Combat Aircraft - Free Sample Issue 2019

IFSRSEUEES2A0M1P9LE TALES OF THE F-15X TROUBLESOME TOMCAT Viable option for USAF? AMERICA’S BESTSELLING MILITARY AVIATION MAGAZINE combataircraft.net NIGHTHAWK RETIREDIN 2008, BUT STILL FLYING… FEARSOME ‘FULLBACK’ PLUS BEST OF ‘FIENDS’ — F-16 UNIT REPORT • 422ND TES ‘GREEN BATS’ US NAVY CARRIER AIR WINGS •USAF RAPTORS IN THE MIDDLE EAST

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Digital Issue 2019INSIDE IN THE NEWS 78 6 HEADLINE NEWS USAF unveils massive expansion plan and F-35B latest news 8 US NEWS Boeing wins T-X, ATAC’s Mirage F1s plus all the latest unit and deployment news 16 WORLD NEWS News from Europe and around the globe including the new F/A-259 from Aero Vodochody plus all the latest Military Losses 14 THE OPS DESK 70 ‘GREEN BATS’ AT 75 84 F-15X — A NEW HOPE FOR THE USAF? Scott Wol ’s regular column looks at US Nellis AFB, Nevada, is arguably one of the Jamie Hunter assesses the chances of the US Navy plans for personnel readiness and most important installations when it comes Air Force buying a batch of advanced F-15s retention to the US Air Force ghter community. It to plug its air defense gaps is a base that is central to developing new 22 STRIKE FROM THE SEA capabilities and hosting high-end training 88 BEST OF ‘FIENDS’ activities. Jake Melampy ies with the 422nd The US Navy is unparalleled when it Test and Evaluation Squadron ‘Green Bats’, Scott Wol meets the storied 36th Fighter comes to carrier-borne aviation. The ability which boasts a mightily impressive inventory Squadron ‘Fiends’ as the unit marks its to strategically position a ship with an that arguably eclipses many complete air centenary embarked air wing that rivals most world forces air forces is a powerful tool. Tom Kaminski 94 CUTTING EDGE details the current status of US naval carrier 78 DRAKEN’S DEN aviation David Axe’s monthly column reporting from Frank Visser meets Draken International, the front line of aerospace technology 30 HOLDING THE LINE one of the leading contractor air service providers in the US and recent winners of a 96 FLASHBACK Jamie Hunter visits Al Dhafra in the United competition to provide ongoing support at Arab Emirates, home of the US Air Force’s Nellis AFB Combat Aircraft’s regular feature looking at 380th Air Expeditionary Wing, which is a 70 highlights of the recent past — a 119th FIS central pillar in the ongoing Operation F-106A Delta Dart ‘Inherent Resolve’ and missions in the ON THE COVER P52 region SAVESUBSCRIBE AND Our coverage of Lockheed’s 44 TALES OF THE TROUBLESOME TOMCAT ‘Skunk Works’ at 75 continues Subscribe to Combat with the F-117 Nighthawk. Aircraft Monthly and The F-14 Tomcat enjoyed a career with the Rich Cooper make great savings on US Navy that lasted more than 30 years. Its cover price. home was the carrier ight deck and the F-14 experienced more than its fair share See pages of incidents and accidents as Tony Holmes 42 and 43 for details. reports 52 NIGHTHAWK The F-117 Nighthawk retired in 2008, yet a series of remarkable sightnings has con rmed that these aircraft are still ying. Combat Aircraft marks 75 years of the Lockheed Skunk Works as Paul Crickmore re ects on the Nighthawk’s history and evaluates why a few continue to y in secrecy 64 FEARSOME ‘FULLBACK’ In the second of a two-part review of strike aircraft in Russian service, Piotr Butowski details the impressive Su-34 ‘Fullback’, a multi-role heavy-hitter 68 THE BRIEFING: AERIAL MINING In his regular column, Robert Beckhusen details the current state of the mine-laying mission

COMBAT EDGE // FIND US ON MILITARY AVIATION ON THE RISEHEUSAIRForceisexpanding. That’s something we haven’t heard in a generation. Since the end of the Cold War the T US military, like pretty much whereas the USAF relies on 40-year old Eagles and 30-year old F-16s. The USAF’s problem is volume — recapitalizing its eet is a mammoth and nancially prohibitive undertaking. all western air forces, has shed It’s why preserving precious hours on squadrons and aircraft at an alarming ghters is so important. Contracting rate. Recognizing a new era of high-end out aggressor training instead of doing threats, as spelled out in a classi ed US it in-house and taking air supremacy National Defense Strategy, senior military ghters o benign air policing duties are o cials must react. essential steps. The USAF needs a two-tier While we are unlikely to see the sheer approach. It cannot meet or a ord its volume of squadrons that existed back needs with an all- fth-generation stealthy in the 1970s, the trend of decline has not ghter force. The USAF is expanding only had the handbrake applied but looks across all communities: tankers, transport, set to be put into reverse. The USAF’s bold remotely piloted air vehicles, and ghters. aspirations will increase the number of It must procure the right tools for the ghter squadrons from 55 today to 62 in right jobs, otherwise its plans will be 2030 — that’s a tall order given the state una ordable and unattainable. and age of the force right now. To keep track of the latest breaking The trend is being seen in the UK, where news and analysis in the world of military many predicted a six-squadron ghter air power you can visit our social media force at best. Three more Euro ghter sites and our website: Typhoon squadrons are now being www.combataircraft.net. added, although no additional aircraft You can also sign up for our free e-mail are being procured. Maybe the USAF will newsletter by going to need to look at a similar model. The Royal www.combataircraft.net to register. Air Force is seeking to squeeze more ight hours and increased service life from its aircraft with longer intervals between maintenance. However, the UK ghter force is comparatively new — when the Jamie Hunter, Tornado GR4s go in 2019 the oldest game Editor in town will be 10-year old Typhoons, E-mail: [email protected] 04 Combat Aircraft Digital Issue // www.combataircraft.net

F-15Cs from the 144th Fighter Wing. The USAF’s Eagle community appears to be in limbo between significant upgrade and recapitalization. In reality, the USAF may need to do both if it is to expand its numbers. USAF/SMSgt Chris Drudge CONTRIBUTOR OF THE MONTH JAKE MELAMPY Jake Melampy is an aviation photojournalist business jets in the corporate from Ohio. His love of world from Cincinnati and aviation began at an amassing nearly 10,000 hours of ight time in a wide variety early age, being subjected to of aircraft. However, in his spare the sights and sounds of F-4 time, he is nearly always trying Phantoms at nearby Wright- to point a camera at the people Patterson AFB. Since those and aircraft from the US military, early days, he has gone on to and especially enjoys telling pursue a ying career, piloting their story. www.combataircraft.net // Digital Issue Combat Aircraft 05

[NEWS] HEADLINES The USAF says it needs a further seven fighter squadrons to meet requirements. New F-15s might present a solution, but ageing fleets will also need to be similarly addressed. USAF/ SrA John Linzmeier USAF EYES MASSIVE EXPANSION how the USAF is faring with regard to its chronic pilot shortage. LEADERS SPELL OUT NEED FOR 74 MORE SQUADRONS The ‘Air Force We Need’ calls for the SECRETARY OF THE and acquisition to prepare for present Force We Need’has 386 operational addition of 74 squadrons in terms of US Air Force Heather and future operations. squadrons by 2030.’ overall USAF strength by 2030 — it’s Wilson used her keynote the USAF leadership’s reaction to speech at the Air Force ‘The [National] Defense Strategy tells The USAF is working hard to address the demands set out in the National Association’s annual us that we need to be able to defend pilot and maintainer shortages. Defense Strategy, unveiled earlier Air, Space and Cyber the homeland, provide a credible Wilson said a few years ago the USAF this year. The increase, Wilson says, is Conference in September to outline nuclear deterrent and win against was 4,000 maintainers adrift from necessary to counter growing threats ambitions plans for dramatic a major power while countering a its requirements. Wilson said that by from China and Russia and is what expansion for the US Air Force. Wilson rogue nation, all while managing the end of 2018, that de cit will be the USAF says it requires in order to said that the USAF had moved from violent extremists with a lower level eliminated.‘More than 75 per cent of cover its range of missions. an era of tackling insurgency in the of e ort,’Wilson said.‘Our operational our force is combat-ready and we’re Middle East to one of ‘great power squadrons are the combat power of moving the whole force to higher Wilson said the National Defense competition’. She said the USAF the air force; they are the clenched levels of readiness with actions that Strategy illustrates how the US has needs to concentrate on readiness will play out over the next several returned to ‘an era of great power st of American resolve. We have 312 years.’Wilson did not provide details of competition’, and re ected on the operational squadrons today. The‘Air 1980s era of air force structure to counter threats from Russia. Chief of Sta Gen David Goldfein echoed Wilson’s comments in his address on September 18, calling for a return to true expeditionary operations rather than servicing well- established, pre-existing deployment bases. ‘It’s time to return to our expeditionary roots,’ he stated. Goldfein said it was time for the USAF to restructure for the future, adding, ‘The ght is coming, and we have from this moment to get ready.’ Set against a backdrop of manning issues and ageing aircraft eets, it’s hard to see how the USAF will be able to grow so quickly without a huge increase in budget. It has already slowed F-35A deliveries and those coming to its ghter wings are replacing in-service aircraft. 06 Combat Aircraft Digital Issue // www.combataircraft.net

HEADLINES [NEWS] The USAF says it needs an incredible 14 additional tanker squadrons, which is likely to kick-start follow-on efforts such as the KC-Z competition, a follow- on to the current KC-46 Pegasus. USAF/SrA Philip Bryant An F-35B of VMFA-211 aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) on September 3. USMC/Cpl A. J. Van Fredenberg F-35B LATEST LOCKHEED MARTIN F 35Bs mark the rst time the Pax River If the USAF is to add seven new ALSO operated by VMFA-211‘Wake Island ITF has conducted F-35 ight trials ghter squadrons, it would surely be THIS Avengers’entered the US Central aboard a partner nation’s aircraft MONTH... Command and US Fifth Fleet area carrier. Pilots and maintenance unable to retire any current aircraft of operations for the rst time in personnel from the Royal Navy and and will need to look at additional F-35 testing delayed late August. The Lightning IIs are Royal Air Force will be among the procurement options. Extra ghter IOT&E slips to November. embarked aboard the amphibious ITF personnel supporting the FOCTs. capacity could come from ramping See US News assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) as part HMS Queen Elizabeth arrived at Naval up F-35 production, although it of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Station Mayport, Florida, in advance would suggest that there is weight NATO air policing Unit (MEU). The 5th Fleet’s area of of testing on September 5. to the story that Boeing has supplied Canada assumes mission. operations includes the Red Sea, the USAF with proposals on the See World News Persian Gulf and parts of the Indian British F-35Bs operated by No F-15X, a single-seat version of the Ocean. The 13th MEU began a two- 17 Test and Evaluation Squadron Advanced F-15. A full report on the 135R and KC-10 retirement plans week theater amphibious combat recently completed initial trials F-15X appears in this issue. would have to be put on ice as rehearsal (TACR) o the coast of armed with the MBDA Advanced KC-46s are inducted to expand the Djibouti on September 8. Short Range Air-to-Air Missile Funding the expansion will be overall force size. (ASRAAM). The ASRAAM was rst extremely challenging, the table The US Naval Air Warfare Center tested aboard a development F-35B here spelling out the enormity of The message is clear: the politics Aircraft Division was, in early at NAS Patuxent River, Maryland, in the task that is being proposed. and the motivation for dramatic September, also gearing up to late 2014. The rst live ring from The two biggest areas of expansion expansion are in place. Cash is support F-35B rst of class ight a US Marine Corps F-35B occurred are in command and control and trials (FOCFTs) aboard the Royal during developmental testing intelligence surveillance and owing into new projects and Navy’s newest aircraft carrier, HMS in March 2017. The UK test team reconnaissance (C2/ISR) and tankers. the USAF vision of the future is Queen Elizabeth (R08). Testing will be at Edwards AFB, California, also The USAF’s rst new KC-46A Pegasus becoming a very real plan rather conducted by the F-35 Integrated loaded Paveway IV precision-guided tankers are delayed and the new than an unrealistic pipedream. Test Force (ITF) and will involve two bombs on external pylons as nal plan would mean any further KC- F-35Bs from VX-23‘Salty Dogs’at clearances are sought as the F-35B NAS Patuxent River. Data collected moves towards achieving initial during the FOCFT will support operating capability (IOC) with planned operational testing in the No 617 Squadron at RAF Marham UK next year. The FOCFTs will also in December. Air Force Secretary Heather F-35B serial ZM136 taxies at Edwards AFB in preparation for a weapons Wilson delivers her speech test with the ASRAAM missile. Lockheed Martin/Darin Russell during the Air Force Association’s Air, Space F-35B test aircraft BF-02 and Cyber Conference in during work-ups to National Harbor, Maryland, on September 17. USAF/TSgt prepare for first of class DeAndre Curtiss flight trials (fixed-wing) aboard HMS Queen Elizabeth. Lockheed Martin/Dane Wiedmann www.combataircraft.net //Digital Issue Combat Aircraft 07

[NEWS] UNITED STATES The brand-new Boeing T-X, selected by the USAF as its new trainer. A decision Lockheed Martin said it would not protest. Boeing The MH-139 was the latest win sole-source purchase of UH-60Ms US ARMY FUTURE for Boeing, which also secured from Sikorsky Aircraft. Sikorsky’s ATTACK the MQ-25 Stingray award from HH-60U was considered the front- RECONNAISSANCE the US Navy. Boeing runner in this competition. Based AIRCRAFT MOVES on the US Army UH-60M it featured FORWARD USAF SELECTS a rescue hoist, an electro-optical BOEING-LEONARDO TEAM sensor, and other mission-speci c THE US ARMY issued a request modi cations. Variants of the soliciting proposals for its future attack A BOEING LEONARDO TEAM UH-60. Boeing initially received a H-60 are already serving with the reconnaissance aircraft competitive was selected by the USAF as the $375-million contract that covers US Army, Navy, Marine Corps, prototype (FARA CP) project on winner of the competition to build the rst four helicopters and Coast Guard and Air Force. In fact, October 3. The service had earlier held a replacement for the service’s eet integration of military-speci c Sikorsky is already producing a an industry day associated with the of UH-1N Twin Huey helicopters changes required to meet USAF new combat rescue helicopter, FARA CP in Huntsville, Alabama on when, on September 24, Boeing requirements. First deliveries will under the designation HH-60W, for June 28, 2018. The army will conduct was awarded a contract to deliver occur in 2021. the USAF. SNC’s o er was based a‘competitive prototyping e ort to MH-139 helicopters. on upgraded former US Army design, build, and test a FARA in an If the service acquires the UH-60As that would have been operationally relevant environment’. The MH-139, which is a planned eet of 84 helicopters, modi ed to UH-60L con guration Development funding will initially militarized version of the the program could be worth as with new General Electric T701D be provided to up to six industry commercial AW139 produced by much as $2.38 billion. The USAF engines, updated avionics and a participants with a down-select Leonardo in Philadelphia, was originally estimated the cost would ‘glass’ cockpit. to two in Fiscal 2020. Under the selected over competing o erings be around $4.1 billion. current plan, two prototypes would from Lockheed Martin/Sikorsky The MH-139As will be capable of Aircraft and the Sierra Nevada The USAF cancelled earlier carrying nine fully loaded troops. It y in the rst quarter of 2023 with a Corporation (SNC), which both plans to rework former US will have a 135kt (250km/h) cruise competitive y-o following in the proposed variants of the Sikorsky Army helicopters to meet its speed and be capable of ying for fourth quarter. The results of the e ort requirements and the subsequent a minimum of three hours with a will support a decision to transition range of 225nm (417km) without to a formal program of record and the aid of refueling. begin engineering manufacturing and development (EMD) in 2024. The The helicopters will be FARA will be comparable in size to the assembled by Leonardo at future vertical lift (FVL) capability set its facility in north-eastern 1 light attack and scout aircraft, which Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. has a minimum internal payload of six Military-speci c components passengers. The aircraft would achieve will be incorporated by Boeing initial operational capability by at its Ridley Park, Pennsylvania, 2028 and up 500 examples could be plant. The MH-139s will replace produced. The program requires that UH-1Ns used in the nuclear missile only US rms be considered as prime site security, training, test, and contractors. operational support airlift roles. 08 Combat Aircraft Digital Issue // www.combataircraft.net

UNITED STATES [NEWS] BOEING WINS T-X In anticipation of the formal request low-rate initial production lots, and at for proposals, which was issued in least eight full-rate production lots. ‘CLEAN-SHEET’ TRAINER WILL REPLACE T-38OEING’S BTX 1WAS December 2016, Boeing and Saab built and ew two T-X prototypes The aircraft is powered by a single named as the winner to prove all of the required key General Electric F404 turbofan and of the US Air Force’s T-X performance points. The two features dual, canted tails. The new advanced pilot training contractors had agreed to jointly trainer is expected to achieve initial develop the aircraft in December operational capability by the end of Baircraft competition 2013. The rst BTX-1 prototype ew Fiscal Year 2024 with full operational Leonardo DRS, which o ered the in December 2016 and the second capability following in 2034. T-100, based on the M-346 Master. aircraft followed in April 2017. According to the Boeing-Saab team, The air force plans to acquire The program could be worth as more than 90 per cent of the aircraft 351 aircraft and 46 simulators, much as $9.2 billion. Under the will be produced in the US and nal but could buy as many as 475 initial $813-million engineering assembly will occur at the Boeing manufacturing and development facility in St Louis, Missouri. The USAF on September 27. jets. Although T-X will replace the (EMD) phase, Boeing will deliver ve originally estimated the cost of the T-X aircraft and seven ight training program to be around $19.7 billion Developed jointly with Saab, the USAF’s eet of T-38C advanced devices to Joint Base San Antonio- for 351 aircraft, showing just how Randolph, Texas. Plans include two aggressive Boeing was on pricing ‘clean-sheet’ design was selected trainers in the advanced training despite o ering a brand-new aircraft. over competing proposals role, additional purchases could submitted by Lockheed Martin with follow if the platform is selected the T-50A in partnership with Korean to replace Talons used as ‘Red Air’ Aerospace Industries (KAI), and aggressor aircraft. SECOND SKYGUARDIAN FLIES The C-2A Greyhound will bow out of the GENERAL ATOMICS support ight envelope expansion, carrier on-board delivery (COD) role by AERONAUTICAL Systems testing of the certi ed redundant 2024. US Navy/MCS2C Thomas Gooley completed the rst ight of the control module, ight controller second MQ-9B SkyGuardian updates, and the certi able ground OSPREY FIELDING AND GREYHOUND remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) control station (C-GCS). The rst SUNSET PLANS REVISED on September 26. The ight was SkyGuardian prototype has already THE US NAVY has accelerated its C-2A has been moved from 2027 carried out at Laguna Army Air eld completed more than 75 ights sunset plans for the charismatic to 2024. The rst of 39 CMV-22Bs on the US Army’s Yuma Proving and own 400 ight test hours. The C-2A Greyhound carrier on-board for the navy were ordered in June Grounds in Arizona. aircraft set an endurance record delivery (COD) aircraft and the and are already in production. for Predator-series aircraft when transition of the mission to the The aircraft will undergo modi ed The company-owned prototype it ew for more than 48 hours. CMV-22B variant of the Osprey developmental and operational will allow the contractor to advance Additionally, it demonstrated an tilt-rotor. Because of the minimal testing that will primarily evaluate development testing and the automatic take-o and landing number of modi cations being the extended-range fuel system, demonstration of several systems capability using SATCOM only and made to the Osprey for the COD high-frequency beyond-line of that were not available on the rst in July it completed a 3,760nm mission, the service believes it will sight radio, and the public address prototype, which ew in 2016. (6,964km) ight from Grand Forks, undergo a shorter-than-planned system. The CMV-22B will achieve Those systems include lightning North Dakota to RAF Fairford, UK. test program. Under the revised initial operational capability and protection, an upgraded avionics The MQ-9B is being procured by plan the nal retirement date for the three aircraft will deploy in 2021. and software suite, and a de-icing the Royal Air Force as part of its system. Ultimately the MQ-9B will Protector RG1 unmanned combat be the rst RPA certi ed to y in civil air vehicle program. airspace. Referred to as YBC02, it will NORTHROP GRUMMAN OPENS TRAINING CENTER NORTHROP GRUMMAN RECENTLY training courses o ered at the center opened its new AC-208 training will last approximately four months center of excellence at Meacham and include pilot and mission Airport in Fort Worth, Texas. The system operator training. The 5,000 square foot (4,645 square AC-208 Eliminator is equipped with US NAVY HERCULES ‘GET WELL’ PLANS meter) facility is designed to provide an electro-optical, laser-equipped partner nations with instructional targeting system, air-to-ground and THE US NAVY expects to have all 2017. The C-130T eet will receive of its 25 C-130T Hercules back in avionics upgrades that will allow classroom activities and initial air-to-air communications to a ord the air during Fiscal 2019, which them to comply with Federal began on October 1. Modi cations Aviation Administration (FAA) aircrew and maintenance training both day and night reconnaissance to install new NP2000 propellers and International Civil Aviation will be completed by Fiscal 2020. Organization (ICAO) standards. It is on the Cessna AC-208 Eliminator, and strike capabilities. It provides The eet was grounded in August also planning to replace its C-130Ts 2017 following the crash of a US with C-130Js and three examples will which is modi ed by Northrop the capability to locate x, identify, Marine Corps KC-130T in July be purchased in Fiscal 2023. Grumman. The Armed Caravan track, target, and engage emerging was developed by Orbital ATK, and time-sensitive targets using which was purchased by Northrop laser guided 2.75in (70mm) rockets Grumman in June 2018. Initial or AGM-114 Hell re missiles. www.combataircraft.net // Digital Issue Combat Aircraft 09

[NEWS] UNITED STATES F-35 WINS UNDER LATEST DEFENSE BILL SPENDING ON THE RISE AS FY2019 BUDGET ADDS MORE FIGHTERSHERECENTLY USAF to assign up to 34 further F-35As to Eglin. APPROVED FISCAL Year 2019 defense Meanwhile, at Edwards AFB, appropriations bill added California, the F-35 will begin initial operational test and evaluation T $4.8 billion for military eight F-35As, two F-35Bs and six the oldest in service. The wing has F-35Cs. Additionally, it authorizes 25 Lightning IIs assigned, but all are the use of F-35 funds to modify up equipped with Block 2B-standard to six aircraft, including two jets of software rather than the latest Block each variant, to test con guration at 3F version. Plans originally called for aircraft procurement around $5 million each. Eglin to be home to up to 59 USAF (IOT&E) on November 13. Its above the original presidential request The USAF is considering stationing F-35A, US Marine Corps F-35B and successful completion will allow the and now totals $43 billion. The budget additional F-35As — including up US Navy F-35C variants in training F-35 to enter full-rate production. provides an additional $1.7 billion for to 24 Block 3F variants — at Eglin units. However the marines moved The Joint Strike Fighter Operational F-35 procurement, which resulted AFB, Florida, beginning in 2020. to MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina, Test Team (JOTT) approved the move in the authorization to purchase 16 The Lightning IIs that are currently and navy training will be phased on September 23 and the approval additional ghters from Lockheed assigned to the 33rd Fighter Wing’s out at Eglin next year. The navy’s of the under-secretary of defense Martin under lot 13. They comprise 58th Fighter Squadron are among departure opens the door for the followed on October 2. STRATOFORTRESS DELIVERS FIRST PRODUCTION QUICKSTRIKE ER MINE MH-65E NEARS COMPLETION IN A TEST conducted jointly by Navy P-8A Poseidon monitored the the US Navy and USAF, a B-52H test to collect data, and the inert THE FIRST LOW RATE initial subsequently complete a three- Stratofortress deployed a 2,000lb mine was subsequently recovered production MH-65E conversion month operational test period. (907kg) Quickstrike-ER (extended by divers. Although Quickstrike will be delivered to the Coast Inducted for modi cation in range) shallow-water mine during mines were already in service, the Guard Aviation Training Center April 2018, it received more than the recent ‘Valiant Shield 2018’ addition of the JDAM kit greatly (ATC) in Mobile, Alabama, 24 new components including exercise. The weapon was equipped improves their accuracy. Previously, following its acceptance in avionics, a redesigned avionics with a Joint Direct Attack Munition delivery of the weapons required January 2019. Tail number 6556 rack with greater crashworthiness, (JDAM) kit that allows it to be the bombers to y at low altitude will join the validation/veri cation an improved center console and a delivered from stand-o ranges near or over a target to ensure their aircraft at Mobile. The MH-65E will new instrument panel. outside a presumed enemy’s accuracy. Tests of smaller JDAM- anti-aircraft range. The test was equipped 500lb (227kg) mines were COAST GUARD TAKES ON POLAR MISSION conducted near the Northern conducted by B-1Bs and US Marine Marianas Islands in the Paci c Corps F/A-18s during ‘Valiant THE US COAST Guard, which 2005. Returning to Antarctica Ocean, north-east of Guam. A US Shield 2016’. ended its regular support of polar will require the training of operations in 2005, is preparing crews, updates to doctrine and A Quickstrike-ER mine on for the mission again. The service written policy, and refreshing of a B-52H at Andersen AFB, is making initial preparations for maintenance procedures related Guam, on September 18. participation in Operation ‘Deep to operating in a cold weather USAF/SrA Zachary Bumpus Freeze 2021’ (ODF21), which will environment over sustained begin in the fall of 2020. The periods. In preparation the 10 Combat Aircraft Digital Issue // www.combataircraft.net service will provide MH-65D service has removed six sets of helicopters and crews to the H-65 skis from storage at Air State Department and National Stations Traverse City, Michigan Science Foundation in support of and Kodiak, Alaska. The skis Antarctic Treaty inspections. The were shipped to the Coast Guard coast guard’s Polar Operations Aviation Logistics Center in Division had been located at Elizabeth City, North Carolina, Aviation Training Center Mobile where initial airworthiness until it was deactivated in January assessments were conducted.

UNITED STATES [NEWS] Formal operational test and evaluation will be run at Edwards AFB and will include the full range of F-35 capabilities, including external stores carriage. Frank Crébas/Bluelife Aviation DEPLOYMENT NEWS Six F-22As arrived at RAF Lakenheath from the Middle East on October 5 exible global strike capability and Air Base, Ukraine, on October — serials 08-4162, 09-4173, 09-4177, 09-4181, 09-4183 and 10-4194. Before the US government’s commitment 6. The Eagles, which are own returning Stateside, they took part in exercise ‘Raptor Redeploy’ at the UK to supporting global and regional by the 194th Fighter Squadron, base. For the full story see pages 84-87. USAF/SSgt Alex Fox Echols III security. Sorties included training were deployed for participation with KC-135Rs and F-22As operated in Exercise ‘Clear Sky 2018’. It F-22As support ‘Raptor Spirits complete by the Hawaii Air National Guard’s also included participation Redeploy’ F-22As operated by Hawaii deployment 154th Wing. Training for ground from KC-135Rs operated by the the 1st Fighter Wing’s 27th Fighter Air Force Global Strike Command’s personnel involved loading inert Illinois Air National Guard’s 126th Squadron began a short-term bombers conduct regular rotations 500lb (227kg) BDU-50 practice Air Refueling Wing and other deployment to RAF Lakenheath in throughout the Indo-Paci c bombs. On September 14, one European-based USAF units. A support of US European Command but three B-2As, assigned to B-2A conducted hot-pit refueling at C-130J operated by the California on October 5. The ghters were the 509th Bomb Wing’s 393rd Wake Island in the mid-Paci c. ANG’s 146th Airlift Wing was joined by Raptors from the wing’s Bomb Squadron, completed the deployed to Vinnytsia Air Base. The 94th Fighter Squadron, which was bomber’s rst deployment to California Condors deploy multi-national exercise, which ran returning to Joint Base Langley- Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, F-15C operated by the California from October 8-19, was marred by Eustis from a deployment to the US Hawaii as part of a US Strategic Air National Guard’s 144th Fighter the loss of a Ukrainian Su-27UB on Central Command (CENTCOM) area Command Bomber Task Force Wing landed at Starokostiantyniv October 16 — see Losses. of operations. Referred to as ‘Raptor deployment on September 27. Redeploy 19-1’, the event saw the The deployment, which began F-15C serial 84-0004, which wears special markings celebrating the 75th on August 15, saw the bombers anniversary of the 144th Fighter Wing’s 194th Fighter Squadron, lands ghters conducting dissimilar air conducting hundreds of local and at Starokostiantyniv Air Base, Ukraine, on October 6 for participation in combat training (DACT) with F-15s long-duration sorties intended Exercise ‘Clear Sky 2018’. California ANG/TSgt Charles Vaughn from the 48th Fighter Wing, which to demonstrated the bomber’s is stationed at Lakenheath. www.combataircraft.net // Digital Issue Combat Aircraft 11

[NEWS] UNITED STATES EXTENDED-RANGE GRAY EAGLE SERVICE APPROVED THE EXTENDED RANGE VERSION of that evaluated the MQ-1C’s ability to UNIT NEWS the US Army’s MQ-1C unmanned air support long-range and persistent system has completed follow-on test reconnaissance. The MQ-1C ER o ers a ‘Grim Reapers’ to stand down Holloman AFB realigned and evaluation (FOT&E), clearing the signi cant increase in endurance and The US Navy plans to stand down The 49th Wing at Holloman AFB, way for initial elding to begin. Testing payload capacity to support mission strike ghter squadron VFA-101, New Mexico and its assigned units began at Air Force Plant 42 in June tasking, as well as improved reliability which was the service’s rst F-35C were realigned from Air Combat 2018 and included 644 ight hours and maintainability. unit. Reactivated on October Command to Air Education and 1, 2010, the ‘Grim Reapers’ was Training Command on October GOLDEN KNIGHTS RETIREMENT the rst F-35C eet replacement 1. In addition to its assigned squadron, based at Eglin AFB, MQ-9A Reaper squadrons, the The first of two C-31As operated by the US Army Parachute Team was Florida, and began ying the F-35C wing assumed control of the 54th retired to Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona, when serial 85-01607 arrived on in 2013. It has most recently been Fighter Group, which is tasked as September 23. The Fokker F27-400M had supported around 525,000 tasked with training instructor and an F-16 formal training unit (FTU). jumps by the Golden Knights since entering service in 1985. 309th AMARG test pilots. The unit’s personnel The group and its three training and aircraft will be transferred squadrons had previously been ATAC’S MIRAGES ON SHOW to other units including VFA-125 assigned to AETC’s 56th Fighter at NAS Lemoore, California. The Wing at Luke AFB, Arizona, as a The Airborne Tactical Advantage Company (ATAC) formally unveiled its ‘Rough Raiders’ will assume the full geographically separated unit. first two former French Air Force Dassault Mirage F1s that have been responsibility as the F-35C FRS. refurbished for aggressor services at Alliance Airport, Fort Worth, Rescue groups reassigned Texas, on October 12. The two aircraft carried registrations N609AX and Poseidon to assume The 563rd Rescue Group and its N602AX. Henry B. Ham special mission role seven subordinate squadrons, Wisconsin Air National Guard Fleet Support Unit One which are based at Davis- F-16Cs deployed to Poznañ/ (FSU-1) was established at Monthan AFB, Arizona and Nellis Krzesiny for ‘AvDet 18-5’. NAS Jacksonville, Florida, on AFB, Nevada, were realigned Piotr Łysakowski September 10, 2018. Reporting to from the 23rd Wing at Moody commander, patrol wing PW-11 AFB, Georgia, to the 355th ‘AVIATION DETACHMENT 18-5’ at NAS Jacksonville, the unit is Fighter Wing on October 1. DURING THIS YEAR’S‘Aviation Detachment rotation exercises tasked with con guring and Additionally, the 823rd and 923rd Detachment 18-5’rotation, the are implemented by a small team operating P-8A aircraft to provide Aircraft Maintenance Squadrons 126th Air Refueling Wing provided managing the Poland detachments. a follow-on special mission at Nellis and Davis-Monthan refueling for both Polish and US Air During the two weeks of the AvDet capability in place of patrol were reassigned from the 23rd Force F-16Cs from the 115th Fighter crews ew in the bilateral‘One Sky’ squadron (special project) VPU-2 Maintenance Group (MXG) to the Wing as they trained together in exercises related to the defense of which ies specially con gured 355th MXG. The 563rd had been September. The periodic Aviation Polish airspace. Krzysztof Kuska P-3C. The Orions are scheduled for assigned to the 23rd Wing as a retirement during 2019. geographically separated unit since 2006. New Reaper unit activated The 25th Attack Group was C-130 test force designated activated at Shaw AFB, South as detachment Carolina on October 2. The unit is The 413th Flight Test Squadron’s a geographically separated unit C-130 combined test force was of the 432nd Wing at Creech AFB, designated as Detachment 1, Nevada. The group is responsible 96th Operations Group at Eglin for the 50th and 482nd Attack AFB, Florida, on September Squadrons (ATKS), which operate 10. The unit, which is tasked remotely based MQ-9A ground with conducting specialized control stations. Whereas the 50th developmental tests associated ATKS was activated in February with the US Air Force Hercules 2018, the latter squadron was community, had been a stood up on October 3. The component of the 413th FLTS, group will also be responsible which was activated in 2005. It for the 25th Operational performed developmental test Support Squadron, which will be and evaluation for Air Force established later this year at Shaw. Special Operations Command Since its activation in February the aircraft and US Air Force rotary- 50th ATKS has own more than wing machines. The unit has 400 Reaper missions, recorded recently been heavily involved over 7,000 ight hours and in testing the USAF’s AC-130J conducted in excess of 75 ‘Ghostrider’ and MC-130J special air strikes. operations aircraft. 12 Combat Aircraft Digital Issue // www.combataircraft.net

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BY SCOTT WOLFF BRINGING YOU THE LATEST TALK in the community is this: incentivizing a Navy seeks a solution FROM AROUND THE SQUADRONS ghter pilot’s time in hopes of keeping In its continuing e orts to combat the NAVY them in the service is not the solution. retention and readiness problems, the AIMS AT While everyone loves a good bonus and US Navy is instituting a program which READINESS a pay raise, that is only one of several creates an opportunity for pilots and naval AND components to a long-term solution, and RETENTIONHERE IS A well-documented arguably one of the smaller ones. ight o cers to stay in service as ight instructors later in their careers, side- pilot shortage in the ranks To be clear, this is not a new issue. stepping the sea/shore duty rotation more of all military aviation As has been said before by industry common to the service. components in the US. experts, both military and civilian alike, there’s always been a cycle to numbers On September 28, the o ce of the TThough the US Air Force and in the airlines and in the ranks of military Chief of Naval Operations released its reserve components have aviation. While one may be feasting, the a memo through o cial NAVADMIN been hit the hardest of all, the US Navy other is experiencing more of a famine. channels, announcing the creation of is also feeling the e ects in a big way. What makes things di erent now is that the aviation professional ight instructor both are rapidly approaching an extreme (PFI) billet. The scope of the PFI program A lot of talk has been heard about state of resource depletion. is speci cally geared towards retention, possible solutions, many of which revolve as well as the di cult challenge of around the concept of throwing more Airline retirements are near record maintaining combat-readiness in this money at pilots. However, the consensus levels. With more than 15,000 retirements present time of resource depletion expected in the next three to ve years, a ecting the naval aviation community. There has commercial air carriers are legitimately been a lot of concerned about their ability to ll seats in Naval Air Systems Command’s (NAVAIR’s) talk about possible the cockpit. The largest problem is there ability to adequately sta operational solutions, many of are not enough quali ed applicants in the which revolve around hiring pool and the military is no longer a ying billets, as well as pipeline instructor the concept of throwing stable provider of transitioning aviators. positions, is severely crippled because more money at pilots of the pilot shortage. The navy has committed to improving readiness in 14 Combat Aircraft Digital Issue // www.combataircraft.net

the tactical aviation community — the The ability for providing career exibility, assignment To be eligible for consideration to Super Hornet squadrons, speci cally — US Navy pilots stability for selected o cers/families, join the new program, an aviator or as well as trying to nd ways to improve to opt out of and rewarding experiences training our NFO must have completed — or be the quality of life for naval aviators, NFOs command tracks newest naval aviators. The program will currently serving in — a department and their families. That includes e orts and into more also signi cantly improve instructor head assignment for aviation-related to revamp and improve both personal stable instructor manning levels in Chief of Naval Air operations or operational training, and ‘professional growth’ opportunities pilot slots is Training (CNATRA) commands — better completed at least one tour in ‘aviation for yers. aimed squarely leveraging the eet experience and production’, have a projected rotation at retaining instructional skills of o cers who date in the next calendar year and have For some time, naval aviators have experience. otherwise may have left service for at least three years remaining before emphasized a desire for di erent Jamie Hunter civilian opportunities.’ their statutory retirement date. opportunities outside of the traditional career path. Once you reach the level A reason to stay Accepting a position as a PFI means of department head, the next steps in that the pilot or NFO will no longer be your career take you down the road Not every aviator aspires to pursue eligible to be considered for command to traditional command. By default, command opportunities, so this but would retain eligibility for standard that means more administrative program appears to be a step in the promotion board consideration. responsibilities, less ying, and less job right direction for those who want to The candidate would be allowed to satisfaction when your professional goal stay in the navy, instead of transitioning remain in the program until they is to stay on the pointy end of the spear, to the airlines to put the days of choose to retire, or until they decide lengthy periods at sea, combat, and to e ect a voluntary withdrawal from ying jets on and o the boat. In theory, mission-creep behind them. With this the program. the PFI billet would allow some aviators permanent instructor status, aviators to serve continuously as shore-based selected would have greater stability The initial board to select the with the singular focus of contributing rst professional ight instructors ight instructors. to the development of the next will convene on November 20, and According to a recent post on a US generation of ‘tailhookers’. applications to be considered for a PFI Navy blog, ‘The PFI program is being spot were due by November 13. implemented to improve retention by www.combataircraft.net // Digital Issue Combat Aircraft 15

[NEWS] WORLD A digitally created image of the new F/A-259 Striker that was unveiled in July. Aero Vodochody A Royal Australian Air Force P-8A supports sea trials for the NUSHIP Hobart in the JAPAN PLANNING NEW Gulf St Vincent off the coast of Adelaide last year. In future, Australia will be joined NAVAL INTELLIGENCE by South Korea and New Zealand among Asia-Pacific Poseidon operators. AIRCRAFT CPL Craig Barrett/Commonwealth of Australia THE JAPAN DEFENSE Ministry PACIFIC AREA POSEIDON NEWS Zone and near region’. New Zealand is considering the acquisition THE REPUBLIC OF Korea announced surveillance capability project at a originally purchased ve P-3Bs in of naval intelligence-gathering plans to replace its current eet of cost of $1.6 billion, including training 1966 and acquired a sixth aircraft aircraft as part of its ve-year 16 P-3CK maritime patrol aircraft and infrastructure improvements. from Australia in 1985. Since the defense program that will with P-8As on June 26. It will initially The US State Department previously mid-1980s the Orions have received begin in 2019. It will reportedly purchase six Poseidons under its approved the potential sale in several upgrades but the eet is consider existing and modi ed MPA-II project at a cost of around April 2017. The Poseidons will expected to reach the end of its types for the role. Although $1.7 billion. Before deciding to replace the Royal New Zealand operational life in 2025. the Japan Maritime Self- acquire the P-8A, the government’s Air Force’s current eet of six Defense Force (JMSDF) will procurement agency considered Lockheed P-3K2 Orions and will Australia recently announced determine how many aircraft several options including the enter service with No 5 Squadron plans to upgrade its facilities at will be acquired, development Airbus C295 MPA, upgrades of the in 2023. It will shift operations from the Royal Malaysian Air Force’s will be the responsibility of Lockheed P-3C Orion and S-3B RNZAF Base Whenuapai to RNZAF Butterworth air base in preparation the ministry’s Acquisition, Viking and the Saab Sword sh, the Base Ohakea, near Manawatū. for the deployment of RAAF Technology and Logistics Agency latter based on the Bombardier The government also plans to P-8As in support of missions in (ATLA). The agency released a Global 6000 business jet. According consider options for additional the South-east Asia region. The request for information for an to South Korea’s Defense Acquisition maritime surveillance capability RAAF conducted its initial P-8A intelligence-gathering aircraft Program Administration (DAPA), the as part of a defence capability deployment to the base in May 2017 in April. The new machine aircraft will be purchased through a plan review that is scheduled for as part of the Poseidon’s operational is apparently intended as a government-to-government Foreign completion by the end of 2018. and test evaluation program. The replacement for the JMSDF’s Military Sales contract. According to the defense minister, $16.3-million project involves the existing eet of four EP-3C ‘The complementary capability will refurbishment of the hangars and and ve OP-3C intelligence, Meanwhile, New Zealand’s defense consider smaller manned aircraft, other facilities that will support the surveillance and reconnaissance minister announced plans to buy remotely piloted aircraft systems maritime patrol aircraft. The RAAF’s (ISR) aircraft. The service also four P-8As from Boeing under the (RPAS) or satellites, for additional AP-3Cs have deployed to the region operates the Kawasaki Heavy US Foreign Military Sales program maritime surveillance tasks within and operated from Butterworth as Industries P-1, currently replacing on July 9. The aircraft are being New Zealand’s Exclusive Economic part of Operation‘Gateway’since Japan’s eet of P-3C maritime acquired under the future air 1981, but will hand this role o to patrol aircraft, which is a likely the Poseidon in 2018. Tom Kaminski candidate for this role. However, smaller aircraft including unmanned types could also be considered. Tom Kaminski 16 Combat Aircraft Digital Issue // www.combataircraft.net

WORLD [NEWS] AERO VODOCHODY LAUNCHES KUWAIT ORDERS F/A-259 STRIKER SUPER HORNETS COST-EFFECTIVE LIGHT ATTACK AIRCRAFT FROM CZECH MANUFACTURERZECH AIRCRAFT BOEING RECEIVED A $1.5-billion contract to build 28 Super Hornets MANUFACTURER for the Kuwait Air Force on June Aero Vodochody 27. According to Boeing, deliveries and Israel Aerospace to Kuwait will begin in late 2020 or early 2021. The 22 F/A-18Es and C Industries (IAI) launched six F/A-18Fs will be equipped with The F/A-259 is derived from the provide customers with aircraft that several of the features planned existing L-159 Advanced Light meet their OA-X requirements.’ for the Block III con guration, Combat Aircraft (ALCA), but adds new including an advanced cockpit avionics and advanced technologies. The F/A-259 is able to operate from system. Boeing had previously Using a ‘wet’ wing provides unpaved runways and has seven received a $1.16-billion contract to hardpoints for the carriage of fuel, carry out research, development and testing associated with the the F/A-259 Striker superior performance, enhanced weapons, or mission equipment, Kuwaiti project in March 2018. The US Navy plans to begin purchasing multi-role warplane at the UK’s maneuverability and increased range. including smart and stand-o the rst of 110 new Block III Super Hornets over a ve-year Farnborough International Air Show. Benjamin Cohen, general manager weapons. As an optional upgrade, period beginning in Fiscal 2019. Tom Kaminski Intended as a cost-e ective ghter/ of IAI’s Lahav Division, said, ‘Our the F/A-259 can be equipped with an attack aircraft for close air support, co-operation with Aero Vodochody active electronically scanned array counter-insurgency operations and o ers the USAF impressive proven (AESA) radar and helmet-mounted border patrol, the Striker will have a performance of the F/A-259, with display. Another option is an air-to-air secondary interception capability. new innovative IAI systems, to refueling probe. SLOVAKIA SELECTS F-16 TO REPLACE MIG-29 Gripen E prototype 39-8 with five RUAG Aerostructures external pylons and AS REPORTED IN Headlines, the former will be eight per cent wingtip IRIS-T missiles. Saab the Slovakian Defense Ministry less expensive to operate and announced its decision to replace its maintain over its planned 30-year current eet of 12 MiG-29 ghters service life. The US State Department with F-16s on July 11. The Block gave its approval to the potential 70/72 version of the Lockheed $2.91-billion sale of 14 Block 70/72 Martin ghter was selected over F-16Vs and associated equipment, the Saab JAS 39 Gripen following weapons and services to Slovakia in a detailed analysis that concluded April. Tom Kaminski GRIPEN E BEGINS EXTERNAL STORES TRIALS SAAB HAS BEGUN ight tests high availability and reliability’, A Slovak Air Force MiG-29 during the joint US-Slovak Exercise ‘Slovak of its new Gripen E ghter with according to the company. Warthog’ that was held as part of Operation ‘Atlantic Resolve’ at Sliač air external stores. The rst Gripen E base in 2016. It also involved F-16s of the 140th Fighter Wing, Colorado prototype, 39-8, has conducted a The Gripen E is provided with Air National Guard, deployed from Buckley Air Force Base. number of successful ights carrying eight external stores pylons. The Air National Guard/SSgt William Hopper external payloads, including pylons from the Swiss company RUAG rst ights with external stores AUSTRALIAN GULFSTREAMS ORDERED Aerostructures. were conducted over the Baltic Sea at the beginning of June. Besides L3 TECHNOLOGIES HAS received airborne intelligence, surveillance, The initial Gripen E test aircraft two examples of the IRIS-T air-to-air an $83-million Foreign Military Sales reconnaissance (AISR) and electronic took to the air last year, and missile on the wingtips, the aircraft (FMS) contract from the USAF’s 645th warfare (EW) mission systems since then Saab has carried was tted with ve pylons designed Aeronautical Systems Group that that would be produced by L3. It out an ‘intensive ight trials and built together with RUAG covers the purchase of two Gulfstream previously received a contract for the period’. The aircraft has been Aerostructures. The ights included G550 aircraft. Although the customer procurement of the rst two aircraft engaged in envelope expansion several test maneuvers at supersonic for the Gulfstreams was not identi ed, for conversion in January 2016. Work work, demonstrating ‘expected speed. Future trials will involve in June 2017 the US State Department associated with the new contract performance and behaviors, with carriage and release of missiles, drop approved Australia’s purchase of will be completed in August 2021. tanks and other external stores. up to ve examples modi ed with Tom Kaminski MORE SHERPAS FOR BRAZIL THE US ARMY will transfer four Sherpas to Brazil had previously been additional Shorts C-23B+s to the approved by the US government Brazilian Army under the Excess in 2016. Six of them will reportedly Defense Articles (EDA) program. receive cockpit upgrades prior to The transfer of another batch of four delivery. Tom Kaminski www.combataircraft.net // Digital Issue Combat Aircraft 17

[NEWS] WORLD TAIWAN APACHE BRIGADE DECLARED OPERATIONAL ROC GUARDIANS ON DUTYHE REPUBLIC OF Chinaceremony that occurred on July Command. The former, which ies 11. The 601st and the 602nd Air the service’s eet of 29 Apaches, Army’s 601st Air Cavalry Cavalry Brigade — which currently has two combat aviation squadrons Brigade became the rst operates older AH-1W attack and is responsible for the defense of northern Taiwan. T Taiwanese air brigade to helicopters — are components of Tom Kaminski be fully equipped with AH-64E helicopters following a the Army Aviation and Special Forces Formosa Military Image Press PAKISTAN T129 ATAK ORDER CONFIRMED RCAF CYCLONE DEPLOYS A ROYAL CANADIAN Air Force Nova Scotia on July 18 in support of TURKISH AEROSPACE INDUSTRIES geographical conditions, the (RCAF) CH-148 operated by 423 Operation ‘Reassurance’. 423 MHS, (TAI) has con rmed a deal to supply Pakistan Army has already tested Maritime Helicopter Squadron which is the rst RCAF squadron to the Pakistan Army with 30 T129 ATAK the twin-engine ATAK in Turkey and began the new helicopter’s initial have transitioned to the Cyclone, attack helicopters. The deal had Pakistan. According to a statement operational deployment aboard is normally based at 12 Wing/ previously been reported on May 24, from TAI, the twin-seat T129 the frigate HMCS Ville de Québec CFB Shearwater, Nova Scotia. in a political manifesto from Turkey’s ‘successfully passed all required (FFH 332), which departed from Tom Kaminski ruling Justice and Development tests in order to meet the Pakistan Party, released ahead of the Army needs’. Leonardo general election. Under an ongoing program to LEONARDO AND ITALIAN AIR FORCE LAUNCH TRAINING SCHOOL The company said that‘on-going procure new attack helicopters, negotiations between Pakistan Pakistan evaluated the T129 in LEONARDO AND THE Italian Air The IFTS will make use of existing Ministry of Defence Production June 2016 and reportedly began Force have announced collaboration training assets in service with the (MoDP) and Turkish Aerospace contract negotiations for 30 on the International Flight Training Italian Air Force in addition to have successfully been nalized’, examples in June last year. Earlier, School (IFTS) initiative to train Leonardo supplying four additional and a contract signed. As well as its Army Aviation Corps ordered military pilots at the air force’s 61° T-346 aircraft, new systems and the helicopters, the deal includes 12 AH-1Z Vipers and conducted Stormo at Lecce-Galatina. The services starting from 2019. logistics, ammunition, spares, ground trials with three Changhe WZ-10s in joint project will subsequently add support equipment and training. 2015. The service also acquired four rotary-wing and unmanned aerial Beginning in 2021, the Italian Air Mi-35Ms, which were apparently system tuition. Force’s entire advanced and pre- To prove its e ciency in delivered earlier this year. operational training syllabus will be demanding environmental and According to Leonardo,‘The IFTS moved to a new, dedicated facility. will ensure the further growth and TAI internationalization of the Italian Air The 61° Stormo already trains Force’s training school while at the pilots and instructors from Italy as same time increasing its capabilities well as from the US, Spain, France, and the range of pilot training Austria, the Netherlands, Poland, solutions o ered to the customers.’ Singapore, Argentina, Greece and Kuwait. 18 Combat Aircraft Digital Issue // www.combataircraft.net

WORLD [NEWS] SINGAPORE EYES F-16 REPLACEMENT AUSTRALIA CONFIRMS TRITON PURCHASE will see a combined total of $364 THE SINGAPOREAN MINISTRY of made stealth ghters, these are the AUSTRALIA’S PRIME MINISTER Defense has said it will come to a suspects you have to look at’, he said. decision on a replacement for its con rmed that the Royal Australian million of investment in the F-16C/D/D+ ghter eet in the next However, it is almost certain that Air Force (RAAF) will acquire construction of new operational few months. Singapore has already settled on the F-35. Having subscribed to the the rst of six MQ-4C maritime and support facilities. Equipping three squadrons at the program as a security co-operative Republic of Singapore Air Force participant since 2003, it is privy to unmanned air systems (MUAS) from The Triton will complement (RSAF)’s Tengah Air Base and the information that will aid in its Peace Carvin IV training planning. Speculation persists of an Northrop Grumman at a cost of the intelligence, surveillance and detachment in Phoenix, Arizona, eventual mixed purchase of $1.4 billion. Follow-on contracts for reconnaissance capabilities of the eet of 60 F-16s was delivered conventional take-o and landing between 1998 and 2004. The jets (CTOL) F-35A and short take-o and production of the remaining ve the RAAF’s P-8A multi-mission are in the midst of a mid-life vertical landing (STOVL) F-35B upgrade by Lockheed Martin that models to suit its unique operational systems and in-service sustainment maritime aircraft. According to a will bring them to a standard on par environment and requirements. with the F-16V. are expected to follow by mid-2019. statement from Australia’s prime It was reported in 2016 that the Speaking to media ahead of country was putting on hold plans to The rst Triton will be delivered and defense ministers, ‘Together Singapore Armed Forces Day on July purchase a dozen F-35Bs. It was likely 1, Defense Minister Ng Eng Hen that a decision was premature then in mid-2023 and the MQ-4C will these aircraft will signi cantly indicated that the F-16s would face and that Singapore preferred to wait obsolescence beyond 2030 and for a reduction in unit prices and achieve initial operating capability enhance our anti-submarine planning for a replacement will resolution of technical problems as require a lead-time of 10 years. well as securing guarantees on (IOC) with the RAAF 12 months warfare and maritime strike ‘Whether it’s Typhoons, F-35s, customizations and in-country Sukhois and even now Chinese- maintenance and overhaul. Roy Choo later. Full operational capability capability, as well as our search (FOC) is scheduled for mid-2025 and rescue capability’. Australia when all six systems are in service con rmed plans to acquire the at RAAF Base Edinburgh near MQ-4C to ful ll the requirements Adelaide. The Tritons will also of the project AIR 7000 Phase operate from RAAF Base Tindal, 1B requirement on June 19. Northern Territory. The two bases Tom Kaminski An artist’s impression of the MQ-4C Triton in RAAF colors. Northrop Grumman. Serial 678 is one of a final batch of 20 F-16D+ jets delivered between NEW MISSION FOR AUSSIE BLACK HAWKS 2003-04 and operated by the RSAF’s 145 Squadron. Roy Choo An F/A-18D prepares to refuel from a RMAF AUSTRALIA’S ARMY AIR Corps will budget includes AUS$6.5 million A400M en route to ‘Pitch Black 2018’. TUDM transfer a pair of S-70A helicopters to retro t the Black Hawks to to the New South Wales (NSW) RFS speci cations. The army is Rural Fire Service (RFS). The Black replacing its 39 S-70As with the Hawks will support the RFS’s MRH90 Taipan and the Black Hawk MALAYSIAN FIGHTERS CLEARED emergency services and will be eet is expected to be gradually TO REFUEL FROM ATLAS used to transport emergency withdrawn from service beginning service personnel to bush res, in 2019. The re service’s two Black THE ROYAL MALAYSIAN Air ghters for A400 in- ight refueling oods and other disasters across Hawks will be based in Sydney. Force (RMAF) has quali ed its in February, shortly after the rst the state. The NSW 2018-19 state Tom Kaminski Su-30MKM, F/A-18D and Hawk set of refueling pods was received Mk208 aircraft to be refueled in from Cobham. Although the air A 6th Aviation Regiment S-70A-9 Black Hawk flies past a Sydney beach arm’s four A400Ms are all capable during continuation training earlier this year. ight by A400M airlifters equipped of carrying the pods, the service CPL Sebastian Beurich/Commonwealth of Australia with aerial refueling pods. F/A-18Ds has thus far acquired only two participating in Exercise ‘Pitch sets. Fighter crews were quali ed Black 2018’ in late July will y to conduct aerial refueling from non-stop to Darwin, Australia with the A400M in daytime and at the assistance of in- ight refueling night using night vision goggles. provided by the Atlas. The distance The ghters had previously been between Kuala Lumpur and Darwin quali ed to refuel from the RMAF’s is around 2,260 miles (3,640km). four KC-130Hs. Tom Kaminski The RMAF began qualifying its www.combataircraft.net // Digital Issue Combat Aircraft 19

[NEWS] WORLD TAIWAN APACHE BRIGADE DECLARED OPERATIONAL ROC GUARDIANS ON DUTYHE REPUBLIC OF Chinaceremony that occurred on July Command. The former, which ies 11. The 601st and the 602nd Air the service’s eet of 29 Apaches, Army’s 601st Air Cavalry Cavalry Brigade — which currently has two combat aviation squadrons Brigade became the rst operates older AH-1W attack and is responsible for the defense of northern Taiwan. T Taiwanese air brigade to helicopters — are components of Tom Kaminski be fully equipped with AH-64E helicopters following a the Army Aviation and Special Forces Formosa Military Image Press PAKISTAN T129 ATAK ORDER CONFIRMED RCAF CYCLONE DEPLOYS A ROYAL CANADIAN Air Force Nova Scotia on July 18 in support of TURKISH AEROSPACE INDUSTRIES geographical conditions, the (RCAF) CH-148 operated by 423 Operation ‘Reassurance’. 423 MHS, (TAI) has con rmed a deal to supply Pakistan Army has already tested Maritime Helicopter Squadron which is the rst RCAF squadron to the Pakistan Army with 30 T129 ATAK the twin-engine ATAK in Turkey and began the new helicopter’s initial have transitioned to the Cyclone, attack helicopters. The deal had Pakistan. According to a statement operational deployment aboard is normally based at 12 Wing/ previously been reported on May 24, from TAI, the twin-seat T129 the frigate HMCS Ville de Québec CFB Shearwater, Nova Scotia. in a political manifesto from Turkey’s ‘successfully passed all required (FFH 332), which departed from Tom Kaminski ruling Justice and Development tests in order to meet the Pakistan Party, released ahead of the Army needs’. Leonardo general election. Under an ongoing program to LEONARDO AND ITALIAN AIR FORCE LAUNCH TRAINING SCHOOL The company said that‘on-going procure new attack helicopters, negotiations between Pakistan Pakistan evaluated the T129 in LEONARDO AND THE Italian Air The IFTS will make use of existing Ministry of Defence Production June 2016 and reportedly began Force have announced collaboration training assets in service with the (MoDP) and Turkish Aerospace contract negotiations for 30 on the International Flight Training Italian Air Force in addition to have successfully been nalized’, examples in June last year. Earlier, School (IFTS) initiative to train Leonardo supplying four additional and a contract signed. As well as its Army Aviation Corps ordered military pilots at the air force’s 61° T-346 aircraft, new systems and the helicopters, the deal includes 12 AH-1Z Vipers and conducted Stormo at Lecce-Galatina. The services starting from 2019. logistics, ammunition, spares, ground trials with three Changhe WZ-10s in joint project will subsequently add support equipment and training. 2015. The service also acquired four rotary-wing and unmanned aerial Beginning in 2021, the Italian Air Mi-35Ms, which were apparently system tuition. Force’s entire advanced and pre- To prove its e ciency in delivered earlier this year. operational training syllabus will be demanding environmental and According to Leonardo,‘The IFTS moved to a new, dedicated facility. will ensure the further growth and TAI internationalization of the Italian Air The 61° Stormo already trains Force’s training school while at the pilots and instructors from Italy as same time increasing its capabilities well as from the US, Spain, France, and the range of pilot training Austria, the Netherlands, Poland, solutions o ered to the customers.’ Singapore, Argentina, Greece and Kuwait. 20 Combat Aircraft Digital Issue // www.combataircraft.net

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HE US NAVY’S force of 11 San Diego, California to Naval Base conducting operational deployments in Below: The USS nuclear-powered aircraft Kitsap-Bremerton, Washington, and the western Paci c as part of the Seventh Carl Vinson (CVN carriers currently includes the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) from US Fleet. In addition, the USS Carl Vinson 70) transits the nine ships that are capable of Norfolk, Virginia, to NAS North Island. (CVN 70) and USS John C. Stennis (CVN Pacific Ocean. Additionally, USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) were operating in the Eastern Paci c This carrier is set Tdeploying as the agship of a 74) will move from North Island to and USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) and to remain part of Carrier Strike Group (CSG). The Norfolk. The Navy previously conducted the navy’s newest carrier, USS Gerald R. the Pacific Fleet, CSG and the carriers’ embarked air wings a three-carrier home port swap that Ford (CVN 78), were conducting training but will relocate provide the national command authority began in August 2015 and involved the operations in the Atlantic. from San Diego with a powerful, forward-deployed USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), USS to Naval Base diplomatic weapon that is capable George Washington (CVN 73) and USS The USS George Washington (CVN 73), Kitsap-Bremerton, of projecting a tactical and strategic Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). which arrived in Norfolk in December Washington. presence where and when required. 2015, is undergoing a 48-month RCOH US Navy/ THE CARRIERS (refueling and complex overhaul) that MCS2C Sean M. Five aircraft carriers and ve carrier began in August 2017. The USS Abraham Castellano air wings are assigned to the US Paci c The eet achieved a milestone in early Lincoln (CVN 72), the fth Nimitz-class Fleet. The US Atlantic Fleet also has November 2017 when seven CSGs were carrier to complete its RCOH, was returned simultaneously at sea for the rst time to the eet in May 2017. The mid-life ve carriers assigned but only four are since 2004. The USS Ronald Reagan overhauls permit the ships to serve the currently considered to be deployable (CVN 76), USS Nimitz (CVN 68) and because CVN 78 is still supporting post- USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) were eet for their entire 50-year design life. delivery testing and training. Only four The decommissioning of the USS CVWs are assigned to the Atlantic Fleet Enterprise (CVN 65) in 2012 left the US and the size of the carrier force ensures that the navy can simultaneously Aircraft Number Mission maintain two deployed carrier strike F/A-18E/F (44) Strike ghter groups while retaining the ability to EA-18G (5) Airborne electronic attack surge three or more, if required. E-2C/D (5) Airborne early warning MH-60R/S (19) Anti-submarine/anti-surface warfare/logistical support On August 2, the commander, Naval C-2A (2) Carrier on-board delivery Air Forces, revealed plans for another three-carrier home port swap that Note: The future carrier air wing structure will comprise two squadrons of F-35Cs, two will see USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) squadrons equipped with F/A-18E/Fs and a single squadron with EA-18Gs. relocated from NAS North Island in The US Navy is unparalleled when it comes to carrier- borne aviation. The ability to strategically position a ship with an embarked air wing that rivals most air forces is a powerful tool for the world’s largest superpower. REPORT Tom Kaminski FROM THE UNITED STATES NAVY CARRIER AIR POWER 22 Combat Aircraft Digital Issue // www.combataircraft.net

Above: An Navy with a single class of nuclear- process. The USS George Washington The navy’s newest aircraft carrier joined F/A-18F Super powered aircraft carriers. With an (CVN 73)’s mid-life RCOH began in the eet when the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN Hornet of VFA-94 overall length of 1,092ft (332.84m), a August 2017. 78), was placed in commission on July 22, ‘Mighty Shrikes’ beam of 134ft (40.84m) and full-load 2017. The ship is the rst of a new class launches from the displacement of 92,000 to 106,000 tons, The ships were constructed between of aircraft carriers and will make its initial aircraft carrier the 10 Nimitz-class aircraft carriers are 1968 and 2009 by Newport News deployment in 2022. USS Theodore the largest warships in the world, each Shipbuilding Company in Newport Roosevelt (CVN designed for an approximately 50-year News, Virginia. Each is powered by two USS Nimitz (CVN 68) 71). US Navy/ service life with one mid-life refueling. A4W nuclear reactors. Steam produced MCS3C Alex Five of the vessels — comprising the by the reactors drives four turbines that The lead ship of its class is named in honor Corona USS Nimitz (CVN 68), USS Dwight D. provide 280,000shp to the ship’s four of Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz. The Eisenhower (CVN 69), USS Carl Vinson propellers, enabling the vessel to reach keel for the US Navy’s second nuclear- (CVN 70), USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN maximum speeds in excess of 30kt. The powered carrier was laid on June 22, 1968 71) and USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN and it was launched on May 13, 1972. 72) — have gone through the RCOH ight deck is 252ft (76.81m) wide and is Commissioned on May 3, 1975, the ship’s equipped with four elevators and four RCOH was completed in 2001. Nimitz steam-powered catapults. has been home-ported in Coronado, California, since March 2012. The agship for Carrier Strike Group 11 (CSG-11) will remain in service until replaced by the future USS John F. Kennedy (CVN 79). The carrier has been undergoing a dry dock planned incremental availability (DPIA) period at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Washington since March 2018. USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) The keel of the carrier, which was named to honor America’s 34th president and General of the Army, was laid on August www.combataircraft.net // Digital Issue Combat Aircraft 23

FORCE REPORT // US NAVAL CARRIER AIR POWER 15, 1970. The hull was subsequently 3, 1984 and the vessel was christened Above: VADM ported at Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan, launched on October 11, 1975 and the on February 13, 1988. It was placed in Dewolfe Miller, since September 25, 2008. In preparation vessel was commissioned on October 18, commission on November 11, 1989. The commander, for its RCOH the ship’s home port was 1977. A mid-life RCOH was completed in previous vessel with this name was a Naval Air Forces, changed to Naval Station Norfolk, Newport News in March 2005.Currently speaks to the Virginia, in December 2015. The ship home-ported at Naval Station Norfolk, eet ballistic missile submarine (SSBN crew of the USS has been undergoing a mid-life RCOH Virginia,‘Ike’is the agship for CSG-10. 602). Its home port was changed from Ronald Reagan at Newport News Shipbuilding since Everett, Washington, to Naval Station (CVN 76). August 2017. USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) Norfolk, Virginia, on August 7, 2012, but US Navy/MCS2C it will now move to NAS North Island. The Kaila Peters USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) Named for the late Georgia congressman, carrier began an RCOH at Newport News Below: the keel for the‘Gold Eagle’was laid on Shipbuilding in Virginia on March 28, Ticonderoga- The keel for CVN 74 was laid on March October 11, 1975. The vessel was launched 2013. It was completed in May 2017. class cruiser USS 13, 1991, the hull was launched on on March 15, 1980 and commissioned Antietam (CG 54) November 13, 1993 and the ship was on March 13, 1982. A three-and-a-half- USS George Washington steams alongside commissioned on November 11, 1995. year RCOH was completed in July 2009. (CVN 73) USS Ronald Named to honor ‘the father of America’s The agship of CSG-1 is home-ported at Reagan (CVN 76) modern navy’, an eight-term senator Naval Air Station North Island, Coronado, Named for the nation’s rst president, the during a fueling- from Mississippi, Stennis was home- California but will be relocated to Naval keel of the ‘GW’ was laid on August 25, at-sea. ported with the Paci c Fleet but will now Base Kitsap-Bremerton, Washington. 1986, just 17 months after the nation’s US Navy/MCS2C relocate to Norfolk, Virginia. Kaila Peters U(CSVSNT7h1e)odore Roosevelt rst nuclear-powered eet ballistic USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) missile submarine (SSBN 598) with the Named for the 26th president, former same name was decommissioned. The The keel of CVN 75 was laid on June Secretary of the Navy and leader of the ‘Spirit of Freedom’ was launched on July 30, 1988 and the vessel was christened ‘Rough Riders’, the keel of the ‘TR’ was 21, 1990 and the ship was commissioned at Newport News Shipbuilding and laid on October 31, 1981, just eight on July 4, 1992. CVN 73 had been home- months after its predecessor, a eet ballistic missile submarine (SSBN 600), was decommissioned. Launched on October 27, 1986, the vessel was placed in commission less than two years later on October 25, 1988. Serving as the agship for CSG-12 and home-ported at Naval Air Station North Island, Coronado, California, CVN 71 completed an RCOH at Newport News Shipbuilding on August 29, 2013. USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) The keel for the namesake of America’s 16th president was laid on November 24 Combat Aircraft Digital Issue // www.combataircraft.net

Dry-dock in Virginia on September 7, Above: USS is home-ported at Naval Station Norfolk, many improvements over the earlier 1996. The carrier, which is named to Abraham Lincoln Virginia. CVN 77 serves as the flagship Nimitz-class design. honor the nation’s 33rd president, was (CVN 72) transits for CSG-2. commissioned on July 25, 1998. CVN 75 the Atlantic Ocean CVN 78 boasts a larger flight deck is home-ported at Naval Station Norfolk, during a tailored Ford class design that includes just three aircraft Virginia, and is the flagship of CSG-8. The ship’s training elevators and an improved weapons Truman completed a deployment to the availability and Originally referred to as the CVNX-1 and handling system. Sortie generation US 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operations final evaluation then as CVN-21, design of the newest is improved by an electro-magnetic on July 21, 2018. problem (TSTA/ class of aircraft carriers was begun in aircraft launch system (EMALS) that FEP). US Navy/ 1998. The US Navy awarded Northrop replaces earlier C-13 Mod 1 and Mod 2 USS Ronald Reagan MCS2C Shane Grumman Shipbuilding Newport News steam-driven catapults, while an electric (CVN 76) Bryan — now the Newport News Shipbuilding motor-based advanced arresting gear Below: The new dvision of Huntington Ingalls Industries (AAG) system replaces the older Mk7 Named in honor of America’s 40th carrier USS Gerald — a $5.1-billion contract to begin detail hydraulic arresting system installed president, CVN 76’s construction began R. Ford (CVN 78) design and construction of the first ship in the Nimitz class. The ships will be at Newport News Shipbuilding when the steams along of the Gerald R. Ford class on September capable of generating 160 sorties per keel was laid on February 12, 1998. The in the Atlantic 10, 2008. The lead ship in the US Navy’s day (on a 12-hour fly day) and to surge ship was christened on March 4, 2001 Ocean. US Navy/ newest class of aircraft carrier features to 270 sorties per day (on a 24-hour fly and commissioned on July 12, 2003. It MCS3C Mathew R. day) as compared to the Nimitz class, completed a homeport change from Fairchild which has the capability to generate 120 NAS North Island in Coronado, California sorties per day or surge to 240 sorties for to Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan, in a 24-hour flight schedule. October 2015, CVN 76 is the flagship of CSG-5. The Reagan finished a two-month The island structure of these ships has patrol in support of the US 7th Fleet on been relocated 100ft (30.5m) further July 24, 2018. aft and is equipped with the AN/ SPY-3 phased-array dual-band radar U(CSVSNG7e7o)rge H. W. Bush (DBR). New and simplified nuclear propulsion plants and electrical power The keel for the last ship in the Nimitz generation systems are incorporated, class was laid on September 6, 2003 allowing the ship to operate with a and the ship was christened on smaller crew. Each of the ships will be October 7, 2006. CVN 77 was originally powered by two A1B nuclear reactors planned as the first ship in a new class that can generate 300MW (megawatts) that was originally referred to as the of electricity, compared to the 100MW CVNX-1, and features several changes of the earlier Nimitz-class A4W over its predecessors. These include reactors. Increased space for flight deck a redesigned island structure and operations and aircraft maintenance is modernized aircraft launch and recovery provided. The US Navy plans to build 11 equipment. The ship, which is named Ford-class aircraft carriers by 2058. in honor of the 41st president, was commissioned on January 10, 2009 and www.combataircraft.net // Digital Issue Combat Aircraft 25

FORCE REPORT // US NAVAL CARRIER AIR POWER USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) Ford class will be named in honor of CARRIER AIR WING ASSIGNMENTS the 35th president, John F. Kennedy. Advanced construction of CVN 78 began It will be the second aircraft carrier to August 2018 in August 2005, and on January 16, bear the name. Construction of the ship 2007 the US Navy formally announced began when the first steel was cut on USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) — CSG-8 that its next aircraft carrier would be February 25, 2011. Currently scheduled named USS Gerald R. Ford in honor of to be launched in February 2020 and Carrier Air Wing One (CVW-1) AB the 38th president who had died just enter service in 2022, CVN 79 is slated MoDex weeks earlier. The ship’s keel was laid on to receive the new Raytheon Enterprise Squadron Nickname Aircraft 1xx November 14, 2009 and it was christened Air Surveillance Radar (EASR), which F/A-18F 2xx on November 9, 2013 at Newport News had originally been planned to enter VFA-11 ‘Red Rippers’ F/A-18F 3xx Shipbuilding. Pre-commissioning unit the fleet aboard CVN 80. The previous F/A-18E 4xx (PCU) Gerald R. Ford was launched USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) served from VFA-211 ‘Fighting Checkmates’ F/A-18E 5xx on November 17, 2013. The ship was 1967 to 2007. EA-18G 60x formally delivered to the fleet on May VFA-136 ‘Knighthawks’ E-2D 61x 31, 2017 and the USS Gerald R. Ford was USS Enterprise (CVN 80) MH-60S 7xx placed in commission on July 22, 2017. VFA-81 ‘Sunliners’ MH-60R xx The carrier began its post-shakedown During the deactivation ceremony C-2A availability/selected restricted availability for the USS Enterprise (CVN 65) on VAQ-137 ‘Rooks’ (PSA/SRA) in Newport News, Virginia, December 1, 2012, the US Navy July 15 and the PSA is scheduled for announced that the third ship of the VAW-126 ‘Seahawks’ completion in summer 2019. Ford class would be named Enterprise. The start of construction of CVN 80 is HSC-11 ‘Dragonslayers’ U(CSVSNJ7o9h)n F. Kennedy planned for 2018, with the ship entering service in 2027. It will be the ninth HSM-72 ‘Proud Warriors’ On May 29, 2011, the US Navy ship and the third aircraft carrier to announced the second ship of the carry the name. VRC-40 Det 1 ‘Rawhides’ USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) — CSG-1 Carrier Air Wing Two (CVW-2) NE MoDex Squadron Nickname Aircraft 1xx F/A-18F 2xx VFA-2 ‘Bounty Hunters’ F/A-18E 3xx F/A-18E 4xx VFA-137 ‘Kestrels’ F/A-18C 5xx EA-18G 60x VFA-192 ‘Golden Dragons’ E-2C 61x MH-60S 7xx VFA-34 ‘Blue Blasters’ MH-60R xx C-2A VAQ-136 ‘Gauntlets’ VAW-113 ‘Black Eagles’ HSC-4 ‘Black Knights’ HSM-78 ‘Blue Hawks’ VRC-30 Det 2 ‘Providers’ An F/A-18E of VFA-81 about to ‘trap’ aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) — CSG-10 USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) during operations in the Mediterranean Sea. Carrier Air Wing Three (CVW-3) AC US Navy/MCS2C Thomas Gooley MoDex Squadron Nickname Aircraft 1xx 2xx VFA-32 ‘Swordsmen’ F/A-18F 3xx 4xx VFA-83 ‘Rampagers’ F/A-18E 5xx 60x VFA-131 ‘Wildcats’ F/A-18E 61x 7xx VFA-105 ‘Gunslingers’ F/A-18E xx VAQ-130 ‘Zappers’ EA-18G VAW-123 ‘Screwtops’ E-2C HSC-7 ‘Dusty Dogs’ MH-60S HSM-74 ‘Swamp Foxes’ MH-60R VRC-40 Det 4 ‘Rawhides’ C-2A USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) — CSG-5 Carrier Air Wing Five (CVW-5) NF MoDex Squadron Nickname Aircraft 1xx F/A-18F 2xx VFA-102 ‘Diamondbacks’ F/A-18E 3xx F/A-18E 4xx VFA-27 ‘Royal Maces’ F/A-18E 5xx EA-18G 60x VFA-115 ‘Eagles’ E-2D 61x MH-60S 7xx VFA-195 ‘Dambusters’ MH-60R xx C-2A The busy flight deck of USS Abraham VAQ-141 ‘Shadowhawks’ Lincoln (CVN 72) during work-up with CVW-7 embarked. VAW-125 ‘Tigertails’ US Navy/MCSS Will Hardy HSC-12 ‘Golden Falcons’ HSM-77 ‘Sabrehawks’ VRC-30 Det 5 ‘Providers’ USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) — CSG-12 Carrier Air Wing Seven (CVW-7) AG MoDex Squadron Nickname Aircraft 1xx F/A-18E 2xx VFA-143 ‘Pukin’ Dogs’ F/A-18F 3xx F/A-18E 4xx VFA-103 ‘Jolly Rogers’ F/A-18E 5xx EA-18G 6xx VFA-86 ‘Sidewinders’ E-2D 61x MH-60S 7xx VFA-25 ‘Fist of the Fleet’ MH-60R xx C-2A VAQ-140 ‘Patriots’ VAW-121 ‘Bluetails’ HSC-5 ‘Nightdippers’ HSM-79 ‘Griffins’ VRC-40 Det 3 ‘Rawhides’ 26 Combat Aircraft Digital Issue // www.combataircraft.net

USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) — CSG-2 Carrier Air Wing Eight (CVW-8) AJ MoDex Squadron Nickname Aircraft 1xx 2xx VFA-31 ‘Tomcatters’ F/A-18E 3xx 4xx VFA-213 ‘Black Lions’ F/A-18F 5xx 60x VFA-87 ‘Golden Warriors’ F/A-18E 61x 7xx VFA-37 ‘Ragin Bulls’ F/A-18C xx VAQ-131 ‘Lancers’ EA-18G VAW-124 ‘Bear Aces’ E-2D* HSC-9 ‘Tridents’ MH-60S HSM-70 ‘Spartans’ MH-60R VRC-40 Det 2 ‘Rawhides’ C-2A The C-2A Greyhound is the lifeline for the carriers, *VAW-124 is currently undergoing conversion to the E-2D transporting time-critical goods and personnel to and USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) — CSG-3 from shore bases. US Navy/ MCS2C Kenneth Abbate Carrier Air Wing Nine (CVW-9) NG MoDex Squadron Nickname Aircraft 1xx F/A-18F 2xx VFA-41 ‘Black Aces’ F/A-18E 3xx F/A-18E 4xx VFA-14 ‘Tophatters’ F/A-18E 5xx AIRCRAFT OF THE CARRIERS EA-18G 60x VFA-97 ‘Warhawks’ E-2C 61x MH-60S 7xx VFA-151 ‘Vigilantes MH-60R xx C-2A VAQ-133 ‘Wizards’ C-2A Greyhound AE-d2vCanHcaewdkHeayew/kEe-2yeD VAW-117 ‘Wallbangers’ The Grumman C-2A Greyhound is a The Northrop Grumman E-2 series is the long-range logistical support aircraft that oldest design ying from the US Navy’s HSC-14 ‘Chargers’ serves in the carrier on-board delivery aircraft carriers. It rst entered service as (COD) role. The eet currently includes the Grumman E-2A in January 1964 when HSM-71 ‘Raptors’ 34 C-2As that are operated by two eet the rst example was delivered to carrier logistics support squadrons (composite) airborne early warning squadron VAW-11 VRC-30 Det 4 ‘Providers’ and the E-2/C-2 eet replacement at NAS North Island, California. Today squadron. Two C-2As are forward- the aircraft serves as the eet’s airborne USS Nimitz (CVN 68) — CSG-11 deployed in Japan and another supports surveillance and battle management testing duties with VX-20 at NAS Patuxent command and control platform. Carrier Air Wing Eleven (CVW-11) NH River, Maryland. MoDex E-2Cs currently equip ve eet Squadron Nickname Aircraft 1xx VRC-30 at NAS North Island, squadrons and one eet replacement 2xx California, and VRC-40 at NS Norfolk, squadron. As of late 2017 the inventory VFA-154 ‘Black Knights’ F/A-18F 3xx Virginia, normally deploy two-aircraft included 41 E-2Cs and a single TE-2C that 4xx detachments with each CVW. They are supports pilot training. VFA-147 ‘Argonauts’ F-35C* 5xx typically staged ashore at an air eld near 60x the carrier’s operating area and make Known as the E-2D Advanced VFA-146 ‘Blue Diamonds’ F/A-18E 61x daily ights to and from the ship. The Hawkeye, the latest version achieved 7xx C-2A is programmed to remain in service initial operational capability (IOC) in VMFA-323 ‘Death Rattlers’ F/A-18C xx until 2028, but phase-out will begin October 2014 and completed its maiden around 2020. It is being replaced by a deployment aboard the USS Theodore VAQ-142 ‘Gray Wolves’ EA-18G variant of the MV-22B tilt-rotor known as Roosevelt (CVN 71) in November 2015. the CMV-22B. The E-2D’s Lockheed Martin AN/APY-9 VAW-115 ‘Liberty Bells’ E-2C HSC-8 ‘Eightballers’ MH-60S HSM-75 ‘Wolfpack’ MH-60R VRC-30 Det 3 ‘Providers’ C-2A *VFA-147 is currently undergoing conversion to the F-35C USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) — CSG-9 Carrier Air Wing Seventeen (CVW-17) NA MoDex Squadron Nickname Aircraft 1xx 2xx VFA-22 ‘Fighting Redcocks’ F/A-18F 3xx 4xx VFA-113 ‘Stingers’ F/A-18E 5xx 60x VMFA-312 ‘Checkerboards’ F/A-18C 61x 7xx VFA-94 ‘Mighty Shrikes’ F/A-18E xx VAQ-139 ‘Cougars’ EA-18G VAW-116 ‘Sun Kings’ E-2C HSC-6 ‘Screamin Indians’ MH-60S The eyes and ears of the carrier group is the Hawkeye, with this E-2D being from VAW-121 embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). US Navy/MCS3C Jeff Sherman HSM-73 ‘Battlecats’ MH-60R VRC-30 Det 1 ‘Providers’ C-2A Note: CVW-14 was disestablished on March 31, 2017 A deck handler directs an F/A-18E of VFA-115 on the flight deck of USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). US Navy/MCS2C Kenneth Abbate www.combataircraft.net // Digital Issue Combat Aircraft 27

active electronically scanned array (AESA) ‘legacy’Hornet’s final cruise concluded Left: A VFA-2 of the first operational squadron began radar provides‘beyond the strike group’ on April 11, 2018 and VFA-34 will begin ‘Bounty Hunters’ in December 2017 when the VFA-147 coverage and is a key component of the its transition to the Super Hornet in F/A-18F dashes started its conversion from the F/A-18E. Navy Integrated Fire Control — Counter- January 2019. along at low Training is being conducted by VFA-125 at Air (NIFC-CA) concept. level during NAS Lemoore, California, and VFA‑101 at Meanwhile, Boeing has received a deployment Eglin AFB, Florida. The F-35C will achieve In December 2017, 31 E-2Ds had been $73-million contract to begin work on training. Richard initial operational capability with Block delivered against the navy’s requirement a service life modification (SLM) for the VanderMeulen 3F software as early as August 2018. for 75 aircraft. Three squadrons have F/A-18E/F fleet that will increase the Above: An EA‑18G VFA-147 is expected to receive its safe for already transitioned to the new model Super Hornet’s life from 6,000 to 9,000- Growler of flight certification in October 2018. The and VAW-124 began its transition in March plus hours. The program is a precursor VAQ-137 ‘Rooks’ ‘Argonauts’will make the first Lightning II 2018. The last E-2Cs will be retired by 2025. to a subsequent effort that will upgrade prepares to land deployment in 2021 when the squadron existing Block II Super Hornets to the on the Nimitz- is embarked aboard the USS Carl F/A-18E/F Super Hornet Block III configuration. The contractor will class aircraft Vinson (CVN 70). initially upgrade four Super Hornets at its carrier USS Harry The Super Hornet is the multi-role strike St Louis, Missouri, facility but plans call S. Truman (CVN MH-60R fighter backbone of the carrier’s offensive for a production line to be set up in San 75). US Navy/ and defensive capabilities. Although the Antonio, Texas in 2019. MCS2C Scott Operating both from aircraft carriers navy’s program of record included 584 Swofford and aviation-capable escort ships, the Super Hornets, the service now plans EA-18G Growler multi-mission MH-60R achieved initial to continue procurement. In fact, the operational capability with HSM-41 future year defense plan (FYDP) that runs The EA-18G provides full-spectrum in December 2005, and began its first from Fiscal 2019 to 2023 includes the airborne electronic attack (AEA) operational deployment with HSM-71 purchase of 110 Block III Super Hornets capabilities to the fleet. Growlers are aboard the USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) and total procurement now totals 706 assigned to a fleet replacement squadron in January 2009. The helicopters are in aircraft. The 2018 defense authorization and nine carrier-based VAQ squadrons. service with 15 operational squadrons, provided funding for 24 additional Super Five units, including a single naval reserve one naval reserve squadron and two Hornets and the navy’s FY2019 request squadron, operate from land bases in fleet replacement squadrons. MH-60R included 24 more. expeditionary roles and have USAF procurement ended in FY 2016 when the personnel assigned. Plans call for the final batch of 29 MH-60Rs was ordered. Super Hornets now equip 32 of the establishment of a fifth expeditionary The navy procured 280 examples, and in navy’s active-duty strike fighter squadrons squadron. Each of the squadrons is early 2018 the fleet included 270 aircraft. and just one unit continues to operate equipped with five Growlers. The navy’s Deliveries will be completed in FY 2018. the‘classic’Hornet. In fact, the navy is current objective for the EA-18G is 160 accelerating its transition to the F/A-18E/F aircraft and Boeing delivered the 150th The helicopter’s primary missions and is making plans to divest itself of example in December 2017. Procurement include anti-submarine warfare (ASW) nearly 140 older Hornets. Seen as a cost- ended in Fiscal 2016 when a final batch of and anti-surface warfare (ASuW) including cutting move, the service believes that it 10 EA-18Gs was funded. fast attack craft/fast inshore attack craft will recoup near $1 billion in maintenance threat response. Its numerous secondary costs over five years by retiring the older F-35C Lightning II missions include area surveillance, SAR, aircraft. Under the plan, the service will vertical replenishment (VERTREP), naval strike 136 F/A-18A, B, C and D Hornets First flown on June 6, 2010, the carrier gunfire support (NGFS), naval special from its inventory between 2017 and variant (CV) of the Joint Strike Fighter is warfare, logistics support, personnel 2020. The move would provide the service assigned the designation F-35C. Transition transport, medical evacuation (medevac) with an additional pool of spare parts and communications relay. and allow it to transfer the best of the jets to the US Marine Corps to help improve Four external stores stations are readiness, as well as to reserve squadrons. provided and enable the helicopter to carry various combinations of Mk46 At the start of Fiscal Year 2018 the naval or Mk54 torpedoes, AGM-114 Hellfire aviation inventory included more than 40 missiles or external fuel tanks. It is capable F/A-18A/Bs and in excess of 200 F/A-18C/ of deploying the Advanced Precision Kill Ds. The service had previously made the Weapon System II (APKWS) 2.75in (70mm) decision to transition its last operational laser-guided rockets using the LAU-61G/A F/A-18C strike fighter squadrons to the digital rocket launcher (DRL). Crew-served Super Hornet by the end of 2019. The 0.50-caliber and 7.62mm machine guns can also be carried. MH-60S Like the MH-60R, the multi-mission MH‑60S was developed in support of the US Navy’s helicopter master plan. It provides surface and mine countermeasure warfare capabilities, as well as the capability to provide the 28 Combat Aircraft Digital Issue // www.combataircraft.net

Above: The F-35C fleet with special warfare, SAR, combat FUTURE three aircraft are ready to deploy. Full Lightning II will SAR, and logistics support/VERTREP FOCUS operational capability will follow in 2023. pose the navy capabilities. Transition plans extend from 2020 to with significant CMV-22B Osprey 2026 with the final deliveries coming in challenges The Block 3A MH-60S achieved IOC The US Navy will replace its C-2A 2028. Full operational capability (FOC) when it comes to in 2007 and began its first deployment Greyhound carrier on-board delivery will be achieved in FY 2024. maintaining and aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) (COD) aircraft with a variant of the operating such a with HSC-8 in January 2009. The Block Bell-Boeing MV-22B tilt-rotor. In US Navy The operational fleet of 38 CMV- complex stealth 3A incorporated the AN/AAS-44C EO/IR service the Osprey, which is assigned 22Bs will be flown by fleet logistics aircraft from the sensor system and could be armed with the designation CMV-22B, will primarily support multi-mission (VRM) squadrons carrier. US Navy/ eight Hellfire missiles or 2.75in (70mm) be tasked with the COD mission. It will VRM-30 at NAS North Island, California, MCSS Shane rockets carried on external weapon also be tasked to fulfill several secondary and VRM‑40 at NS Norfolk, Virginia’s Bryan system wings. Additionally, a fixed missions that include vertical on-board Chambers Field. Training will eventually Below: An MH‑60R forward-firing weapon system includes delivery (VOD), VERTREP, medevac, naval fall under a newly established FRS, launches a the M197 20mm cannon that is capable special warfare support, missions of which will be designated as VRM-50 and sonobuoy during of firing 680 rounds per minute. Crew- state, humanitarian assistance/disaster stationed at North Island. anti-submarine served FN Herstal laser-sighted M240D relief, and SAR. warfare training. 7.62mm guns can be installed in the port MQ-25A Stingray US Navy/MCSS and starboard gunners’ windows while Retaining the baseline MV-22B US Naval Air Systems Command released Dylan M. Kinee laser-sighted GAU-21 0.50-caliber guns airframe, the COD variant will be the final request for proposals to industry Boxed: An artist’s are fitted inside the port and starboard equipped with an extended-range fuel for the air segment of its unmanned rendition of the US cabin doors. The subsequent Block system that includes external conformal carrier-based air refueling system (CBARS) Navy’s CMV‑22 3B version added the Link 16 tactical tanks, a secure beyond-line-of-sight in October 2017. The final RFP was issued conducting a COD datalink to the Block 3A capabilities. high-frequency communications to industry competitors that comprise mission. The MH-60S was certified to fire 2.75in capability and a public address Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and General Bell Boeing (70mm) Hydra unguided rockets from system. The high-frequency radio is Atomics. All three contractors recently the 19-shot LAU-61C/A pod in 2013 and required to support over-the-horizon revealed their designs for the MQ-25A. integration of the laser-guided 2.75in communications and the extended- It expects to award a contract for the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System range fuel system will allow the Osprey project by September 2018. II (APKWS II) rockets followed beginning to fly up to 1,150nm (2,130km) without in 2014. Ongoing upgrades are providing aerial refueling. It will provide the ability The MQ-25A was originally known the MH-60S with data link/full motion to carry 80 additional gallons of fuel on as the Unmanned Carrier Based video (FMV) kits and a helmet display larger landing gear sponsons. Reconnaissance and Strike (UCLASS) targeting system (HDTS). project but was later restructured. The Components for the initial batch of Stingray was assigned the designation Procurement of the MH-60S ended in six CMV-22Bs were ordered from Bell MQ-25 in July 2016. It will provide the FY 2015 and the last of 275 aircraft was Boeing in December 2016. Deliveries CSG with a persistent, multi-mission delivered to HSC-28 in January 2016. In will be completed under the terms of a aerial refueling and intelligence, early 2018, 261 were in service. multi-year contract that was awarded in surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) August 2018. It includes 39 CMV-22Bs UAS that will be integrated with the and deliveries will begin in FY 2020. CVW. The Stingray will be capable of Planned procurement includes 44 delivering around 15,000lb (6,804kg) CMV-22Bs by 2024. Development and of fuel while operating 500nm operational testing will be completed in (926km) from the host aircraft carrier. FY 2021 and the new COD aircraft will Procurement plans for the MQ-25A have achieve IOC in September 2020 when been pushed out to FY 2023 when the first four air vehicles will be purchased. The Stingray is expected to achieve IOC in FY 2026. www.combataircraft.net // Digital Issue Combat Aircraft 29

Combat Aircraft visits Al Dhafra in the United Arab Emirates, home of the US Air Force’s 380th Air Expeditionary Wing, which is a central pillar in the ongoing Operation ‘Inherent Resolve’ and missions in the region. REPORT AND PHOTOS Jamie Hunter 30 Combat Aircraft Digital Issue // www.combataircraft.net

T HE OPULENCE OF Abu Dhabi for ongoing operations in Afghanistan and its spectacular business and throughout the Middle East. high-rises, its Formula One racing circuit and magni cent Commanding the 380th AEW is Brig hotels is world-renowned. Gen Derek France, who says that the ‘OIR It comes in stark contrast to operational environment is constantly the nearby, clandestine, desert fortress evolving and very complex.’Waves of that must count as one of the most missions are launched daily by the men impressive air power hubs — Al Dhafra and women who are deployed here air base. Until last year, Al Dhafra was in a tented city. ‘We share the air eld one of the places the US military called with our hosts and operate from a ‘an undisclosed location’, but pretty speci c enclave,’ explains France. ‘We much everyone knew exactly where have a living compound as well as an the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing operations and maintenance area.’ (AEW) resided. The base is heavily guarded, with As a sign of commitment between multiple checkpoints manned by the United Arab Emirates and the US, steely-eyed security guards amid the base is now openly acknowledged. unprecedented layers of forti cation. Local UAE Air Force units y alongside Speaking from his command deployed USAF assets on a daily basis building, France says, ‘We have over from this vast desert air eld, which is 3,000 personnel on base, including centered upon two huge runways and a An F-22A mass of sprawling infrastructure. Raptor of the 94th Al Dhafra is one of several bases that Expeditionary support missions within US Central Fighter Command (CENTCOM). It has housed US Squadron flies forces in various guises and quantities over Syria in since Operation ‘Desert Storm’ in 1991. May during an Today, it is a nerve center for Operation OIR combat ‘Inherent Resolve’ (OIR), the mission to mission. snu out so-called Islamic State (IS) and www.combataircraft.net // Digital Issue Combat Aircraft 31

FEATURE ARTICLE // 380TH AIR EXPEDITIONARY WING A pair of Raptors forms up with the KC-10 during the long trek from Al Dhafra to the current area of operations. Brig Gen Derek France, the current commander of the 380th AEW at Al Dhafra. USAF/SrA Preston Webb joint coalition partners with various was put in place with an expeditionary deployment rotations that last anywhere mindset — it’s not bricks and mortar —so between two and 12 months.’ we have a lot of tents and trailers.’Most people’s living accommodation, in what France oversees everything from the is known as Camp Phantom, is a large air- medical teams to the security forces and conditioned tent or trailer-style dormitory, says the manning and deployed assets but there’s no shortage of excellent at Al Dhafra have traditionally ‘ebbed facilities such as a gymnasium and good and owed’. It’s not at its highest level at food available around the clock. It may present, the F-15E deployment having be steaming-hot here in the summer relocated last year. months but‘AC’makes it more bearable away from the sweltering concrete ight ‘One of the main challenges’, France adds,‘is that the infrastructure on base 32 Combat Aircraft Digital Issue // www.combataircraft.net

line. Moreover, new operational areas Below left ot right: of fuel every day to coalition receivers networked across the AOR with thousands are now planned to be constructed over The F-22’s typical overhead Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria. We of variables in play every single day. Their the coming years to give the US a more OIR load includes have the high-altitude U-2S and RQ-4 controllers decon ict aircraft outside permanent and long-term presence. six AMRAAMs, Global Hawks that provide coverage of the standard air tra c control zones, France says this is operation is all about which are seen the entire AOR [area of responsibility] and orchestrating the various air assets, while ‘long-term regional stability, and not just here ready for give us decision-quality information. Our detecting and distributing the entire tackling the immediate threat of ISIS.’ loading. command and control [C2] is provided by recognized air picture [RAP].’ With a long flight the E-3 AWACS eet here that has own Motown ahead, a 94th EFS in an extremely dynamic environment ‘Kingpin’ and AWACS have similar pilot pre-flights this past year with Russian aircraft ying missions, but they bring di erent The US ight line, maintenance and the jet’s AIM-9X. over Syria, [and] an unpredictable Syrian strengths. ‘Kingpin’ maintains a god’s operations areas are collectively known Bottom: A team Air Force, as well as Turkish aircraft ying eye view of everywhere from the as‘Motown’. Here, the various elements shot of the 380th near the borders, [and] Iranian unmanned Mediterranean right out to the east of the 380th come together to form an AEW at Al Dhafra, aerial vehicles, so the part they have to of Afghanistan. The Combined Air impressive, cohesive, unit.‘We are unique which brings play is huge. The E-3s work closely with Operations Center (CAOC) at Al Udeid, in that we execute ve core USAF missions together RQ-4, our‘Kingpin’ground control facility, Qatar, is geared towards the operational here under one patch,’says France.‘We KC-10, F-22, E-3 known as a control reporting center [CRC]. side of things — the top-echelon have the air mobility KC-10 Extenders that and U-2S. USAF ‘Kingpin’has a huge footprint and it is decision-making and generation deliver hundreds of thousands of pounds of a daily air tasking order (ATO) — Our primary reason for being www.combataircraft.net // Digital Issue Combat Aircraft 33 deployed here is our ability to ensure air dominance in the theater — that means defending coalition forces on the ground and in the air, so our primary role is defensive counter-air Lt Col ‘Habu’

FEATURE ARTICLE // 380TH AIR EXPEDITIONARY WING This image: A Raptor pilot returns to the tanker for a top- up of fuel before heading back to the combat air patrol (CAP). Left top to bottom: The sun shelters at Al Dhafra offer some protection from the searing summer heat. The belly of the F-22 conceals a diverse war load of AIM-120s, AIM‑9Xs and GBU-39s. whereas ‘Kingpin’ is about the tactical is to target the last remnants of IS, but implementation and ensuring that daily kinetic strikes have dramatically reduced plan is executed effectively. compared to a year ago.‘The tactic is to roll up territory without pushing the Al Dhafra is also home to a permanent enemy somewhere else,’explains France. F-22A detachment under the 380th. It is manned by a rolling series of deployments Operation‘Roundup’started in May by the six operational Raptor units and to target the last vestiges of IS in Syria. their associated Air National Guard and Air According to Air Forces Central Command, Force Reserve Command squadrons. there had been 309 coalition kinetic strike sorties through the first three months Raptors on the front line of the year resulting in 1,821 weapons released. Strikes largely focused on the ‘The Raptors provide air dominance as eastern Euphrates River Valley, most taking well as an ability to provide on-call CAS place near the villages of Abu Kamal and [close air support] and deliberate strike Al Shadaddi. During the first 17 days with their GBU-39 Small Diameter Bomb of‘Roundup’, the coalition conducted [SDB] that provides high accuracy but 132 strikes with 161 engagements, a low collateral,’explains France.‘We are all significant increase over the 74 strikes here to eradicate ISIS, but when working undertaken in March. in close proximity it’s often tough to understand intentions of non-coalition The USAF’s deployment of Raptors aircraft. Last year a Syrian Su-22 was shot is a powerful messaging tool in the down when it was attempting to bomb region. While these prominent fighters coalition ground positions, so we are are removed from their intended air especially cognizant of that.’ dominance mission, they still have an important part to play in the wider On a daily basis the F-22s cover certain Combat Air Forces.‘If they are held purely periods of a 24-hour combat air patrol for the high-end mission, then they might (CAP) in the Iraq/Syria AOR, supported by never deploy,’explains France.‘There is a a KC-10, E-3s and‘Kingpin’. OIR has evolved skill-set that is needed to deploy, so it’s from being a campaign to roll back IS-held a balance of having Raptors deployed territory in Iraq and Syria to what is now against keeping them back at a higher an intelligence-driven targeting mission, state of readiness. If you demonstrate with the Raptors providing top cover capability, your deterrence increases.’ for coalition troops. The current push 34 Combat Aircraft Digital Issue // www.combataircraft.net

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FEATURE ARTICLE // 380TH AIR EXPEDITIONARY WING Right: A clear ‘Spads’ in combat day in the AOR; however, The 94th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron thunderstorms (EFS) was deployed to Al Dhafra from its have been known home at Joint Base Langley-Eustis during to build up in the Combat Aircraft’s visit. The squadron has area, calling upon been extensively involved in OIR and some strong supported the attack on April 14 against airmanship. Syrian sites that were reportedly involved Below: The in chemical weapons production and morning Raptor storage. The operation was conducted in mission heads response to a strike carried out by Syria out. The dull against civilians in Douma on April 7. skies are from Launched in the early hours, the missions the remnants of targeted facilities near Damascus and a sand storm the Homs. They came 100 years to the day previous night. since the‘Spads’ ew their rst combat missions and scored the squadron’s rst aerial victory during WW1. us to e ciently move through the AOR. doing this job. A lot of people work very That’s the great thing about this wing: we hard to get a Raptor out on a mission. On the subject of their missions, have the tanker support and the tactical We are all doing the job we joined squadron commander Lt Col‘Habu’said, command and control agencies such as the USAF to do — it’s rewarding and ‘It’s very dynamic and complex. We are ‘Kingpin’that enable us to provide DCA worthwhile and I’m proud to tell people living in the gray a lot of the time and a lot cover over a given period of time, in a very what I do. Being away from home means of the decision-making authority lies with speci c location, very e ectively. that we are even more focused on the the pilot. We have days when there isn’t mission; we don’t have the pressures of a lot of activity in our area; then there are ‘We have a plan as we walk out of the home life. With our shift patterns I often days with a range of di erent things going door to the jets, but it typically evolves. don’t see some colleagues for days. on. Overall, these are long missions. The F-22 brings risk mitigation — it’s less You just have to trust they are doing risky for an F-22 to be in a certain place at their job.’ ‘Our primary reason for being deployed a certain time than it might be for another here is our ability to ensure air dominance asset. Being a stealth airplane with the Flying on the night shift means Capt in the theater — that means defending sensor capability and the situational ‘Ramp’was on a cycle of sleeping during coalition forces on the ground and in awareness that we have can lower the risk the day, ready for the next mission.‘It’s a the air, so our primary role is defensive of conducting a particular mission.’ long haul and we generally have multiple counter-air [DCA].’As well as ying with tanker brackets [hook-ups]. Once in the a standard load of AIM-120 AMRAAMs Further describing the F-22 missions AOR we need to stay up on our fuel state (Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air in the Middle East, Capt ‘Ramp’ says, in case we need to come o CAP and Missiles) and AIM-9X, the Raptors employ ‘Only a few years after I left college it’s react to something. Once on CAP, we are the GBU-39 SDB.‘The F-22 is a useful strike very humbling and rewarding to be here platform, but we rely on other assets on the ground and in the air to give us the information we require for these missions.’ The Raptors are each supported by a KC-10 tanker providing on-call support. ‘The KC-10 is very stable to refuel from and having us all together at one base makes that unit-level co-ordination easy. We now have a series of contracts that enable 36 Combat Aircraft Digital Issue // www.combataircraft.net

looking for air assets that might impede being ready to ght air-to-air if required.’ This image: The Certain scheduled maintenance is US and coalition forces.’ In the past there were fewer coalition resident 908th completed before the unit deploys forces on the ground in northern Iraq Expeditionary down-range. Unlike some air arms, the The primary role of the Raptors in and Syria, but now the area is a complex Air Refueling USAF squadrons tend to take their own OIR is defensive, enabling the coalition hotbed of local forces and state actors. Squadron is the jets when they deploy, as it enables freedom of maneuver through control USAF’s largest better eet management. Some of the air. ‘Take the security forces on the ‘The ying is physically stressful,’ KC-10A Extender maintenance is deferred, while other gate,’ says Royal Air Force exchange pilot ‘Duzza’ adds. ‘If you’ve ever been in an unit. pre-emptive work is completed by and squadron director of operations, airline seat for numerous hours then Bottom left to the Raptor Aircraft Maintenance Unit Sqn Ldr ‘Duzza’. ‘Each day they are imagine doing that but also ying right: KC-10 (AMU) before hitting the road. ready to defend the base and we are the aeroplane, dealing with tactical crews receive an safe because of them, but they’re not problems, refueling at night or in bad intelligence brief Depth in support shooting their weapons every day. It’s weather, monitoring a wide variety of prior to their daily the same for us in the air. We deter. air activity, and intercepting potentially missions. Col Dan ‘Curly’ Rauch is the 380th Two years ago this was an extremely hostile aircraft that could pose a threat The boom Operations Group commander. He says kinetic air-to-ground operation and to friendly forces. It’s physically and operator looks the co-location of the units at Al Dhafra almost every Raptor sortie was either a mentally exhausting.’ after the weight is signi cant. ‘Here we have well- deliberate strike or a CAS mission. There and balance of established contracts and the biggest were sorties when they’d clean the jets Lt Col ‘Habu’ adds, ‘We try to ensure the huge KC-10, as CRC in the world with ‘Kingpin’. It’s a o [of weapons]. The pilots would check everyone can get into a routine on a well as being on unique location, with all these guys in with a JTAC [joint terminal attack particular shift for a few weeks. Our call to top up the working together in the whole gamut controller], execute some CAS and then maintainers are essentially doing receiver aircraft of air power. We operate from two, head home. We still do occasionally go ‘24/7’ ops. They’re out there in the as required. mile-long runways, we have the only kinetic to target ISIS on the ground, but heat xing airplanes. We bring the LO combined U-2/Global Hawk squadron, our role now is mainly defensive and we [low-observable] maintenance into our the biggest KC-10 unit and the only achieve that task by being present and overall schedule — it’s just one more combat-coded E-3 squadron.’ system we have to manage.’ www.combataircraft.net // Digital Issue Combat Aircraft 37

FEATURE ARTICLE // 380TH AIR EXPEDITIONARY WING Lt Col Justin Watson is the current system [FMS], not the full‘glass’cockpit (COTS) hardware.‘It was di cult for air commander of the 908th Expeditionary they looked at a few years ago, and we battle managers and controllers to pull Air Refueling Squadron, which is indeed have retained the ight engineer and data from the previous Block 30/35 — it the largest USAF KC-10 unit in terms of boom operator.’ was all very 1970s. With the 40/45 it’s all airframes.‘We have a signi cant portion right there for you. It’s a Windows-based of the eet here,’he explains.‘New crews The KC-10 was procured to carry more common format that’s very intuitive.’ come and go, and they’re here on a multi- fuel and freight further than the KC-135. month basis. Our community is relatively ‘We can give gas to navy, air force, any E-3 and‘Kingpin’operators alike are well- small, so we work on a constant rolling assets out there with our centerline hose versed on systems such as internet relay cycle from Travis and McGuire [AFBs].’ and boom — we go where we’re chat, known widely as mIRC-chat. The E-3 needed and build windows of time to now enables operators to open multiple The entire KC-10 eet, which currently ensure coverage.’ chat windows to converse with an array of includes 59 aircraft, has undergone a ‘players’in the AOR. communication navigation surveillance/ The 968th Expeditionary Airborne air tra c management (CNS/ATM) Air Control Squadron (968th EAACS) is Lt Col Casey Grider commands the 727th upgrade. Installation of the new avionics, commanded by Lt Col Jason‘Floater’ EACS, better known as‘Kingpin’.‘We have which include the Rockwell Collins White, who says his squadron is sensors all over the AOR to help keep Flight2 integrated avionics system, essentially,‘the airborne version of everyone organized. We are a quiet unit made the Extenders compliant with new ‘Kingpin’.’He adds,‘We provide low-level here on base — people can come here communications, navigation, surveillance radar and communications coverage and not even notice us. Inside the building and air tra c management systems (CNS/ with a more exible response option. we have a main room with a team on We will be responsible for a certain consoles, in a very similar set-up to what ATM) mandates for accessing BMA [battle management area] and can you’d see in an E-3, and they are managing global airspace.‘All the KC-10s assume control of certain missions sets in the airspace in the AOR from the Med, all are now con gured with that area.’ the way to the east of Afghanistan. This is the upgrade,’says the central hub and the operators can look Watson.‘It’s just The 968th ies the Block 40/45 AWACS, across the entire airspace.’ a new ight an upgrade that replaced the original management mission computing system with open- The CAOC at Al Udeid is responsible architecture, commercial o -the-shelf for building and issuing the CENTCOM- 38 Combat Aircraft Digital Issue // www.combataircraft.net

wide ATO. ‘Kingpin’ executes that Top left to right: information to be passed between plan as the battle eld command and The Raptors di erent tactical datalink systems. It also control centre for the theater. It’s a feed into the extends the range of these datalinks huge area, and some of the outlying recognized air and provides translation to enable regions rely on data relay to get the picture via voice information sharing across the theater. information back to the CRC. ‘We live communications BACN was initially integrated on two for BACN,’ says Grider of the Battle eld and can receive Global Express XRS aircraft; three in total Airborne Communications Node Link-16 updates. were leased and then bought outright in (BACN), developed to relay voice A Raptor 2011 by the USAF, the E-11A designation communication over long distances, hooked up to being assigned. The system is also providing an airborne data relay the KC-10 boom carried by the Block 20 EQ-4B Global and gateway that allows real-time as it receives a Hawk. ‘BACN lls the holes,’ Grider says. welcome fuel ‘It’s the datalink extension. We also get a top-off. tremendous amount of comms and they We are all here The E-3 Sentry extend those links that we rely on in our to eradicate line at Al Dhafra, ground stations.’ ISIS, but when working now composed in close proximity exclusively of Alone and unafraid it’s often tough to Block 40/45 understand intentions airframes. Lt Col Heather‘HF’Fox is responsible for of non-coalition aircraft Above: A U-2S those EQ-4 BACNs, as well as RQ-4s and comes to rest U-2s of the 99th ERS.‘The squadron is Brig Gen Derek France on the runway unique in that it is the only high-altitude at Al Dhafra ISR [intelligence, surveillance and after a mission reconnaissance] squadron with U-2, RQ-4 supporting OIR. and EQ-4,’she told Combat Aircraft. Fox Left: The huge previously ew the U-2, and now ies airfield at Al the Global Hawk. Her squadron features Dhafra can the Block 30 RQ-4B, a multi-intelligence result in some platform that simultaneously carries taxi lengths of up to six miles! www.combataircraft.net // Digital Issue Combat Aircraft 39

FEATURE ARTICLE // 380TH AIR EXPEDITIONARY WING The teardrop dorsal Senior Span antenna atop the U-2’s fuselage is able An RQ-4B Global Hawk exceeds to relay some data in near-real time, with the 20,000-flight hour mark at Al the hook antennas under the fuselage Dhafra on February 13, 2018. and ‘super pods’ being used for signals USAF/A1C D. Blake Browning intelligence (SIGINT). electro-optical/infra-red (EO/IR), synthetic cockpit upgrade, plus the more recent Maj ‘Kip’ is a U-2 pilot in the This image: The aperture radar (SAR) and high- and low- CARE [cockpit altitude reduction e ort] squadron. He came to the community view from the band SIGINT sensors. The Block 40 RQ-4Bs brought the cockpit altitude down.’ from the C-130 and Gulfstream. ‘The U-2 chase car — the that are also here have the Northrop is di erent to anything else out there,’ he U-2 pilot receives Grumman AN/ZPY-2 Multi-Platform The U-2 community has been under smiles. ‘Our manning is quite low right instructions from Radar Technology Insertion Program threat of retirement for several years, now so we deploy pretty quickly once the pursuing (RTIP) active electronically scanned array which caused some support issues. It we are trained and we deploy car to give radar, which makes them what Fox calls a is now safe until at least 2022, bringing fairly regularly. accurate height ‘mini-J-STARS’. some welcome stability. indications in the Explaining the path to mission moments before The squadron’s U-2 high-altitude The U-2S is can be equipped with quali cation, ‘Kip’ says, ‘We start with touchdown. reconnaissance aircraft are tasked all over multiple sensors including wet six ights in the two-seat trainer and the theater. Fox talks about the U-2 with then take it solo. Then you’re blessed genuine a ection.‘The U-2 is an older lm optical bar cameras, electronic and spend the rest of the basic course aircraft but its sensors are being constantly intelligence packages, the Advanced learning how to y high. upgraded. We got the [General Electric Synthetic Aperture Radar System 2A F118-GE-101 turbofan] engine and‘glass’ (ASARS-2A) and Senior Year ‘This is a glider with a big engine, so for Electro-optical Reconnaissance System- landing we have to stall the aircraft at 2C (SYERS 2C). 40 Combat Aircraft Digital Issue // www.combataircraft.net

between 1 and 3ft. Above 3ft and you’ll Above: The U-2 is a valued, but clearly labor- and monitor things, but the operating start breaking the sensors.’ He adds, ‘The Back on the intensive, beast.‘We have contractors who margins are close — we’re typically ying aircraft is happy up at altitude.’ flight line, have been around the jet for 30 years,’says at around 110kt indicated airspeed.’ maintainers ‘Kip’, adding,‘they are the top knowledge While deployments away from swarm over experts and historians. It takes a huge The U-2 pilots don’t tend to plan their the U-2 eet’s home base at Beale the U-2 to pull amount of teamwork and e ort for a own missions. They arrive at work, get AFB, California, are frequent, they the recording mission — it’s a well-oiled machine and it ready and then go and y. Asked where are limited to a few months to help and data- works exactly the same every single day. their routes from Al Dhafra take them, mitigate the in uence of the regular gathering After we launch, the maintainers set to ‘Kip’ replied, ‘If it’s in the news we are high-altitude ights. ‘The longer you’re devices. work on another aircraft and directly after usually there.’ deployed the higher your chances are This image: A we land the intelligence folks are poring of decompression sickness. The more U-2 with the over our ndings to see how they can Any major news in the CENTCOM you y high on a regular basis, the more ASARS-2A exploit them. region could see air assets from Al Dhafra you are susceptible. Back home we only nose. The being called into action. The 380th detachable ‘We y the jet by hand until about 50 AEW is an impressive and in uential y around one high ight per month. mission minutes into the ight. Then we select the air power organization, and one that Back here it’s a more rapid pace — we’re noses have autopilot. For the most part we sit back looks to remain a stabilizing force in the earned the Middle East. ying high much more frequently.’ nickname ‘Mr Potato Head’. www.combataircraft.net // Digital Issue Combat Aircraft 41

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PART ONE 44 Combat Aircraft Digital Issue // www.combataircraft.net

The F-14 Tomcat was in service with the US Navy until 2006. While it enjoyed a special place in the hearts of many aviators and enthusiasts, it was a fighter that endured a problematic career. Rich Cooper One of the most OF THE 632 Grumman This appalling rate of attrition prompted famous naval fighters of F-14 Tomcats that were high-pro le Navy Secretary, and naval all time, the mighty F-14 Tomcat built for the US Navy, no enjoyed a career with the US fewer than 144 were lost ight o cer, John F. Lehman to testify Navy that lasted more than between December 30, before the congressional appropriations 30 years. Its home was the 1970, and March 29, 2004. sub-committee in 1984 that the‘F-14/ carrier flight deck — one of the The majority of these accidents were TF30 combination was probably the harshest environments for a the result of pilot error, particularly worst engine/airframe mismatch we have military aircraft — and the F-14 during carrier landings. Although the had in many years. The TF30 is simply a experienced more than its fair Tomcat had good low-speed handling terrible engine’. His opinion was echoed share of incidents and accidents. characteristics thanks to its ‘swing- by veteran ghter pilot RADM Paul T. wings’ and clever lift devices — spoilers Gillcrist, who ew the Tomcat in the early REPORT Tony Holmes plus full-span leading-edge slats and 1980s during his time as the commander trailing-edge aps — the aircraft could for all Paci c Fleet ghter squadrons at be a handful in the nal stages of a NAS Miramar.‘I do not believe that anyone carrier landing. It was poor at holding an who has ever own the F-14A Tomcat accurate approach speed or glideslope would argue with the statement that the angle and it tended to veer away from airplane’s greatest single weakness is the a heading. The jet also su ered from engine. The decision to cut the [Pratt & high pitch inertia, causing it to oat in Whitney] F401-PW-400 destined US Navy the nal seconds prior to landing. High residual thrust meant that pilots had to ghter aircrews to y on the pointed end use low throttle settings, giving poor of the spear in F-14s powered by what engine response when more power they referred to as‘two pieces of junk’for was required. Finally, indi erent lateral an unprecedented 18 years. control made precise heading control di cult. ‘It was not until November 1987 that the rst F-14A+ [subsequently redesignated The Tomcat was hamstrung for as the F-14B] con gured with the new much of its career by unreliable and General Electric F110-GE-400 engine underpowered engines whose reached VF-101 at NAS Oceana.’ in- ight failures resulted in the loss of more than 50 aircraft, New motors equating to roughly $1.5 billion. Aside from Although the acquisition of the F110 su ering a seemingly solved many of the engine-related endless series of issues that blighted the A-model Tomcat turbine failures throughout its US Navy service (the last — particularly F-14 lost to a TF30 failure crashed as during the type’s late as April 1, 2003), the new General early years of Electric powerplant had a few reliability eet service issues of its own during the early phase — the Pratt of service. Indeed, there were two fatal accidents hauntingly similar to the & Whitney TF30 turbofan engine incident on September 20, 1995 that is proved particularly susceptible to detailed later in this feature. compressor stalls when the jet was being own at high angles of attack The rst of these had actually occurred (AoA) during vigorous maneuvering more than two-and-a-half years earlier, on while undertaking air combat training. March 15, 1993, when F-14B BuNo 163411 Such stalls, which usually resulted in the — the very last A+/B-model Tomcat Tomcat entering an irrecoverable at built by Grumman — disintegrated in spin, caused 31 crashes, and a total of six deaths, during operations between ight 20 miles east of Nags Head, North 1976 and 1993. Carolina, during a VF-101 training sortie, killing LT William E. Daisley and LCDR Fred D. Dillingham. Liner burn-through in the afterburner was the suspected cause. This fault in the F110 had been www.combataircraft.net // Digital Issue Combat Aircraft 45

FEATURE ARTICLE // F-14 TOMCAT Left: F-14A BuNo or just exploded on impact. The jet was 161296 of VF-1 is ying at high speed, simulating an enemy detected by General Electric three years removed from the earlier, prompting the company to USS Kitty Hawk missile, when it crashed. Diving units later instruct Grumman to perform special (CV 63) flight deck retrieved the aircraft’s two engines from inspections on the afterburner ‘cans’ after a barricade the ocean oor, and the right engine was and the surrounding nacelles following landing on June found to have a mysterious hole burned engine runs at Calverton. 30, 1984. The in its lining’. right main gear An identical liner burn-through severed refused to fully Despite these incidents with the F110, the ight control rods of F-14D BuNo extend. Although the General Electric engine generally 161158 from VF-11 on February 18, 1996. the Tomcat had proved reliable in eet service, although The jet was ying at Mach 1.2 just a few its faulty gear leg it was sometimes let down by ancillary hundred feet above the water during ripped off upon systems that dated back to original a competitive training unit mission landing it was a designs of the late 1960s. For example, from USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) in the textbook recovery the very last US Navy Tomcat to be southern California operations area at the and the jet was destroyed in an accident, F-14D BuNo time of its demise. Again, the resulting flying again within 164344 of VF-31, crashed as a result of con agration engulfed the jet with such two weeks. a fuel pump failure that saw its engines speed that neither the pilot, LT Terrence US Navy L Clark, nor the radar intercept o cer Inset: A TF30- ame out over the sea just three miles (RIO), CDR Scott Lamoreaux, had time P-414 turbofan. from NAS North Island, San Diego, on to eject. According to a story written by Danny Coremans March 29, 2004. Pilot LT Dan Komar and journalist Michael E. Ruane and published Below: The wide RIO LT(jg) Matt Janczak, who had been in the Philadelphia Inquirer newspaper spacing between shortly after the accident, ‘the wingman the TF30s is ying a routine training mission from [in a second Tomcat] could not tell if the revealed in the USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) at the time, F-14 blew up rst and then hit the ocean, remains of VF-51 ejected successfully. F-14A BuNo 162602, which Late in the Tomcat’s career, a new broke in two after digital ight control system (DFCS) a ramp strike that had been developed by British while attempting to land at night on rm GEC-Marconi Avionics was bought board Kitty Hawk for the surviving F-14 eet in 1996 on July 11, 1994. US Navy The Tomcat could be a real handful in the final stages of a carrier landing. Clearly struggling, the pilot of VF-2’s F-14D ‘Bullet 104’ (BuNo 163900) makes a heavy landing aboard USS Constellation (CV 64) in April 2003. US Navy The Tomcat remained a challenge to fly through to its retirement by the US Navy in October 2006 46 Combat Aircraft Digital Issue // www.combataircraft.net

The crew of a VF-143 F-14B braces for launch from USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) in June 2002. Four months earlier, ‘Dog 101’ (BuNo 162923) had its nose gear strut disintegrate while launching from CV 67. US Navy F-14A ‘Nickel 104’ (BuNo 158618) vents fuel in late February 2002. The aircraft was lost in a landing accident just days after this photograph was taken. VF-211 via author as a replacement for the jet’s original Below: The very deck of USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) in the VF-143 pilot LT(jg) Joseph Greentree. analogue ight controls. Based on the last US Navy Mediterranean Sea. ‘The nose gear strut failed early on in system built for the Euro ghter Typhoon, Tomcat to be the jet’s launch cycle. Airframers in the the DFCS used y-by-wire software to written off in a ‘Following the crash, all 156 Tomcats maintenance departments of VF-143 and send commands to the rudders and flying accident in the navy inventory were temporarily our sister squadron, VF-11, worked round ‘tailerons’ to dampen Dutch roll and is retrieved grounded so that their nose gear — the clock removing nose gear legs and adverse sideslip when on the glideslope from its watery speci cally the outer nose gear cylinder inspecting them. They managed to turn all for landing. It also controlled wing rock grave. F-14D strut — could be checked for the type of the aircraft around in just 72 hours. Soon on take-o . During air combat, the DFCS BuNo 164344 of fatigue cracks and corrosion pitting that after we arrived in-theatre [o the coast improved departure resistance when VF-31 crashed on had caused the undercarriage of the jet of Pakistan during Operation‘Enduring maneuvering at high AoA and gave the March 29, 2004. to fail during its catapult shot,’recalled Freedom’], VF-211 then lost a jet when its pilot a far greater chance of recovering US Navy tailhook separated, and again we were the jet should it depart from controlled grounded for three days while our aircraft were inspected and passed t to y. ight following a stall. Despite these somewhat belated ‘Theses failures were rather improvements, the Tomcat remained a disconcerting, because I remember one challenge to y through to its retirement of my instructors in VF-101 telling me that by the US Navy in October 2006. the two things that would never break Worryingly for its crews, during the on the Tomcat were the nose gear and nal years of eet service several F-14s the tailhook! Both failures were put down were lost following component failure to undetectable corrosion caused by the caused by the age of some of the jets sheer age of the jets involved.’ still in use. VF-143’s LCDR Christopher Blaschum became the last Tomcat Through preventative maintenance, crewman to lose his life in an accident a thorough inspection of surviving involving the aircraft (speci cally airframes and the accelerated retirement F-14B BuNo 162923) on March 2, 2002 of the oldest Tomcats, the attrition rate when, according to his RIO, LT(jg) Rafe among the dwindling ranks of F-14s was Wysham, who ejected safely, the nose drastically reduced during the jet’s nal gear strut disintegrated as their Tomcat years in the eet. Indeed, not a single was being catapulted from the ight example was lost in its nal 30 months of front-line service. Liner burn-through in the afterburner section of the F110 engine destroyed F-14D BuNo 161158 from VF-11 on February 18, 1996. An investigation found that the fierce fire in the right engine had severed the flight controls with such speed that neither the pilot, LT Terrence L. Clark, nor the RIO, CDR Scott Lamoreaux, had time to eject. David F. Brown www.combataircraft.net // Digital Issue Combat Aircraft 47

FEATURE ARTICLE // F-14 TOMCAT The Tomcat had a less than favorable safety record and LT Neil Left: Newly Middle East to California. On the trip ‘Waylon’ Jennings and his RIO, LT T. J. ‘Buga’ Gusewelle, survived promoted LCDR westward to the Persian Gulf at the one of the more spectacular accidents to befall the type. This is Neil Jennings start of the deployment there is a lot of their compelling story… poses for a excitement and anticipation regarding photograph at the mission you are on and the ports SREPORT Neil ‘Waylon’ Jennings and Tony Holmes NAS Miramar in you will see. In contrast, the trip home EPTEMBER 20, 1995, was his VF-213 blue is marked by long days and sleepless a standard day aboard the ‘Friday sierra nights, and much of the crew has ‘channel aircraft carrier USS Abraham hotel’ flight suit. fever’, longing to be home but not Lincoln (CVN 72) except for This shot was getting there quickly enough. one noteworthy exception — taken several we were headed eastbound months after September 20 was a Wednesday, and on our way home from a six-month his high-speed it began like any other day on the ship. deployment to the Persian Gulf. We were ejection. Author I woke up at around the crack of 10, about half-way through a transit that via Sally Jennings crawled out of my rack [bed], showered, would take us back to our home base Below: The dressed and headed down the narrow in San Diego, California. Assigned to ill-fated ‘Lion passageway to VF-213’s ready room, VF-213 ‘Black Lions’, which was the sole 112’ [F-14A BuNo where the aircrew congregated in F-14 unit within Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 161146] during a between training, working and ying 11, I had spent most of my deployment work-up near NAS events. On the ight schedule I was Fallon, Nevada. crewed with my RIO, LT T J ‘Buga’ ying missions over Iraq in support of Ted Carlson/ Gusewelle. I enjoyed ying with ‘Buga’. Operation ‘Southern Watch’. Now, we Fotodynamics He was a great o cer and a great RIO, were nally heading back to our waiting and he had a spark of enthusiasm that families. It takes approximately six weeks set him apart from the crowd. He loved for an aircraft carrier to travel from the ying the Tomcat and that made me love ying it too. The deployment we were on was ‘Buga’s’ rst and my third overseas cruise. 48 Combat Aircraft Digital Issue // www.combataircraft.net

The ight schedule had us down for a Above: F-14A not knowing that we would be using It was a beautiful day, with great visibility 14.00hrs brief and a 16.00hrs launch. Our BuNo 161617 most of the gear to survive that day. At and a thin cloud layer at around 10,000ft. mission was to y a ship’s service hop in ‘Blacklion 106’ around 15.15hrs we arrived on the ight The temperature was quite bearable support of the destroyer USS John Paul was the Tomcat deck and walked aft, looking for our compared to the Persian Gulf that we had Jones (DDG-53). We would be ying a that bore Neil assigned F-14, ‘Lion 112’. just recently left. cruise missile pro le while simulating an Jennings’ name attack on the warship. Neither ‘Buga’ nor and ‘Waylon’ The jet was parked all of the way I didn’t pay much attention to the I were particularly interested in either callsign during aft on the starboard side of the deck, pre- ight of the aircraft. When I got to the brief or the mission, mostly because VF-213’s 1995 and it had been chained down with my ejection seat, however, I inspected we were designated as the ‘spare’ for the WestPac the tail hanging out over the water. my Martin-Baker GRU-7(A) like it was the deployment. Considering that we had been on cruise most important piece of equipment on ight. This meant that we would not get Author via for ve months, ‘Lion 112’ still looked the planet — which it pretty much was. airborne unless one of the ‘go birds’ had Sally Jennings remarkably good. Our plane captain had For most of my career I had been in the a maintenance issue and was unable Right: CVW-11 taken pride in the aircraft, and he had habit of double and triple-checking every to launch. In other words, we had the undertook three worked hard to get the exterior of the cotter key, pin, fastener, nut, bolt, clip and less than enviable task of getting our WestPac/Persian jet clean. The ight deck was a greasy, strap on the seat. Even though I was in aircraft ready to launch, but there was Gulf deployments grimy and crowded environment, and it the spare aircraft, I took my time making little likelihood that we would get to go embarked in USS took extra e ort to keep the jets looking certain that my seat was ready to use, Abraham Lincoln good while they were continuously and it was. ying. Being the spare usually involved (CVN 72). This being used on missions. I was always doing all the work of getting ready to go photo was taken glad to man up a jet that looked as With the pre- ight completed, we shortly after the good as ‘Lion 112’ because it gave started the engines, got the generators ying, but without the reward of actually carrier had sailed me con dence that the aircraft was on line, powered up the systems and getting airborne. from San Diego ready to go. completed the required checklists. We had on April 11, 1995 just nished when we saw a‘yellow shirt’ ‘Buga’ and I met in the ready room just at the start of its heading in our direction, giving our plane before 14.00hrs, checked the weather, six-month-long captain the signal to remove the chocks looked at the list of divert elds, sat deployment. and chains that held us rmly in place. through a ight brief, compared notes, US Navy Hey, maybe we were going to go ying did a quick crew brief and then had about after all. All of a sudden there was a urry 10 minutes to take care of our other of activity as our young plane captain and administrative tasks before we headed his two assistants pulled the chains o , out the door. A little after 15.00hrs we kicked the chocks out from under the tires left the ready room and stepped into and did a nal visual check of‘Lion 112’ the passageway where maintenance to make sure we were ready to taxi.‘Buga’ control was located. The maintenance jumped on the radio and veri ed that LTs chief handed us the aircraft discrepancy ‘Haggis’Karger and‘Smoke’Stinson were book for ‘Lion 112’ [F-14A BuNo 161146]. having problems with their F-14. The We read through the binder of recent launch had already started, and aircraft maintenance actions and noted that were roaring o the catapults. Whatever our jet had a marginal radar, but that all issues they were having, there was no the other systems were up and working. time to x their jet before the launch We left maintenance control, cut back would be complete. This meant that‘Buga’ through the ready room and headed and I were de nitely getting into the air. down a passageway that took us to the para-rigger’s Shop. We suited up into our ight gear and headed outside, www.combataircraft.net // Digital Issue Combat Aircraft 49

FEATURE ARTICLE // F-14 TOMCAT Called into action Above: Between to rendezvous from the left side. The in the direction of John Paul Jones.‘Buga’ June and Viking was holding overhead the ship in checked us out with Abraham Lincoln’s Any opportunity to go ying was relished. September 1995, a continuous left-hand turn, waiting to We were both psyched that we were CVW-11 was pass the 3,000lb of fuel that would give us ghter controllers as we proceeded on taxiing to the catapult because it meant committed to enough gas to complete our mission. the mission. that we were going to escape the oating flying ‘Southern grey prison that had been our home for Watch’ missions Two of our squadron-mates in another The crew of John Paul Jones had recently the better part of half a year.‘Buga’used over Iraq on F-14 had reached the tanker just before upgraded their weapons system software, the opportunity to poke fun at‘Haggis’ a daily basis. us, and we watched as they completed and our job was to make several low and and‘Smoke’on the radio, which was ‘Blacklion refueling. LCDR‘Stash’Fristachi and LT fast ights by the ship to allow them to standard fare. It was to be expected when 105’ (BuNo ‘Stinkin’Cassole were ying the only other check the functionality of their radar and you went‘down’and there was a spare 160695) was F-14 airborne during our cycle, and they weapons system. It was only 70 miles ready to replace you. photographed were assigned the same mission as us. from Abraham Lincoln, and it did not take over Iraq during Within a few minutes they disconnected us long to transit to our assigned holding Take-o checklists completed, a defensive from the fuel hose and departed o the engines at full power, nal checks done, counter-air right side of the ES-3. The tanker pilot then x, which was 40 miles south of the ship afterburners lit and I saluted the catapult mission. VF-213 gave us a signal that we were cleared to at 20,000ft. We caught sight of‘Stash’ o cer. He completed his last look-over, via author move aft and plug in. As per the brief we and‘Stinkin’en route and rendezvoused touched the deck, pointed forward and Above right: were scheduled to get 3,000lb of fuel from on them brie y. They had arrived at the waited for the catapult to re. Another F-14As from our tanker, which was enough to pump us holding x a few minutes ahead of us. catapult o cer below the deck pushed VF-213 carefully back up to a full load of 20,000lb. It only ‘Buga’checked us in with our controller, a button on a console, steam pressure parked in CVN took a few minutes to get our allocated and shortly after that‘Stash’and‘Stinkin’ was ported through a complex launch 72’s crowded gas. I then moved over to the right side departed the holding point, starting their system and we were roaring down the hangar bay. The of the tanker, where the ES-3 pilot and I catapult, going from zero to 150kt in just unit embarked exchanged hand signals. We watched his rst run on the destroyer. Our goal was to two seconds. The catapult shot would take 14 Tomcats at fuel hose retract and we then departed o follow them in a 10-minute trail. your breath away. As the jet accelerated the start of the his right side and proceeded outbound you got tunnel vision, and you felt a rush cruise and had Within a few minutes we got a call on of adrenalin that cannot be described. lost ‘Blacklion the radio to turn inbound to John Paul It was both exhilarating and addictive, 116’ (BuNo 161273) Jones and start our run. I pushed the nose and there was nothing in the world that during training off of our F-14 over in a descent, unloaded matched it. Hawaii on April 27 when it suffered Once we were away from the deck I did an engine stall — a clearing turn, got the gear and aps up, the bane of the disengaged the afterburner and leveled TF30-powered o at 500ft. Compared to the helter- F-14A. Author via skelter world on the ight deck, being Sally Jennings airborne was quiet and relaxing. The air was smooth, our jet was ying crisply and we were lucky to be alive. Seven miles from the boat we started our climbing left turn to 8,000ft. We leveled o at the assigned altitude and I initiated a sharp left turn to go nd the ES-3A Viking tanker [from VQ-5 Det B] that was waiting for us overhead the ship. We visually spotted the ES-3 at about seven miles and proceeded 50 Combat Aircraft Digital Issue // www.combataircraft.net