. dual mode (IN/GPS and laser-guided) weapons,
2015 2015 Further frontline Typhoon units have been the Typhoons launched from Taif, flying a sortie
CS037 ZK606/8007 ? Aug 26, Nov 24, predicted, including 15 Squadron, but over Yemen before landing at Khamis Mushayt
2015 2015 these would require a further order. where the pilots lunched while their aircraft
CS038 ZK607/8008 ? Sep 18, Nov 24, were rearmed and refuelled. They would then
2015 2015 More weapons launch for another sortie over Yemen, recover-
CS039 ZK608/8009 ? Oct 12, Dec 17, In February 2014, according to French newspa- ing to Taif at the conclusion of this second sortie.
2015 2015 per La Tribune, Saudi Arabia reportedly signed With the heavy Saudi consumption
CS040 ZK609 ? Oct 29, Dec 17, the first export contract for the MBDA Meteor of the Paveway IV in operations, Britain
2015 2015 air-to-air missile, for an reported £650 million. reportedly transferred Paveway IV bombs
originally earmarked for the RAF to Saudi Typhoon programme as production starts reports that Saudi Arabia intends that its Armed
Arabia to enable the Gulf state to rebuild to wind down, with the expectation that a Forces should double in size over the course of
its stocks, swapping delivery positions Saudi order for another batch of Typhoon the next five years, including doubling the size of
on the production line at Raytheon UK to aircraft might keep the production lines the air force from its current strength of around
ensure that the RSAF has sufficient weapon open long enough for Eurofighter GmbH to 250 combat aircraft to 500 frontline fast jets.
stocks to continue its missions in Yemen. find further new customers for the aircraft. Even with 154 Boeing F-15SAs on order (84
It is expected that further new weapons will In an effort to make the aircraft more attractive new-build and 70 via conversion of remaining
be procured for and integrated on the Saudi to export customers, BAE Systems claims it F-15S airframes), the surviving fleets of F-15C/
Typhoon, probably including Storm Shadow, has reduced the cost of producing a Typhoon Ds (59 single-seaters and up to 20 F-15D
and Brimstone, and perhaps also including by an astonishing 20% over the past five years, trainers) and Tornados (about 81), the 72
the French AASM Hammer missile, already while simultaneously slowing the production Typhoons currently on order would not be
slated for integration on RSAF Tornados. rate. In addition, industry has adopted a more sufficient to provide the required mass.
An early priority for Saudi Arabia was the rapid and streamlined approach to the inser- In fact, neither the Tornado nor the F-15C/D
integration of the Storm Shadow cruise missile tion of future capabilities and the integration are expected to have a long-term future
on its Typhoons. The weapon was already in of new weapons. This should give potential within the RSAF, so it can be seen that the
service on Saudi Tornado IDS fighter-bombers export customers greater confidence that the RSAF will have a requirement for as many
and Saudi pressure (and probably Saudi capabilities required will be available within a as 280 new fighters, leading some to believe
funding) led to Storm Shadow integration reasonable and predictable timescale. All of this the Saudis could eventually purchase as
on Typhoon being brought forward. ought to be music to the RSAF’s ears, since the many as 216 Typhoons – or even more.
This is despite the fact that Storm Shadow’s Saudis are known to be eager to gain greater There have been reports that preliminary
range is such that it allegedly violates Britain’s air-to-ground capabilities on the Typhoon. talks with the UK Ministry of Defence on
voluntary commitments under the MTCR a further batch are already under way.
(Missile Technology Control Regime). In More, more, more? But such an optimistic picture has recently
2008 this was of such concern to the USA Many years ago, before Saudi Arabia had even started to seem slightly less credible, with
that then Secretary of State Condoleezza ordered the Typhoon, the then Crown Prince falling oil prices reducing even Saudi Arabia’s
Rice requested a “specific assurance” that Sultan reportedly declared his intention for the defence spending plans, and with the
the Executive branch “would consult with RSAF to have “200 plus” Typhoons in service by extraordinarily high availability demonstrated
our Committees before any approval of a 2015. More recently, there have been consistent by the Typhoon in RSAF service leading some
request to sell Saudi Arabia such sensitive reports that negotiations were under way for a to question how many aircraft will eventually
weapon systems as Storm Shadow cruise second batch of 48 to 72 Typhoons to add to the be needed. However, sources close to the
missiles…” Many had hoped that Saudi 72 already ordered, and of Saudi plans for a third programme suggest a further Saudi
afm
Arabia would come to the rescue of the batch of a further 72 aircraft. All this tallies with purchase remains ‘extremely likely’.
Top: The Typhoon’s long-term future within the RSAF is secure. The only debate at the moment is how many
will finally enter service with current estimates at some 216 aircraft.
Above: A two-seater Typhoon, serial 322 departs RAF Coningsby for a training sortie. It’s one of the few jets
that carried 3 Squadron markings at the time. Alan Warnes
Left: During Exercise Green Flag at RAF Coningsby, Saudi Typhoons always flew all of their air-to-air combat
sorties with three fuel tanks. Whether this was a disadvantage during the mock aerial combat engagements
is open to debate. Alan Warnes
Discreetly Dir
The Armée de l’Air’s (French
Air Force’s) ET60 moves French
Government officials and high-
ranking military officers around T HE BEST equipped military VIP squad-
ron in Europe, Escadron de Transport 60
the world. Its Dassault Falcons (ET60), operates a long-range Airbus A330-
also fly medevac and special 200, two Dassault Falcon 7X, two brand
new Falcon 2000DX and two older Falcon
support missions, as Jean-Marc 900B business jets, plus three Eurocopter
Tanguy reports. AS332 Super Puma helicopters.
This core fleet is supplemented by assets from
Right: As France escalates its war against Islamic the air force (Airbus Defence & Space CN235
State, senior French Air Force officers are finding – commonly known as the CASA CN235 –
they rely on ET60’s fleet as ‘flying offices’. Frequent and SOCATA TBM700), Navy (Falcon 10) and
destinations for the fleet are locations throughout the Army (TBM700). Its personnel include 150
Middle East. Jean-Marc Tanguy. highly experienced pilots and cabin crew.
Below: The A330-200 nicknamed ‘Sarko One’
The Escadre de Transport (transport wing) 60
has been extensively modified and includes a
private room with shower, crisis meeting rooms
was formally established in 1945, combining
and a fully equipped surgery. There is rear cabin the Groupe de Liaison Aériennes Ministérielles
accommodation for media representatives and (GLAM, Ministry Air Liaison Group) and
guests. AirTeamImages/Philippe Noret Groupe Aérien d’Entraînement et de Liaison
(GAEL, Training and Air Liaison Group).
There have been several changes in title
since, and in 1995 Escadron de Transport,
d’Entraînement et de Calibration 65 (ETEC,
Transport, Training and Calibration Squadron
65) became the current ET60.
The unit transports the French
President and Prime Minister
along with their security details
and aides. An ET60 team visits all
the airfields due to be used on offi-
cial visits weeks in advance, check-
ing their suitability for operations.
The Falcons also offer a mede-
vac capability and the Falcon 900
and Falcon 2000 fleet had flown 61
such missions by November 2015,
recovering injured French soldiers
Self Protection
Although self-protection was seen as an issue
when the Falcon 7X, 2000DX and A330-200
purchases were under way, nothing has been
revealed about providing them with the ca-
pability. The RAF’s BAe 146 VIP aircraft have
directional infrared countermeasures and
an equivalent could have been fitted on the
French aircraft.
An alternative, less complex possibility is the
installation of chaff and flare dispensers, but
they have not been seen on any of the aircraft.
Instead, when they operate into potentially hos-
tile airspace they do so under fighter escort.
Above: Aircraft such as this air force CN235 can be fitted with a VIP kit to supplement the ET60s fleet.
The French Defence Minister, Jean-Yves Le Drian regularly travels between units in France on a CN235.
James Ronayne
Below: One Falcon 2000DX is equipped with an onboard medevac kit. The aircraft was used extensively
during the war in Afghanistan to bring home injured service personnel for additional medical treatment.
The squadron aims to bring home any wounded soldier within 24 hours. AirTeamImages/Rudi Boigelot
Fading Falcons
The last four Falcon 50s in ET60 service
were sent to Dassault Aviation for conver-
Above: With a fleet of of just three helicopters, ET60 ‘borrows’ aircraft such as this AS332 Super Puma from
sion as maritime patrol aircraft for the French the Air Force when its own fleet is undergoing maintenance. AirTeamImages/Paul Marais-Hayer
Navy’s Flottille (naval air squadron) 24F.
Three of them are now back in service. VIP Pumas of these specialised aircraft for operations
When the Falcon 50 replacement programme The VIP unit’s first rotary-wing assets, Sud led to a rule change. Now the locally based
began, France looked to buy four Falcon 2000s Alouette II helicopters, were taken on in 1961. Groupe Interarmées d’Hélicoptères (GIH, Joint
and sell the Falcon 900s. The latter would be Three AS332 Super Pumas have been in ser- Helicopter Group) supplies one of its Pumas.
retained until the new Falcon 2000 medevac vice since 1987, taking over from SA330 Replacement of the Super Pumas is not
kits were operational at the beginning of 2015. Pumas. In 1995, when ETEC65 disband- a priority; they are approaching 30 years
But budget cuts mean the Falcon 900B may ed, the Super Pumas were integrated into old, but fly little. The possibility of replacing
well remain in service for some time to come. Escadron d’Hélicoptères 3/67 Parisis, alongside them with a pair of ex-French Navy search
The two Falcon 7X jets replaced two Aérospatiale Fennecs used in the air-to-air secu- and rescue EC225 helicopters was investi-
Airbus A319CJ executive transports, rity role. In 2005 they were reassigned to ET60. gated but abandoned for budgetary reasons.
which were short on range for direct long- Aside from improved radios, little moderni-
haul flights and their luggage capacity sation of the AS332s has been carried out. Other assets
was limited for an aircraft of their size. They mainly fly in France, although one car- More aircraft are available when the core fleet
Acquired in 2002 to support the French EU ried President Mitterrand on a flying visit to is overloaded. The defence minister, Jean-
presidency, they were nicknamed ‘Chirac’ Sarajevo in 1992, signifying France’s decision Yves Le Drian, regularly travels between units
and ‘Jospin’ after the country’s right-wing to assist the Bosnian people – a C-160 Transall in France in a CN235 fitted with a VIP kit. He
President and its socialist Prime Minister. arrived soon after, carrying humanitarian aid. also uses Falcon 10s based at Landivisiau
One A319CJ was sold to a broker and the A Super Puma also flew President François (in Brittany, western France) where the air-
second went to an African customer. Hollande and German Chancellor Angela craft are primarily used to train fighter pilots.
The first Falcon 7X was unofficially chris- Merkel over the Alps after the Germanwings The four-seat TBM700 is available to general
tened ‘Carla One’ in reference to the first A320 crash on March 24, 2015. officers, providing two hours’ endurance, suf-
name of President Sarkozy’s wife, for- With a fleet of only three helicopters, ET60 ficient to reach any point in France; the air-
mer model Carla Bruni. The A330 is nick- ‘borrows’ an aircraft when one of its own is craft can be a little faster than the TGV railway.
named ‘Sarko One’, abbreviating the name down for scheduled maintenance. In the A primary aircraft – the Airbus or a Falcon –
of the President who ordered its pur- past, air force or army special operations is always available to fly the President and a
chase from French carrier Air Antilles. units loaned an EC725 Caracal, but the lack spare (a Falcon) follows, should the first suf-
fer unserviceability. From the 1990s the air
ET60 Fleet force’s three Airbus A310s and two A340s
also flew on government duties – and contin-
Type No. in fleet Aircrew & cabin crew Passengers Range Speed
ue to do so when the A330-200 is under
Falcon 7X 2 2+1 14 11,000km M0.9 afm
maintenance with Sabena Technics.
Falcon 2000DX 2 2+1 10 6,000km M0.86
Falcon 900B 2 2+1 13 6,000km M0.87
Super Puma 3 2+2 8 700km 280km/h
A330-200 1 2+8 60 12,000km M0.86
Below: Two Falcon 7Xs serve with ET60. The large cabin area and longer range of these corporate jets
were a significant improvement over the two A319CJs that suffered from a lack of range.
SUPER TUCANO
Santiago Rivas explores Embraer’s highly-
capable Super Tucano, one of the most
popular advanced trainers and light attack
aircraft in service today.
February Issue available NOW from and all other leading newsagents
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004/16
FORCE REPORT Royal Jordanian Air Force
FIGHT
Royal Jordanian Air Force commander Major General Mansour
S Aljobour discusses with Marco Dijkshoorn and Patrick
Roegies his latest acquisitions and the fight against Daesh.
Frontline aircraft
There are 43 F-16AM/BM jets in the
RJAF inventory and 15 more will be
delivered from Royal Netherlands
Air Force (RNLAF) stocks, compris-
ing F-16AM J-057, J-145, J-193,
J-199, J-510, J-623, J-637, J-638,
J-868, J-870, J-872. J-873, J-876
and F-16BMs J-208 and J-884.
They are being upgraded to Mid-
Life Update (MLU) Operational
Flight Program (OFP) 6.5 stand-
ard, representing the latest soft-
ware available in Europe.
Under the initial contract, OFP 5.0
was ordered and approved by the
US Congress. But there have been
technical difficulties in adapting OFP
5.0 to the hardware in the Dutch jets,
and Congressional approval is now
Above: Six former UAE AT-802 Air Tractors are now operating with the RJAF. The Block 1 configuration employs GBU-58 being sought for the release of OFP
and GBU-12 Paveway II LGBs. 6.5. Delivery is scheduled for late
Top: The RJAF’s primary strike capability is delivered by the F-16AM and F-16BM, operated by three squadrons at 2016/early 2017 and, with the MLU
Shaheed Muwaffaq Al-Salti (al-Azraq) Air Base. This example is carrying a Sniper targeting pod. All photos, authors F-16s in service, the RJAF plans to
sell some of its current inventory. Above: Bell AH-1 Cobras, flown by 10 and 12 Sqns, play a vital role in border protection. A permanent detachment at H4
Pakistan along with a European is supported by the ISR capabilities of the Cessna 208B Grand Caravan.
country and another potential Below: The RJAF has a single PZL M28 Skytruck. Its role is unclear, but it is probably used for the infiltration and exfiltra-
purchaser have shown inter- tion of special forces. Another example will be delivered shortly.
est in the surplus F-16s which,
if a deal goes ahead, are likely to
come from the ex-US Air National
Guard Peace Falcon II aircraft
delivered to Jordan from 2003.
Meanwhile, an upgrade to raise
the existing fleet of ex-Belgian
Air Component and RNLAF
F-16AM/BMs to MLU 6.5 stand-
ard is planned. “We also signed
a letter of acceptance for the
procurement of JDAMs, and
15 Sniper pods have been pur-
chased to enhance the F-16's
capability,” says Aljobour.
Air Tractor
To support Jordan’s fight against
Daesh, the United Arab Emirates
(UAE) supplied six IOMAX Air Tractor
AT-802 light-attack turboprops
under a US-backed plan executed
Special Forces
Although Special Operations Com- trained by the RJAF’s King Hussein
mand’s (SOCOM’s) Prince Hashem Air Academy. The brigade’s three
Bin Abdullah II Royal Aviation squadrons operate MD530F ‘Little
Brigade at King Abdullah II Air Base Bird’ and UH-60L Black Hawk
(KA2) is part of the Royal Jordanian helicopters, and AC-235 gunships,
Army, it has very close ties with the from an apron adjacent to the
RJAF. Its aircraft are maintained by control tower, which also overlooks
ex-Air Force personnel and its pilots the RJAF’s presence at KA2.
Above: Eight MD530F Little Birds were delivered in late 2006. They serve
SOCOM’s 28 Sqn and, in common with the Black Hawks, some are in a sand
camouflage and others in a dark scheme.
ATTRITION REPORT
ALMOST 14 months after being Above: US Air Force C-130H Hercules 92-1533 arrives back at Cheyenne C-130 to find suitable parts that
damaged in an emergency landing, Regional Airport, Wyoming, on October 13 last year for return to service with could be adapted. They also had
the Wyoming Air National Guard after completing its rebuild at Hill AFB, Utah.
a USAF/Wyoming Air National to locally manufacture some parts
USAF/Master Sgt Charles Delano
Guard C-130H Hercules has been Below: The C-130H after its emergency landing at Hill AFB on August 17, 2014. from original blueprint drawings.”
returned to service following a major USAF/Hill AFB Major Brett Goebel, the
rebuild. The aircraft, 92-1533 ‘3’, Wyoming Air National Guard
returned to Cheyenne Regional navigator who was on the accident
Airport, Wyoming, on October 13 flight, said: “That [$850,000]
last year to re-join the 153rd Airlift is fairly low when you consider
Wing/187th Airlift Squadron. it’s a $37 million aircraft.”
During an aerial firefighting mission Lt Col Todd Davis, the 153rd
over Utah on August 17, 2014, using Aircraft Maintenance Squadron
the Modular Airborne Fire-Fighting commander, said he was pleased
System (MAFFS), the aircraft was with the timeline and quality of
scheduled to land at Hill Air Force the repair: “Getting 1533 back to
Base to refuel and re-supply. The flying again required more than just
crew, comprised of Guard, Reserve the maintenance crews. Funding
and active duty personnel, found funnelled quickly from National
they were unable to lower the nose eventually led to a fleet-wide to the commander at Hill AFB, Guard Bureau to Hill and the team
undercarriage. However, they inspection, which resulted in several said that this was a one-of-a-kind did an amazing job. They reskinned
successfully landed the aircraft on a other defective rods being detected. rebuild. “A lot of creativity and everything on the bottom. It looks
foam-covered runway without injury Since that time, the C-130H ingenuity was needed, since many brand new, which is pretty good for
to the crew or damage to the runway has been at the 572nd Aircraft of the C-130H structural parts an aircraft that is that 23 years old.”
– see Attrition, November 2014, p93. Maintenance Squadron, at Hill AFB, that were needed are no longer Goebel said the crew knew
William Ferrell, a C-130 crew where the estimated $850,000 in made,” said Mehring. “The team something was wrong with the nose
chief at Hill AFB and a member damage that was caused by that here did a tremendous amount of gear as they were on approach to
of the Crash Damage, Disabled landing was repaired. Col Steve work to cross-reference parts from Hill. “After trouble-shooting for
and Recovery Team said: “The Mehring, Air National Guard advisor the current generation ‘J’ model two-and-a-half hours, it became
pilot made a smooth landing. apparent we were not going to get
The only damage was to the a fix for our problem,” said Goebel.
underside of the aircraft.” Along with Goebel, members of
After the incident, Ferrell and the crew that were able to safely
eight other personnel used a land the aircraft were Major Jack
crane to lift the front of the aircraft, Berquist, aircraft commander;
tow it to a maintenance area and his co-pilot, Major Derik George;
secure it after an emergency flight engineer Tech Sgt Damian
nose landing gear extension, a Hoffmann; and load masters,
process that took a little more Master Sgts Brandon York and
than four hours to complete. Christian Reese. All received the
Following a five-month-long Air Mobility Command Aircrew of
investigation, it was determined Distinction Award for their efforts
that a broken support rod for Above: The Hercules in Hangar No 1 at Hill AFB on May 5, 2015, while undergoing that day which resulted in no loss
the landing gear uplock actuator extensive repairs following its landing without the nose undercarriage extended. of life and minimal damage to a
caused the failure. This damage USAF/Hill AFB multi-million dollar airframe.
Accident Reports
D: Dec 2, 2007 D: Oct 13
N: Peruvian Army/BA811 N: Royal Canadian Air Force
T: PA-31T-620 Cheyenne II T: CH-124A(U) Sea King
S: EP-621 S: 12419
Damaged in an unspecified While in the UK detached to RAF
accident. Subsequently repaired but Odiham, Hampshire, the tyres
involved in another, more serious, on the main undercarriage were
accident on November 17, 2015 found to be low. A dual-pressure
– see Attrition, January 2016, p91. inflation kit was used to re-inflate
them. The low side was reported
D: Aug 25, 2015 to be set for 60psi, while the high
N: Royal Canadian Air Force/431 pressure side was reported to
Air Demo Sqn Snowbirds be around 500psi. Normal tyre
T: CT-114 Tutor pressure for the type is 105psi.
S: 114058 During inflation, the port inboard
This aircraft diverted due to an tyre ruptured. This resulted in
in-flight emergency and landed rim fragments causing damage
safely at Greater Moncton to both the port and starboard
International Airport, New undercarriage, as well as the
Brunswick. After being repaired, fuselage. Damage was classed
it carried out a successful test as Category C. An interim
flight and was refuelled for statement on the incident by
departure to re-join the Snowbird the Directorate of Flight Safety,
team. As the tyres were due for Above: Close-up of the starboard wheel of RCAF/Snowbirds CT-114 Tutor released on December 16, said
their seven-day inspection/refill, 114058 after the tyre was over-pressurised and exploded on August 25, 2015, investigation is focusing on
nitrogen tanks were borrowed at Greater Moncton International Airport. The resultant rupture in the starboard human factors procedures for
from a local facility to service the diesel tank is also clearly apparent. RCAF Directorate of Flight Safety the use of unfamiliar equipment.
aircraft. While topping up the D: Sep 29 D: Oct 4 The helicopter was one of two
starboard main tyre with nitrogen, N: Spanish Air Force/Patrulla Aguila N: Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force Sea Kings temporarily based
the tyre was over-pressurised and T: CASA 101EB T: C-130H Hercules at Odiham while their parent
exploded. This seriously damaged S: E.25-45 ’79-45’ S: 5-8527 ship, Iroquois-class destroyer
the starboard main undercarriage HMCS Athabaskan (DDG 282)
leg and wing rear spar, while the Following a routine training The port wing of this aircraft, was docked in Portsmouth for
split rim was propelled into and flight, the pilot found that he was which was parked on the ramp unexpected engine repairs.
crushed the starboard main diesel unable to lower the aircraft’s at Tehran-Mehrabad Airport,
tank. Primarily due to the damage undercarriage on return to land was struck by Zagros Airlines D: Oct 28
in the wing spar, the aircraft was at San Javier Air Base. After Airbus A320-231 EP-ZAI, which N: Czech Air Force/212 Taktiká Letka
classed as having sustained assessing the situation, he was being pushed back prior T: L-159A ALCA
Category B damage. A preliminary decided against ejecting and to departure. Damage to both While on a flight from Zaragoza
report released by the Directorate elected instead to carry out a belly aircraft was reported to be minor. Air Base, Spain, during Exercise
of Flight Safety on October 29 landing, which was completed Trident Juncture 2015, the aircraft
said the investigation found that successfully, although there was D: Oct 6 had a serious bird strike. A vulture
the technician misinterpreted some unspecified damage to the N: Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force impacted the starboard wing, just
the gauges on this unfamiliar underside of the aircraft. The T: L-1329 Jetstar II inboard of the wingtip drop tank,
equipment and attempted to fill pilot was uninjured. The aircraft After reportedly having hydraulics tearing a large hole in the leading
the tyre to 150 Bars instead of 150 was from the Patrulla Aguila failure at TFB14 Mashad, the edge. The pilot, 1st Lt Zbynek Abel,
PSI. This resulted in the wheel/ aerobatic display team, part of aircraft ran off the runway into declared a mayday and thought he
tyre assembly failing at around 794 Escuadrón at the Academia rough ground, causing the would have to eject, as the damage
120 Bars (over 1,700 PSI). General de Aire at San Javier. undercarriage to collapse. No was causing such severe buffeting
The team had been practicing its injuries were reported but that it appeared the wing might be
D: Sep 20 display in readiness for the Military the extent of damage to the torn off. However, after lowering
N: Royal Saudi Land Forces Parade in Madrid on October 12. aircraft is unconfirmed. airspeed, he found he could
T: AH-64 Apache maintain control of the aircraft,
Unconfirmed reports suggest but still needed to land as quickly
that this helicopter may have as possible. He then successfully
been shot down with a surface- performed an emergency landing
to-air missile by Yemeni armed back at Zaragoza. Damage was
forces in the al-Safer area, near such that the aircraft had to be
Ma’rib, Jizan province, Yemen. transported back to the Czech
No further details are known. Republic by road for repair. On
November 24, the pilot was
D: Sep 25? awarded the Medal of Merit by
N: US Air Force Czech Air Force Chief of Staff
T: MQ-1B Predator Joseph Becvar for his extraordinary
This UAV was destroyed when courage, determination and
it crashed on the coast just professional skill in assessing the
southeast of Derna, Libya. Daesh Above: Wreckage of the US Air Force MQ-1B Predator which crash near the situation quickly and thus saving
claimed to have shot it down. Libyan coast either early on September 25 or possibly the day before. the badly damaged aircraft.
Abbreviations: D: Date N/U: Nationality/Units T: Type S: Serials
ATTRITION REPORT
Accident Reports
Left: The wings of IRIAF C-130H 5-8527 and Zagros Airlines A321-231 EP-ZAI
interlocked at Tehran-Mehrabad Airport on October 4 after the ground incident.
FARS News Agency
Below: A very distant and thus poor quality view of the Islamic Republic of Iran
Air Force Jetstar II following its accident on October 6 at TFB Mashad.
Below: The extensive damage to the outer starboard wing of the Czech Air Force
L-159A is clearly visible here following its collision with a vulture near Zaragoza
Air Base, Spain, on October 28, 2015. Czech AF/21st TAB/Marek Maxim Svancara
Above: Royal Canadian Air Force CH-124A(U) Sea King 12419, with close-ups
showing the damage to the main undercarriage as a result of over-inflation of
one of the tyres while temporarily based at RAF Odiham, Hampshire, on
October 13, 2015. RCAF Directorate of Flight Safety
Above left: US Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey 168026 ‘YX-01’ from Marine Medium Tilt Rotor Squadron 166 (VMM-166) (Reinforced) takes off from the amphibious
assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4) on October 21 in the Pacific Ocean. This aircraft was involved in a Class A accident on board the USS New Orleans (LPD 18) on
December 9. US Navy/Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Debra Daco Above right: The Pakistan Army Bell 412P following its crash on December 13.
D: Dec 30 D: Jan 4 D: Jan 5 D: Jan 7
N: Royal Bahrain Air Force N: Libyan Air Force N: US Air Force N: US Air Force
T: F-16C T: MiG-21bis T: HH-60G Pave Hawk T: MQ-1 Predator
The pilot of this F-16C ejected During a combat sortie, this This helicopter was damaged This Predator crashed in central
safely before it crashed in Saudi MiG-21was shot down over in Afghanistan during an Iraq at approximately 1250hrs
Arabia’s southern province of Benghazi. The pilot ejected safely. operational mission when it was local time. A US Air Force
Jizan. The aircraft was on a The aircraft received a direct hit required to provide assistance statement issued the following day
mission as part of the Saudi-led from anti-aircraft gunfire or a after a US service member said that the UAV had been flying
coalition fighting Shia Houthi portable surface-to-air missile. (Staff Sgt Matthew MClintock of a combat mission when positive
rebels in Yemen when it came A Company,1st Batallion, 19th control of the aircraft was lost. The
down as a result of a technical D: Jan 5 Special Forces Group) had been USAF also stated that the crash
failure. Until now there had N: Colombian Air Force/Esc 613 killed and another two injured after was not due to enemy fire. There
only been one loss, an F-16C T: Basler AC-47T Fantasma coming under fire during a train, were no reports of civilian injuries
on September 27, 2003. S: FAC-1658 advise and assist mission with or damage to civilian property
This gunship was badly damaged their Afghan Special Operations at the crash site. The USAF said
D: Jan 3, 2016 when it veered off the side of the counterparts. A number of Afghan that the Predator was destroyed
N: Afghan Air Force runway landing at the Comando forces personnel were also injured. and is not in enemy hands. An
T: Mi-17 Aéreo de Combate No 6 (CACOM Following the incident, which investigation board will convene
Three Afghan soldiers were 6) Base Aérea Tres Esquinas occurred near Marjah, Helmand to determine the specific cause of
killed and two others injured ‘Ernesto Esguerra Cubudes’, Province, two HH-60Gs, including the crash. Daesh claimed to have
when this helicopter crashed at Caquetá. It came to rest in a ditch, the accident aircraft, were sent shot the UAV down near Akashat,
around 1330hrs in eastern Logar but no injuries were reported to to provide help. However, one Anbar. Images and video released
province. A statement by Afghan the two crew members, Mayor was waived off after taking fire by Daesh showed them inspecting
Defence Ministry spokesman Forero and Capitán Puentes. It is but was able to return safely the wreckage of a Predator,
Dawlat Waziri said the accident assumed to have been operated to base. Although the second which they said was the one they
had been caused by technical by the resident Grupo de Combate Pave Hawk landed safely, its had shot down on this date.
problems. The crash took place 61/Escuadrón de Combate Táctico rotor blades were then damaged
near the national army training 613. A team from the Inspección after it apparently struck a wall. Additional material from: Juan
centre in the Shakar Qala area, General de la Institución will As a result, it was disabled and Carlos Cicalesi and Scramble/
during a routine training flight. investigate the incident. forced to remain on the ground. Dutch Aviation Society.
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Above: An Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) C-146A Wolfhound 10-3026 of the 524th Special Operations Squadron based at Cannon AFB makes a
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DEC 4 2015
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