Combat Aircraft - April 2023

SHOOTING DOWN THE BALLOON RAPTORS CALLED INTO ACTION
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A DEADLIER
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New Mexico State Report
F-35 CAPABILITY IT’S THE

GROWTH MAFIA!
First assigned instructor
Technical Refresh-3
and beyond pilots at Sheppard AFB
EXCLUSIVE
US SPYING
MISSION
UK £5.50
OVER
BRAZIL
Sniffing out
Volume 24 No 04 APRIL 2023
nuclear power
plants
WELCOME // APRIL 2023
SHOOTING DOWN
BALLOONS...
AND AESA RADARS

Above: A USAF-
operated Lockheed
Martin F-22A Raptor
launches an AIM-120
Advanced Medium-
Range Air-to-Air
Missile (AMRAAM)
from its main internal
W
weapons bay during a hat another incredible time also has the capability to detect almost APG-68. After all, the F-16 has more
training mission for military aviation. You anything on its Northrop Grumman AN/ than 70 air-to-air kills to its name
Raytheon Missiles can’t seem to keep it out of APG-77 active electronically scanned including seven by the USAF during
& Defense
the mainstream news these array (AESA) radar. The Michigan ANG the Bosnia and Kosovo conflicts and
days. We had the USAF Lockheed Martin F-16 was undoubtedly one of the 72 Iraq’s no-fly zones – all in the 1990s.
F-22A Raptor in action against a Chinese ANG F-16s that the USAF announced There are some very capable radars
surveillance balloon on February 4, then had been upgraded with the Northrop out there that are not AESA, like the
followed two more F-22A shoot downs Grumman AN/APG-83 Scalable Agile Gripen’s PS-05/Mk 4 system being
and a Lockheed Martin F-16C (for more Beam Radar derived from the F-22’s AN/ upgraded on to older C versions.
see ‘Bursting China’s Balloon’, p8-9). APG-77 and F-35’s AN/APG-81 AESAs. For the Swedish and Hungarian Air
It is quite ironic that the world’s most The Pentagon said the F-16’s first shot Forces who have so far ordered them,
capable and expensive air defender missed, and a second one was needed. it’s not all about multi-targeting,
in the world clocked up its first official One wonders how that happened if but extended range to fire those
air-to-air kill by shooting down a… you have locked on to a slow-moving deadly MBDA Meteor BVRAAMs,
60-foot floater, with what was thought target with a very capable radar. primarily for homeland defense.
to be a Raytheon AIM-9X Sidewinder. Until then, it was all good marketing Alan Warnes
The Raptor was probably selected for Northrop Grumman and its AESA Group Editor at Large
because it could easily get up to radars, but did it really need an AESA
Visit our website at
58,000ft from where it shot the balloon radar? Not necessarily – it wouldn’t www.key.aero/combataircraftjournal
down around 7,000ft above it. The have been that difficult to shoot Contact the team at
extremely capable homeland defender it down with the F-16’s earlier AN/ [email protected]
www.Key.Aero // April 2023pril 2023 3

April 2023 • Vol 24 • No 04
IN THE NEWS
USAF F-22 Raptors score their first air-to-
air kill by shooting down Chinese balloon
Many nations provide humanitarian aid
after the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria
USS George HW Bush docks in Greece
President Zelenskyy visits the UK to
discuss further support for Ukraine
USAF B-1B bombers are back in Guam
28 Making the Hog more lethal

Joe Copalman examines how the
ANG and the Reserve A-10 Test Unit
keeps the Hawg’s tusks sharp
38 Sniffing out the secrets

Was there any reason for intelligence-
gathering flights to hide behind an aircraft
on an already highly unusual mission? Sérgio
Santana examines the possible reasons for a
WC-135R flight close to the Brazilian coast
42 White heat of F-35 technology

The F-35 entered service in 2012 with
the US military operating on Block 28 Joe Copalman
1B, which had a very limited regime.
82 Ramon Wenink
Gerard Keijsper gives an insight into the
capability growth of the F-35 family
50 One step beyond

Filip Modrzejewski visits Sheppard AFB,
Texas, to meet the First Assigned Instructor
Pilots (FAIPs) referred to as ’the Mafia’
58 Prepare for war

Babak Taghvaee looks at how the Israeli Air
Force is preparing its KC-707 tanker fleet
for action against Iran’s nuclear sites
64 Just a Nice Pic

This month’s wining reader’s photograph is
Thomas Backus’s mean and moody shot of
a B-52 in stormy skies above Nellis Air Force
Base in Nevada for Exercise Red Flag 23-1
SEE PAGE 99 FOR

FULL DETAILS
66 New Mexico State Report
Tom Kaminski continues our State Report
series, focusing on New Mexico, also
known as the ‘Land of Enchantment’
76 Dogfighting ditched
Simulations of a war between the US and
China find that air-to-air combat is unlikely. David
Axe examines the role aircraft
will play in the defense of Taiwan
86 Unlikely friends?
From January 12-26, Japan hosted a new
series of joint air drills under the inaugural edition
of Exercise Veer Guardian, which saw Indian
Su-30MKIs deploy to the Land of the Rising Sun
for the first time. Words by Khalem Chapman,
images from Katsuhiko Tokunaga
80 Hustlers in a hurry
Martin Scharenborg and Ramon Wenink were
invited to fly with the ‘Hustlers’ and report
on the important task this reserve unit has within
the United States Marine Corps.
88 Training army aviators

Although Fort Rucker is the US Army's largest
training center, it is not the only one. Tom
Kaminiski explores the US Army National Guard’s
four sites for training army aviators, joint services
personnel and those that support army aviation.
96 The EX factor
Dispatches from the front line of
aerospace technology by David Axe
88 US Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Roberto Di Giovine
50 Filip Modrzejewski
ON THE COVER
Cover image: ‘Loki’ and
‘Fury’ light up the sky
over Arizona. The HObIT
helmet-mounted cueing
system used by all
Guard and Reserve A-10
pilots was tested by
AATC and allows them
to use the system with
night-vision goggles
Joe Copalman
GLOBAL RESPONSE TO TURKEY/SYRIA EARTHQUAKE
AIRPOWER TO THE RESCUE
IN THE early hours of the transport aircraft began arriving Il-62 (EW-450TR). Since February 6, $100m aid package using a mix of
morning on February 6, Turkey at Adana Airport and Incirlik Air there has been a constant flow of C-130s and C-17As. The Sultanate
and northwest Syria faced a Base, both situated approximately both military and civilian transport of Oman created an air bridge
devastating 7.8 magnitude 125 miles west of the earthquake’s aircraft arriving between the two to transport relief and medical
earthquake that was among epicentre in Gaziantep. The installations. The first to arrive in supplies to the affected areas.
the worst to occur in the past two facilities avoided any major Adana was a 69-person Czech The mission was directly assigned
decade. Within days, more than damage, with US officials reporting urban search and rescue team via a by Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and
40,000 people were known to zero casualties at Incirlik – which Smartwings Boeing 737 (OK-TSM). is a collective effort between
have died and around 300,000 is home to the 39th Air Base Wing, The team was transported 250 the Royal Air Force of Oman, the
others had been displaced. hosting an array of rotational miles to the town of Adiyaman civil defense, and ambulance
This prompted a large-scale USAF assets in support of US by three Turkish CN235s. authorities. A similar royal directive
international response, with European and Central Command. The UAE has sent seven aid flights was issued by the King of Saudi
nations worldwide committing Most flights directly to Syria have to both nations as part of what Arabia, who implemented an air
both civilian and military utilized Damascus International it calls ‘Operation Gallant Knight bridge to deliver Saudi rescue,
search and rescue teams and Airport, and the majority of them 2’, comprising security forces rapid intervention, and medical
capabilities to support them. have come from Syria’s regional and a field hospital. Two flights teams. The Saudi response has
The primary means of delivery neighbors and allies, including each carried 74 tonnes of health included Saudia Cargo 777s,
for the aid response has been via the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Russia. kits and medical supplies from while a Saudia Skyteam A320
air and numerous air forces have An array of unique aircraft have Dubai to Damascus and Istanbul appeared to carry members of a
been able to deliver immediate been noted there, including Iraqi, on behalf of the World Health Saudi rescue team into Turkey.
support to the developing crisis. Algerian and UAE C-130s, as well as Organization. The UAE Air Force One of the most prevalent
Within hours of the earthquake, at least one Rada Airlines Ilyushin has been delivering the nation’s contributors of support to the
Two German A400Ms sit on the ramp at Incirlik Air Base on February 9,
prior to their aid pallets being offloaded Luftwaffe via Twitter
6 April 2023 // www.Key.Aero

Above: Qatari C-17s have delivered aid on behalf of the Qatar Charity and the Qatari Red Crescent. The
aircraft were dispatched by the Qatar Fund For Development Qatar Fund for Development via Twitter
Left: Israeli C-130J-30 ‘665’ departs Nevatim Air Base bound for Turkey, the aircraft has had all its
markings removed except for one presentation of the serial on the nose Israeli Air Force via Twitter
humanitarian effort has been Qatari C-17s have delivered 108 of supplies to Incirlik Air Base aircraft from Dover was carrying
Israel, through its Operation tonnes of aid on behalf of the on February 9. These were the USAR teams from Fairfax County,
Olive Branches. Immediately on Qatar Red Crescent and Qatar first of several flights delivering Virginia, and Los Angeles County,
the evening of February 6, the Charity, including food, winter German aid, announcing two California. Combined, these
Israeli Air Force deployed aircraft clothes, three field hospitals, additional A400M flights for the aircraft transported 159 people,
from Nevatim Air Base to Turkey. and 10,000 mobile homes. following day on their arrival. 12 rescue dogs and 170,000
This contribution was bolstered NATO has been the largest NATO members make up many of specialized equipment.
on February 8, with 15 aircraft collective alliance involved in nations who have imposed The British response has
delivering around 230 medical and delivering aid, with around 20 sanctions on Syria and Germany been heavily supported by the
search and rescue (SAR) personnel, NATO members contributing is among those redirecting aid Brize Norton Transport Wing,
associated equipment and more than 1,400 emergency funds to non-governmental Oxfordshire. The RAF dispatched
supplies. These aircraft have been response personnel in support organizations operating in the a C-130J with critical care team
largely devoid of any national of the humanitarian effort. In country, rather than landing and a field hospital; the C-130
markings, which is likely in part an extremely symbolic move, aid there directly itself. remained in Turkey in order to
due to tense relations between the alliance invited applicants The USAF deployed two C-17As transport critical casualties around
Israel and the recipient nations. Finland and Sweden to join from across the force within 24 the earthquake-hit regions.
Nonetheless, Israel has provided the joint response; Turkey has hours. These aircraft, assigned A400Ms have been used to
significant levels of support. been the largest obstacle in to the 305th Air Mobility Wing transport supplies such as thermal
Qatar allocated at least five their joining process so far. and 176th Wing (Alaska Air blankets due to region’s sub-zero
transport aircraft to an air bridge, The Luftwaffe’s LTG-62 Guard) flew to Incirlik from Dover temperatures – as requested
which includes 120 personnel, dispatched three Airbus AFB, Delaware, and March AFB, by the Turkish government.
12 vehicles and SAR equipment. A400Ms loaded with 80 tonnes California, respectively. The Luca Chadwick
A Royal Air Force A400M is loaded with aid

on the ramp at RAF Brize Norton before
setting off for Turkey on February 9
MOD Crown Copyright/Royal Air Force
www.Key.Aero // April 2023 7

BURSTING CHINA’S BALLOON
Sailors assigned to the US Navy’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group
2 recovering the Chinese high-altitude surveillance balloon off the coast
of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, on February 5, 2023. The balloon was
shot down by a USAF-operated F-22A Raptor the day before US Navy/
Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tyler Thompson
AFTER SPENDING four days Republic of China’s] unacceptable credited with destroying four aircraft it. This mission was supported by
floating across the continental violation of our sovereignty.” and 14 German balloons during the F-15C/Ds of the 104th FW at Barnes
US, the Chinese surveillance conflict, earning him the nickname ANGB in Massachusetts, in addition
balloon saga reached its climax Balloon busting the ‘The Arizona Balloon Buster’. to tankers based in several states,
on February 4, when it was finally As the balloon could not be In engaging the balloon, the including Oregon, Montana, South
shot down by an F-22A Raptor, engaged until it was over a body F-22A fired an AIM-9X short-range Carolina and North Carolina.
marking the type’s first official of water, a waiting game ensued air-to-air missile at the target from
‘kill’ in operational USAF service. until it had travelled to a position an altitude of 58,000ft. It impacted Splashdown
The move to shoot down the off the coast of South Carolina. the lower segment of the balloon, The mission then transitioned into
intruding Chinese balloon was Two F-22As belonging to the 1st near its surveillance equipment. one of recovery, as a number of US
ordered by President Biden FW at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, The hit burst China’s balloon and Navy and US Coast Guard (USCG)
on February 1, when the high- Virginia, were then scrambled to it proceeded to fall into the sea. It vessels and aircraft established
altitude platform was first sighted shoot down the balloon, which was remains unclear whether the AIM- a security perimeter around the
above Billings, Montana, some operating at altitudes of between 9X used to down the balloon was balloon’s splashdown site, before
210 miles away from Malmstrom 60,000-65,000ft. For the mission, the inert or fitted with a warhead, but launching a search to recover its
AFB, which is home to the F-22As used the callsigns ‘FRANK01’ given the amount of intelligence debris for examination. The target
341st Missile Wing and a host and ‘FRANK02’ in homage to 1st that could be gathered about the landed some six miles off the
of nuclear-capable ICBM silos. Lt Frank Luke Jr, a World War One platform in advance of it being coast in just 47ft of water, which
However, the order could not be fighter ace and US Army Air Service shot down, there was enough time made it easier for naval and USCG
acted upon until the target was Medal of Honor recipient who was to establish how best to destroy personnel to recover it. In the hours
over water to ensure that no one
on the ground was harmed when
the balloon dropped from the sky.
SUBSEQUENT SHOOTDOWNS
Since the Chinese balloon was officials said it did not have any shot down at 1442hrs (local time)
Commenting on the shootdown
shot down on February 4, three obvious propulsion or control over Lake Huron, Michigan, by AIM-9
on February 4, US Secretary of more unidentified objects have systems. The next day, another missiles fired by F-16C/Ds of the
Defense Lloyd J Austin III said: been detected and destroyed F-22A engaged a “high-altitude 148th FW. The object was described
“Today’s deliberate and lawful over North America. airborne object” over Canada’s Yukon as an unmanned “octagonal
action demonstrates that President On February 10, an F-22A from the territory, about 100 miles from the structure” with strings hanging down
3rd Wing at Joint Base Elmendorf- US border, in a joint operation with from it. A Pentagon spokesman
Biden and his national security
Richardson shot down another the Canadian military. This object said it is believed all four objects
team will always put the safety object – described as being the was described as cylindrical and were part of a fleet of airborne
and security of the American size of a small car – off the coast smaller than the first balloon. surveillance vehicles that have
people first while responding of northern Alaska. US defense On February 12, a fourth object was been operating around the world.
effectively to the PRC’s [People’s

after the balloon was shot down,
Navy-operated P-8A maritime
patrol aircraft and USCG HC-130J
search and rescue aircraft were seen
on flight tracking websites flying at
low-altitude around the impact site.
The balloon and its payload
were initially detected on January
28, when it entered US airspace
near the Aleutian Islands, before it
traversed over Alaska and Canada,
then re-entered US airspace over
northern Idaho on January 30.
While the balloon itself posed no
direct military or physical threat,
it was still an incursion into US
(and Canadian) sovereign territory,
which Washington deemed to be
an unacceptable action carried
out at the behest of Beijing.
A weather balloon? A map showing the route taken by the Chinese surveillance balloon over the continental US.
While Chinese officials were quick The platform was first detected as it entered US airspace over Alaska on January 28 and was
tracked until it was shot down off the coast of South Carolina on February 4 Key Publishing Ltd
to admit that the balloon was theirs,
they claimed it to be “a runaway of sensitive information in a bid this move by the US side.” He platforms have done the same
weather balloon“, but US officials to reduce its intelligence value added that China “reserves the (albeit briefly) on three occasions
were steadfast in their confidence to Beijing. However, its incursion right to use necessary means to during the Trump administration
that this was in-fact a surveillance into US sovereign territory did deal with similar situations.” (2016-2021). While this was
platform. Given that the balloon have its benefits, as a senior US Ultimately, this latest move from confirmed by the US DOD during
entered US and Canadian airspace defence official explained: “I Beijing has done nothing to reduce this latest saga, these previous
and followed a route that led it very would also note that while we the ever-growing tensions between incursions were not publicly
close to some sensitive military took all necessary steps to protect China and the US. The appearance acted upon at the time.
installations, it is rather hard to against the PRC surveillance of the surveillance balloon over While the USAF managed to
imagine that this was just an out balloon’s collection of sensitive America came at a interesting eventually dispose of the intruding
of control weather balloon. information, the surveillance time, as US Secretary of State surveillance balloon, the saga
Commenting on this, a US military balloon’s overflight of US territory Anthony Blinken was preparing to continues, as a second balloon –
official said: “The PRC has claimed was of intelligence value to us. I depart on a state visit to Beijing, believed to be another surveillance
publicly that the high-altitude can’t go into more detail, but we which has now been officially platform – has been spotted in the
balloon operating above the US is were able to study and scrutinize postponed. Tensions between the skies over Latin America. Beijing has
a weather balloon that was blown the balloon and its equipment, two global superpowers continue again confirmed ownership of the
off course. This is false. This was which has been valuable.” to be on a knife-edge, especially balloon and that it had “seriously
a PRC surveillance balloon. This Obviously, China protested if you consider the growing fears deviated” from its planned course
surveillance balloon purposely the downing of its balloon. On that China will invade Taiwan during a test flight, making it the
traversed the US and Canada, and February 5, Tan Kefei, a Chinese sometime in the near future. second time in as many weeks
we are confident it was seeking to defense ministry spokesman, said: that two Chinese balloons went
monitor sensitive military sites.” “The US used force to attack our Further incursions AWOL. The second balloon is being
Prior to the balloon being shot civilian unmanned airship, which However, this Chinese balloon monitored by Colombia and its
down, US officials took steps to is an obvious overreaction. We was not the first to have entered allies in the region, along with the
mitigate the platform’s collection express solemn protest against sovereign US airspace, as similar Pentagon. Khalem Chapman
Left: The Chinese high-altitude surveillance balloon flies high above Charlotte, North Carolina, on February 4, 2023, just hours before it was
shot down by a USAF F-22A. While it was active, the balloon was flying at altitudes of between 60,000-65,000ft Anadolu Agency/Peter Zay
via Getty Images Above: This shootdown happened nearly eight years after the F-22A Raptor completed the first guided launch of an AIM-9X
Sidewinder short-range air-to-air missile. That milestone event was carried out on February 26, 2015, by an F-22A assigned to the 411th Flight
Test Squadron at Edwards AFB, California Lockheed Martin/David Henry

BRITAIN WILL
TRAIN UKRAINE’S
FIGHTER PILOTS
BRITAIN IS to start training
Ukrainian fighter pilots to fly
defend its skies well into the future.
The training will ensure pilots are
expand that training from soldiers
to Marines and fighter jet pilots,
“NATO-standard jets” in a deal able to fly sophisticated NATO- ensuring Ukraine has a military
that was announced to coincide standard fighter jets in the future. able to defend its interests well into
with President Volodymyr As part of that long-term capability the future. It also underlines our
Zelenskyy’s visit to the UK. Prime investment, the UK will work with commitment to not just provide
Minister Rishi Sunak made the Ukraine and international allies to military equipment for the short
announcement on February 8 as co-ordinate collective support to term, but a long-term pledge to
Ukraine’s leader arrived at Stansted
Airport on board an RAF Boeing
C-17 Globemaster III aircraft.
meet Ukraine’s defensive needs.”
According to defense experts
the training, which is yet to start, is
stand shoulder-to-shoulder with
Ukraine for years to come.”
Although this announcement
ZELENSKYY
Downing Street said: “As part of
today’s talks, the Prime Minister
most likely to be centred around
simulator work in Britain and is
does not include the donation
of aircraft, Sunak has asked UK
CALLS FOR
will offer to bolster the UK’s
training offer for Ukrainian troops,
part of a package that also includes
the training of Army personnel
Defense Secretary Ben Wallace
to investigate all possibilities
‘WINGS OF
including expanding it to fighter
jet pilots to ensure Ukraine can
and Marines in the UK. Sunak said:
“I am proud that today we will
for increasing assistance to the
Ukrainian Air Force. Simon Lee
FREEDOM’ IN
JET APPEAL
UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT
Volodymyr Zelenskyy has made
a direct plea to NATO allies
to donate fighter jets to help
in the fight against Russia.
Speaking at the British
Parliament on only his second
visit abroad since the Russian
invasion on February 24, 2022,
he told MPs that aircraft were
needed to defeat Russia.
He said: “Today, I will have
the honor to be received by
His Majesty the King. It will
be a truly special moment
for me – for our country.
“In Britain, the King is an air
force pilot. And in Ukraine
today, every air force pilot is
a king, for us, for our families,
because they are so few,
they are so precious, that
we, the servants of our kings
do everything possible and
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy,
impossible to make the world
emerges from an RAF C-17 after landing provide us with modern planes.
at Stansted Simon Dawson/No 10 To empower and protect pilots
Downing Street/Crown Copyright

UKRAINE ASKS NETHERLANDS
TO DONATE OUTGOING F-16S
A FORMAL request has been senior member of one of his Dutch F-16 training carried out at
submitted by Ukraine to the government’s coalition partners. Tucson in Arizona has finished.
Netherlands calling for the On February 8, Sjoerd Wiemer With the RNLAF acquiring
country to donate its outgoing Sjoerdsma, the foreign affairs F-35A Lightning IIs, these
fleet of F-16AM/BM (MLU) fighter spokesman of the D66 Party, aircraft and the other 24 F-16s
jets to aid the fight against Russia. said: “Today we ask the Dutch in service until next year will be
This was confirmed by Kajsa prime minister to take the lead grounded. Several meetings have
Ollongren, the Dutch Defense in establishing a fighter jet taken place between the Royal
Minister, on February 9, who said coalition for Ukraine; to donate Netherlands Air Force, Lockheed
there were several obstacles in Martin (the original equipment
the way: “We need to discuss “BECAUSE THE manufacturer of the F-16), Airbus
the availability of F-16s with Netherlands (which provides
the Americans and other allies. AIRCRAFT IS A US aircraft support) and Draken
And we have to look seriously (which trains pilots and ground
at the consequences, it can’t
DEFENSE SYSTEM, personnel) in recent weeks, the
just happen overnight. We SO IT NEEDS most recent being on January 27
have to be honest about that. to figure out a way of handing
Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle shows off the "We take the request very
PERMISSION the aircraft to the Ukraine.
fighter pilot’s helmet presented to him by
Volodymyr Zelenskyy during the address to
seriously, but the issue of fighter FROM THE US Current thinking is that a
Parliament Simon Dawson/No 10 Downing jets is not so easily resolved.” training unit will be set up in
Street/Crown Copyright She added: “Personnel GOVERNMENT” Romania for the personnel
who will be protecting us.” must undergo appropriate involved, which will include
During the speech, training before the Ukrainian Dutch F-16s to Ukraine; to start former MiG and Sukhoi pilots,
Zelenskyy presented a fighter military can use F-16s. training Ukrainian pilots in before F-16s are delivered.
pilot’s helmet to Sir Lindsay “Because the aircraft is modern fighter jets right away.” While President Biden
Hoyle, the Speaker of the a US defense system, so The Royal Netherlands Air Force might have rejected the call
UK House of Commons. it needs permission from flew 11 F-16AM/BMs to Charleroi, to send F-16s to Ukraine, was
Zelenskyy added: “And I am the US government.” the home of Belgian Aerospace, Lockheed Martin given the
proud of our air force, and I The request follows a during December and January. green light by the Department
brought a present from them direct plea to Dutch Prime All the aircraft were deemed of Defense to work out a way
to you, Great Britain. I will Minister Mark Rutte from a surplus to requirements, now the forward with the Dutch?
explain, it is the helmet of a
The Royal Netherlands Air Force
real Ukrainian pilot. He is one has a fleet of F-16s that are
of our most successful aces due for retirement RNLAF
and he is one of our kings.
“The writing on the helmet
reads, ‘We have freedom,
give us wings to protect it’.
“I trust this symbol will help
us for our next coalition,
a coalition of the planes.
And I appeal to you and
the world with these most
simple and yet important
words, ‘Combat aircraft for
Ukraine. Wings for freedom’.”
On February 8, Zelenskyy
repeated the plea at a
meeting in Paris with French
President Emmanuel Macron
and German Chancellor Olaf
Scholz. The next day he took
his message to Brussels, where
he addressed a meeting of
the European Parliament.

TEXTRON TO
REPLACE US ‘NIGHT HAWKS’ PART WAYS
NAVY’S AGING
T-44Cs
TEXTRON AVIATION has been
WITH THE PAVE HAWK
THE 55TH Rescue Squadron (RQS) hours of on-call support to joint Davis-Monthan]. Countless people
awarded a single, firm-fixed- ‘Night Hawks’ – a component of the and coalition forces in the unit’s across the globe have survived their
price contract to develop the 355th Wing at Davis-Monthan AFB near-region. While the 55th has now worst day because of these aircraft
T-54A multi-engine training in Arizona – has become the latest parted ways with the Pave Hawk, it and the highly skilled 55th aircrew
system (METS) aircraft for USAF unit to bid farewell to its HH- is now preparing to become fully who operate them.
the US Navy, with the service 60G Pave Hawk combat search and integrated with the Jolly Green II “While everyone at the 55th is
seeking to procure up to 64 rescue (CSAR) helicopters. by 2024. sad to see the ‘Golf’ models go, we
examples of the type to replace This move comes as the USAF Commenting on the departure are excited about the transition
its aging T-44C Pegasus fleet. continues to phase out the legacy of the HH-60G and the upcoming to the ‘Whiskey’ (HH-60W) model.
The new T-54A – a platform Pave Hawk and re-equip its CSAR arrival of the HH-60W, Lt Col Paul The newer HH-60 platform should
based on the King Air 260 – will helicopter units with the new HH- Sheehey – director of operations increase aircraft availability and
provide “advanced instrument 60W Jolly Green II in a process that with the 55th RQS – said: “The ‘Golf’ bring newer technology to bear
and asymmetric engine handling began in 2022. The 55th brought (HH-60G) has been essential to that our aviators can leverage to
training to student naval the HH-60G to Davis-Monthan in ensuring success of the Air Force’s guarantee the solemn promise that
aviators selected for multi- 2003 and had since used the type worldwide personnel recovery Air Force combat search and rescue
engine fleet communities.” to support deployments across mission during their time here [at affords our nation into the future.”
An initial contract, worth the globe, while conducting
$113.1m, was awarded to Textron humanitarian assistance/disaster
for the development, production relief (HA/DR) operations in areas
and delivery of the first ten of the US devastated by natural
airframes to the US Navy. The disasters, such as Hurricane Katrina.
total contract award, which covers The unit had also been used
aircraft procurement, base and to support the launch of NASA
contract options, along with the spaceflights.
provision of support equipment, In early 2022, personnel from
spare parts and training services, the ‘Night Hawks’ deployed to an
is worth $677.2m. Deliveries undisclosed location with three
are scheduled to take place Pave Hawks to conduct the type’s
between 2024 and 2026. final operational mission with the
The Pegasus fleet entered unit. Before the deployment ended
service as the T-44A in 1977 with in October last year, the HH-60Gs Airmen work together to unload an 55th RQS-operated HH-60G Pave Hawk from a C-17A
61 examples. Four were lost to were used to support casualty Globemaster III (assigned to Joint Base Lewis-McCord, Washington) at Davis-Monthan AFB,
Arizona, on October 17, 2022. This was one of three HH-60Gs to return to the Arizona base
attrition and three airframes evacuation and personnel recovery after completing the type’s final operational deployment with the 55th RQS USAF/Airman
withdrawn from use. From 2006 operations, while providing 2,400 1st Class Paige Weldon
to 2016, the remaining 54 T-44As
were upgraded to T-44C standard
– these aircraft are currently
operated by Training Squadron
FIRST NP2000-EQUIPPED
31 (VT-31) ‘Wise Owls’ and VT-35
‘Stingrays’ at NAS Corpus Christi,
Texas. The withdrawal of the T-44C
C-130H FOR 186TH AS
fleet is set to begin six months
after the first T-54A is delivered.
The T-54A will have a
pressurized aircraft cockpit with a
side-by-side seating configuration
and a jump seat. It will be fitted
with multifunctional displays
including a digital moving
map, an automatic dependent
surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B)
system, and an integrated global
LOCKHEED C-130H Hercules (serial 96-7323) of the 120th Airlift Wing’s 186th Airlift Squadron ‘Vigilantes’ – a component of the Montana ANG – is
positioning system/inertial shown on the ground at Stennis International Airport, Mississippi, in December 2022 after becoming the unit’s first aircraft to receive the new eight-
navigation system (GPS/INS). bladed NP2000 propeller upgrade. Note that this aircraft also sports special markings to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the 120th AW, which
was celebrated last year. The 186th AS is stationed at Montana ANGB in Great Falls Carey Mavor

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B-1Bs TRAIN WITH ROKAF F-35As BOEING EXTENDS
SUPPORT FOR
AS BOMBERS RETURN TO GUAM AUSTRALIAN
CHINOOKS
BOEING DEFENCE Australia
announced on January 20 that
it will extend its support to the
14-strong CH-47F Chinook fleet
of the Australian Army Aviation
Corps (AAAC) after a contract
extension was signed with
the Australian Department of
Defence (DOD). Worth AUS$41m,
the deal will see Boeing continue
Two B-1B Lancers – serials to provide maintenance, training
85-0066 (lead) and 86-0113 and sustainment services over the
(rear) – assigned to the 34th
next five years and increase the
EBS in formation with two USAF
F-22A Raptors and a pair of F-35A support contract value to a total
Lightning IIs – serials 18-003 of AU$146m.
(lead) and 20-023 (rear) – from the
Two additional Chinooks were
ROKAF’s 17th Fighter Wing during
a bilateral training mission on delivered to the 5th Aviation
February 1 South Korean Ministry Regiment’s C Squadron – the
of National Defense via USAF
AAAC’s sole CH-47F unit – at RAAF
FOR THE first time this year, the by USAF-operated F-22A Raptors Indo-Pacific. Such missions enable Base Townsville, Queensland, in
USAF has deployed an undisclosed and F-35A Lightning IIs from the strategic bombers – B-1Bs, B-2As June 2022. While the fleet is based
number of B-1B Lancer supersonic- Republic of Korea Air Force, before and B-52Hs – to forward deploy to a at Townsville, maintenance and
capable strategic bombers to carrying out a bilateral training number of overseas and continental sustainment service support is
Andersen Air Force Base (AFB) in mission near the Yellow Sea. US facilities with the objective of provided in Oakey and Brisbane.
Guam as part of the latest Bomber This BTF mission will help to enhancing strategic predictability Shane Fairweather, first assistant
Task Force (BTF) mission to the further demonstrate the B-1B’s and operational unpredictability, secretary of the Australian DOD’s
highly tense Indo-Pacific region. ability to provide global strike as was outlined in the 2018 Joint Aviation System Division,
The bombers, which belong support to regional combatant National Defense Strategy. Such said: “The CH-47F Chinook fleet
to the 34th Bomb Squadron commanders across the globe. deployments are conducted to is an important capability for
‘World Famous Thunderbirds’ at It currently remains unclear how ensure readiness for a variety of air defense, providing critical lift
Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota, but long the 34th EBS will be deployed force personnel and to train airmen capability on several domestic
have deployed under the 34th to Andersen AFB, from which to respond to potential crises or and regional operations, including
Expeditionary Bomb Squadron the bombers and their crews will challenges in the region they are Bushfire Assist in 2020, and Tonga
(EBS) moniker, arrived in Guam be taking part in several training operating. BTF missions typically and Flood Assist in 2022.”
on February 1. They were joined exercises with regional allies in the deploy to Europe or the Indo-Pacific.
TURKEY’S FIRST
AW119T IN PRE-
DELIVERY TESTING
The first of 15 Leonardo AW119T new-
generation training helicopters for the Turkish
Land Forces – serial 15522, which currently
wears the Italian test registration CSX82083
– was seen conducting a pre-delivery flight
test from Varese-Venegono Airport in
northern Italy, while sporting the full
colors of its future operator, on
January 26. Based on the single-
engined AW119Kx (which was designed for
civil use), Leonardo revealed that Turkey
had ordered 15 helicopters in June 2022 to
fulfill its military pilot training requirements.
The details of the contract remain largely
undisclosed, but the first examples are likely
to be delivered in the near future Oscar Bern

F-16 BLOCK 70 COMPLETES USAF ORDERS
15 FURTHER
MILESTONE FIRST FLIGHT KC-46As FROM
BOEING
THE USAF awarded Boeing
a contract worth $2.25bn on
January 27 for the manufacturing
and delivery of 15 more KC-
46A Pegasus tankers under
Production Lot 9.
This latest contract increases
the number of examples
currently on order for the air
arm to 128, along with a further
six export examples for Japan
and four for Israel. A total of 68
KC-46As have been delivered to
The Lockheed Martin F-16 Block 70/72 Fighting Falcon during its first flight on January 24, 2023 Lockheed Martin
the USAF so far. Work on these
LOCKHEED MARTIN revealed on checks – including those on the eight examples for Bulgaria have additional 15 will be carried out
January 24 that it had successfully platform’s engine, flight controls been finalized. Jordan signed a at Boeing's facility in Seattle,
completed its first F-16 Block 70 and fuel system – were carried out letter of offer and acceptance for Washington, and is slated for
flight from its Greenville facility by Lockheed Martin test pilots, the additional aircraft on January completion by August 31, 2026.
in South Carolina, marking a key Dwayne ‘Pro’ Opella and Monessa 19 (see p24). Taiwan is currently While the KC-46A program has
milestone in the development ‘Siren’ Balzhiser. upgrading its final F-16A Block been hit by a number of issues –
of the latest and most advanced Six nations are currently set 20s to Block 70/72 standard, after the most serious of which being
version of the Fighting Falcon to acquire the F-16 Block 70/72: the final aircraft to undergo this related to the platform's remote
family. This highly anticipated first Bulgaria; Bahrain; Jordan; Morocco; transition began the process on vision system (RVS) – the USAF's
flight occurred at 0917hrs local time Slovakia and Taiwan. Lockheed December 30, 2022 (see p23). Air Mobility Command approved
and involved a two-seat aircraft Martin states it currently has an Bahrain is expected to receive the Pegasus for global operation,
that will be the first of 16 F-16 Block order backlog for 128 aircraft but its first of 16 F-16 Block 70s in early including combat deployments,
70s to be delivered to the Royal this will be increased to 148 once 2024, with deliveries scheduled in 2022. Despite the problems
Bahraini Air Force (RBAF). During the deals for an additional four for for completion by the end of 2025. facing the KC-46A's RVS, the USAF
this 50-minute test flight, basic Jordan (on top of the initial eight They will be delivered to Bahrain in claims the issues will be fixed by
aircraft handling and airworthiness ordered last year) and another batches of four. the RVS 2.0 upgrade.
‘FLYING YANKEES’ In 2021, the 103rd AW achieved a

top grade in the unit's effectiveness
inspection. Throughout 2022,
CELEBRATE 100 YEARS the 103rd was involved in various

taskings, including Exercise Swift
Response, which sought to build
US readiness to face near-peer
adversaries and took place in
the shadow of the Ukraine War.
In addition, the wing deployed
an aviation package to the Horn
of Africa, where they flew 643
hours across more than 100
C-130H Hercules (serial 93-1456) of the 118th AS ‘Flying Yankees’ at Bradley ANGB, sporting its new commemorative livery US ANG/103rd AW combat missions. This deployment
THE CONNECTICUT ANG’s 103rd Squadron – which shares the same was therefore influential in the supported allied interests in the
Airlift Wing (AW) ‘Flying Yankees’ nickname as its parent wing – and development of the modern- region, delivering personnel, cargo
unveiled a C-130H Hercules showcases its World War One day ANG. This is depicted by the and transporting fuel. During these,
wearing a commemorative paint and World War Two lineage. The C-130H, as the unit’s original the unit spearheaded a ‘wet-wing’
scheme on February 5 to honor squadron’s reconstitution as a emblem is emblazoned on its tail, technique in contested areas,
the wing’s centenary, which will be National Guard unit occurred in while the lightning bolts represent including Somalia and Kenya, which
celebrated this year. 1923, placing it amongst the first the squadron’s modern-day patch rapidly defueled the aircraft to
The newly applied livery, worn by 29 Guard Observation Squadrons, and the markings worn by P-51 bladders directly from the C-130H’s
C-130H (serial 93-1456), celebrates before being allocated to the Mustangs flown by the 118th wings with the aircraft’s engines still
the history of the 118th Airlift state of Connecticut. The unit Fighter Squadron in World War Two. running. Luca Chadwick

US NAVY CARRIER STRIKE ISRAEL
STRIKES
GROUP VISITS GREECE DRONE
FACTORY
ON JANUARY 28, three
microdrones operated by
Israel attacked an Iranian MOD
laboratory. An Israeli Intelligence
Organization drone team, flying
what were believed to be small
quadcopters, hit the roof of a
research facility in the former Tohid
ammunition factory in Isfahan.
Surrounded by residential
buildings, the drones, each packed
with 5 to 10kg of explosives, drew
attention from the public, leading
several to film the moment one of
them hit the laboratory. The next
day both satellite images from
Planet Labs and a video released
by the state media of the Iranian
regime indicated little damage
The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George HW Bush (CVN 77), along with the embarked staff of had been done to the roof as it
Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10, departs Piraeus, Greece, following a scheduled port visit US Navy
had been protected by special
US NAVY Nimitz-class aircraft carrier Naval Forces Europe-Africa area (VAW) 121 Squadron ‘Bluetails’ anti-drone nets which have been
USS George HW Bush (CVN 77) of operations., with USS George flying the Northrop Grumman E-2D in place since October 2021.
arrived for a scheduled port visit HW Bush currently hosting Carrier Advanced Hawkeye, Electronic The targeted building houses
to Piraeus, Greece, on February 3. Air Wing (CVW) 7. The Air Wing is Attack Squadron (VAQ) 140 ‘Patriots’ a research and development
The carrier arrived as part of comprised of multiple strike fighter with the E/A-18G Growler. lab containing warheads and
Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10. squadrons (VFA), such as VFA-103, The Rotary-wing units onboard explosive charges, including their
During its time in port, the ship’s ‘Jolly Rogers’, VFA-143 ‘Pukin Dogs’, the carrier include Helicopter composite casings, for use on anti-
leadership community will meet VFA-86 ‘Sidewinders’ and VFA-136 Sea Combat (HSC)-5 Squadron ship missiles, cruise missiles and
Greek military leaders to reinforce ‘Nighthawks’, all of which operate ‘Nightdippers’ operating the ‘kamikaze’ drones for the Iranian
relationships between the two the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. Sikorsky MH-60S Seahawk Defence Industries Organization.
nations and the NATO Alliance. In addition to the fighter units, and Helicopter Maritime Strike The wreckage shown on Iranian
CSG 10 is currently on a onboard USS George HW Bush is (HSM)-46 ‘Grandmasters’ with the TV shows is identical to the
scheduled deployment in the US Carrier Airborne Early Warning MH-60R variant of the Seahawk. Israeli Defence Force’s explosive-
laden quadcopters used against
FIGHTING LOBOS CELEBRATE 75 IN STYLE Hezbollah in Beirut in 2021.

It is not the first time Israel has
used quadcopters to target drone
programs being developed in
Iran. On September 27, 2021,
Mossad used several quadcopters
with warheads to target a
research lab for development
of solid-fuel rocket motors for
ballistic missiles of the Iranian
Revolutionary Guard Corps
Aerospace Force’s Ballistic Missile
Command I, southwest of Tehran.
Above: Specially marked F-16C 88-0485 of the 175th Fighter Squadron, 114th Fighter Wing out of Sioux Falls South Dakota returning to Joint Also on February 14, 2022,
Reserve Base Naval Air Station Fort Worth on January 8, 2023. The aircraft is painted in honor of the for South Dakota Air Guard in commemoration of Mossad destroyed at-least ten
their 75th anniversary. The paint scheme was conceptualized to emulate the World War Two-era Grumman F-4F Wildcat flown by South Dakota native armed drones in Mahidasht in
and Medal of Honor recipient Joe Foss who was instrumental in founding the South Dakota Air National Guard. it landed with three others, serials
88-0452, 88-0507 and 89-2125, after they conducted a flyover of the Football Championship Subdivision game in nearby Frisco where the South Kermanshah.
Dakota State and North Dakota State were playing. Matt Ellis

FINAL BUPERS P-3C BMUP+ BAE SYSTEMS:
RAF’S TRANCHE 1
REPLACED WITH POSEIDON TYPHOONS COULD
BE UPGRADED
BAE Systems has told members of
the UK Parliament that the RAF’s
ageing fleet of Tranche 1 Typhoon
FGR4s – which is slated to be
phased out of UK military service
in 2025 – could be upgraded and
retained for operational use.
In giving evidence to the
Defence Select Committee inquiry
into the nation’s military aircraft
procurement, the company said
that while the relevant upgrade
work was possible, the Ministry
of Defence (MOD) had not asked
This P-8A Poseidon (BuNo 170014, c/n 66994/9180) of the shadowy Bureau of Naval Personnel Sea Duty Component (BUPERS-SDC) and Naval for an assessment of the work
Air Systems Command-Flight Support Detachment (NAWC-23) at Dallas Love Field, Texas, is seen here conducting circuit training at the nearby needed or the costs involved. In
Perot Field Fort Worth Alliance Airport on January 26, 2023. This aircraft – fitted with the distinctive AN/APS-154 Advanced Airborne Sensor (AAS) written evidence, BAE Systems
multifunction radar under its fuselage – replaces the last P-3C BMUP+ Orion (BuNo 161589) at Dallas Love Field. The Orion arrived at Davis
Monthan AFB, Arizona, for storage with the 309th AMARG on January 23, 2023. The unit, along with Greenville-based L3Harris aircraft, often uses said: “It is technically feasible
the ‘Shiner’ callsign, with Shiner being the name of a popular Texan beer. Both L3Harris and Raytheon have large facilities in the Dallas area that to bring a Tranche 1 aircraft to
conduct advanced radar and sensor system work Matt Ellis the standard of a Tranche 2 or
Tranche 3 aircraft. BAE Systems
INDIAN SEA DRAGON FLEET MAKES

has previously provided data
to the MOD that outlines the
scope of structural and avionic
FINAL PUBLIC APPEARANCE modifications required.

“BAE Systems has not been
asked to provide an assessment
of the non-recurring design
effort, nor associated costs, to
implement such an upgrade.
However, Spain has embarked
upon a similar program with
some degree of concurrency
available through multiple
modification lines.
“Other partner nations have
reviewed their fleets – Germany
has concluded that it will retire
Above: An Indian Navy-operated Il-38SD Sea Dragon in formation with two Indian Air Force An-32 'Sutlej' tactical transports during the nation's its T1 aircraft but will purchase
Republic Day Parade flypast on January 26, 2023. This flypast marked the final public appearance for the Il-38SD Indian MoD more aircraft under the Quadriga
THE INDIAN Navy’s long-serving, marked the final public appearance IN307), after the first Sea Dragon program to maintain combat
Soviet-era Ilyushin Il-38SD Sea for the Il-38SD, the Indian variant inducted into Indian Navy service fleet numbers. Italy is reportedly
Dragon maritime patrol aircraft of the Soviet-era Il-38 May family (serial IN305) was withdrawn considering acquiring new
(MPA) fleet made its final public of MPA and anti-submarine/ from use in January 2022. This Typhoons, in response to the
appearance during the nation’s surface warfare (ASW/ASuW) aircraft is now preserved at the retirement of Tornado.”
Republic Day Parade flypast aircraft, which will be formally Naval Aviation Museum in Goa. The UK MOD’s plan to retire the
over New Delhi on January 26. phased out of Indian naval service The Sea Dragon fleet is being RAF’s Tranche 1 Typhoon FGR4
Flanked by two Indian Air Force before the end of this year. replaced by the Boeing P-8I fleet is a controversial one. These
(IAF)-operated Antonov An-32 All of the Indian Navy’s remaining Neptune, Indian variant of the plans were initially outlined in
‘Sutlej’ tactical transports, a sole Sea Dragons are operated by Indian P-8A Poseidon. The Indian Navy the 2010 Strategic Defence and
Il-38SD took part in the large-scale Naval Air Squadron (INAS) 315 operates 12 P-8Is across two units: Security Review (SDSR), which
flypast, which comprised more ‘Winged Stallions’ and are based at INAS 312 ‘Albatross’ at INS Rajali in stated that these aircraft should
than 50 fixed-wing aircraft and Indian Naval Station (INS) Hansa in Tamil Nadu, and INAS 316 ‘Condors’ be withdrawn from use by 2019.
helicopters from the IAF, Indian Goa on India’s western coast. INAS at INS Hansa. This year, the Indian However, the 2015 SDSR saw
Army Aviation Corps (IAAC) and 315 now operates four Il-38SDs Navy will mark the end of its first these plans reversed.
Indian Navy. This mass flypast (serials IN301; IN303; IN306 and decade of Neptune operations.

RNZAF SAYS FAREWELL TO ORION FLEET
THREE LOCKHEED P-3K2 Orions Three RNZAF-operated P-3K2 Malaysian Airlines Flight MH370
departed Royal New Zealand Air Orion maritime patrol aircraft in 2014. In addition, the six-strong
fly in a ‘Vic’ formation over
Force (RNZAF) Base Auckland in fleet has conducted operations in
New Zealand’s North Island
Whenuapai on January 24, for a during the type’s farewell the Middle East and Southeast Asia
formation flight over the country's flypast on January 24, 2023 working for the UN and combined
New Zealand Defence Force
North Island as the type is retired Maritime Forces Commands.
after more than 55 years of service. Four P-8A Poseidon maritime
The three-ship formation patrol aircraft will take the reins at
flew over locations including No 5 Squadron after the retirement
Coromandel Coast, Great Barrier of the Orion and will be based at
Island, Manawatu, Napier, RNZAF Base Ohakea.
Tauranga, Waikato and Whangarei, The first P-8A (serial NZ4801)
with close formation flypasts over landed in Aotearoa, New Zealand,
Ohakea, Wellington and after being officially handed
Auckland harbors. flown missions in every continent type was withdrawn from over by Boeing on December 8,
Serving since its arrival at No 5 throughout its lengthy career. use. These missions include with the remaining three due
Squadron in 1966, the Orion No 5 Squadron operated a fleet fishing surveillance, customs to arrive by mid-2023. Initial
has performed mainly airborne of six P-3K2s and accumulated patrols, search and rescue, and Operational Capability is expected
surveillance and reconnaissance just under 150,000 operational humanitarian aid/disaster relief. to be declared in July, before the
missions over the South Pacific flying hours in support of a One memorable mission was fleet achieves Full Operational
and Southern Ocean, but has also variety of missions before the aiding the search for the missing Capability in 2025.
NEW RADAR PODS FOR 148TH FW F-16CMS

SUBJECT MATTER experts from National Guard Air Force Reserve the 148th FW, alongside AN/ASQ- points of interest during the day or
across the USAF gathered at Test Center to the home of the 236 program managers, installed at night in all weather conditions
Duluth Air National Guard Base 148th FW. It took place after the pylons for the pod, while and complements the F-16C/D’s
(ANGB) in Minnesota to exercise months of modification work on fighter aircraft avionics specialists APG-83 AESA Fire Control Radar,
the end-to-end employment of the the aircraft, software and support installed the AN/ASQ-236 onto the which was recently fielded by the
AN/ASQ-236 Dragon’s Eye radar equipment. The 148th FW – which aircraft. The first Post-Block F-16 148th Maintenance Group. The pod
pod – which was recently fielded has operated the type since fitted with the AN/ASQ-236 was is already being used operationally
on the resident Fighting Falcons of 1990 – was the first to accomplish flown by Maj Michael ‘Ox’ Kuzmuk, by the F-15E Strike Eagle.
the 148th Fighter Wing (FW) – and requirements set out for the ANG’s Chief of Wing Weapons for the The 148th FW now flies the
to establish a plan to operationalize operational F-16C/D fleet. 148th FW, on January 26. F-16CM/DM Block 50 variant of the
the pod for all ANG-operated During the visit, the team of An externally mounted Ku-band Fighting Falcon family and serves
F-16C/Ds. subject matter experts had clear active electronically scanned as a multi-purpose Suppression/
Held from January 24-26, the objectives, which included the array (AESA) radar pod, the AN/ Destruction of Enemy Air Defense
exercise welcomed representatives installation of the ASQ-236 and ASQ-236 provides detailed maps (SEAD/DEAD) and NORAD
from the USAF’s Air Combat validating the flight operations for surveillance, co-ordinate Aerospace Control Alert-trained
Command; Air Force Materiel on Post-Block F-16s that are using generation and bomb impact ANG unit. It has been designated as
Command; Air Force Life Cycle unique software programs. Aircraft assessments. This pod enables the ANG’s Center of Excellence for
Management Center and Air armament systems specialists from Combat Air Forces to geolocate the AN/ASQ-236 pod.
An F-16CM Fighting Falcon assigned to the 148th FW – a component of the Minnesota ANG – gets airborne from Duluth ANGB on January 26,
marking the first flight for any Post-Block F-16 while fitted with the AN/ASQ-236 Dragon’s Eye AESA radar pod US ANG/Audra Flanagan

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• NATO’s airborne surveillance assets you Putin
NATO’s airborne
• RAF Voyagers on patrol surveillance assets
• Helicopters under fire

WAR IN UKRAINE AFM looks back at the past year
QATAR HAWKS IN RAF Voyagers
YORKSHIRE on Patrol
On NATO’s
eastern flank
RAF Leeming - the QEAF far from
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Gunship Down
Helicopters under fire
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096/23
VT-28 PREPARES TO TAKE ON ‘AVENGER’ INITIATIVE
TRAINING SQUADRON 28 (VT-28)
‘Rangers’ at Naval Air Station (NAS)
Corpus Christi, Texas, is preparing
to become the US Navy’s first
undergraduate primary training unit
to fully integrate the new ‘Project
Avenger’ syllabus into its curriculum
as part of the service’s Naval
Aviation Training Next initiative.
An operator of the T-6B Texan II,
VT-28 will be the first of four
undergraduate primary training
squadrons to adopt this new
syllabus – specifically designed
to update the navy’s approach to
producing higher quality pilots –
from April 2023. The new ‘Project A pair of US Navy-operated
T-6B Texan IIs fly together in
Avenger’ syllabus represents a formation during a training
significant change in the way sortie over Florida on June 21,
the navy trains student aircrews 2016 US Navy/Antonio More
when compared with the service’s An example of this would be fly Visual Flight Rules and then fly were trained independently in a
traditional ‘Charlie’ syllabus, which carrying out training flights in poor an instrument approach back to dedicated classroom setting,
followed a more linear structure or cloudy weather conditions, which base, without the instructor feeling which was separate to the wider
of simulated/live flying training. under the more traditional ‘Charlie’ like the training quality has been VT-28 spaces.
Designed to be a syllabus that syllabus would result in canceled or devalued in the event of a The new initiative is now being
promotes flexibility, ‘Project incomplete sorties. cancelled mission. expanded to cater for the entire
Avenger’ instructor pilots can make ‘Project Avenger’ aims to mitigate ‘Project Avenger’ has already been squadron.
the most of each training sortie, these lost training flights by trialed within VT-28, although it With the integration of this
with freedom to reintroduce and having the student pilot practice was operated under a detachment new training syllabus, the whole
further enhance procedures and an instrument departure, travel mentality. During this, small organization of the unit will be
techniques during pilot training. to an area with good visibility to numbers of students and instructors reimagined.
RUSSIA EYES INDIAN COLLABORATION ON CHECKMATE

RUSSIA PLANNED to discuss
potential co-operation with India
in the creation of new fifth-
generation combat aircraft – with
the previously unveiled Checkmate
light tactical fighter being focused
on in particular – at the Aero India
2023 international air show and
defense exhibition, which was held
at Yelahanka Air Force Station in
The mock-up of the Sukhoi Checkmate light fifth-
Bengaluru from February 13-17. generation fighter during its unveiling on the first
The move was reported by the day of MAKS 2021 at Zhukovsky International Airport,
Russian state-owned news agency Moscow, on July 20, 2021 UAC
TASS on February 7, which quoted a light tactical fighter project,” TASS According to details revealed at Available information states
source close to Russia’s Rostec State reported. The scope of how much Checkmate’s unveiling, a prototype that Checkmate will boast a short
Corporation in confirming that a India could contribute to the technology demonstrator of the take-off and landing capability and
delegation of representatives from ongoing Checkmate project – first new light tactical stealth fighter – a a range of up to 1,865 miles, with
the nation’s aircraft manufacturing announced with the unveiling of a derivative of the already operational a 930-mile combat radius and a
firms would be in attendance at mock-up during Russia’s MAKS air Sukhoi Su-57 – is due to complete maximum speed of Mach 1.8, while
Aero India 2023. “We plan to discuss show at Zhukovsky International its first flight in 2023, with pre-series being able to maintain sustained
co-operation in fifth-generation Airport, near Moscow, in July 2021 prototypes expected to be built supersonic flight. Checkmate will
aircraft. In particular, there is the – or what other projects may be in 2024 and 2025. The first serial be the first single-engine Russian
intention to invite our Indian discussed was not elaborated on by production aircraft are slated to be fighter to be developed and
partners to join the Checkmate the TASS source. produced/delivered in 2026/2027. produced since the Cold War era.

BIG SAFARI PROGRAM RECEIVES TC-135W
A TC-135W Rivet Joint, serial aircraft for the RC-135S fleet. At This aircraft – which is the sole new NC-135 test aircraft will bring
62-4133, departed Offutt Air the time, these aircraft did not remaining C-135 in the USAF the Big Safari Program in line
Force Base, Nebraska, for have the ‘chipmunk cheeks’ inventory that is equipped with the remainder of the fleet.
Greenville-Majors Airport, fitted to the forward fuselage with TF-33 engines – will be Two TC-135Ws (serials 62-
Texas, on February 14, to be that is a feature synonymous retired from use once 62-4133 4127 and 62-4129) still remain
reassigned to the USAF’s Big with the RC-135 today. Until becomes fully available. assigned to the 55th Wing
Safari Program and redesignated now, the aircraft had served as Its retirement follows a series of at Offutt. In 2019, 62-4127
as an NC-135 platform. part of the 45th Reconnaissance divestments of a similar nature, became the first aircraft to
It was flown to Texas by Squadron in this same role. including the OC-135B and have ‘Baseline Charlie’ installed,
members of the 238th Combat The aircraft will now take WC-135C/W fleets. As these which was the fleet-wide
Training Squadron under the over the Big Safari test role aircraft have aged, parts have glass cockpit modification.
callsign ‘Windsor 01’ and will from NC-135W (serial 61-2666), become less available and This was the first real sign of
ultimately become responsible which has been responsible for the airframes have grown alternatives to 61-2666 being
for the testing of surveillance testing equipment for the core more difficult to maintain. The used to test RC-135 fleet
equipment modifications, which, RC-135 fleet since the mid-1990s. introduction of 62-4133 as the modifications. Luca Chadwick
if successful, will be added to
the USAF’s core fleet of RC-135S/
U/V/W reconnaissance aircraft.
This is not the first time that
62-4133 has been operated in the
test role since it completed its
maiden flight in July 1962. In 1967,
the aircraft was redesignated
as an EC-135B when it received
a 10ft nose extension and was
fitted with equipment from
the EC-135N Apollo Range
Instrument Aircraft (ARIA). It was Boeing TC-135W (serial 62-4133) arrives at RAF Mildenhall on June 14, 2022. Trainers are seldom seen outside of the US
then converted into a TC-135S due to their role, and this was its last visit to the UK before conversion. This aircraft was transferred from Offutt AFB to
Greeneville-Majors Airport, Texas, to join the USAF’s Big Safari program on February 14, 2023 Gary Chadwick
in 1985 and served as a training
ARGENTINA SETS UP NEW PAMPA III BASE

THE ARGENTINE Air Force (FAA) BAM Río Gallegos will be upgraded the FAA has regularly performed The FAA is also willing to send two
has bolstered its combat and renamed as X Brigada Aérea. exercises where different Mirage, Mi-171E Hip-H tactical transport
presence at Base Aérea Militar This title was previously held IA-58 Pucará, Pampa and A-4AR helicopters to Río Gallegos once
(BAM) Río Gallegos – the nation’s between 1984 and 1996, when Fightinghawk units would deploy to both airframes have been returned
southernmost air base – after the air Mirage IIIC and Mirage 5PA Mara the base for a couple of weeks and to operational service following
arm revealed it would permanently fighters were actively based tasked with carrying out air-to-air the completion of their major
deploy three IA-63 Pampa III fighter- from Río Gallegos. Since 1997, and air-to-ground operations. overhaul. The Argentine Pampa fleet
trainers to the facility. will surely be increased as more
The move was announced during Pampa IIs are converted to Pampa
a ceremony at the base, which III standard. This upgrade process
is located in Argentina’s Santa is currently taking place at Fabrica
Cruz province, on February 7 – an Argentina de Aviones’ facilities
event that was attended by the in Córdoba.
commander of the FAA, Brig Gen While the Pampa III is not a
Xavier Isaac, and the Argentine multi-role fighter, which is what
Defense Minister, Jorge Taiana. the FAA requires for this tasking,
The Pampa IIIs were transferred to the platform will be still be a very
BAM Río Gallegos from Grupo Aéreo important asset for this region
6 de Caza (a part of VI Brigada Aérea until a fourth-generation fighter is
at Tandil) and will share the air base finally acquired. The jets will operate
with the resident de Havilland alongside the two 3D radars that are
DHC-6-200 Twin Otter squadron. already operational at Río Gallegos
The FAA is looking to increase its and Río Grande to control and
Above: Three FAA-operated IA-63 Pampa IIIs taxi into BAM Río Gallegos in Argentina’s Santa Cruz
presence in the south of the province during the type’s repositioning ceremony on February 7, 2023. These aircraft came from safeguard the airspace in this area of
country and, in the near future, Grupo Aéreo 6 de Caza, a part of VI Brigada Aérea, which is based at Tandil FAA Argentina. Horacio J Clariá

NEW CRANE X-PLANE TO BE DEVELOPED FOR DARPA
AURORA FLIGHT Sciences has
been selected to progress into
the second and third phases of
the Control of Revolutionary
Aircraft with Novel Effectors
(CRANE) program for the Defense
Advanced Research Projects
Agency (DARPA), which will see
the firm develop a new X-plane
that exploits innovative active
flow control (AFC) technology.
Announced by both DARPA
and Aurora Flight Sciences on
January 17, this move follows the
successful completion of Phase
0 and Phase 1 of the CRANE
program. The initial phase was
Concept image of the full-scale, uncrewed
focused on the development X-plane demonstrator being developed by
of tools and technologies for Aurora Flight Sciences DARPA
incorporating AFC characteristics
into the early stages of aircraft This includes the elimination company, Boeing, and DARPA have a gross weight of 7,000lb and
design, which resulted in of moving control surfaces – – will now concentrate on the a 30ft wingspan.
the creation of two X-plane primarily on the wings and vertical detailed design and development If the option to progress to Phase
concepts. The next stage saw stabilizer – to reduce overall drag of relevant flight software and 3 is exercised, the new X-plane
Aurora complete the preliminary and enhance maneuverability controls for a new full-scale, will be built by the company at its
design of the selected X-plane at high angles of attack, while uncrewed X-plane demonstrator. facilities in Virginia, West Virginia
concept and culminated with the also permitting the use of thicker This aircraft will be manufactured and Mississippi. Following its
development of an aircraft testbed wings in an aircraft’s design to in Phase 3 of the project – which construction, the aircraft will be
that used AFC technology to improve structural efficiency and is currently an executable option used to validate AFC technology
generate control forces in a series increase fuel capacity, along with as part of this latest contract – and demonstration at relevant
of wind tunnel tests. the inclusion of more simplified before it is flown and assessed in a scale and flight conditions, with
The use of AFC technology high-lift systems. critical design review. Aurora has the platform expected to fly
provides opportunities to help Having now progressed to Phase already presented the detailed at speeds of up to Mach 0.7 . If
improve fixed-wing aircraft 2 of the CRANE program, Aurora engineering design process for it goes ahead, flight testing is
flight control and performance. – in co-ordination with its parent the proposed platform, which will expected to begin in 2025.
SOCOM, COAST GUARD C-27JS TO BE UPGRADED

LEONARDO SOCIETA per Azioni has and improvement of the C-27Js.
A USCG-operated HC-27J Spartan (serial 2711) from Coast Guard Air Station Sacramento,
been awarded a $91.9m contract California, flies over the Yosemite National Park on February 6, 2018 USCG/Lt Scott Handlin The majority of this modernisation
by the US Department of Defense work will be performed in Naples,
to design, modify, integrate and Italy, so these rare C-27Js are
install the 1.2+ avionics update expected to be seen in European
package on the C-27J Spartan skies soon.
fleets operated by US Special The US Army currently operates
Operations Command (SOCOM) seven C-27Js (serials 10-27024 to
and the US Coast Guard (USCG). 10-27030) in support of SOCOM
As part of the contract, which was operations. These entered
awarded on February 7, Leonardo operational service in March 2014
will replace the aging avionics after being acquired second-hand
package that is currently employed from the USAF. The USCG employs
by the C-27Js flown by both 14 HC-27Js (serials 2701 to 2714).
SOCOM and the USCG. The current The Coast Guard examples were
package has many components to maximize commonality. The funds for Fiscal Years 2021-2023 also sourced second-hand from
that date back more than 15 SOCOM headquarters in Tampa, (FY21-23) – totalling $31.9m and the USAF in 2013, with the first
years and this latest move aims to Florida, is leading the contracting $32.1m, respectively – will be used being delivered in November 2014.
replace these across both fleets activity, with US Army and USCG for the construction, procurement Stephan de Bruijn

TAIWAN’S FINAL F-16A BEGINS VIPER UPGRADE
THE LAST F-16A Block 20 of in Arizona, where it was used to all placed into short-term storage fleet and at least 100 examples have
the Republic of China Air Force train Taiwanese pilots until it was ahead of their upgrade. already completed the process at a
(ROCAF) has arrived at the Shalu transferred to Hualien AB, along As part of the ROCAF’s Phoenix rate of between two to four aircraft
facility of the Aerospace Industrial with five other examples (serials Rising program, AIDC has been per month. The work is due to be
Development Corporation (AIDC) 6604, 6605, 6606, 6607 and 6608) carrying out mid-life performance carried out on 141 aircraft and
at Taichung International Airport on May 13, 2022. These aircraft were upgrades on the F-16A/B Block 20 completed by the end of 2023.
in central Taiwan for its mid-life
upgrade and conversion to the
latest, most advanced variant of the
Fighting Falcon family.
The aircraft (serial 6621) was
transferred from Hualien Air Base by
a ROCAF-operated C-130H (serial
1318) on December 15, 2022. The
upgrade and conversion process
reportedly began just 15 days later.
Taiwan is the last operator of the
F-16A Block 20, meaning that this
final upgrade will bid farewell to the
only operational example of this
variant of the venerable Fighting
Falcon family.
Delivered to the ROCAF in 1997,
this F-16A Block 20 (serial 6621)
was assigned to the 21st Fighter
Squadron ‘Gamblers’ at Luke AFB The fuselage of the ROCAF’s last F-16A Block 20 (serial 6621) is readied for its mid-life upgrade Peter Ho
193RD SOW RECEIVES FIRST COMMANDO II

AS PART of the 193rd Special US, bolstering special forces with the USAF’s only information- However, the transition to the
Operations Wing’s ongoing capabilities in the region. broadcasting aircraft. In 2022, a MC-130J is not a completely
conversion to the MC-130J Previously, the only combat-coded US Congress bill approved the unfamiliar mission set for the
Commando II, the unit received units to operate the MC-130J in divestment of three EC-130Js, 193rd. Alongside their three
the first of its new aircraft on the continental US were based in with the aircraft delivering its final specialist EC-130Js, the unit
February 2. Florida and New Mexico. broadcast during the Community operated four EC-130J(SJ)s (Super
The aircraft (serial 08-6206) flew This move marks a distinct Days Airshow at Lancaster Airport, Js), which were tasked with special
from Cannon AFB, New Mexico, to change to the 193rd’s mission. Pennsylvania, on September operations airlift, military freefall,
Harrisburg ANGB in Middletown, Until now, the unit’s primary 17, 2022. While operations are precision airdrop and leaflet drop
Pennsylvania, where it arrived role had been to operate the drawing down for the EC-130J, operations. These are all roles that
under the cover of darkness. With EC-130J Commando Solo III, flying these aircraft were still noted as can be carried out by the MC-130J.
this delivery, the wing’s 193rd psychological warfare missions active during January 2023. Luca Chadwick
Special Operations Squadron
became the first ANG unit to The 193rd SOW’s first MC-130J (serial 08-6206) arrived
at Harrisburg ANGB in Middletown, Pennsylvania, on
adopt the MC-130J. February 2, 2023 US ANG/Master Sgt Alexander Farver
A special operations variant of
the C-130J family, the Commando
II flies clandestine operations
associated with the low-altitude
refueling of helicopters and
tiltrotors, infiltration and
exfiltration of personnel and
resupply missions in hostile
environments. The assignment
of MC-130Js to the Pennsylvania
ANG also marks the first basing
of the type in the northeastern

COSTS OF FIRST POST-UPGRADE FLIGHT FOR BRAZILIAN LYNX
UK F-35B
PROCUREMENT
ARE REVEALED
DOCUMENTS HAVE revealed
that the UK has paid $4.17bn
for its first 35 short take-off and
vertical landing F-35B Lightning
II fifth-gen multi-role stealth
fighters from Lockheed Martin.
The firm said that since the UK
began ordering the aircraft, Above: A Brazilian Navy-operated Super Lynx Mk.21B (AH-11B Wild Lynx), serial N-4010/ZH961, is shown carrying out its first flight after being
the cost has been reduced by upgraded by Leonardo Helicopters at its facility in Yeovil, Somerset. In total, eight Super Lynx Mk.21As (AH-11A Super Lynx) are being upgraded
almost 40% per airframe. Written to Mk.21B (AH-11B) standard, with this example being the fifth to complete the process. The upgrade includes the integration of a new glass
cockpit and two new-generation CTS800-4N turboshaft engines Chris Gilligan
evidence by the company to the
UK Defence Select Committee has
provided a breakdown of how AUSTRALIA CONFIRMS THE PURCHASE OF 40 UH-60M BLACK HAWKS
the price per aircraft has reduced THE AUSTRALIAN government will support our troops and their Australia announced it was
as the number of Low-Rate Initial has confirmed that the Army will equipment in times of crisis. The looking to replace its MRH90s in
Production (LRIP) Lots progress. acquire 40 UH-60M Black Hawks to Black Hawk is a reliable, proven and December 2021 after Defence
These figures were disclosed as replace its fleet of MRH90 Taipans. mature platform supported by a Minister Peter Dutton said: “The
part of a parliamentary probe into Deliveries of the Black Hawks will robust global supply chain.” performance of the MRH90 Taipan
UK military aircraft procurement, start this year and the new fleet The US State Department has been an ongoing concern
which is examining F-35B will operate from Oakley Army approved the foreign military sale and there has been a significant
acquisition and investigating any Aviation Centre in Queensland and of Black Hawks to Australia worth effort to remediate the issues. It
delays in remaining orders. Holsworthy Barracks, New South $1.95bn on August 25 last year. In is critically important there is a
Lockheed Martin said: “The Unit Wales. The announcement was addition to the 40 Black Hawks, safe, reliable and capable utility
Recurring Flyaway (URF) cost made on January 18. the deal included spare engines helicopter available into the future,
has reduced by approximately Head of land capability Maj Gen and other parts for the helicopters' with reasonable and predictable
51% since F-35B production Jeremy King said: “The Black Hawk internal software. operating costs.”
started in Lot 2 (2008) and by 39%
since the UK started ordering
its aircraft in Lot 3 (2009). The
delivery profile for the remaining
JORDANIAN DEAL TO BUY F-16 BLOCK 70s
IN A bid to modernize its aging 70s and four F-16D Block 70s to The RJAF is no stranger to
Tranche 1 aircraft in Lots 15 to 17 fleet of fixed-wing combat Jordan for an estimated cost of operating the Fighting Falcon,
is currently being confirmed with aircraft, representatives from the $4.21bn. The deal also included given that the air arm has been
the F-35 Joint Program Office.” The Royal Jordanian Air Force (RJAF) 21 GE Aviation F100-GE-129D or employing second-hand examples
company added that it had also Command have signed a contract Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-229EEP of the type since 1998.
reduced the cost per flying hour with the US to buy at least 12 F-16 afterburning turbofan engines, Of the 47 F-16AMs and 15
and per tail per year, but said the Block 70 Fighting Falcons. along with 21 AN/APG-83 active F-16BMs that have so far been
information was commercially The contract is an amendment electronically scanned array delivered to the RJAF, roughly 26
sensitive and couldn’t be revealed. to the original agreement to (AESA) Scalable Agile Beam Radars AMs and 14 BMs remain operational
While the UK’s Lightning force purchase the F-16 Block 70 and (SABR) and six AN/AAQ-33 Sniper with the RJAF’s No 1, 2 and 6
won’t achieve full operating was completed on January 19, advanced targeting pods. Deliveries Squadrons based at Al Azraq-
capability until 2025, the Royal 2023, by Brig Gen Pilot Muhammad are expected to begin in 2027. Shaheed Muwaffaq Air Base.
Navy Fleet Air Arm is expected to Fathi Hiyasat, commander of the
stand up the second operational RJAF, and Rohit Nepal, deputy chief
frontline F-35B unit in 2023. of mission at the US Embassy in
The UK has 48 F-35Bs on order, Jordan. This latest contract cements
but the UK Defence Command Jordan’s plan to acquire the latest
Paper of March 22, 2021, outlined variant of the multi-role fighter
that the UK MOD will increase family set to be delivered to the
the fleet size beyond the number RJAF during the first phase of
on order. Last April, Deputy Chief the project.
of the Defence Staff AM Richard The US Defense Security
Three RJAF F-16s from No 1 Squadron
Knighton said the MOD was Cooperation Agency announced in formation over Jordan during an
negotiating growing the number on February 3, 2022, that US State aerial refuelling mission with a USAF
of F-35Bs on order to 74. Department approval had been tanker aircraft on October 17, 2011
USAF/Senior Airman Asha Kin
given for the sale of 12 F-16C Block

RECENT LOSSES
US Navy T-6B Texan II, serial Base, Sangley Point. The aircraft Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine. The pilot 5873, assigned to the 371st
number 166092 ‘E-092’, assigned was destroyed and both crew was killed. Division/921st Fighter Regiment
to Training Air Wing 5 crashed on members were killed. Venezuelan Military Aviation was destroyed in a crash while
January 17 during a sortie from An Indian Air Force Su- Hongdu K-8VB, serial number landing at Yên Bái Air Base on
Naval Air Station Whiting Field, 30MKI assigned to the Tactics FAB-661, was destroyed when it January 31 following a technical
Florida, coming down close to and Air Combat Development crashed southeast of Cobija in the problem. The pilot did not eject
Barin Naval Outlying Field, Foley, Establishment and a Mirage northwest of Bolivia, on January and was killed.
near Gateswood, Alabama. Both 2000H Vajra, serial number KF128, 27. Both pilots ejected safely. A Russian Air Force Su-35S was
crew members ejected safely, assigned to 40 Wing both crashed Hellenic Air Force F-4E shot down on February 4 at an
sustaining only minor injuries, but on January 28 near Morena, Phantom II, serial number 01507, undisclosed location in Ukraine.
the T-6B was written-off. Madhya Pradesh, during a routine assigned to the 117th Fighter The aircraft was destroyed.
Ten people, including Ukraine’s high-speed simulated operational Wing/338 Squadron crashed in A US Army AH-64D Apache
Minister of the Interior, were combat mission from Gwailor- the Ionian Sea off Andravida on operated by the 25th Attack
killed on January 18 when State Maharajpur Air Force Station. It January 30. The crew did not eject Battalion crashed and rolled over
Emergency Service of Ukraine was not immediately clear whether and were killed. at Talkeetna Airport, Alaska, on
EC225LP Super Puma Mk 2, serial they had collided. Both Su-30 pilots Three crew members were killed February 5, injuring both crew
number ‘54 Blue’, crashed into a ejected safely, but the Mirage pilot and the helicopter destroyed members. After being taken to
building in Brovary, Kyiv. A further did not survive. when a Ukrainian Air Force Mi-8 hospital for treatment, they were
four people were killed on the A video of the wreckage of was shot down on January 30 in later released. The Apache was
ground and the helicopter was a Russian Air Force Su-34 Novodarovka in the Zaporozhye one of four from the 25th Attack
completely destroyed. somewhere in Ukraine was posted region of Ukraine. Battalion that were en route
An Israeli Air and Space Force online on January 25, although it An Air Force of Zimbabwe SIAI- from Fort Wainwright to Joint
IAI Shoval (Heron I) UAV operated was taken some time earlier. The Marchetti SF.260C operated by 6 Base Elmendorf-Richardson in
by 200 Squadron was extensively Su-34 was destroyed but the date ‘Tiger’ Squadron struck power lines Anchorage for training and had
damaged when it crashed on of the loss is unknown. during a routine training flight on stopped at Talkeetna to refuel.
take-off at Palmachim Air Base A Ukrainian Air Force Su-25 February 3 and was written-off Pakistan Air Force MFI-395
on January 21. As this was the Frogfoot assigned to the 299th when it crashed near Gweru- Super Mushshak, serial number
third loss of the type in as many Tactical Aviation Brigade was shot Thornhill Air Base. Both crew 91-6334, crashed in a field in
months, the Israeli Defence Force down on January 27 during a members were killed. Mardan on February 8. Both crew
suspended operations with the combat mission near Shabelkivka Vietnamese Peoples Air escaped unhurt, but the aircraft
Shoval pending an investigation. in the Kramatorsk region of Force Su-22M4, serial number was damaged beyond repair.
All three crew members were
killed when an Algerian Air Force The wreck of Philippine Air
Mi-171 crashed on January 23 in Force/15th Strike Wing/17th
Attack Squadron SF.260TP 29-
the El Attaf District of the northern 01 ‘701’ Pilar Municipal Police
province of Aïn Defla during a
training flight.
Democratic Republic of Congo
Air Force Su-25BM Frogfoot,
serial number FG-505, was
substantially damaged on January
24 when it was struck by anti-
aircraft fire after allegedly violating
Rwandan airspace in Rubavu, near
Lake Kivu. The pilot managed to
maintain control and was able to
land safely at Goma Airport with a
fire burning under its right wing.
Philippine Air Force SF.260TP,
serial number 29-01 ‘701’, assigned
to the 15th Strike Wing/17th Attack
Squadron crashed near near Sitio
Tabon, Pilar, Bataan, on January 25,
during a recurrency training sortie
from Cavite City-Danilo Atienza Air

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LIGHTNING THREE RUSSIA’S MIGHTY
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INSIDE THE ANG // AFRC TEST CENTER
Making the
Lethal
Hog more
Joe Copalman examines how the ANG and Reserve A-10 Test
Unit keeps the Hawg’s tusks sharp

Warfighter-Up acquisition
S
Above: Nearly ince first entering US Air
every piece
Force service in March 1976, Whereas active component acquisition
of equipment
or ordnance the Fairchild-Republic A-10 typically addresses needs outlined
introduced to ‘Warthog’ has undergone a by service chiefs and combatant
the active-
series of almost continual commanders, the guard and reserve take
duty A-10
fleet since upgrades, becoming a a different approach. Each October, AATC
the A-10C more lethal and survivable version hosts the WEPTAC (Weapons and Tactics)
upgrade
of itself many times over the past 47 For the ARC – consisting of the Air conference in Tucson to determine the
started as
a guard years. To meet the challenge of testing National Guard (ANG) and Air Force ARC’s modernisation priorities for the next
and reserve new airframe modifications, software Reserve Command (AFRC) - the ANG/ year. During WEPTAC, pilots and aircrew
program
upgrades, improved gear, and new AFRC Test Center (AATC) at Morris Air from throughout the guard and reserve
tested
by AATC weapons, a number of active-duty National Guard Base in Tucson, Arizona, share their communities’ needs to ensure
All images and reserve-component units have manages testing of new equipment for continued combat effectiveness. As A-10
Joe Copalman
supported A-10 testing. Three such the guard and reserve’s flying, special CTF Director Lt Col Leif ‘Loki’ Nordhagen
unless
stated units – two on the active-duty side and warfare, and cyberwarfare communities. explained: “We pride ourselves on a
one for the Air Reserve Component The Test Center operates an A-10 warfighter-up approach, as opposed to
(ARC) – manage that task today, combined test force (CTF) at nearby sometimes on active duty; it’s sort of large
evaluating everything that has made Davis-Monthan Air Force Base (DMAFB) government-down. (At WEPTAC) they talk
the ‘Hawg’ the close air support and specially dedicated to operational test about their requirements and where the
combat rescue thoroughbred it is today. for the ARC’s remaining Warthog units. gaps are in their equipment and capability,

AATC’s A-10 Combined Test Force works closely

with the 40th Flight Test Squadron, which shares a
building and ramp space with AATC’s A-10s. Pilots
from both units regularly fly the other’s aircraft to
learn about new software updates or find bugs in how
existing software interfaces with new systems
then they come up with their critical lists.” series with most of the same stuff.”
These lists are combined and published In addition to all the systems under
annually in a ‘mod’ or modernisation test, AATC’s A-10s feature a port for
book. Using the mod book as a uploading new software to the aircraft,
guide, AATC investigates potential shortening upgrade time considerably.
solutions and puts proposals out to The aircraft are also equipped with data
vendors. Once AATC selects a piece of recorders, which – as A-10 CTF Avionics
equipment to test, it is installed in or Chief, MSgt Robert Jones explained –
on the unit’s aircraft for test work. “allow us to do data recording so that
we can analyze post-flight exactly what
Test ‘Hawgs’ is happening with the aircraft and each
AATC operates three borrowed A-10Cs, system, communication failures, or just
with two on loan from the AFRC’s 47th messages if we see anything in particular
Fighter Squadron at DMAFB and one that you wouldn’t be able to gather the
from the Indiana ANG’s 163rd Fighter knowledge from on a normal aircraft.”
Squadron at Fort Wayne. While guard and
reserve A-10s differ from those flown by Test integration
active-duty squadrons, the three ‘Hawgs’ Joining AATC’s three A-10s on the
operated by AATC differ even further, flightline at Davis-Monthan (D-M) is a pair
with equipment under test that has of A-10Cs assigned to the 40th Flight Test
not yet been integrated into the field. Squadron. An active-duty test unit based
Lt Col Nordhagen, who became A-10 at Eglin AFB, the 40th FLTS moved its A-10
CTF director at AATC in mid-2022, told test detachment, Detachment 1, to D-M
Combat Aircraft Journal: “Each one of our in 2016. The AATC A-10 CTF and the 40th
jets is configured a little bit differently. FLTS comprise two legs of a USAF-wide
But with a lot of these programs, they A-10 test triad, with the third being the
have to do at least three installs to get 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron
it certified [so] that it’s ready to go to (TES) at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada.
the field. Being that we only have three While the 40th FLTS Det 1 primarily
jets, most of our jets get ‘modded’ in conducts developmental testing (DT)

“WE PRIDE OURSELVES ON A HAWG TEST
WARFIGHTER-UP APPROACH, AS OPPOSED
TO SOMETIMES ON ACTIVE DUTY, IT’S
MAINTAINERS
A small team of 13 dedicated full-time guard and
SORT OF LARGE GOVERNMENT-DOWN” reserve maintainers keep the A-10 CTF’s aircraft in flying
shape. Assisting these 13 airmen are another 13 full-
time maintainers from the 40th FLTS, two maintenance
contractors, and four augmentees from the 47th Fighter
Squadron at Davis-Monthan. SSgt David Parsons joined AATC
after being loaned to the unit by the Maryland Air National
Guard’s 104th Fighter Squadron. Having worked with AATC
as both a visiting APG (Airframe, Powerplant, General) and
being directly assigned to the unit, Parsons observed: “When
we pull people from different units around the United
States, they take the knowledge they learn here back to
their base and teach and show people that there are new
integrations for the A-10 coming and this is how it works.”
Bringing airmen in from outside AATC serves another
purpose. While AATC’s assigned maintainers live and breathe
flight test, bringing line maintainers in from outside the test
world helps them validate that the installation, maintenance,
and equipment test procedures they develop are easy to
understand and carry out by maintainers in the field.
While most of the gear AATC tests is proven off-the-shelf
equipment, it is still ‘new’ to the A-10. Just as AATC’s pilots
write preliminary tactics outlining the best means of using
the gear they’ve tested, AATC’s maintainers often write
the installation and troubleshooting manuals for this gear.
MSgt Robert Jones, AATC’s avionics chief with eight years
in the unit explains: “A lot of times we have to sit down with
the tech writers and go through and help create the tech
Above: A key element to AATC’s success is the longevity of its personnel. Colonel Darrell ‘Bitter’ Hubbard, currently orders that the field uses. With the new systems, we’ve also
Vice Commander of AATC, spent eight years as an A-10 pilot with the CTF at Davis-Monthan. He returned in 2019
written the training for maintenance to learn how to do
as the unit’s second-in-command
Below: While there has been little in the way of upgrades to the A-10’s GAU-8 30mm cannon over the past few it, especially with the HObIT system. That was one of my
decades, AATC pilots regularly fire the gun at Barry M. Goldwater Range to test the impact of vibration earlier projects here that we took all the way to fielding.”

A-10C, serial 79-0185, on loan with the AATC from

the Indiana Air National Guard’s 163rd FS out of Fort
Wayne. Note the flat circular antenna for the Jam-
Resistant GPS behind the canopy, different from the
domed antenna of the current GPS system
for both the active and reserve A-10

communities, AATC’s A-10 CTF and
the 422nd TES’s A-10 Division mainly
conduct operational testing (OT).
Outlining the differences between
developmental and operational tests,
Lt Col Nordhagen said: “To clearly break
it up, DT focuses on ‘Does it work?’ and
‘Is it safe?’ That’s their realm. Then our
realm in OT is ‘Is it effective?’ and ‘How
can we use this operationally?’ But the
streams do cross quite a bit. We do
some of the ‘Does it work?’ stuff if it’s
not an extreme safety-of-flight issue.”
The 40th FLTS detachment works out of
the AATC building at DMAFB (also home
to AATC’s HH-60 and special warfare CTFs),
and even shares maintenance personnel
and aircraft when needed. With the 40th
FLTS aircraft typically being first to receive
software upgrades, AATC pilots often
fly these two A-10s for familiarisation
with the new software. Likewise, the
40th FLTS pilots fly AATC’s A-10s when
looking for things like software bugs.
As the CTF Director, LtCol Nordhagen
co-ordinates and streamlines the
activities of AATC and the 40th FLTS,
as much of the testing done by both
involves elements of developmental and
operational test. “There’s definitely a lot
LtCol Leif ‘Loki’
Nordhagen, A-10 of synergy when you have DT and OT in
Combined Test Force the same building for quickly moving
Director for the Air
through the test process, and you’re not
National Guard/Air Force
Reserve Command Test having to have a phone call or a Teams
Center releasing flares meeting,” said Nordhagen. “I can just
over the desert
walk over and talk to the DT guys.”

A recent example of this synergy In addition to exposing gear under test
between DT and OT is integration to the physical stresses of combat
testing on the GBU-39B Small-Diameter manouevring and ordnance employment,
flying over the range provides AATC pilots
Bomb (SDB). In December 2022, test the opportunity to maintain their combat
pilots from the 40th FLTS successfully skills. AATC pilots sometimes visit
dropped the first GBU-39Bs to be deployed squadrons, and this training
ensures they can competently fly
released from an A-10, the culmination with these A-10 units
of several months of captive-carry
flights and ‘dry’ drops onto a mattress
in a hangar. With the A-10 cleared to
safely employ the SDB, the 40th FLTS
passed the baton to AATC to conduct
operational testing with the weapon.
’80 for 20’ and NGREA Funding

The guiding principle in acquiring new
equipment for the guard and reserve
is ’80 for 20,’ meaning 80 per cent of
the capability of similar active-duty
equipment for 20 per cent of the cost.
While that goal sounds ambitious for
advanced combat systems, the terms of
how the guard and reserve are funded
often result in equipment that is more
capable than what the active component
uses, for significantly lower costs. adopt existing military and commercial- the helmet tracking its position against a
In addition to being partially-funded off-the-shelf (COTS) gear. It then falls ‘constellation’ of small dots on the upper Below: Being
through standard defense appropriations, on AATC to conduct testing on how to canopy. Though AATC lives by the mantra based at
the guard and reserve benefit from integrate this gear into existing platforms of 80 for 20, the Scorpion and HObIT Davis-Monthan
gives the test
the National Guard and Reserve like the A-10 and to develop operating represents an improvement over the Joint center’s A-10
Equipment Allotment (NGREA), an annual procedures for using it. Helmet-Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS) test force
appropriation authorised by Congress A good example of such gear is the used by the active-duty Air Force F-15 and access to the
logistical and
specifically for keeping the reserve helmet-mounted display (HMD) employed F-16 pilots, as it can be used with night maintenance
component effective and on-par with by guard and reserve A-10 pilots, the vision goggles and is more customisable. infrastructures
active-duty forces. NGREA funds carry Thales HObIT (Hybrid Optically based The guard and reserve’s success with the of the 355th
Wing and the
several restrictions, including a limitation Inertial Tracker). Based on the proven Scorpion/HObIT prompted the active- 924th Group,
on the guard or reserve initiating Scorpion HMD, the HObIT replaces the duty A-10 community to adopt it as well. which both
development of new equipment. Instead, Scorpion’s magnetic tracking system with In fact, most major equipment upgrades operate the
A-10C
NGREA compels the guard and reserve to an optically based one, with a camera atop to the active-duty A-10 fleet over the past

15 years started in the guard and reserve,
with AATC having tested them.
AATC’s job does not stop once an item
enters guard or reserve service. As LtCol
Nordhagen explained: “One of our mottos
is that it doesn’t count until it’s in the
warfighter’s hands, flying and sustaining
it in the field, so we don’t just finish a test
and say ‘OK, that’s good.’ We stay involved
all the way through fielding, and then
even beyond that for support if they find
something we didn’t find. ”
The A-10 CTF also conducts weapons
regression testing, which typically involves
evaluating minor upgrades to existing
weapons (an improved laser seeker for
the Advanced Precision-Kill Weapons
System rockets being a recent example),
or lot testing of live munitions to ensure
weapons in storage still function properly.
A-10 upgrades
One of the more recent pieces of gear
Right: The Air Force plans to retire its last
tested by the A-10 CTF is a three-
A-10s in 2028 so AATC’s role in providing
dimensional (3D) audio system that operation test for the guard and reserve
projects audio from different sources in A-10 community will begin to taper off
Below: A 40th FLTS A-10C flown by an
different quadrants in the pilot’s headset.
AATC pilot releasing flares at sunset over
As Lt Col Nordhagen explained: “It gives the Arizona desert
you that sense of ‘That threat is in that
direction… [also] in the A-10, we’ve got
four radios, and it will spatially separate
those, so one radio is always coming from
this direction, one’s coming from that
direction, one’s coming from another
direction, so you’re very quickly able to
determine who is talking on what radio.”
Another item recently tested by the
A-10 CTF is the High-Resolution Display
System (HRDS), a large console-mounted
tablet-based system that would have
replaced many of the A-10’s remaining
‘steam’ gauges with digital instrument
displays, as well as provided a high-fidelity
colour video feed from the A-10’s targeting
pod. Though HRDS was cancelled in
September 2022, the guard and reserve
A-10 community continue to rely on a
Samsung Galaxy 3 tablet-based system
called Plug and Play 3+, or PNP3+. Being
separate from the aircraft, PNP3+ uses
what is effectively a cellular signal from the
aircraft to the tablet, allowing pilots to view
a high-resolution feed from their LITENING
or Sniper targeting pods on the tablet’s
screen. A-10 pilots also fly with an iPad Mini
serving as their Electronic Flight Bag. To
accommodate both tablets, AATC installed
and tested a two-slot, in-cockpit USB power
supply to keep these units charged.
Other gear tested by AATC’s A-10 test
force include a covert landing light, an
improved combat fuel tank permitting

PERSONNEL
LONGEVITY
Because of how the guard and reserve are structured, with
part-time personnel drilling once a month, guardsmen
and reservists tend to not relocate as often as their
active-duty counterparts. This inherent longevity
in personnel management benefits AATC greatly, as
minimal turnover allows pilots and engineers assigned
there to accrue the knowledge and experience to truly
become experts in operational test and acquisition.
This experience allows AATC personnel to take on
the additional responsibilities needed with such a
small team with access to agile funding streams.
As Col Darrell ‘Bitter’ Hubbard – who spent eight years
flying with AATC before returning to become the current
Vice Commander observes: “Whereas active duty, the
testers just do test, in AATC we do a lot more. We manage
the projects from the beginning, so we’re very deeply
involved in all the integration, and there’s certainly
nobody teaching you how to do that. Having people
stick around here for a long time is vitally importantly,
so we’re not just re-inventing the wheel all the time.”
Another factor in AATC’s success is the unit’s civilian
contractors – most of them veteran maintainers, engineers,
or pilots with significant test experience. “A lot of our
continuity and longevity here is with our contractors,”
confirmed LtCol Nordhagen. “That longevity and
continuity is really what makes this organisation effective.”
higher G-force loads, and a parking brake. signature that looks like an airplane, so The Thales HObIT helmet-mounted cueing
system. The camera (mounted atop the helmet)
Contrary to the CTF’s high success rate in you can kind of flood the enemy’s radar, tracks the helmet’s position against the
validating new systems for the A-10, the then you can do some jamming. As we ‘fiducials’, a cluster of dots on
parking brake failed to make it into guard work toward tomorrow’s fight and how we the upper canopy
and reserve service. Col Darrell Hubbard, run as part of a force package and how we
Vice Commander of AATC, told Combat integrate with fifth and sixth-generation
Aircraft Journal: “We tried a real simple aircraft, those are some of the things
version, it was the simplest thing, and we we’re looking at, along with longer-range
couldn’t get it to work.” targeting and being able to make their
While the guard and reserve typically environment more survivable.”
cannot initiate development or testing The current testing plan will see AATC’s
of new weapons, AATC still conducts A-10s carrying one MALD each on six
extensive weapons integration testing on weapons stations to get the capability
behalf of not just the ARC, but the active to the field rapidly, then conducting
component. In recent years, AATC’s A-10 additional engineering and test work
CTF played a major role in the testing of to mount Triple Ejector Racks (TERs)
the laser-guided Advanced Precision-Kill capable of carrying two MALDs each
Weapons System rockets, the 2,000-lb onto six weapons stations, with four
GBU-31(v) Joint Direct-Attack Munition, additional stations cleared for mounting
and the Small-Diameter Bomb. single MALDs for a total of 16 per aircraft.
Configured in this manner, A-10s could
Testing for the next fight free up other aircraft that would otherwise
As part of the A-10 community’s efforts to be tasked with the decoy mission to be
expand the Hawg’s utility and survivability used for more kinetic purposes.
in a peer fight, AATC is testing items like With the US military focused on a
the ADM-160 Miniature Air-Launched potential conflict with China, GPS
Decoy, or MALD. Describing the MALD, Lt jamming represents a significant threat,
Col Nordhagen said: “It puts out a radar and jam-resistant GPS (JRG) has been
A-10S COULD FREE UP OTHER AIRCRAFT THAT

WOULD OTHERWISE BE TASKED WITH THE DECOY
MISSION TO BE USED FOR MORE KINETIC PURPOSES
a high priority program for the A-10 number of A-10s in the world and the (The Red Flag large force exercise at) Above: Many see this
as the beginning of
CTF. Explaining the need for this, Lt Col maintenance infrastructure that supports Nellis is a great example – you survive
the end for the A-10,
Nordhagen said: “Our currently fielded it, being based at Davis-Monthan gives in environments that you would never which until recently
GPS is pretty susceptible to jamming, AATC’s A-10 CTF easy access to the Barry survive in alone, but with properly-applied Congress has been
able to save from
but the jam-resistant GPS is a game- M. Goldwater Range (BMGR), just a short mass and manoeuver, we’re able to survive
deactivation
changer in a GPS-degraded environment. flight to the west. Though not a test range, as a force package.”
Especially now when you look at how AATC’s recent acquisition of a telemetry He continued: “We bring a durable
most of our weapons are reliant on GPS to truck has enabled both the A-10 and F-16 airplane that can access a lot of areas
hit the target, that will be a huge game- CTFs to conduct more test work locally. that other people can’t, whether it’s a dirt
changer if we deploy to that environment.” “We can do about 80% of the things we runway or a short runway, we can operate
AATC recently completed testing of the need to do here,” LtCol Nordhagen said. in an austere environment, which is big
JRG system, which is being added to all “And then for a smaller percentage, we if you’re looking at the Pacific and island
guard and reserve A-10s. need to go elsewhere to get a range that hopping and things like that. It’s got a lot
The A-10 CTF is following the lead of has the instrumentation or the target of weapons positions on the pylons, so
AATC’s F-16 test force when it comes sets we need. For the Jam-Resistant GPS, even if we’re talking standoff weapons,
to other survivability-enhancing we’ve done a number of sorties over I can carry a lot of those things.”
modifications. According to LtCol White Sands (Missile Range in south- In the wake of the Air Force brass
Nordhagen: “We have an electronic warfare central New Mexico) at three in the scoring their first victory toward A-10
shop over at Tucson; they’re working morning where they can route all the air retirement with authorization to divest
on a new jamming pod (an operational traffic around and turn on the jammers.” 21 A-10s from the Indiana Air National
development of the ALQ-167 ‘Angry Kitten’ In addition to simply ensuring new Guard in the 2023 National Defense
adversary jamming pod), they’re going to equipment works on the A-10 in Authorization Act, and remaining
develop it, then we’ll jump in toward the benign flight regimes, AATC pilots committed to a full sunset of the type
end of the program and add in some A-10- routinely fly tactical profiles over the by 2028, evaluation of any new systems
specific stuff. Our goal is to be flying and BMGR, performing the types of high-G that would add capability to the A-10 has
testing by May to evaluate the effectiveness manoeuvres typically flown in combat and been put on hold. This includes the AGM-
of the pod for the A-10 and other large firing the massive GAU-8 Avenger 30mm 158 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile,
radar cross-signature platforms.” cannon to ensure the gear under test can a low-observable cruise missile capable
Describing other F-16 survivability aids withstand both the G loads and vibrations of precisely striking hardened targets
being adapted to the A-10, Nordhagen A-10s routinely encounter. from over 200 miles away.
continued: “The new radar warning receiver Though the A-10 CTF at Davis-Monthan
(ALR-69A) is another one. They’ve been Future Hawg? will remain busy testing already-funded
flying with it for a while, and we’ll have it While the future of the A-10 remains programs like the Small-Diameter Bomb
on one of our jets here shortly, but they’ve precarious, Nordhagen firmly believes the and ALQ-167 jamming pod, as well as
already pushed the program a ways along.” ‘Hawg’ has a place in a peer conflict. “I hate ensuring existing gear works with new
hearing people say, ‘Oh, it’s not survivable software upgrades, it remains to be
Hawg central in the next war,’ when honestly no other seen if programs like integrating the
In addition to the obvious benefits of airplane by itself is survivable. We have to JASSM into the A-10’s arsenal will be
sharing ramp space with the largest rely on integration and force packaging. reactivated. CAJ

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045/23
MISSION REPORT // US ‘SPYING’ ON BRAZIL’S NUCLEAR OPERATIONS
The Constant
Phoenix receiving
fuel over an
undisclosed
airspace USAF
The Constant
Phoenix, 64-14836,
can be seen
approaching
Brazilian airspace
at 30,500ft
Flightradar24

SECRETS
O
n January 14, 2023, at 10:02
Pacific Standard Time, a
McDonnell Douglas KC-10A
Extender tanker operated
by the United States Air
Force’s 6th Air Refueling
Squadron, 60th Air Mobility Wing,
and serial number 85-0029 callsign
‘SKATR15’ departed from its home at
Travis Air Force Base, California, and
flew toward the Vieques Island, Puerto
Rico, where it landed some hours later.
The previous day, at 08:31 Central
Standard Time, a Boeing WC-135R
Constant Phoenix aircraft (dubbed
the ‘Nuke Sniffer’), designed to detect
alterations in the atmosphere caused by
nuclear explosions or leaking, took off.
The Nuke Sniffer came from the USAF’s
45th Reconnaissance Squadron, part of
the 55th Wing, serialled 64-14836 with
a callsign ‘COBRA36’. It took off from its
base at Offutt Air Base, Omaha, and flew
to San Juan, Puerto Rico, where it arrived
at 14:55 Atlantic Standard Time (AST).
On January 16, the same aircraft (but
with the callsign ‘MILLR36’ this time) took
off at 1009 AST for a flight that lasted
slightly more than 17 hours, officially
described by a note released by the USAF
as a “so-called ‘baseline’ collection mission
to gather air samples that are then used
to establish what atmospheric radiation
levels should look like under normal
conditions”. This eventually led it to the
Caribbean and into the southern end
of the Atlantic Ocean. It then followed
a path off the coasts of Venezuela,
Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, and
Brazil, before returning to Puerto Rico”.
During this route, the Constant Phoenix
received fuel from the ‘SKATR15’.
Doubts about the mission

At 15:00 Brazilian time (BRT), a Thales/
SNIFFING
Omnisys RSM 970S radar, installed at
Aeroporto Internacional dos Guararapes,
in Recife, on the Brazilian northeastern
coast, detected two contacts flying a
OUT THE
parallel route over Caribbean airspace.
As the plots’ transponders were active,
the Brazilian Air Traffic Control could
obtain their identification and callsigns.
Was there any reason for intelligence- When ‘SKATR15’ approached the outer
gathering flights to hide behind an limit of Brazilian waters, it started orbiting,
waiting for an aircraft that would receive
aircraft on an already highly unusual fuel. The WC-135R approached the
mission? Sérgio Santana examines the KC-10 and from the shadow of ‘MILLR36’
a third aircraft appeared on the radar
possible reasons for a WC-135R flight
screens with the transponder turned
close to the Brazilian coast off, initially considered to be another
WC-135R, but soon confirmed as a Boeing

MISSION REPORT // US ‘SPYING’ ON BRAZIL’S NUCLEAR OPERATIONS
P-8A Poseidon antisubmarine aircraft.
‘SKATR15’ refueled the WC-135R and then
the P-8A. After that, the trio of aircraft
separated and KC-10 moved away from
Brazilian territory, while ‘MILLR36’ started
to penetrate Brazilian airspace over
Fortaleza, in the Brazilian northeastern
region. It was about 15:30 BRT.
Soon after that, the Brazilian controllers
began to contact the plots by radio,
which was not responded to until the
fourth attempt, when the Brazilian
controller in charge of the situation
heard from someone aboard ‘MILLR36’
say something like: “This is an aircraft
operated by the United States Air Force in
a mission your government is aware of.”
After contacting the Brazilian Air
Force HQ in Brasília about the US
aircraft, the controllers were ordered
to “not bother them again and let Above: The KC-10A, planned to be fueled with enriched electronic intelligence gathering devices
them perform their tasks in peace”. 85-0029, during the uranium sold by Russian companies as per aboard Poseidon were used not only to
support efforts to help
As a result, the Constant Phoenix and an agreement penned in December 2022. detect and record all communication
firefighters working to
Poseidon followed their individual tracks, extinguish hundreds of and electronic activities that could be
now tracked by the Brazilian Air Force blazes burning across Some hypotheses for that flight related to nuclear matters, but also
Alaska in 2015 USAF
radar network: the former remained at Analysis of the functions of the two to its presence and that of Constant
high altitude until it reached southeastern aircraft allows some hypotheses about Phoenix in Brazilian airspace, thus
Brazil when it started to descend, while that mission. While the WC-135R sensors allowing it to update its signals library.
the P-8A started to fly in flight patterns could detect any radioactive particles In late December last year, another
compatible with intelligence gathering Below: The Constant present in the atmosphere resulting from Poseidon, operated by the VP-45 ‘Pelicans’,
missions. The state of Rio de Janeiro Phoenix back in the nuclear reactors of Angra 1 and 2 (a unit with old ties with the Brazilian
seemingly “sniffed” by WC-135R, is home Brazilian airspace and, possibly, also from the activities of a Air Force dating back to World War Two
on January 20, four
to two important nuclear installations: days after its last visit nuclear research center maintained by the and currently based at Naval Air Station
Angra 1 and Angra 2 nuclear powerplants, Flight Radar24 Brazilian Navy in the state of São Paulo, the Jacksonville, Florida), stayed in
The WC-135R Constant

Phoenix travelling
towards Rio de
Janeiro on January
16 at an altitude of
approximately 13,000ft
Above: This image shows the WC-135R followed by an aircraft with no callsign, later positively identified and Flightradar24
confirmed as a P-8A Poseidon flightradar24

Grande do Norte and Ceará, at around four days before, strongly believed to be
20:00 BRT, flying back to US territory. for collecting more data on emissions
from Angra 1 and 2 nuclear power plants.
The return of the Constant And as had happened previously, no
Phoenix/Extender combo Brazilian air defense aircraft was scrambled
At 0843 AST on January 20, ‘MILLR36’ to intercept the Constant Phoenix, which
took off from San Juan for another between 18:00 and 19:00 Brazilian time
mission close to the Brazilian coast. began the journey back to San Juan.
However, due to the negative Around the same time, a message
repercussions in the Brazilian press made up of a sequence of codes issued
caused by the previous flight, its crew in the international phonetic alphabet
members were ordered to activate on the frequency 11175.0 kHz, one of the
their transponders intermittently, primary voice frequencies of the USAF’s
thus making it difficult for tracking High Frequency Global Communications
websites to follow their route. The same system, was heard in the Brazilian territory.
happened with the KC-10A – although The message is thought to have originated
its transponder had hardly been noticed, from an aircraft flying over the FIR (Flight
it was essential it was turned on for the Information Region) Recife, maybe
WC-135R to complete the mission. one of the VP-45’s P-8As, having been
Around 15:00 Brazilian Time, an air traffic transmitted slowly and therefore able to
Manaus, northern Brazil, from where controller in Recife informed the WC-135R be heard with relative clarity. However,
it performed flights over the same crew that they were flying in controlled the content of the message could not
region, even approaching the border airspace and asked what their intentions be fully clarified, since it was encrypted,
with Colombia. Its mission, authorized were, requesting that the aircraft requiring that someone who heard it
by the Brazilian government, was also communicate on specific frequencies, had the resources to fully decode it
to collect signal and communication to which one of the crew members of Coincidentally, the day before, a
intelligence during its flights. The the Constant Phoenix limited himself to Kamov Ka-27 helicopter ‘Helix’, from the
reasons for this also remain unknown. responding on the international frequency air group of the frigate Admiral of the
In the latest mission the Constant of 121.5 MHz, which “was in international Fleet of the Soviet Union Gorshkov had
Below: A P-8A
Phoenix and the Poseidon, after having Poseidon from VP-45 airspace aboard a United States military performed some flights from its base
fulfilled the objective of their flights, ‘Pelicans’ taking off aircraft proceeding in a routine operation”. ship, which was armed with ‘Zirkon’
made their way back, always off the out of NAS Atsugi, By that time, the WC-135R had already hypersonic missiles and was sailing on
bound for Misawa air
Brazilian coast and left Brazilian airspace base for the exercise penetrated the Brazilian airspace, the Atlantic Ocean, for which that ship
via a corridor between the states of Rio Malabar 2022 US Navy repeating the same mission profile flown had departed in early January. CAJ
“THIS IS AN AIRCRAFT OPERATED BY THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE IN A MISSION

YOUR GOVERNMENT IS AWARE OF.”

F-35 - INTO THE FUTURE
WHITE
HEAT OF F-35 TECHNOLOGY
The F-35 entered
service in 2012 with
the US services
operating on Block 1B,
which had a very limited
regime. Gerard Keijsper
gives an insight into the
capability growth of the
F-35 family

upgrades are mostly used by training A total of 64 tests, 42% of the overall
units. The first service to reach Initial mission trial requirement, were to be
Operational Capability (IOC) was the US performed with help of the JSE.
Marine Corps (USMC) with Block 2B on These trials include 11 Defensive
TR1 hardware, followed closely by the US Counter Air, 22 cruise missile defense,
Airforce (USAF) on Block 3i software, on and 31 combined Offensive Counter Air/
TR-2 hardware. The difference between Air Interdiction/Destruction of Enemy
Block 2B and Block 3i was the ICP. Air Defenses trials in operationally
Both services accepted aircraft well representative, dense, defense-in-depth
before development had been completed. scenarios with the latest threat systems
Early F-35s were delivered without any that are not available on open-air ranges,
weapons capability, and most of its according to the Director of Operational
sensors were not usable. To qualify a pilot Test & Evaluation (DOT&E) Nickolas
for the F-35 required six solo flights under H. Guertin. The F-35 is the first fighter
T
Above: Though Alaska he early F-35 Lightning IIs the supervision of instructor pilots. This aircraft to encounter the problem and for
and Greenland have
have come a long way since changed dramatically with the added which something similar was required.
the same weather
conditions, Thule the first were delivered capabilities and software releases. The According to the DOT&E in his fiscal year
Air Base does not before the Block 2B standard SDD phase was considered completed 2022 report, the F-35 program made
have the F-35
upgrades were introduced. in 2019 when the US Navy was also steady progress in 2022 to prepare for
infrastructure USAF/
MSgt Benjamin Since then, there has been able to achieve IOC with Block 3F. the 64 JSE test trials required to complete
Wiseman a huge evolution in technology. As soon as enough F-35s had been IOT&E. It is currently estimated that
The first replacement of the aircraft’s upgraded to the required standard, IOT&E trials will commence at the end of
Integrated Core Processor (ICP) Initial Operational Test and Evaluation August 2023, a date that DOT&E considers
known as Technical Refresh 1 (TR-1) (IOT&E) could start. Yet this long delayed at risk, due to the possibility of further
Below: In January took place before any aircraft were process could not be completed as the discoveries of deficiencies and potential
2023 F-35As deployed delivered. A TR-1 ICP configuration flew ranges available were not big enough to delays in the verification, validation,
to Greenland’s Thule
Air Base. F-35s are for the first time on the SDD (System perform all the proposed tests. For this and accreditation (VV&A) process.
designed to operate Development & Demonstration Mission reason, a Joint Simulation Environment
in both hot desert
and fierce arctic
Systems) Block 0.5 on April 7, 2010. (JSE) was established with which these Foreign operators
conditions USAF/MSgt The older airframes from the first four tests, in conjunction with real aircraft The first two foreign services to receive
Benjamin Wiseman production lots that have gone through flying over ranges, could be performed. their aircraft were the United Kingdom

EXPORT EVOLUTION
Country Number First delivery First in country Initial Operational Capability
Australia 100 F-35A 2014 2018 Dec-20
Belgium 34 F-35A 2023 2025 2029
Canada 88 F-35A 2026 2027
Denmark 27 F-35A 2021 2023 2025
Finland 64 F-35A 2025 2026
Germany 35 F-35A 2026 2027
Israel 50 F-35 2016 2016 Dec-17
Italy 60 F-35A 2016 2016 Dec-18
Italy 30 F-35B 2017 2019
Japan JASDF 105 F-35A 2016 2017 Mar-19
Japan JASDF 42 F-35B 2024/2025
Netherlands 52 F-35A 2013 2019 12/2021
Norway 52 F-35A 2015 2017 Nov-19
Poland 32 F-35A 2024 2026
Singapore 4 F-35B 2026 Not applicable Not applicable
South Korea 60 F-35A 2018 2019 Feb-21
Switzerland 36 F-35A 2027 2028
Turkey 30 F-35A 2018 Not applicable Not applicable BF-4 in the anechoic chamber at NAS
United Kingdom 138 F-35B 2012 2018 Jan-19 Patuxent River during mission systems testing.
It can perform flight tests on the F-35 to test
Potential customers new software configurations from Block 4 and
Czech Republic 40 F-35A troubleshoot issues reported by the fleet without
having to launch the jet Lockheed Martin
Greece 20 F-35A
(three) and Netherlands (two) as they Resolved deficiencies from Block 3F and
wanted to take part in the IOT&E. The
early F-35 from Low-Rate Initial
new capabilities that were required with
urgency or were planned as software-only
THE EO-DAS
Northrop Grumman developed the Electro Optical –
production (LRIP), lot 3 and 4, were updates in Block 4 were added in the Distributed Aperture System (EO-DAS) for the F-35. The
upgraded during depot work so that they newly designated Block 4 30RXX software EO-DAS has six sensors strategically located around the
were up to the required standard. These series. From the moment that hardware aircraft creating a seamless image of what is happening
operators were joined by Australia and would be introduced, the designation around the aircraft. It gives the F-35 pilot an unlimited view
via the Helmet Mounted Display and enables him to cover
Italy, countries that ordered their first jets would be Block 4 40series. Now one of the
his six-o clock position without looking out of the cockpit
as part of LRIP lot 6 in the Block 2B TR-1 rarely talked about problems is cooling. as the information is also available on the tactical display.
standard and they received, respectively, The first of the Block 4 versions was This system was seen as a maintenance-heavy item on
two and three aircraft in that standard. All 30R02.04 used for the formal part of IOT&E the F-35, plus it induced heat – a recurring theme on the
other customers ordered from later which took place from December 2018 to F-35 is a reduction in heat creation. So, when Lockheed
Martin looked at future options, not only in terms of
production lots so received their aircraft September 2019. The second version was
range and reliability, but also cooling, it was decided
in Block 3i standard. 30R04.52, used for more complex open-air it would be evaluated for a replacement. When they
To upgrade these aircraft was simply missions in July 2020. The 30R06.042 announced a deal with Raytheon where performance
a matter of software upgrades. Some had a fix from Block 3F software which would be increased while the cost would be reduced, the
partner nations and other customers prevented an AMRAAM (Advanced deal seemed too good to be true.
that have acquired most of their F-35s
will now receive the remainder of their
jets in the next block capability. It is up
to the partners if they decide to upgrade
their aircraft to the Block 4 standard.
Follow-on modernization
Although IOT&E had not been officially
completed, development of further
capabilities was planned and implemented.
Deficiencies found in the Block 3F were
carried over to Block 4 testing. An initial
list of more than 60 capabilities for
Block 4 was determined in 2016. More
were added in 2020 and 2021 and new
advanced capabilities are under review. Above: AIM-120 fired from the internal weapon bay. Block 3F capability allows
Block 4 had initially been divided over for four internally carried AMRAAMs. Block 4 should take it up to six Matt Short
several sub-blocks designated from Block Left: An image from the Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS). Advanced
EOTS will provide even better images Lockheed Martin
4.1 to 4.4, however, this was changed.

ELECTRO
OPTICAL
TARGETING
SYSTEM
Lockheed Martin developed the Electro
Optical Targeting System (EOTS) for the
F-35 based on the Sniper pod.
Most targeting pods have undergone
modifications or advancements since
the initiation of the F-35 development,
though the EOTS has not been improved
for many years despite being due some
improvement. Lockheed Martin has
announced that an evolutionary
electro-optical targeting system –
advanced EOTS – is available for the F-35’s
Block 4 development.
Designed to replace EOTS, Advanced EOTS
incorporates a wide range of enhancements
and upgrades, including short-wave
infrared, high-definition television, an
infrared marker, and improved image
detector resolution. These enhancements
increase an F-35 pilots’ recognition and
detection ranges, enabling greater overall
targeting performance.
The GBU-38 munition Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile) test

being test flown on a
F-35 CF-2. GBU-38 from being executed. This test was finally
is integrated as a carried out from an F-35C in June 2021.
part of Block 4 TR-2 The 30R07 and 30R08 are the last two
capability Dane
Wiedmann versions so far that have been flown.
One of the first systems that was
installed and seen as a great engineering
feat was the integration on the on the
F-35 of an Advanced Ground Collision
Avoidance System (AGCAS). The F-35
test team won the Collier Trophy for this
achievement. The system was not new as
it had already been used for saving lives
on the F-16. Adaption for use on the F-35
was completed in a very timely manner.
One of the service-prioritized capabilities
that was a technology introduced
following the start of SDD in existing
platforms but was still missing in the
F-35, was a video data link (VDL). The
USMC deputy commandant for aviation
sent a memo to the F-35 program
executive officer (PEO) requesting the
rapid fielding of full motion video for
F-35Bs, deeming the capability “essential
to the way we fight,” in August 2016.
Interim Full Motion Video (IFMV)
is a combination of a video stream
and associated location metadata in
one video file that replaces the F-35B
Combat Training System. Even after
install, IFMV can easily be swapped
with the Combat Training System. IFMV
has a performance threshold range
exceeding 50 nm. Additionally, the system
has interoperability with numerous

INCREASING ground receivers and other aircraft.

The IFMV was ready for delivery to the
out of ten planned SDB II releases required
for declaration of an early operational
COOLING
The Honeywell Power & Thermal
USMC December 2020. Lt Col Mike DiMaria,
Kill Chain Integration Branch materiel
capability for F-35B with software blocks
30R07 and 30R08: five successful releases
leader said: “Not only will IFMV provide of the SDB II from F-35B 30R07 test aircraft
Management System (PTMS) has
the F-35B an indispensable warfighting and three successful releases from F-35B
four modes: self-start mode, main
engine start mode, cooling mode, and capability four years ahead of schedule, 30R08 test aircraft by September 30, 2022.
emergency power mode. The cooling but it will also prove OMS [Open Mission The strangely named Dual Capability
mode is the important element for Systems] as a viable architecture going Aircraft has a unique capability in that
the F-35. The Pratt & Whitney F135 forward, one that enables the acquisition it can operate in a strike mission with a
engine provides 15kW bleed air but
community to deliver upgraded capability nuclear bomb. There are now, besides the
has built-in growth capability. The
PTMS converts the F135 engine bleed faster, and cheaper, than ever before. United States, three other F-35 countries
air into electrical power and cooling. “Open Mission Systems compliance (Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany)
By the end of the Block 3F, the air is now a DoD-wide requirement in all that have a requirement for this capability.
vehicle cooling requirement grew to new platform projects, and the Special The F-35A had its first separation flight
exceed the 15kW bleed air provided
Programs Division will be the first to show with the B61-12 from AF-1 flown by test
by the F135 engine. This meant the
engine had to run hotter and this has a its power. It is essential to the way we pilot Jason Shulze on June 27, 2019. This
detrimental impact on the engine life. fight, not just for USMC, but now for all.” was followed by another separation test,
Once the main engine has been also from AF-1, flown by Maj George
started, the PTMS transitions to the Weapons integration ‘CDIP’ Cannon on August 2, 2019.
cooling mode. In this mode, the
Weapons updates are made as customers There has also been expansion in the
combustor is no longer used and
the PTMS is powered by high-stage want specific options. One of the most JDAM (Joint Direct Attack Munition)
bleed air from the aircraft engine. recent weapons to initiate integration family. The GBU-38/54 have been flown
Block 4 has only increased the problem is the MBDA Meteor air-to-air missile. on the F-35C out of NAS Patuxent River
and, as a result, the amount of bleed air The United Kingdom is pushing for at least since June 2022. A two-store
being provided by the F135 engine was
integration in its F-35Bs while Italy separation took place with the GBU-38
reaching maximum capacity of the PTMS.
Both the F135 and the PTMS needed integrating on its F-35A, opening the JDAM from test aircraft CF-02 piloted by
modification on bleed air capacity. door for many customers to the missile. USMC Lt Col Jay Zarra on September 9,
Stealth aircraft present an engineering Another relatively new weapon is the 2022. Lockheed Martin also gave clear
challenge in that it is not possible to SDB II GBU-53/B Stormbreaker. According indications that a hypersonic weapon
fit them with air scoops or open heat
to the DOT&E, the Navy conducted eight will be integrated during Block 4.
exchangers. Honeywell recognized
early on that it would need to do more
for future operations and it is currently
working on an advanced PTMS for Block 4.
“OPEN MISSION SYSTEMS COMPLIANCE IS NOW
In terms of cooling, it has several
options: air cycle systems and vapor
A DOD-WIDE REQUIREMENT IN ALL
cycle systems are being evaluated, while
another option is heatsink (a passive
NEW PLATFORM PROJECTS”
heat exchanger) which is currently in
use. The primary and secondary heatsink
are fan duct air and fuel. According to
Honeywell, fan air requires more power
input for cooling than a third airstream,
while the most effective cooling source
would be ram air in terms of required
power input. Although Honeywell say
the advanced PTMS is in progress, it is
unclear when it will be introduced.

THE RADAR
The Northrop Grumman AN/APG-81
has been the only radar for the F-35
from the outset. The technology of the
antenna had been tested for robustness
and as such was deemed not to require
any maintenance over the life of the
aircraft. So the news that the AN/APG-
85 radar has been in development for a
while came more or less out of the blue.
The change was deemed necessary
for two reasons: there is never enough
capability and secondly the cooling
factor – a big problem for this stealth
aircraft. The transmitter/receiver
in the AN/APG-81 have gallium
arsenide semiconductors in the
1,676 transmitter/receiver modules,
whereas the AN/APG-85 has gallium
nitride (GaN) semiconductors in the
approximately 1,676 transmitter/
receiver modules. GaN has a
significantly better heat dispersal
ability. This results in either more power
available for increasing detection range
or decreasing the cooling requirements
and maintaining the same level of
capabilities – or a combination of both.
Left: Maj Douglas Rosenstock fires0

an AIM-120 AMRAAM from an F-35B
Lightning IIwith USAF 461st Deadly Jesters
Lockheed Martin photo/Darrin Russel
Below: The CATBird was used for testing
software loads until Block 3F. It is not used
for Block 4 development BAE Systems
It is not clear
how the cooling
requirement for
Block 4 will be
resolved. This is
an Italian F-35B
in Carrier Strike
Group-21 Crown
copyright
The Israeli Air Force has its own test

F-35I used for weapon separation tests
and probably also for Israeli system
integration Israeli Air Force

F-35Bs returning to
the USS America after
conducting routine
operations US Navy
Mass Communication
Specialist 3rd Class
Vance Hand
ELECTRONIC
WARFARE SYSTEM
The F-35 is equipped with the BAE Systems AN/ASQ-239 EWS
(Electronic Warfare System). Although considered as one of the
best systems around, it could be improved and for that reason
Lockheed Martin awarded a modification contract to BAE Systems
with a value of $493 million. A reported 13 updates to the EWS
are to be included in the Block 4 modification. Some hardware
changes (antennas) are probable though it is not confirmed if
these will have to be evaluated in one of the full-scale models
used during System Development & Demonstration at the AFRL
An F-35C Lightning II carrier variant, assigned to the
Salty Dogs of Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 23 facility in Rome, NY. The improvements that are planned are, as a
on USS George Washington (CVN 73) PO3C Bryan Mai matter of course, closely held secrets.
The VFA-147 Argonauts returned from deployment to US 3rd and 7th Fleet areas of operations. The Carl Vinson
CSG is the first carrier strike group to deploy with a combination of fourth and fifth-generation platforms
including the F-35C Lightning IIs of VFA-147 US Navy Mass Communication Specialist FC Emiline L. M. Senn

TR-3 Technical Refresh 3
Lockheed Martin stated in August
2022 that it is in the process of
completing final Software Integration
well as cockpit and helmet displays.
Another part of the TR-3 is the Aircraft
Memory System (AMS). The AMS
houses the operational flight program,
PROPULSION
The most contentious item on the table is a replacement of
the Pratt & Whitney F135 engine. The current engine relies
and Test ahead of delivering flight mission and theatre data, prognostics on two streams of air, the core air and the bypass airstreams
test software to Edwards AFB. TR3 and health data, audio, display video and currently barely fulfils the requirements regarding
Hardware modifications have begun and aircraft parametric data. cooling, though it is the most powerful engine available.
on the developmental test fleet. A new head-down display An upgrade or a replacement will happen, but as mentioned
earlier, the F135 does not have enough bleed air and it is eating up
Lockheed is projecting to have all electronics unit has been ordered
valuable lifetime of the engine. There are three options and each
six TR3 flight test aircraft modified which offers approximately four- has its pros and cons. Two engines have grown out of investments
and operational, conducting flight times the processing capacity by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) in technology
tests in the first quarter of 2023. and 32-times increased memory made since the Adaptive Versatile Engine Technology (ADVENT)
The first flight test with Block 4 40 capacity. All these aforementioned program began in 2007 that in different stages transitioned into
the Adaptive Engine Transition Program (AETP). The AETP goal
series took place with TR-3 hardware on upgrades are compatible with an
was to demonstrate 25% improved fuel efficiency, 10% additional
January 6, 2023. TR-3 is the hardware Open System Architecture which thrust, and improved thermal management for a sixth generation
that allows new capabilities to be the Joint Strike Fighter program fighter. The first engine is the Pratt & Whitney XA101 and the
added. This flight will open the way for office has been evaluating since the second is the General Electric XA100 engine – both have a third
more technologies to be introduced 1990s. These upgrades are planned air stream. The third option is an upgrade of the existing F135
engine, which is called the F135 Enhanced Engine Package (EEP).
on the F-35. Maj Ryan ‘BOLO’ Luersen, a for integration on production lot
Starting with the F135 EEP, upgrades on this engine that
USAF experimental test pilot, piloted the 15, due to roll off the production would allow introductions in all three variants. The upgraded
mission in tail number AF-7, a specially line in the second half of 2023. F135 offers a bigger than 10% increase of F-35 range; similarly
instrumented flight test aircraft and The fact that the development flight thrust would be boosted by more than 10%, improve thermal
the first with TR-3 upgrades installed. test process has only just begun gives management capacity by more than 50%, and the powered
lift of the STOVL F-35B would grow by 5%. Cost of integrating
The main part of TR-3 is the ICP which the development test community at
a new engine would be avoided (the F-16 required a redesign
promises to offer a 25-times increase Edwards AFB and NAS Patuxent River of the inlet for the second engine). According to Pratt &
of computing power. The ICP is the little time since the operational test Whitney, F135 EEP can deliver the needed capability for
‘brains’ of the aircraft, processing data community must also evaluate the Block 4 aircraft faster, more cheaply, and with less risk than
for communications, sensors, electronic new systems before they are handed a new, unproven engine and can cover power and thermal
management system growth to the maximum capability of
warfare, guidance and control, as over to combat coded units. CAJ
the F-35. The disadvantages are that Pratt & Whitney would
maintain its monopoly on the F135. As has been shown with
CAPABILITY GROWTH the F-16 engine, competition gives both manufacturers a
bigger incentive to improve their engines in case of problems.
F-35A envelope F-35B envelope F-35C envelope Prod. lot No. of aircraft The Pratt & Whitney XA101 offering is mostly aimed at 6th
Block 1A TR-1 generation fighter aircraft. The new technology with a third
Not applicable 1, 2 8 F-35A, 6F-35B stream would only be possible for the F-35A. It has been
Block 1B TR-1 reported that the F-35C would require a redesign for the F-35C
tailhook location. Pratt & Whitney confirms that they met the
500 KCAS / 0.9 Mach 400 KCAS / 0.8 Mach
8 F-35A targets set out by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL).
39k ft 39k ft Not applicable 3
9 F-35B General Electric lost out in the F-35 program as its F136
18 deg. AoA 5.5g 18 deg. AoA 4.5g
Block 2A TR-1 engine was cancelled. The competition between the F135
and F136 was foreseen as a repeat of the ‘great engine
550 KCAS / 0.9 Mach 450 KCAS / 0.9 Mach 450 KCAS / 0.9 Mach
8 F-35A war’ from the 1980s that, due to budget choices, did not
40k ft 40k ft 40k ft 4
9 F-35B materialize. Budget constraints still exist, so only one of the
18 deg. AoA 5.5g 18 deg. AoA 4.5g 18 deg. AoA 4.5g
Block 2B TR-1
AETP (Adaptive Engine Transition Program) engines is likely
to be selected for integration in the F-35, giving the newly
700 KCAS / 1.6 Mach 550 KCAS / 1.2 Mach 550 KCAS / 1.2 Mach 40 F-35A
40k ft 40k ft 40k ft 5, 6 9 F-35B
selected engine a clear advantage – and from that moment,
50 deg. AoA 7.0g 50 deg. AoA 5.5g 50 deg. AoA 6.0g 14 F-35C a very real advantage for the next generation fighter.
AIM-120, GBU-12, GBU-31 / GBU-32
So in selection of a new engine, Pratt & Whitney stands to
lose the most. The General Electric XA100 is the second design
Block 3i TR-2
under the AETP. So it is rather telling that the XA100 fits both the
24 F-35A F-35A and F-35C and does not require redesign of the tailhook.
11 F-35A Besides all this, the General Electric AETP engine offers 30% more
range, twice the thermal management and, due to lighter and
Block 3F TR-2
more durable materials, uses a larger than 20% acceleration.
29 F-35A The cost of integrating one of the AETP engines would mean
14 F-35B that a total reduction of 70 F-35As would be required for the
USAF to even out the budget. An interesting situation would
GBU-39, GBU-49, AGM-154C, AIM-9X, ASRAAM
develop if one of the AETP designs would be selected as the
Block 4 TR-2 F-35B would miss out altogether and this considering that
700 KCAS / 1.6 Mach 700 KCAS / 1.6 Mach 700 KCAS / 1.6 Mach 9, 10, 11, shaft-driven lift fan propulsion capability was the start of the
50k ft 50k ft 50k ft 12, 13, winning Lockheed Martin design for the Joint Strike Fighter, it
50 deg. AoA 9.0g 50 deg. AoA 7.0g 50 deg. AoA 7.5g 14
would be odd. The eventual engine upgrade for the F-35B and
30 series, JSM, GBU-38/54, GBU-53/B, B61-12 the choice of engine would impact F-35C operators as the aircraft
Block 4 TR-3 40 series would need to be considered separately, incurring extra cost.
700 KCAS / 1.6 Mach 700 KCAS / 1.6 Mach 700 KCAS / 1.6 Mach The F135 EEP customized for the F-35B would also become a
50k ft 50k ft 50k ft 15, 16, 17 major cost burden on its operators. Even the US Navy has balked
50 deg. AoA 9.0g 50 deg. AoA 7.0g 50 deg. AoA 7.5g about the USAF going it alone with a new propulsion system.
GBU-54 Meteor, SPEAR, AGM-158B-2, AARGM-ER, Hypersonics A decision is due soon and politics will play a major part.

FIRST ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTOR PILOTS
Insert: FAIP’s official emblem is black pirate flag with

skull and crossbones with the words FAIP MAFIA. It can
be modified for specific squadrons, in this case 89th FTS
Above: First Assignment Instructor Pilots fly either T-6
Texan II or T-38 Talon aircraft, some of which have a
special black paint scheme dedicated to the FAIP group
All images Filip Modrzejewski

ONE
STEP
Filip Modrzejewski
visits Sheppard AFB,
Texas to meet First
Assignment Instructor
Pilots (FAIPs) referred
to as Mafia, at the
sprawling facility
BEYOND
Initial disappointment
S
heppard AFB in Texas is instructors, and as a First Assignment
unique in many respects – Instructor Pilot (FAIP) will work alongside A First Assignment Instructor Pilot, as
but seeing pilots from the more experienced colleagues. the name suggests, is a title for those
USAF training alongside To learn more about the FAIP the author assigned to instructor positions, having
those from 14 NATO countries met CJ Gagnon (callsign Horns) and Zac completed their basic training and is
is unusual. It is part of the Lietzau (callsign Flanders) who are both normally a three-year posting. For many,
Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training FAIPs flying T-6A and T-38, respectively. being told they will become a FAIP is
(ENJJPT) program. The number of sorties Grabbing a coffee from the pilot’s hatch, initially a ‘heartbreaking’ moment. The
as well as aircraft is impressive, with we walk along the ramp in the morning author heard this not only from ‘Horns’
student-pilots flying the T-6A Texan sunshine, looking not only at the regular and ‘Flanders’, but from Col Brad Orgeron
II and T-38 Talon aircraft. Many are aircraft, but also at specially-themed FAIP (callsign ‘Narco’), current 80th FTW Wing
destined to become fighter or bomber jets – a perfect backdrop to learn more Commander. “When we were all getting
pilots, but others could also become about their jobs and their everyday life. our assignments after basic training,

all of my friends got the aircraft they bomber track, for example.
Above: Five Talons have a special heritage paint
wanted, like F-15, F-16 or B-1… it was a CJ is at the beginning of her career as scheme (referencing historical units stationed here)
heart- wrenching moment for me, I was a FAIP. She has been teaching students or dedicated to a special group of pilots. A black
disappointed. Especially as I had really here for just six months, while Zac will T-38 has a FAIP paint scheme featuring elements
of ‘digital camo’ as well as the characteristic skull
high ambitions, wanting to fly fighters, soon be leaving the FAIP scheme, having and crossbones on the vertical tail
however looking at that time now, completed two-and-a-half years as an Right: ENJJPT instructors fly many more formation
I couldn’t be more wrong,” he said. instructor. The first few months for FAIPs sorties (due to NATO’s dedicated training program)
compared to other airbases
Despite initial disappointment, each means further training on the Instructor
FAIP I talked to views their experience Course learning how to train students. It’s
positively and sees big advantages in almost like doing the same training again,
the program. Being selected as a FAIP is but this time from a backseat, learning
a kind of compliment– you need to have how to teach various maneuvers, as well
achieved high scores in your training, be in as picking up on errors that students can
at least the first 50% of your class and have make. Training is only one part of this
a good outlook, just as a top instructor phase; it’s also about getting comfortable
should. Moreover, flying intensively and with the aircraft.
often makes you a better pilot and allows “The instructor course helped me to
you to enhance your skills – both the become a better pilot and finally feel
flying as well as interpersonal ones. Thirdly, comfortable with the aircraft. During basic
being a FAIP allows you to reduce stress training we learn a lot and fly solo, but it’s
levels in the aircraft and feel comfortable also related with a lot of changes,” said CJ.
in the cockpit, which translates into “Once you get comfortable with T-6, you’re
enjoying flying more – even if it doesn’t moving to T-38, later you go onto the IFF
look this way at first. (Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals)
course… it’s good to learn a lot, but also
Training again in the back set doesn’t give you the ability to fully get
FAIP pilots instruct for three years and used to an aircraft. Here, during the FAIP
always fly the same type of aircraft (T-6 or course and while teaching, we have much
T-38). Later they will get the assignments more time, flying even more and can
they hoped for, in either the fighter or the reduce the stress and fatigue related with

Above: Not all aircraft have a special dedicated paint scheme. In fact only few wear special colors, the majority of T-6s and T-38s are painted in a traditional scheme.
T-6s are used at the beginning of pilot’s training at Sheppard AFB, with students being taught basic flight mechanisms as well as initial rules, high-g figures and
formation basics, before transitioning to jets Below: CJ Gagnon ‘Horns’ (FAIP, left) during a pre-flight briefing with a student at Sheppard AFB. The FAIPs fly almost
everyday, doing two to three sorties a day
“AFTER BASIC
TRAINING, ALL OF MY
FRIENDS GOT THE
AIRCRAFT THEY
WANTED, LIKE F-15,
F-16 OR B-1… I GOT
T-38. I’M NOT GOING
TO LIE IT WAS A
HEART WRENCHING
MOMENT FOR ME,
I WAS DISAPPOINTED”

flying and constant changes.” CJ’s first morning flight is about pattern and crossbones, which is found not only Above: An
important aspect
FAIPs fly almost daily, doing two to three training with instrument approaches. on the flight suit patches, but also on the of FAIPs, outside
sorties a day, also flying during weekends She goes through the briefing with the tails of specially painted aircraft. There are of flying activities,
for longer navigation or cross-country student pilot, discussing all the tasks also questions about the FAIP MAFIA term is NATO alliance
co-operation. This
missions. Thanks to such an intense before take-off. The student pilot must be – it’s said that FAIP Instructors have very partnership element
schedule, instructors do about 400 flight fully prepared for this part, as well as for high standards and demand a lot from helps to build
hours yearly, which adds up to around the flight; know the required procedures, students, being ruthless in their actions. stronger relations
between pilots from
1,200 to 1,500 hours during the full air space or airspeeds of the aircraft. There These actions are often compared to a different countries
assignment. Col Orgeron told me: “During is no place for mistakes here – if a pilot classic mafioso behavior and that’s why
these three years as FAIP I flew more doesn’t have the required knowledge or a FAIP/pirate flag is often combined with
than in my following 15-year career as makes a bad mistake, the sortie is ‘hooked’ that of FAIP MAFIA.
fighter pilot.” (cancelled) and he or she must come Having completed the briefing, CJ and
The morning’s conversation with CJ and better prepared next time. her student put on the required flight gear
Zac was going really smoothly and including anti-g suit and aircraft harness. Right: CJ ‘Horns’
I especially liked seeing their passion and Mafia time Heading towards the flight line they from 89th Flying
engagement in this topic. Nevertheless, This ruthlessness of instructors is often perform all the pre-flight checks, prepare Training Squadron
is a relatively fresh
the time passes and their day’s flying compared to pirates when they are the cockpit, start up the engine and FAIP pilot, having
schedule is about to begin, so I joined capturing another ship – they have a lack then taxi out for another training sortie. taught students for
them for a briefing and then stayed to of compassion. That is why FAIP’s official FAIP’s mission is not only teaching pilots under a year AFB/
ENJJPT
observe further training tasks. emblem is a black pirate flag with skull how to fly an aircraft or perform specific

Right: Zac Lietzau ‘Flanders’ is
an experienced FAIP with close
to three years flying T-38s out
of Sheppard AFB within 90th
Flying Training Squadron
Right: T-38s – soon to be replaced

by T-7 Red Hawk – are an essential
part of basic pilot training. A
mixed cockpit of digital and analog
instruments enables students to
prepare for a multitude of scenarios
Below right: ‘Flanders’ (left) and
Mario, a student from the Italian
Air Force, about to take part in a
night sortie. FAIPs are responsible
for comprehensive training of pilots
at ENJJPT, including Introduction to
Fighter Fundamentals

maneuvers, but also to score them at Left: The four-ship
formation is one
every phase of briefing and flight, so they of last elements in
know what they should focus on next as training syllabus
well as which elements can be improved. for UPT before
transitioning onto
The strict requirements and constant T-38. Texas and
grading is the reason why they have Oklahoma Military
earned the nickname “mafia”. Operating Areas
(MOAs) are ideal for
various operations
Unique, complex and popular training, with
The FAIP program is popular in each US Air year-round good
weather
Force training base, however in Sheppard
it is unique and complex. Thanks to the
ENJJPT program (which includes NATO
pilots from 14 countries) 46 pilots are
currently assigned as FAIPs – 26 from the
US and 20 from NATO countries (currently
Germany, Netherlands, Belgium and
Denmark). Sheppard instructors also fly
more formation sorties (thanks to the
ENJJPT dedicated training program)
compared to other airbases.
Another important aspect to mention available T-6s and T-38s – of these, four well as US Air Force as a whole.
is that thanks to the NATO alliance co- Texans and five Talons have a special Being an instructor, whether a military
operation – FAIP are training student pilots heritage paint scheme (referring to or civilian one, without doubt helps you
how to work as a team both in the air and historical units stationed there) or to become a better pilot. Being a military
on the ground. This partnership element dedicated to a special group of pilots. A instructor, immediately after basic training
is vital and helps to build even stronger T-6 and T-38 painted in black have FAIP and joining FAIP, is a big challenge for a
relations between pilots from different paint schemes featuring the characteristic pilot, but as the FAIPs I spoke to confirm,
Below: Though for
countries. It also ensures NATO pilots are skull and bones on the vertical tail. These it is rewarding and provides a lot of some it may not
being trained by the best, important if you aircraft grab your attention and are eye- opportunities. Additionally it fosters seem so at first, but
are to become a well-qualified pilot or a catching both on the ground and in the closer co-operation with multinational being selected as
FAIP is viewed as
future instructor at Sheppard AFB. air. The jets attend multiple events in order partners, and will often form bonds that a compliment to a
Pilots at Sheppard AFB fly all the to spread the knowledge about FAIP as are never broken. CAJ pilot’s skills

HEATHROW AIRCRAFT
ENTHUSIASTS’ FAIR
This popular event, now in its 30th year, will feature stalls, buying, selling and exchanging
any aircraft related item. Models, books, magazines, printed matter including postcards,
slides and photographs, DVD’s and memorabilia should all be available in abundance.
SUNDAY 16th APRIL 2023

10.30 - 15.00
KEMPTON PARK RACECOURSE
CUST O M M A D E STAINES ROAD EAST, SUNBURY-ON-THAMES, MIDDX, TW16 5AQ
For local buses see www.tfl.gov.uk or www.traveline.info Adults: £4.00
Nearest Station: Kempton Park (on site) • Massive Free Car Park Children: £2.00
WAT C H ES Bring along your surplus items to sell or exchange!
This event is a MUST for all aircraft enthusiasts
Under 5s Free
FO R YO U R S QUA DRON Enquiries and Stall Bookings:

Carl McQuaide - 07903 848726
Email: [email protected] • www.aircraftenthusiastfair.co.uk
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Writ e f o r K e y !
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012/22
ISRAELI AIR FORCE BOEING KC-707
KC-707 No. 275

refueling Israeli
Air Force C-130H
Hercules transport
aircraft during a
ceremony in 2020
Amit Agronov/Israeli
Air Force

FLYING
GIANTS
PREPARE FOR WAR
Babak Taghvaee looks at how the Israeli Air Force is preparing
its KC-707 tanker fleet for action against Iran’s nuclear sites
T
he Israeli Air Force (IAF) practiced refueling from the aircraft. The
currently operates six Boeing same aircraft, together with three other
KC-707 tanker aircraft KC-707s, also participated in another
which play a strategic role exercise in December 2022 during which
in supporting its fighter pilots practiced landing at Larnaca and
squadrons. With a plan to Paphos International Airports in Cyprus.
be replaced by the KC-46A from 2025,
the aging aircraft in service with the Preparing for airstrike
120 The Desert Giants Squadron at The Iranian Atomic Energy Organization,
Nevatim are now at their highest state Iranian Defence Ministry and the Self-
of readiness in order to take part in Sufficiency Jihad of Islamic Revolutionary
any possible airstrike against Iran’s Guard Corps Aerospace Force (IRGCASF)
nuclear sites at Natanz and Fordow. are working diligently to make it
Despite having five out of the six possible for the Iranian regime to build
operational at any one time, they are the first nuclear cores for installation in
not capable of refueling the fighter jets, re-entry vehicles of IRGCASF’s Sejjil-2
made up of a force of F-15I Ra’am and Medium Range Ballistic missiles. They
F-16I Sufa strike fighters as well as F-35i are also developing the three-stage
Adir stealth fighter jets during any deep solid-fueled Sejjil-3 Intermediate-
strike, Suppression and Destruction range ballistic missile capable of
of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD/DEAD) hitting a target 3,000 miles away.
mission in Iran. To fill this gap, USAF’s Iran-US nuclear talks have halted
KC-10A Extenders and KC-135R/T because the Iranian regime is waiting
Stratotankers, based in Al-Dhafra and for the outcome of the next presidential
Al-Udeid air bases, are likely to be used. election in the US to decide about the
On November 30, 2022, following an fate of the negotiations. Because of that,
agreement between Israel and the US, both the US and Israeli governments
USAF and Israeli Air Force conducted a have threatened Tehran with the use of
joint exercise that involved fighter jets military force if no peaceful resolution
and tanker aircraft of both forces. From for Iran’s nuclear issue not be found.
Israel’s side, KC-707s, F-15Is, F-16Cs, Between November 28 and 30, 2022,
F-16Is and F-35Is and from USAF’s the IAF held an exercise involving more
side, F-16Cs and F-15Es, as well as one than 50 fighter jets, comprising F-16C
KC-135T participated in the exercise. Block 40s, F-16Is, F-15Is and F-35Is.
Previously, before that, 290, one of These fighter jets were refueled by
the IAF KC-707s involved in the exercise four of the five operational KC-707s of
also participated in joint training with the the Desert Giants Squadron, serial
Hellenic Air Force. As part of that, Greek numbers 264, 275, 290 and 295. These
F-16C/D-52+CF pilots of 340 and 343 Mira tankers refueled the fighter jets and

ISRAELI AIR AND SPACE FORCE BOEING KC-707
then their pilots practiced approach Above: KC-707, serial 295, in 2016. This plane had been used for flying Egyptian officials, including former presidents Anwar Sadat and
and landings at Larnaca and Paphos Hosni Mubarak Babak Taghvaee Below: KC-707 No. 260 is the oldest Boeing 707 tanker in Israel, which was previously in the service of
China’s state-owned airline until 1992 Babak Taghvaee
International airports in case of an Iranian
retaliatory strike at Israel, these airports
in Cyprus will be evacuation points for
the Israeli tanker and transport aircraft.
During the exercise, six of the 15 F-16C
Block 50 Fighting Falcons of USAF’s 77th
Fighter Squadron on deployment at
Prince Sultan Air Base of Saudi Arabia
since October 19, 2022 and at least
four F-15E Strike Eagles of USAF’s 389th
Fighter Squadron on deployment at
Shahid Muwaffaq al-Salti Air Base in
Jordan since October 6, 2022 participated.
The F-15Es participated in joint strike
sorties with four F-35I Adir fighter jets
of Israeli Air Force's 116 The Southern
Lions Squadron on November 30.
Each F-15E of USAF’s 389th FS was
armed with four JDAMs comprising
An Israeli Air
one GBU-31(V)1, two GBU-32s and one Force KC-707,
GBU-54. The GBU-31s, equipped with serial 275,
taking part
BLU-117 bunker busting warheads, are
in exercise
capable of penetrating some of Iran's Blue Wings at
underground nuclear sites while the Nörvenich Air
Base, Germany
smaller bombs are suitable to be used
in August
for DEAD and SEAD. These F-15Es also 2020 Babak
carried one AIM-9X Sidewinder and three Taghvaee
AIM-120C AMRAAM air-to-air missiles and
were equipped with two external tanks,
AN/AAQ-13 LANTIRN Navigation pod
and AN/AAQ-33 Sniper Targeting pod.
With the help of LANTIRN, they could fly
as low as possible over the Dead Sea.
On the final day of the exercise on
November 30, a KC-135T Stratotanker
of USAF’s 171st Air-Refueling Wing of
Pennsylvania Air National Guard, serial

A HISTORY
OF THE IAF’S
KC-707 FLEET
In 1971 Israel Aerospace Industries purchased 13 retired
Boeing 707-124s and 131s from Transworld Airlines,
which were 10-12 years old at the time, to convert them
into freighters at its Bedek Aviation branch to sell.
For two years, the Egyptian army attacked Israel
in order to reclaim the Sinai Peninsula during Yom
Kippur. To support the forces stationed in the Sinai,
the Israeli Air Force (IAF) leased two of the 707s.
These were used by the 120th Air Force Squadron,
which at that time, was equipped with C-130E Hercules
and Boeing 377 Stratocruiser medium transport planes
to ferry troops and cargo to and from the Sinai.
The success of the Boeing 707s in this mission led to the
leasing of two more planes by the IAF. These planes were used
for electronic warfare and radio relay until the end of the war.
Finally, on November 4, 1974, the 120th Squadron was
This image shows flight of three Israeli Air Force F-15C and D aircraft with one KC-707 aircraft with officially equipped with Boeing 707s and preparations were
number 290, which was used by the King of Morocco in the past. Yonatan Zalk/ Israeli Air Force made for the retirement of its two Boeing 377s, which had
been in service since 1962. In addition, its Lockheed C-130E
number 58-0045, was flown from Al-Udeid elsewhere in the world. Israel Aerospace Hercules aircraft were transferred to other squadrons.
Air Base. The KC-135T was escorted Industries selected these last Boeing The 120th Squadron, known as ‘International’, also had
six ex-USAF Boeing KC-97G tanker aircraft, which were
by two F-16C-40-CFs of 101st The First 707s for the Israeli Air Force from aircraft
responsible for refueling fighter aircraft such as the F-4E
Fighter Squadron of Israeli Air Force that had logged the least flight hours Phantom II. Their slow speed, age and technical defects
during its entire 39 minutes of flight during their service. This has helped to prompted the IAF to request the purchase of the Boeing
over Israel. These F-16Cs were flown keep them operational as tankers. KC-135 from the US as their replacement aircraft.
from IAF’s 1st Air Base at Ramat David. The low flight hours is due to America opposed the sale of KC-135, which caused
the IAF to use the refueling version of the C-130
In addition to the four KC-707s their former use as VIP aircraft for
transport plane, an aircraft with a limited range and
which participated in the exercise, heads of state around the world. fuel capacity to support the fighter missions.
another example, 272, is operational For example, Boeing 707-366C In 1975, two KC-130H tankers were purchased and put into
but was under maintenance at aircraft serial 295 was the VIP aircraft of operation after delivery from the US in 1976. The number of
Nevatim Air Base. Another KC-707, Egyptian government officials, including these medium-sized tankers was increased to six. The KC-97Gs
were also phased out in 1977 without a suitable replacement.
260, was airworthy until October 31, former president Anwar Sadat.
The first batch of F-16A and B-Fighting Falcons were
2022 and is currently passing heavy Among the five other 707s, three delivered to the IAF in 1980. The fighters were originally
maintenance at IAI facility in Tel Aviv. more were formerly VIP aircraft. ordered before the revolution, based on the order
These planes with the serial numbers of the Imperial Government of Iran during the Peace
KC-707 fleet current status 272, 275 and 295 with the serial A6-HRM, Zebra contract, for use by the Imperial Air Force.
With their delivery to Israel, the air force of this country
Six KC-707s remain in service due to A7-AAA and CN-CCC were operated
required an advanced tanker to support them more than ever.
low flight hours and cycles compared by the Emir of Qatar, Emir of Dubai Finally, in 1985, the Israel Aerospace Industries
with many of their counterparts and King of Morocco respectively. company, after acquiring the necessary knowledge and
abilities, began to convert a Boeing 707 into a refueling
plane. A former Boeing 707-329 of Sabena Airlines,
THE LOW FLIGHT HOURS ARE DUE TO this aircraft was equipped with JTA4 engines.
Since 1982, the IAF has purchased more Boeing 707-
THEIR FORMER USE AS VIP AIRCRAFT FOR 300 series aircraft from Israel Aerospace Industries in
HEADS OF STATE AROUND THE WORLD order to retire its obsolete Boeing 707 series 100 (124
and 131) purchased in 1974. Two of them, type 331C,
from Trans World Airlines, were converted into the
second and third KC-707s with serials 248 and 250.
All three tankers participated in Operation Wooden Leg on
October 1, 1985 to target the headquarters of the Palestine
Liberation Organization near Tunis, the capital of Tunisia.
During this operation, which targeted the building at a
distance of 1,280 miles from Israel, these tankers refueled
eight F-15A/C fighters taking part in the operation.
A total of 30 Boeing 707 aircraft have served the IAF over
the years. Of these, ten were converted into tankers by
Israel’s aerospace industry and five others were converted
into ELINT, SIGINT and airborne command posts.
They were in the service until their roles were
taken by G550 Nachshon Eitam (SIGINT) and
G-V Nachshon Shavit (AEW) aircraft.

ISRAELI AIR AND SPACE FORCE BOEING KC-707
KC-707, serial 275 departing Paphos

International Airport with over a hundred IDF
Special Forces during an exercise in Cyprus on
November 1, 2018 Babak Taghvaee
During their service in the IAF, these the Israeli Ministry of Defence finally Each of the IAF’s Boeing 707s has
tankers have played an important submitted a request to the Pentagon a fuel consumption of 5,500 liters
role in dozens of operations against for the purchase of two KC-46A tankers, per hour, compared with only 4,500
the Syrian Arab Army, the Quds with the possibility of ordering two liters per hour for a KC-46A built on
Force of the IRGC and its proxies. more, on December 30, 2021, these the Boeing 767-200ER platform.
They also played an important role in planes were intended to replace 260 and Below: Two Israeli Air Lower fuel consumption, along with the
recent wars such as Lebanon in 2006, 264, two KC-707s of the IAF, in 2025. Force F-16C Block 40s ability to carry three times more fuel than
as well as operations such as Guardian Finally, on September 1, 2022, the prior to dry contact the Boeing 707, makes KC-46 capable
with the refueling
of the Walls, which was carried out in Pentagon announced that Israel’s request boom of the sole of refueling more fighter jets during
the spring of 2021 in order to destroy was approved and subsequently a USAF KC-135T which military operations and reduces the
the arsenal of rockets of Hamas and $927m foreign military sales contract participated in a joint number of tankers participating in them.
drill on November 30,
the Palestinian Islamic Jihad in Gaza. with Boeing for the provision of 2022 USAF/ Staff Sgt However delivery of the four KC-46As
four KC-46As to Israel was inked. Kirby Turbak in 2025 will significantly enhance strike
Fleet’s future with KC-46As
During the Chariots of Fire exercise, which
was conducted for a month to simulate
a full-scale battle between the Israel
Defence Forces and the IRGC’s Quds Force
and its regional and extra-regional allies
this year, the IAF deployed three to four
operational Boeing refueling aircraft.
The lack of tanker aircraft prompted the
US to fly a USAF KC-10A Extender aircraft
over the country on May 18, 2022, at the
request of the Israeli Ministry of Defence.
This heavy tanker aircraft, 86-0030,
provided the opportunity for a number
of Israeli fighter pilots to practice and
familiarize themselves refueling with this
type of aircraft in case there were to be a
full-scale war with Lebanon’s Hezbollah.
Some Israeli media claimed that this plane
was involved in simulating an attack on
Iran’s nuclear facilities, which a United
States Central Command (CENTCOM)
spokesperson denied at that time.
After years of planning and negotiations,

“THIS EXERCISE SHOWCASES OUR
COMMITMENT TO PARTNERING WITH
ISRAEL TO COUNTER THREATS TO
REGIONAL SECURITY AND STABILITY”
capability of IAF but by that time, Iran USAF KC-135T tanker participated The Commander of AFCENT (Allied Forces Above: A formation
flight of four Israeli
may have several nuclear weapons such in the joint air drill with Israel and Central Europe), Lt Gen Alexus Grynkewich, F-35Is with four USAF
as Sejjil-2/3 solid-fueled ballistic missiles simulated refueling Israeli fighter jets. noted the strong partnership between F-15Es during the last
with hypersonic re-entry vehicles each “This bilateral exercise demonstrates AFCENT and the IAF. He commented: “This day of a joint exercise
on November 30, 2022
capable of carrying a nuclear warhead. CENTCOM’s commitment to regional exercise showcases our commitment to Amit Agronov/ Israeli
Therefore, in case of any Israeli airstrike security,” said Gen Michael ‘Erik’ Kurilla, partnering with Israel to counter threats Air Force)
against Iranian nuclear sites in the commander of US Central Command. to regional security and stability.
following months, only USAF KC-135R/ “CENTCOM routinely demonstrates “The Israeli Air Force provides tremendous
Ts and KC-10As based in Al-Udeid the ability to rapidly insert combat deterrent capability and capacity
and Al-Dhafra air bases in Qatar and airpower into operations and exercises throughout the Middle East region, and
UAE respectively can meet the needs with our partners, and our ability we’ll continue to build opportunities to
of IAF for more tanker aircraft. to do the same across all domains improve our integrated defenses and
This is why, on November 30, a decisively is a powerful deterrent.” ability to project combined airpower.” CAJ
KC-707, serial 264, is one of the two tankers of the Israeli Air Force that can also be used as an airborne command post.
Note the many antennae on the top and bottom of its body Babak Taghvaee
THE LAST SIX KC-707S OF ISRAELI AIR FORCE

Serial Delivery to
Model Con. No. Engine Type First Flight Former Operator
No. IAF
Boeing 707-3J6B 260 20716/880 JT3D-7 s2 15/03/1974 1993 Air China
Boeing 707-3J6C 264 20721/875 JT3D-7 s2 15/12/1973 1993 Air China
Boeing 707-366C 295 20919/888 JT3D-7 s2 19/07/1974 2009 Arab Republic of Egypt
Boeing 707-3L6C 272 21096/900 JT3D-7 s2 20/05/1975 1996 Dubai Air Wing
Boeing 707-3P1C 275 21334/923 JT3D-3B s2 20/06/1977 1999 Qatar Amiri Flight
Boeing 707-3W6C 290 21956/941 JT3D-3B s2 27/11/1979 2001 Moroccan Government

JUST A NICE PIC // APRIL 2023
Next month’s Just a Nice Pic competition

Would you like to be the next person winning images also have the chance keypublishing.com. The deadline for the
to see your photograph published in of being featured in the CAJ Global April 2023 issue is March 17, 2023.
Combat Aircraft Journal? Enter our Just A Airpower Calendar 2024. You can send T&Cs: Unlimited entries per person.
Nice Pic competition right now! a maximum of three images with a The prize is to be published and
Each month, the editor will select detailed description for each. The only credited in the best-selling aviation
the finest image submitted by our rule is that your photos must depict magazine in the USA – no prize fund is
readers to feature across a double-page modern military aircraft in action. provided. Deadlines for entries will be
spread in the magazine, along with the Please do not include watermarks. provided every month via CAJ social
photographer’s name and caption. All Send your images to josef.campion@ media posts. CAJ
STORMING
64
THE FORTRE
April 2023 // www.Key.Aero
And the
winner is…
Thomas Backus, from Arizona,
with this stunning image of a B-52
Bomber on approach to Nellis Air
Force Base, Nevada, in moody
conditions during
Red Flag 23-1.
RESS www.Key.Aero // April 2023 65

#33
STATE
REPORT NEW MEXICO
HIGH DESERT
OPERATORS
Tom Kaminski continues our State Report series, focusing on New Mexico, also known as the ‘Land of Enchantment’
T
he desert southwest state of the west. To the northeast it is adjoined Socorro, on the Alamogordo Bombing and
New Mexico was originally by Oklahoma and Texas to the east and Gunnery Range, which is now part of US
a Spanish colony but joined southeast. It shares an international Army White Sands Missile Range. The state
the United States in 1848 border with Mexico's Chihuahua and still has a significant US military presence
following the Mexican War. Sonora states on the southwest. Much of Below: A US Air Force that includes, Kirtland, Holloman and
New Mexico became the the area is considered high desert because AC-130J Ghostrider Cannon Air Force Bases (AFB), the White
assigned to the 17th
US’s 47th state on January 6, 1912 and 80% of the land is higher than 4,000ft Special Operations Sands Missile Range, and the Sandia and
although the fifth largest it ranks 36th above sea level. Squadron, Cannon Air Los Alamos National Laboratories.
in population. New Mexico hosted several key Force Base, departs
Yokota Air Base,
Dubbed the ‘Land of Enchantment’ facilities of the Manhattan Project, which Japan, on November Santa Fe
due to its remarkable scenery, it is one developed the world's first atomic bomb, 16, 2022. The Located at the 2,128-acre Santa Fe
of the Mountain States of the southern and was the site of the first nuclear Ghostrider was taking Regional Airport, the New Mexico Army
part in exercise Keen
Rocky Mountains and shares borders with test. Code-named Trinity, the test was Sword 23 National Guard Aviation Support Facility
Colorado to the north and Arizona on conducted in the desert southeast of USAF/Yasuo Osakabe (AASF) is home to three flight companies.

Owned and operated by the city of operate the Sikorsky UH-60A/L in the air
Santa Fe, the airport opened in 1941 and ambulance role. NEW MEXICO
is the second busiest in New Mexico. A single fixed wing Beechcraft King
Situated around ten miles southwest of Air C-12V is assigned to Detachment 44,
downtown Santa Fe, the 22-acre AASF is Company A, 2nd Battalion 245th Aviation
on the northwest corner of the airport. Regiment. It is also known as Operational
The facility supports Company G(-), 2nd Support Airlift Activity Detachment 6.
Battalion 149th Aviation Regiment, which The main body of Company A is located
is responsible for detachments in Phoenix, in Rhode Island and the battalion
Arizona and Springfield, Missouri and headquarters is in Oklahoma City,.
reports to the 2nd battalion in Grand
Prairie, Texas. Kirtland AFB
Additionally, it supports Company G(-), Sharing its runways with the Albuquerque
1st Battalion 168th Aviation Regiment, International Sunport, the 52,000-acre
which has detachments in Boise, Idaho, Kirtland AFB is managed by the Air
and at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Force Global Strike Command’s 377th
Washington, which is also home to the 1st Air Base Wing, which serves as the host
battalion headquarters. Both companies unit. Originally known as Oxnard Field it
opened as a civil airfield in 1929 but was

acquired by the US Army in May 1942. The
service had activated the Albuquerque
Army Air Base earlier in April 1941. It was
renamed Kirtland Field in February 1942,
honoring Colonel Roy C. Kirtland, an
C-12V operated by the New Mexico Army National Guard awaits its first mission after arriving Army aviation pioneer, and assumed its
in Kuwait in August 2016. Normally based at the Army Aviation Support Facility in Santa Fe, current name on January 13, 1948. Tenants
the King Air is operated by Operational Support Airlift – Activity Detachment 44 US Army
include the Air Force Operational Test

#33
STATE
REPORT NEW MEXICO
and Evaluation Center, Air Force Research Bottom: New Mexico The 415th SOS ‘Nightstalkers’ trains as the ‘Flying Skulls’, the squadron was
Army National Guard
Laboratory and the Air Force Nuclear aircrew for the HC-130J combat rescue originally activated as the 512th SOS and
UH-60A+ from
Weapons Center. Company G(-), 1st and MC-130J special operations aircraft. assumed its current identity in October
The 58th SOW replaced the 542nd Crew Battalion, 168th Three HC-130Js and five MC-130Js are 2020. The 512th RQS initially received
Aviation Regiment,
Training Wing as the special operations normally assigned to the squadron, which seven HH-60Ws and current plans call for
departs from a high-
and combat rescue formal training elevation landing zone has been assigned to the 58th SOG since 14 of the combat rescue helicopters to
unit (FTU) in April 1994. It is currently in the northern New September 2011. be assigned.
Mexico mountains,
responsible for seven different weapon Aligned under the OG since April 1994, Reporting to the 58th OG since
September 16, 2020
systems comprising the Bell TH-1H, UH- US Army National the 512th RQS trains crews to operate the April 1994, the 23rd FTS conducts the
1N and Sikorsky HH-60G/W helicopters, Guard/SSgt UH-1N, HH-60G and HH-60W helicopters. specialized undergraduate pilot training-
Oscar Valdez
CV-22B tiltrotor and the HC-130J and Twin Hueys are operated by units assigned helicopter (SUPT-H) mission with the TH-
MC-130J variants of the Hercules. The Below: HH-60G to AETC, the Pacific Air Forces (PACAF), 1H at Fort Rucker, Alabama. Known as the
wing received the USAF’s first operational serial 88-26117 Air Force Global Strike Command and Huey II the USAF’s updated TH-1Hs were
from the 58th
CV-22B in March 2006 and the first HC- the Air Force District of Washington. The acquired from the US Army and entered
Special Operations
130J and MC-130J arrived in September Wing’s 512th Rescue USAF’s HH-60G Pave Hawk and HH-60W service in 2008.
and October 2011. The HH-60W formal Squadron, refuels Jolly Green II combat rescue helicopters Based at Fairchild AFB, Washington,
from a HC-130J on a
training program began following are flown by several major commands the 36th RQS supports the USAF Survival
training mission on
the arrival of the first Jolly Green II in April 19, 2019 including Air Combat Command, US Air School with four Bell UH-1N helicopters.
December 2020. USAF/SSgt Forces in Europe, Pacific Air Forces (PACAF), Reporting to the New Mexico ANG’s
Dylan Nuckolls
AC-130J training will be realigned from the Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC) 150th SOW via the 150th OG, the 188th
Hurlburt Field, Florida, to Kirtland once and Air National Guard (ANG). Known RQS ‘Tacos’ support training efforts carried
new facilities have been constructed.
Although plans had called for the
assignment of seven Ghostriders to
the base the total will likely be reduced
following the USAF’s decision to reduce
procurement from 37 to 31 aircraft.
The wing’s 58th Operations Group
(OG) is responsible for five flying
squadrons that include the 71st and
415th SOS, the 512th Rescue Squadron
(RQS) at Kirtland and two Geographically
separate units (GSUs) that comprise the
36th RQS and the 23rd Flying Training
Squadron (FTS).
Assigned to the 58th OG since May 2005,
the 71st SOS is tasked as the FTU for the
CV-22B and has eight Ospreys assigned.

base was named to honor the late Gen
John K Cannon, former commander of the
Air Training Command, US Air forces in
Europe and Tactical Air Command.
Although the airport began as small
civilian passenger facility in the 1920s,
Portair Field later became known as Clovis
Municipal Airport. Military operations
resulted in the establishment of the
Clovis Army Airfield in September 1942.
Inactivated in May 1947, it reopened in
July 1951 as Clovis AFB. Found eight miles
west of Clovis, the 3,789 acre base took on
its current name on June 8, 1957.
Although it served as a fighter base
from 1959 until 2007, today Cannon
hosts the Air Force Special Operations
Command’s (AFSOC) 27th Special
Operations Wing (SOW).
The wing’s 27th Special Operations
Group (SOG) is responsible for ten flying
squadrons that conduct infiltration/
out by the 58th SOW as an associate unit. Air & Marine Operations. Operating Above: HC-130J exfiltration, combat support, aerial
It trains special operations and combat several modified Beechcraft King Airs, serial 09-0109 from refueling, close air support (CAS),
the 58th Special
search and rescue crews through total the NASOC provides tactical, operational Operations Wing’s unmanned air system (UAS) operations,
force integration. The unit, which originally and strategic intelligence to DHS and 415th Special non-standard aviation (NSAV) and other
received federal recognition in July 1947, other federal law enforcement agencies. Operations Squadron special missions. The units include the
operates over New
until recently it operated one Fairchild Operating throughout the US, Puerto Rico Mexico during a 3rd, 6th 9th, 12th, 16th, 20th, 33rd, 310th
RC-26B in support of ANG counter drug and internationally, the aircrew gather training mission and 318th Special Operations Squadrons
operations but the aircraft has been and disseminate real-time intelligence Jim Haseltine and the 56th Special Operations
retired as part of the USAF’s plans to associated with narcotics and human Below: UH-1N Intelligence Squadron.
sunset the Condor fleet. smuggling and terrorist threats. serial 69-6665 from Although based at Cannon, the 26th
Assets assigned to the US Department the 58th Special Special Tactics Squadron is a GSU of the
Operations Wing’s
of Homeland Security (DHS) are also Cannon AFB 512th Rescue 24th SOW’s 720th Special Tactics Group at
located at Kirtland. The National Air Referred to as the ‘Western Home of Squadron conducts a Hurlburt Field, Florida. Activated in April
Security Operations Center Albuquerque America’s Air Commandos’, Cannon AFB is training mission near 2014, the unit is responsible for Cannon’s
Kirtland AFB in central
(NASOC) is a component of the US located on the high plains of eastern New New Mexico Special Tactics Officers (STO), Combat
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Mexico, near the Texas panhandle. The Jim Haseltine Controllers (CCT), Pararescuemen (PJ),

#33
STATE
REPORT NEW MEXICO
deliver precision guided munitions
including AGM-114 Hellfire and AGM-176
Griffin missiles, GBU-39 Small Diameter
Bombs and GBU-69 Small Glide Munitions.
The 16th has been stationed at Cannon
AFB since June 2009. Nicknamed ‘Jackals’,
the 17th SOS was activated at Cannon on
October 1, 2021 and also operates
the AC-130J.
The primary missions assigned to the AC-
130J are close air support, air interdiction
and armed reconnaissance and overwatch.
It delivers precision low-yield munitions
Combat Rescue Officers (CRO). special operations forces (SOF) by airdrop Above: An MC-130J against ground targets and provides
Based at Cannon since June 2008, the or air-land and are capable of operating in Commando II aircraft ground forces an expeditionary, persistent
takes off during
3rd SOS ‘Dragons’ operates the General politically sensitive or hostile territories. Exercise Coyote direct-fire platform, ideally suited for urban
Atomics MQ-9A Reaper. The Reaper is an Launch and recovery of the unmanned Dicer on Melrose operations.
armed, multi-mission, medium-altitude, MQ-9A Reaper aircraft is the job of the AIr Force Range, Nicknamed the ‘Green Hornets’ the
October 7, 2021.
long-endurance remotely piloted aircraft 12th SOS. Whereas the Reaper Mission The biannual event 20th SOS is one of four AFSOC squadrons
(RPA). It is primarily employed by AFSOC Control Element (MCE) squadrons are not provides ground-air that fly the Bell-Boeing CV-22B Osprey
against dynamic targets and secondarily necessarily forward deployed with the air integration training tiltrotor. The Osprey conducts long-range
for specialized
as an intelligence collection platform. vehicles, the 12th SOS deploys to locations airpower components infiltration, exfiltration and resupply
Although previously tasked with the where it can control the aircraft during at Cannon AFB missions for special operations forces. The
aviation foreign internal defense (AVFID) take-off and landing using line of sight USAF/Staff Sgt squadron has been based at Cannon since
Candin Muniz
mission, Cannon’s newest squadron communications. Activated at Cannon on relocating from Hurlburt Field, Florida, in
was assigned on October 6, 2022 when February 12, 2015, the squadron was the December 2009.
the 6th SOS relocated from Duke Field, first of its kind in the USAF. Operating the MQ-9A, the 33rd SOS was
Florida. It is now one of two squadrons Known as ‘Spectre’, the 16th SOS recently activated at Cannon on May 29, 2009.
within the 27th SOG that operates the transitioned from the AC-130W Stinger to Among the USAF’s oldest squadrons, it
Lockheed Martin MC-130J Commando II. the AC-130J Ghostrider. The first AC-130J traces its history to the activation of the
The first Commando II arrived at Cannon was delivered to Cannon on July 19, 33rd Aero Squadron at Camp Kelly, Texas,
in September 2011. 2021 and the wing received the last of Below: The first in May 2017.
The 9th SOS was known as the 522nd the USAF’s 31 Ghostriders on November AC-130J, for the 27th The 310th and 318th SOS operate the
SOS until being reflagged on December 3, 2022. The 16th formally retired the Special Operations single-engine Pilatus U-28A turboprop,
Wing’s 16th Special
9, 2014. Also tasked with operating the AC-130W during ceremonies that took Operations Squadron, which is based on the Pilatus PC-12
MC-130J, it is nicknamed ‘Night Wings’. place on June 1, 2022. The final Stinger arrives at Cannon AFB airframe. AFSOC’s 30 Dracos provide an
The MC-130J squadrons fly clandestine, II departed Cannon on July 13, 2022 at the conclusion of on demand/surge capability and deliver
its delivery flight. The
or low visibility, single or multiship, low- when serial 90-1058 was flown to Davis- wing’s 27th Special intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance
level air refueling missions for special Monthan AFB, Arizona. Operations Group is and targeting (ISR&T) in support of
operations helicopters and tiltrotor The gunships feature a complex responsible for two special operations forces. The aircraft
AC-130J squadrons
aircraft. Additionally, they are tasked with weapons suite that enables them to USAF/SSgt are equipped with electro-optical/
infiltration, exfiltration and resupply of employ 30mm and 105mm guns and Peter Reft infrared (EO/IR) sensors and a robust

communications suite. Respectively NEW MEXICO STATE REPORT
activated at Cannon on May 4, 2021 and
Location Command Unit Aircraft Tail Code Notes
May 2, 2008, the two squadrons also
operate a small number of standard Santa Fe Regional Airport
PC-12s that serve as proficiency trainers AASF
Det. 6 A/2-245th AVN/OSA-A Det. 44 C-12V
(New Mexico Amy National Guard)
and can be used for light airlift missions.
G(-)/2-149th AVN (AA) UH-60A/L
The AFSOC fleet currently includes five G(-)/1-168th AVN (AA) UH-60A/L
PC-12s. The 310th SOS had previously
Kirtland AFB
flown the Gulfstream Aerospace C-37A as
58th Special Operations Wing /
part of the 6th Air Mobility Wing at MacDill 71st Special Operations Squadron (FTU) CV-22B {1}
Operations Group
AFB, Florida, until it was inactivated in 415th Special Operations Squadron (FTU) HC/MC-130J
September 2019. 512th Rescue Squadron (FTU) HH-60G/W, UH-1N
Covering more than 70,000 acres and 188th Rescue Squadron (FTU) RC-26B {2}
Operations Group
providing 2,500 sq miles of special use
Cannon AFB
airspace, the Melrose Air Force Range
(AFR) is located outside the town of 3rd Special Operations Squadron MQ-9A
Special Operations Group
Melrose, approximately 25 miles west of 6th Special Operations Squadron MC-130J
Cannon AFB. It was first used by the USAF 9th Special Operations Squadron MC-130J
in 1952. Although the service initially 12th Special Operations Squadron MQ-9A LRE
16th Special Operations Squadron AC-130J
leased the land from the State of New
17th Special Operations Squadron AC-130J
Mexico and private landowners, today, the 20th Special Operations Squadron CV-22B
US government owns most of the Melrose 33rd Special Operations Squadron MQ-9A
AFR, which is managed by the 27th SOW. 310th Special Operations Squadron U-28A, PC-12
Equipped with target arrays, military 318th Special Operations Squadron U-28A, PC-12
operations in urban terrain (MOUT) sites, Holloman AFB
landing zones, bomb impact areas, threat 49th Wing / Operations Group 6th Attack Squadron (FTU) MQ-9A HO {3}
simulators, weapons scoring systems the 9th Attack Squadron (FTU) MQ-9A HO
range provides a realistic training facility 29th Attack Squadron (FTU) MQ-9A HO
54th Fighter Group 8th Fighter Squadron (FTU) F-16C/D (Block 42) HO
for ground and air force general purpose
311th Fighter Squadron (FTU) F-16C/D (Block 42) HO
and special operations forces. 314th Fighter Squadron (FTU) F-16C/D (Block 42) HO
944th Fighter Wing / Operations Group Det. 1 F-16C/D (Block 42) HO {4}
Holloman AFB 704th Test Group 586th Flight Test Squadron T-38C, C-12F/J HT
Established in 1942 as Alamogordo 53rd Wing / 53rd Weapons Evaluation Group Det.1 82nd ATRS QF-16A/C HD
Army Air Field, Holloman AFB is in the 926th Wing / 726th Operations Group 429th Attack Squadron (FTU) MQ-9A HO {5}
US Army White Sands Missile Range Range Operations Directorate JC-12D, UH-60L
heart of the Chihuahua Desert near the
Las Cruces International Airport
White Sands Missile Range and the City
LAASF
of Alamogordo. Initially designed to C(-)/3-140th AVN (S&S) UH-72A/B
(New Mexico Amy National Guard)
support the British Overseas Training Notes:
program, after World War Two, the base {1} GSUs at Fort Rucker, Alabama, and Fairchild AFB, Washington
{2} 188th RQS supports training as an associate unit alongside the 58th SOW
became a premier facility for developing
{3} GSUs in Syracuse, New York and March ARB, California
and testing guided missiles and pilotless {4} AETC gained associate unit operates F-16C/D in support of 49th Wing at Holloman AFB, New Mexico
aircraft and has been called the ‘Birthplace {5} 429th ATKS operates MQ-9 assigned to the 49th Wing as an associate unit
A PC-12 Draco from 27th Special Operations Wing’s

318th Special Operations Squadron conducts a touch-
and-go landing at Truth or Consequences Municipal
Airport, New Mexico on January 24, 2019. Serial
06-60692 is one of five PC-12s carried on the Air force
Special Operations Command’s inventory
USAF/A1C Vernon R Walter III

#33
STATE
REPORT NEW MEXICO
It flew the MQ-1 Predator UAS until 2017
when it transitioned to the Reaper. The
squadron assumed its current designation
on May 15, 2016.
Activated at Holloman in October 2012,
the 9th ATKS ‘Flying Knights’ is the second
of two Predator squadrons under the 49th
OG. It assumed its current identity when
the 9th FS was redesignated.
The first Reaper flight was conducted
from Holloman by instructors from
Detachment 3, 432nd OG on October 1,
2009. Redesignated as the 29th ATKS later
that month, the squadron is known as the
‘Ghost Warriors’.
Holloman assumed a new role training
of America’s Missile and Space Activity’. that report to the 49th OG include three Above: The 586th F-16 pilots in March 2014 when the
It was named to honor Colonel George attack squadrons (ATKS). The OG is also flight Test Squadron 54th Fighter Group (FG) was activated.
conducts a test
Holloman, a pioneer in aircraft automatic responsible for the 491st ATKS and 492nd flight of a Sniper Although the mission had been assigned
landing systems and remotely piloted ATKS. The GSUs are active associate units Advanced Targeting to Luke AFB, Arizona, it was gradually
aircraft in 1948. Air Education Training that are located alongside Air National Pod installed on relocated to Holloman as part of a plan to
C-12J serial 86-0080
Command’s (AETC) 49th Wing is currently Guard Predator units in Syracuse, New at Holloman AFB in make room for additional F-35As as the
the base’s host wing. Holloman was home York and March Air Reserve Base in March 2016. The Lightning II FTU mission expanded.
to the USAF’s Lockheed Martin F-117A California. squadron operates The group reported as a GSU to the 56th
four T-38Cs and
Nighthawk stealth fighters from 1992 until The 49th Wing’s 54th Fighter Group single examples of FW at Luke AFB until October 2018 when
2008 and the 49th flew the F-22A from conducts training with the Lockheed the Beechcraft C-12F it was realigned under the 49th Wing.
2008 until 2014. Martin F-16C/D. Its three fighter and C-12J Delivering F-16 initial, requalification,
USAF
Today, the 49th Wing is the only active squadrons (FS) operate the Block 42 senior officer and instructor training,
duty FTU for USAF Unmanned Air Systems version of the Fighting Falcon. the 54th FG provides instruction to
and trains General Atomics MQ-9A Three squadrons aligned under the around 180 students annually. Activated
Reaper pilots, sensor operators, and 49th OG serve as FTUs for the MQ-9A, on August 4, 2017, the 8th FS ‘Black
maintenance technicians. The and train pilots and sensor Sheep’ was the newest squadron to join
‘Fighting 49ers’ wing has been operators for the Reaper. the group.
assigned to AETC’s 19th Air The 6th ATKS ’Hawks’ was Known as the ‘Sidewinders’, the 311th
Force since October 1, 2018. first activated as the FS was activated at Holloman as the first
It had been a component 6th Reconnaissance squadron under the 54th FG on March
of Air Combat Command Squadron (RS) at 1, 2014. It had previously been tasked
prior to the transfer. Holloman in to train Foreign Military Sales customers
Flying units at Holloman October 2009. to operate the F-16C/D at Luke until

F-16C serial 88-0548 and 88-0514 from the 311th and 314th Fighter
Squadrons conduct a training flight near Holloman AFB. The units plus the
8th Fighter Squadron are formal training units for the Fighting Falcon
Jim Haseltine
deactivated in September 1995. Below: One of four comprise four Northrop Grumman T-38Cs Florida, Detachment 1, 82nd Aerial Targets
modified T-38Cs
Activated at Holloman on July 14, 2015, operated by the 586th and single examples of the Beechcraft Squadron operates QF-16 full-scale aerial
the 314th FS ‘Warhawks’ was also based Flight Test Squadron, C-12F and C-12J. It is primarily tasked targets (FSAT) that support Department
at Luke, where it conducted F-16 training serial 63-8187 taxies with conducting flight tests of advanced of Defense research, development and
at the Alpena Combat
from October 1986, until inactivated on Training Center, weapons and avionics systems. It supports test projects at the WSMR. ‘Team Target’
April 1, 1994. Michigan, during the testing of guidance systems, laser systems, operated the USAF’s last McDonnell
Several tenant organizations also call Global Information air-to-air/air-to-ground systems, long- Douglas Phantoms but retired the final
Dominance
the 59,639-acre base home. Reporting to Experiment 3 on July range and stand-off weapons and live QF-4Es in December 2017.
the Air Force Material Command’s Arnold 15, 2021. Known as warheads and provides target and photo/ Air Force Reserve Command assets
Engineering Development Complex, the ‘Roadrunners’, the safety chase. Testing is primarily carried at Holloman include Detachment 1,
squadron is based at
(AEDC) at Arnold AFB, Tennessee, as a GSU, Holloman AFB. The out over the nearby White Sands Missile 944th Operations Group, which provides
the 704th Test Group is responsible for the Talon wore a paint Range (WSMR). instructor pilots that are integrated with
586th Flight Test Squadron. Known as the scheme honoring the Reporting to Air Combat Command’s the 54th FG’s three FTU squadrons. The
586th Bombardment
‘Roadrunners’ the squadron is equipped Squadron 53rd Wing via the 53rd Weapons GSU is a component of the 944th Fighter
with several specially modified aircraft that USAF/Tom Hill Evaluation Group (WEG) at Tyndall AFB, Wing at Luke AFB.

#33
STATE
REPORT NEW MEXICO
Cruces, and 40 miles west of Alamogordo, Left: QF-16C serial
New Mexico and 45 miles north of El Paso, 85-1562 operates in
manned configuration
Texas. The tri-service Army installation, on a mission over
conducts defense-related testing for the US Army White
all military services, along with private Sands Missile Range.
The full scale aerial
industry and allied nations. Established as targets are operated
the White Sands Proving Ground in July by Detachment 1,
1945, the facility assumed its current title 82nd Aerial Targets
Squadron at Holloman
in May 1958. AFB Jim Haseltine
WSMR is home to the White Sands
Test Center (WSTC), which conducts
developmental testing for a variety of
Army systems, including rockets and
missiles, unmanned air systems and
directed energy systems. Two airfields
located within the borders of the WSMR
comprise Stallion Army Airfield (AAF) and
Reporting to the 926th Wing’s 726th Beechcraft JC-12D that support research, Condron AAF. The two are respectively
OG as a GSU, the 429th ATKS ‘Hunters’ development, test, evaluation (RDT&E) located on the northwest corner and the
is a classic associate unit. Its supports efforts on the WSMR. Serial 80-23378 had southeast portion of the WSMR around
three active duty MQ-9A formal training previously served as an RC-12D Guardrail four miles from the Main Post area.
squadrons by providing instructor pilots, intelligence aircraft. Below: A maintainer
chocks an MQ-9A
sensor operators and mission intelligence Las Cruces assigned to the 49th
co-ordinators. The squadron was activated White Sands Missile Range The Las Cruces International Airport is Wings’ 29th Attack
at Holloman on November 19, 2013 as Bordering Holloman AFB to the east home to a newly constructed National Squadron after
landing at Naval Air
the 429th Air Combat Training Squadron and the 600,000-acre McGregor Range Guard Limited Army Aviation Support Station Point Mugu,
and assumed its current identity on complex at Fort Bliss on the southeast, Facility (LAASF) that opened in March California, during
October 24, 2016. the White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) 2022. The city-owned, public, 2,193-acre a routine training
exercise on April 16,
Although a component of White is the US Army’s largest over-land test airport is in the southern part of central 2021. The 29th is one
Sands Test Center at the WSMR. the US installation. Its land area spans 3,200 sq New Mexico nine miles west of Las of three squadrons at
Army Range Operations Directorate’s miles, which is roughly the size of the Cruces. It was built by the Civil Aviation Holloman AFB, serving
as training units for
Army Air Division is responsible for states of Rhode Island and Delaware. The Administration under the Development of the Reaper USAF SrA/
six UH-60A/L Black Hawks and a single headquarters area is 20 miles east of Las Landing Areas for National Defense Kristin Weathersby

Above: UH-72B serial 20-72468 arrives at the Limited Army Aviation Support program in 1942 as an auxiliary field to California, Company C is responsible for a
Facility at Las Cruces International Airport at the conclusion of its delivery support the Army Air Force bombardier detachment in Norman, Oklahoma.
flight on September 21, 2022. Two UH-72Bs were delivered to Company C(-),
3rd Battalion, 140th Aviation Regiment, replacing two UH-72A models training at Deming Field.
US Army National Guard/Iain Jaramillo Turned over to the city in 1955 it has Deming
been known by its current name since Reporting to the CBP Air and Marine
1984. The New Mexico Army National Operations El Paso Air Branch, the Deming
Guard's Company C(-), 3rd Battalion, Air Unit is located at the Deming Municipal
140th Aviation Regiment, operates four Airport and operates Airbus AS350B3 AStar
Airbus Helicopters UH-72 Lakotas from the helicopters. Originally activated as Deming
LAASF in the security and surveillance role. Army Airfield in July 1942, it was passed
Two of its four UH-72As were replaced on to the City of Deming in June 1947
by more capable UH-72B variants in following its closure. The airport is located
September 2022. Reporting to the 3rd two miles southeast of Deming and
battalion headquarters in Stockton, around 60 miles west of Las Cruces. CAJ
MQ-9A serial 07-4027 from the 49th Wing’s

29th Attack Squadron operates over New
Mexico near Hollman AFB. The Reaper is
equipped with four inert AGM-114 missiles
and two 500lb GBU-12 laser guided bombs
Jim Haseltine

CHINA-TAIWAN WAR GAMES
A
Chinese attack on Taiwan But if a series of war games organized and hangars, and burying the entrances
would begin, and probably by the Washington DC-based Center for to the tunnels where the Taiwanese
end, at sea – first, with a Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) is air arm hides many of its best jets.
massive Chinese invasion any indication, there won’t be much The same missiles were the reason
fleet and later with a air-to-air combat. While hundreds of “90% of US and Japanese aircraft losses
potential US–Japanese naval fighter jets would participate in the war, occurred on the ground” in the war games,
counterattack aiming to cut the supply few of them would have a chance to shoot CSIS analysts Mark Cancian, Matthew
lines of any Chinese troops on Taiwan. at each other. Or even get off the ground. Cancian and Eric Heginbotham wrote.
In between, there could be powerful Some experts have argued that American USAF aircraft line up
Chinese missile barrages, close and bloody Air force crippled warplane designs – the Lockheed Martin during a capabilities
combat on Taiwan’s beachheads, and an According to CSIS, Chinese missile volleys F-22 and F-35 – are superior to Chinese demonstration at
Kadena Air Base, Japan,
inconceivably destructive countershipping in the first hours of the war would “cripple” designs such as the Chengdu J-20. But in in 2022 USAF/ Sr
campaign by US bombers and submarines. Taiwan’s air force – destroying runways the CSIS simulations, “the relative strength Airman Jessi Roth
DOGFIGHTING
Simulations of a war between the US and China find that
air-to-air combat is unlikely. David Axe examines the role
aircraft will play in the fight for Taiwan DITCHED

of US and Chinese air-to-air capability Above left: US ran, even the ones that ended with a losses of between 70 and 274 aircraft,
was unimportant,” the Cancians and submarines caused Taiwanese victory, began with devastating mostly on the ground,” the analysts
Heginbotham explained in their summary many sinkings in rocket attacks on Taiwan’s airfields. explained. “Japanese air losses were
CSIS’ war games,
of the war games. An F-35’s sophistication but bombers with In even the most optimistic scenario also high in two out of three iterations,
is irrelevant when it lies wrecked on the JASSM-ERs destroyed for Taipei, “Taiwan’s air losses included averaging 122 aircraft, and were also
tarmac at Kadena Air Base in Okinawa. the most USAF roughly half of its operational Air largely incurred on the ground.”
Above middle: USS
Geography helps explain the Asheville arrives in Force, the majority lost on the
vulnerability of Taiwanese, US, and Yokosuka, Japan, April ground to missile strikes,” wrote the Carriers sunk
Japanese fighters in any clash with 2022 US Navy / Mass Cancians and Heginbotham. The US Navy was unable to compensate
Comms 2nd Class
China. Taiwan lies just a hundred miles Travis Baley Simultaneous Chinese bombardment for aircraft losses resulting from the
from mainland China across the narrow Above right: Lt of Kadena and other air bases in Japan suppression of USAF squadrons
Taiwan Strait. Every Taiwanese air base William Peters – the only bases that are close enough in the CSIS simulations. Chinese
launches an F/A-18E
is within easy reach of the People’s from USS Ronald to project USAF fighters into an aerial missiles sank between two and four
Liberation Army Rocket Force’s thousands Reagan, Japan, battle over Taiwan – likewise resulted in American aircraft carriers in each one
of ballistic missiles. Some bases are October 2022 US unsustainable losses for American and of the think-tank’s 24 simulations.
Navy/ Mass Comms
even within range of the PLA’s tactical 2nd Class Michael B Japanese squadrons. “In all base-scenario After several days of relentless
rocket-artillery. Every simulation CSIS Jarmiolowski iterations, the [US] Air Force suffered bombardment in the war games, the

CHINA-TAIWAN WAR GAMES
assemble then sail toward the embattled
island country, aiming to cut the PLA’s
supply lines and restore the Taiwanese
military’s own supply lines. Any weapon
that can blunt the Chinese landing
and safeguard the later US–Japanese
intervention is a potential war-winner.
As the CSIS analysts ran, modified,
and reran their simulation, they quickly
learned that JASSM was that weapon.
In the iterations of the game where
Taiwan and its allies ultimately won the
war, “the JASSM had a decisive impact
on outcomes”.
In CSIS’ likeliest “base scenario”, tens
of thousands of people died on both
sides of an intensive, weeks-long war.
The Taiwanese air force and navy were
all but destroyed by powerful Chinese
rocket barrages. The Americans lost two
aircraft carriers, several other warships,
People's Liberation Army Rocket Force in the scenarios where Taiwan and Above: The USS submarines, and nearly 300 aircraft.
(PLARF) began to run out of missiles. By its allies prevailed: the AGM-158 joint Ronald Reagan, lead But China’s losses were far greater.
by a fast-attack
then, the PLA Air Force and PLA Navy air-to-surface standoff missile (JASSM), submarine and the Nearly 140 Chinese ships sank to the
“enjoyed substantial air-superiority a stealthy, air-launched cruise missile USS Chancellorsville bottom of the Pacific Ocean, including
over Taiwan and were able to employ that’s compatible with a number of off Korea in most of the transport ships supplying
September 2022
ground-attack aircraft and bombers to USAF and USN warplane types. US Navy/Mass the invasion force. While American
obstruct the movement of Taiwanese Specifically, it was the AGM-158B JASSM- Communication submarines accounted for many of
reinforcements to the battle area”. ER (extended range) that helped win Specialist 3rd Class the sinkings, it was the bombers –
Gray Gibson
At the same time, the USAF was the war, by sinking most of the Chinese USAF B-1s, B-2s and B-52s armed with
achieving its own kind of air superiority, transport fleet over the course of two JASSM-ERs and flying from bases
but not directly over Taiwan: heavy bloody weeks. “The JASSM... is a special outside the range of Chinese missiles
bombers, flying from American bases case” the Cancians and Heginbotham – that inflicted the most destruction.
well beyond the range of Chinese forces, wrote. “Its long-range precision guidance
were beginning “conveyor-style” raids, and stealthy characteristics make it an Stealthy shape
one bomber squadron launching 200 important munition for the United States.” This is exactly what USAF planners and
cruise missiles at Chinese ships and air The reasons for the JASSM’s importance Lockheed Martin had in mind when
bases from 700 miles away while a second are obvious. While fighting rages in they developed the JASSM, and later the
squadron was on the way to add its Taiwanese towns and cities and along JASSM-ER, starting in the late 1990s. The
own missiles to the constant barrage. its mountain highways, a powerful original JASSM – with its 1,000-pound
And so on, until US forces had expended American-Japanese naval force should warhead, GPS and inertial navigation and
all of the roughly 4,000 cruise missiles in
their inventory. The bomber campaign, Four Chengdu J-20 fighter jets in diamond formation on
working in conjunction with equally the opening day of the 14th Airshow China in Zhuhai,
Guangdong Province, in 2022 PLA/ Zhang Yongjin
relentless attacks by USN submarines,
eventually turned the tide of the war in
most of CSIS’ simulations. American missile
strikes by then had done to Chinese
fighter squadrons what Chinese missile
strikes previously had done to Taiwanese,
American and Japanese fighter squadrons.
And the PLA Navy’s transport fleet
was scattered along the bottom of the
Taiwan Strait, depriving Chinese troops
in Taiwan of its main means of resupply.
Starving and running out of ammunition
after several weeks, the Chinese invasion
force increasingly was defenseless
against Taiwanese counterattacks.
Missile advantage
One American weapon was decisive

infrared seeker – entered USAF service in Above: A Lockheed Martin optimized it for overland strikes, effort could erase the targeting distinction
Martin F-35A
2003. The 14-foot, subsonic JASSM range assigned to the after all. The missile’s infrared seeker between the two weapons and result in
is just 230 miles, but its stealthy shape 356th Fighter expects the contrast and clutter you what budgeteers described as “a merged
helps it avoid detection and interception. Squadron takes off to typically see over dry ground. Lockheed Navy JASSM baseline,” where the JASSM
participate in an agile
Despite some hiccups in development, combat employment is developing a version of the original is equally capable of hitting
JASSM is an effective weapon. But scenario at Andersen JASSM – the AGM-158C long-range anti- targets on land and at sea.
it’s the JASSM-ER that US forces are Air Force Base, Guam, ship missile, LRASM – that has a seeker It’s hard to overstate the salience of
during exercise Cope
counting on to win a war with China. North 21. USAF / and warhead optimized for hitting and this one change in a war over Taiwan.
By lightening the missile’s frame Senior Airman sinking ships. But this maritime JASSM “In games where the JASSM-ER
and rearranging its components to Duncan C Bevan is too early in its production runs to has maritime strike capabilities, the
make more room for fuel, Lockheed make a big difference in any near-term abundance of US munitions made
Martin doubled its range without conflict. CSIS projected the USAF and USN US strategy an almost uncomplicated
adding much to its $1.3m unit cost. would have just 450 LRASMs in 2026. exercise,” the CSIS experts wrote.
JASSM-ER debuted in 2018 and CSIS If war breaks out in the next few years, A war with China can be won, if CSIS’
projected the USAF would have more American bombers will mostly launch simulations are correct. But all the fighter
than 3,600 JASSM-ERs by 2026, the year Below: Rocket- JASSM-ERs. Taiwan will be counting on jets that Taipei, Washington, Tokyo
launchers attached to
in which its Taiwan war games were set. a brigade under the those missiles working against ships. and Beijing have acquired might have
That’s enough missiles not only to sink PLA’s 73rd Group Army The CSIS team wasn’t too worried. It little to do with the war’s outcome.
scores of Chinese warships, but also fire at mock targets noted a recent USN budget document Dogfights might have even less to do
in a recent live-fire
bombard Chinese ports and air bases, training exercise PLA discussing the merging of the software with it. F-22s, F-35s and J-20s can’t shoot
and further degrade the PLA’s logistics. photo by Sun Jingang code in the LRASM and JASSM-ER. This at each other if they can’t take off. CAJ
“With each squadron of 12 bombers
carrying around 200 stealthy, standoff Warships from China and Russia after Exercise, Joint Sea 2022,
[cruise missiles], the United States could in the East China Sea on December 27, 2022 PLA photo by Xu Wei
rapidly cripple the Chinese fleet and
leave the invasion force stranded,” the
Cancians and Heginbotham wrote.
Lest anyone in Washington, Tokyo or
Taipei prematurely declare victory over
Beijing, CSIS’ analysts pointed out one
huge variable. It’s unclear just how well
JASSM-ER works over water. Lockheed

UNIT REPORT // US MARINE CORPS RESERVE HMH-772 (-) ‘HUSTLERS’
I
t’s a busy morning at Joint Base Squadron 772 (HMR-772) was established
McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in New as part of the USMC Reserve Training
Jersey. While the first Boeing KC- Command at Naval Air Station Willow
135 Stratotanker of the Air National Grove in Pennsylvania. The squadron was
Guard’s 108th Wing takes to the renamed on April 1, 1962, into Marine
sky, a Boeing C-17 Globemaster Medium Helicopter Squadron 772 (HMM-
and a Boeing KC-46 Pegasus of the 772) and became part of Marine Aircraft
305th Air Mobility Wing, wait in line for Group 43/4th Marine Aircraft Wing in
their air traffic control clearance. On the 1965. In 1970 the unit was relocated for a
platforms of the United States Marine short period to Naval Air Station Lakehurst
Corps (USMC) there is a lot of activity, where it switched, on September 1,
including a section of Sikorsky CH-53E 1971, to its current name: Marine Heavy
Super Stallions of HMH-772 (-) being Helicopter Squadron 772 (HMH-772). In
prepared for the day’s flying. September 1972 the unit returned again
to Willow Grove where it became part of
First steps Marine Aircraft Group 49/2nd Marine
The history of the unit goes back to April Aircraft Wing.
15, 1958, when Helicopter Transport The unit operated the
Martin Scharenborg and Ramon Wenink were invited

to fly with the ‘Hustlers’ and report on the important
task this Marine Corps Reserve unit has within the
United States Marine Corps.
Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 772 ‘Hustlers’ with tail code MT
was the first reserve squadron to receive the special operations
capable designator and the first unit to airlift the Marine Corps’
M777A2 (155mm lightweight) howitzer in combat
All images Global Press Review unless stated
HUSTLERS
IN A HURRY
The CH-53E Super Stallion is the backbone of
the USMC’s helicopter transport fleet. With the
CH-53K progressively entering service with
the ‘active’ units, reserve unit HMH-772 (-)
will make the transition to the King Stallion no
sooner than 2029/2030
Below: A HMH-772 (-) CH-53E Sea Stallion

at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst.
Maintenance is performed by both active duty
and Marine Forces Reserves personnel
Piasecki UH-25B from 1958 until 1960

when it was replaced by the Sikorsky
UH-34D Sea Horse helicopter. The UH-34D
remained in service until December 1971,
being the last USMC unit to operate this
specific aircraft type. The unit received
its first CH-53A Sea Stallion helicopters in
1971 and replaced them with the newer
RH-53D in 1991. In 1994 the CH-53E Super
Stallion was introduced and the unit is
still flying the type today after many life-
extending modifications.
Proud history
The unit actively participated in ‘Operation
Desert Storm’ from March until April 1991,
‘Operation Sea Angel’ after a cyclone
hit Bangladesh in May 1991, ‘Operation
Fiery Vigil’ in the Philippines in June 1991,

ten hours flown on a single engine Piper
aircraft followed by the Naval flight school
on the Raytheon T-6 Texan II. After that
he was sent to helicopter introductory
training on the Bell TH-57 Sea Ranger for
approximately 70 hours before going to
USMC’s CH-53 training unit HMHT 302 of
the 2nd MAW/MAG-29 at MCAS New River
in 2016. This was followed by a four-year
assignment with HMH-366 also at MCAS
New River. In 2020 he became Instructor
Pilot with HMH-772 at Joint Base McGuire-
Dix-Lakehurst having accumulated 1,300
flying hours, 1,000 hours of which were on
the CH-53E.
He added: “I am one of the ‘active’ guys
that keeps the reservists current on their
‘Operation Enduring Freedom’ and ‘Iraqi support for the Marine Air Ground Task Maj Jason W flight hours!”
Freedom’ from October 2002 until May Force (MAGTF) The other role for us as a Stapleton, Operations
Officer of HMH-772
2003. The unit subsequently participated reserve unit is that we are there to support hooks up his CH-53E Proven reliability
in humanitarian aid and disaster relief any kind of gap or anything that the active to a HC-130J Combat Having first entered service with the
operations in the wake of hurricanes ‘Rita’ units may need a little help with, like King II ‘King 76’ of USMC in 1981 and reached the million
the 102nd RQS New
and ‘Katrina’ during September/October transitioning to a new aircraft while they York ANG flying hours milestone in July 2019, the
2005. From May until November 2009 are busy with a turnover and maybe once CH-53E Super Stallion is still the backbone
HMH-772 deployed back to Afghanistan in they just completed a deployment. of the USMC’s helicopter transport fleet
support of ‘Operation Enduring Freedom’ “Every five years or so, a reserve unit is with currently around 140 aircraft in
operating from Camp Leatherneck in able to be used for deployments, UDPs service. Over the years airframe and
Helmand Province. (Unit Deployment Program), or maybe avionics have been drastically refined.
help out with SOUTHCOM [United States The CH-53E can take up to 32 passengers
Keeping reservists current Southern Command] when they are in which can be expanded to 55 when
On March 18, 2011, HMH-772 moved from need of heavy lift support. For example, centerline seats are fitted. In the Medical
Joint Reserve Base Willow Grove to its this Squadron was activated to go help Evacuation configuration (MEDEVAC) the
current home at Joint Base McGuire-Dix- out in Haiti in 2016 after the earthquake. “When we are a little aircraft can take 24 litters and two seats
bit light on crew
Lakehurst (JB MDL) in New Jersey to share Whenever those types of crises pop up and or six litters with 20 seats. In the transport
members, we are
the new USMC buildings and hangars any other units are otherwise employed allowed to fly with configuration the cargo bay can fit six 48 x
with Marine Aircraft Group 49 and or forward deployed, the USMC will one crew chief, for 48in pallets, or two two-seat MRZR’s (Light
example for ferry
Marine Light Attack Squadron use our squadron for those Utility Task Vehicle) or one four-seat MRZR.
flights, but for terrain
773 (HMLA-773). Being missions as well.” flights you definitely Externally the CH-53E can lift 36,000lb on
part of the 4th MAW, the Capt Shawhan started require two crew the dual-point hook or single hook.
chiefs,” Instructor
mission for HMH-772 is his flying career at a flight For self-protection and to protect forces
Pilot Capt Peter
the same as for any other school with approximately Shawhan explained on the ground, the CH-53E can be fitted
Marine Force Reserve
(MARFORRES) unit: to
reinforce and augment the
‘Active’ component of the USMC
with ready operational reservists
and material. Currently the USMC has
approximately 100,000 reservists and
158 Reserve Training Centers (RTC) in the
United States.
The Training Center is manned by
approximately 200 personnel; a mix of
active-duty Marines, reservists who drill
at least one weekend a month, reservists
that train for a longer period in preparation
for a specific operation or deployment,
and the so-called ‘active reservists’ who are
basically always present in the unit.
Capt Peter Shawhan, instructor pilot with
HMH-772, explains: “The primary mission
for our squadron is transportation of heavy
equipment, troops, and to provide assault

A CH-53E Super
Stallion over the
Atlantic coastline.
It is equipped
with AN/AAQ-29A
forward-looking
Infrared imaging
system as well
as the radar and
laser warning
receivers on
both sides of the
airframe. The
refueling probe
has a fuel flow
of 1,000lb per
minute

with three .50 GAU-21 rapid-fire machine Airmen from the also have a HUD-attachment that will go depending on weight, cargo and mission,
321st Contingency
guns. One on each side and one on the Response Squadron,
on the goggle. We can put certain flight is approximately three-and-a-half hours. In
loading ramp. Furthermore, the airframe 621st Contingency data into it, giving us hovering data, drift situations where you have to range a big
can be fitted with the Ballistic Protection Response Group, Joint information, rate of climb, rate of descent, distance, for example when we are flying
Base McGuire-Dix-
System. These are armored plates that Lakehurst, support
heading; and we can also declutter it by from Kuwait to Iraq or something like that,
contain a mix of Kevlar and steel to single hook training turning off those individual systems on and it is a long enough leg and there are
protect the helicopter against bullets to the ’Hustlers’. Their our HUDs,” Capt Shawhan said. no fuel stops underway and it is just desert
motto is Mobilize the
and blast fragments. fight!
from place to place, sometimes HAAR is
To identify threats, the crew has the Air-to-air refueling absolutely vital to that kind of mission.
AN/APR-39(V)1 Radar Warning Receiver One of the unique features of the CH-53E “It is also very important for us to remain
(RWR), the AN/AAR-47V2 Missile and is that it is capable of Air-to-Air Refueling on station longer. Let’s say we conduct an
Laser Warning System, AN/AAQ-24 (HAAR). Capt Shawhan explained: “Without insert with the Marines and they expect an
Directional Infrared Countermeasure and refueling the endurance of the CH-53E, extract at a certain time, they want us to be
the AN/ALE-47 Airborne Counter Measure available for any sort of contingency, there
Dispenser System (CMDS) at its disposal. is a CASEVAC (Casualty Evacuation), there
Improving the workload of the aircrew and MOST MEMORABLE FLIGHT is something else they want us to come
to enhance the interoperability with units “My most memorable flight not going to work out for us, in for. When we fly back to base or land
on the ground and in the air, the avionics on the CH-53E was probably so then I tried to fly over the on deck we will not be available for them.
suite was drastically modernized including when I was flying into Italy weather. But the issue with If we go up to the AAR-track and refuel,
GPS-navigation, Head-Up Displays (HUD), from the LHD [Landing helicopters and pressurization and if they need us at a moment’s notice,
Helicopter Dock]. I was trying is that you cannot fly over
NVG ANVIS-9, three AN/ARC-210(V) we can get off the hose and come in
to get to Sigonella 10,000 feet for very long. It
Radio Communications Systems, DAMA Air Base and there was a is always a question of ‘how immediately and respond. It increases our
(Demand Assigned Multiple Access) heavy snowstorm. I was in many attempts can I do in flexibility and response time drastically.”
SATCOM and the AN/AAQ-29A Forward charge of my aircraft, and we terms of fuel before going Operations Officer at HMH-772, Maj
looking Infrared (FLIR) Imaging system. had a second aircraft with us. back to the boat’ and saying Jason W Stapleton, added: “Training this
We had no de-icing on the ‘we couldn’t do the mission’.
“The CH-53E is a great helicopter and it specific skill is one of the things that is
aircraft. We cannot – and are Finally, we managed it by
does what it is designed for. It helps that not allowed – to fly into the flying along the outskirts harder to schedule; you have to have good
it has three engines. It provides a lot of clouds during icy conditions. of the island to land weather, the aircraft have to co-operate
power and a lot of torque. It’s a very big “First thing I tried was to fly at Sigonella. maintenance wise, and you have to have
helicopter and the frame can handle a underneath the weather, but “Weather is always an the external support of the C-130 Hercules
you can only go so low until interesting experience!”
lot of loads. Furthermore, I think that the unit. As a result we don’t do it as routinely
it starts becoming unsafe. – Capt Peter Shawhan-
survivability is excellent due to the wide So it turned out that this was Instructor Pilot HMH-772 as we would like, so every time you are
range of self-protection systems it has. We ‘knocking off a little bit of rust’! There’s a

very small margin for error and as a result and moved in July 2021 to HMH-772 new fresh coat of paint on it. They look
your stress level is a little higher. Helicopter at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst to into any tiny little leak and make sure that
air-to-air refueling is heavy finesse!” become Operations Officer in charge of everything is spotless and perfect, as close
Maj Stapleton was commissioned in flight planning and exercises. To date he as factory new. They completely ‘Reset’
May 2007 and earned his wings in July has accumulated 2,500 flying hours of the aircraft to get more life out of it, which
2009. He started training on the TH-57 in which 500 were during combat. requires approximately two years to get
Pensacola and completed flight training on Below: A unique that kind of maintenance done. Eventually
the CH-53E in April 2010 with HMHT 302 at RESET Program feature of the RESET will result in a higher readiness level
MCAS New River then became assigned to In February 2019 the first CH-53E Super CH-53E is that it is of our CH-53E fleet!”
capable of air-to-air
HMH-366, also based at MCAS New River. Stallion was delivered back to its USMC refueling. Without By October 2022 50 of the originally
Subsequently from July 2010 to January unit after an extensive and quite specific it, the helicopter’s intended 142 CH-53Es had undergone the
2011 he was deployed to Afghanistan in overhaul of the entire airframe. This special flight endurance, RESET program.
depending on weight,
Helmand Province. From November 2011 program named ‘RESET’ was initiated by cargo and mission, is
until the summer of 2012, he was deployed the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) approximately three- Squadron minus
back again to Afghanistan. Maj Stapleton and was started in 2016 to replace high and-a-half hours In 2008 Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron
participated actively in relief efforts during time parts on the CH-53E to extend 772 was reorganized and reduced to the
hurricane ‘Sandy’ from October until the lifespan of the helicopters, reduce Bottom: Night flying size of a ‘Squadron Minus’ and henceforth
is conducted regularly
November 2012 with the 26th Marine maintenance hours and to deliver a ‘leak- officially designated as HMH-772 (-). Maj
by crew of HMH-772
Expeditionary Unit deployed aboard the free’ and more cost-efficient Full Mission (-). As an extra aid, Stapleton clarified: “We are typically a
USS Wasp (LHD-1) Capable (FMC) aircraft. CH-53E pilots use ‘Minus’ as we only have six aircraft at the
the AN/AVS white
In April 2016 he went to HMX-1 at MCAS Capt Shawhan explained: “They moment. We are a reduced squadron but
phosphor night vision
Quantico to fly the Presidential helicopters completely refit everything and put a goggles we are eventually going to be ‘plussed’
right up to 12 aircraft. Since we are a
reserve unit, most of the helicopters
go to the active-duty squadrons right
now, but in due time when the CH-53K
will come online, they will not need the
older helicopters anymore and we can
start building up to a 1.0 squadron with
approximately 16 aircraft. We hope to have
eight helicopters by March 2023. HMH-772
(-) Minus was just a temporary thing.
“Although we are a small unit at the
moment, we still can be ‘activated’ just like
in March (2022) for ‘Exercise Caribbean
Urban Warrior’. This is an annual exercise
between our Second Reconnaissance
Battalion and the Dutch 32nd Raiding
Squadron that took place at MCAS New
River and at Camp Lejeune where we
provided heavy lift support for the infantry
units. We also participated in March in the
live firing ‘Exercise Rolling Thunder’ and
‘Exercise Gunslinger’ in Kansas in June,” Maj
Stapleton added.
Force Design 2030

The USMC is aiming for its ‘Force Design
2030’ to have equipped two reserve and
eight active squadrons with the new
CH-53K King Stallion by 2030. ‘Active’ HMH-
461 at MCAS New River will become the
first operational unit to operate the type,
followed by the other CH-53 units of the
2nd, 1st, 3rd and 4th Marine Aircraft
Wing respectively.
Maj Stapleton concluded: “As HMH-772
(-) is a reserve unit, I expect that transition
to the CH-53K will start no sooner than
2029 or 2030. Until then we will continue
to operate the venerable CH-53E and keep
reserve aircrew current on the type.” CAJ

EXERCISE VEER GUARDIAN 2023
This IAF-operated
Su-30MKI (serial
SB220) was one of four
to deploy to Japan for
VG23. It is seen here
taking part in a BFM
sortie during the first
week of the exercise
Unlikely Friends? From January 12-26, Japan hosted a new series

of joint air drills under the inaugural edition
of Exercise Veer Guardian, which saw Indian
Su-30MKIs deploy to the ‘Land of the Rising Sun'
for the first time. Words by Khalem Chapman,
images from Katsuhiko Tokunaga

Adversary airpower for VG23 was provided by four F-15DJ Eagles from the JASDF’s Hiko Kyodogun
(Aggressor Group) at Komatsu AB, which also operated from Hyakuri for the duration of the exercise
F
Above: Mission or the first time in its history, landed at Hyakuri, except for the Il-78MKI, 2019, but it was delayed by three years
complete. Four IAF the Indian Air Force (IAF) which continued on to Naha AB, Okinawa. due to the global COVID-19 pandemic.
Su-30MKI pilots
walk away from
deployed four Sukhoi Su-30MKI Along with the aircraft, the IAF deployed As VG23 marked the first-ever joint
their aircraft on the Flanker-H multi-role fighters 400 personnel to support VG23, including combat training between India and
flightline at Hyakuri to Hyakuri Air Base (AB), near some 15 Su-30MKI pilots. Of note, Sqn Japan, it only comprised basic air combat
AB after completing
a mission as part
Tokyo, Japan, to participate Ldr Avani Chaturvedi – one of the IAF’s scenarios. During the first week, the
of VG23 in Exercise Veer Guardian 23 (VG23). The first three female fighter pilots – was IAF and JASDF fighters mainly flew 1v1
first in what will become a recurring series among them. With this deployment, she or 1v2 basic fighter maneuver (BFM)
Left: With its
brake parachutes
of new joint air combat drills hosted by became India’s first female fighter pilot to sorties, which would have led to more
deployed, this IAF the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF), participate in an exercise on foreign soil. complex 4v4 missions in the second
Su-30MKI (serial VG23 is designed to enhance overall Meanwhile, the JASDF participated week. However, all flights during the
SB220) taxis back
to the flightline on
interoperability and foster stronger defense with four Mitsubishi F-2As from the latter were cancelled due to snowstorms
landing at Hyakuri co-operation between the two nations. Hyakuri-based 7 Kokudan’s (Wing’s) 3 and strong crosswinds. The poor weather
AB, near Tokyo, after The flight of four Su-30MKIs – assigned Hikotai (Squadron). A few two-seat F-2Bs also delayed the IAF’s departure by one
completing a sortie
as part of VG23
to the IAF’s No 220 Squadron ‘Desert also flew daily sorties during the exercise, day, with all aircraft eventually leaving
Tigers’ at Halwara Air Force Station (AFS) but these were mainly back seat exchange Hyakuri for home on January 28.
in Punjab, northern India – landed at flights. In addition, four Boeing F-15DJs The hosting of VG23 comes shortly after
Hyakuri on January 10. These aircraft from the Hiko Kyodogun (Aggressor the second 2+2 Foreign and Defense
were supported by two Boeing C-17A Group) at Komatsu AB, along with the Ministerial meeting between government
Globemaster IIIs from No 81 Squadron Iruma-based Central Aircraft Control and and military delegates from India and
‘Skylords' at Hindon AFS in Ghaziabad Warning Wing also participated in VG23. Japan was held in Tokyo on September
and a single Ilyushin Il-78MKI Midas tanker Welcomed to Japan with a water cannon 8, 2022. Both the Indian and Japanese
from No 78 Squadron ‘Battle Cry’ at Agra salute, the arrival of these Indian Flankers delegates agreed to further step up
AFS, Uttar Pradesh. The deploying aircraft opened the first chapter of stepping bilateral defense co-operation and
departed Halwara for Hyakuri, with stops up military co-operation between India engage in more military exercises
at U-Tapao Royal Thai Navy Airfield, and Japan. Established as a result of the together. The JASDF intends to
Thailand, and Clark AB in the Philippines increasing military activities of China, send a detachment of its fighters
along the way. All of the Indian aircraft this joint exercise was initially planned in to India next year. CAJ
Right: Sqn Ldr

Avani Chaturvedi
became India’s first
female fighter pilot
to participate in A JASDF-operated Mitsubishi F-2B from 3
a foreign exercise Hikotai gets airborne from Hyakuri with an
during VG23 All IAF pilot in the back seat to conduct a local
images: Katsuhiko orientation flight. You can see the IAF pilot
Tokunaga taking a selfie as the aircraft gets airborne

US ARMY NATIONAL GUARD AVIATION
TRAININ
Although Fort Rucker is the US Army’s largest aviation
training center, it is not the only one. Tom Kaminski
explores the four US Army National Guard sites where
Army Aviators, joint services personnel and those who
support Army Aviation are trained
Above: A CH-47F
K
nown as the Home of Rotary Wing (IERW) and Advanced
from South Carolina
Army Aviation, the US Graduate Flight Training at Fort Rucker
Army National
Guard’s Detachment Army Aviation Center of and is responsible for training aviation
1, Company B, 2nd Excellence (USAACE) at Fort maintenance personnel, conducted
Battalion, 238th
Rucker, Alabama, serves as by the 128th Aviation Brigade at Fort
Aviation Regiment
conducts a high- the branch’s training and Eustis, Virginia. Initial Entry Fixed Wing
altitude landing near development center. It is one of eight (IEFW) training is conducted at the
Vail, Colorado, on
Centers of Excellence reporting to nearby CAE Dothan Training Center.
March 9, 2017 US
Army National Guard/ the Training and Doctrine Command
SSgt Roberto Di (TRADOC) at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Army National Guard
Giovine
Virginia. The center’s 110th Aviation Four Army National Guard Training
Training Brigade provides Initial Entry Sites (AATS) offer programs that

ING ARMY
AVIATORS
supplement the training conducted at USAACE to meet TRADOC requirements. the Eastern Army National Guard
Fort Rucker. Classified as Field Operating In addition to training on legacy (ARNG) Aviation Training Site (EAATS)
Agencies under the National Guard aircraft, when required, the in Pennsylvania, the Western ARNG
Bureau (NGB), they are fully accredited schoolhouses provide the center Aviation Training Site (WAATS) in
by The Army School System (TASS) as with a surge capacity to meet Arizona, High Altitude ARNG Aviation
Learning Institutions of Excellence. They excess demand at Fort Rucker. Training Site in Colorado, and the
are tasked with conducting Army or Courses include aircraft qualifications, Fixed Wing ARNG Aviation Training
National Guard Bureau (NGB)-directed refresher courses, standardization and Site (FWAATS) in West Virginia.
training. Although controlled by the instructor pilot courses for aviators,
NGB, their operations are co-ordinated as well as maintenance and other EAATS, Pennyslvania
through the ARNG Aviation and Safety aviation support-related courses. Located at Fort Indiantown Gap’s Muir
Division in Arlington, Virginia, and the Today the NGB is responsible for Army Airfield, in Anneville, Pennsylvania,

EAATS
Fort Indiantown Gap's
Pennsylvania Muir Army Airfield,
Pennsylvania
West FWAATS
Virginia North Central West
Colorado
HAATS Virginia Regional Airport,
Eagle County Regional Airport, West Virginia
Colorado
Arizona
WAATS
Arizona Army National
Guard's Silverbell Army
Heliport (AHP)
around 20 miles northeast of Harrisburg, Above: The four supports the largest flight simulation regional support for active and reserve
Army National
EAATS was established on August 1, complex in the Army reserve component. forces operating the Chinook, Black Hawk
Guard sites across
1981. At that time, it was assigned the United States Flight training devices located in the and Lakota.
responsibility for observation, utility, that are key to headquarters, flight simulation and An 85,000sq ft Aviation Maintenance
supplementing the
cargo and fixed wing training. Enlisted technology center comprise one UH-60A/ Instruction Building houses hardware
aircrew training
training at EAATS first began in 1989. carried out at Fort L/M and two UH-60M Black Hawk Aircrew maintenance and remove and replace
Following a 1993 realignment, the focus Rucker, Alabama Trainers (BAT), a CH-47F Transportable training devices, multimedia classrooms
at the EAATS was placed on cargo and Flight Proficiency System (TFPS) and a and an Aviation Life Support Equipment
utility training missions. The schoolhouse UH-72A Synthetic Flight Training System (ALSE) repair facility. The EAATS is
received its first accreditation as a (SFTS). In addition to student instruction, also responsible for a mobile Aviation
Reserve Component Training Institute, the site’s training devices provide Combined Arms Tactical Trainer-Aviation
that same year.
In 2008, the EAATS became the initial
training site for the Airbus Helicopters
UH-72A. Lakota training was relocated
from Muir AAF to Capital City Airport
near Harrisburg in March 2011, but was
later shifted to the WAATS in another
realignment. Flight and maintenance
training is currently focused on the
Sikorsky UH-60 utility and Boeing CH-47
heavy lift helicopters.
EAATS provides access to more than
1,000sq miles of tactical training area
in the region. It is the largest reserve
component TRADOC accredited aviation
training school and currently offers 22
programs of instruction (POI). For this
it is supported by over 350 AGR and Right: A UH-60V
traditional guardsmen, contractor and Black Hawk awaits
its crew and next
civilian personnel. In addition to aviator mission at the
instruction, EAATS offers enlisted aviation Eastern Army
flight and maintenance training courses. National Guard
Aviation Training
Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22) saw EAATS Site on October 6,
execute over 3,315 flight hours and 7,268 2021 US Army/
simulator hours, and 1,281 students SFC Matthew
Keeler
completed training. A 35-acre campus

WAATS, Arizona
The Arizona Army National Guard’s
Silverbell Army Heliport (AHP) is
home to the Western Army National
Guard Aviation Training Site (WAATS).
Located some 30 miles (48km) west of
Tucson, the heliport is adjacent to the
Pinal Airpark in Red Rock, Arizona. It is
one of several Arizona Army National
Guard (ARNG) organizations located at
Silverbell that include Army National
Guard Aviation Support Facility #2.
Established at the newly opened
161-acre heliport on October 1,
1986, the WAATS initially delivered
training associated with the attack and
aeroscout missions then assigned to
the Bell AH-1 Cobra and OH-58 Kiowa.
During 1993, training for aviators
destined to fly the OH-58 with
RAID detachments was added to
the curriculum. In April 2000, the
Army announced its plan to retire
its entire fleet of AH-1F Cobra attack
helicopters, which were then in
Above: A CH-47Fs (AVCATT-A). Contained in two trailers, the for a Flight Training Company that conducts service with more than a dozen ARNG
Chinook assigned
to the Pennsylvania
AVCATT-A can be configured to represent Aircraft Qualification (AQC), Instructor attack and cavalry units, and the last
National Guard’s a variety of a helicopter types. It provides Pilot (IPC) and UH-60 Maintenance Test examples were removed from service
Eastern Army National a realistic, combat training environment Pilot (MTP) courses, as well as an Enlisted in September 2001. With its Cobras
Guard Aviation
Training Site awaits
and allows up to six flight crews to train Training Company. Enlisted qualification/ gone, WAATS continued to provide
the arrival of its crew together on a virtual reality battlefield. transition courses include the UH-60 Kiowa training, however, in March
for an early morning EAATS trains personnel from all three US Non-rated Crewmember Flight and 2002 it was tapped to become the
mission at Muir Army
Airfield Pennsylvania
Army Components and flight instruction is Standardization Instructor Courses and the AH-64A schoolhouse for those ARNG
National Guard provided by an Aviation Training Battalion- EAATS CH-47 Flight Engineer Qualification units scheduled to receive the Apache.
Utility (ATB-U) and Aviation Training Course (FEQC). WAATS received its first AH-64A in
Battalion-Cargo (ATB-C). Each is responsible The UH-60M first arrived at Muir AAF July 2002 and the initial AQC began in
in September 2017 and the ATB-U’s January 2003. AH-64A maintenance
initial Aircraft Qualification Transition test and instructor pilot courses
course began a matter of weeks later in followed and on October 1, 2004, the
November. As UH-60M training ramped responsibility for AH-64A maintenance
up and preparations for the arrival of training was also moved from Fort
the UH-60V got underway, the Rucker and Fort Eustis to WAATS.
schoolhouse divested its UH-60A/Ls and The schoolhouse later conducted
concluded the training on those models AH-64D Longbow Apache and OH-
in May 2020. 58A/C training, but these courses
In July 2021, the EAATS received the were brought to a close when the
initial group of UH-60V models to the Army implemented its 2013 Aviation
ramp. It is currently responsible for seven Restructure Initiative (ARI). Today,
CH-47Fs, ten UH-60Ms and six UH-60Vs WAATS offers aircrew qualification
that are maintained by the schoolhouse’s courses for the Black Hawk and the
Aviation Maintenance Battalion. Lakota. It has conducted all UH-72A
The assignment of the UH-60Vs made training for the ARNG since mid-2015
it possible for the EAATS to establish when that mission was realigned.
a foundation of aviator capability that In preparation for implementation
was able to support the second phase of the US Army’s latest ARI, the site
EAATS PROVIDES ACCESS TO of the new variant’s Initial Operational began training instructors for the
Testing and Evaluation, which concluded UH-72A assigned to the USAACE as
MORE THAN 1,000 SQUARE in August 2022. Illinois and Georgia it prepared to transition the Lakota
National Guard soldiers from the 1st to a new role as the primary trainer
MILES OF TACTICAL TRAINING Battalion, 106th Aviation Regiment, for initial entry rotary wing (IERW)
AREA IN THE REGION were among the first to transition students at Fort Rucker. The WAATS is
to the UH-60V. now the only US training site teaching

A UH-60A+ from the Western Army National Guard Aviation Training Site taxies back to the ramp at Silverbell Army Heliport
and the conclusion of a training mission while another Black Hawk prepares to depart Tom Kaminski
the UH-72 initial aircraft qualification WAATS maintains the Picacho Stagefield The aircraft inventory fluctuates based
and instructor pilot courses. WAATS Heliport, located approximately 20 miles on training requirements each year,
aircraft typically fly around 5,500 hours (32km) northwest of Marana. It supports but the WAATS training fleet typically
annually and students log another 2,800 numerous training programs and is the includes 15 UH-60Ls and 15 UH-72As.
hours in the schoolhouse’s simulators. primary location for emergency procedures Although the Army has begun updating
Although WAATS does not currently training. Picacho Peak Stagefield is also 760 UH-60Ls to the UH-60V configuration,
offer UH-60M training, it supported used to practice touch and goes, brown the program will likely run well into the
ARNG New Equipment Fielding for out training, landing, and instrument next decade and the ‘Lima’ model is
the Black Hawk variant for a time in training. Equipped with an air traffic expected to remain in service until 2035.
2015. A compressed fielding schedule control tower and crash and fire rescue As a result, there are currently no plans
doubled the training requirements for facilities, Picacho also features four 1,500 to phase out the UH-60Ls at Silverbell.
ARNG units that Fort Rucker and Fort x 75ft (457 x 23 miles) helicopter landing The WAATS regimental organization
Eustis could not support. As a result, lanes that sit at an elevation of 1,675ft. includes the Total Army School System
beginning in January 2015 seven states The WAATS also conducts operations (TASS), Aviation Maintenance and Aviation
deployed 16 UH-60Ms to Silverbell, where from the nearby 480 acre Rittenhouse Support Battalions. As its name would
instruction was provided to aviators and Training Site, which is primarily used by suggest, the TASS Battalion is tasked with
maintainers by USAACE personnel. Black Hawk pilots. Operations typically administering the training courses offered
The WAATS is also the only organization conducted at Rittenhouse include Bambi by the WAATS. The battalion’s Bravo and
that provides courses associated with Bucket, sling load and heavy load training. Charlie Companies respectively conduct
interdicting the flow of illegal drugs.
That mission, which assists state and
local law enforcement agencies, is
assigned to six National Guard security
and surveillance battalion units that are
responsible for Lakotas based in 47 states.
Instruction is not, however, limited
to aviators and like EAATS, it also
trains enlisted maintainers and offers
other aviation related and specialized
training for enlisted personnel and
non-commissioned (NCO), warrant and
commissioned officers. Like the flight
training programs, the maintenance
training courses utilize a combination of
actual aircraft and training devices. During
FY22, over 1,500 personnel completed
flight, maintainer and NCO professional
military education courses at the WAAATS.
Its location, in the heart of the
southwest’s Sonora Desert, provides the
WAATS with exceptional weather and
flying conditions that allow training to
be conducted an average of 360 days
each year. Instruction is also enhanced by
the site’s access to a nearby 60 x 120nm
tactical training area. Students also have WAATS IS ALSO THE ONLY ORGANIZATION THAT
access to a low-level flying area that covers
more than 3,600sq miles (9,324km²) and PROVIDES COURSES ASSOCIATED WITH
includes semi-mountainous terrain. INTERDICTING THE FLOW OF ILLEGAL DRUGS
In addition to the facilities at Silverbell, the

Above: A Colorado Black Hawk and Lakota flight training and
Army National enlisted maintenance training. Whereas HAATS, Colorado CHATS was renamed the High Altitude
Guard UH-72A the aviation maintenance battalion is As its name would indicate, HAATS – Training Site and placed under the
Lakota prepares
to land on a tasked with maintaining and repairing High Altitude Army National Guard command of the Western ARNG Aviation
mountainous the WAATS rotary wing fleet, the aviation (ARNG) Aviation Training Site – is tasked Training Site (WAATS). The site assumed
landing zone as support battalion is responsible for with providing high-altitude specialty its current identity as one of the four
part of the crew’s
training with the operating and maintaining the site’s training. It is the only Department of independent ARNG training sites in 1995.
High Altitude Army simulators, and providing air traffic control, Defense schoolhouse tasked to deliver Student throughput peaked in 2010 when
National Guard crash and fire rescue and range operations rotary wing training in “aviation combat more than 450 aviators were trained.
Aviation Training
Site Colorado both at Silverbell and Picacho. More than skills relating to power management During FY22, the HAATS trained nearly
National Guard/ 180 personnel are assigned to WAATS. and environmental training techniques 390 students comprising 195 guardsmen,
Sean Kimmons In addition to UH-60 and UH-72 AQC, in high density altitude and high aircraft five US Army Reservists, 83 active-duty
and IPC and UH-72 Lakota IPC Transition gross weight conditions.” This graduate- soldiers, 54 USAF airmen, eight US
Course (IPCT), the WAATS added a level training program teaches aviators Marine Corps, three US Navy personnel,
UH-60 Maintenance Test Pilot course to operate in harsh terrain and at and 24 US Coast Guard personnel. In
(MTP) in 2019. The 24 courses offered altitudes that limit the aircraft’s power. addition, 11 international students and
by WAATS include aviation-related and Located, in the Rocky Mountains six NASA astronauts completed training.
specialty courses for enlisted personnel at an altitude of 6,548ft, the HAATS The site’s training program lasts one
as well as non-commissioned, warrant became the third National Guard week for US personnel and two for
and commissioned officers. These schoolhouse in 1995. It can be international students. The course
include Aviation and Ground Mishap found at the Eagle County Regional includes one full day of classroom
Left: A C-12U-3 Prevention Courses and UH-72 Lakota Airport in Gypsum, Colorado, ground school training and 7½
Huron taxies to the IPC Transition Course (IPCT). During around 125 miles west of Denver. flight hours for US students and 12
Fixed Wing Army 2021 the WAATS implemented an Originally established as the Colorado hours for international personnel.
National Guard
Aviation Training Aviation Mission and Tactics course for High Altitude Training Site (CHATS) in The CHATS initially utilized OH-6A light
Site ramp at North foreign military students that provides 1986, it provided training in mountain observation helicopters but later received
Central Virginia graduate level training in the UH-72A. flying techniques for state’s own UH-1Hs that went on to serve until retired
Airport in Bridgeport
at the end of a The site continues to provide regional National Guard aircrews. Formal training in 2009. The schoolhouse received its first
training mission flight simulation support in the UH- began in 1988 after the US Army UH-60s in 2005 and CH-47Ds followed in
West Virginia 60A/L Blackhawk, UH-72 Lakota and Aviation Center at Fort Rucker approved 2012. One year later HAATS received an
National Guard
AVCATT-A for US and allied Aviators. Programs of Instruction. In 1991, the initial pair of UH-72As as replacements

for its previously assigned Bell OH-58s. mountainous terrain, and the ability to FWAATS, West Virginia
Although HAATS currently operates take advantage of winds and terrain Originally established as a detachment of
examples of the UH-60A/L/M, UH-72A to maximize helicopter performance. EAATS on August 6, 1992, and known as
and CH-47F, the school encourages The mountainous training area also the Eastern Fixed Wing Training Site, the
attending units to ‘Bring Your Own provides the additional benefit of Fixed Wing Army National Guard Aviation
Helicopter’ (BYOH). Operating their high-altitude, high-density altitude and Training Site (FWAATS) was formally
own helicopters in the high-altitude rough terrain training. HAATS is the activated in 1996. The relatively small
environment provides students with a only DoD aviation school that delivers organization is a battalion-size element.
better understanding of the limits and this training outside the classroom. It is located at the North Central West
performance of the aircraft. Examples The skills provided by HAATS have Virginia Regional Airport in Bridgeport,
of aircraft deployed to HAATS include been extremely important to aviators West Virginia, and supports all three
the Bell AH-1W/Z and UH-1N/Y, Sikorsky deployed to Afghanistan, Northern Iraq, US Army components with advanced
HH-60G/W and Airbus MH-65D/E. Kosovo and other mountainous areas. training. Accredited through the USAACE,
April 2013 saw the HAATS open a new Recent deployed military operations in the FWAATS provides instruction to
state-of-the-art 101,600sq foot facility on a those mountainous regions have placed entry level pilots and to the most senior
14-acre parcel that made operations more an increased demand for the HAATS and experienced pilots. The FWAATS
efficient and effective, and permitted it training program. The skills gained occupies a purpose-built 32,000sq ft
to greatly increase student throughput. during training are especially important facility that was completed in 1996.
A cadre of around 30 personnel include in the mountainous areas where air is As implied by its name, the West
full-time AGR personnel, civilians, a US ‘thin’ and maximizing the use of aircraft Virginia schoolhouse offers aviator
Coast Guard instructor pilot, a USAF power is extremely important. The training associated with the fixed wing
HH-60 Weapons and Tactics Instructor, Power Management training teaches twin-turboprop Beechcraft C-12 Huron, Above: A UH-60A,
and an enlisted special mission aviator students to maximize the utility of more commonly known as the King Air flown by students
from the High-altitude
are permanently assigned as instructors. the aircraft. HAATS instructors define and Fairchild C-26 Metroliner. Although Army National Guard
The vast terrain throughout the power management as knowing how both are used in the Operational Support Aviation Training Site,
HAATS training area covers over a much power the helicopter provides Airlift (OSA) role, the C-26 primarily operates over the
Rocky Mountains near
million acres of land managed by the and how much is needed. Students are specializes in the transport mission, Gypsum, Colorado,
US Forest Service and Bureau of Land taught to execute maneuvers with the providing rapid movement of troops and during a training
Management and offers nearly 100 appropriate amount of power rather personnel. The C-12 has a more diverse mission Colorado
Army National Guard
natural landing areas that include bowls, than with the least amount of power. mission set that includes VIP, cargo, troop
pinnacles, ridgelines and confined areas In addition to the assigned training movement, as well as disaster relief.
at elevations ranging from 6,500 to mission, the HAATS is often called King Air training involves all C-12
12,200ft and flight altitudes ranging from upon to support local search and variants including the C-12U1, U2, U3,
6,500 to 14,000ft. Students learn hoist rescue (SAR) missions and since and C-12V and FWAATS expects to see
operations, how to land in small and 1986 it had saved the lives of 510 the C-12Y on the ramp in the foreseeable
confined areas, operate in high-altitude individuals including 16 in 2022 alone. future. The Army is currently updating
UH-72A serial 07-72035 returns to Silverbell Army

Heliport at the conclusion of a training mission.
Though assigned to the Western Army National Guard
Aviation Training Site, the Lakota still wore markings
from its previous assignment to the Louisiana Army
National Guard Tom Kaminski

a number of C-12Rs and C-12Us to FWAATS include Aircraft Qualification requirements, in FY24 the student
this new configuration. FWAATS also Transition (AQT) and Initial Instructor quota will increase from 80 to 108.
conducted C-23 training until 2013 Pilot Qualification (IPQ), Instrument Prior to beginning the C-12 AQT, C-26
when the Sherpas were retired. Fight Examiner (IFE) and Instructor Pilot AQT, and C-26 IPQ courses, students
FWAATS works closely with the Army’s Standardization for the C-12 and C-26, undergo Phase 1 simulator training with
Operational Support Airlift – Activity as well as a C-12 Maintenance Test Pilot Flight Safety International at its facilities
Below: A UH-60A+
(OSA-A) at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, and (MTP) course. The C-12 MTP course is in New York or Texas respectively. FWAATS
from the Western
provides Army-wide Fixed Wing flight the only one offered in the Army and Army National had conducted Task Force Observe Detect
evaluation support. On average, the while managed by the NGB, it is open to Guard Aviation Identify and Neutralize (TF-ODIN) King Air
Training Site
FWAATS logs 1,300-1,500 flight hours Active Duty and the USARC aviators. 300/350 Medium altitude Reconnaissance
prepares to depart
each year and several Hurons and a A recently added Instrument Fight Silverbell Army and Surveillance System (MARSS) and
single Metroliner are generally found Examiner Preparatory Course utilizes a Heliport for a Task Force Communications Electronic
training mission
on the ramp. Aircraft maintenance is UH-72A simulator. FY22 saw 67 aviators Attack Surveillance and Reconnaissance
while another
provided by civilian contractors. complete training at the schoolhouse. prepares to land (TF-CEASAR) C-12R qualification and
The ten courses offered by the Due to an expected increase in training Tom Kaminski pre-deployment training for both rated
and nonrated aircrew members. The
site has also has supported US Army
THE SCHOOLHOUSES HAVE A DIRECT Intelligence and Security Command
(INSCOM), by delivering numerous Aerial
IMPACT ON THE ARMY’S ABILITY TO Sensor Operator (ASO) training courses.
GENERATE COMBAT POWER AND MEET Additionally, when IPs are not actively
instructing courses, the FWAATS supports
AVIATION TRAINING REQUIREMENTS OSA-A and JOSAC. Missions often include
aircraft ferrying support due to fleet
upgrades, modifications, upper level
maintenance, or aircraft relocation.
As the reserve components became
a more critical part of the Army’s ability
to meet its worldwide operational
commitments, the importance of the
ARNG Training sites increased. The
schoolhouses have a direct impact on
the Army’s ability to generate combat
power and meet aviation training
requirements. Supporting the Army as
it focuses on Large Scale Combat (LSCO)
and Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) will
almost certainly guarantee that the sites
continue to adapt their roles and support
expanding demands for training within
the Army Guard and for the USAACE. CAJ

single-seat F-15C air-superiority fighters and hardpoints, as well as range at subsonic speed.
200 two-seat F-15E fighter-bombers from the They don’t care so much about range penalty
1990s, and ordnance on stations one and nine resulting from laborious, gas-guzzling attempts
complicates the manual flight controls on older to accelerate faster than the speed of sound.
F-15s. When Boeing added digital flight controls The same tanks don’t always make sense for
to Saudi Arabia’s new F-15SAs around 2018, the dogfighting F-15C pilots, who tend to prefer
USAF activated the stations and boosted the 600-gallon drop tanks that they can jettison
Eagle’s air-to-air missile capacity from eight to for an instant performance boost. The USAF
12. With a dozen missiles, the F-15 can finally considers the F-15EX as a replacement for the
outshoot the Sukhoi Su-27 and its Chinese 40-year-old F-15C, so the first few squadron
variants, which in their normal configurations can sets of F-15EXs, which are scheduled to equip
carry up to 10 air-to-air missiles on nine stations. the Air National Guard, will not have CFTs.
The F-15EX has the same digital flight There are downsides, of course. “The lack of
DISPATCHES FROM THE FRONT LINE controls as the two-seat F-15SA and thus nine CFTs will limit the number of external [sensor]
active hardpoints. But a dozen missiles are a pods and air-to-ground weapons [that] the
OF AEROSPACE TECHNOLOGY burdensome loadout. The F-15 was always a F-15EX will be able to employ,” explained Nickolas
BY DAVID AXE draggy jet with underwing stores and adding Guertin, the DoD’s director of operational test
to the armament only compounds the drag. and evaluation, in his annual testing report for
T
he US Air Force just packed a “Store drag may severely reduce performance 2022. But the performance gains for squadrons
whopping 12 air-to-air missiles and agility,” Clifford Bore, then a British Aerospace whose main mission is air-superiority justify
on its new Boeing F-15EX Eagle II engineer, explained in a 1988 study. the loss of ground-attack capability.
fighter. This powerful but unwieldy One answer is to clean up the underwing The USAF is doing its best to maximize
loadout finally closes a gap profile. Consider the intake-hugging conformal the F-15EX’s agility, acceleration and range
between Russian and American fuel tanks (CFTs) that have been standard on performance in higher speed regimes. So don’t
air-to-air firepower that has persisted for the F-15E and some F-15Cs. A pair of tanks add count on F-15EX squadrons often – if ever –
decades. But testing a 12-missile loadout 1,500 gallons of fuel to the Eagle’s 2,000-gallon carrying a dozen air-to-air missiles. A sluggish
isn’t the same as deploying it. After all, every internal capacity. With their built-in hardpoints, Eagle II lugging two tons of draggy AIM-120s is
additional missile means extra weight and the CFTs are reasonably slick at subsonic speed, a less fearsome opponent fro an Su-27 or J-16
drag, so don’t expect single-seat F-15EXs to but impose drag in the transonic regime. than a nimble Eagle II with a more streamlined
haul a dozen 350lb missiles into combat. For the ground-attack-optimized F-15E loadout of four AMRAAMs and four Sidewinders
The USAF’s 96th Test Wing tried out the community, CFTs make sense. F-15E crews need The USAF’s priorities could change. The service
expanded missile-carriage in sorties over Eglin at present plans to buy 80 F-15EXs, down from
THE EX
Air Force Base in Florida in late November 2022. 144 when the new fighter appeared five years
A pair of F-15EXs fired radar-guided Raytheon ago. This would be adequate to replace aging
AIM-120 advanced medium-range air-to-air F-15Cs in just four of the six ANG air-superiority
missiles and infrared-guided Raytheon AIM-9X squadrons. If the U.S. Congress adds Eagle IIs
FACTOR
Sidewinder missiles from the Eagle II’s ordnance to the production plan they might eventually
stations one and nine, the outermost stations on re-equip F-15E squadrons. That could draw
the type’s broad wing. Stations one and nine are the Eagle II into an air-to-ground role that
inactive on the USAF’s 200 or so 1980s-vintage, justified both CFTs and a heavier loadout. CAJ
USAF’s first F-15EX (serial 20-0001)

arriving at Eglin AFB in Florida
USAF/1st Lt Karissa Rodriguez

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