Combat Aircraft - February 2016 VK Com Englishmagazines PDF

R I A LYSISOWN RUSSIA’S STRATEGIC STRIKES
SY NA OTD
L L A SHO BRITISH TYPHOONS JOIN THE FIGHT
FU R’
NCE
‘FE Volume 17 • Number 2 AMERICA’S BEST-SELLING MILITARY AVIATION MAGAZINE
t
ne
ft.
ra
irc
ta
ba
m
co
‘BLACKJACK’ boost for

UK air power
ATTACK
TYPHOON • F-35B • P-8 poseidon
INTERVIEW WITH SENIOR RAF OFFICER
Russia’s mighty
TU -160 in detail
IN THE
NEWS:
super hornets for
blue angels?
RAFALE CHINA ORDERS NEW
ON THE ‘FLANKERS’
FRONT
LINE
FEBRUARY 2016 UK £4.50
USAF FIGHTERS
A FORCE IN TRANSITION
RICHTHOFEN
EUROFIGHTER EXPANSION
RED TAILS OVER ALABAMA EMBRAER SUPER TUCANO VS

BEECHCRAFT AT-6 WOLVERINE
Embraer F_P.indd 1 16/12/2015 09:08
February 2016 • Vol 17 • No 2
30 Piotr Butowski presents a timely review of the

Tu-160 ‘Blackjack’ as it makes its combat debut
IN THE NEWS INDUSTRY REPORT 70 ‘RICHTHOFEN’ ON THE RISE
6 HEADLINE NEWS
LIGHT ATTACK: The Taktische Luftwaffengruppe ‘Richthofen’
is currently still subordinate to Taktisches
Super Tucano meets the Wolverine Luftwaffengeschwader 31 ‘Boelcke’, but
Boeing ends C-17 production, RAF Typhoons
the Eurofighter unit is looking forward to
in Syria action and China buys Su-35 82 SUPER TUCANO regaining its independence in 2016, as
Santiago Rivas explores Embraer’s Stefan Petersen describes
8 US NEWS highly-capable Super Tucano, one of
Blue Angels set to receive Super Hornets and
all the latest unit and deployments news
the most popular advanced trainers 78 BUDDY WING
and light attack aircraft in service today Training between the Republic of Korea Air
Force and the United States Air Force is a
14 WORLD NEWS near-daily occurrence in the Korean theatre.
News from Europe and around the globe
Jake Melampy investigates one such training
including Argentina’s Mirage farewell, plus
program — known as ‘Buddy Wing’
all the latest military losses
96 CUTTING EDGE
20 Combat Aircraft’s monthly column reporting
from the front line of aerospace technology,
by David Axe
90 HUNGRY LIKE THE WOLVERINE

Though Embraer claims that its A-29 Super Tucano is the most successful turboprop light attack
and advanced training aircraft on the market, it has strong competition in the shape of the
Beechcraft AT-6 Wolverine. Jon Lake reports
COMBAT REPORT:
RUSSIA’S SYRIA MISSION
Combat Aircraft evaluates November’s Su-24
‘Fencer’ shoot-down by a Turkish F-16 and the
recent strategic missions over Syria
40 RAFALE ON THE
FRONT LINE
Henri-Pierre Grolleau details how the
Dassault Rafale has been at the forefront of
French combat operations in Africa and the
Middle East
46 RED TAILS OVER ALABAMA

Jamie Hunter meets the 187th Fighter Wing,
a proud and famous unit flying some of
the oldest F-16s in the US Air Force. With
exclusive images from Jim Haseltine
54 A FORCE IN TRANSITION
PLUS SUBSCRIBE AND
SAVE
Despite its push for an all-stealth fighter
fleet, the US Air Force will need to maintain
Our ‘Under the Radar’ column details the
its older fighters for the foreseeable future, to
UK defense review
re-evaluate longer-term plans and be open
to some radical options, as Jamie Hunter
argues
Subscribe to Combat
ON THE COVER: Aircraft Monthly and
62 UK AIR POWER The mighty ‘Blackjack’. In this issue we make great savings on
Jamie Hunter meets Air Vice-Marshal Gary review Russia’s Tu-160 strategic bomber cover price.
Waterfall to discuss how the recent Strategic as it makes it combat debut.
Defence and Security Review (SDSR) made Sergey Krivchikov See pages
huge strides for British combat air power 60 and 61 for details.
COMBAT EDGE | FIND US ON
The US Marine Corps theoretically has

an IOC-declared F-35B squadron at its
disposal and ready to deploy should
the mission require it. Jamie Hunter
Inset: Piotr Butowski in the cockpit of a

Tu-160 in 1991. via Piotr Butowski
04
AIR POWER
UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT
A
S I WRITE my final Looking ahead to 2016 there will be feasible. We must
editorial of 2015, several milestones, not least the US Air therefore surmise that the
military air power is Force’s plan to declare initial operating operational imperative does not
arguably seeing its capability (IOC) with the F-35A in the warrant the involvement of the
most intense level of summer. The arrival of advanced Russian Marines’ newest fighters, and that
public interest and surface-to-air missile systems in Syria has politicians and military leaders have
expert scrutiny in decades. led some to suggest that now is the received sufficient reassurance that the
From the beyond visual range (BVR) perfect time to press the F-35 into lethal 400km-range S-400s do not pose a
air-to-air ‘kill’ of a Russian Su-24 ‘Fencer’, to combat action. Dodging advanced threat.
long-range strategic strikes by Russian integrated air defense networks is what To keep track of the latest breaking
bombers, and the British vote to join the the F-35 is all about. Indeed, the US news and analysis in the world of military
offensive air campaign in Syria — this is all Marine Corps has already declared IOC air power, you can visit our social media
front-page news. with the F-35B, but continues to operate sites and our website:
For the likes of Combat Aircraft, it means AV-8B Harrier IIs in the Operation www.combataircraft.net
bringing you the expert opinion and ‘Inherent Resolve’ theater.
analysis behind the headlines, cutting IOC signals that a type could be
through the inaccuracies of mainstream deployed for combat if required. Surely, if
journalism to provide facts and valuable there was a pressing requirement to
views. The ability of our writers to discuss deploy F-35s, then it would and could
pertinent topics with senior officers and happen. It would seriously mess with the Jamie Hunter,
end-users, as well as with industry, helps careful plans that are in place to establish Editor
to offer that balanced opinion. and deploy squadrons, but it should be E-mail: [email protected]
www.combataircraft.net February 2016

FEBRUARY 2016 | COMBAT EDGE
CONTRIBUTOR PROFILE PIOTR BUTOWSKI
A
lways journalist specializing in Soviet/
interested in Russian aviation history. Currently he is
aviation, Piotr focused on the present and future status
Butowski has of Russian air power, aviation industry and
been a published aviation technology. He has visited most Russian
writer since 1978. In 1990 aircraft design bureaus, many production
he became a full-time plants and some military air bases, and
aviation writer and fortunately speaks fluent Russian.
05
February 2016 www.combataircraft.net

[NEWS] HEADLINES
C-17: LAST OF THE LINE

FINAL GLOBEMASTER III LEAVES LONG BEACH
C-17A A7-MAN departs Long Beach on November 29, 2015
en route to Boeing’s facility at Kelly Field in San Antonio,
Texas. The last Globemaster III will receive post-
production modifications before it enters
service with the Qatar Emiri Air Force. Boeing
06
CHINA ORDERS Su-35
FIRST EXPORT SUCCESS FOR ADVANCED ‘FLANKER’
A
FTER WHAT as announced by Sergey Chemezov, aircraft contracts signed between the its interest in the Su-35 in 2008.
FELT like head of Russian state technologies countries in recent years. According to Russian reports, China
endless rounds corporation Rostec. While there are still some requested further information
of negotiations The deal — estimated to be worth reservations about the accuracy of in 2011, and by late 2012 a
and repeated $2 billion or around $83 million per the announcement, it is the most preliminary agreement had been
rumors, Beijing unit — makes the People’s Liberation reliable evidence of a contract so signed. However, it took more than
and Moscow finally signed a contract Army Air Force (PLAAF) the first far, especially since Beijing rarely three years of further negotiations
on November 19 for the delivery of foreign customer of the aircraft, makes such deals public. The to hammer out the terms of
24 Sukhoi Su-35 fighters to China, and is one of the largest military PLAAF reportedly first announced technical and financial conditions
prior to delivery, which will begin
Su-35S ‘Bort 08’ seen during its last demonstration at the Zhuhai in 2016.
Airshow in 2014. In the background is Shenyang’s demonstrator Speculation quickly suggested
for the FC-31/J-31 program. via Chinese internet that China was in fact only
interested in the Su-35’s 117S
engine and that the deal is
otherwise ‘political’. However, it
seems there is another reason
behind the delayed contract
signature. According to some
reports, the PLAAF demanded
major changes compared to the
Russian version, in particular
the use of Chinese cockpit
instrumentation, avionics and the
ability to use Chinese weapons.
A day before the deal was
struck, the Ufa Engine Industrial
Association (UMPO) reported
a meeting with Chinese

HEADLINES [NEWS]
T
Typhoons prepare to leave
HE 279TH AND RAF Lossiemouth in the early
last C-17A built by hours of December 3.
Crown Copyright
Boeing departed
from Long Beach
Airport, California,
on November
29, marking the end of aircraft
production at the plant. Destined
for operation by the Qatar Emiri Air
Force, the Globemaster III made a
final flyover of the complex before
departing for San Antonio, Texas,
where it will receive post-production
modifications at another Boeing
facility. The C-17A will be delivered
to Qatar in early 2016. The aircraft
is one of 10 Globemaster IIIs that
Boeing built after announcing it
would end C-17A production. One of
those aircraft remains unsold and is
RAF DEPLOYS TYPHOONS

stored at San Antonio.
OPERATION ‘SHADER’ EXPANDS INTO SYRIA
F
representatives. Russian officials
then confirmed that both sides
would further expand co-operation OLLOWING A so-called Islamic State (IS) inside Lossiemouth Wing and increasing
in the field of aircraft engines, and VOTE in the British Syria. A pair of the six Tornado GR4s the Tornado detachment to
that this might also include the parliament on already deployed to RAF Akrotiri, eight jets. The Typhoons joined
AL-41F-1S (117S) used on the latest December 2 to Cyprus, subsequently launched the the Tornados and flew their first 07
Su-35s. Col Gen Xu Qiliang, the vice expand UK operations first mission into Syrian territory missions on December 4, each
chairman of the Central Military in the Middle East that same evening, attacking IS- Typhoon carrying four Paveway IV
Commission of China, confirmed under Operation ‘Shader’, the controlled oil wells in eastern Syria. bombs, plus AIM-120 AMRAAMs
that China is interested in further Royal Air Force immediately joined The RAF moved fast to bolster its for self-protection, again striking
strengthening its relations with the coalition partners engaged in Cyprus detachment by adding six the large oilfield at Omar in eastern
Russian engine industry. air strikes against targets of the Tranche 2 Typhoon FGR4s from the Syria.
Questions still remain over the
Su-35 contract: is it actually only a
ISRAELI SKYHAWK RETIRES

framework for the acquisition of the of the Israeli attack fleet, with over
117S powerplant, why were only 300 examples acquired from 1972,
24 Su-35s bought, and what does it the Skyhawk was also responsible
tells us about the status of China’s
own engine programs? However, it
AHIT BOWS OUT for advanced jet training, latterly
with the Air Force Academy at
brings benefits for both sides. Russia ON DECEMBER 13 the Israeli Air Douglas A-4 Skyhawk (known Hatzerim. The last squadron has
finally has a first export customer Force staged a ceremony to mark locally as Ahit — eagle) after 48 now replaced the ‘Scooter’ with the
for the Su-35 and, regardless of the the retirement of the McDonnell years of service. Once the backbone Aermacchi M-346 Master, locally
small numbers involved, the PLAAF known as the Lavi (lion). The first
will receive a new fighter that brings Amit Agronov cadets to complete their initial
new capabilities. The Su-35 provides training on the M-346 graduated
China with an insight into the latest last June. The final A-4 inventory
Russian avionics and propulsion included single-seat A-4N and two-
systems, it gives the PLAAF the first seat TA-4J aircraft serving together
chance to explore thrust-vectoring with 102 ‘Flying Tigers’ Squadron.
engines, and deepens Sino-Russian
co-operation. ALSO THIS MONTH...
According to an un-named top
manager in one of the companies Super Hornets for Blue Angels
involved, the contract does not NAVAIR draws up conversion plans
for demo team. See US News
imply license production of the
Su-35 in China and the ‘customer will Argentina retires Mirage
Farewell to a Falklands veteran.
receive the aircraft in a ready-to-use See World News
condition.’ Andreas Rupprecht

[NEWS] UNITED STATES
The Blue
Angels will
trade in their
old Hornets for
Super Hornets.
US Navy/MCS1C
Andrea Perez
NAVY MISSILE TRIALS network-enabled AGM-84N Harpoon

missile system over the Pacific
ground tests and 16 flight tests, will
complete developmental testing
INITIAL FLIGHT-TESTING OF the the LRASM on the Super Hornet. The Sea Range near NAS Point Mugu, throughout fiscal 2016. The AGM-84N
Lockheed Martin AGM-158C Long precision-guided anti-ship stand- California. The inert Block II+ missile, Harpoon Block II+ also features a new
Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) off missile, which will be deployed which was installed on an F/A-18F GPS guidance kit that will enhance its
began at NAS Patuxent River, operationally in 2018, will provide a flown by air test and evaluation navigation capabilities.
Maryland, on November 3. The initial flexible, long-range, advanced, anti- squadron VX-31, will be capable In related news, Lockheed Martin
airworthiness test was conducted surface capability against high-threat of receiving in-flight updates that has received a $9.1-million contract
08 by an F/A-18E equipped with a maritime targets. improve targeting and its ability to to integrate the extended-range
mass simulator vehicle designed to The US Navy has also conducted engage moving maritime targets. The AGM-158B Joint Air-to-Surface
evaluate in-flight structural loads of the first free-flight test of the new latest Harpoon variant is expected Standoff Weapon (JASSM) with the
to enter fleet service in 2017. The free- B-52H. The Stratofortress will be the
F/A-18F BuNo 166968 of VX-31 ‘Dust Devils’ carries the new flight missile event was the first end- fourth aircraft to carry the turbofan-
AGM-84N Harpoon Block II+ over the Naval Air Warfare Center’s Sea
Test Range. The Navy plans to deliver the Block II+ variant to the to-end functional test from pre-flight powered cruise missile, which has
fleet in 2017. US Navy to target impact and proved that the a range of 500nm (926km). The
missile could receive target location bomber will carry the JASSM-ER both
updates through its network-enabled internally on its rotary launcher and
datalink from an F/A-18 while in externally on wing pylons. It is already
flight. After receiving the updates capable of carrying the shorter-range
the missile successfully acquired a baseline JASSM missile on the wing
moving ship target using its active pylons. Integration with the B-1B and
radar seeker and autonomously the F-16C is already under way and
guided itself to impact the target. The should be completed by 2018. The
missile, which had already undergone effort to equip the F-15E with the
152 lab-test sessions, 15 aircraft missile will follow.
UNMANNED UPDATE
Fire Scout completes deliver twice the endurance and It is currently scheduled to conduct RPA squadrons and create a
operational assessment three times the payload capability its initial ship-based testing in fiscal new wing ‘to normalize organizational
The unmanned Northrop Grumman as the existing MQ-8B, which utilizes year 2017. and command and control structures
MQ-8C completed a three-week a Schweizer 333 airframe. It has relative to other weapon systems’.
operational assessment at Naval a range of 150nm (278km) and a RPA expansion planned In addition, it will standardize the
Base Ventura County/NAS Point payload capacity of more than 700lb Air Combat Command announced squadron, group and wing structure
Mugu, California, on November (318kg). The MQ-8B has flown more plans to improve its ability to operate and assign RPA units to new locations
20. During the assessment the Fire than 16,000 hours and is currently its fleet of remotely-piloted aircraft that could include overseas facilities.
Scout made 11 flights totaling 83.4 deployed aboard the Littoral Combat (RPAs) in an attempt to normalize The command will increase RPA
flight hours that evaluated its system Ship USS Fort Worth (LCS 3) in the operations and ensure long-term manning by 2,500-3,500 airmen and
performance against maritime and Pacific. The MQ-8C has logged 427 mission success. Amongst the streamline processes to better enable
surveyed land targets. Based on the flights and more than 730 flight hours 140 tasks being undertaken, the reserve component forces to support
Bell 407 airframe, the MQ-8C will since its first flight in October 2013. command will double the number of the mission.

UNITED STATES [NEWS]
SUPER HORNETS FOR BLUE ANGELS

BOEING SET TO MODIFY AIRCRAFT FOR DEMONSTRATION TEAM
N
AVAL AIR F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. Boeing is The Blue Angels currently operate two F/A-18Ds. The Super Hornets
SYSTEMS set to receive a contract to cover a mix of single-seat F/A-18A and will likely require several of the
Command the development of engineering F/A-18C aircraft as well as two-seat changes that were made to the
(NAVAIR) has changes required in order to modify F/A-18Bs and F/A-18Ds. The team earlier Hornets including removal of
starting initial the Super Hornets to Blue Angels has operated the ‘legacy’ Hornets the gun and missile launchers and
planning work team configuration. The effort is since transitioning from the A-4F modifications to the fuel system that
to enable the US Navy Flight known officially as ECP 6480 ‘Navy Skyhawk in 1986. Conversion to the will allow the aircraft to conduct
Demonstration Squadron (USNFDS), Flight Demonstration Squadron F/A-18C/D began in 2010. Its current sustained inverted maneuvers,
the Blue Angels, to transition (Blue Angels) Super Hornet inventory includes three F/A-18As, as well as provision of a smoke
from the F/A-18 Hornet to the Conversion’. 15 F/A-18Cs, a single F/A-18B and generating system.
An EA-18G
UNIT NEWS
electronic
warfare officer Newest fighter squadron KC-135R to the KC-46A. The
demonstrates formed newly-designated 931st Air
use of the The second of the original 10 Refueling Wing will be the first
Windows- detachments assigned to the associate wing to operate the
based tablet
in the rear 495th Fighter Group at Shaw AFB, Pegasus, and will gain nearly 400
cockpit of South Carolina, was elevated personnel under the expansion.
a Growler. to full squadron status on McConnell is scheduled to be the
Boeing November 8 when Detachment first main operating base (MOB) 09
176 was activated as the 378th for the KC-46A; the 22nd ARW is
Fighter Squadron. The squadron scheduled to begin receiving the
is stationed at Dane County new tankers in late 2016.
Regional Airport-Truax Field in
Madison, Wisconsin, alongside ‘High Rollers’ transition
the Air National Guard’s 115th The Nevada Air National Guard’s
Fighter Wing. Its active-duty pilots, 152nd Airlift Wing is upgrading its
maintainers and support personnel Hercules fleet and is transitioning
share the responsibility for flying from the C-130H2 variant to the
GROWLER EMBRACES THE TABLET and maintaining the F-16Cs C-130H2.5 and H3. When the
assigned to the Air Guard’s 176th transfers are complete in early
THE US NAVY and Boeing have for a Navy aircraft. Growlers will
Fighter Squadron as an associate 2016, the ‘High Rollers’ will operate
demonstrated an advanced be retrofitted with the upgrades
unit. The activation is a part of the two of the former and six of the
targeting processor, an open while the technology will be
USAF’s Total Force Integration (TFI) latter models. Based in Reno,
architecture high-bandwidth included as standard on all new program that aligns active-duty and Nevada, the unit has flown the
data link and a Windows-based aircraft currently in production. reserve components to increase Hercules since 1996. The C-130H2s
tablet integrated with the mission Dan Gillian, Boeing F/A-18 and overall mission efficiency. first arrived in 2002.
system, to enhance the EA-18G EA-18G programs vice-president,
Growler’s ability to detect targets added: ‘This long-range targeting Tanker unit to grow Skytruck transfer
over longer distances and share technology is essential as we Air Force Reserve Command’s 931st Air Force Special Operations
information more rapidly. ‘This advance electronic attack Air Refueling Group at McConnell Command’s fleet of C-145A
enhanced targeting capability capabilities for the conflicts of AFB, Kansas, will be elevated Skytrucks was reduced to the
provides our aircrews with a today and tomorrow.’ to wing status in early 2016. In planned complement of five
significant advantage, especially The work is part of the addition, the wing will establish aircraft when two of them
in an increasingly dense threat ongoing Fleet Experimentation several groups including the 931st were transferred to the Arizona
environment where longer-range (FLEX) initiative to expand the Operations Group, which will Department of Public Safety.
targeting is critical to the fight,’ capabilities of the EA-18G in assume responsibility for the 18th The PZL M28-05s retained their
comments CAPT David Kindley, working with other platforms Air Refueling Squadron, and two assigned civil registrations when
US Navy F/A-18 and EA-18G such as the E-2D Hawkeye to new squadrons will be activated they were formally re-registered
program manager. Use of the evolve capabilities to passively as the 905th and 924th Refueling to the agency on November 10.
Squadrons. The moves come as part Nine additional C-145As have been
tablet device integrated with the identify and develop target-
of the plan to transition McConnell’s placed in storage at Davis-Monthan
aircraft mission system was a first quality tracks.
22nd Air Refueling Wing from the AFB, Arizona.

[NEWS] UNITED STATES
A 1st FW F-22 leads an RAF Typhoon

and a French Air Force Rafale C from
the 4e Escadre de Chasse.
USAF/SrA Kayla Newman
FUTURE
FIGHT
LANGLEY HOSTS INAUGURAL ‘TRILATERAL’ EXERCISE
IN BRIEF JSTARS RECAPITALIZATION MOVES FORWARD

THE USAF’S PLAN to replace its fleet development contracts worth Although the JSTARS system
EMARSS award of 16 E-8C Joint Surveillance Target around $31.4 million, but it was is currently fielded on Boeing
The US Army has selected the Attack Radar System (JSTARS) aircraft denied a Milestone A approval 707 airframes, the replacement
L3 Communications Mission moved a step closer to reality on in September. The Air Force now will make use of a much smaller
Integration Division to carry out December 10, when the Pentagon’s intends to release a request for platform. Northrop Grumman,
modifications associated with under-secretary of defense gave proposals (RFP) for the engineering which is teamed with Gulfstream
10
the Enhanced Medium-Altitude authority for the program to move and manufacturing development Aerospace and L-3 Communications,
Reconnaissance and Surveillance to the next phase in the acquisition contract early in 2016, with an award intends to offer a Gulfstream G550,
System (EMARSS) program. cycle. The Milestone A approval for the EMD effort following in 2017. while Lockheed Martin is working
It awarded the contractor a allows the program to proceed into As part of the efforts the service with Bombardier and its proposal
$129.7-million contract to modify the technology maturation and risk will also award ‘up to two radar risk will be based on the latter’s Global
13 quick-reaction capability reduction phase. reduction contracts’. 6000 business jet. Boeing plans
King Air aircraft to EMARSS The E-8C replacement program The service’s initial plans called for to offer a modified version of its
configuration. The work will be was formally launched in August the new aircraft to achieve initial 737-700 commercial airliner. The
carried out in Greenville, Texas, 2015 when the USAF awarded operational capability in fiscal 2022, air force plans to begin retiring
and should be completed by three separate competitors pre- but that milestone has been pushed the E-8C fleet in 2019 and to fully
November 23, 2019. engineering and manufacturing back to fiscal 2023. replace it by 2026.
‘FORGING SABRE’
Final MH-65D conversion
completed MILESTONE
The US Coast Guard Aviation HERCULES F-15SG Strike Eagles from the 428th Fighter Squadron ‘Buccaneers’
Logistics Center finished
conversion of the final MH-65C
DELIVERY at Mountain Home AFB, Idaho, deployed to Luke AFB, Arizona, on
November 19, to operate alongside fellow Republic of Singapore Air
LOCKHEED MARTIN DELIVERED Force (RSAF) F-16C/Ds from the 425th Fighter Squadron. Exercise
to MH-65D configuration in
the 2,500th Hercules airlifter on ‘Forging Sabre’, involving the two US-based RSAF squadrons, was
late November 2015. Upon
December 11 when HC-130J held between December 1-13. USAF/SrA James Hensley
completion, tail number 6532
serial 13-5782 made the short
departed Coast Guard Base flight from Dobbins Air Reserve
Elizabeth City, North Carolina, and Base in Marietta, Georgia, to
was delivered to Coast Guard Air Moody AFB in Valdosta. Upon
Station Kodiak, Alaska. arrival at Moody, the Hercules
joined the fleet of the 347th
Seahawk contract Rescue Group’s 71st Rescue
Sikorsky Aircraft has received Squadron. Lockheed delivered
a $354.2-million contract that the first production Hercules to
covers the purchase of 29 MH-60R the US Air Force in 1956 and the
helicopters for the US Navy. The aircraft has been in continuous
Fiscal 2016 effort is part of the fifth production for more than 60
year of a multi-year contract. years.

UNITED STATES [NEWS]
AFSOC SETS OUT AC-130J AMBITIONS
S
US AIR FORCE Special Operations told reporters. Use of air-launched
IMPLY DUBBED partners and allies in the current Command (AFSOC) has set out mini-drones is also on the cards. This
‘TRILATERAL fight against extremism, and broad plans for its new AC-130J involves current testing of a Coyote
Exercise’ or ‘Trilat’, will be in any foreseeable future ‘Ghostrider’ gunships. Lt Gen Brad UAV installed in the Common Launch
the 1st Fighter conflict. The trilateral exercise Heithold, commander of AFSOC, Tube already used by KC-130J
Wing at Joint Base gives us an opportunity to train has said that high-energy lasers are Harvest HAWKs to launch Griffin
Langley-Eustis, together in realistic counter-air likely to be a future capability of missiles. The mini-UAV will scan for
Virginia, hosted this ‘anti-access/ and strike scenarios. This training the AC-130J. ‘I believe we can put a targets to be relayed back to the
area denial’ exercise in the first is critical to ensure that we have high energy laser — offensive and AC-130J ‘mother ship’, which can
two weeks of December. It day-one inter-operability for defensive — on an AC-130 by the attack with maximum stand-off to
brought together the wing’s future contingency operations.’ close of this decade,’ he recently minimise exposure to ground threats.
F-22 Raptors with eight Royal F-15E Strike Eagles from the 4th
Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon Fighter Wing at Seymour Johnson
FGR4s from No XI Squadron and AFB and resident T-38 Talon BACN EXTENDED communications link between
six French Air Force Rafale Cs companion trainers from the THE USAF RECENTLY extended ground forces operating in rugged
between December 2-18. Col Pete 71st Fighter Training Squadron operations of the EQ-4B and terrain. The service is apparently
Fesler, commander of the 1st FW performed ‘Red Air’ duties in E-11A Battlefield Airborne looking to further extend these
comments: ‘The RAF and French an array of simulated adversary Communications Node (BACN) operations through January 2017.
Air Force are our vital strategic scenarios. platforms through June 2016 Developed in response to a Joint
and awarded a $120-million Urgent Operational Need, the
contract to Northrop Grumman BACN provides the capability to
to support the systems in exchange information between
Afghanistan. The fleet, which disparate tactical datalink systems,
includes four Bombardier Global utilize voice relay, bridge between
Express E-11As and three Block different voice systems and share
20 EQ-4B Global Hawk remotely- data via an airborne server. It has
piloted aircraft, provides a been deployed since 2009.
DEPLOYMENT NEWS
11
Moody Combat King II deploys Package (TSP) rotation to
The 23rd Wing’s 71st Rescue Europe. The Eagle deployment will
Squadron began its first deployment initially be led by the Massachusetts
with the HC-130J when two Combat ANG’s 104th Fighter Wing in March
King IIs departed Moody AFB, 2016 and the California ANG’s
Georgia, on November 27. More than 144th Fighter Wing will assume the
CAG-BIRD CORNER 60 aircrew, support and maintenance

personnel are supporting Operation
responsibility in June. The rotation
will be the fourth European TSP
‘BLACK ACES’ LOW DOWN ‘Inherent Resolve’. The squadron, and the second F-15 package since
VFA-41 ‘Black Aces’ has completed application of a special color a component of the 347th Rescue tensions with Russia increased
scheme to mark the squadron’s 70th anniversary. Its ‘CAG-bird’ Group, received its first HC-130J over its incursions into Ukraine.
F/A-18F (BuNo 166842/NG-100) is seen at low level in California on a in July 2013 and retired its last The deployment will be the first
training mission from NAS Lemoore in late November. Norman Graf HC-130Ps in September 2015. for the Fresno-based 194th Fighter
Squadron since its conversion to
Air Guard deployment plans the F-15C began in 2013. The unit
UPGRADED SENTRY DEPLOYED Air National Guard F-15Cs will

replace the 23rd Wing’s A-10Cs
expects to achieve full operational
capability with the Eagle in early
AN UPGRADED BLOCK 40/45 E-3G operational capability in July. during the next Theater Security 2016.
Airborne Warning and Control Although the newest variant has
System (AWACS) aircraft began the already taken part in counter- Moody ‘Hogs’ in Europe
type’s first combat deployment on narcotics and domestic air defense The 74th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron deployed eight A-10C Thunderbolt
November 18 when it departed missions in support of US Southern IIs to Europe in December. The A-10s arrived initially at Papa Air Base, Hungary,
Tinker AFB, Oklahoma, for the Command and US Northern on December 2 for a two-week stay as part of a Theater Security Package
US Central Command area of Command, this deployment was (TSP), before moving on to Ämari Air Base, Estonia. Tamás Martényi
operations and assignment to the first to a combat zone. Five
the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing. additional Block 30/35 E-3B/Cs
Tinker’s 552nd Air Control Wing will be upgraded annually until all
operates 27 Sentries, of which have been modified. Operated by
nine have been upgraded to the the 968th Expeditionary Airborne
latest E-3G configuration. The Air Control Squadron, the Sentry
wing accepted the first production conducted its first combat mission
model in June and achieved initial on November 21.

UK DEFENSE BOOST
On November 23 the British Prime Minister delivered a nations, and French Atlantiques being
speech and report that put UK defense back on an upward deployed to the UK in response to a
number of clandestine maritime threats
trend in the face of renewed threats around the globe. in recent years. It all served to make a
case to renew the UK’s own maritime
report: Jamie Hunter
B
patrol capability as soon as was
financially practicable.
ACK IN 2010 the British that the government is in a position to The appearance of two Japanese
military took something ‘restore’ the armed forces to strength and Kawasaki P-1 maritime patrollers at the
of a battering in the invest in national security as ‘threats to 2015 Royal International Air Tattoo
government’s first the country are growing.’ fuelled speculation that options for
Strategic Defence and The cull of the Royal Air Force’s regenerating a British MPA capability
Security Review (SDSR). maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) was always were on the table and that these were
It was to kill off the British Harrier force controversial for an island nation. The being evaluated. Indeed, newspaper
and, equally controversially, end the end of the Nimrod MRA4, planned for a reports in the lead-up to the SDSR
BAE Systems Nimrod MRA4 program. It production run of nine aircraft, meant suggested that a firm announcement on
effectively axed UK carrier strike and that an off-the-shelf solution would need an MPA was likely.
maritime patrol — two major to be found, as and when finances Rumors had persisted that a lease deal
capabilities — in a single blow. allowed. It was one of those capabilities for P-8s might be a possibility. However,
The intervening years have seen two with no solution other than to be the formal announcement went much
significant factors at play. Global security ‘gapped’. The intervening years have seen further and confirmed that the UK was
considerations have placed an increased British Nimrod experts being re-posted set to purchase a fleet of nine Poseidons,
burden on British armed forces, both in under Project ‘Seedcorn’, mainly flying to be home-stationed at RAF
the form of Russian actions and the rise with the US Navy. Lossiemouth in Scotland.
12 of the so-called Islamic State (IS). In The ‘gapping’ of MPA resulted in the UK
addition, the British economy is in a frequently turning to allies as and when
TAKING A LOOK AT THE HOTTEST TOPICS IN MODERN AIR POWER
stronger position than it was back in an urgent need arose for maritime patrol
2010. Prime Minister David Cameron said — we’ve seen news reports of US Navy
that the economy ‘remains strong’ and P-8 Poseidons, P-3 Orions of various
BK-4 is the UK’s latest

F-35B, seen during
initial acceptance
flying in December.
Carl Richards
12-13 Under The Radar C.indd 12 17/12/2015 21:15

UK DEFENSE REVIEW | UNDER THE RADAR
‘Immortals’, will be established ahead of

The latest SDSR re-affirmed the sea trials aboard HMS Queen Elizabeth in
2018. Full operating capability (land and
commitment to the carriers — HMS maritime) for the F-35B will be declared in
2023. Under previous plans, the UK had
Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince committed to just 48 F-35Bs, of which only
of Wales — with the carrier strike eight would have been ready for use on
the carriers by 2023.
capability being ‘accelerated’ Typhoon reprieve

Threatened cuts for the RAF Typhoon force
Carrier comeback further down the line and may be used to were reversed by the SDSR to an extent, in
The other major ‘gapped’ British air power replace part of the Eurofighter Typhoon as much as the early Tranche 1 aircraft will
capability was carrier strike. The force. Nonetheless, it represents a not now be retired by 2020. Under the
decommissioning of HMS Ark Royal and welcome return to investment in combat latest plans, the RAF will have seven
the scrapping of Joint Force Harrier meant air power. front-line Typhoon squadrons by 2025.
that the ability to project air power at sea The UK has now received four F-35Bs The resurgence of combat air power is
would be dead until 2020 and the arrival (c/n BK1-4), and the first 14 operational something that could not have been
of the first of two new Royal Navy aircraft F-35Bs have already been authorized foreseen five years ago. The retention of
carriers. The latest SDSR re-affirmed the under the Main Gate 4 approval process, the Tranche 1 Typhoons is particularly
commitment to the carriers — HMS Queen 10 having been contracted to date. Of significant. These aircraft have only been
Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales — with those operational jets so far contracted, in service for a maximum of 10 years and
the carrier strike capability being the first four are to be built under the extending their service life to 2030
‘accelerated’. low-rate initial production (LRIP) Lot 8 represents a sensible way to produce the
The UK’s second F-35B squadron (809 contract, with the second batch of six increased combat air ‘mass’. While
Naval Air Squadron) will now receive following in LRIP 9. The full order of 138 recognizing that these early Typhoons
aircraft far earlier than previously planned aircraft is currently planned to be are best suited for the air-to-air role, it
and will be available alongside No 617 approved in the Main Gate 5 means that the multi-role Tranche 2 and
Squadron from 2023 with a total of 24 announcement in 2017. Tranche 3 aircraft are freed up from quick
aircraft. The SDSR also underlined the UK No 617 Squadron ‘Dambusters’ will reaction alert duties in order for them to
commitment to purchase 138 F-35s return to the UK from its initial re- soak up the weight of the RAF’s force 13
throughout the life of the program, a formation in the US in the summer of 2018 projection effort.
figure many thought was unattainable. In and in December of that year will declare
reality, the full program of record will likely initial operating capability for land-based For more on the SDSR see our report on
involve aircraft that will be bought much operations. The second unit, 809 NAS page 62.
12-13 Under The Radar C.indd 13 17/12/2015 21:15

[NEWS] WORLD
ARGENTINA RETIRES MIRAGE
O
FAA BIDS FAREWELL TO A FALKLANDS VETERAN
N NOVEMBER by France, and known in Israel as a priority for successive democratic countries signed an agreement for
29 the Fuerza the Nesher. After retirement from governments. Then came serious the supply of 14 IAI Kfir Block 60s from
Aérea Argentina Israeli service they received upgrades financial problems and the collapse of Israeli Air Force reserve stocks, valued
(FAA) retired its before being sold to Buenos Aires as the economy, including bankruptcy in at approximately €300 million. Before
Dassault Mirage Daggers and Fingers between 1978 the early 2000s. delivery these were to be repaired
combat fleet with and 1980. At times, a new acquisition has and modernized by IAI, including the
a public event at Tandil, home of the VI Further second-hand Mirages also been hindered from outside addition of new EL/M-2052 radars
Brigada Aérea. were supplied by Peru. Argentina’s Argentina’s borders, for example from its Elta Systems subsidiary. After
The ceremony placed a strong President Cristina Fernández de when it expressed interest in the Saab a change of government in Argentina,
emphasis on the 1982 war for the Kirchner underlined this fact during Gripen. The United Kingdom was however, the contract has yet to be
Falkland Islands (or Malvinas, as they a visit by her Peruvian counterpart, quick to make it clear that it would implemented. The FAA has criticized
are known in Argentina). During the Ollanta Humala. Kirchner spoke veto such a move, since a considerable plans for the first six aircraft to be
Falklands War the VI Brigada Aérea of a ‘very special love for Peru’ and portion of the Gripen’s components delivered after a wait of 18 months
lost 13 aircraft, and to mark this each stressed Peru’s ‘invaluable help for are of British origin. Political and without weapons. Furthermore,
aircraft involved in the retirement the Argentine Air Force during the considerations with regard to the UK Israel insists on carrying out the
event carried an emblem depicting Falklands War’. She also recalled that and the United States meanwhile upgrade work domestically.
the islands. One, wearing the 1982- ‘Peru provided Argentina with combat prevented the supply of second-hand Perhaps the future of fighters at
era camouflage scheme, even wore aircraft and pilots’. The aircraft came in Spanish Air Force Mirage F1s. Tandil will have to depend on Russian
markings in recognition of British ships the form of 10 Mirage 5P Mara fighters, An obvious solution might have or Chinese technology in order
sunk during the campaign. intended to replace Falklands losses. been to revive the old Israeli-Argentine to circumvent political obstacles.
The FAA began Mirage operations To commemorate this, one of the two connection. Accordingly, the two Alexander Golz
in 1972, but the number of airworthy aircraft that received ‘retro’ camouflage
aircraft has gradually diminished and colors was painted in a Peruvian
since 2012 only one ‘Mirage’ squadron Mirage 5 scheme.
14 has been active, equipped with a Until the procurement of new
mix of Mirage III and Israel Aircraft combat aircraft for the FAA, only
Industries (IAI) Dagger and Finger jets. the IA-63 Pampa is available as a
Only a few of these were acquired ‘transitional’ fighter. The critical
new, the majority being purchased situation as regards provision of a true
second-hand. Mirage successor has been imposed
The IAI aircraft were not original upon the FAA partly by external forces.
Mirages, but Israeli versions of the After the end of Argentina’s military
Mirage 5 ground attack aircraft, albeit rule in December 1983, acquisition of
with components provided primarily a new fighter was for many years not
Above: Dagger T serial C-630 performs at Tandil in specially-applied
Peruvian-style camouflage. Alexander Golz
Below: Finger IIIB serial C-408 was returned to its original camouflage, as
worn during the Falklands War, including ship-kill markings on the port
side of the nose. Alexander Golz

WORLD [NEWS]
via Chinese internet
FIRST ITALIAN
F-35A DELIVERED
IN AN EVENT that marked the
delivery of the first Joint Strike
Fighter outside the United States,
an initial Lockheed Martin F-35A
for the Italian Air Force (AL-1)
was delivered on December 3
at the final assembly and check
out (FACO) facility at Cameri.
This makes Italy the sixth nation
to receive the F-35. AL-1 was
rolled out in March and first flew
on September 7. Italy’s first two
pilots have begun F-35 flight
EIGHTH J-20 UNDER TEST
ON NOVEMBER 24, in a surprising the aircraft features a modified December 3, previous prototype
training at Luke AFB, Arizona, development, Chengdu flew the canopy with a somewhat enlarged ‘2016’ was transferred to Xi’an-
where Cameri-built F-35As will eighth prototype J-20 fighter, ‘2017’. ‘bubble’, and the original head- Yanliang, meaning that seven of the
be delivered in 2016 to support The aircraft was rolled out the same up display (with a slightly larger eight aircraft are now at the China
international pilot training. day. Compared to earlier prototypes, frame) has also been reinstated. On Flight Test Establishment (CFTE).
SPAIN CUTS
ATLAS FLEET
SPAIN HAS COME to an agreement
with Airbus Defence and Space to
reduce its initial purchase of A400M
transports to 14. It will seek to offload
the remaining 13 aircraft to which it is
committed. The Spanish Air Force will
receive 14 A400Ms from 2016-2022. 15
If a buyer cannot be found for the
surplus examples, a decision will then
be made on the fate of the second
tranche of aircraft.
Egypt is understood to be close to
placing an A400M order and may
take the surplus Spanish aircraft.
Cairo might buy up to 12 aircraft A model of KAI’s twin-engined KF-X proposal for a new-generation stealthy fighter to replace Republic of
Korea Air Force F-4s and F-5s from 2025. Dr Andreas Zeitler
for €1.8 billion. Jordan, Mexico and
the United Arab Emirates are also
interested in the A400M. Spain is to INDONESIA SIGNS PARTNERSHIP
purchase three A330 Multi-Role Tanker
Transports (MRTTs) in 2016. DEAL WITH KOREA FOR KF-X
KOREA AEROSPACE Industries for the Indonesian share of design According to a report in the Korea
PHILIPPINE FA-50S (KAI) and Indonesia have agreed and development and will receive Times, the government in Seoul is
ARRIVE an investment deal for the KF-X one of the six planned prototypes. facing increasing calls to re-start
Korea Aerospace Industries future fighter. It covers proposed The KF-X is intended to enter KF-X and to cancel the F-35 deal,
(KAI) has begun deliveries of the investment and work-share production in 2025. Indonesia in light of current and anticipated
FA-50PH light combat aircraft to the arrangements for the development intends to buy 50, while South technology transfer issues. DAPA
Philippines. The first two FA-50PHs of the twin-engined stealthy fighter. Korea will require an initial 120. has apparently already considered
left KAI’s Sacheon facility, arriving South Korea will ultimately pay Meanwhile, a possible blow has the costs involved in canceling
at Clark Air Base, Philippines, on for 80 per cent of engineering and been dealt to the KF-X program the $6.33-billion F-35 buy, with an
November 27. Manila ordered 12 development costs, with Indonesia by a US decision not to sign off estimated figure of $1.2 billion, or
FA-50PHs under a $420-million deal. covering the remainder (worth $1.5 on the transfer of 21 technologies alternatively reducing the number
The remaining 10 aircraft will be billion). used in the Lockheed Martin F-35 of F-35s to be purchased from 40
delivered by 2017. KAI is the preferred developer for Lightning II until 2016. These to 20.
It is reportedly planned to arm the KF-X but awaits a contract from technologies have been requested In related news, reports from
the FA-50PHs with Israeli weapons. the Defense Acquisition Program by Seoul for use in the KF-X project Japan indicate that Mitsubishi
Ultimately, the aircraft will be based Administration (DAPA) to complete and were supposed to be included Heavy Industries aims to fly its
at Basa AB in Pampanga, Subic AB development. PT Dirgantara in the offset deal in return for ATD-X fighter demonstrator during
in Zambales and at Puerto Princesa Indonesia (PTDI) will be responsible Korea’s purchase of 40 F-35s. the first quarter of 2016.
City, Palawan.
14-18 World News C.indd 15 17/12/2015 21:25

[NEWS] WORLD
SECOND J-11D FLIES

NEW IMAGERY REVEALS DESIGN CHANGES
via Chinese internet
ROTARY ROUND-UP
Bulgarian ‘Hind’ back in service German H145Ms delivered
The Bulgarian Air Force has Airbus Helicopters has delivered
returned to airworthy condition the first two H145M special
16 a single Mi-24V attack helicopter. operations helicopters to the
The overhauled and life-extended German Army. The aircraft were
aircraft, serial ‘142’, was cycled handed over at Donauwörth on
through its overhaul at the TEREM- December 8. They will eventually
Letets rotorcraft maintenance be operated from Laupheim by
facility at Sofia Airport. The engines, Germany’s special operations
main gearbox and auxiliary power command, the Kommando
unit were overhauled in Russia Spezialkräfte (KSK), which has 15
and the aircraft received new examples on order. The German
main and tail rotor blades plus Operating Mi-24V serial ‘142’ will allow the Bulgarian Air Force to Army’s H145M (LUH SOF) version
explosion-protected bladder fuel retain its attack helicopter expertise until the procurement of a new- is equipped with a fast-roping
generation helicopter for close air support and anti-armor operations.
tanks. This Mi-24V (c/n 150724) was system, cargo hooks, hoists,
Alexander Mladenov
manufactured at Rostov-on-Don a pintle-mounted door gun,
in February 1986. The helicopter Exocet Block 2 Mod 2 long-range US State Department in December ballistic protection and electronic
will be approved for operation anti-ship missile. In order to prepare 2014. The heavy-lift helicopters will countermeasures.
for seven years or 1,000 flight the helicopter/missile combination be bought through Foreign Military
hours, whichever occurs first. The for Brazilian Navy service, Helibras Sales channels. The Hellenic Army Chinook HC6 deliveries complete
cost of the work is put at around conducted integration tests in a currently operates a fleet of 14 Boeing delivered the 14th new-
€2.39 million. The factory flight- three-week period, involving several CH-47Ds. build Chinook HC6 at RAF Odiham
check flights of the ‘Hind-E’ were simulated launches. In early 2016, on December 7, completing
completed on November 20. At bench analysis will resume, paving Indian ‘Hinds’ for Afghanistan current orders for the United
the end of the same month it was the way for the missile to be flight- India is to supply Afghanistan with Kingdom. Delivery of the aircraft
handed over to its home unit, the tested on the prototype in Brazil. four former Indian Air Force Mi-25 brings the Royal Air Force Chinook
24th Air Base at Kumovo. attack helicopters. The refurbished fleet to 60 aircraft, comprising 38
Alexander Mladenov Greece to buy Chinooks aircraft will be handed over to HC4s (upgraded HC2/2As), eight
The Hellenic Ministry of Defense the Afghan National Defense and HC3s (in the process of upgrade to
Caracal works towards has decided to fund the acquisition Security Forces (ANDSF) by early HC5 standard), and 14 HC6s.
Exocet capability of 10 ex-US Army Boeing CH-47D 2016. Under a strategic partnership Deliveries of the 14 Chinook HC6s
Helibras has successfully completed helicopters. A total of $125.8 million agreement signed in 2011, New began in December 2013. The Mk6
the first phase of integration tests of has been earmarked for the project, Delhi has already provided the is essentially similar to the CH-47F,
the Airbus H225M (AH-15B) Caracal which was initially approved by ANDSF with three unarmed Cheetal with the addition of a number of
helicopter with the MBDA AM39 Athens in October 2013, then by the light utility helicopters. UK-specific upgrades.

WORLD [NEWS]
THE FIRST PROTOTYPE of the the fuselage, as a result of which the AVIAKOR DELIVERS ITS FIRST Tu-95MSM
Shenyang J-11D — the next- infra-red search and track dome is THE RUSSIAN AIR Force has received cruise missiles. The upgrade process
generation Chinese ‘Flanker’ slightly offset to the starboard side its latest modernized Tupolev took around three months. Another
— performed its maiden flight of the windshield. Flight-testing Tu‑95MSM strategic bomber, named bomber is currently undergoing
on April 29, 2015, but since then is continuing under strict security Dubna. Work on the aircraft was modernization and will be completed
regrettably few images have been with almost no information being carried out by the Aviakor aviation before the end of 2015; in December
released. These showed the type’s published, but the second plant at Samara, and saw installation 2015, a third will be delivered to the
canted radome, similar to that of the prototype was said to have of advanced radar and GLONASS factory for upgrading.
J-10B, which reportedly features a performed its maiden flight on navigation equipment, and the Dubna is not the first Tu-95MSM,
new active electronically-scanned October 27, and reports state that capability to carry an expanded array but the first to be adapted at Samara.
array (AESA) radar developed by both have been transferred to the of weapons, including up to eight Previously, the same work was carried
the 14th Institute. In addition, the China Flight Test Establishment. externally mounted Kh-101 or Kh-102 out by the Taganrog factory.
airframe seems to include a greater With this new type under test, it
proportion of composite materials,
especially in its wing and tail
remains to be seen what role the
J-11D and Su-35 will play in the MIRAGE ISRAELI
sections, and apparently includes
a radar-absorbent coating in order
future Chinese air arsenal. While
the general status of the J-11D 2000D F-35 BUILD
to reduce its radar cross-section.
Other features are a modernized
project is unclear, most observers
assume it to be a mid-life upgrade
UPGRADE PROGRESSES
fly-by-wire system, perhaps based for the J-11B’s remaining years in THE FRENCH MINISTRY of Defense NORTHROP GRUMMAN HAS
on that of the new J-16, and a flight front-line service. is to extend the service life of the delivered a center fuselage for the
refueling probe on the port side of Andreas Rupprecht French Air Force’s Dassault Mirage first Israeli F-35A Lightning II, AS-1, the
2000D strike fighter fleet, and company announced on November
has provided additional funds of 18. It was produced on the F-35
€160 million. A mid-life upgrade Integrated Assembly Line at Palmdale.
will be carried out on at least 45 AS-1 is being built as part of the eighth
FIRST Il-76MD-90A FOR Mirage 2000Ds, from a total of 71
in use. Another 10 may be similarly
low-rate initial production (LRIP) lot
of F-35s. Israel has ordered 33 F-35As
RUSSIAN AIR FORCE upgraded at a later date. The

updated 2000D will be expected
under the US government’s Foreign
Military Sales program. Reports
to remain in service into the 2030s. suggest that it is looking to increase its
17
The package is likely to address the Lightning II purchase and may seek to
radar and avionics, and integrate add a squadron of F-35B short take-off
MICA infra-red-guided air-to-air and vertical landing (STOVL) variants.
missiles. Other options include In December 2016 the Israeli Air
integration of the new MICA NG Force will receive its first two F-35As,
and the Sagem AASM precision- and initial deliveries will be made to
guided weapon. Nevatim air base.
The Russian-made Il-76MD-90A has an entirely new, lighter and

UNMANNED NEWS
stronger wing, and more powerful and efficient PS-90A-76 engines.
The avionics and most systems have been replaced or upgraded, Washington signs off Global smaller targets. The program
and the take-off weight and maximum payload increased. Hawk for Japan is currently being run as a
Piotr Butowski The US State Department has theoretical research study by the
approved the sale to Japan of the South Korean military, which will
ON DECEMBER 2 the first Ilyushin tests, while 01-03 and 01-04 were Northrop Grumman RQ-4 Global launch applied research from 2017
Il-76MD-90A was handed over to delivered to Beriev at Taganrog Hawk remotely-piloted aircraft to 2019.
the Russian Ministry of Defense at in 2014-15, where they are will (RPA). Under a $1.2-billion deal,
the Ulyanovsk aircraft factory. The be used as prototypes of new the Japan Air Self-Defense Force Italian Reapers to be armed
next day the military transport special duty aircraft, including will receive three RQ-4 Block 30 (I) Italy has decided to weaponize its
flew to its permanent base at the the A-100 airborne early warning RPAs with the Enhanced Integrated Air Force’s General Atomics MQ-9
610th Transport Aviation Crew platform. Sensor Suite (EISS). Reaper unmanned aerial vehicles
Conversion and Combat Training The Russian government (UAVs). The US State Department
Center in Ivanovo. The aircraft is decided to move Il-76 production Seoul wants stealth strike UAV has approved a possible Foreign
named Victor Livanov, after the from Tashkent, Uzbekistan, to South Korea has unveiled plans to Military Sale of weapons and
Ilyushin general manager from Ulyanovsk in December 2006. develop a new, stealthy unmanned related equipment, valued at
1997 to 2014. Since 1973 the Tashkent plant aerial vehicle (UAV). Capable of around $129.6 million. Italy has
The aircraft, serial 01-05, is had manufactured 950 examples. high-altitude operations, the requested 156 AGM-114R2 Hellfire
the fifth Il-76MD-90A built by Aviastar-SP is also assembling a aircraft will be tailored to counter II missiles, 30 GBU-12 laser-guided
Aviastar-SP at Ulyanovsk. The first Il-78M-90A tanker derivative North Korea’s long-range artillery bombs (LGBs), 30 GBU-38 Joint
previous example, 01-01, is a of the Il-76. Its maiden flight is and mobile missile systems. Direct Attack Munitions (JDAMs),
static test airframe; 01-02 is the scheduled for May 2016. Armament will include sub- 30 GBU-49 Enhanced Paveway
first flying prototype, used for Piotr Butowski munitions stores to attack multiple LGBs, and 30 GBU-54 Laser JDAMs.

[NEWS] WORLD
LOSSES
Expeditionary Group at Kandahar F-16C on November 23 and crashed
Air Field, Afghanistan, crashed in in a mountainous area around 3
a remote area around 300 miles miles (5km) from the Turkish border
(483km) away, near Bagram Air Field, inside Syria. Turkey claimed that the
Compiled by Tom Kaminski on November 24. Russian strike aircraft had violated its
• Pakistan Air Force FT-7PG serial airspace over the town of Yayladagi
• An F-16 operated by the United in rural Fredonia about 12 miles 03-689 crashed in Kundian in the in Hatay province and ignored
Arab Emirates Air Force reportedly (19.3km) south of Fort Campbell, Mianwali district of Punjab province multiple warnings. Although both
crashed while trying to land at al- Kentucky. The helicopter and its on November 24. The combat trainer crew ejected, one pilot was killed and
Anad air base in southern Yemen’s crew had been assigned to the 101st was being flown on an operational the second was rescued by Russian
Lahij province on December 12. Combat Aviation Brigade’s 2nd flying training mission from PAF special forces personnel. A Russian Air
• A US Marine Corps MV-22B Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment. Base M. M. Alam. Trainee pilot Fg Force Mi-8AMTSh helicopter was hit
operated by reinforced Marine • Mi-17 serial 3288, operated by the Off Marium Mukhtiar and instructor by small arms fire while attempting
Medium Tilt-rotor Squadron Egyptian Air Force, crashed near pilot Sqn Ldr Saqib Abbasi ejected to locate the pilots of the downed
166 (VMM-166(R)) suffered a Cairo on November 28. Four crew after directing the jet away from Su-24 in a nearby government-held
landing mishap on the deck of the were injured when the helicopter populated areas. Both received area in Syria’s Latakia province, killing
amphibious transport dock USS went down during while conducting multiple severe injuries. An Alouette a Russian marine. The personnel were
New Orleans (LPD 18), which was a surveillance mission in the Ismailia III from 86 Squadron was scrambled evacuated by a second Mi-8. See our
operating in the Pacific Ocean near province near Giza. to the crash site. Marium succumbed report in this issue for full coverage.
Camp Pendleton, California, on • A US Air Force F-16C assigned to her injuries in hospital, becoming • AH-64D serial 08-5562 operated
December 9. The Osprey was carrying to the 54th Fighter Group’s 314th the first female PAF fighter pilot to by the US Army’s 4th Battalion,
22 Marines along with a four-person Fighter Squadron at Holloman AFB, die in the line of duty. Saqib survived. 2nd Aviation Regiment crashed in
crew when the mishap occurred. No New Mexico, crashed north-west Waseem Abbas a mountainous area near Wonju,
injuries were reported. The squadron, of Salinas Peak in the San Andres • Two pilots and two crew assigned Republic of Korea after striking high-
which is serving as the Aviation Mountains during a training mission to the First Army, Division West’s 2nd voltage power transmission lines
Combat Element for the 13th in military airspace over the White Battalion, 291st Aviation Regiment on November 23. Both pilots were
Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), Sands Missile Range on November were killed when their Black Hawk killed in the crash, which occurred
was participating in a Certification 25. The pilot ejected successfully helicopter went down in the north- around 50 miles (80km) east of Camp
Exercise (CERTEX) with the USS Boxer before the fighter came down east portion of the Fort Hood training Humphreys.
(LHD 4) Amphibious Ready Group. in rugged terrain near Truth or area on November 23. UH-60L serial • A J-10A (reportedly serial ‘6-19’)
• Two pilots aboard a US Army Consequences, around 45 miles 87-24651 had been assigned to the operated by the People’s Liberation
18 AH‑64D were killed when the (72km) north-west of Holloman. US Army Reserve Command’s 7th Army Air Force crashed in the Anji
helicopter crashed during a routine The 54th FG is assigned to the 56th Battalion, 158th Aviation Regiment at county of Zhejiang Province in China
training flight in a rural area of Fighter Wing at Luke AFB, Arizona. Fort Hood, Texas. on November 19. Although the
Tennessee on December 2. The crash • A US Air Force MQ-9A that had • A Russian Air Force Su-24M was pilot reportedly ejected, he did not
occurred near the Cumberland River been launched by the 451st Air shot down by a Turkish Air Force survive.
IN BRIEF
Re-engined Pucará flies students, updated courseware, and the first Luftwaffe aircraft departed Germany joins
On November 24, FAdeA (Fábrica related support for an initial seven- for Incirlik, Turkey, on December 10. multi-national tanker
Argentina de Aviones) flew the year term. The first courses will begin German Chancellor Angela Merkel Germany has announced plans to join
first upgraded IA-58H Pucará. The in early 2019. made six reconnaissance-configured the Multi-national MRTT Fleet (MFF)
updated aircraft is powered by new Tornados as well as an A310 MRTT under which a fleet of A330 Multi-Role
Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-62 Bangladesh receives Yak-130s tanker available for operations over Tanker Transports (MRTTs) will be
engines. The Argentine Air Force The Bangladesh Air Force has Syria and northern Iraq. The initial shared by the Netherlands, Norway,
hopes to upgrade 20 of its existing received Yakovlev Yak-130 combat deployment is planned to last until and Poland. Germany is likely to sign a
Pucará ground attack aircraft to trainers and AgustaWestland AW139 December 2016. The German Ministry related contract in the second quarter
IA‑58H standard, extending their rescue helicopters. The new types of Defense recently admitted that of 2016, with the option to procure
service into the 2040s. The first of the were handed over together at BAF only 29 of the Luftwaffe’s 66 Tornados three aircraft.
aircraft to fly, AX-561, has also been Bangabandhu Base in Dhaka on are currently airworthy. In 2014, 38 of
fitted with re-worked wings from December 6. In 2013 Bangladesh 89 Tornados were operational. Special missions Antonov
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). signed a deal with Russian state arms Antonov has announced new variants
export agency Rosoboronexport to Turkey receives final Peace Eagle of the An-132/An-148 transports, as
Australia orders PC-21 buy 24 Yak-130s. The two AW139s Boeing delivered the last of four well as teaming with Saudi Arabian
Australia has signed a contract with will be used for maritime search and Peace Eagle airborne early warning industry. Saudi Arabia has joined the
Lockheed Martin Australia to provide rescue. and control (AEW&C) aircraft to program for the An-132. Antonov
and support the new Australian the Turkish Air Force at Konya on and Taqnia Aeronautics will offer local
Defence Force Pilot Training System. Luftwaffe joins anti-IS fight December 9. The final aircraft features operators four An-148-100EM medical
At a cost of $1.2 billion, Lockheed After Germany’s Bundestag approved upgraded software and the ground aircraft, as well as four intelligence,
Martin Australia will deliver 49 Pilatus the deployment of combat aircraft in support segment, and the previously- surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR),
PC-21 aircraft, seven flight simulators, support of the coalition fighting the delivered Peace Eagles will also and two jamming versions of the
a modern learning environment for so-called Islamic State (IS) in Syria, receive the upgrades. An-132.

officially the world’s number one military aviation magazine
AirForces Monthly provides the best
military aviation news coverage from
around the globe and is essential
reading for anyone seeking a well-
informed view. Devoted entirely to
modern military aircraft and their air
arms, AirForces Monthly has built up
a formidable reputation worldwide by
reporting from places not generally
covered by other military magazines.
JANUARY issue features:

US Navy TACAIR – a steady evolution
Founded on the F/A-18 Hornet and Super Hornet,
US naval tactical airpower is welcoming the
first of its F-35s. Rick Burgess reviews its
formidable capabilities.
Arise Army Airlift

Tom Kaminski explains the realignment of the US
Army’s Operational Support Airlift units.
EXCLUSIVE - The Way Ahead

JUST *
The new Commander of the Tornado Force, Air
806/12
Cdre Harvey Smyth has also taken on the mantle of
$12.50
Air Officer Lightning. He has a lot going on, as Alan
Warnes discovered when he spoke to him recently.
UK
Access Denied – Fortifying Putin’s Skies £4.80
Alexander Mladenov assesses Russia’s
comprehensive national air defence system and
likely future developments as advanced new
technologies are introduced.
AFromVA I L AandBother
L EleadingNnewsagents
OW
AND MUCH MORE! For latest subscription deals visit
www.airforcesmonthly.com
SEARCH ALSO AVAILABLE ON

AIRFORCES MONTHLY
FREE APP iTunes

with sample issue also available for PC, MAC & Kindle Fire from
Search:
IN APP ISSUES £3.99/$4.99 Airforces monthly
735/12
1458/15
COMBAT REPORT | RUSSIA IN SYRIA
RUSSIAN
Equipped with cruise missiles, Tu-160 ‘Blackjacks’
circumnavigated Europe, while medium-range Tu-22M3
bombers conducted carpet-bombing of areas of Syrian
AIR
oil industry occupied by terrorist militia. Despite the fatal
shooting-down of a Su-24M in November, the Russian Air
Force has only stepped up its activities to reinforce the Bottom: Russian
Tu-95MS long-
Assad regime and continues to build up its forces in Syria.
FORCE’S
range strategic
bombers struck
Syria for the
R
report: Stefan Büttner first time on
November 17,
marking a clear
WAR ON
ELEASED BY THE Su-30SM fighters began increasingly to
escalation in
Russian Ministry of be used in the air-to-ground role. The Russian activities
Defense (MoD) at number of long-range radar-guided inside Syria.
Dr Séan Wilson
irregular intervals, the R-27R air-to-air missiles carried as
TERROR
numbers of sorties and standard was reduced from four to two. Above left to right:
targets attacked by the Four OFAB-250-270 high-explosive/ Su-24M ‘Fencers’
at Latakia have
Russian Air Force’s so-called Special fragmentation bombs were instead
started carrying
Purpose Aviation Brigade stationed in carried under the fuselage and air extensive
Latakia provide conclusive evidence of intakes. The two infra-red-guided R-73s mission marking
tallies behind the
an escalating campaign. While in the continued to be carried under the wings.
LONG-
cockpit. MO RF
first few weeks an individual aircraft Some confusion surrounds the via syria.mil.ru
was likely to carry out an air-to-ground Su-24Ms at Latakia, relating to their
A Su-30SM crew
mission on average once a day, this has exact identities and the distribution
RANGE
arrives on the
steadily increased. More than two flights of the basic Su-24M and upgraded flight line for the
per aircraft are now achieved each day. Su-24M2 versions. As of September 20 next mission.
MO RF via
MISSIONS
The number of targets attacked during the squadron comprised 12 aircraft,
syria.mil.ru
each flight has also risen. The increase which originally belonged to the 6980th
in sortie rates was made manifest Guards Air Base at Chelyabinsk-Shagol. Inset right: The
AND
high point
20 from November 4 by the appearance It is possible that in November up to
of Operation
of mission markings on the aircraft. A six more Su-24M2s arrived from the ‘Reprisal’ was
single red star indicates 10 missions, and 277th Bomber Aviation Regiment at undoubtedly
‘FENCER’
the long-range
a whole row of such stars painted near Churba near Komsomolsk-on-Amur.
bombing
the cockpit makes a clear statement. This would explain changes to the ‘Bort’ mission, in
In the second half of November numbers of the aircraft, in order to avoid which two
DOWN the capabilities of fighter and aircraft

controllers at Latakia were improved
any duplication of identities. A similar
situation has been observed with two
Tu-160s flying
from Engels
circumnavigated
Europe before
significantly with the deployment of the Mi-24P helicopters at Latakia. On the
being escorted
appropriate radar systems (‘Odd Group’ other hand, an attempt by the Russians
through Syrian
height-finder, ‘Spoon Rest’ rangefinder, to conceal the identities of their assets airspace by
and Parol IFF). Earlier that month the from prying eyes cannot be ruled out. Su-30SMs. MO RF

RUSSIA IN SYRIA | COMBAT REPORT
Operation ‘Reprisal’
When a Metrojet Airbus A321-231 carried. In addition, the BD-45K pylons
that can be confirmed regarding loading
configurations is that the weapons
bay of each Tu-160 and Tu-95MS6
airliner was blown up in the skies over earmarked for Kh-22 missiles were accommodated six Kh-555s or Kh-101s.
Egypt on October 31, it was clear that removed from beneath the wings to During one mission on November 19, it
Russia was now a target for the terrorist save weight and reduce drag. Since is likely that a single cruise missile was
militia of the so-called Islamic State (IS). the target areas were around 2,200km brought back to Engels, having not been
The 224 passengers killed were mostly (1,367 miles) from the remote strategic expended. Why the Tu-95MS6s landed
Russian citizens. Almost as soon as air base at Mozdok, the actual range with weapons bay doors open remains
the cause and the culprit were clearly of the Tu-22M3 — long a closely- unclear. Not all of these missiles reached
identified, the Russian Air Force’s Long- guarded secret — was made apparent. their targets, as demonstrated by one or
Range Aviation arm swung into action. It is possible that the Tu-22M3s made more that crashed along the route.
In Operation ‘Reprisal’, Tu-95MS6 and occasional use of larger bombs or Iranian airspace witnessed some
Tu-160 strategic long-range bombers even Kh-15 air-to-surface missiles, as interesting meetings of aircraft from
completed their first real combat apparently indicated by some poor- a bygone era. The Islamic Republic of
missions. Also involved was the veteran quality TV recordings. Iran Air Force took the opportunity to
Tu-22M3 medium bomber, used for The sorties flown by the five accompany the Russian long-range
carpet-bombing — the oldest Russian Tu-95MS6s and between three and six bombers with its F-4E Phantom IIs 21
aircraft in the Syrian war. Tu-160s were somewhat different. A and F-14A Tomcats. It is possible that
With aircraft drawn from various total of 83 cruise missiles — comprising Russian Su-27SM3s were also involved,
units, a reinforced squadron of 12 to 14 examples of the Kh-555 and the with aircraft from the 3rd Mixed Guards
Tu-22M3s operated out of Mozdok and new Kh-101 — were launched from Aviation Regiment at Krymsk flying
flew two waves each day. The missions airspace over south-western Iran and escort, probably for the Il-78M tanker
were repeated daily, and the Mediterranean Sea, targeting aircraft as they staged over Iran.
once over Syria air cover was oil industry in Syria. Lasting eight to November 20 saw what was
provided by the Su-30SMs nine hours, the non-stop flights were undoubtedly a highlight in the history
from Latakia. The average mainly carried out from the home base of Long-Range Aviation. Two to four
load per aircraft consisted of Russia’s long-range bomber arm, Tu-160s departed Engels for the Naval
of just 12 OFAB-250-270 Engels. Such missions extended over Aviation base at Olenegorsk (used as a
bombs in the weapons bay, 6,500km (4,039 miles) and saw the stop-over for Russia’s strategic long-range
which represented only one- aircraft delivering different types and bombers). From there they would hit
third of the maximum able to be numbers of cruise missiles. What little targets located some 9,500km (5,903

22
Tu
16-
Olenegorsk
0
LONG-RANGE
60
STRIKES
-1
Tu
BOMBER TRACKS Engels

FOR NOVEMBER 20 Tu
-22
MISSIONS M3
Mozdok
Krymsk
Su-34/Su-27SM3
Il-78

miles) distant in Syria. In the process

the aircraft circled Europe in a counter- ‘FENCER’ SHOOTDOWN ANALYSIS
clockwise direction, before returning to
Engels after a flight of about 13,000km Cross-examining information released by both sides, Tom Cooper unravels
(8,078 miles) lasting 16 hours and 20 whether the Su-24 shoot-down was the result of belligerence, or a simple
minutes. It is likely that four to eight breakdown in communications between Russian and Turkish armed forces.
Il‑78Ms from Ryazan were on station Less than two weeks after their deployment corner of the Syrian province of Latakia, only
in the area of the Norwegian Sea to to Syria, and only a few days after the 30km (18.6 miles) from the Turkish border.
provide air refueling, but more detailed Left page, launch of the Russian military intervention While describing this action as ‘bombing
information is not available. Norwegian clockwise from in that country, Russian Air Force Su-30SM militants of the IS, mostly natives of the
top: Tu-22M3s fighter-bombers violated Turkish airspace at Russian Federation’, Russia used a large
F-16s from Bodø and Royal Air Force carpet- least twice, once on October 3 and again on number of cluster bombs and incendiary
Typhoons from Lossiemouth intercepted bombed October, 5, 2015. What is more, the Russian bombs to hit local Turkmen villages, driving
the ‘Blackjacks’ on their way into the targets with jets locked their radars on to Turkish Air a wave of refugees over the border into
OFAB-250-
Atlantic. 270 bombs.
Force F-16C Fighting Falcons under way Turkey in what many said was a breach
Until a point shortly before the Yevgeni north of the border, in an aggressive and of Article 51 of Protocol I to the Geneva
Kazhenov reckless fashion. Convention regarding attacks on civilians.
bombers reached Gibraltar, everything
Moscow subsequently issued a de Turkey not only protested against attacks
appeared to be routine — after all, similar The launch facto apology for the border violations on its minority living in Syria, but also
flights have been conducted in the recent of a Kh-555 and explained them as a navigational demanded a meeting of the UN Security
past. In the eastern Mediterranean two conventional error. However, reflecting on the Russian Council. The international community
cruise missile lock-ons, the Turkish government warned ignored Ankara’s requests.
Su-30SM fighters from Latakia were from a that it might apply wartime rules of As the fighting on the ground heated
waiting to escort the bombers as they Tu‑95MS6
engagement (RoEs), irrespective of who up, and Turkmen insurgents repelled
continued over Syria. Finally, each Tu-160 strategic
bomber. was penetrating its airspace. repeated attacks by militias loyal to the
launched four Kh-555 missiles at targets The MS6 In an effort to reduce tensions, the Russian regime in Damascus, Russia moved in its
in the province of Idlib. designation Air Force deputy commander-in-chief, Maj ground troops, reinforced by the Russian Air
At the same time, Tu-154M RA-85155 applies to Gen Sergey Dronov, visited Ankara to meet Force, without much success. The Turkmen
Tu‑95s without representatives of the Russian government insurgents repelled all further ground
of the 223rd Flight Detachment from underwing and the Turkish Air Force on October 15. offensives, and gained a few additional
Moscow-Chkalovsky was reportedly hardpoints. Among other things, an agreement was mountain peaks.
orbiting south of Cyprus in support of MO RF reached to use the usual international
these strikes. It may have been used as ‘guard’ frequency, 121.5, as well as an Steps to disaster
A video
an airborne command post, a platform screen-grab additional, ‘special’ frequency of 243MHz On the morning of November 24, around
of a Tu‑160 as a direct communications link between 09.42hrs local time, Turkish radars detected
for TV recordings, or as a means of 23
dropping a Russian and Turkish aircraft. Dronov the take-off of two unknown aircraft from
navigation support for the Su-30SMs. Kh-101 on the explained that older Russian combat aircraft Hmeimin air base, or Bashar al-Assad
The same day saw long-range missions November 17 are not equipped with radios that can listen International Airport, 25km (15.5 miles)
being launched from Frontal Aviation mission. MO RF to the ‘guard’ frequency. Furthermore, he south of Latakia, and less than 50km (31
via syria.mil.ru agreed to provide flight plans for Russian miles) south of the southernmost tip of the
airfields in Russia. Eight Su-34s and four
aircraft formations that would be operating Turkish border.
escorting Su-27SM3s flew two sorties Below: A
close to the Turkish border at least 12 hours The two aircraft climbed to an altitude
from Krymsk, hitting targets around Kh-555 cruise
missile leaves in advance. of 5,791m (19,000ft) and entered an orbit
2,500km (1,553 miles) away in the Syrian the bomb bay Nevertheless, a Russian-made unmanned above the town of Jisr al-Shughur, in Syria.
provinces of Deir ez-Zor and Ar-Raqqah. of a Tu-95MS6. aerial vehicle (UAV) was shot down inside They were widely separated, one circling
These also took place with the support of Apparently, Turkish airspace only a day later. Despite south of the southernmost part of the
the weapons Moscow’s denials, the government in Turkish border, and the other nearly 10km
Il-78M tankers operating over Iran. bay of the Ankara felt prompted to issue a clear threat (6.2 miles) further west. Because — contrary
The four-day reprisal was completed ‘Bear’ can only that it would shoot down any military to the agreements between the Russian
with the renewed use of 18 ship-based accommodate aircraft violating its airspace. The same and Turkish Air Forces of October 15 —
four of these
3M14T Kalibr cruise missiles. As was weapons —
threat was publicly repeated via diplomatic Russia did not announce that its aircraft
the case with the first such launches on perhaps due channels and through Turkish media about would be flying close to the border, Turkey
to the size of 35 times in the course of the following was unaware of their nationality. As the
October 7, the missiles were fired from
their ‘strap-on’ 30 days. aircraft approached the frontier and flew
four Gepard- and Bujan-class corvettes of fuel tanks. Ever since the outbreak of violence in an orbit parallel to it, the Turkish Air Force
the Caspian Flotilla. MO RF Syria in 2011, the Turkish Air Force has began radioing warnings on both the guard
maintained intensive combat air patrols and specially-agreed frequency used for
(CAPs) along the 1,200km (746-mile)-long communication with the Russian Air Force,
border. Usually, Turkey maintained up demanding that the unknown machines
to five CAP stations whenever Russian divert south immediately.
aircraft were airborne over Syria. Additional Over the following five minutes, the Turks
fighters were scrambled if Russian aircraft issued 10 warnings via radio. Because Russia
approached the border. Most of the Turkish had failed to announce its mission, and
fighters were either F-16C Block 40s from since the two aircraft did not show any kind
181 and 182 Filo, based at Diyarbakır (8 of reaction, the Turkish Air Force command
AJÜ), or F-16C Block 50s from 132 Filo at responsible made a call to Ankara to
Konya (3 AJÜ). request clearance to open fire. Considering
On November 18, Russian fighter-bombers the circumstances, the Turkish government
began supporting a ground offensive and military concluded that the unknown
by militias fighting for the Syrian regime aircraft were Syrian, and a pair of F-16s
against an area held by Syrian Turkmen
insurgents. This was in the north-eastern Continued on page 25

A dark day — Latakia, armed with four OFAB 250-270

fragmentation bombs for another air-to-
‘Fencer’ shootdown ground mission. Once again, this would
It had been building up for a while, and bring them to the small area of Turkish
the result was inevitable. Turkey had territory, just a few kilometers wide, that
repeatedly issued diplomatic protests protrudes into Syria to the west of Jisr al-
and warnings. An agreement on rules and Shughur. In this area, Turkmen rebels are
procedures for military aircraft over Syria active against the Assad regime and serve
apparently existed only between Russia as a protective force for Turkey. Officially,
and the United States. It was unavoidable this was an air-to-ground attack against
that Russian aircraft movements and air the terrorist militia of the self-styled
raids along the border between Syria and Islamic State.
Turkey would lead to a serious incident. But Peshkov and Muratkin were not
On the morning of November 24, pilot alone in the area. On the other side of
Lt Col Oleg Anatolyevich Peshkov and the border, two Turkish Air Force F-16Cs
his navigator Capt Konstantin Muratkin from the 8th Main Jet Base at Diyarbakır
boarded their Su-24M2 ‘83 White’ at (8 AJÜ) were on patrol. The tragedy began
24
TURKEY to unfold when the Russian flight crew

F-16 LAUNCH changed course (again?), flying westwards
Syria-Turkey border POSITION after a wide loop — heading directly
towards the now infamous strip of
territory.
Yayladagi The Turkish airspace controllers
Nibh Almur responded by issuing radio
messages on the international
emergency frequency, adding
that the aircraft was to turn left
Su-24
CRASH SITE in a southerly direction. These
Ras Al Basit Su-24 FLIGHTPATH
MISSILE IMPACT POINT messages were repeated several
Qastal Maaf times. Meanwhile the F-16s received
Kuljok Bidama a new course from the Turkish fighter
controller, heading exactly towards
SYRIA Rabia the area where the Su-24M would cut
through the strip of Turkish territory.
Syria The warnings to the Russian crew were
repeated in quick succession but it was
already too late. The intruder had only
‘FENCER’ just over-flown Turkish territory when

an air-to-air missile was fired. The missile
SHOOTDOWN
(either an AIM-9 Sidewinder or AIM-120
AMRAAM — accounts differ) reached its
target as the aircraft passed again over

Continued from page 23 The crew of the downed helicopter,

and Capt Muratkin, were — according to
airborne on a CAP station over the Turkish Russian media — subsequently extracted
province of Hatay was given clearance by a team of 12 Syrian and six Hezbollah
to open fire if the aircraft tried to violate ‘special forces’ operators.
Turkish airspace.
Consequently, when the two unknown A stab in the back?
aircraft both turned west, the F-16s went The reaction of Russian officials and media
into action. The unidentified aircraft to the to the downing of the Su-24M2 and the loss
west passed through Turkish airspace but of the Mi-8ATMSh was fierce. The Turkish
did so before Turkish interceptors were in decision to open fire on the Sukhois, which
a position to open fire, and then turned violated Turkish airspace for ‘only’ about
south. Shortly before the unknown aircraft 2km (1.2 miles) over a duration of about 17
to the east entered Turkish airspace, the seconds, was declared an aggressive over-
lead F-16 fired one AIM-120C AMRAAM, reaction, while President Vladimir Putin went
an active radar-homing, medium-range on record to call it a ‘stab in the back.’
air-to-air missile from beyond visual range Ever since, Moscow has stubbornly denied
(BVR). The two unknowns were up-sun that the Turkish authorities radioed any kind
relative to the F-16s, between 15 and 20km of warnings, and insists that the Sukhois did
(9.3 and 12.4 miles) away — Turkish sources not enter Turkish airspace.
Syria, a maximum of 7km (4.3 miles) after Left page: have not revealed more details — and thus On the contrary, Russia claims that the
leaving the strip of Turkish land. The Su-24M2 ‘invisible’ to the Turkish pilots, whose RoEs Turks set up an ‘ambush’, and that the F-16s
lost on do not require a visual identification. violated Syrian airspace in order to shoot
The aircraft was hit, the crew ejected November 24 The firing of the AMRAAM was a de down one of the Sukhois, supposedly
and, under the eyes of the world, came returning to facto ‘snap-shot’, taken under difficult deploying an AIM-9X Sidewinder for a
down, apparently externally undamaged Latakia after circumstances as the two unidentified rear-quarter attack at short range. However,
a bombing
but trailing fire. It impacted the ground machines were moving perpendicular not only do the three maps of this incident
mission
and went up in a fireball on Syrian soil earlier to the F-16s. Most pulse-Doppler radars published by the Russian MoD between
the same — including the AN/APG-68 on Turkish November 24 and 27 contradict each other,
about 4km (2.5 miles) south of the
month. At Fighting Falcons — have a problem and show maneuvers no Su-24M could ever
border. The scenes that followed were the time, the tracking targets under such conditions fly, but some other Russian statements do
shocking: while Muratkin reached the markings on because of well-known issues with the not add up.
ground alive, Peshkov was targeted by a the fuselage so-called ‘Doppler shift’. Nevertheless, Firstly, as mentioned above, the Turkish
indicated the missile approached its target and Air Force has flown intensive CAPs over
hail of bullets fired from the small arms of that it had proximity-fused underneath it, spraying its Hatay province for four years. There is no
at least a dozen fighters on the ground. flown 50
fuselage and wing with shrapnel. evidence of any kind of unusual behavior
Around 15 minutes after the shootdown sorties.
Streaming burning fuel, what transpired by the Turkish F-16 pilots: they flew orbits 25
MO RF via
one Mi-24P and two Mi-8AMTSh syria.mil.ru to be Russian Su-24M2 ‘83 White’ flipped at medium altitude, in clear view of Russian
helicopters took off from Latakia on a out of control and plunged towards the radars, although the latter are stationed
combat search and rescue (CSAR) mission Above: The ground. The aircraft crashed into hills just low on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea,
stricken south of the Turkish border. The crew, their work massively hampered by 2,000m
to extract Capt Muratkin. Presumably ‘Fencer’ was consisting of Lt Col Oleg Peshkov and Capt (6,562ft) mountains north-east of Latakia.
the surviving crew member landed in captured Konstantin Muratkin, ejected while still at Secondly, Turkish radio warnings were
no-man’s land and headed successfully in in its final a significant altitude. Almost immediately, heard by at least one Dutch commercial
seconds
a south-westerly direction, towards Syrian the two Russians came under fire from pilot under way over the area. The same
by a local
troops who were moving swiftly into the cameraman. a group of Jihadists who were Turkish pilot stated that he could track the F-16s
MO RF via citizens and members of the Turkish with the radar of his airliner at the time the
area.
syria.mil.ru nationalist organization Grey Wolves, sided warnings were aired, and that both Turkish
Once it had arrived, the Russian CSAR with the al-Qaida-linked Jihadist group fighters were well within their airspace.
mission also came under defensive fire Jabahat an-Nusra, which is fighting against Thirdly, the tactical procedure for
from the ground, during which a member the Syrian regime. It is generally assumed engagements in which RoEs do not
of the marine infantry, Private Alexander that they killed Lt Col Peshkov with demand a visual ID of the target dictates
machine-gun fire while he was still under that F-16 pilots deploy their longer-ranged
Posynitsch, lost his life. Mi-8AMTSh
his parachute, but final confirmation of this weapon — in this case an AIM-120 —
‘252 Yellow’ was abandoned after an act — which would constitute a war crime first, and long before any AIM-9. From
emergency landing, and its crew and — is still pending. that standpoint, it would be absurd for
accompanying marines made their way The Russian combat search and rescue them to start some sort of a pursuit and
on foot toward the Syrian armed forces. (CSAR) operation was launched about violate Syrian airspace in order to catch
three hours later, with two pairs of the Sukhois and attack with Sidewinders
To make matters worse, rebel opposition
helicopters deployed to search for the from short range, no matter how slowly the
in the area were equipped with BGM-71 downed crew, each pair comprising bombers were flying.
TOW anti-armor missiles. It took only one Mi-8ATMSh CSAR helicopter and Indeed, considering the various reactions
a few minutes before one of these one Mi-24 gunship. In the course of this from Turkey, it appears that the entire
American missiles scored a direct hit on effort, Mi-8 ‘252 Yellow’ (RF-95601) was incident was caused by a regrettable
hit by ground fire and forced to make an breakdown in communications. Most likely,
the nearly brand-new Russian transport
emergency landing. One of the 12 crew the responsible Russian officers at Latakia
helicopter. members and Russian marines on board, failed to announce the sortie by their
In the course of one day, Russia had Private Alexander Posynitsch, was shot in Su-24s along the Turkish border (otherwise
lost two servicemen and two aircraft. In the neck and killed. After the helicopter the Turkish Air Force would have known
principle, it is perhaps not surprising that, was evacuated, it was knocked out by a the identity of two ‘unknown aircraft’ right
BGM-71A TOW anti-tank missile fired by from their take-off ) and then decided to
as time goes on, Russian interpretations
Turkmen insurgents from the 1st Coastal ignore the warnings given by the Turkish
of the shootdown increasingly tell a Division of the Free Syrian Army. side. Tom Cooper
contradictory story.

A SHORT HISTORY OF
SYRIAN-TURKISH
BORDER INCIDENTS
• October 21, 1989: Two Syrian
Arab Air Force MiG-21MFs penetrated
20km (12.4 miles) into Turkish airspace
to shoot down a Britten-Norman BN-2L
transport of the provincial Land Registry
Directorate, killing all five on board.
• June 22, 2012: A Syrian SA-3 SAM site
near Latakia shot down Turkish Air Force
RF-4ETM Isik reconnaissance fighter serial
77-0314 after it violated Syrian airspace
over the Mediterranean Sea. The crew
of Capt Gökhan Ertan and Lt Hassan
Hüsseyin Aksoy were killed.
• September 16, 2013: Two Turkish Air
Force F-16Cs shot down a Syrian Arab Air
Force Mi-17 helicopter that penetrated
Turkish airspace over Hatay province,
using an AIM-9X Sidewinder missile. At
least one of the Syrian crew bailed out and
landed safely by parachute.
• March 23, 2014: Two Turkish Air Force
F-16Cs shot down a Syrian Arab Air Force
MiG-23MF that violated Turkish airspace
over Hatay province, using an AIM-9X
Sidewinder missile. The Syrian pilot
ejected safely.
• May 16, 2015: Two Turkish Air Force
F-16Cs shot down a UAV of unknown
origin after it violated Turkish airspace
over Hatay province, using an AIM-9X
Sidewinder missile. Tom Cooper
26
Although the firing units initially flown Above: NATO’s air

defense of the
to Latakia were limited to only two Syrian border
(instead of 12) 5P85SM2-01 launchers, is entrusted
the commitment had been achieved in to the F-16C
Fighting Falcons
limited time — the S-400 was allegedly of the Turkish
already in Syria by mid-day on November Air Force, one of
26. The deployment of this far-reaching which claimed
the Russian
anti-aircraft system was no real surprise. ‘Fencer’ shot
Since at least the first half of November, down in late
an optional additional component November.
Alexander Golz
of the S-400 had been in permanent
operation in Latakia. The 96L6 (‘Cheese Left: Russia’s
Board’) acquisition radar, with a detection ground-based
air defenses at
range of over 300km (186 miles), has Latakia consist
been operated by Russian air defense of modern S-400
troops since 2007 and was presumably (seen here)
and Pantsir-S1
The Russian response

being used to provide a wide-ranging air surface-to-air
situation picture for the Pantsir-S1 (SA-22 missile systems.
‘Greyhound’) SAM system used for airfield MO RF via
syria.mil.ru
Only a few hours later came Russia’s first the ‘Slava’ class) was ordered to coastal defense since the start of the Russian
military response to the shootdown. It waters in the region of Latakia. Special operation. Right: With
was announced that all air-to-ground emphasis was placed on this warship’s Generally, the 96L6 acquisition radar multiple bomb
racks below
operations would be immediately far-reaching S-300F Fort (SA-N-6 (or ‘all-altitude detector’) supplies target the fuselage,
provided with a fighter escort. Obviously, ‘Grumble’) surface-to-air missiles (SAMs). data to the 36N85 (‘Tomb Stone’) missile this Su‑34 can
this requirement could not be satisfied While the cruiser reached the operational guidance station of the S-300PMU-1/2 carry between
four and eight
by the four Su-30SMs stationed in area the following day, Russia meanwhile Favorit (SA-20 ‘Gargoyle’) and the 92N2 FAB-500M-54
Latakia. Furthermore, it was made clear prepared to send to Syria at least one (‘Grave Stone’) missile guidance station high-explosive
that ground-based air defenses would An‑124 transport carrying elements of of the S-400 Triumf. Notably, the 92N2 free-fall bombs.
MO RF via
be significantly reinforced. To this end, an S-400 Triumf (SA‑21 ‘Growler’) SAM missile guidance station, which is strictly syria.mil.ru
the guided-missile cruiser Moskva (of system. necessary for operations (as well as the

55K6 command unit based on a Ural-

5323 truck chassis?), remained invisible
to photographers and television crews
on November 26. The system parameters
allow a maximum distance of 120m
between the launchers and missile
guidance station and a maximum of
500m between the missile guidance
station and the acquisition radar.
Only on December 6 was the existence
of the 92N2 missile guidance station (on
an MZKT-7930 vehicle) confirmed by
photos. This clearly demonstrated the
operational readiness of the S-400 air
defense system. At the same time the
number of 5P85SM2-01 launch pads was
doubled.
One day after the ‘Fencer’ shoot-down
Lt Col Oleg Anatolyevich Peshkov was
posthumously declared a Hero of the
Russian Federation by a presidential
decree, while Capt Konstantin Muratkin
and Private Alexander Posynitsch both
received Order of Courage Medals. The partial utilization of armament capacities Above: The covering over most of its length. One-and-
transfer of Peshkov’s body from Ankara towards maximum load-outs and the fighter escort a-half weeks later, four Mi-24s and a single
detachment
to Moscow, as well as a funeral in Lipetsk, use of almost all the weapons pylons at Latakia Mi-8 were seen at the base, and later these
took place around the end of the month. available on each aircraft. consists of were officially declared as the 22nd Air
Another significant improvement in air pilots and Force Brigade. However, they may well
Expanding
technicians
defense capabilities became apparent drawn from belong to the Syrian armed forces.
on November 30. Previously, Su-34s the 120th From December 5 to 8, medium-range 27
capabilities
operating from Latakia were used Mixed Tu-22M3 bombers from a reinforced
Aviation
exclusively as platforms for precision Regiment at squadron (including aircraft from Ryazan
and free-fall offensive armament. Now, The use of a possible second Russian Domna. Their and Shaikovka) again left Mozdok for
with the addition of two R-27 and two airfield in Syria remains unclear. At the Su-30SM bombing sorties over Syria. At least
fighters
R-73 air-to-air missiles on each ‘Fullback’, end of October an An-124 (RA-82037) were only in Syrian airspace, daily air cover was
the Su-34 demonstrated its multi-role from the 566th Transport Aviation delivered provided again by Su-30SMs from Latakia.
capability. The air-to-air armament of the Regiment at Seshcha landed at the mixed from the Irkut Over three to four consecutive days, 60
factory at the
Su-34 is the same as that carried by the fighter-bomber base at Shayrat, not far end of 2014. sorties hit 30 targets in the provinces of
Su-30SM in its optional fighter-bomber from Homs in western Syria. At the same MO RF via Deir ez-Zor and Ar-Raqqah, using free-fall
role. For the first time since the start time, one of the two runways received a syria.mil.ru OFAB-250-270 bombs. This campaign
of operations, there was a move from major overhaul including a new bitumen was completed by a third wave of sea-
launched cruise missiles. Submerged in
the Mediterranean between Cyprus and
Syria, a ‘Kilo III’-class submarine fired four
Kalibr-PL cruise missiles against two ‘large
terrorist points’ in the area of Ar-Raqqah.
In addition to the possible increase in
numbers of Su-24Ms at Latakia, in early
December more combat aircraft were
flown direct to Syria without stop-overs
or aerial refueling. This relocation began
on December 4. A few days earlier, when
Tu-154M RA-85155 from the 223rd
Aviation Department flew from Moscow-
Chkalovsky to Astrakhan-Privolshskiy,
several hours of training flights were
observed, involving Su-34s in the
territory around Astrakhan. Specifically,
these comprised around a dozen similar
oval loops flown along legs measuring
30 by 70km (18.6 to 43.5 miles), allowing

the Su-34 crews to train for a long-haul

flight of over 2,600km (1,616 miles). The S-400
actual deployment from Astrakhan to
Latakia took place on December 6 and
ENGAGEMENT Turkey
was probably accompanied by Il-76
RA-78768. The number of Su-34s at
ZONE
Latakia was therefore doubled from four
to eight.
A few days later, further changes
appeared within the Mi-24P combat
helicopter squadron, which now LATAKIA
included at least one Mi-35M. Syria
Cyprus
Altogether there are now 50 to 60
Russian aircraft permanently stationed Lebanon
in Syria, including examples of the
Su-24M/M2, Su-25SM/UB, Su-30SM,
Su-34, Mi-8AMTSh, Mi-24P, Mi-35M
and Il-20M. In mid-December, the total
number of sorties since September 30
exceeded 4,000. Of these, fewer than
half were flown against IS targets. Jordan
SHOOT TO KILL — A VIEW FROM THE COCKPIT

Craig Dark, a former Royal Air Force fighter pilot with front-line experience on the F-4 flying at supersonic speeds in your
Phantom, English Electric Lightning and Tornado F3, provides his personal view of the airspace. Certainly, a live-armed Su-24
Su-24 shootdown, and how the engagement may have played out. flying over anyone’s airspace would not
From a pilot’s perspective, the tragedy of been a transport aircraft, or an aircraft be considered friendly, but the F-16 may
the downing of the Russian Air Force Su-24 that was lost or suffering communications have had other options — flying alongside
is perhaps the helpless feeling that it could failure. This returns us to the initial question the Su-24 as a show of presence or even
28 have been avoided. of which weapon type was fired. firing its gun to show intent may have been
Hard facts remain difficult to gather in a more diplomatic way of warning the
an age of information overload. Details of The missile debate Russian bomber to leave Turkish airspace.
the actual engagement are sketchy, with If, and this has not been verified, the F-16C Fighter pilots are not ‘trigger-happy’,
conflicting reports as to which weapon was shot a long-range AIM-120 AMRAAM, the and any weapon release is a step-by-step
fired by the Turkish Air Force F-16C. As a pilot may have seen the Su-24 at more process of making weapons live and then
former air defense pilot, this fact seems to than 40 miles (64km) on radar, locked the obtaining authority to shoot from ground-
be the missing part of a complex jigsaw. target and fired well beyond visual range. based controllers or AWACS.
Understandably, the Turkish Air Force Once locked, the missile would have fired With little information, speculation can
is flying aircraft that are live-armed (in and self-guided, giving little warning to the be a dangerous thing. What’s clear now is
peacetime most air forces don’t fly with Su-24 crew of what was about to happen. that Turkey is going to defend its airspace,
live weapons purely on cost grounds, due When you look at the geography, it and that the need for some form of joint
to the lifespan of live weapons). What would require considerable skill for a airspace co-ordination is crucial. A simple
is less clear is whether the aircraft were single-seat fighter pilot to engage at and effective solution would be to place
scrambled to engage a specific threat or long range a target that may have only a 10-mile (16km) buffer zone or ‘no-fly
were sitting on CAP waiting for a target to clipped the defended airspace and to zone’ around the area to prevent further
enter their airspace. hope the wreckage fell on the ‘right’ side. tragedies.
The area in question is a difficult section It would need exceptionally good ground It is hard to apportion blame, as both
of sky to patrol, being a toe shape that controllers or airborne early warning to sides seem to have been at fault — one
protrudes into Syria, forcing fighters feed information to the pilot that the target could consider the outcome if a fully-
to adopt a search pattern that makes a he was engaging was hostile. loaded Turkish F-16 had strayed into
traditional intercept extremely difficult. The If, on the other hand, the weapon fired Russian airspace.
Russian Air Force claims that an agreement was an AIM-9 (I believe this to be more These are dangerous times in an area that
between the US and Russia signed in likely), and we understand the Su-24 is literally a kill zone — one country needs
October 2015 dictated that Russia must was engaged at approximately 20,000ft to grasp the situation and take control
give details of where and when its air force (6,096m), then the F-16 would need to be of the airspace to avoid future ‘blue on
would be operating, fueling the theory that visual with the target and probably firing blue’ incidents. Another solution would
this information may have been passed on. from within 5 miles (8km). be to divide the airspace into ‘kill boxes’,
The Turkish F-16s will have had strict rules An AIM-9 can be fired without radar with each country allocated a different
of engagement, but they would appear guidance and it is possible the Su-24 was box that would give them the freedom of
in this case to have been applied using a even unaware of the fighters’ presence, autonomous operations. If lessons are to
fairly broad brush — any aircraft crossing as there are no indications it took evasive be learnt then command and control of
into Turkish airspace risks being engaged action or fired decoy flares. Normal rules the region needs to be co-ordinated more
and destroyed, presumably after warnings of engagement lay down strict rules closely. The incident also highlights the
have been issued by voice via radio. This for engaging other aircraft — normally, perils for aircrew flying in a war zone that
begs the question of whether the ‘intruder’ ‘is it committing a hostile act?’, namely operates outside the normal boundaries of
would also have been shot down had it dropping weapons, firing guns or even conflicts we have seen in the past.

FREE DVD
*
WHEN YOU TAKE OUT A

DIRECT DEBIT £12.49
WORTH
SUBSCRIPTION
TO
RAFALE FRENCH
AIR FORCE COCKPIT
Join us for exclusive coverage of the
French Air Force’s Dassault Rafale!
Entering service for the French Air Force
in 2006, the Rafale is a twin-jet able to
carry out short or long range missions,
reconnaissance, high accuracy strikes
and nuclear strike deterrence. View
inside Mont de Marsan Air Force base and
witness footage of the Mali Missions in
Africa... Feel the power of one of the newest
fifth generation fighters in the world!
MAKE HUGE SAVINGS

UK QUARTERLY DIRECT DEBIT*
Just £9.99 per quarter visit the website or call for details
PRE-PAY
OFFERS
12 FOR THE 24 ISSUES FOR THE
PRICE OF 10 PRICE OF 18
US &
CANADIAN
READERS
UK 12 issues £44.00 24 issues £77.99
Europe 12 issues £55.00 24 issues £94.99
Rest of the World 12 issues £55.00 24 issues £94.99 SEE PAGES 60-61
FOR DETAILS
Free gift is only available on Direct Debit
when taking out a 2 year subscription.
Image: Senior Airman Kayla Newman
1456/15
2 E A S Y W AY S T O PAY
Call UK 01780 480404
www.keypublishing.com/shop
Order online at
OR Overseas +44 1780 480404
Lines open 9.00am - 5.30pm GMT
*Direct debit UK only. See website for full terms and conditions. OFFER CLOSE DATE: 29 February 2016 CODE: CAM216
Key Publishing will hold your details to process and fulfill your subscription order. Prices correct at time of going to press. Occasionally we may wish to contact you to
notify you of special offers on products or events. Savings based on subscription cost versus newsstand single purchases. If you do not wish to receive this information please mention when calling.
Free gift is only available with 2 year subscriptions or on Direct Debit when taking out a minimum 2 year subscription. Should you cancel your subscription earlier then an invoice will be raised for the full price of the gift.
Gift subject to change. Any replacement gift will be of equal or higher value. Please allow up to 28 days for gift delivery.
TYPE REPORT | Tu-160 ‘BLACKJACK’
‘BLACKJACK’
ATTACK
The operations launched by Russia’s strategic
aviation arm over Syria on November 17, 2015
saw the first ever combat use of the Tupolev
Tu-160 and Tu-95MS long-range heavy
bombers. We present a timely review of the
Tu-160, Russia’s most lethal combat aircraft.
report: Piotr Butowski
30
30-39 Blackjack C rev.indd 30 17/12/2015 21:22

T
Tu-160 ‘BLACKJACK’ | TYPE REPORT
HE DAY AFTER Moscow’s a distance in excess of 13,000km (8,078 of the armament bay (11.28m or 37ft in The service life
official acknowledgment miles. While over Syria, the Tu-160s were length) remained the same. Since it was of the Tu‑160’s
engines is
that the Metrojet escorted by Russian Air Force Sukhoi designed for the Kh-45 (10.8m or 35ft 5in a limiting
Airbus A321 crash Su-30SM fighters flying from their base in length) it remained much larger than factor, and
in the Sinai was the in Latakia. is necessary for the Kh-55 (6.04m or 19ft upgraded NK‑32
powerplants are
result of a terrorist act, 10in in length). now planned.
Russia’s strategic air arm performed ‘Blackjack’ origins Within the Tupolev design bureau the Yevgeni
its first strikes against targets in Syria. The Tu-160’s history begins on November new aircraft received the designations Kazhenov
According to the Russian Ministry of 28, 1967 when the Soviet government izdeliye 70 and izdeliye K. The first
Defense, during a four-day period from launched a competition for a supersonic prototype, 70-01, made its initial flight
November 17 to 20, Tu-160s flew 10 strategic bomber able to cruise at on December 18, 1981, piloted by
sorties (in addition to six by Tu-95MSs 3,200-3,500km/h (1,988-2,175mph) and Boris Veremey. In February 1982, it
and 96 by Tu-22M3s). The Tu-160s alone achieve a maximum range of 16,000- performed its first supersonic flight. A
launched 48 Kh-101 and 16 Kh-555 18,000km (9,942-11,185 miles). Weapons speed of 2,200km/h (1,367mph) was
cruise missiles. intended for the new bomber comprised attained during tests; however, in normal
During the missions targeting Syria, the two 4,500kg (9,921lb) supersonic Kh-45 operations speed is limited to 2,000km/h
Tu-160s operated from their permanent missiles or 24 Kh-2000 short-range (1,243mph).
base at Engels near Saratov. They attack missiles. In 1972, scaled-down Several derivatives of the basic aircraft
approached their targets over the Caspian requirements called for a speed of were considered but none came to
Sea and launched their missiles over 2,500km/h (1,553mph), later reduced fruition. These included the Tu-160PP
Iranian territory, close to the Iraqi border. still further to 2,000km/h (1,243mph), (postanovshchik perekhvatchik, jammer
The exception to this mission profile was combined with a maximum subsonic and interceptor), an electronic warfare
that conducted on November 20. That day, range of 14,000-16,000km (8,699- escort aircraft and interceptor armed with
two Tu-160s took off from Olenyegorsk 9,942 miles). long-range air-to-air missiles, intended to
air base on the Kola Peninsula in northern In 1976-77 the bomber’s armament hunt transport aircraft carrying supplies
Russia, flew round Norway and the United was revised when Russia learned about from the US to Europe, and the Tu-160R
Kingdom, entered the Mediterranean the United States’ work on the AGM-86 Rakonda strategic reconnaissance
via Gibraltar and flew over the entire strategic cruise missile. Instead of heavy aircraft. The enlarged Tu-160M
Mediterranean Sea to launch eight Kh-45s, the Soviets opted for six to 12 bomber project of the 1980s
Kh-555 missiles against targets in Syria. subsonic Kh-55 missiles, while 12-24 was to be armed with
Then, passing over Syria, Iraq, Iran and Kh-15 missiles (a further development two Kh-32 supersonic 31
the Caspian Sea, they returned to their of the Kh-2000 project) were selected as missiles in order
home base at Engels. The sortie covered the alternative weapon. However, the size to target

Bottom: The 16 US aircraft carriers; another armament as one of Tu-134UBL crew trainers. The deal, signed in Yalta, involved the aircraft
operational option was the Kh-90, a future hypersonic Tu‑160 met Western aircraft for the first at Pryluky that were in the best technical
Tu‑160s,
including missile. The Tu-160V (vodorod, hydrogen) time in May 1991, when encountered condition. Of the remaining 11 Ukrainian
RF‑94105/’06’ was to be fueled by liquid hydrogen. The by F-16A Fighting Falcons of the Royal aircraft, 10 were scrapped and one, ‘Bort
pictured here, Tu-160SC (space carrier) was a projected Norwegian Air Force’s 331 Skvadron, while 26’, put on display in the aviation museum
operate from
Engels. An commercial version for use as a launch flying along the Norwegian coast near at Poltava. The ex-Ukrainian bombers
additional test platform for the Burlak space vehicle, Tromsø. Upon the disintegration of the arrived at Engels between November 5,
aircraft is based similar to the US Pegasus. At one stage, the USSR, the Pryluky-based aircraft remained 1999 and February 21, 2000. The next
at Zhukovsky.
Yevgeni Tu-170, a variant of the Tu-160 adapted for in the newly-independent Ukraine. example, serial 8-02 (Alexandr Molodchiy,
Kazhenov carrying conventional weapons only, was The next six airframes were assigned to ‘Bort 07’) arrived at Engels on May 5, 2000.
under consideration. the 1096th (re-numbered 121st in 1994) One more, serial 8-03 (Vitaliy Kopylov, ‘Bort
Right: With its
retractable in- After two flying (70-1 and 70-3) and one TBAP at Engels between February 1992 08’) touched down there on April 29, 2008.
flight refueling static (70-2) prototypes built by Tupolev and June 1994. This was the only Tu-160 Russia decided in 2000 to repair and
probe extended, in Moscow, the next 33 aircraft (including unit in the country, and its half-dozen introduce to service serial 2-02, built in
a Tu-160 moves
in for a night one static airframe) were completed at the aircraft remained Russia’s sole operational 1986 and then used by the Tupolev design
refueling from KAPO plant in Kazan. The first Kazan-built Tu-160s until October 6, 1999, when bureau for test work. After six years of
an Il-78. Tu-160, serial 1-01, flew on October 10, Moscow bought eight from Ukraine. The repair the bomber was transferred to
Sergey Krivchikov
1984; this and some of the next aircraft to
Bottom right:
The Tu-160’s
be completed were utilized for test work.
At the time of the collapse of the Soviet
Tu-160s IN SERVICE
similarities ‘Bort’ number Serial Registration Individual name
with the B-1B Union, production was at a rate of three
‘02’ 7-02 RF-94102 Vasiliy Reshetnikov
are apparent airframes per year. Manufacturing came
in this view. ‘03’ 7-03 RF-94101 Pavel Taran
to the end in 1994, leaving a number of
Both feature ‘04’ 7-04 RF-94112 Ivan Yarygin
a blended unfinished examples at the Kazan plant.
‘05’ 7-05 RF-94104 Aleksandr Golovanov*
fuselage/wing Two were subsequently completed, serial ‘06’ 8-01 RF-94105 Ilya Muromets
center section 8-02 in 1999 and 8-03 in 2007. Reportedly, ‘07’ 8-02 RF-94106 Aleksandr Molodchiy
and variable-
geometry wings two other unfinished airframes, serials ‘08’ 8-03 RF-94115 Vitaliy Kopylov
and tandem 8-04 and 8-05, still remain at the factory. ‘10’ 6-01 RF-94100 Nikolay Kuznetsov
armament bays. ‘11’ 6-02 RF-94114 Vasiliy Senko
Yevgeni
Kazhenov In service ‘12’ 6-03 RF-94109 Aleksandr Novikov
In April 1987, an initial two Tu-160s (serials ‘14’ 3-04 RF-94103 Igor Sikorsky
32
‘15’ 6-05 RF-94108 Vladimir Sudets
2-03 and 3-01) arrived at the type’s first
‘16’ 5-03 RF-94107 Alexei Plokhov
operational unit, the 184th Heavy Bomber
‘17’ 5-04 RF-94110 Valery Chkalov
Aviation Regiment (TBAP) at Pryluky, in
‘18’ 5-05 RF-94111 Andrey Tupolev
the Ukrainian SSR. The unit’s bombers ‘19’ (formerly ‘87’) 2-02 RF-94113 Valentin Bliznyuk
launched Kh-55SM cruise missiles for – (formerly ‘63’, ‘342’) 4-01 – Boris Veremey
the first time in July 1987. At the end of
‘Bort 01’ (s/n 7-01; Mikhail Gromov) crashed in 2003. Aircraft numbers ‘09’ and ‘13’ not assigned.
1991, the regiment had two squadrons of
* Previously Ilya Muromets.
Tu‑160s, for a total of 19 aircraft, as well

the regiment at Engels in July 2006, and

named Valentin Bliznyuk after the aircraft’s
chief designer. Russian Air Force Tu-160s
are otherwise all named after ‘strongmen’,
whether a mythic popular hero (Ilya
Muromets), a wrestling champion (Ivan
Yarygin), or well-known pilots and air
commanders.
The Tu-160 was officially commissioned
into service on December 30, 2005.
Although the Soviet and Russian Air
Forces had flown the bomber since 1987,
operations were formally considered to be
on a trial basis.
Two Tu-160s have been lost. In March
1987, serial 1-02 crashed after suffering
engine failure soon after take-off from
Zhukovsky; the crew, led by Valeriy Pavlov,
ejected and survived. On September 18,
2003, Mikhail Gromov (‘Bort 01’) crashed
near Stepnoye, 40km (25 miles) east
of Engels, killing the four crew under
the command of Lt Col Yuri Deyneko.
The aircraft fell apart in mid-air during
the approach to land, at an altitude
of 1,200-1,500m (3,940-4,920ft). The
catastrophe was caused by a failure of the
venting system in the fuel tanks — after
expending the fuel, the wing torsion box
broke under the unexpected pressure.
At present, the Russian Air Force has 16 33
Tu-160s assigned to the base at Engels,
but some of these are under overhaul
and upgrade at the Kazan plant. One
further aircraft, serial 4-01 Boris Veremey
(named after the first pilot to test the
Tu-160 in 1981), belongs to Tupolev and is
based at Zhukovsky where it is operated
without a tactical number. It previously
wore ‘Bort’ number ‘63’ and then had ‘342’
applied as an identifier for the Tu‑160’s
debut international presentation at Le
Bourget in June 1995. The aircraft is
used as a prototype for future upgrades.
Several other non-airworthy airframes at
Zhukovsky are probably beyond repair.
Mission profile
The Tu-160 was designed as a multi-
mode bomber for both intercontinental
and theater-level missions. In its primary
intercontinental mission as a strategic
cruise missile carrier, the Tu-160 flies at
Mach 0.77 and an altitude of 11,000-
12,000m to attain its maximum range
of 12,300km (7,643 miles) with six cruise
missiles — range can be extended
through the use of aerial refueling.
When operated at the theater level,
the aircraft can penetrate enemy air
defenses flying at a speed of 2,000km/h
(1,243mph) at high altitude, or 1,030km/h

34
(640mph) at low level with automatic These are installed on one (or two) by the Elektroavtomatika company, This image:
The Tu-160’s
terrain-following. six-round MKU6‑5U (izdeliye 9A829K2) controlled by eight Orbita-20 computers.
maximum range
The US Air Force’s B-1B Lancer and the rotary launchers, one in each of the bays. This provides for semi-automatic flight of 12,300km
Tu-160 have many common features: both Alternative air-defense suppression to the missiles’ launch area, preparation (7,643 miles)
with six cruise
aircraft have a blended fuselage/wing armament comprises up to 24 Raduga and launch of the missiles, and return
missiles can
center section and variable-geometry Kh-15 (AS-16 ‘Kickback’) short-range Mach to base. The Leninets Obzor-K (izdeliye be extended
wing. The arrangement of the fuselage 5 attack missiles on four short MKU6-1U U008) navigation/attack radar and through the
use of aerial
interior is also similar, with tandem (9A827K2) revolving drum launchers fitted Sopka (hill) terrain-following radar are
refueling, as
armament bays, as well as four engines in tandem pairs in each bay. installed in the nose, while the OPB-18 seen here in a
installed in two nacelles below the wing From around 2003, the Tu-160 was TV/optical bombsight is located in a demonstration
with an Il-78
roots. Both aircraft share the same, adapted to use non-nuclear Kh-555 fairing under the nose. The Sprut-SM
tanker.
cruciform empennage. However, the missiles, these being conversions of older, (octopus) missile initialization and launch Piotr Butowski
differences are significant, too. First, the nuclear Kh-55s. In around 2011-12 the system is designed to control the use
Right top to
Tu-160 is much larger than the B-1B. The bombers began to be adapted to use of cruise missiles. The SVVI-70 pre-flight
bottom: The two
wing of the Tu-160 (angles, aspect ratio the new nuclear Kh-102 and non-nuclear data management system, coupled with ‘Blackjack’ pilots
and pivoting point) resembles that of the Kh‑101 missiles; the nuclear version can Russian strategic aviation’s Sigma mission use fighter-style
control columns,
Tu-22M, rather than the Lancer. Capable attain a maximum range of 5,000km planning system, was introduced in the
with the cockpit
of reaching Mach 1.2 at high altitude, the (3,107 miles) while the conventional second half of the 2000s. The aircraft is retaining its
B-1B is a near-supersonic aircraft; while the missile carries a heavier warhead and less equipped with the K-042K astro-inertial original layout.
Piotr Butowski
Tu-160 has adjustable air intakes designed fuel, having a range of 4,000km (2,485 long-range navigation system that plots its
for Mach 2.0 flight, the B-1B’s intakes miles). The Kh-101/102 is 1.4m (4.6ft) current position on the map, the GLONASS A Tu-160 flies
are fixed. longer and 1,000kg (2,205lb) heavier than satellite positioning system (used for the over Red Square
escorted by a
The Tu-160’s weapons are carried the Kh-55SM. As a result, it was necessary first time in Russia on the Tu-160), ARK-22
pair of MiG-31s.
exclusively inside the fuselage in two to develop the new, stronger 9A-829K3 radio direction finders, DISS-7 Doppler Piotr Butowski
tandem weapons bays, each 11.28m (37ft) six-round rotary launcher for the Tu-160’s radar, long-range radio navigation
long, 1.92m (6ft 4in) wide and 2.4m (7ft armament bay. Reportedly, as of late system, Kvitok instrument landing system,
10in) deep. Basic armament for strategic 2015 around five Tu-160s were capable of SVS‑2ts-4 air data system, and other items.
missions comprises six (or a maximum carrying Kh-101 and Kh-102 missiles. Cockpit instrumentation is conventional.
of 12) Raduga Kh-55SM (AS-15 ‘Kent’) The aircraft has a Buk-K (beech) The L232 Baikal self-defense system
long-range subsonic cruise missiles. targeting/navigation suite developed combines Ogonyok (light) infra-red and

35
Kiparis (cypress) radar warning sensors,
SPS-171/SPS-172 Geran-1DU/-2DU and
AG-56 Sevan radar jammers, and APP-50
chaff/flare dispensers (in total, 24 three-
round launchers), all of which are located
in the fuselage tail cone.
Walk-round
The Tu-160 is a four-engined, all-metal,
low-wing monoplane with variable-
geometry wings. The fuselage and center
section of the wing form a common
shape with an appended empennage
and movable wing panels. The long and
narrow fuselage/wing center section
(LERX type), blended for stealth, is sub-
divided into four compartments: nose
(radar unit, crew cockpit and nose landing
gear unit), front (fuel tanks and front
weapon bay), center (main undercarriage
units, engine nacelles and rear weapon
bay), and rear (fuel tanks and equipment).
The variable-geometry wing has slight
anhedral. The main structural strength
element of the aircraft structure is the
central wing stringer, 12.4m (40ft 8in) long
and 2.1m (6ft 10in) wide, interconnecting
both wing-pivoting nodes. The stringer is
fabricated in two halves, upper and lower,
milled from titanium alloy and welded

together in a vacuum chamber according

to a unique engineering process. The Tu-160 SPECIFICATIONS
outer, movable panels can be set at three Dimensions
manually selected positions: 20° for take- Wingspan 35.6m (116ft 9.5in) at 65° sweep
off and landing, 35° for cruise, and 65° 50.7m (166ft 4in) at 35° sweep
for supersonic flight. Each movable wing 55.7m (182ft 9in) at 20° sweep
panel has four-section leading-edge slats, Maximum length 54.1m (177ft 6in)
Height 13.1m (44ft)
a three-section double-slotted trailing-
Length of engine nacelle 13.28m (43ft 7in)
edge flap, and aileron; five-section spoilers
Wing area 232m2 (2,497 sq ft) fully swept
are installed ahead of the flaps. With the
293m2 (3,154 sq ft) fully spread
wings fully swept, the inner section of Tailplane span 13.25m (43ft 6in)
each three-section trailing-edge flap is Wheelbase 17.88m (58ft 8in)
raised to become a large aerodynamic Wheel track 5.4m (17ft 9in)
fence between the wing and the fixed Weights
glove to improve directional stability. The Empty 117,000kg (257,941lb)
mid-mounted slab (taileron) tailplane Maximum take-off 275,000kg (606,270lb)
can be deflected symmetrically or Maximum landing 155,000kg (341,716lb)

Performance
differentially. The all-moving upper section
Maximum speed 2,000km/h (1,243mph)
of the tail fin, above the tailplane, forms
Maximum speed at sea level 1,030km/h (640mph)
the rudder. The flight control system is of
Cruising speed Mach 0.77
the quadruple analog fly-by-wire type, Approach speed at 140 tonnes weight 260km/h (162mph)
with a stand-by mechanical system. Use of Take-off distance 900-2,200m (2,953-7,218ft) at 150-275 tonnes weight respectively
the mechanical control system is limited Landing distance 1,200-1,600m (3,937-5,250ft) at 140-155 tonnes weight respectively
since the aircraft is statically unstable. Maximum climb rate 4,200m (13,800ft) per minute
The hydraulically retractable Service ceiling 15,600m (51,181ft)
undercarriage has twin nosewheels (1,080 G limit +2
x 400mm) retracting rearwards and two Service range without in-flight refueling, Mach 0.77
12,300km (7,643 miles) with 5 per cent fuel reserve
and six Kh-55SM missiles dropped mid-range
six-wheel (1,260 x 425mm) main bogies Maximum theoretical range 13,950km (8,668 miles)
(three tandem pairs) retracting into the Maximum duration without
15 hours
wing center section between the weapon in-flight refueling
bay and engine nacelles. Three drag Combat radius at Mach 1.5 2,000km (1,243 miles)
36

37
chutes with a total area of 105m2 (1,130 sq length is 7,453 mm (293in). The engine Left: A fabulous
ft) are located in the tail. nozzles are automatically adjustable; the photograph
taken on the
The crew of four is seated in the nose air intakes are adjustable as well, using a runway at
in a common pressurized cockpit. The vertical wedge for each pair of engines. Engels. The L232
commander/pilot occupies the front The aircraft is provided with a TA-12 Baikal self‑
defense system
port-side seat, with the co-pilot on his auxiliary power unit. and APP‑50
right-hand side. Fighter-type sticks are The aircraft can carry 140,600kg chaff/flare
used rather than the usual wheels or (309,970lb) of T-8 fuel in 13 tanks located dispensers are
all located in the
yokes. The rear seats are occupied by the inside the fuselage/wing center section tail cone.
navigator/offensive weapons operator and in the movable wing panels. The fuel Yevgeni
and the navigator/electronic warfare/ transfer system is used for balancing the Kazhenov
communications operator. Each crew aircraft when accelerating to supersonic Above: The
member is seated on a Zvezda K-36L.70 speeds. The retractable probe for the flight general tactic
‘zero-zero’ ejection seat, which ejects refueling system is mounted in the upper for the Tu‑160
to penetrate
upwards. The cockpit is accessed via the part of the aircraft nose. enemy air
nose undercarriage bay. defenses
The propulsion system consists of four Tu-160M upgrade involves high‑
speed, high‑
Kuznetsov NK-32 (izdeliye R) turbofans The first improvements to be applied level flight or
positioned under the wing center section to operational Tu-160s consisted of the going down ‘in
in widely-separated pairs, this to make aforementioned new weapons: Kh-555, the weeds’ using
the automatic
room in the fuselage for the weapons Kh-102 and most recently Kh-101 cruise terrain‑
bays. The nacelles protrude far beyond the missiles. The aircraft type designation has following
wing trailing edge. Each engine is rated not been changed as a result of these system.
Sergey Krivchikov
at 137.3kN (30,865lbf) dry and 245.18kN adaptations. An update of the bomber’s
(55,115lbf) with afterburning. The NK-32 is equipment is being conducted, both
a three-spool turbofan with a bypass ratio simultaneous with the addition of the
of 1.36:1; it has 3+5+7 compressor stages new armament and independently
and 1+1+2 turbine stages. The engine of it. The M1 stage of the upgrade is
weight amounts to 3,650kg (8,047lb), inlet currently being implemented, under
diameter is 1,455mm (57.3in), and overall which the aircraft is being fitted with

the K-042K-1 astro-inertial navigation require a supply of new powerplants. This image: On the ground
system with BINS-SP-1 inertial navigation, For some years, the Kuznetsov company the Tu-160 is much larger
than the B-1B. Three drag
ANS‑2009-1 (ANS-2009M is planned in of Samara has been preparing to restart ‘chutes deploy from the
the second stage) astro-navigation, and a engine production in the form of the tail. Yevgeni Kazhenov
navigation computer. Other new systems upgraded NK-32 series 2, and a final
Bottom left: Capable of
include a DISS-021-70 navigation radar, contract with the Ministry of Defense reaching Mach 1.2 at
A737DP satellite navigation receiver, was concluded in August 2014. An initial high altitude, the Tu-160
ABSU-200-1 (ABSU-200MTs is intended batch of new-production engines is set features adjustable air
intakes. Piotr Butowski
at a later date) autopilot, and S-505-70 to be ready for tests in 2017, after a break
communication suite. The UKBP design of nearly 25 years.
bureau in Ulyanovsk is providing a new
data display system. The М1 upgrades are New-build Tu-160M2
being conducted by the KAPO facility at On April 29, 2015, during a visit to the
Kazan and are carried out together with aircraft production plant in Kazan, the
major overhauls. Tupolev announced Russian Minister of Defense Sergei
that the first upgraded aircraft, ‘Bort 18’ Shoygu unexpectedly presented the
Andrey Tupolev, was flown at Kazan on idea of resuming series production of
November 16, 2014 and then handed the Tu-160 bomber — rumors of this
over to the Air Force on December 19, had emerged a month or two earlier.
2014. Two subsequent aircraft, ‘Bort 02’ According to commander-in-chief of
Vasiliy Reshetnikov and ‘Bort 11’ Vasiliy the Air Force Viktor Bondarev, the first
Senko, were undergoing repair and M1 new Tu-160M2 will fly during 2021, and
upgrade in Kazan during 2015. in 2023 series production will begin at
The complete Tu-160M (izdeliye a rate of three aircraft per year. In total
70M) upgrade affords further systems the Air Force needs at least 50 new
improvements, including replacement Tu‑160M2s, which are expected to serve
of the Obzor-K radar with a new radar at least 40 years.
from the Novella family, made by Zaslon In September 2015 the Russian
(a company known as Leninets until government requested the assignment
October 2014), and probably designated of 3.796 billion rubles (about $60 million)
38 NV1.70. For some time it was planned to from the budget before year-end in
install in the Tu-160M a radar designed order to prepare documentation and
by Tikhomirov NIIP on the basis of the launch production of the Tu-160. It is
Irbis radar from the Su-35 fighter, but likely that the new Tu-160M2 will feature
in 2013 this idea was abandoned. New equipment and weapons similar to those
weapons may be expected for the included in the second-stage Tu-160M
Tu-160M including the medium-range upgrade. Powerplants will come in
subsonic Kh-SD and supersonic Kh-MTs, the form of newly-produced NK-32‑2
and a hypersonic missile, if and when engines, but the timescale makes
this is ready. According to a United unlikely that any other major changes
Aircraft Corporation statement, the initial will be incorporated in the new
technical design of the Tu-160M was ‘Blackjack’.
The recent combat debut of
completed on October 23, 2014. the ‘Blackjack’ has reinforced
The service life of the Tu-160’s engine plans to resume serial
is shorter than that of the airframe, production. Yevgeni Kazhenov
meaning that further operation of
the bomber — and particularly new
production of the Tu-160M2 — will

39
With flaps and slats fully

deployed for landing the
Tu-160’s wing resembles
that of the Tu-22M.
Alexander Golz

COMBAT REPORT | RAFALE
A Rafale C flies
high above Mali
during an Operation
‘Barkhane’ mission.
Henri-Pierre Grolleau
40

RAFALE | COMBAT REPORT
The Dassault Aviation Rafale has been at the forefront of

French combat operations in Africa and the Middle East
since 2013 and 2014 respectively. Recently, the fighter
entered the fray in a new theater of operations, pursuing
militants of the so-called Islamic State in Syria.
A
report: Henri-Pierre Grolleau
FTER SUCCESSFUL From ‘Serval’ to
ENGAGEMENTS in ‘Barkhane’
Afghanistan and In July 2014, the mandate of the ‘Serval’
in Libya, French force — which until then had been
Air Force (Armée strictly limited to Mali — was expanded
de l’Air) and Navy to cover Mauritania, Burkina Faso, Mali,
(Marine Nationale) Rafales are currently Niger and Chad, a huge area more than
fighting on four fronts simultaneously. nine times the size of continental France.
In so doing, they demonstrate the Simultaneously, the name of the mission
scale of the French commitment to was changed from ‘Serval’ to ‘Barkhane’, a
combating terrorism: in the Sahara, French scientific word meaning ‘elongated
where jihadists have been pushed dune’. A second forward operating base,
back into Libya; in the Central African with Mirage 2000s and Harfang and
Republic, where inter-religious unrest Reaper unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)
has led to countless massacres; in the was established in Niamey, the capital of
Lake Chad area, where Boko Haram has Niger, to help overcome the ‘tyranny of
tried to expand its influence; and in Iraq distance’ in the Sahara. From there, the
and Syria, where the self-proclaimed Mirage 2000s cover the western part of
caliphate of the Islamic State (IS) is the theater while the N’Djamena Rafale
progressively gaining ground. detachment handles all the taskings in
The intervention in Libya had barely the eastern part. However, if required, the
ended when the situation in Mali began Rafales can cross into the west, primarily 41
to deteriorate. In January 2013, France for dedicated reconnaissance missions.
was forced to react to block a jihadist The size of the Rafale detachment in
push south towards Bamako, the capital Chad is adjusted as required, and the
of the country, and home to a large number of deployed fighters varies
French community. The beginning of depending on the needs of the forces
Operation ‘Serval’ is well-documented, on the ground. If a major operation is
and four Rafales were involved right from planned, reinforcements are rapidly flown
the start: they carried out a strike mission in from France. In recent months, the
on day three of ‘Serval’, launching from number of Rafales in Chad has hovered at
Saint-Dizier in eastern France, destroying around three or four airframes, with jets
21 targets with clinical accuracy and regularly being rotated back to France
landing in N’Djamena, the capital of Chad, for deep maintenance and to spread
9hrs 35mins later. The strategic reach of the flying hours over a larger number
the Rafale was demonstrated on that of airframes. Both single- and two-seat
occasion, the fighter thus confirming its examples are deployed in theater and can
role as a long-range, hard-hitting, fast- be drawn from any of the three front-line
reaction combat tool. Rafale units to create a common, multi-
The Rafales then flew alongside pre- squadron pool.
positioned Mirage 2000D strike fighters Due to the huge distances involved
and Mirage F1CR reconnaissance fighters in Africa, missions are invariably flown
to pound the terror group’s support with tanker support, and two C-135FRs
infrastructure and training facilities. from Groupe de Ravitaillement en Vol
Rafales provided top cover to ground (GRV) 2/91 ‘Bretagne’ are permanently
troops that were rapidly moving north deployed in theater, one at N’Djamena
to re-conquer the main cities in northern and one at Niamey. For nearly two years,
Mali: Kidal, Gao and Timbuktu. The Rafale until a C-135FR was permanently based at
detachment at N’Djamena eventually Niamey, US Air Force KC-135 Stratotankers
peaked at nine airframes, while the Mirage flying from Morón, in Spain, also provided
F1s and some of the Mirage 2000Ds air-to-air refueling capabilities.
temporarily moved to Bamako to make The Rafales usually fly in formations
space for the additional Rafales. of two aircraft, each composed of

one equipped with a Pod Reco NG

reconnaissance system, and one
configured as a bomber with either four or
six 500lb GBU-12 Paveway II laser-guided
bombs (LGBs), or four to six Hammer
(Highly Agile, Modular Munition Extended
Range) precision weapons of the Sagem
AASM (Armement Air-Sol Modulaire, or
modular air-to-surface weapon) family.
The bomber also carries a Damoclès
targeting pod under the starboard
air intake for surveillance and target
illumination. Because of the significant
distances between their base and the
Left: Rafale
Cs engaged areas being monitored and the troops
in ‘Barkhane’ being supported, the Rafales are typically
missions have fitted with massive 2,000-liter external fuel
typically been
fitted with tanks (three for the bomber-configured
the Damoclès aircraft, and two for those equipped with a
targeting pod Pod Reco NG under their centerline pylon).
and GBU-12s.
Henri-Pierre The 30M791 30mm cannon remains a
Grolleau key asset for operations in the Sahara
and all Rafales are always flown with a full
Below: A Rafale
taxies out at allocation of 125 rounds, each 30 x 150
N’Djamena air shell offering about the same destructive
base in Chad. power as a hand grenade. The cannon
Henri-Pierre
Grolleau is routinely used for close air support
(CAS) missions, and is highly praised for
Inset: A Rafale C its extreme accuracy during high-angle
pilot pre-flights
his Rafale prior dive attacks.
42 to an Operation
‘Barkhane’ Central African Republic
mission.
Henri-Pierre In December 2013, France launched
Grolleau Operation ‘Sangaris’ in the Central African
UNIT RESHUFFLE
The Armée de l’Air’s recent announcement • EC 2/4 ‘La Fayette’ (to form as the
that it would re-establish the escadre (wing) second nuclear deterrence squadron);
structure will lead to huge changes within • Escadron de Transformation Rafale
French Air Force units, including the Rafale (ETR) 3/4 ‘Aquitaine’ (previously ETR 2/92
squadrons. The escadres were all disbanded ‘Aquitaine’).
in the early 1990s, providing the squadrons EC 1/7 ‘Provence’, currently based at Saint-
with a significant degree of autonomy. Dizier, will move to Al Dhafra in the United
With the creation of the Escadrons de Arab Emirates, while EC 3/30 ‘Lorraine’,
Soutien Technique Aéronautiques (ESTAs, presently stationed in the UAE, will move
large maintenance squadrons at each base to Mont-de-Marsan. Three squadrons will
that brought together all engineers and eventually call Mont-de-Marsan home and
airframes within a single entity, leaving all will belong to the 30e Escadre de Chasse
fighter squadrons without any maintainers that was re-created on September 3, 2015:
or aircraft), some problems arose. While • Escadron de Chasse et
Rafale availability undoubtedly benefited d’Expérimentation (ECE) 1/30 ‘Côte d’Argent’
from the appearance of the ESTAs, the (formerly EC 5/330 ‘Côte d’Argent’);
link between aircrews and engineers was • EC 2/30 ‘Normandie-Niemen’;
somewhat diminished. To help reconstruct • EC 3/30 ‘Lorraine’.
the bond between mechanics and aircrews, All tactical codes painted on each side of
the best solution was to re-create the the nose of the Rafales will change too. Until
wings and Gen Denis Mercier, the outgoing recently, Rafales wore the number of the
French Chief of Air Staff, worked hard to base (113 for Base Aérienne 113 at Saint-
bring the escadres back to life. Dizier, 118 for BA118 Mont-de-Marsan, and
According to the latest information 104 for BA104 Al Dhafra) followed by two
available, the 4e Escadre de Chasse, re- letters (for example 118-GP for single-seater
formed on August 26, 2015 at Saint-Dizier, serial number C137, at Mont-de-Marsan).
will eventually be composed of three This will soon be consigned to history, and
renumbered fighter squadrons: all fighters will revert to their wing codes
• Escadron de Chasse (EC) 1/4 ‘Gascogne’ (for example 30-GP), as used by the Armée
(previously EC 1/91 ‘Gascogne’); de l’Air until the mid-2010s.

Republic (CAR) in an effort to put an end a HOT anti-tank missile at a positively- been involved in a bitter fight with the
to vicious fighting between Christians identified house used as a shelter by group since early 2015, and France
and Muslims that had led to massacres hostile elements. has provided some support. Armed
on both sides. French troops poured into units from Chad, Cameroon and Niger
the area with aerial support provided by Boko Haram mission lack modern intelligence, surveillance
Rafales from N’Djamena, which is just Boko Haram is a Nigerian terror group and reconnaissance (ISR) equipment,
over an hour’s flight time from Bangui, the known for its campaigns of violence. however, and they have relied on foreign
capital of the CAR. In April 2014, it hit the news when 276 assets instead. While the French Ministry
Although the situation in the CAR is schoolgirls were kidnapped in Chibok, of Defense remains tight-lipped on
now progressively improving thanks to prompting protests worldwide. In this subject, it is widely accepted that
deployment of the ‘Sangaris’ force and the recent months, Boko Haram has been Rafales equipped with the Pod Reco NG
UN Minusca (Multi-dimensional Integrated extremely active, attempting to increase have taken part in the operations from
Stabilization Mission in the Central African its presence in Chad, Cameroon and N’Djamena, providing much-needed
Republic), violence sometimes still flares Niger, three close allies of France. Armed imagery and intelligence to allied ground
up unexpectedly. At N’Djamena, Rafales forces from these countries have all forces in the area.
always stand ready to back French and
UN troops in the country should the need
arise to complete intelligence, surveillance,
target acquisition and reconnaissance
(ISTAR) or kinetic missions. Thanks to the
ideal location of the base in N’Djamena,
they can easily switch from operations
against terrorists in the north to combat
missions in the CAR. In this country, a
show of force at 100ft and 550kt is usually
enough to defuse a situation and send the
protagonists away from UN and French
troops, or away from each other.
Sometimes, insurgents do not quieten
down, however, and kinetic action is
required. This happened in early August 43
2015 when Rafales had to fire 30mm gun
salvoes and drop a GBU-12 while a French
Army Aviation Gazelle helicopter fired

Iraq involvement Syria role expands

France’s involvement in the latest military ‘French President For nearly a year, France restricted itself
action in Iraq began on September 19,
2014 when Escadron de Chasse (EC) 3/30 François Hollande to combat operations in Iraq only, in
order to avoid siding with either IS or
‘Lorraine’ Rafales attacked their first IS
target, a logistics dump south of Mosul.
decided that the regime of Bashar al-Assad. However,
French military intelligence and secret
Operation ‘Chammal’ was then officially
launched as part of the wider, multi-
targets in Syria services constantly monitored what was
going on in Syria. In early September
national ‘Inherent Resolve’ effort. France should be 2015, taking advantage of remarkably
thus became the second partner in the accurate data provided by the intelligence
coalition fighting against IS when it joined attacked due to a community, French President François
the United States. Hollande decided that targets in Syria
On October 5, 2014, the number of significant rise in should be hit due to a significant rise in
Armée de l’Air Rafales available in the
theater was increased from six to nine, all the perceived level the perceived level of threat regarding the
risk of an attack against French interests.
stationed at Al Dhafra, in the United Arab
Emirates. That November, they were joined
of threat regarding In anticipation of the first French strike in
Syria, 12 ISR missions were flown by the
by three Mirage 2000D strike fighters
based in Jordan, and another three arrived
the risk of an French armed forces, allowing targets
to be autonomously and independently
the following month. attack against determined.
The number of Armée de l’Air Rafales The initial strikes in Syria were
later returned to six when nuclear aircraft French interests’ conducted on September 27, 2015 against
carrier Charles de Gaulle (R 91) arrived in an IS training camp south of Dayr al-Zawr,
the Persian Gulf. The vessel and her carrier in eastern Syria, close to the Al Bukamal
air group actively participated in the engagement (RoEs) and limit themselves checkpoint between Syria and Iraq. The
combat operations with 12 Rafale Ms, nine to the use of precision weapons to raid was launched on the eve of the UN
Super Étendard Modernisés (SEMs) and minimize the risk of collateral damage. conference in New York attended by
one E-2C Hawkeye from February 25 to In Iraq, Rafales undertake strike co- Barack Obama, François Hollande and
April 18, 2015, working alongside F/A-18C ordination and reconnaissance (SCAR) Vladimir Putin. Five Rafales were involved.
Hornets, F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, EA-18G and air interdiction missions, either hitting The French Ministry of Defense would not
44 Growlers and E-2C Hawkeyes from the targets of opportunity or conducting confirm where they came from, but their
USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). The number of deliberate, pre-planned attacks. The likely departure base was Al Dhafra. They
French fighters in the area then peaked Rafales also fly in support of Kurdish were accompanied by a C-135FR and by
at 33 aircraft (six Mirage 2000s, nine SEMs Peshmerga groups trained by French a Marine Nationale Atlantique 2 maritime
and 18 Rafales). instructors. While Rafales in Africa operate patrol aircraft used as an overland strike/
Since the beginning of ‘Chammal’, Iraq without air-to-air armament, the aircraft ISTAR/command and control (C2) tool.
has proven to be an incredibly complex routinely carry Mica IR/EM infra-red/ The faithful Atlantique 2 can be used as
battlefield, with constant difficulties in radar-guided air-to-air missiles when a bomber too, taking advantage of its
identifying who is who on the ground due flying from Al Dhafra or from the Charles GBU-12 delivery capability.
to a frustrating lack of reliable intelligence de Gaulle in the Persian Gulf. The volatile The following week a second raid was
sources in the field. IS militants, Iranian situation in the area dictates the need for carried out near Raqqa by two Rafales,
forces, Shia militias and Kurds all operate in self-protection weapons, and the ‘fire-and- thus confirming the French commitment
the same area, sometimes using the same forget’ Mica is more than enough to deter to supporting combat operations in the
types of equipment. As a consequence, local fighters from challenging French area. According to unconfirmed sources,
French pilots respect stringent rules of aviators. up to six French jihadists may have

been killed during the first two attacks.

Although the subject is highly sensitive,
targeting French citizens who have made
the decision to travel to Syria is a widely
accepted solution to prevent them coming
back to France and perpetrating ‘lone wolf’
terrorist attacks. Armée de l’Air Mirage
2000D/Ns based in Jordan are involved in
the fight as well.
The next three targets in Syria were oil
and natural gas production/distribution
facilities used by IS to smuggle fuel into
neighboring countries, mainly from oil and
gas fields in northern Iraq. The purpose of
the three successive strikes carried out by
Mirage 2000D/Ns was to help starve IS of
financial resources and damage its support
infrastructure.
After the terrorist attacks in Paris in
mid-November, the deadliest attack in
continental France since WW2, strikes
described as ‘massive’ were launched by
the French Air Force against a command
post, an ammunition dump and training/
recruiting and logistics centers around
Raqqa, signaling the beginning of a long
campaign by French fighters. In all, 10
Mirage 2000s and Rafales and two support
aircraft were involved in that mission,
hitting two target areas with 20 guided Left page: France
was the first
weapons, the largest French raid since nation after the 45
the war in Libya in 2011. No details are US to commence
available, but additional tanker support air strikes on
IS positions
is thought to have been provided by the in Iraq. Here a
USAF. Two repeat operations were carried Rafale C takes
out in the following 48 hours, marking the on fuel from a
RAAF KC-30A.
start of a long-haul campaign to try and Commonwealth
bring IS to its knees. of Australia/
The Rafale has matured to become an Sgt Murray Staff
incredibly flexible and powerful combat Left top to
tool that has successfully been engaged bottom: The
throughout an area extending from the Rafale has
acquitted itself
Sahara into Somalia and the Middle East, well in combat
and further out into Afghanistan. Just prior operations,
to the Paris attacks in November it was turning its
hand to a
officially announced that the carrier Charles variety of roles.
de Gaulle would leave her Toulon home Henri‑Pierre
port to return to the fight against IS in Syria. Grolleau
Now stationed in the Mediterranean with The code 104
18 Rafales, eight SEMs, two Hawkeyes, two worn by this
Dauphins, one Alouette III and one Air Force Rafale C denotes
BA104 at Al
Super Puma on board, the carrier increases Dhafra. Shortly,
the number of French fighters deployed in however, all
the area to 38, plus eight in Niger and Chad fighters will
revert to their
and seven in Djibouti. These 53 airframes wing codes.
represent a huge effort by the French Sirpa Air
armed forces. The first operational missions
An incredible
were launched from the Charles de Gaulle image of a
on November 23. At the time the carrier French Rafale
was sailing in the eastern Mediterranean, B over the Iraqi
capital Baghdad
probably off Lebanon, to reduce transit during a night
times to and from Syria. mission. Sirpa Air

B
UNIT REPORT | ALABAMA ANG
AGRAM AIR BASE, Helmet-Mounted Integrated Targeting

Afghanistan, summer (HMIT) and associated upgrades
2014. Two US Air National introduced under the latest SCU-8
Guard F-16s get airborne (Software Component Upgrade 8)
and climb fast to take up capability update for its weary Block 30
station high above the F-16C+ ‘Vipers’. ‘It was a phenomenal effort
rugged terrain, on call to support ground on all the maintenance, both back-shop
forces. The call of ‘troops in contact’ (TIC) and flight line, working together’, said
comes, and desperate voices on the Meyer. Lt Col John Cobb added: ‘During
ground tip off the ‘Viper’ drivers that the our missions, we faced challenging
enemy is ‘danger-close’ — they scream for situations caused by weather,
air support as the clatter of semi- mountainous terrain and complex tactical
automatic gunfire beats into the scenarios. Because of the great
microphone. The pilots crane their necks performance of our maintenance,
to get their eyes on target, whirling over ammunition and weapons troops we had
the stricken troops, bringing their 500lb a safe, reliable and effective jet every time
precision bombs to bear, or unleashing a we flew. We were able to fly every mission
volley of 20mm cannon fire. tasked to us, and that really built our
Ensuring that a squadron of 27-year-old confidence as well as the confidence of
F-16 Fighting Falcons is ready to respond the ground forces we supported.’
when the call to action comes is no mean Col Len Borowski, the 187th Operations
feat, especially while deployed to a Group commander, derives
combat zone in Afghanistan. The 187th understandable satisfaction from the
Fighter Wing, Alabama Air National Guard, Afghanistan deployment. ‘It was an
executed what many have called a historic mission for the ANG overall,
textbook deployment to Afghanistan in because of the timeframe we were
2014, achieving the highest F-16 deployed and the fact that we did that
mission-capable (MC) rate in Bagram’s mission completely in-house.’
recent history. During the unit’s six-month
stay there, the overall MC rate for the Sweet home Alabama
46 187th Maintenance Group was an Back home at Montgomery, the squadron
impressive 86.2 per cent. In July 2014, is a living, breathing, hive of activity.
maintenance met or exceeded all goals set Borowski says: ‘Under the Operations
for trackable metrics and achieved a 90.2 Group we have three squadrons: the 100th
per cent MC rate. The squadron didn’t miss Fighter Squadron, the 377th Fighter
a single air tasking order (ATO) sortie. Squadron, and the 187th Operations
During those intense sorties, the F-16s Support Squadron, plus we have a
with ‘Alabama’ emblazoned across their detachment with one RC-26B.’
tails dropped 221 bombs and fired 18,000 In September 2007 the wing’s 160th
rounds of ammunition, supporting a Fighter Squadron was re-designated as
remarkable 342 TIC situations. the 100th FS in honor of the famous
Col Randal Efferson, commander of the squadron of the Tuskegee Airmen, bright
187th FW, is justifiably proud of his men red tails being applied to at least two of its
and women’s efforts. ‘Our deployment aircraft in recognition of the heritage
lasted from April to November and it was behind the squadron identity. The move
the first stand-alone, ‘organic’ deployment was the opening phase of the Total Force
by a single ANG wing, with just our Integration (TFI) effort at this wing,
equipment and personnel covering the bringing together Guardsmen with
six-month deployment. We employed a Reserve and active-duty airmen. Further
combination of GBU-38/54 JDAMs [Joint cementing the TFI effort in November
Direct Attack Munitions], including the 2015 was the re-activation of the 377th FS
new, lower-frag (V)5 GBU-38. We did a lot (formerly known as Detachment 100 of
of employment with our 20mm cannon the 495th Fighter Group, 9th Air Force at
with a combination of high- and low-angle Shaw AFB, South Carolina) as a full
strafe. Our pilots got down in the weeds active-duty fighter squadron associated
when they needed to in order to support with the 187th FW, but assigned to the
the ground troops.’ 495th FG.
‘All the preparation work is what allowed ‘Our two fighter squadrons share the 18
us to do what we did down-range’, PAA [primary assigned aircraft]’, Borowski
comments Lt Col Adrian Meyer. Indeed, continued. ‘The TFI initiative means that A pair of striking
red tailed 100th
the wing’s 100th Fighter Squadron had to more and more units are becoming FS F-16C Block 30s
quickly become familiarized with the new associate units, with the active-duty Air flying over Alabama.

ALABAMA ANG | UNIT REPORT
RED TAILS OVER ALABAMA

47
The 187th Fighter Wing is

a proud and famous unit
flying some of the oldest
F-16s in the US Air Force.
Having completed a
highly successful combat
deployment in 2014, its
sights are set firmly on
the future.
photos: Jim Haseltine

48
‘In Afghanistan
we did a lot of
employment
with our 20mm
cannon with a
combination of
high- and low-
angle strafe. Our
pilots got down in
the weeds when
they needed to in
order to support
the ground troops’
COL RANDAL EFFERSON

Force associating Air National Guard and information from the various sources,
Air Force Reserve units. The active-duty process it and have good judgment to
force sends pilots and maintainers to make good decisions’. He added: ‘Fighters
augment our wing and we use our are constantly undergoing upgrades to
experience to bring these young guys up meet evolving threats and we could still
to speed. Our RC-26 detachment is ‘grow’ the F-16, but the problem is the life
dedicated to a little bit of everything, from of the airframe. We are coming to the
special operations to counter-drug twilight years of our Block 30 airframes
missions to homeland defense. We used to and there’s a cost-benefit equation of how
have dual-qualified pilots that flew the much money the government is willing to
F-16s and the RC-26, but now we have pump into these older airplanes.’
dedicated RC-26 pilots.’ Col Efferson added: ‘Our maintainers are
Back in 1988 the 187th FW started to world-class. Their jets are very old but they
retire its F-4D Phantom IIs, trading them in are also very well-maintained. The
for F-16s. Col Borowski is what they call a challenge is that we are increasing the
‘Guard baby’: having enlisted into the ANG inspections and maintenance that [are] Left: AIM-120
in 1987, he then went to college and was required.’ and AIM-9-
selected to become a pilot after he The wing’s 23 assigned ‘Vipers’ are all toting Alabama
‘Vipers’ break
graduated. Now he has over 3,000 hours Block 30 F-16C/D+ aircraft that have been for the camera.
on those very same F-16s. ‘I started flying upgraded to SCU-8 standard. The
the F-16 in 1992 and back then this unit addition of the ‘plus’ denotes that they Bottom left
to right: The
rarely deployed; that was true of all ANG have passed through the Falcon STAR new Scorpion
fighter units. We’d go for maybe two or structural upgrade, which increases Helmet-
three weeks every few years, but from airframe life to 10,800 effective flight Mounted
Integrated
1994 onwards that changed and since hours (EFH). Efferson says of the latest Targeting
then we have been on the road quite a lot, standard: ‘We received SCU-8 just prior to (HMIT) system
partly because of the total force mentality. our Afghanistan combat deployment and and the Center
Display Unit are
I’ve deployed eight times to combat zones.’ we were the first unit to receive this shown to good
upgrade. It gives us the new [Raytheon] effect.
‘Viper’ evolution Center Display Unit [CDU], which is a
Active-duty and
Things have evolved significantly since good-size MFD [multi-function display] in ANG pilots fly 49
Borowski first got airborne in an F-16. ‘Back the middle, plus the new Helmet- alongside each
then it was a day VFR [visual flight rules] Mounted Integrated Targeting [HMIT] other seamlessly
at the 187th FW.
fighter with one sensor — the radar. Now system’. The latter is a cheaper and less
we have the radar plus the targeting pod, complex alternative to the more Col Randal
night vision goggles [NVGs] and the traditional Joint Helmet-Mounted Cueing Efferson,
commander of
helmet sight. The pilot has to do an System (JHMCS), and is based on the the 187th FW.
incredible job of absorbing all that Gentex Scorpion helmet. USAF

A pair of 100th Fighter Squadron Block 30 F-16Cs from the

Alabama Air National Guard. Jim Haseltine
50

The SCU-8 jets are able to carry the tracks, while ‘nine-line’ briefs from Joint
GBU-39 Small Diameter Bomb, but Terminal Attack Controllers (JTACS) can be
Efferson’s unit has not had the sent as text messages to be ‘hand-jammed’
opportunity to train with or use these new into the jet’s navigation system.
weapons. He is, however, glowing when The squadron’s jets are slated to receive
discussing the benefits of the new helmet the SCU-9 upgrade, but as Efferson says
and new display. ‘The CDU gives us a this will be a mainly software-orientated
moving map and we can also put our ‘drop’ to add a little more capability and
targeting pod imagery on it — that huge refinements. The only possible major
MFD, 8 x 10in, gives us a much larger hardware update coming down the
picture to look at’. Efferson continues: ‘I pipeline for the older Block 30 F-16s could
love the new helmet. It’s lightweight plus be the addition of an active electronically-
[unlike JHMCS] it’s compatible with our scanned array (AESA) radar for the
NVGs. The information is displayed on a homeland defense mission, but as the
monocle over our right eye and the NVGs 187th FW does not hold the alert mission
just fold down in front of that monocle. it is unlikely to receive this Urgent
We love it day or night. We can fly with our Operational Need (UON) upgrade. When
normal day visor and just swap that out asked if he’d like to receive the AESA
with the NVGs in flight. It gives us great upgrade, Efferson quipped: ‘You’re asking
situational awareness, plus we can look a fighter pilot — of course I’d love an AESA
down at our tactical display — everything radar. It gives us a much better capability.
correlates. Visual station-keeping is much But, in reality, at this unit we are good for
easier — we just look inside, do what we our present-day missions in the places we
need to do, and take a quick peek outside are being sent.’
to see who you are targeting and who
your wingman is targeting. It’s beautiful.’ Future focus
The 187th F-16s have plenty of The majority of training conducted by
capabilities at their disposal and have the two fighter squadrons is kept
largely been optimized for the close ‘in-house’, although Col Borowski says
air support (CAS) mission in that the pilots regularly get to train with
recent years. They have the locally based F-15 Eagles and A-10 51
Situational Awareness Thunderbolt IIs. ‘We do a lot of CAS
DataLink (SADL) that training with JTACs, who are based down
provides intra-flight in Meridian, Mississippi, which is
data on wingmen coincidentally right near our operating
and Link 16 airspace’, he says. ‘CAS has been the focus

52
of our combat operations, at least since Above: Alabama

the first Gulf War. We do have FAC-A ‘We are trying to posture to get the action — 187th
FW ‘Vipers’
F-35 here at the wing. We think we
[forward air controller — airborne]- gaggle around
qualified pilots, but we don’t see that a KC-135R of
the 106th ARS,
mission set employed very much these
days. It’s more about working with the
are the best choice for the F-35’ Alabama ANG.
guys on the ground. Above left:

COL RANDAL EFFERSON A 100th FS
‘After we returned from our
F-16C eases
Afghanistan deployment, we deployed State Partnership Program, which pairs concept the USAF is using right now, effortlessly into
for a month to Nellis AFB, Nevada, to Guard units with different nations to mixing active-duty with ANG and Air the vertical and
support the USAF Weapons School. Not improve both military and civil Force Reserve Command, is the way of punches out
decoy flares.
having the alert mission here made it understanding. the future, especially as we move to the
easier to do that. That mission can soak Now that Romania has committed to F-22 and the F-35. In fact, we are trying Right: The Block
up a lot of resources for the alert purchasing Portuguese F-16s, the pilot to posture to get the F-35 here at the 30 F-16 may
be showing its
squadrons. We are one of three ANG training will partially be completed in wing. We think we are the best choice age, but it will
F-16 wings that does not have an active the US. ‘This is an exciting time to be for the F-35.’ remain a great
alert role.’ working with the Romanian Air Force Several factors influence Efferson’s workhorse in
many units for
Indeed, the unit has again been on the and we look forward to training with rationale on this, including the fact that the foreseeable
road recently with a deployment to these pilots when their F-16s are the wing does not hold the alert future.
Câmpia Turzii, in Romania, that ended in delivered’, commented Lt Col Doyle mission, meaning that an F-35 transition
November 2015. This saw the 100th FS Pompa, commander of the 377th FS. here would not bring the added
F-16s flying alongside Romanian MiG-21 Looking to the future, Col Efferson and requirement to position an alert
LanceRs and reflected the fact that the his team are well aware of the studies detachment at Montgomery.
Alabama National Guard has partnered that are under way regarding the next He added: ‘Air Combat Command is
with Romania since 1993 as part of the batch of F-35 units. ‘I think the total force looking to bed-down F-35 Operations

[Ops] 5, 6 and 7 shortly, and those three

new F-35 squadrons are going to go to
the Guard and Reserve forces’. Following
on from the initial decisions to position
F-35As at Hill AFB in Utah, Eielson AFB in
Alaska, RAF Lakenheath in the UK, and
with the Vermont ANG, units five and six
will be ANG outfits, due to receive F-35s
in 2022 and 2023 respectively. The
seventh is expected to go to the
Reserves, and that decision lies with the
strategic basing committee. Its
deliberations will address and evaluate a
host of factors, including local weather,
existing infrastructure, cost for bed-
down, airspace, and others.
Col Efferson says: ‘One of the good
things about Montgomery is that we have
a total force association with active-duty
pilots and maintainers working alongside
us’. He sees his old Block 30 F-16s as a big
reason why his squadrons should convert
directly to the F-35. ‘Our jets are the oldest
in the inventory. If we receive F-35s, our
old F-16s will just go straight to the
boneyard. Other units have newer F-16s,
and so their jets would be retained and
would have to be moved to other wings.
Us switching straight to the F-35 avoids
that double change.’
Time will tell as to whether these factors 53
mean the Alabama ANG is in line for the
Lightning II. There’s a huge appetite here
for the new mission, and the wing is well
placed to embrace it with the enthusiasm
and professionalism that it requires.

A
FEATURE | USAF FIGHTERS
DECADE AGO, THE The delay in the arrival of these F-35s from nearly one million at its zenith. Air
then chief of the means the USAF has a front-line fighter Combat Command leaders are concerned
US Air Force, Gen force far smaller than expected, and that the fighter unit tally may drop
T. Michael ‘Buzz’ an unexpected reliance on ‘legacy’ below 50 squadrons, thereby increasing
Moseley, was platforms — its F-15 Eagles and F-16 the burden on aircraft, personnel and
lobbying hard to Fighting Falcons. families. Fewer squadrons lead to more
avoid curtailing F-22 Raptor production Today’s USAF has just 54 fighter deployment rotations, not to mention
and making the case for an all-stealthy squadrons. Its personnel levels are at an intensifying the burden on a fighter force
fighter and bomber force. The Air Force all-time low: just 310,000 people, down in transition to fifth-generation platforms.
was already falling well short of the
original 750 Raptors that it wanted, but
was looking ahead optimistically at a
This image: combat force of Raptors, B-2 Spirits,
Air Combat future bombers, and F-35 Lightning IIs.
Command is
weighing up the Today, as budgets have dwindled, things
pros and cons have changed dramatically.
of upgrading Production of the mighty Raptor was
its F-15Cs in a
comprehensive curtailed at 187 operational jets despite
program to its huge promise. The fighter earned a
allow them to reputation for its high price tag rather than
serve until 2040
and beyond. its supreme capabilities. What is more,
Jamie Hunter F-35 low-rate initial production (LRIP)
delivery rates have been sharply reduced
Inset: Former
USAF chief amid concerns over maturity and the cost
of staff Gen of the program, meaning fewer F-35s are
Moseley was arriving on squadron flight lines in the
a staunch
supporter of the near term, although the USAF still aims to
F-22. US DoD take on 1,763 Lightning IIs.
54

USAF FIGHTERS | FEATURE
A FORCE
IN TRANSITION
Despite its push for an all-stealth fighter fleet, the
55
US Air Force will need to maintain its older fighters

for the foreseeable future. It might also have to
re-evaluate longer-term plans and be open to
some radical options.

More squadrons are thus in down-time as certain ‘legacy’ platforms from being The availability
they re-equip and spin back up. retired. The A-10 Thunderbolt II argument of F-35As to
recapitalize
It seems ridiculous to think that the is one that divides senior officers and USAF fighter
mighty USAF has just one active-duty observers alike. The A-10 is providing a squadrons
F-16C/D wing in the continental US — sterling capability in current operations, has increased
more slowly
the 20th Fighter Wing at Shaw Air Force but the USAF argues it can survive without than initially
Base, South Carolina. The F-16 wing at Hill the ‘Hog’ on its books. Some say the US planned.
AFB, Utah, is in transition to the F-35, and Army remains the staunchest proponent Jim Haseltine
there are zero active-duty F-15C wings of the A-10. Others argue that the type
in the US. The USAF’s three remaining is simply too vulnerable to operate over
active-duty Eagle squadrons are overseas future battlefields.
at Kadena, Japan, and Lakenheath, UK. ‘Warthog’ fans say the F-35 ‘doesn’t do
As one senior USAF officer remarked: ‘We CAS’ — close air support. The argument
have a lot of fourth-generation [fighters] at senior levels within the USAF is that the
that we are trying to upgrade to make F-35 can indeed ‘do’ CAS, but that isn’t the
them last and replace them with fifth- point. F-15E Strike Eagles and F-16s are
generation’. And it’s not just the aircraft. still going to be around — and they can do
The USAF is packed with weapons, tactics CAS. Moreover, the USAF has been forced
and procedures all geared toward fourth- to test the F-35 in the CAS role as Congress
generation capabilities. says it has to prove and demonstrate
Two factors have seriously hindered the that the aircraft has this capability. This
USAF’s efforts to modernize. Industry has pitted the F-35 in a head-to-head
has failed to meet targets and blown comparison with the A-10C. Initial results
budgets, and stubborn lawmakers look encouraging for F-35 proponents as
have continually insisted on the aircraft demonstrates non-traditional
pegging the USAF back and ways to suppress threats, without having
enforcing rulings that forbid to get ‘down in the weeds’ and put its
56

pilot in harm’s way. Indeed, justification

of the desperate need for the F-35 has
been highlighted by developments in
the current fight in Syria, in the light of 57
recently-deployed Russian S-300PMU
and S-400 surface-to-air missile (SAM)
systems. These lethal air defense systems
are exactly what the F-35 was designed to
hide from.
Events in Syria have seen USAF officials
voicing sharp criticism of Russia’s tactics
and capabilities. Generals point to
F-22s having dropped over 400 GPS-
guided weapons in Syria, compared
with Russian activities that have seen
the non-precision use of all manner of
weapons including cluster munitions.
It’s clear that the Russian jets regularly they contend, and it will always kill BVR, Therefore, the USAF is pushing hard
operate in close proximity to aircraft such beyond visual range. to move from the current LRIP blocks to
as the Raptors, but they remain oblivious The USAF’s 1,763 F-35As are likely to full-rate production. This is slated to begin Above: The
to the presence of the stealthy fighters. comprise roughly half of all Lightning in 2019. It should allow the USAF to ramp USAF is looking
at new ways
It will be interesting to see how the IIs being built. One officer commented up to receiving 60 aircraft per year in 2020 to introduce
introduction of advanced Russian long- recently: ‘It’s late, it’s over budget, but it’s and to 80 from then until 2038. incremental
range SAM systems in Syria affects USAF fantastic!’ It’s not all about the F-35, though. While upgrades for its
Block 40/42 and
air operations in the region. So, what is the USAF actually doing the USAF is acutely aware that in recent 50/52 F-16C/Ds.
right now? In 2015 it took 26 F-35s. These years it has been heavily involved in Jamie Hunter
‘Ramping up’ F-35 immature, early-production aircraft are operations in permissive environments
Inset: USAF
The F-35 remains the cornerstone of going to need a lot of upgrading to such as Afghanistan rather than facing a F-16s appear
the USAF’s fighter modernization effort. keep them credible — they are akin to a high-end threat, it recognizes that it must increasingly
Leaders now openly acknowledge that pre-MLU (mid-life upgrade) F-16A. This maintain both high-end and low-end weathered,
but they will
the F-35 is not the ‘be-all and end-all’ year (2016) the USAF is slated to receive forces that can ‘take the fight east or west’ potentially
fighter and that it can be beaten by an 44 F-35s and it aims to get to 60 per year as the need arises. soldier on for
F-16 in basic fighter maneuvers (BFM). by 2020. These figures reveal that it is Therefore, the USAF aspires to retain a another 25
years or more.
Not important, say some officers — the still going to take a very long time to sensible chunk of its fourth-generation USAF/SSgt Joe W.
F-35 will never be in a dogfight scenario, recapitalize its fighter fleet. fighter capability for many years to come, McFadden

and enable those fighters to be ready for active electronically-scanned array (AESA)
either scenario — keeping them credible. radar suitable for the air-to-air mission One officer commented
The USAF operates some of the oldest
F-16s still flying anywhere. It will be in the
or a fully-integrated radar capable of
supporting all the F-16’s roles. The effort of the F-35 Lightning II
same situation in 30 years’ time with its
early F-35s. Converting two units per year
specifies the installation of a system
that requires ‘minimal to no structural,
recently: ‘It’s late, it’s
to the F-35 means that USAF F-16s will
need to stick around for, potentially, up
electrical, or environmental cooling
system modifications’. The notice also
over budget, but it’s
to a further 30 years! The Air Force is thus says that the system should achieve initial fantastic!’
very keen to re-engage its planned F-16 operational capability by the first quarter
capability upgrades. of Fiscal Year (FY) 2017.
The USAF argues that full integration center pedestal display. CAPES was Below: The
Upgrading the ‘Viper’ of the radar will permit the retention of intended to be a joint program between potential for the
upgraded F-15
The USAF still holds ambitions to the F-16’s complete range of missions for the USAF and Taiwan, which is now Eagle to carry up
upgrade 300 of its newest F-16s in order a marginally increased cost. USAF chief performing the upgrades unilaterally. An to 16 air-to-air
to retain a balanced force of lower-end missiles could
Gen Mark Welsh said at that time: ‘We incremental upgrade path for the USAF
mitigate its
F-15C/Es and F-16s for the ‘CAS fight’ need to develop an AESA upgrade plan now appears more likely rather than a lack of stealth
and a high-end capability with F-22s for the entire fleet’. Addressing the House single project such as CAPES, especially attributes in
the future fight.
and F-35s. Lockheed Martin is putting an Armed Services Committee, he added as the baseline capability going into the
Jamie Hunter
F-16 through stress and fatigue testing that the USAF had budgeted $25 million F-16V will be applicable to USAF upgrades.
so as to design a service life-extension in FY 2016 for integration of an air-to- Inset: Strike
retrofit kit. This would allow Block 40/42 air-only radar, but would prefer to spend Buy new or upgrade? Eagles are
already being
and 50/52 jets to fly for as many as 12,000 $75 million, if it can find the money, for a In expectation of the USAF needing to earmarked for
hours, well beyond the type’s original fully-integrated AESA. extend the life of its Eagle force, Boeing the close air
has produced a menu of options for the support role.
design service life of 8,000 equivalent The SCU-8 upgrade of the ANG’s Block
Jamie Hunter
flight hours (EFH). 30 F-16s is already nearing completion. It existing F-15C fleet, as detailed in last
The USAF scrapped its Combat Avionics includes the Scorpion helmet-mounted month’s issue of Combat Aircraft. The F-15 Right:
Re-starting
Programmed Extension Suite (CAPES) integrated targeting (HMIT) system, 2040C is a ‘significant upgrade’, according
F-22 Raptor
upgrade and associated service life- beyond-line-of-sight satcom, a new color to one senior USAF officer. Clearly it is an production
58 extension plans for those 300 ‘Vipers’ display and the GBU-39 Small Diameter option under evaluation, but the USAF could be an
option to fill the
under sequestration budget caps in the Bomb (SDB). will have to be selective — it surely will
medium-term
last fiscal year, but it preserved funding The wider USAF requirement is likely not be able to upgrade all of its ‘legacy’ fighter needs
over five years to replace their mission and to tap into the current F-16V project platforms and afford the F-35s it requires. of the USAF.
Lockheed Martin
display computers. that Lockheed Martin is running for the The F-15 2040C taps into the Advanced
In March 2015, US Northern Command Republic of China Air Force. F-15 that Boeing has developed and the
issued an Urgent Operational Need (UON) It integrates the Northrop upgrade will not come cheap, although it
to fit Air National Guard Block 30 F-16s Grumman AN/APG-83 does offer some unique capabilities that
assigned to the Aerospace Control Alert Scalable Agile Beam Radar have understandably got the USAF’s
(ACA) mission with a non-integrated (SABR) and a new cockpit attention — not least the ability to

carry 16 air-to-air missiles. The latter in

particular is an attribute the F-35 does
not share.
A senior USAF officer recently
described the 2040C as ‘a great capability’,
but added that Air Combat Command has
also studied buying ‘a wing’ of maybe 72
F-16s or F-15s, or perhaps even an open
competition for F/A-18E/F Super Hornets.
The ‘initial look’ reportedly indicated that
a purchase such as this would come in at
a higher cost than buying F-35s ‘in bulk’, in 2012. Maybe it’s time to look at a Air Force analytical group concluded
and that upgrading some of the current 5.5-generation fighter to meet — or slot that resuming Raptor production after
fleet might be the best option to maintain in ahead of — the Next-Generation Air a two-year break would significantly
fighter numbers in lieu of slower-than- Dominance (NGAD) requirement. increase costs, but it calculated that a
anticipated F-35 deliveries. Significantly, A return to Raptor production is 75-aircraft run over five years would cost
it marked the first time that this renewed hardly likely to keep Lockheed Martin’s an estimated average of $227 million per
‘look’ at buying new fourth-gen platforms shareholders happy. All the difficult airframe. Arguably, the USAF would need
compared to upgrading existing assets development work was completed years far more aircraft than this, which could
had been publicly discussed — even if it is ago and this isn’t the time for industry serve dramatically to reduce the unit cost.
unlikely to happen. make-work in designing a new fighter Regardless of future initiatives, the
Every dollar that goes toward buying airframe. Those who have been close reality is that F-35 procurement will
new or upgrading existing fourth- to the F-22 acknowledge that a few likely be pruned (or elongated) — not
generation fighters could have a direct refinements would arguably result in the cut as radically as were the F-22 or B-2,
effect on the F-35 program. That could ultimate super-fighter. Maybe, then, the but trimmed nonetheless. The trend
mean reducing procurement figures NGAD initiative should actually look at seems inevitable. This will probably be
or stringing out plans. Either way, it an F-22C for the USAF and even a more coupled with modest upgrades for at
acknowledged that such plans have at advanced ‘Super Hornet-style’ F-35E for least some of the ‘legacy’ fighter force,
least been considered — a world away the Navy? Porting an F-35 cockpit and meaning that a number of Fighting
from a decade ago, when the USAF equipment such as its helmet-mounted Falcons or Eagles will remain in service 59
leadership flatly refused to consider display or the distributed aperture system until post-2040. Many would question
buying a single new F-15. across to the F-22 would represent a their credibility that far out. However,
If ever there was a time to also re-visit proven and relatively risk-free solution for overall, the USAF fighter squadron
abandoned plans, then surely the current USAF fighter needs in the medium term. complement will continue to dwindle,
Air Combat Command studies should Preservation of F-22 tooling was so the case for increased inter-service
at least evaluate re-starting F-22 Raptor intended to support a future service life- co-operation must surely continue to be
production. Lockheed Martin retained the extension program, but it also implicitly made, especially when addressing the
tooling for the F-22 after the production kept open the option of re-starting air-to-ground strike role in uncontested
line in Marietta, Georgia, shut down production if required. Rand’s Project environments.

when you take out a 2-year
DVD
or quarterly credit card
subscription to
IMAGE: USAF - MASTER SGT. JOSEPH SWAFFORD
3 EASY WAYS TO ORDER...
ONLINE PHONE POST

www.imsnews.com/combat TOLL-FREE: Complete the form and post to
or email: +1 800 428 3003 Combat Aircraft Monthly,
[email protected] 3330 Pacific Ave, Suite 500, Virginia
Beach, Va 23451, USA.
MAKE HUGE SAVINGS!
when you subscribe by quarterly credit card
payments - NOW JUST $17.49!
 YES, I would like to subscribe to
PAYER’S DETAILS
Title
First name
Surname
Address
OR
Zip Code
F-16: MISSION AFGHANISTAN DVD
Strap on your very own F-16 Fighting Falcon and experience the visual Country
spectacle of the air war over Afghanistan! Witness the daily challenges
that face the brave men and women (both in the air and on the ground) Email address
from training sorties in the USA to actual deployment and live operations Please complete to receive news updates and offers from us by email.  Please send gift card.
in Afghanistan! DELIVERY DETAILS (IF DIFFERENT)
Region-free DVD, running time 60 minutes.
Title
F-14 COCKPIT DVD First name
Join AirUtopia onboard an F-14 during a real wartime mission! Enjoy
low level flights up to Mach 2 over desert and mountain terrain from Surname
carrier takeoff to carrier landing! Experience the view from an F-14 Address
during taxi and take off and experience barrel rolls, in flight refueling
from a KC-135 and KA6 Intruder and do some touch and go carrier
landings all while listening to the live audio.
Region-free DVD, running time 75 minutes.
Zip Code
Country
Email address
CODE: USCAM16 OFFER CLOSE DATE: 29 FEBRUARY 2016
SPECIAL OFFERS (PLEASE TICK)
NEW LOW PRICES!

Subscribe today from just $17.49!
USA/Canada Quarterly Payments  $19.99  $17.49
PLUS FREE DVD!
SAVE 12 ISSUES 24 ISSUES FOR
OVER FOR THE THE PRICE OF 19
REST OF WORLD CUSTOMERS 20% PRICE OF 10 PLUS FREE DVD
USA and 12 issues  $81.00 24 issues  $159.00
SE E PAGE 13 FOR DETAILS Canada 12 issues  $69.90 24 issues  $132.49
Gift choice: F-16 Afghanistan DVD  F-14 Cockpit DVD 
Quarterly payment agreement: If you wish to take advantage of the quarterly payment offer, you must consent that your credit card will
charged on a quarterly basis for the duration of one subscription year. Charges will appear on your credit card statement under International
Media Service. Once your 4 quarterly payments are complete your subscription will automatically be renewed for individual quarterly
subscription at the preferred renewal rate available. All subscriptions can be cancelled or suspended at any time by emailing
[email protected] or by calling our toll free number: (800) 428-3003
PAYMENT METHODS
Please debit my Mastercard  Visa 
Issue number Start date Expiry date Security Code
FREE MAGAZINES Signature ......... ............................................... Today’s date ............. ...................................................
CHECK
6 2 YEAR SUBSCRIPTION
WITH A I enclose a check for $ ................................. made payable to
International Media Service
2 1 YEAR SUBSCRIPTION
WITH A
*Key Publishing and IMS News will hold your details to process and fulfill your subscription order. All prices exclude applicable taxes.
Prices correct at time of going to press. Occasionally we may wish to contact you to notify you of special offers on products or
events. Savings based on subscription cost versus newsstand single purchases. If you do not wish to receive this information
please tick here  or mention when calling. Free magazines refers to savings compared to full cover price. Gift subject to change.
Any replacement gift will be of equal or higher value. Please allow up to 28 days for gift delivery. 1457/15

FEATURE | UK AIR POWER
62
UK AIR POWER
ON THE RISE
The UK Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR) gave
a boost to the Royal Air Force in particular, the air arm being
promised a modest increase in its ‘combat air mass’ as it
faces expanded operations in the Middle East.

UK AIR POWER | FEATURE
A
IR POWER IS rarely out the announcement that the re-formed
of the UK’s headlines No 12 (Bomber) Squadron would extend
right now. In the weeks its service with the Tornado GR4 until
preceding the Strategic March 2017 as a result of the current
Defence and Security Operation ‘Shader’ against the so-called 63
Review (SDSR) — made Islamic State (IS).
public by Prime Minister David Cameron The retention of three front-line
on November 23 — there had been much squadrons within the Tornado GR4 force
speculation regarding the shape of the had already signaled a step-change in the
British armed forces over the coming five argument over fighter aircraft ‘mass’. Back
years. Military aviation was to feature in 2009, senior RAF officers foresaw a
strongly. The vote in the House of front-line force of five Typhoon units and a
Main image: The RAF has
Commons on extending British air strikes single F-35 unit by 2020 — just six
been given the green
light to increase the into Syria similarly captured the front operational squadrons. As SDSR 2010 hit
Typhoon force to seven pages, and Eurofighter Typhoons were the RAF hard, it was clear that the financial
front-line squadrons.
quickly drafted into operations alongside ‘black hole’ in the British defense budget
Jamie Hunter
Tornado GR4s. was going to have a profound effect on
Inset above: Air Vice- So, what does it all mean for the Royal the RAF combat aircraft fleet.
Marshal Gary Waterfall,
Air Force and British air power? Fast-forward to 2014 and things were
Air Officer Commanding
No 1 Group. changing — the ‘black hole’ had
Crown Copyright SDSR — good news reportedly gone and defense was getting
for the RAF itself back on track. The 2014 re-formation
One of the headlines from SDSR 2015 was of No 12(B) Squadron was anything but a
the decision to accelerate deliveries of temporary step, and a clear sign that
Lockheed Martin F-35Bs, and a politicians were supporting an upswing in
reconfirmation of the UK’s long-term RAF front-line strength.
commitment to purchase 138 Lightning IIs What this means is that with the Tornado
throughout the life of the program. Other GR4’s out-of-service date remaining on
significant decisions related to the track for April 2019, the Typhoon force will
expansion of the Typhoon force and the be expected to fill this void, not just in
decision to purchase nine Boeing P-8 terms of capability but also unit strength.
Poseidon multi-mission maritime Rumors circulated that SDSR 2015 might
aircraft (MMAs). see the RAF return to a front-line strength
The impetus to increase ‘combat air mass’ of up to a dozen squadrons, but in reality
within the RAF had been increasing that was wildly ambitious and would have
steadily throughout 2015. It started with presented a host of challenges in terms of

finances and personnel. On November 23, Commanding No 1 Group, and the senior
the Prime Minister announced that the officer overseeing the RAF’s combat
SDSR would actually add two more aircraft, AVM Gary Waterfall told this
front-line Typhoon squadrons and include magazine: ‘[The] Typhoon is going to be
a huge investment in future capabilities the cornerstone, the heavyweight, of our
for the type. These new units will take the combat air mix even when the F-35
RAF back to its original seven-squadron comes into town. This is why we are
Typhoon plan and allow the effective spending so much time harnessing our
replacement of the remaining fourth- and fifth-generation capabilities
Tornados by 2019. — working with the US F-22 Raptors
when we have Typhoons deployed to the
Typhoon on the rise US and increasingly working with the
Original plans for the RAF involved F-35 as that continues to develop.
purchasing 232 Typhoons to equip seven ‘We are going to retain our Tranche 1
operational squadrons to give a front-line Typhoons out into the 2030s; however,
inventory of 137 available fighters. Despite we are not going to turn those aircraft
cutting back on its Tranche 3 commitment into the real multi-role assets that our
by only ordering 40 aircraft in this batch, Tranche 2 and 3 aircraft are becoming.
the RAF is now expected to operate these We are going to have an enduring need
alongside 67 Tranche 2 and ‘around 30’ for QRA [quick reaction alert] in the UK,
original Tranche 1 Typhoons. The latter in the Falkland Islands and in other
number is where the RAF has found countries, as we have demonstrated with
additional airframes with which to equip our commitment to the Baltic Air
the two extra units, as previous plans had Policing mission. Retaining sufficient
called for the Tranche 1 Typhoons to be Tranche 1 jets to equip two front-line
retired by 2020. These will now be retained squadrons will give us that ability.
to enable the establishment of the two Meanwhile, in recognition of the worth
more units within the Typhoon force. of our Tranche 2 and 3 aircraft, the
Speaking in his office shortly after the out-of-service date for those aircraft has
SDSR announcement, Air Officer moved right to 2040, ensuring we get
64
‘The Tornado is really good at what it

can do and the Typhoon is really good
at what it can do, so there is no need to
work together this time around as they
did over Libya’
AVM GARY WATERFALL

‘CENTURION’ TYPHOON
By December 2018 the Royal

Air Force plans to be operating
Typhoons at a sufficient standard
to enable replacement of its
Tornado GR4s. At the Farnborough
International Airshow in 2014
Eurofighter made a number of
notable announcements, all of
which were crucial to the program.
The event saw the signing of an
integration contract for the MBDA
Storm Shadow stand-off cruise
missile under ‘Contract 4’ that
includes BAE Systems, Airbus Space
and Defence, and Alenia Aermacchi
collaborating to integrate the
weapon onto the aircraft as part
of the P2E enhancement package.
BAE Systems has also conducted
guided firing trials of the MBDA
Meteor beyond visual range air-
to-air missile (BVRAAM) on the
Typhoon. This is part of the P2E
flight-test campaign being run by
BAE Systems, and which forms part
of a NATO Eurofighter and Tornado
Management Agency (NETMA)
65
the maximum return from our shape of the multi-role Typhoon. By 2019, Left page: contract to integrate the Meteor
MBDA’s Storm onto the Typhoon by the end of
investment in those aircraft.’ the RAF expects to have embodied both
Shadow
It is the Tranche 2 and 3 airframes that the Phase 2 and Phase 3 Enhancements 2016.
stand-off cruise
are being lined up to replace the (P2E/P3E) onto its Tranche 2/3 aircraft, missile forms The P2E trials will include full
part of the integration of the Storm Shadow
Tornado GR4s, which have provided which will include the ability to employ
forthcoming
sterling service for the UK. This January MBDA Meteor air-to-air missiles, the cruise missile to enable the P2E-
P2E capability
the RAF marks 25 years of sustained Storm Shadow stand-off cruise missile upgrade. standard Typhoon to be fielded
BAE Systems/ before the end of 2017.
combat operations by the Tornado, and the Dual-Mode Seeker (DMS)
Jamie Hunter
dating back to Operation ‘Granby’ in Brimstone weapon that has proved so BAE Systems is moving ahead
Above and with integration of the MBDA
1991. By the time it bows out in 2019, the effective on the Tornado. In addition,
inset left: A
Tornado GR4 will have seen 37 years in these aircraft will subsequently receive Brimstone 2 air-to-ground precision
vision of the
operational service. the long-awaited Captor-E active future and the weapon onto the Typhoon, with
P3E-standard what it called an ‘effective route to
Project ‘Centurion’ is about forging a electronically scanned array (AESA or
Typhoon. This
suitable replacement for the GR4, in the E-Scan) radar. Brimstone 2 integration (under the
is denoted by
the carriage of P3E initiative) for the RAF by 2018.’
Brimstone 2 The SDSR specifically mentioned
missiles on the
support for the capability upgrade
triple launcher.
BAE Systems/ afforded by the E-Scan radar
Jamie Hunter for the Typhoon, although this
Left: The UK’s sits outside the current Project
Strategic ‘Centurion’ initiative. Farnborough
Defence and
Security
2014 saw the public unveiling of
Review the prototype Euroradar CAPTOR-E
signaled active electronically-scanned array
support for
the eagerly-
(AESA) radar fitted to BAE Systems’
awaited Instrumented Production Aircraft 5
E-Scan radar (IPA5, serial ZJ700). A second aircraft
program for
the Eurofighter.
(IPA8) in Germany is a new-build
Jamie Hunter Tranche 3 twin-seater also slated to
join the E-Scan test program.

66
Above: One ‘[The] Typhoon is going to be formidable training. We don’t know yet where we are The challenge now for the RAF and for
of the six RAF
in all roles by the end of the decade’, going to base these two additional industry will be to ensure that the
Typhoon FGR4s
deployed to RAF comments Waterfall. ‘Our force of seven squadrons, but activating a third main Typhoon’s capabilities are all available on
Akrotiri, Cyprus, squadrons will see the Tranche 1s operating base [MOB] for [the] Typhoon time and that the squadrons are similarly
on December 3.
predominantly focused on the air-to-air would be inefficient, and so where possible equipped and ready. AVM Waterfall
Crown Copyright/
Sgt Emily Burns and air policing role, with the Tranche 2/3 we will look to station them at our existing comments: ‘We have got a real
bulk concentrating on multi-role MOBs [Coningsby and Lossiemouth]. conundrum coming up. We are in contact
Right: Tornados
operations. ‘What is remarkable in this defense in Operation ‘Shader’ and everything we
— now in the
form of GR4s ‘The Tranche 1 squadrons that are review is that we are looking for billions of read says this is rightfully going to be a
— have been in focused more on the air-to-air role could pounds’ worth of efficiencies and investing long affair in order for us to achieve the
constant combat
start to lead in some of the ‘Red Air’ those billions back into capability aims we need. So, when the Tornado
operations for
the UK since aggressor training that has been discussed. upgrades under our Future Support leaves the service the Typhoon needs to
1991. I’d struggle to see us having a dedicated Operating Model [FSOM]. This involves take over the full mantle. We need to
Crown Copyright
squadron of ‘Red Air’ Typhoons as it has elements such as extending our mean balance the Tornado out-of-service with
Inset: The UK much more to do than just that, but with time between servicing from the original the incremental growth of the Typhoon
expects to have the combat air mass we will have we can 400 flight hours now out to 700 flight force. That means we need to set up
24 F-35Bs ready
look at prioritizing work on certain hours. This means the aircraft will spend those Typhoon squadrons toward the
for deployment
by 2023. squadrons. We will only train ‘live’ when we less time in the depot and more time on back end of this decade to have them
Jamie Hunter cannot use the simulator to provide that the line and available for operations.’ established. Where we are with Project

‘Centurion’ is at the right pace because Syria marks a significant step forward
we have a Typhoon squadron for the Typhoon force and an improved
operationally deployed, plus we have air situation for RAF combat air power, as
defense of the UK and the Falklands AVM Waterfall explains: ‘Cast your mind
Islands to cover, plus we are also set to back to Operation ‘Ellamy’ over Libya in
return to the Baltic Air Policing mission 2011. Back then we had a Typhoon force
next year.’ that had hibernated its air-to-surface
capability. The Tranche 1 jets had a very
Operation ‘Shader’ capable yet rudimentary air-to-surface
The British government’s decision to capability with the Litening II laser
extend Operation ‘Shader’ from Iraq to designator pod [LDP] married to the
include air strikes in Syria was met with EPW2 [Enhanced Paveway 2 GPS/
the immediate deployment of six laser-guided bomb]. Now we have a
Typhoons from RAF Lossiemouth to join fully-functioning multi-role fighter in the
an increased force of eight Tornado GR4s Tranche 2 Typhoon. It harnesses the
at RAF Akrotiri, Cyprus. British operations HMSS [Helmet-Mounted Sighting
against the so-called Islamic State System], the Litening pod, the Paveway IV
terrorists have pressed the well- bomb plus other sensors. In addition, we
publicized Phase 1 Enhancement have trained really well in this
(P1EB)-standard Typhoons into their first environment with P1EB and we have
combat operations. deployed one of our squadrons to
67

Exercise ‘Red Flag’ to flex our air-to-

surface skills in a contested and degraded
environment.’
This means that the RAF is not looking to
operate its Tornados and Typhoons
together this time around as it did over
Libya. ‘There is no longer a need to bring
Tornado and Typhoon together’, adds
Waterfall. ‘The Tornado is really good at
what it can do and the Typhoon is really
good at what it can do, so there is no need
to work together.’
The Tornados are in the final stages of Lightning II as set out in the SDSR. conflict. The Tornado’s sterling service is
their operational career, but still have Waterfall explains: ‘We are going to set up now set to be mirrored by that of the
much to contribute. Waterfall continues: [the second F-35] squadron earlier than Typhoon, as it in turn ‘spins up’ operations
‘Our Tornados have a finite number of initially planned’. The Royal Navy unit alongside the F-35.
flying hours, aircrews and tradesmen, so — 809 Naval Air Squadron — is now due Dovetailing with the manned element
we have to pace ourselves. We could have to be established with 12 aircraft by 2023. is, of course, the UK’s remotely-piloted air
thrown everything at this operation in the ‘We expect to have in the order of 42 systems (RPAS) component. Protector is a
past few weeks, but we have to ask if we aircraft delivered by 2023 to give us the 24 new program that was briefly outlined in
can maintain that. Is it fair and right to operational aircraft in two squadrons’, he SDSR and may see the selection of a new
have people deployed from now until continued. ‘We are on track to bring variant of the Predator B, which will meet
2019? No, we have to put ourselves into a No 617 Squadron back here to RAF European airworthiness initial
steady basis and that’s not always just Marham in the summer of 2018. It will be certification standards in 2017. It makes
about the number of aircraft on the the dawning of a new era and we will have use of both the Predator B and the
flight line. an operational capability by the end of Advanced Cockpit Ground Control
‘It’s a very complex operating that year. Four new aviators have just Station (GCS) to achieve a certifiable
environment in the region. I am really joined our F-35 program and by Easter we Predator B system. This will provide the
impressed with the measured approach will have 40 engineers in situ at Marine RAF with a platform permitted to operate
by everyone who needs to be involved in Corps Air Station Beaufort, [South in UK airspace. Waterfall says: ‘Our [MQ-9]
68 the operational world. It’s very easy to look Carolina]. It won’t be long before we start Reaper UOR [Urgent Operational
in at the ingredients from the armchair receiving one aircraft per month as we Requirement] is brilliant at the job it was
and think this looks like a Tom Clancy start building up our Lightning force.’ selected for. We are now far more mature
novel, but rest assured that the A very high level of planning and detail with our understanding of RPAS, so we
engagement that’s going on in the is going in to managing the British combat are going to increase that automation,
operational space is really good.’ air power equation over the coming but we will stop short of total autonomy.
decade. A finite budget and resources For example, Protector will have a
Lightning plans must be carefully managed to achieve sense-and-avoid capability, it will
With No 617 Squadron ‘Dambusters’ set to operational output in a challenging time. automatically take off and land, and
return to the UK in 2018 — the RAF’s The transition to a Project ‘Centurion’- possess a better ability to operate in poor
centenary year — as a fully-fledged F-35B standard Typhoon and the F-35B would be weather. But it is still going to be an air
unit, the UK is accelerating its plans for the complex in peacetime, let alone in times of vehicle that is flown by people; it is just
that those people will be remote from it.’
AVM Waterfall described the decision to
purchase nine Boeing P-8 Poseidons as
‘brilliant’. He added, ‘the days of sub-
hunting are definitely not over and we will
now be able to contribute to the
Above: The new
international arena and keep our seas safe RAF Protector
as well as our skies. We expect to receive project is likely
the first P-8 by the end of the decade to be to involve the
Predator B
stationed at RAF Lossiemouth’. He system.
explained that the RAF is advancing its P-8 General Atomics
planning and already looking ahead to
Left: The RAF
development of the platform beyond the will receive nine
core maritime patrol mission, as well as the P-8 Poseidons
more immediate concerns such as a under plans
laid out in the
training squadron, test and evaluation and SDSR as the UK
deep maintenance requirements. ‘Over re-establishes
the coming year we need to work out how its ‘gapped’
maritime patrol
we put the right people and the right capability.
assets in the right place.’ Jamie Hunter

• NE Produced by Key Publishing with
2016
W•N exclusive access to the Royal Air
NEW
EW• Force, and featuring articles written
with and by RAF personnel, The
Official RAF Annual Review 2016 is
a 132-page special magazine that
provides behind the scenes insight
into the aircraft, equipment and
people of one of the world’s premier
air forces.
Featuring
Typhoon Capability
Operating its Tranche 2 Typhoon jets from
RAF Lossiemouth, 1 (Fighter) Squadron
has been at the forefront of introducing
the aircraft’s swing-role capability to the
frontline, as Officer Commanding 1(F) Sqn,
Wing Commander Mike ‘Sooty’ Sutton
reveals in an exclusive interview
Tribute to ‘The Few’

Marking the 75th anniversary of the Battle
of Britain, the BBMF has enjoyed a very busy
year. Former OC, Sqn Ldr Clive Rowley looks
back over 12 months during which the
Lancaster recovered from an inflight fire, the
Flight took on a new commander and the
fighters reigned supreme
JUST
9
Tornado Centurions
£5.9 The RAF has four operational Tornado

squadrons as the type continues to
spearhead offensive operations. All four
1346/15
marked their centenaries over the past year

and Review examines the significance of the
celebrations and critical importance of the
Tornado’s ongoing mission
AND MUCH, MUCH MORE!
AVAILABLE NOW FROM AND ALL OTHER LEADING NEWSAGENTS
ALTERNATIVELY, ORDER DIRECT
JUST £5.99+FREE P&P *

*Free 2nd class P&P on all UK & BFPO orders. Overseas charges apply.
Free P&P* when you order online at Call UK: 01780 480404
www.keypublishing.com/shop Overseas: +44 1780 480404
Monday to Friday 9am-5:30pm
SUBSCRIBERS CALL FOR YOUR £1.00 DISCOUNT! SUBSCRIBERS CALL FOR YOUR £1.00 DISCOUNT!
REPORT | GERMAN EUROFIGHTER
70
Eurofighter serial 31+01 in

formation with live-armed QRA
jets 30+98 and 30+79. Note the
‘Richthofen’ badge on the nose and
the ‘Boelcke’ badge on the fin.

T
GERMAN EUROFIGHTER | REPORT
HE EUROFIGHTER WITH
the two sets of insignia
quickly works its way
past the A-4 Skyhawk
The Taktische Luftwaffengruppe until it is flying slightly
‘Richthofen’ is currently still subordinate offset on its port side.
A few hundred meters further back,
to Taktisches Luftwaffengeschwader 31 another Eurofighter sporting the famous
‘Boelcke’, but the Eurofighter operator red ‘Richthofen’ letter ‘R’ on the nose and
is looking forward to regaining its the ‘Boelcke’ sword on the fin turns in
independence in 2016. behind the A-4N, ensuring protection
for the lead jet of the two-ship quick
report and photos: Stefan Petersen reaction alert (QRA) North.
‘That is the standard procedure when
ICHTHOFEN
an unidentified aircraft is intercepted or
emergency assistance is to be provided for
an airplane with loss of communication’,
explains Oberstleutnant (Lt Col) Gero
ON THE RISE
Finke in the cockpit in front of me.
We observed the maneuver some
distance away from our two-seater in the
restricted zone of Temporary Reserved
Airspace (TRA) 201, with another single-
seater as number two on our wing. ‘On
an Alpha scramble, which is a genuine
scramble, the QRA flight lead would
now try to make contact over the guard
frequency or with the aid of internationally
agreed visual signals’, I hear my pilot say
over the intercom. ‘The intercepted aircraft
then has to follow and will either be led to 71
a suitable landing site or else be escorted
back to international airspace beyond the
German border.’
Luftwaffe Eurofighters, two in the north
of Germany and two in the south, are on
stand-by for such QRA missions 24 hours a
day, seven days a week.
Our trainer, the three other Eurofighters
and a Skyhawk belonging to the civilian
company Discovery Air Defence (see
Combat Aircraft December 2015), which
provides target facilities, all took off from

72
Wittmund air base in northern Germany, to Holloman Air Force Base in the US’, commander said. In fact, the mission
home of Taktische Luftwaffengruppe Finke explained to Combat Aircraft in an performed at Wittmund is the most
‘Richthofen’ (TaktLwGrp ‘R’), which interview before our flight. ‘As a result, important in TaktLwG 31 ‘B’. ‘QRA North
is under Finke’s command. After we have the resources to equip four fully takes priority — everything is geared
relinquishing its F-4F Phantom IIs, the functional wings in Germany, and in mid- towards that’, stresses Oberstleutnant
former air wing was downgraded to 2016 the group in Wittmund will revert to Stefan Kleinheyer. The commanding
group status in 2013 and assigned to wing status again.’ officer of the ‘Boelcke’ wing visits the
Taktisches Luftwaffengeschwader 31 group once a month. According to him,
‘Boelcke’ (TaktLwG 31 ‘B’) at Nörvenich. Independent status the second most important task is flight
This organizational change allowed the When announced in April 2015, the training operations at Nörvenich, and in
valuable air base at Wittmund, ideally surprising news was naturally greeted third place the training flights at Wittmund
situated near plentiful exercise airspace with optimism — in the group itself, — when shared resources allow them.
over the North Sea, to be preserved under in the surrounding area, and not least Nine jets are stationed at Wittmund: the
the Bundeswehr reforms of 2011. But among the very active association of two QRA aircraft plus two spares and five
the period of subordination will come to former ‘Richthofen’ wing members. ‘Being more single-seaters. The group manages
an end in 2016. ‘Defense Minister Ursula subordinate had been mentally difficult to generate an average of eight sorties
von der Leyen has decided to give up for the proud ‘Richthofeners’, but in the a day with this small fleet. ‘On weekdays
the plan to relocate Eurofighter training end that was what saved us’, the group QRA Tango [training] scrambles are

launched twice a day, for which we try closely together so that we can plan joint
to create a reasonable exercise scenario’, action in the TRA 202 airspace between
says Finke. Because of the Discovery Air Wittmund and Nörvenich’, the CO says.
aircraft at the base, a set-up of 2-v-4 is The short aerial distance of only 350km
often possible — the QRA jets, two other (217 miles) was the main factor for
Eurofighters and two Skyhawks. the decision behind the ‘Boelcke’ wing
Our mission is a mere 2-v-3. The two- taking on ‘Richthofen’ as its subordinate
seater does not actually belong to the fighter group. ‘That helps when it comes
Wittmund inventory, but has been lent to exchanging personnel and materiel
out temporarily for training purposes between both bases and increases
by TaktLwG 31 ‘B’. ‘We have 13 jets at operational flexibility’. Kleinheyer is
Nörvenich, among them two or three confident that the synergies and the
two-seaters’, says Kleinheyer. All the shared team spirit will persist even after
wing’s Eurofighters are Tranche 2 aircraft. Wittmund becomes independent again
In Nörvenich they also fly two rounds in 2016.
per day, usually with eight aircraft in the However, this will be a long process.
morning and six to eight in the afternoon. ‘First of all the necessary infrastructure
‘The squadron operation centers work has to be created. In order to be able to
73
Above: Live-
armed QRA jets
fly with IRIS-T
short-range air-
to-air missiles.
Right inset: An
A-4N Skyhawk
of Discovery
Air Defence
Services is
‘intercepted’ by
a Eurofighter
during a
training
scramble.
Right: Lt Col
Gero Finke
flies two-seat
Eurofighter
serial 30+24 in
close formation.

accommodate the 35 Eurofighters that

are expected to form the final inventory,
we have to put the western shelter
loop into operation again’, says Finke.
Had ‘Richthofen’ remained a group, as
originally planned, its fleet would only
have been 20-aircraft strong. ‘Other new
structures that will be needed are a noise
abatement building, a maintenance
hangar and modern housing for the
squadrons and the QRA’, says the
Oberstleutnant. At the moment both
routine and QRA flying operations are run
from the old building of the former 2nd
Staffel, which is currently home to the
group’s only flying unit, the Einsatzstaffel
(Operational Squadron). All jets are parked
in the eastern shelter loop.
‘When we are back to wing status we
will have two flying squadrons again and
the maintenance and repairs resources
currently pooled in the Technische Staffel
[Technical Squadron] will be divided up
again too’. His group currently has 730 Right: A sharp
personnel, and the target as a wing is three-ship of
Wittmund-
around 900. ‘Then we will need more based
technicians, but above all we will need Eurofighters.
more pilots.’
Below:
Eurofighter
New blood serial 30+98
Finke expects increasingly to be assigned leaves its
74
QRA shelter
young flyers straight out of jet training at for a ‘Tango’
Sheppard AFB in Texas. ‘But we will also scramble.

75
need experienced personnel — flight

leads and instructor pilots — to build up
a healthy, future-oriented age structure
and also be able to provide appropriate
basic and continuation training for the
young guys’. And to run the Fighter
Weapons Instructor Course (FWIC) for
Eurofighter pilots: ‘The first six-month
course of this type will begin at the end Right top to
of 2015 and for organizational reasons bottom: The
‘Richthofen’
will be held at Laage air base, but the badge is
aim is to eventually install it here at shown clearly
Wittmund.’ in this view of
Eurofighter
In addition to Finke there are currently serial 31+01 as
just 10 pilots at Wittmund: another four it flies over a
are undergoing Eurofighter conversion wind farm near
Wittmund.
training at TaktLwG 73 ‘Steinhoff’ at
Laage. ‘Of course that means a high The pilot steps
workload for the pilots with QRA status, down from
Eurofighter
and continuation training suffers because serial 30+98
almost all of the flying they do is QRA inside one of
sorties’, says Finke. At the moment it is Wittmund’s
hardened
not possible to remedy training deficits aircraft shelters.
in the simulator as the Aircrew Synthetic
Training Aids (ASTA) facility at Wittmund Returning to
Wittmund after
is undergoing an upgrade to an improved a local training
visual system. But once that is in place, this mission.

‘QRA North
takes priority
— everything is
geared to that’
OBERSTLEUTNANT
STEFAN KLEINHEYER
will be the Luftwaffe’s most state-of-the-

art Eurofighter simulator.
As things stand, the ‘Richthofen’ group
is only able to provide 70 per cent of the
necessary QRA personnel. The rest come
from the appropriately-qualified portion
of the 33 pilots at Nörvenich,
who commute to the North Sea
for QRA service. ‘And even after
Wittmund is back to wing status again,
that will continue to be the case for an
interim period’, says Kleinheyer. ‘It will take
some time before the ‘Richthofeners’ are
completely self-sufficient’.
The process of beefing-up the
engineering side is much easier than
the aircrew side: ‘It is not that we are
‘engineering-light’ in the ‘Richthofen’
76 group; actually, the technical component
is able not just to maintain the aircraft but
also to repair them’, says the CO. It is even
possible to carry out 200-hour inspections
of the jets at Wittmund.
One thing Kleinheyer and Finke know
for sure: when the group reverts to wing
status by name, this will only be the
signal for the build-up. Neither of them
can predict when the process will be
completed. But from the middle of 2016
on, the ‘Richthofeners’ will at least be
able to make their own decisions again,
without having to consult TaktLwG 31 ‘B’.
For Gero Finke that is a really important
fact — and Stefan Kleinheyer fully
understands why. ‘At Nörvenich we know
only too well how they must feel about
being subordinate. After all, ‘Boelcke’ is a
proud wing with a long tradition, too!’
Wittmund is
now slated to
accommodate 35
Eurofighters.

77

EXERCISE REPORT | BUDDY WING
78
BUDDY WING
It should come as no surprise that training between the
Republic of Korea Air Force and the United States Air Force
is a near-daily occurrence in the Korean theater. Combat
Aircraft investigates one such training program — known
During the ‘Buddy Wing’ exercise held
in June 2015, the RoKAF’s 20th Fighter
Wing from Seosan AB deployed to Kunsan
to train alongside the 8th Fighter Wing,
Above:
Brothers in arms
— ‘Wolfpack’
F-16CMs fly
alongside RoKAF
KF-16s of the
USAF. RoKAF pilots, maintainers, and
20th Fighter Wing
as ‘Buddy Wing’. support personnel integrated with the 8th from Seosan AB.
FW airmen in all aspects of the exercise, Jake Melampy
I
report: Jake Melampy including mission planning, briefing,
Right: Following
execution, and debriefing. the cancellation
N A PART of the world where The ‘Buddy Wing’ exercise, held multiple Capt Matt Kimmel of the 35th Fighter of a BAE Systems
tensions run high and the very times each year, is hosted on an alternating Squadron was the 8th FW’s project officer contract, a
possible upgrade
real threat of war looms daily, it is basis by US forces at Osan or Kunsan Air for ‘Buddy Wing 15-4’. ‘‘Buddy Wing’ package for 134
inevitable that military forces train Bases and by the RoKAF at one of its bases. exercises provide training scenarios that KF-16C/Ds from
rigorously. Following the declared Each exercise lasts roughly five days. The sharpen our diverse skill sets’, he says. Lockheed Martin
and Northrop
ceasefire that put an end to the combined fighter exchange program ‘This is a great way to integrate with our Grumman was
fighting of the Korean War, the Republic of provides pilots from both air forces with RoKAF partners both in the air and on the approved by
Korea Air Force (RoKAF) has continually built an opportunity to disseminate ideas and ground. We focused on different aspects the US State
Department in
its military forces and increased training to practice combined tactics in order to fight of air-to-air and air-to-ground tactical July 2015.
the point where it is now razor-sharp. and fly as one seamless force. training between the 8th Fighter Wing and Jake Melampy

BUDDY WING | EXERCISE REPORT
the 20th Fighter Wing. Some examples of the RoK/US alliance has continued to be
the training include defensive counter-air one of the strongest alliances in modern
and air interdiction scenarios. Defensive history’, he said. ‘I come to Kunsan every
counter-air involves defending a point or year for training, and each time I know
area against enemy fighters, where one that the combined US/RoK training will
enemy force attempts to take down the serve as a great opportunity to learn and
opposing force. Air interdiction scenarios understand our similarities, differences,
consist of fighting your way into enemy and tactical operations of both forces.’
territory and expending ordnance on For the USAF pilots, ‘Buddy Wing’
enemy ground targets.’ exercises are invaluable in understanding
their Korean allies, despite the cultural
Korean perspective challenges. ‘This is my first ‘Buddy Wing’,
Capt Min-Gyu Han was one of the RoKAF and I gained a lot of insight on how the
pilots deployed to Kunsan as part of US and RoK air forces integrate together’,
‘Buddy Wing 15-4’. ‘For more than 60 years, said 1st Lt Brad Leffler, an F-16C pilot with
The Korean KF-16 upgrade is long-overdue, and

the current program will bring these aircraft up to
a standard exceeding the USAF F-16s in the region,
including an AESA radar. Jake Melampy
79
EXERCISE REPORT | BUDDY WING
the 35th FS at Kunsan AB. ‘We train and personal partnerships. ‘This exercise
work together, and we also learn from [‘Buddy Wing 15-4’] provided not only the
our strengths and weaknesses. If the time tactical integration with our counterparts,
comes to take the fight north, we will but also provided an opportunity to create
80 work better as a combined force. We may new friendships as we — the United States
operate differently during the execution Air Force and RoKAF — got to know each
of various formations, but we train on other at various social events outside of
very similar tactics. At the end of the day, the flying operations here.’
we all work together to accomplish the
same mission. The fundamental purpose ‘Viper’ meet
of practicing together is to tighten up our During ‘Buddy Wing 15-6’ in July, the
combined wartime readiness.’ 80th FS deployed four F-16s from Kunsan
Capt Bong Seop Kim, a 20th FW KF-16 AB to Jungwon AB to fly alongside
pilot, agrees that the ‘Buddy Wing’ is the RoKAF’s 19th FW. Flying to a base
a great chance for RoKAF and USAF other than Kunsan enabled the pilots
pilots to exchange knowledge about of the 80th to train in unfamiliar
their tactics and weapons systems. airspace, offering a unique challenge
‘When we work together as a combined to some of the less senior pilots from
military, we can exert such power…’ the squadron. ‘For at least four of our
Kim said. ‘We may face obstacles, to younger wingmen, it was their first time
include the language barrier and other operating at an airfield to which they
challenges during combined operations, are not accustomed’, explained Capt
but we overcome these barriers Dan Wynn, 80th FS pilot and ‘Buddy
through continued discussions and Wing 15-6’ project officer. ‘Despite this
understanding each other’s differences challenge, they were still able to execute
and cultures. As two countries, we create flawlessly and gain valuable insight from
and carry out combined operations to the experience.’
deter the same enemy. By co-ordinating Capt Wynn says the ‘Buddy Wing’
with each other through programs program is a great method of learning
such as this ‘Buddy Wing’ training as how to interact with the RoKAF. ‘Overall,
well as other combined operations, for a very small force and a small
these experiences add to the success of contingent operation out at Jungwon
combined operations and the continued AB, we were able to safely execute our
success of the RoK/US alliance.’ training together, achieve all of our
Capt Kimmel added that another aspect training requirements, learn from one
of the ‘Buddy Wing’ exercises is enhancing another, and really integrate on that

BUDDY WING | EXERCISE REPORT
combined level. It was a very valuable flight patterns, tactics, and terminologies.
experience for all of the pilots here.’ ‘If the time comes I now have a more thorough
Echoing Leffler, Capt Mike Arnold of the
80th FS also says the program assists in to take the fight understanding of why US pilots fly in
certain formations.’
overcoming cultural and language
barriers between the two nations. ‘It
north, we will The ‘Buddy Wing’ program is well-liked
by all who have been able to participate,
helps out because if someone doesn’t
understand the way some things are said,
work better as a and will continue for the foreseeable
future. Indeed, from November 16-20,
then we can use a different type of combined force. 2015 the F-16Cs of the 35th FS took part
wording and pass that along, which in the latest edition, ‘Buddy Wing 16-7’,
allows us to be more sharply in tune to We may operate held at Kunsan AB. This time, the RoKAF’s
what’s being communicated while we’re F-15K Slam Eagle pilots had the chance
differently during
Left: RoKAF
F-15K Slam airborne. So, if we ever have to go to war, to work with their USAF allies. ‘It’s very
Eagle crews walk
in from a ‘Buddy
Wing’ mission in
then we have a more robust
understanding of how we can operate the execution interesting to work with the US Air Force’,
explained Maj Young Hwan Ahn, an
November. USAF together.’
From the RoKAF point of view, ‘Buddy
of various F-15K pilot with the 11th FW. ‘Training
together is more effective than training
Below:
‘Buddy Wing
16-7’ was held
Wing 15-6’ gave their pilots an excellent
experience flying with the USAF and
formations, but separately because it gives us an
opportunity to ask questions about
at Kunsan AB
in November within USAF airspace, says Capt Bonhyuk we train on very things we might not initially understand.
and saw F-15Ks Koo, a KF-16 pilot with the Jungwon- If we go to war together, the training we
operating
alongside ‘Wolf
based 19th FW. ‘If we don’t have a chance similar tactics’ conduct during the ‘Buddy Wing’
Pack’ F-16CMs. to train together, it would be more exercises will help us co-ordinate
USAF difficult to understand the differences in 1ST LT BRAD LEFFLER better.’
81

INDUSTRY REPORT | LIGHT ATTACK
SUPER
TUCANO
A BRAZILIAN SUCCESS STORY
Building on its experience with the EMB-312 Tucano

turboprop trainer, Embraer developed the more capable
Super Tucano, one of the most popular advanced trainers
and light attack aircraft in service today.
82
report: Santiago Rivas
A pair of Chilean Super Tucanos at

sunset. Chile received its first examples
in 2009. Cees-Jan van der Ende

LIGHT ATTACK | INDUSTRY REPORT
83
T
HE MARKET FOR and Senegal, all of which have purchased of the Future), and added some of the
turboprop light attack small quantities. features of the Shorts Tucano, including
aircraft and advanced The Super Tucano emerged as a the airbrake. However, the engine was to
trainers currently has few development of the successful EMB-312 be more powerful, and different versions
serious bidders. Embraer Tucano with new capabilities including of the Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A and
and Beechcraft lead the improved ground attack potential, an the Garrett TPE331 were studied. When
way, thanks to the EMB-314 Super Tucano air-to-air role against helicopters, and an the EMB-312F title was later applied to
and the AT-6 Wolverine respectively. The enhanced ability to intercept fixed-wing French Tucanos, the project was re-named
Super Tucano has proved a successful ‘slow-movers’. Knowledge gained in the as the EMB-312H Super Tucano. A series
light attack prospect with a growing list development of the Royal Air Force’s production Tucano was modified with a
of foreign customers: 190 examples have Shorts Tucano — which was more 1,250shp PT6A-67 engine, a fuselage
been delivered to date (including 99 for powerful than the original model — extended by 1.31m (4ft 3in) at the rear,
the Brazilian Air Force), and there are showed what could result from allying the and an airbrake. In this form it made its
orders for 30 more. basic aircraft with a new engine. By that first flight on September 9, 1991. Two
Winning the contest for the US Air time, Colombia had gained considerable years later two new prototypes were built,
Force’s Light Air Support (LAS) program, experience using the Tucano against this time with more changes, including a
which is providing 20 aircraft to the drug-smuggling aircraft and guerrillas, and new cockpit design, a new canopy, and a
Afghan Air Force, was an important this was exploited by Embraer to define 1,300shp PT6A-68A powerplant.
milestone for the Super Tucano, what air forces were looking for in order to The Brazilian Air Force (Força Aérea
especially as it beat off competition from fight the increasing threats posed by drug Brasileira, FAB) became interested in the
the more likely ‘American’ option, the traffickers, smugglers and terrorists. The new aircraft for its SIVAM (System for the
AT-6. Embraer’s design is an attractive basic requirements called for an aircraft Vigilance of the Amazon) program, which
proposition for smaller air forces that are offering more power, increased weapons required a platform able to intercept illegal
unable to afford jet fighters, and the carriage, and more modern equipment flights and to conduct light attack over the
Brazilian turboprop offers a cheap compared to the basic Tucano. Amazon area. At the same time, the
solution that nonetheless incorporates EMB-312H could be used to replace the
the latest technology. This is evidenced Tucano of the Future EMB-326 Xavante as an advanced trainer
by the examples of Angola, Burkina Faso, Launched in the late 1980s, the project for new fighter pilots with the 2º/5º Grupo
the Dominican Republic, Mali, Mauritania was initially designated EMB-312F (Tucano de Aviação (GAv) ‘Joker’ squadron at Natal

air base. A contract was duly signed on

August 18, 1995 with an initial order for 50
single-seat A-29As (with an extra fuel tank
replacing the second seat) and 50
two-seat A-29Bs. With this move,
development of the final version began.
The FAB’s request entailed more changes,
which were introduced on the prototypes,
including two additional underwing
pylons, a cockpit compatible with night
vision goggles (NVGs) and two liquid-
crystal displays, forward-looking infra-red
(FLIR), new avionics, two-axis autopilot,
inertial navigation system and GPS,
tactical UHF and VHF radios, radar warning
receiver, missile approach warning system,
head-up display, hands on throttle and
stick (HOTAS) controls, helmet-mounted
display, Martin-Baker Mk10LCX ejection
seats, smart weapons capability, and the
capacity to carry two Mectron MAA-1
Piranha air-to-air missiles (AAMs).
Tests led to further modifications in
1998, among them a new wing, increased
weapons capacity, two internal 12.7mm
(0.5in)-caliber machine guns with 200
rounds each, reinforced landing gear, and
a new location for the air conditioning
system, with an air intake above the
fuselage instead of below. Protection was
84 installed on the engine air intake to allow
operations from un-prepared airfields. The
aircraft was re-engined with the 1,600shp

PT6A-68/3 and the canopy modified
once again.
On June 2, 1999 the final version was
flown for the first time, now with the
designation EMB-314 Super Tucano. The
aircraft received the Brazilian military
designation A-29 and series production
began three years later, on receipt of a
final FAB order for 99 aircraft. The first of
these officially entered service in 2004.
The 2º/5º GAv currently uses the A-29 for
advanced training, while the 1º/3º GAv,
2º/3º GAv and 3º/3 GAv at Boa Vista, Porto
Velho and Campo Grande respectively,
employ the type for light attack, the
interception of illegal aircraft, and
reconnaissance.
On October 1, 2012 the Esquãdrao de
Demonstração Aérea (EDA, better known
as the Esquadrilha da Fumaça) received
the first two from a total of eight Super
Tucanos to replace its Tucanos. However,
one of these (FAB 5966) was lost in an
accident on August 12, 2013.
FAB combat missions

The FAB has used the Super Tucano on
operations against illegal runways,

85
destroying them with bombs, and to well as the Israeli-made Lizard laser- Attack Munitions, and GBU-39 Small Above: The Força
intercept abnormal flights that cross its guided bomb (LGB), but these have not Diameter Bombs. Aérea Brasileira
operates a mix of
borders. In most cases the aircraft been adopted for operational use. single-seat A-29As
intercepted are carrying drugs. In some In 2013 Embraer unveiled a proposal for Export success and two-seat
instances A-29s have shot down the the Recce Pod SAR (Synthetic Aperture The Dominican Republic was the first A-29Bs, as seen
here. The former
intruders, while others have been Radar)/P-Band Scanning and Detection foreign country to begin negotiations carries an extra
damaged and forced to land. The A-29s store. Developed by Orbisat, this pod can for a Super Tucano purchase, but in the fuel tank in the rear
operate together with Embraer R-99A be installed on the aircraft’s belly upon the end Colombia emerged as the launch cockpit position.
Cees-Jan
airborne early warning aircraft and with request of the customer. customer. Twenty-five examples were van der Ende
ground radar stations, which guide them Although not in use in Brazil, the Super received from December 14, 2006 for
to the suspect aircraft and maintain overall Tucano is also equipped to carry AIM-9 service with Escuadrones de Combate Far left top to
bottom: The Super
command of the operation. The Super Sidewinder AAMs, AGM-65 Maverick and 211, 312 and 611 of the Fuerza Aérea Tucanos of Ecuador
Tucanos usually operate with live Delilah AL air-to-surface missiles, Paveway Colombiana (FAC). The aircraft wear have one of the
ammunition for their internal guns. LGBs, GBU-38 and GBU-54 Joint Direct serials running from FAC 3101 to 3125. most interesting
color schemes.
Although the locally-built Piranha missile Together with the
has been tested, it has not been used Chile operates a dozen Denel Cheetahs
operationally. The FAB is expecting to two-seat A-29Bs. they form the
Cees-Jan van der Ende combat air arm of
introduce the MAA-1B version of the the Fuerza Aérea
Piranha on its combat aircraft, but Ecuatoriana.
development is progressing very slowly. Santiago Rivas
For ground attack the A-29 employs A Colombian Super
M117, Mk81, 82 and 83 bombs, 70mm Tucano armed with
rockets carried in seven-round launchers, three Indumil IMC
Xué 250lb iron
and SUU-20 training stores that carry four bombs ready for a
70mm rockets and six BDU-33 mission at Apiay Air
practice bombs. Base. Colombia is
the most combat-
The FAB has tested a GPS guidance kit experienced A-29
for the Mk81, 82 and 83 bombs that was operator.
developed by local company Britanite, as Santiago Rivas

These were the first Super Tucanos to On May 12, 2013 six Colombian Super combat search and rescue missions, and
see combat, when they went into action Tucanos were deployed from Barranquilla for close air support. The environment for
against communist guerrillas on January with the support of a KC-767 and a C-130H this type of mission is very different, and
18, 2007. Colombia also made the first Hercules to the Royal Canadian Air Force’s might see them operating against an
use of the type with LGBs, employing 4 Wing at Cold Lake in Alberta for the enemy equipped with radars, surface-to-
both the Lizard and Paveway types. The ‘Maple Flag’ exercise. This marked the air missiles and interceptors. Crews have
Colombian Super Tucanos have been type’s debut deployment outside been required to enhance their training to
used continuously in combat, mainly the country. avoid being detected, intercepted and
employing LGBs and ‘dumb’ bombs, and While the primary mission of the shot down.
operating at night with the use of NVGs Colombian Super Tucano is After Colombia, the Dominican Republic
86 and FLIR. Colombia has found that the unconventional warfare, growing tensions received its first Super Tucano from a final
aircraft’s modern equipment makes it with Venezuela and the prospect of a order of eight on December 18, 2009, in
very well-suited to operations both day possible peaceful solution to the internal order to replace the A-37B Dragonflies
and night, but it lacks the endurance war in Colombia have led to the Super retired in 2002 by the Escuadrón de
and firepower of the OV-10 Bronco. On Tucano squadrons increasing their training Combate. The Dominican Super Tucanos
July 11, 2012 serial FAC 3122 was lost in for conventional operations. The Super were given serials in the range FAD
an accident. Tucano is employed as an escort for 2900 to 2907.

In November 2009 the Chilean Air Force received a FLIR turret for use in the US Air Force at Kirtland Air Force Base,
took on the initial example out of 12 Imminent Fury program (see below). New Mexico, as part of the Light Air
aircraft for Grupo 1, with serials FACH 451 Orders continued with three examples Support (LAS) system demonstration, with
to 462. These are used for light attack and for Burkina Faso, these being delivered the intention of deploying a fleet of
advanced training, replacing the old A-37B during 2011 with registrations XT-MEA, aircraft specifically to train partner nations
and, partially, the Enaer/CASA C-101. The ‘MEB and ‘MEC. in COIN and counter-terrorism operations.
Chilean aircraft were the first to have a full In 2012, Embraer announced the sale of The US Navy program was later re-named
‘glass’ cockpit, with three displays six EMB-314s to Angola (serials R-701 to Combat Dragon II but failed to lead to a
instead of two. 706), and three to Mauritania, while in the definition phase, while the USAF
January 2010 saw Escuadrón de same year the Indonesian Air Force meanwhile progressed with LAS. Hawker
Combate 2313 of Ala 23 of the Ecuadorian received the first four from an order of Beechcraft joined the competition with 87
Air Force beginning to receive aircraft eight aircraft (with serials TT-3101 the AT-6, an armed version of the Texan II,
from an initial order of 24, later reduced to onwards). The second Indonesian batch which was then under development. Top left to right:
Pilots equipped
18. These were used to replace the A-37Bs was delivered in 2014 and a deal for a On December 30, 2011 the USAF with night
at Manta air base. In the past, Ala 23 also second batch of eight is being negotiated. announced selection of the Super Tucano vision goggles
operated the Strikemaster and the T-33, Three aircraft were donated to as the winner of the LAS program, with 20 prepare for a
night mission
which were not officially superseded, Mozambique by the Brazilian government aircraft to be ordered under a $355-million at Manta Air
leaving the Super Tucano as the only in March 2014, and the African country contract. The aircraft were to be built in Base, Ecuador.
attack aircraft at the base once the A-37s has announced its intention to purchase the US by Sierra Nevada at Jacksonville, Santiago Rivas
were finally retired in February 2011. The another three. Florida and would be delivered to the The 81st Fighter
Ecuadorian Super Tucanos are armed with A three-aircraft order came from Senegal Afghan Air Force. In January 2012 the Squadron at
Lizard LGBs, 70mm rockets and ‘dumb’ on April 10, 2013, while on June 17, 2015 program was halted after Hawker Moody AFB
currently
bombs. The Shafrir 2 AAM was tested on the company announced the sale of six Beechcraft filed a lawsuit. During the operates the
the aircraft, but this missile was phased examples to the Mali Air Force, followed activity surrounding this, the USAF Afghan Air
out shortly thereafter. two days later by the announcement of discovered that its internal contract Force A-29s in
a training role.
Ecuadorian Super Tucanos use the FLIR the sale of five to the Ghana Air Force. documents were not in order, and decided USAF
turret and NVGs for night operations, and to terminate the existing LAS deal in
Ala 23 is the Ecuadorian combat unit Imminent Fury and LAS March. A new request for proposals was This Super
Tucano
best-qualified to operate at night (the After its experiences in Afghanistan and issued on May 4, 2012. Finally, on February simulator gives a
only other combat unit is Escuadrón de Iraq, the US Navy began to show interest 27, 2013 the LAS contract, now worth good impression
Combate 2112 equipped with Denel in a new counter-insurgency (COIN) $427 million, was awarded again of the front
cockpit, which
Cheetahs). FAE 1016 was lost in an platform, and launched the Imminent Fury to Embraer. includes three
accident on March 19, 2012 when the program. The Navy decided to test the The first aircraft assembled in the US was large multi-
engine failed during take-off. Super Tucano, using the example rolled out on September 25, 2014 with the function head-
down displays
One interesting customer for the type operated by Tactical Air, which had made a US serial 13-2001. This version has and a head-up
was the US private security firm good impression during trials with the additional armor plates on the sides of the display.
Blackwater (through its subsidiary EP Navy since 2008. The aircraft received the cockpit and below the engine, as well as Santiago Rivas
Aviation LLC), now called Academi, which wing machine guns the following year different communications equipment and Left page: A
acquired a single example in 2008 for and was tested with different types of other minor changes. Brazilian A-29B
training. This aircraft, registered N314TG, weapons and systems. By November 2015 Sierra Nevada had starts up for a
night mission.
was delivered without weapons. It was From January 25-28, 2011, the Tactical delivered 13 of the 20 aircraft on order, all Cees-Jan
later sold to Tactical Air, armed and Air Super Tucano was demonstrated to the of which were assembled at a new plant in van der Ende

Cees-Jan van der Ende Jacksonville. The company will continue

deliveries at a rate of one per month. The
USAF’s 81st Fighter Squadron is now
training Afghan pilots at Moody AFB,
Georgia, after the unit was re-activated in
January 2015.
The most recent order for the Super
Tucano was placed on behalf of the
Lebanese Air Force. Confirmed in
November 2015, it covers six aircraft to be
built in the US by Sierra Nevada at a cost of
$172.5 million. They will be equipped with
AN/ALE-47 countermeasures dispensing
systems and AN/AAR-60(V)2 missile
launch detection systems.
With increasing interest among possible
customers in the Middle East, Embraer
sent a demonstrator, PT-ZNV, to the Dubai
Airshow in November 2015, marking the
first appearance of the Super Tucano in
the United Arab Emirates.
Bolivia, Guatemala, Honduras, Nigeria,
Paraguay and the UAE have all shown
interest in the Super Tucano and been
involved in recent negotiations, but none
has placed orders as yet.
Despite overtures from Venezuela about
buying the aircraft, the ongoing US
embargo against the Chávez government
has prevented any sale, since many of the
88 Super Tucano’s components are US-built.
As of November 2015 the worldwide
Super Tucano fleet had racked up more
than 230,000 flight hours, including
33,000 hours in combat, according to
Embraer.
EMB-314 (A-29) SUPER TUCANO AND AT-6 WOLVERINE SPECIFICATIONS COMPARED

EMB-314 (A-29) Super Tucano AT-6 Wolverine
Engine One 1,600shp (1,193kW) Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-68-3 turboprop One 1,600shp (1,193kW) Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-68D turboprop
driving a five-blade Hartzell variable-pitch propeller driving a four-blade Hartzell variable-pitch propeller
Performance*
Maximum level speed 557km/h (301kt) 585km/h (316kt)
Maximum cruise speed 530km/h (286kt) 500km/h (311mph)
Service ceiling 10,668m (35,000ft) 9,448m (30,997ft) clean
Range 1,568km (974 miles) at 9,144m (30,000ft) with maximum fuel and 30 3,195km (1,985 miles) ferry range with four external fuel tanks
minutes of reserves
Dimensions
Length 11.42m (37ft 5in) 10.16m (33ft 4in)
Wingspan 11.14m (36ft 6in) 10.4m (34ft 2in)
Height 3.9m (12ft 9in) 3.25m (10ft 8in)
Weights
Empty 2,420kg (5,335lb) 2,671kg (5,890lb)
Maximum external load 1,500kg (3,307lb) 1,864kg (4,110lb)
MTOW 3,600kg (7,937lb) clean 4,536kg (10,000lb)
Armament
One 12.7mm (0.5in) machine gun in each wing with 200 rounds per gun. Six underwing pylons for stores including GBU-12 and GBU-58 LGBs, APKWS
Four underwing and one ventral pylon for a variety of weapons including and Talon laser-guided rockets. Future weapons expected to include
GIAT NC621 20mm gun pods, Mk81, Mk82 and Mk83 bombs, MAA-1 12.7mm (0.5in) gun pods, GATR laser-guided 70mm rockets, AGM-114P+
Piranha AAMs, BLG-252 cluster bombs, SBAT-70/19 or LAU-68A/G rocket Hellfire anti-tank guided missiles, and G-CLAW tube-ejected unitary area
launchers, MLB bombs, electronic countermeasures pods, training targets, munition.
reconnaissance pods, etc.
* EMB-314 performance figures all at maximum take-off weight (MTOW) and ‘clean’.

AN SPECIAL
The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a multi-role fighter,

developed and built in Fort Worth Texas by
General Dynamics in the early 1970s and
since 1993 by Lockheed Martin Aeronautics.
Operated by 25 air arms around the world,
and over 4,600 aircraft built, the F-16 is one of
the world’s most successful fighters.
Combat proven in roles that include air

defence, air interdiction, close air support
and suppression and destruction of enemy
air defences, the F-16 remains at the forefront
of air force inventories on each and every
continent of the world. It remains the original
9G ‘off the runway’ fighter.
This unique 132-page publication written

and produced by the AIR International team,
showcases the jet from its origin, through
combat operations, various US Air Force units
and the very latest variants.
FEATURES INCLUDE:
ROLL ‘EM
Air Combat Command’s 20th Fighter Wing –
HARM missile shooters and more.
MILE HIGH MILITIA

Colorado Air National Guard’s 140th Wing –
on worldwide operations
NETZ, BARAKS & SUFAS

Israel – an original member of the Viper club
DESERT FALCONS
The United Arab Emirates – the world’s only
Block 60 F-16 operator.
ORDER DIRECT
JUST £7.99 FREE P&P*

939/15
Free P&P* when you order online at Call UK: 01780 480404
www.keypublishing.com/shop OR Overseas: +44 1780 480404
SUBSCRIBERS CALL FOR YOUR £2.00 DISCOUNT!

Though Embraer claims that its A-29 Super Tucano is the

most successful turboprop light attack and advanced
training aircraft currently on the world market, it faces
strong competition in the shape of the impressive
Beechcraft AT-6 Wolverine.
T
report: Jon Lake
HE WOLVERINE IS a stone for air forces aspiring to a fast jet
structurally-strengthened combat aircraft capability.
derivative of the T-6 Texan The AT-6 was originally dubbed Coyote
II trainer and was designed (at least internally), but it is now known as
for a wide spectrum the Wolverine, or sometimes as the AT-6
of missions including Light Attack. The aircraft is a purpose-built
manned intelligence, surveillance and derivative of the T-6 advanced trainer that
reconnaissance (ISR), training, and light has been fully optimized for light attack
precision attack, while also offering and armed reconnaissance. As such the
non-traditional capabilities for homeland aircraft is built on what Russ Bartlett,
defense and civil support missions. The president of the Beechcraft Defense
aircraft can be used to quickly transition Company, calls ‘the good bones of the
pilots between basic flight training T-6 trainer’. It is optimized for inexpensive
missions and complex net-centric light operation, enjoying great commonality
attack and armed reconnaissance tasks, with the United States’ existing pilot
and can provide an excellent stepping- training infrastructure.
90
Nine hundred T-6 Texan IIs have been

Above: An built or are on order (752 of them for use
AT-6 flies by the US Department of Defense), and
alongside an
A-10C during the type serves with, or has been ordered
testing at the by, nine customer nations — Canada,
Air National Greece, Iraq, Israel, Mexico, Morocco, New
Guard and Air
Force Reserve Zealand, the United Kingdom and the US.
Test Center in
Arizona. JPATS origins
Jim Haseltine
The basic T-6A Texan II was developed
Left: N610AT to meet the US Department of Defense’s
during its Joint Primary Aircraft Training System
2010 visit to
the UK for the (JPATS) requirement, which aimed to
Farnborough find a replacement for the US Air Force’s
International Cessna T-37B ‘Tweet’ and the US Navy’s
Airshow.
Beechcraft/ T-34C Turbo Mentor. The aircraft was not
Jamie Hunter an entirely ‘clean-sheet’ design, but rather

91
HUNGRY LIKE
THE WOLVERINE
was developed from the Swiss Pilatus
PC-9 trainer, itself a more powerful and
refined derivative of the Pilatus PC-7.
More than 250 PC-9s have been delivered
Some of the T-6s delivered have been
armed versions. Twenty of the Hellenic
Air Force’s T-6As were built to T-6A
NTA standard, for example, capable of
among turboprop light attack aircraft,
translating into what Beechcraft claims to
be a higher airspeed and Mach envelope
for the carriage and employment of
to Angola, Australia, Bulgaria, Chad, carrying external fuel tanks and a range of external stores than is available on any
Croatia, Cyprus, Germany, Ireland, Mexico, unguided weapons including gun pods, other aircraft in its class. But where the
Myanmar, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Slovenia, rocket pods and bombs, while retaining Wolverine really comes into its own is in
Switzerland and Thailand. the federated analog cockpit of the USAF’s its proven US combat avionics systems
While the USAF’s T-6As had a federated T-6A. Morocco’s T-6C has a ‘glass’ cockpit and sensors, which make the aircraft
analog cockpit, the US Navy T-6B like that used by the US Navy’s T-6B, and fully compatible with all fielded US Joint
added a digital ‘glass’ cockpit with has a stores management system and Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) digital
six multi-function displays, hands on underwing hardpoints, while the Mexican voice/data capabilities and their NATO
throttle and stick (HOTAS) controls and T-6C+ has further weapons capabilities. equivalents.
a head-up display, while the CT-156 The AT-6 Wolverine is powered by Furthermore, with its FAA-certified CMC
Harvard II is a version of the T-6A used a 1,600shp Pratt & Whitney Canada Esterline Cockpit 4000 primary flight
by the NATO Flying Training in Canada PT6A‑68D engine. This affords an and flight management system avionics,
(NFTC) scheme. unequalled power-to-weight ratio and a Lockheed Martin combat mission

‘The aircraft deployed to Nellis for two weeks

system as used in the A-10C Thunderbolt
II, the cockpit ‘represents a very ‘F-16-like’
environment, with a very similar pilot/
vehicle interface. This, says Bartlett, results
from April 12, 2010, and flew six missions,
in a cockpit that would be familiar to any
F-16 pilot.’
totaling 17.5 flying hours. One lasted 4.5 hours.
92
Sensors and weapons
On another sortie the AT-6B landed on a remote,
The aircraft is equipped with an L-3 dry lake-bed and refueled on the ground from an
Wescam MX-15Di turret, similar to that
used on the MC-12W Liberty. This contains MC-130P Combat Shadow tanker’
color and infra-red cameras, a laser
designator, laser illuminator, and laser Despite these structural and avionics In addition to its own LAAR platform, the
rangefinder, giving the AT-6 an organic changes, the AT-6 Wolverine is said to USAF was expected to procure further
capability to find and designate targets, retain 85 per cent commonality with the aircraft for supply to some US allies who
which the Wolverine can then engage baseline T-6A/B trainer as used by the had neither the budget nor the expertise
using a wide range of precision-guided USAF and US Navy. to operate types like the F-16, and who
weapons thanks to the four Mil Std Today’s Wolverine was originally were conducting their own irregular
1760-wired, smart weapon-compatible developed to meet the USAF’s Light Attack warfare and counter-insurgency (COIN)
underwing hardpoints. The HMP-400 0.5in and Armed Reconnaissance (LAAR) or campaigns.
(12.7mm)-caliber gun pods, Hydra 70mm OA-X requirement of July 2009, building The LAAR requirement did not specify
unguided rockets, Mk81/82 iron bombs, on earlier work dating back beyond 2006. turboprop power, but did place great
GBU-12/58 laser-guided bombs (LGBs), The aircraft has since been developed in emphasis on low operating costs, making
AGM-114K/M/P and R Hellfire anti-tank an iterative fashion. The LAAR requirement a turboprop the most likely solution. It
missiles, BAE Systems/General Dynamics aimed to produce a dedicated light attack specified that the successful candidate
Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System aircraft that would cost less than $1,000 must be derived from an existing, ‘in-
(APKWS), Raytheon/EAI Talon laser-guided per hour to operate, rather than using production’ aircraft type and dictated
rockets and Orbital/ATK GATR laser- fast jets at far below their full potential that it should be simple enough to be
guided 70mm rockets have already been and costing more than $10,000 per flying operated by a ‘partner nation’ such as Iraq
cleared for use on the aircraft. It is also hour (the F-15E Strike Eagle’s operating or Afghanistan.
expected to be able to deliver the Textron cost was calculated at $44,000). The As well as the AT-6 and Super Tucano,
Systems’ G-CLAW tube-ejected unitary competition was originally expected a new-build derivative of the twin-
area munition. to result in an order for up to 100 LAAR turboprop OV-10 Bronco (proposed by
The Wolverine is fitted with proven machines, with a total purchase price of Boeing), an armed version of Aermacchi’s
high-end communications and datalink $2 billion. At the time it was anticipated jet-engined M-346 Master advanced
equipment that give full interoperability that some of the 100 LAAR aircraft would trainer, and even Air Tractor’s AT-802U
in US and NATO command and control equip an initial 24-aircraft USAF squadron — a militarized crop-duster — were put
environments. and later a whole special operations wing. forward to meet the requirement.

Left: This pair of Spiral development of an innovative approach between an MC-130P Combat Shadow tanker.
Wolverines (the Beechcraft flew the first of its company- government and industry. Such teamwork The team assessed the suitability of the
second of which
is the newest funded AT-6 prototypes (c/n AT-1, N610AT) promised to be essential for LAAR. aircraft for the training of pilots from
AT-6, N630LA) on September 10, 2009. The aircraft was Although Beechcraft had built its two partner nations.
demonstrates heavily instrumented, being used for AT-6B prototypes with company funds, Spiral Two of the demonstration began
some of the
stores that are envelope expansion and for performance these were soon flying government- in August 2010, and employed the second
being tested and handling qualities assessments with funded sorties as part of a $15.4-million prototype, delivering live laser and GPS
on the type various external stores configurations. The demonstration and evaluation program guidance-aided munitions at the Gila
including
GBU-12s, the second, production-representative, AT-6B run by Detachment 11 of the National Bend test range in Arizona. These sorties
Advanced prototype (AT-2, N620AT), also company- Guard Bureau and the Air National Guard/ included use of the Scorpion helmet-
Precision Kill funded, made its maiden flight on April 5, Air Force Reserve Command Test Center mounted cueing system. It was estimated
Weapon System
(APKWS) and 2010. It was the first to be powered by a (AATC) in Tucson, Arizona. that the aircraft had cost just $1,000 per
0.5in (12.7mm)- 1,600shp engine, the initial aircraft having This program was conducted in four flight hour to operate.
caliber gun had a 1,100shp powerplant. The AT-6B also phases known as spirals. Spiral One, using After displaying the first aircraft at the
pods. Beechcraft/
Paul Bowen had the new mission avionics suite, based the first AT-6B prototype, was flown with 2010 Farnborough International Airshow,
on that of the A-10C. simulated bombs and guns, and included Beechcraft modified it to the full-standard
Inset: A 500lb Even before the second prototype joined participation in the Joint Expeditionary AT-6 configuration by installing the same
GBU-12 laser-
guided bomb the test program, on September 15, 2009, Forces Exercise 10-3 (JEFX 10-3) at Nellis 1,600shp engine that was installed on
is dropped Beechcraft announced that it was teaming Air Force Base, Nevada. This saw the the second AT-6 prototype, giving the
during testing. with Lockheed Martin in responding to aircraft undertaking realistic irregular company two aircraft for a new round of
Beechcraft/
Jim Haseltine the LAAR requirement. Lockheed Martin warfare sorties against ground targets trials in 2011, during which they dropped
Systems Integration in Owego, New York, in mock-war conditions, with a strong 500lb GBU-12 and 250lb GBU-58 LGBs.
Bottom: was appointed as the mission systems focus on net-centric warfare and use of Spiral Three was completed in
Raytheon/EAI
Talon laser- integrator for the aircraft, making use of the datalink. September 2012 at Eglin AFB and saw the
guided rockets the company’s experience in integrating The aircraft deployed to Nellis for two employment of more than 265 bombs
have already the A-10C’s precision engagement weeks from April 12, 2010, and flew six and rockets, as well as firing 3,000 rounds
been cleared
for use on modification. Not only was this a relevant, missions, totaling 17.5 flying hours. One from the AT-6’s 0.50-cal gun pods. The
the aircraft. state-of-the-art and combat-proven lasted 4.5 hours. On another sortie the trials included test firings of the APKWS
Beechcraft/ precision-strike capability, but it also AT-6B landed on a remote, dry lake- and Talon laser-guided rockets plus a
Jim Haseltine
gave the Owego division experience bed and refueled on the ground from further round of trials with the Gator and 93
Hellfire missiles.
Spiral Four in September 2013 saw the
AT-6 trialing the Single-Channel Ground
and Airborne Radio System Situational
Awareness (SINCGARS SA) Waveform
capability. The SINCGARS SA Waveform is a
software-controlled high frequency radio
designed to provide digital communication
and global positioning services (GPS) in
both fixed and mobile configurations vital
for military armed reconnaissance. The
dual ARC-210 Warrior radios of the AT-6
were configured to securely and directly
communicate simultaneously with three
different Joint Terminal Attack Controllers

(JTACs). The success of the SA Waveform in

the AT-6 is designed to further advance its
future mission tactics in close air support
(CAS), combat search and rescue (CSAR)
and combat search and rescue task
force (CSARTF).
LAAR exclusion
In November 2011 it was announced
that the Beechcraft AT-6B had been climb and cruise performance, and Above: The
excluded from the LAAR competition, and carried more fuel, while it could carry an Wolverine is
94 equipped with
the USAF confirmed that the Embraer electro-optical/infra-red (EO/IR) turret an L-3 Wescam
A-29 had been awarded the contract on without sacrificing a weapons station. MX-15Di turret
December 30, 2011. The manufacturer continued to highlight under its belly.
Beechcraft/
Selection of the Brazilian aircraft their aircraft’s six weapons stations and Jamie Hunter
prompted a series of protests from unlimited 6g airframe, while pointing out
Beechcraft, initially forcing work on the that rough-field, grass and gravel runway Left: The cockpit
of the AT-6 was
A-29 to stop. Embraer was re-awarded the capabilities had been demonstrated. designed with
contract on February 27, 2013, whereupon In response, Embraer pointed to its A-10 pilots in
Beechcraft challenged the award again. aircraft’s wider-track, longer-wheelbase mind. Indeed, it
used contractors
This time, though, the USAF pressed undercarriage (with its big, low-pressure from the A-10C’s
ahead, and the United States Court of tires) and greater ground clearance to precision
Federal Claims upheld the Air Force’s claim superior rough/uneven runway engagement
modification.
decision to proceed. operating characteristics. It claimed that Beechcraft
In its protests, Beechcraft pointed out the A-29’s bigger, taller, wider canopy
that the USAF was spending over $125
million more (or more than 40 per cent) for
what it labeled as a ‘less capable, foreign-
manufactured airplane with weapons
and systems unfamiliar to, and outside
the control of, the United States military’.
It charged that the requirement had been
‘written to favor the competition’s aircraft’,
and questioned ‘whether the Embraer
aircraft with its foreign-made weapons
can be certified to US military standards
in time to provide the mission-capable
aircraft per the contract.’
Hawker Beechcraft CEO Bill Boisture
contended that the AT-6 met all threshold
and five of seven objective requirements,
and claimed that it had better take-off,

gave its crew a significantly better Bartlett, an extremely experienced Beechcraft clearly believes that there is
all-round view. It contended that the former F/A-18 Hornet pilot, still a market to fight for, and, undeterred
aircraft’s built-in, wing-mounted FN M3P acknowledged that the A-29 may by defeat, the company has continued to
0.5in-caliber machine guns represented a have marginally better rough-runway develop and promote its own light attack
significant advantage, while the forward- characteristics, and described having offering. Indeed, a third AT-6 (AT-3) flew in
mounted AN/AAQ-22 Star SAFIRE II the internal guns as ‘cool’, but claimed August 2013 and was the first production
surveillance and targeting turret offered that Embraer’s other claimed advantages aircraft, first registered as N630LA on
a better field of view and fewer blind were not relevant, and were ‘not a October 23, 2013. AT-3 has now joined the
spots, and the five-bladed propeller was combat discriminator’. He expressed program and it was this example that was
significantly quieter. the opinion that he would prefer to be displayed at Farnborough in 2014, and
In commenting on the contract award, delivering precision-guided weapons at Paris, the Royal International Air Tattoo
the US Government Accountability from height rather than trying to engage and the Dubai Airshow in 2015.
Office (GAO) said that in order to meet its them with guns ‘down in the weeds’. Beechcraft remains confident in
proposed offer targets, the AT-6 would In the end, losing the LAAR competition the Wolverine, which it says offers its
have had to experience a 40 per cent did not mean missing out on orders operators a robust and interoperable air
increase in maximum gross take-off running into hundreds of aircraft. Instead, power solution at a fraction of the cost
weight, noting that ‘experience’ showed 15 aircraft were to be ordered for the of traditional (fast jet) tactical aircraft,
that anything over 20 per cent would Stateside training of allied pilots under with lower operating costs and greater
impose a serious risk of certification LAAR, while just 20 Embraer A-29s were versatility than unmanned aerial systems.
delays, with implications for service life. purchased for supply to the Afghan Air At the same time, the type is fully
The GAO identified a number of other Force under the Light Air Support (LAS) networked, and has advanced survivability
issues and revealed that the AT-6 was program. The Afghan pilots trained features, rendering it less vulnerable than
rated as exceptional, but ‘high-risk’, while using their own aircraft, which were many rivals in its class.
the A-29 was rated as exceptional and temporarily operated by the newly re- Iraq, which already operates 15 unarmed
‘low-risk’. activated 81st Fighter Squadron based T-6A trainers and six Special Mission King
When the decision was made, in 2011, at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, LAAR Airs, is understood to be Beechcraft’s
there were just two AT-6s flying — all having seemingly fallen by the wayside. main target as launch customer for
prototypes — and 166 A-29s, which The 20 Afghan Air Force aircraft were the Wolverine. Industry journal Flight
already had a long operational career, built by US-based prime contractor Sierra reported in November 2015 that a letter
making perceptions of relative risk a Nevada in Jacksonville, Florida. Six of the of offer and acceptance for six of the light
critical factor. LAS-winning machines were subsequently attack turboprops was being prepared 95
The best-value element of the ordered for the Lebanese Air Force. for the Iraqi government. The US State
competition had three categories, in Crucially, the USAF has abandoned any Department approved a possible deal for Below left
which capability was the most important plans to form a dedicated COIN air wing up to 24 aircraft in May, and these would to right: The
AT-6 has
factor, followed by past performance, and to procure around 100 LAAR/OA-X/ be delivered in increments of six. demonstrated
with cost in third place. LAS aircraft to equip it. The A-29 seems Securing a launch customer will allow its ability to
The decision clearly still rankles with destined to remain a little-known and Beechcraft to begin the process of military operate from
austere strips.
Russ Bartlett, president of the Beechcraft very short-lived rarity in USAF service, type certification, completion of which Beechcraft/
Defense Company, who told the author limited to training a handful of overseas will make the Wolverine more attractive to Paul Bowen
at the recent Dubai Airshow: ‘We had a air forces. And without the boost in foreign buyers. To this end, the company is
Below: Textron’s
superior aircraft that was 100 per cent credibility and momentum that a large believed to be exploring the possibility of offerings in the
technically compliant and for 30 per USAF order would have endowed on the using the new Non-DoD Military Aircraft close air support
cent less money’. He pointed out that it selected aircraft, the A-29 and AT-6 seem Airworthiness Accreditation program — a sphere include
its Scorpion and
had been ‘a tough decision to protest a destined to slug it out for what remains USAF initiative that will allow companies the AT-6.
decision by our biggest customer.’ of the light attack and ISR market. to self-fund the certification process. Jim Haseltine

HACKING TEST CANCELLATION is intended to ensure the [US] Navy, Air
Force and Marine Corps can maintain air
dominance for decades to come.’
COULD LEAVE F-35 VULNERABLE The ALIS network has been the subject
T
of controversy before. Intended to
connect thousands of F-35 maintainers
HE JOINT PROGRAM future conflict, potentially thousands in a worldwide network that monitors
Office overseeing of F-35s could run software that’s the radar-evading fighters, diagnoses
development of the susceptible to modification — even problems and speeds the delivery of
Lockheed Martin F-35 hijacking. ‘That simply raises obvious and spare parts and software updates, ALIS
Joint Strike Fighter disturbing questions about what could has proved to be unreliable.
recently cancelled an happen in combat’, Grazier wrote. In 2014, Lt Gen Christopher Bogdan,
important ‘penetration’ test of the stealth Reporter Austin Wright from the then head of the JSF program office,
warplane’s automated logistics network Washington DC publication Politico first admitted that development of the
— because that test could allegedly reported the test cancellation. ‘Those logistics system was ‘way behind’. Marine
‘damage’ the system. who are pushing for the drills to be Corps maintenance crews aboard the
The test would have involved a team conducted as planned say there’s irony in USS Wasp assault ship during an F-35
of cyber warfare specialists, playing the the program office’s concerns that cyber trial deployment discovered that ALIS
roles of enemy hackers, infiltrating the tests could damage the fighter program couldn’t handle large data files. As many
Automated Logistics Information System. and disrupt real-world F-35 operations’, as 80 per cent of the purported issues
ALIS is integral to the F-35’s design, Wright wrote. ALIS identifies are false positives — in
which leans heavily on a complex ‘Such concerns, they say, are exactly other words, maintenance problems that
software suite including some 30 million why the tests are necessary for the aren’t actually problems at all.
lines of code driving its sensors and Lockheed Martin-built [airplane] that’s ALIS is clearly fragile, so fragile that the
combat systems. As planned, ALIS would often described as a flying computer and program office is scared to let its own
BY
frequently update the JSF’s software. hackers attack the system even in a mock
DAVID That’s a potential advantage for F-35 cyber assault, as a successful hack could
AXE operators — assuming ALIS is a ‘secure ‘ALIS is clearly impair the roughly 100 F-35s already
information environment’, as Lockheed
Martin claims. fragile. So fragile in service with US Air Force, Navy and
Marine Corps training squadrons and the
DISPATCHES FROM THE FRONT LINE OF AEROSPACE TECHNOLOGY
96 If it’s not secure, ALIS is a possible back

door for enemy hackers to gain access to
that the program Marines’ first front-line squadron, which
became operational in July 2015.
F-35s all over the world. But it’s possible
the JSF’s developers will never know — at
office is scared to The JPO’s reluctance to test the logistics
systems is a symptom of the decision by
least, not before enemy cyber warriors let its own hackers the US government and its F-35 partners
exploit the system’s vulnerability for to develop the new aircraft ‘concurrently’
themselves. The program office ‘did not attack the system with production. That is to say, Lockheed
initially approve a cyber-vulnerability Martin would begin producing F-35s
test due to the lack of a risk assessment even in a mock before the fighter’s design was complete.
related to operational F-35 assets’, a
program office spokesperson told Dan cyber assault, as Early F-35s would eventually cycle
through a depot maintenance for updates.
Grazier, a fellow with the Project on
Government Oversight, a watchdog
a successful hack And if indeed ALIS is vulnerable to
infiltration, F-35 users are running out of
group in Washington DC.
Grazier pointed out that the whole
could impair the time to fix the problem. Lockheed Martin
built around 100 JSFs in 2015 and could
point of testing is to reveal vulnerabilities roughly 100 F-35s produce increasing quantities every year
so that developers can fix them before against planned orders totaling more
an opponent can exploit them during already in service’ than 3,000 F-35s for the United States
wartime. The danger is that, in some and its allies.
Lockheed Martin
February 2016
SPECIAL US NAVY & MARINE CORPS
Y E A R B O O K 2 01 5
Produced by the Combat Aircraft team; the US
Navy and Marine Corps Air Power Yearbook is the
ultimate guide to these two powerful air arms.
Introduced by two senior officers, it is packed
with features on latest aircraft capabilities,
famous squadrons and the personnel that fly and
maintain the various types, plus a detailed unit
and aircraft air power review.
This 100 page publication is a must-have for any
US Navy or Marine Corps aviation fans.
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

IN 2015
Interview with Lt Gen Jon Davis
The Marine Corps may be the smallest of the US military
services, but its air component is admired around the world.
James Deboer talks with Lt Gen Jon Davis, the US Marine
Corps air chief.
KING STALLION
Jamie Hunter looks ahead to a milestone for 2015: the
maiden flight of the Sikorsky CH-53K King Stallion, which is
set to revolutionize Marine battlefield heavy-lift.
ADVANCED HAWKEYE ON
MAIDEN CRUISE
The US Navy deployed its brand new E-2D Advanced
Hawkeye for the first time in 2015. Jamie Hunter and
Giovanni Colla outline how Carrier Air Wings are moving into
the latest generation of airborne early warning and control
And much more!
ORDER DIRECT

938/15
Free P&P when you order online at

* Call UK: 01780 480404
S U B S C R I B E R S C A L L F O R Y O U R £ 1. 0 0 D I S C O U N T !
MARCH ISSUE: ON SALE GLOBALLY FROM FEBRUARY 4 (ON SALE DATE MAY VARY BY REGION)
Jamie Hunter
98
F-15C FROM THE COCKPIT
EDITORIAL ADVERTISING Postmaster: Send address changes to Combat Aircraft Monthly, Key
Editor: Jamie Hunter Group Advertisement Manager: Brodie Baxter Publishing C/o 1637 Stelton Road B4, Piscataway NJ 08854
([email protected]) Tel: +44 (0)1780 755131 •
Deputy Editor: Ben Dunnell E-mail: [email protected] Magazine Binders & Back Issues:
([email protected]) Advertisement Manager: Ian Maxwell Available from our UK Subscriptions office
Assistant Editor: Thomas Newdick Tel: +44 (0)1780 755131 • E-mail: [email protected]
PUBLISHING
North American News Editor: Tom Kaminski Advertising Production: Danielle Tempest
Europe/World News Editor: Thomas Newdick Tel: +44 (0)1780 755131 • Managing Director and Publisher: Adrian Cox
Designer: Dominique Maynard E-mail: [email protected] Commercial Director: Ann Saundry
Advertising Office: Key Publishing Ltd, Group Marketing Manager: Martin Steele
Special Correspondents: David Axe, Ted Carlson, Richard Cooper, PO Box 100, Stamford, Lincs, PE9 1XQ Webmaster: Simon Russell
Frank Crébas, Jamie Deboer, Robert F. Dorr, Neil Dunridge, Brad Executive Chairman: Richard Cox
Elward, Alexander Golz, Jim Haseltine, Jon Lake, Ioannis Lekkas, SUBSCRIPTIONS
Neil Pearson, Andreas Rupprecht, Warren E. Thompson US/Canada Combat Aircraft is published 12 times a year by:
Combat Aircraft Key Publishing Ltd,
Editorial Address: 3330 Pacific Ave, Suite 500, Virginia Beach Va. 23451 PO Box 100, Stamford, Lincs, PE9 1XP
Combat Aircraft, Key Publishing Ltd, Tel: +1 800 428 3003 (Toll Free for US and Canada) Tel: +44 (0)1780 755 131
PO Box 100, Stamford, Lincs, PE9 1XP E-mail: [email protected] Fax: +44 (0)1780 757261
Tel: +44 (0)1780 755131 Website: www.imsnews.com Registered Office:
E-mail: [email protected] Unit 1-4, Gwash Way Ind Est, Ryall Road, PE9 1XP
Web site: www.combataircraft.net UK/Europe/RoW UK: ISSN 2041-7489 US: ISSN 2041-7470
Combat Aircraft Subscriptions Department
Editorial Contributions: The Editor is pleased to receive contributions Key Publishing Ltd, PO Box 300, Stamford, Lincolnshire, PE9 1NA. UK. PRINTING
to Combat Aircraft in the form of articles, news stories, letters and Tel 01780 480 404, (from UK), +44 1780 480 404 (from outside UK). Warners (Midlands) plc, The Maltings, Bourne, Lincs. PE10 9PH
photographs. Items accepted will be retained and paid for at standard Email: [email protected]
rates on publication. Material sent to the Editor, whether commissioned Website: www.keypublishing.com/shop DISTRIBUTION
or freely submitted, is provided at the contributor’s own risk; Key
Publishing Ltd cannot be held responsible for loss or damage howsoever Combat Aircraft Monthly (ISSN 2041-7489), is published monthly by US/Canada: Enquiries Line 001 973 939 7213
caused. The opinions and views expressed by authors and contributors Key Publishing Ltd and distributed in the USA by Mail Right Int., 1637 UK/Europe/RoW: Seymour Distribution Ltd,
within Combat Aircraft are not necessarily those of the Editor or Key Stelton Road B4, Piscataway, NJ 08854. 2 Poultry Avenue, London.
Publishing Ltd. Periodicals Postage Paid at Piscataway, NJ and additional mailing offices Enquiries Line: +44 (0)20 3148 3333
© Key Publishing Ltd 2016

All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any We are unable to guarantee the bona fides of any of our advertisers. Readers are strongly
means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage recommended to take their own precautions before parting with any information or item of value,
and retrieval system, without prior permission in writing from the copyright owner. Multiple copying including, but not limited to, money, manuscripts, photographs or personal information in response
of the contents of the magazine without prior written approval is not permitted. to any advertisements within this publication.

SPECIAL united states air force
air power YEARBOOK 2016
Produced by the Combat Aircraft team;
the US Air Force Air Power Yearbook is the
ultimate guide to the world’s most powerful
air arm. Packed with features on latest aircraft
capabilities, famous squadrons and the
personnel that fly and maintain the various
types, plus a detailed unit and aircraft air
power review. This 100-page publication is a
must-have for USAF aviation fans.
FEATURING:
F-22 on the front line
A review of the Raptor’s combat debut over Syria
and recent deployment to Europe.
40 Years of exercise’ Red Flag’
A review and tribute to the world’s most famous
exercise.
Bayou Militia
A unit review of the F-15Cs of the 122nd Fighter
Squadron Louisiana ANG
F-35 training
Behind the scenes at Eglin and Luke AFB as the
F-35 training squadrons get up to full speed.
B-1 today
Exclusive interviews with B-1 senior officers as
we detail recent combat operations and latest
JUST upgrades for the B-1 Lancer.
£5.99! Plus a full review of all USAF types and

squadrons.
And much more!
A N E W S P E C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N F R O M K E Y P U B L I S H I N G
AVAILABLE NOW FROM AND ALL LEADING NEWSAGENTS

1330/15
Free P&P when you order online at

* Call UK: 01780 480404
S U B S C R I B E R S C A L L F O R Y O U R £ 1. 0 0 D I S C O U N T !
Beechcraft F_P.indd 1 08/12/2015 11:40

Combat Aircraft - February 2016 VK Com Englishmagazines PDF

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Combat Aircraft - February 2016 VK Com Englishmagazines PDF

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Combat Aircraft - February 2016 VK Com Englishmagazines PDF

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

R I A LYSISOWN RUSSIA’S STRATEGIC STRIKES

‘BLACKJACK’ boost for

RED TAILS OVER ALABAMA EMBRAER SUPER TUCANO VS

30 Piotr Butowski presents a timely review of the

IN THE NEWS INDUSTRY REPORT 70 ‘RICHTHOFEN’ ON THE RISE

90 HUNGRY LIKE THE WOLVERINE

46 RED TAILS OVER ALABAMA

The US Marine Corps theoretically has

Inset: Piotr Butowski in the cockpit of a

www.combataircraft.net February 2016

CONTRIBUTOR PROFILE PIOTR BUTOWSKI

February 2016 www.combataircraft.net

C-17: LAST OF THE LINE

www.combataircraft.net February 2016

RAF DEPLOYS TYPHOONS

OPERATION ‘SHADER’ EXPANDS INTO SYRIA

ISRAELI SKYHAWK RETIRES

February 2016 www.combataircraft.net

NAVY MISSILE TRIALS network-enabled AGM-84N Harpoon

www.combataircraft.net February 2016

SUPER HORNETS FOR BLUE ANGELS

February 2016 www.combataircraft.net

A 1st FW F-22 leads an RAF Typhoon

IN BRIEF JSTARS RECAPITALIZATION MOVES FORWARD

www.combataircraft.net February 2016

CAG-BIRD CORNER 60 aircrew, support and maintenance

UPGRADED SENTRY DEPLOYED Air National Guard F-15Cs will

February 2016 www.combataircraft.net

BK-4 is the UK’s latest

www.combataircraft.net February 2016

12-13 Under The Radar C.indd 12 17/12/2015 21:15

‘Immortals’, will be established ahead of

capability being ‘accelerated’ Typhoon reprieve

February 2016 www.combataircraft.net

12-13 Under The Radar C.indd 13 17/12/2015 21:15

ARGENTINA RETIRES MIRAGE

www.combataircraft.net February 2016

February 2016 www.combataircraft.net

14-18 World News C.indd 15 17/12/2015 21:25

SECOND J-11D FLIES

via Chinese internet

www.combataircraft.net February 2016

RUSSIAN AIR FORCE upgraded at a later date. The

The Russian-made Il-76MD-90A has an entirely new, lighter and

February 2016 www.combataircraft.net

www.combataircraft.net February 2016

JANUARY issue features:

Arise Army Airlift

EXCLUSIVE - The Way Ahead

SEARCH ALSO AVAILABLE ON

FREE APP iTunes

DOWN the capabilities of fighter and aircraft

www.combataircraft.net February 2016

February 2016 www.combataircraft.net

BOMBER TRACKS Engels

www.combataircraft.net February 2016

miles) distant in Syria. In the process

February 2016 www.combataircraft.net

A dark day — Latakia, armed with four OFAB 250-270