US NAVY EXCLUSIVE!

IRAN’S

CARRIER
MYSTERIOUS
BOEING 707s
Spying on Israel & US

STRIKE
MODERNIZING FOR
NEW THREATS

PACIFIC F-35s
US increases allied
integration

F-35s
GALORE!
EXCLUSIVE! In Italy’s Exercise
Falcon Strike
RAFALES ON #32 & 33

DETACHMENT
STATE T
REPOR STATE
REPORTS
New Hampshire & New Jersey
Volume 24 No 03 MARCH 2023 UK £5.50

● In Jodhpur, India
● Baltic Air Policing, Lithuania
WELCOME // MARCH 2023

US NAVY MODERNIZATION
Above: An F/A-18F
Super Hornet of the
US Navy’s Strike
Fighter Squadron
94 (VFA-94) ‘Mighty

FOR THE INDO-PACIFIC

Shrikes’ prepares
to snag the arrestor
cable as it comes
into land aboard the

T
USS Nimitz (CVN-68)
in the Philippine Sea
on December 26, here is a tremendous amount its dubbed by the US Navy, to enhance disclose anything about the arrival of the
2022 US Navy/Mass
Communication of modernization going on their ability to work together to defeat an impressive Meteor BVRAAMs, they will
Specialist 2nd Class at the sharp end of US Navy adversary. Aircraft carriers are such great undoubtedly want to be trained on how
Justin McTaggart aviation – the Carrier Air Wings assets when air power needs to get closer to use it for any future confrontations
– as you will see on page 80- to a foe, especially a region that needs with China or Pakistan. Perhaps they were
89. The aircraft and the carriers support – like the Indo Pacific. during the drills at Jodhpur, but it didn’t
are seeing their capabilities considerably The ability to work seamlessly with happen when our correspondent was
enhanced in a bid to fight a modern allies is always a consideration and on there. Meanwhile, FASF Rafales have been
war that could break out anytime in the p28-37 we show you how that works. In on detachment in Lithuania (page 40-45)
Indo-Pacific region. our F-35s Take On China feature, you get since December 1 on Baltic air policing
Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornets a grasp of how the US Navy and US Air duties for four months, to keep an eye on
are being upgraded to the Block III Force is working with other nations in what the Russians are doing.
version, bringing a lot of improvements, the region, notably fellow F-35 operators Of course, Russia and China are
while the E/A-18G Growler electronic such as Australia, South Korea and Japan, allies, but there is unlikely to be much
attack aircraft will also be considerably to increase their understanding of each interoperability between the two,
enhanced. Deliveries of the fifth-gen F-35C other’s operational routines. It’s all about despite some major exercises together.
Lightnings are also being ramped up, as interoperability, because if China does Regardless, the US and its allies will not be
are the improved E-2D Hawkeyes, which need putting down, working with its taking either for granted, which is why US
can now be refuelled in the air. The new friends will ease the burden. Navy modernization has been so rapid.
MQ-25 Stingray unmanned aerial vehicles Also in this issue are two features on Alan Warnes
will have the ability to do just that by 2025 overseas ops by the Dassault Rafale. Group Editor at Large
and will alleviate the pressure on the five- Last October, the French Air and Space
Visit our website at
tank Super Hornet buddy-buddy refuellers Force sent five jets to India for a major www.key.aero/combataircraftjournal
that are suffering badly from fatigue. exercise with Indian Air Force Rafales Contact the team at
Most of these will work in the ‘kill-web’, as (see page 70-74). While the IAF wouldn’t [email protected]

www.Key.Aero // March 2023 3

 March 2023 • Vol 24 • No 03

IN THE NEWS
Spangdahlem F-16CMs arrive at Kadena
Air Base (p6)
Concerns grow as Belarus hold joint air
force exercises with Russia (p7)
‘Retired’ F-117As set to remain flying until
2034 (p10)
Iran poised to receive first Su-35s in matter
of months (p11)
USAF pushes forward with RC-26B
retirement (p18)
Spirit fleet grounded following incident at
Whiteman (p24)

28 F-35 takes on China

As tension rises in the Indo-Pacific, Australia,
Japan, and South Korea all have reason to be
worried. The United States has been a stabilizing
factor and brings with it the F-35. Gerard Keijsper
looks at its role

40 Alpha Scramble
Frédéric Lert examines the essential role the FASF
is fulfilling in strengthening NATO's defensive
posture on its eastern flank against Russia
40 French Air and Space Force
46 Fighting Fifth-Gen Strike 46 Josef Campion 80
The Italian Air Force hosted a training exercise
focused on fifth-generation fighter tactics, CAJ
visited Amendola Air Base in Northern Italy to
speak to those involved

52 Transition to Echo
As the Royal Netherlands Air Force prepares to
upgrade its 28 AH-64D Apache to the Echo,
No 302 Squadron at Robert Gray Army Field,
Texas, is playing a vital role in the transition
process. Frank Visser spoke with the unit
commander

60 Rock Solid Guards

Tom Kaminski continues our state report series,
80 US Navy/Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Haydn N Smith
exploring New Hampshire, nicknamed the
Granite State

SEE PAGE 59 FOR

FULL DETAILS
 64 All is Green in the Garden
New Jersey plays a vital role in refueling jets
over the mid-Atlantic. Tom Kaminski looks at its
airborne assets

70 Rafales in Jodhpur
Since 2003, the French and the Indian air forces
have been training together in Exercise Garuda.
Frédéric Lert reports on the latest edition that
brought together French and Indian Rafales with
the Sukhoi Su-30MKI

76 Iran’s Mysterious Boeings

A pair of elderly Iranian Boeing RC-707-3J9Cs
are still being flown on intelligence-gathering
missions. Babak Taghvaee looks at the mystery
behind its operations

80 Carrier Strike: A New Age

What does the future hold for the striking power
of US Navy Carrier Air Wings? Mike Crutch
provides an in-depth by-type overview of how
the most powerful Carrier Strike force in the
world will be strengthened and modernized to
meet new and emerging threats over the
next decade

90 Just a Nice Pic

We have our third winner of the ‘Just a Nice Pic’
competition, Jake Wayre, with a breathtaking
image of a Super Hornet close to breaking the
sound barrier

92 Boneyard Bound
Since 2021, the USAF has been retiring part of
its legacy tanker fleet, making way for the KC-46
80 Republic of Korea Air Force
Pegasus. Luca Chadwick looks to the future of the
USAF’s tanker capability.

94 The Stealthy Scout

The Boeing-Sikorsky RAH-66 Comanche was
the most advanced US military helicopter of
the 1990s. Once viewed as army aviation’s top
priority, dwindling support meant it was destined
to remain a prototype, as David Willis explains

96 Cutting Edge: Liberty Lifter

Dispatches from the front line of aerospace
technology by David Axe

ON THE COVER
The electronic attack
EA-18G Growler will
continue to play a part
in the modernization of
Carrier Strike
James ‘Hazy’
Haseltine
 SPANGDAHLEM F-16CMs
ARRIVE AT KADENA AB
EIGHT USAF Lockheed Martin
F-16CM Fighting Falcons from
Departing home base
Spangdahlem AB as Jest11-16
possibly remaining in Alaska to
training alongside the based F-22A
it enters operational service but
this remains unconfirmed at the
the 480th Fighter Squadron and Jest21-26 on January 11 , the Raptors, which they will work time of writing. Col Henry Schantz,
‘Warhawks’ of the 52nd Fighter F-16CMs routed west to Andrews alongside in Okinawa. commander of 18th Operations
Wing (FW) at Spangdahlem Air AB, in Maryland, then on to The phased F-15C/D Eagle Group, said: “These temporary
Base in Germany touched down at Elmendorf AB, in Alaska. The F-16s withdrawal is due to conclude deployments bring a diverse
Kadena Air Base (AB) in Japan on were supported throughout the in 2024, (see Kadena Eagles – an set of platforms to the region
January 16. five-day trip by KC-135R/T, KC-10A abrupt beginning, February, p28- and provide the opportunity to
The Germany-based Suppression and KC-46A tanker aircraft. 33). The deployed fighter units will integrate, train, and operate with
of Enemy Air Defense unit is Despite 12 F-16CMs leaving integrate with the remaining 18th our joint forces and international
in Japan to augment air-to-air Spangdahlem, only eight arrived FW Eagles at Kadena to help deter allies.”
capabilities of the deployed F-22A at Kadena on January 16 – four and, if required, respond to acts of
52 FW F-16CM ARRIVALS
Raptors from the 3rd FW at Joint F-16s remain at Elmendorf and are aggression from adversaries that AT KADENA
Base Elmendorf Richardson, Alaska. due to follow the others to Kadena might bring instability to the Indo- AIR BASE, JAPAN
Both units are present at the on a date not yet confirmed. The Pacific region. (01/16/23)
Callsign Serial
Okinawa Island base to provide reason for the four jets remaining The USAF plans to replace the Jest11 91-0338
the required Indo-Pacific fighter in Alaska is also unconfirmed – CAJ Kadena Eagles with a deployed Jest12 91-0416
capabilities needed during the did reach out to the 52nd FW at fighter presence in the Indo-Pacific Jest13 91-0417
Jest14 96-0080
phased withdrawal of the Spangdahlem for comment, but by deploying aircraft to Kadena
Jest21 90-0813
Kadena-based 18th FW F-15C/D received no reply. The jets may on a rotational basis. There is also Jest22 91-0342
Eagles, which began in December simply be experiencing scheduling speculation the Boeing F-15EX Jest23 91-0418
last year. or technical issues, or even will be based at Kadena, when Jest24 92-3918

A crew chief of the 480th FS performs post-flight procedures

on one of the units F-16CM Fighting Falcons as they arrive at
Kadena AB, Japan. USAF/ 1st class Tylir Meyer

6 March 2023 // www.Key.Aero

DUTCH F-16s RETURN TO EUROPE the aircraft off their property, it was
agreed the 11 F-16AM/BMs would
be flown to Draken’s main base
at Laker-Linder IAP in Lakeland,
Florida, mid-August. The original
ten aircraft had been joined by an
F-16BM, J-882, last May.
Draken was set to acquire the
jets in June 2021, but when the
time came to sign the contract in
late August, Draken’s Red Air work
had fizzled out. By March 2022,
the firm had lost its US Adversary
Air contracts, resulting in a 61%
Above: Two former Royal Netherlands Air Force F-16BMs flown by 312 Sqn pilots arrived at Charleroi on December 15 as part of a four-ship mix of fall in revenue. So the Netherlands
AM/BM models. Of the 11 that are due to return to Europe, two are stuck in Lajes (Azores) and the other five are still in Florida Marco de Groot government and Lockheed Martin
FOUR of the 11 Royal Netherlands J-010 marked ‘148 FS’ plus F-16Bs Squadron, 162nd Fighter Wing at are aiming to create a F-16 training
Air Force jets that for 32 years had J-067 and J-210) from Florida to the Tucson ANGB, Arizona was shut unit they could offer to Romania
trained F-16 pilots in Arizona arrived the SABCA facility in Belgium to down after the graduation of the and Bulgaria. Romania has 17 ex-
at Charleroi, Belgium, on December be stored meanwhile. The F-16 last new F-16 pilots on July 29. With Portuguese Air Force F-16s and is to
15. This was fewer than originally training unit, with the 148th Fighter the defense department wanting start taking delivery of the surplus
expected: six F-16s had arrived at 32 Royal Norwegian F-16s this year.
Lajes (Azores) ready to make the The plan suggests that a Lockheed
next leg to Europe, but two did not Martin/Dutch initiative would train
leave. The other five F-16s remain at Romanian Air Force pilots. However
their temporary Florida home, and there is speculation they might
as we go to press in mid-January be offered to Bulgaria, while the
no further aircraft had arrived in BuAF awaits its new F-16 Block 70s.
Belgium. Having failed to sell the Bulgaria needs a defense capability
surplus former Tucson-based F-16s plug because the MiG-29 Fulcrums
to Draken International, the Royal will be retired next year and the
Above: KC-10A 87-0117 arrives at RAF Mildenhall on December 15, 2022, as ‘Reach81’ after
Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) flew supporting the Dutch F-16AM/BM Fighting Falcons to Europe from Florida Block 70s have been delayed until
the four aircraft (F-16AM J-004 and Luca Chadwick 2025. Alan Warnes

CONCERNS GROW AS BELARUS STAGES JOINT

AIR FORCE EXERCISES WITH RUSSIA
BELARUS launched a joint air force deflecting air strikes, air cover 85805, RF-85806, RF-81874, and surface missile, which has been
exercise with Russia on January of important objects and RF-81875. It was understood two used to attack targets in Ukraine.
16, lasting until February 1, as fears communications,” he added. Su-30SM aircraft were flying from It is understood there are four
were mounting that Moscow was On January 8, the Belarusian Kursk, Russia and that a further Kinzhals in Belarus. The exercises
seeking to persuade Minsk to join Ministry of Defense reported: two RuSAF Su-34s were already came after Russian President
the war against Ukraine. “All airfields and ranges of the Air stationed in Baranovichi. Four Vladimir Putin held a summit
However, Pavel Muraveyko, Force and Air Defense Forces of RuSAF Antonov transport airplanes in Minsk, during which he said
first deputy state secretary of the the Armed Forces of Belarus will be also arrived at Baranovichi the same Belarusian jets had been adapted
Belarusian Security Council, sought involved during the tactical flight day. The monitoring group reported to carry “special warheads”. At a
to allay concerns, saying: “The exercise.” that there were also three An-12s meeting with Belarus President
exercise is purely defensive According to monitoring group (registrations RF-93586, Alexander Lukashenko in Minsk on
in nature.” Belaruski Gayun, at least eight RF-12560, and RF-95409) and an December 19, Putin said: “I think
At the start of the air drills, he fighters of the Russian Aerospace An-26 (RF-90319). Three of them it would be possible to continue
commented: “It will be a set of Forces had flown into the military came from the Russian Federation, implementing the proposal made
measures to prepare our and airfield in Baranovichi, among them and one (RF-93586) was in by the Belarusian president to
Russian aviation to carry out the were four Su-34s, with registration Machulishchi from January. Two train crews for Belarusian combat
relevant combat missions.” numbers RF-95001, RF-81853, RuSAF MiG-31Ks have also been planes, which have already been
The exercises were to involve RF-81862 plus an unknown. There deployed. The jet is equipped to retooled to potentially use air-based
training for “aerial reconnaissance, were four Su-30s, registered RF- carry the hypersonic Kinzhal air-to munitions with a special warhead.”

www.Key.Aero // March 2023 7

 SENIOR EX-RAF PILOT TRASHES
ENJJPT TO UK POLITICIANS
TRAINING BRITISH fast-jet pilots training at ENJJPT is that it is based will contain a no-notice practice the RAF’s Advanced Fast-Jet Training
in the US is a waste of taxpayers’ on the US Air Force philosophy emergency, which as often as syllabus to meet the standard. As
money and does not meet of training. At ENJJPT the flying is not will require a diversion to the a result, the UK withdrew from
the needs of the RAF, a former strictly regimented. Students must nearest airfield that will probably ENJJPT after a few years. Nothing
senior commander has said. comply exactly with the manual’s not be the home base. Solo will have changed. Sending
In written expert evidence to the way of flying. If they do, they students are also allowed to fly students to ENJJPT will therefore
UK’s Defence Select Committee, pass the course, if not they fail. to lower weather limits than at not alleviate the problems caused
Wg Cdr SJ Orwell (ret’d) claimed “Added to this, each sortie (apart ENJJPT and to use airfields other by the shortage of Hawk aircraft.
student fast-jet pilots should from navigation) is flown in an than the home base. At the end “The ENJJPT solution is attractive
instead be sent to Australia as it allocated ‘box’ of airspace. No other of the course the Final Handling because it is simplistic and probably
operates the same BAE Systems- aircraft is allowed into that airspace Test examines both the students’ the cheapest option. The fact that
developed Hawk T2 (designated the and therefore the student is not flying skills and their response to it will not solve the problem and
Hawk Mk 127 LIF in Royal Australian required or trained to maintain a unplanned injects by the examiner. end up as a waste of resources,
Air Force service) training aircraft, lookout. Simulated emergencies are All of this is designed to produce student training time and taxpayers’
and its procedures match the RAF’s. not practiced in the air as they are a mindset that reacts to and deals money will, on past evidence, be
Wg Cdr Orwell said Advanced not part of the syllabus which must with changing circumstances; a pre- ignored by the MOD. This must
Fast Jet Training (AFJT) in the UK be strictly adhered to. The result is a requisite for any operational pilot.” not be allowed to happen.
had been hit by engine problems, graduate that is devoid of flexibility. Orwell, who served as a “A better solution would be to
which has led to the lack of “This works for the USAF but is flight instructor at ENJJPT, was investigate sending students to
availability of Hawk T2 aircraft. As a the exact opposite to the way the giving evidence to an ongoing the Royal Australian Air Force
result, the UK MOD is considering RAF conducts pilot training. We investigation by the UK Parliament for Advanced Fast-Jet Training.
sending pilots to the Euro-NATO emphasise the need for flexibility. into aircraft procurement in the UK. They use a version of the Hawk
Joint Jet Pilot Training Program Students, dual or solo, fly in free He added: “The RAF sent four similar to the RAF’s T2 and their
(ENJJPT), which is carried out by airspace and are therefore taught students per year to ENJJPT. When philosophy towards training is
the 80th Flying Training Wing and required to demonstrate how the students returned to the UK akin to ours. On completion of
(FTW) at Sheppard AFB in Texas. to maintain a good lookout for the intention was for them to Advanced Fast-Jet Training the
In damning criticism, Orwell other aircraft, which is a skill vital to fly a 30-hour orientation course students could either return to the
told the committee: “The one an operational pilot. They are also and then go to weapons training. UK for the tactical weapons phase
thing that should not happen is expected to adapt the sortie profile Unfortunately, the ENJJPTS training (carried out on the Hawk that
to allow the MOD to use ENJJPT.” to the weather conditions to enable did not meet the entry standards for they are already qualified on) or,
He revealed in his written the aim of the exercise to be met. Tactical Weapons Training and the if it was found suitable, complete
evidence: “The problem with the “In addition, most of the sorties students had to complete almost all the Australian weapons course.”

A USAF student pilot flying with the 80th Flying Training Wing under the ENJJPT programme,
flies a T-6A Texan II during a training sortie near Sheppard AFB, Texas, in late August 2020
USAF/2nd Lt Ryan Potter

8 March 2023 // www.Key.Aero

FIRST F-35 TO RECEIVE TR-3 UPGRADE TAKES FLIGHT
A DEVELOPMENTAL test team configured F-35. The introduction long-range precision weapons, development, the F-35 Joint
from the USAF’s 461st Flight of this new TR-3 hardware/ improved electronic warfare Program Office (JPO) states that
Test Squadron (FLTS) ‘Deadly software significantly updates features, more powerful data fusion the TR-3 project is now on-track
Jesters’ conducted the first flight the F-35’s core processing power and increased cross-platform to start delivering this upgraded
of an F-35A Lightning II in the and memory capacity, enabling interoperability. Combined, these capability to the US military
fifth-generation fighter’s new the platform to run advanced new and enhanced warfighting and other global F-35 operators
Technology Refresh 3 (TR-3) software that comes with new and capabilities will provide operators this year. “The government and
configuration at Edwards AFB enhanced warfighting capabilities. with a greater combat-edge to industry team continue to find
in California on January 6. TR-3 is an integral component identify, track and engage adversary innovative ways to ensure delivery
Piloted by Maj Ryan ‘BOLO’ in the supporting infrastructure targets, while further improving of critical capabilities to defeat
Luersen, an experimental test surrounding the Lightning II’s future survivability against advanced air-, future threats. Lessons learned
pilot with the USAF, the Lightning Block 4 upgrade, which will bring ground- and cyber-based threats. in the execution of the TR-3
II used in this highly anticipated a host of new capabilities to the While the program has overcome program will be applied across
test flight – serial 07-0745 ‘ED’ F-35 family. Among other things, it complex and technical hardware/ the entire Block 4 modernisation
(c/n AF-07), the second F-35A to includes new sensor suites, more software challenges during its program,” the JPO added.
be built in serial production – is
a specially instrumented flight
test aircraft and was the first to
receive the TR-3 upgrades. During
the 50-minute test flight, ‘BOLO’
departed Edwards and flew the
F-35A at near-supersonic speed to
35,000ft above the Mojave Desert,
before executing a functional check
flight profile to verify the aircraft’s
airworthiness and system stability.
This flight marked the start
of an extensive test campaign,
with both developmental and With Maj Ryan ‘BOLO’ Luersen, an
experimental test pilot with the USAF, at
operational test flights set to the controls, the first TR-3 configured
continue throughout the year F-35A conducts its maiden test flight
to ensure safety and prove the over the Mojave Desert in California on
January 6, 2023 F-35 JPO
warfighting capabilities of the TR-3-

HAWAII UNIT ACTIVATED AS KC-130Js ARRIVE

THE USMC activated a new KC- of several organisational moves 234. The move will result in all five includes 86 aircraft that comprise
130J Hercules tanker-transport that were revealed as part of the KC-130J units being equipped 75 PMAI and ten BAI aircraft, plus
unit when Marine Aerial 2022 Marine Aviation Plan, which with 15 aircraft placed in the one KC-130J to support continued
Refueler Transport Squadron was released in May, last year. In a Primary Mission Aircraft Inventory testing carried out by the US Navy’s
153 (VMGR-153) ‘Hercules’ was related move, one of the USMC’s (PMAI), along with a further two Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 20
stood up at MCAS Kaneohe two reserve KC-130J squadrons, that will be designated as Backup (VX-20) ‘Force’ at NAS Patuxent River
Bay in Hawaii on January 13. VMGR-452 ‘Yankees’, was stood Aircraft Inventory (BAI) by 2026. in Maryland.
The new unit is assigned to down at Steward Air National The USMC’s plan for the Hercules Tom Kaminski
the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing’s Guard Base in Newburgh, New
Marine Aircraft Group 24. While Jersey, on December 2, 2022. Its
it initially received two KC-130Js five KC-130Js were subsequently
that had previously been flown reassigned to VMGR-234 ‘Rangers’
by VMGR-352 ‘Raiders’ at MCAS at NAS JRB Fort Worth, Texas.
Miramar, California, the squadron As published, the 2022 Marine
will operate a total of 17 aircraft Aviation Plan called for retaining
by 2026. The aircraft – BuNos two KC-130J squadrons in the
170272 and 170273 – arrived at Marine Corps Reserve with ten
Kaneohe Bay’s Marion E Carl Field and five aircraft, respectively.
on December 6, 2022 – before Ultimately, the decision was made
A USMC-operated KC-130J Hercules tanker-transport (BuNo 170272) touches down at MCAS
VMGR-153 was formally activated. to deactivate VMGR-452 and Kaneohe Bay in Hawaii on January 6, 2023. The aircraft is assigned to VMGR-153, which was
The activation of VMGR-153 is one reassign its five aircraft to VMGR- formally activated at the base a week later USMC/Cpl Chandler Stacy

www.Key.Aero // March 2023 9

 ‘RETIRED’ F-117As SET TO CONTINUE
FLYING FOR A DECADE MORE
WHILE THE USAF formally ‘retired’ its A Nighthawk arrives at Fresno-
fleet of F-117A Nighthawk stealth Yosemite International Airport
attack jets in April 2008, the air arm in California on September 15,
2021. The USAF plans to retain
is now seeking to keep a number its remaining airworthy F-117As
of examples flying in support of in limited operational service
“limited research and training to support testing and training
activities until at least 2034
activities” until at least 2034 – more US ANG/Capt Jason Sanchez
than 25 years after the type was
initially withdrawn from service.
Ann Stefanek, Chief of Media
Operations with the Department
of the Air Force, on January 16
confirmed that the type will be
retained in operational non-combat
service until 2034 and that the to meet the AFTC’s requirements Having entered operational engage low observable (LO) aircraft
USAF would continue to divest by October 3 that year, before an service in October 1983 with 59 in dissimilar air combat training
the remaining aircraft in the fleet. industry day later in the month. F-117As delivered in total, the USAF (DACT), an important mission in the
“We expect to fly some F-117s The aim of the RFI was to shrouded the Nighthawk and its advent of both China and Russia
to support limited research and “determine potential suppliers operations in secrecy until it was fielding their own fifth-generation
training activities until they are with experience and capabilities formally revealed to the public in fighters. This occurred when a pair
disposed of,” Stefanek told CAJ. to support a ten-year F-117A 1988. Despite being ‘retired’ from of F-117As deployed to Fresno-
“We have approximately 45 F-117s Maintenance and Logistics Support service in 2008 and replaced by Yosemite International Airport on
currently and are disposing of Services contract at the Tonopah the F-22A Raptor, the venerable September 13, 2021, to perform
three-to-four aircraft a year. As we Test Range (TTR).” Work under this Nighthawk has been seen flying DACT operations with F-15C/D
demilitarize the aircraft, they will contract is expected to begin on over Nevada and neighbouring Eagles assigned to the 144th
be made available to museums, January 1, 2024 and will be active California since 2010, when a video Fighter Wing. The Nighthawks have
if requested, or be [scrapped]. until 2034, unless the USAF opts showing an F-117A flying the also been used to support various
More than ten have already been to cancel the ongoing project Nevada Test and Training Range testing and training exercises.
approved for transfer to museums.” or deems it necessary to extend (NTTR) first surfaced. For almost a All the USAF’s remaining F-117As,
This revelation came after the F-117A operations further. decade, the USAF remained tight- with the airworthy examples being
US Air Force Test Center (AFTC) at The selected contractor has to lipped about what it was doing flown by Air Force test pilots, are
Edwards AFB in California published provide F-117A T-2 modification with the platform, despite multiple being kept in long-term Type
a Request for Information (RFI) services, involving configuration sightings over the two states. 1000 storage conditions at the
regarding the provision of F-117 changes to aircraft for research We now know that the USAF’s Tonopah Test Range Airport at the
Maintenance and Logistics Support and development operations in still-airworthy Nighthawks have vast NTTR near Nellis AFB, Nevada.
Services on September 12, 2022. support of Developmental Test and been used as stealthy aggressor This allowed the Nighthawks to
Interested industry parties were Evaluation programs, says the Air aircraft, helping to train active be returned to operational service,
invited to submit project proposals Force Materiel Command manual. frontline combat pilots on how to when required, with the USAF
stating that the aircraft in this
classification of storage can be
reactivated within 30 to 120 days.
The USAF still has 45 F-117As at
the TTR, but not all are expected
to be airworthy and/or capable
of supporting such research and
training activities from the Nevada
base. As the Nighthawks need to
be thoroughly demilitarized before
they are formally handed over to
any museum, the ten aircraft that
Ann Stefanek confirmed as being
earmarked for preservation are
probably being prepared for their
Above: Five F-117A Nighthawk stealth fighters seen in long-term storage at the Tonopah Test Range Airport in Nevada USAF upcoming transfer and not flown.

10 March 2023 // www.Key.Aero

IRAN POISED TO RECEIVE FIRST ‘IRONMEN’
SU-35s IN MATTER OF MONTHS REACTIVATE
AN IRANIAN lawmaker has told including air defense systems, For three decades, Iran’s attempts AS USAF’S
NEW F-22A
local media that Russia will deliver missile systems and helicopters, to to procure new Chinese- and
the first Sukhoi Su-35 Flanker-E be received in the near future. Russian-made fighters to replace
multi-role fighters to the Islamic
Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF) in
the coming months.
It is unclear how many Su-35s
Iran has procured, but early
reports indicate that the IRIAF
its aging fleets of US-built F-14A
Tomcats; F-4D/E and RF-4E
Phantom IIs; F-5A/B Freedom
TRAINERS
TO PREPARE for the relocation of
Shahriar Heidari, a member of will receive 24 examples of the Fighters and F-5E/F Tiger IIs have the F-22A Formal Training Unit
the Iranian Parliament’s National fourth-gen, twin-engine fighter, proved unsuccessful due to (FTU) mission from Florida to
Security and Foreign Policy with the type being primarily used sanctions. The deterioration of Virginia, the USAF’s Air Combat
Committee, told the Tasnim News for air superiority missions. The Russia’s relations with the West Command reactivated the 71st
Agency on January 15, that the first Tasnim News Agency said some – especially with NATO member Fighter Squadron (FS) under the
examples of the multi-role fighter, of the newly acquired Su-35s are states following the invasion of 1st Fighter Wing/Operations Group
which are believed to be the Su- expected to be based at the 8th Ukraine – means that Russia has (FW/OG) at Joint Base Langley-
35SE export variant of the Flanker-E Tactical Air Base (TAB) in Esfahan, leaned on Iran for economic and Eustis in Hampton on January 6.
family, will be handed over to currently home to three F-14A military support to aid its war effort, Known as the ‘Ironmen’, the unit
the IRIAF early in the Solar Hijri Tomcat units (81, 82 and 83 Tactical such as the delivery of Iranian- had been assigned to the wing
calendar year 1402, which begins Fighter Squadrons) and one F-5A/B made Shahed-136 ‘kamikaze’ under the 71st Fighter Training
on March 21. He added that Iran Freedom Fighter/Chengdu FT-7N drones to the Russian military. This Squadron designation from
has also ordered a variety of other squadron (85 Tactical Fighter has given Iran an opportunity to August 14, 2015-November 12,
military equipment from Russia, Squadron). procure new weapons from Russia. 2021, when its T-38A Talons were
reassigned to the then-recently
Iran seeks to acquire at least 24 Su-35SE reactivated 7th Fighter Training
Flanker-E multi-role fighters (seen here) from
Russia to replace some of its aging US-built Squadron. The 71st FS had flown
fighter fleets. The Su-35SEs in question were F-15C Eagles as part of the 1st
originally destined for delivery to the Egyptian OG until it was deactivated on
Air Force Russian MoD
September 30, 2010.
While the F-22A FTU mission
is still currently assigned to the
325th FW’s 43rd FS ‘Hornets’ at
Tyndall AFB in Florida, the unit’s
F-22A Raptors have been mainly
operating from Eglin AFB, Florida,
as much of Tyndall was destroyed
by Hurricane Michael in 2018.
Tom Kaminski

EX-KADENA F-15Cs JOIN THE 144TH FW

AS THE USAF continues to rapidly
withdraw its F-15C/D Eagles from
Kadena AB in Okinawa, the US Air
National Guard’s (ANG’s) 144th
Fighter Wing (FW) at Fresno-
Yosemite International Airport,
California has revealed it received
three of the former Japan-based
fighters in December.
The 144th FW is one of the few
ANG units to absorb Kadena’s Two of the three former Kadena-based F-15C Eagles await their acceptance inspection at Fresno-Yosemite International Airport, California, on
January 8, 2023, as the fighters go through the process of transitioning from the 18th Wing to the 144th FW US ANG/Senior Airman Austin Sowles
outgoing Eagles and received
three single-seat F-15Cs from maintain the unit’s current flying then be used to support the 144th removing all Eagles from the air
the Okinawa base’s resident 18th tempo. They will be put through an FW’s core mission of defending US arm’s Pacific Air Forces command
Wing following their reassignment extensive and rigorous acceptance domestic airspace. by the end of this year. There will be
back to the continental US. These inspection, which usually takes The USAF announced plans to regular rotational deployments of
additional Eagles enable the 144th place within a two-week window withdraw its F-15C/Ds from Kadena USAF fighters to the Japanese base
FW to remain combat-capable and but can take longer. The Eagles will in October, 2022, with the aim of to ensure there is no capability gap.

www.Key.Aero // March 2023 11

 CH-53K MOVES INTO FULL-RATE PRODUCTION BOEING TO
BUILD NEW
CHINOOKS
FOR EGYPT THE US Army has contracted
Boeing to produce 12 new
CH-47F Chinook heavy-lift
tactical transport helicopters
for the Egyptian Air Force.
This new contract comes as part
of a Foreign Military Sale (FMS)
Above: Sikorsky employees building CH-53K aircraft utilising 3D work instructions and new titanium machining centers with multi-floor ergonomic worth $426m and will allow the
platforms Lockheed Martin Egyptian Air Force to replace
FOLLOWING A decision made by Stallions. Sikorsky is now expected successfully demonstrated the its 16-strong fleet of legacy
Frederick J Stefany, the Assistant to produce 20 CH-53K helicopters performance and reliability of this CH-47D Chinooks with the more
Secretary of the US Navy for per year, with help from a supply aircraft. With FRP we will continue to modern F-model variant. The deal
Research, Development and chain that spans 200 companies build on the strong manufacturing, continues more than 40 years of
Acquisition, the Sikorsky CH-53K across 34 US states. The USMC sustainment and support that has partnership on CH-47 operations
King Stallion heavy-lift transport declared initial operational been established for the CH-53K.” between Boeing and the Egyptian
helicopter formally entered full-rate capability on the King Stallion in The FRP phase of aircraft air arm, which acquired its
production (FRP) at the end of 2022. 2022 and, now that the platform is production comes after the low- first Chinooks in 1981. Boeing
The decision – announced on in FRP, the fleet is due to reach full rate initial production (LRIP) and anticipates that deliveries of these
December 27 – marks a major operational capability in 2029. a review of the initial operational new CH-47Fs will begin in 2026.
milestone for the USMC’s plan to Commenting on the decision, Col test and evaluation campaign, Egypt’s move to recapitalize
acquire 200 CH-53Ks, which will Kate Fleeger – program manager live-fire test and evaluation, risk its Chinook fleet was first noted
ultimately replace the service’s with the US Navy’s H-53 Heavy and affordability analyses, and on May 26, 2022, when the US
aging fleet of CH-53E Super Lift Program Office said: “We have production readiness review. Defense Security Cooperation
Agency revealed that US State

FINAL THRASHERS ORDERED BY US NAVY Department approval had been

given for the possible FMS
THE US Department of Defense from the US Coast Guard, United of spares, dedicated equipment, sale of 23 CH-47Fs and related
(DOD) has awarded a contract States Marine Corps and US Navy related support and pilot/ equipment/support services
modification to AgustaWestland since 1968. maintenance training services. for an estimated cost of $2.6bn.
Philadelphia (a subsidiary of This recent contract award brings In November 2020, the DOD The new $426 million contract
Leonardo) exercising an option the number of Thrashers on order exercised options to procure an is substantially lower than the
to acquire a further 26 TH-73A to 130, which is in line with the additional 36 aircraft as part of original quote, and presumably
Thrasher training helicopters for Navy’s planned program of record a $171m fixed-price contract, doesn’t include the other services.
the US Navy. for the type. An initial contract – followed by a third contract – The Egyptian Air Force
The awarding of this firm-fixed- worth $177m – for the production worth $159m – for a further 36 according to AirForces
price contract, worth $110.5m, and delivery of the first 32 TH-73As airframes under Production Lot 3 Intelligence operates 16 CH-47Ds,
was announced by the DOD was awarded to AgustaWestland in December 2021, bringing the four delivered in 1999/2000
on December 23, 2022. This Philadelphia following the type’s total number on order to 104. The were new builds and the other
modification to the already selection in January 2020. This first TH-73A was delivered to NAS 12 were upgraded CH-47Cs. The
awarded Advanced Helicopter deal also included the provision Whiting Field in August 2021. latter was initially made up of
Training System (AHTS) contract 15 Italian-built examples that
will result in 26 new-build TH-73As were destined for Iran, but were
manufactured under Production instead delivered to Egypt.
Lot 4, which will be delivered to the The deal also included the
Navy as it continues to recapitalize provision of 56 Honeywell T-55-
its training helicopter fleet. Work GA-714A turboshaft engines, 75
is expected to be completed by 7.62mm M240 machine guns and
December 2024. 29 AN/AAR-57 Common Missile
Based on Leonardo’s AW119Kx, Warning Systems (CMWS), plus
the Thrasher will replace the Navy’s an unspecified number of Fast
ageing fleet of TH-57B/C Sea Rope Insertion Extraction Systems
Rangers, which have been used to (FRIES) and Bambi buckets for
Above: The US Navy’s first TH-73A Thrasher (BuNo 170138 ‘610’) arrives at NAS Whiting Field
train helicopter and tiltrotor pilots in Milton, Florida, on August 6, 2021 US Navy/Lt Michelle Tucker aerial firefighting purposes.

12 March 2023 // www.Key.Aero

PEMA_FP.indd 1
Meteor_x4_210x297_CA_uk.indd 1 13/01/2023 11:49:40
12/01/2023 11:05
 USAF BIDS FAREWELL TO FINAL COMBAT COYOTES
USAF PERSONNEL assigned to the
711th Special Operations Squadron
(SOS) at Duke Field, Florida, said
goodbye to the PZL-Mielec C-145A
Combat Coyote after a decade
of serving US Air Force Special
Operations Command (AFSOC).
The era of the Combat Coyote
came to an end on December 15,
2022, when the last four C-145As
departed Duke Field for a final flight.
On their return, the Combat Coyotes
landed in sequence and proceeded
in tight formation, offering one last
A trio of C-145As parked on a dirt runway within the vast Eglin Range in Florida, December 15, 2022. The aircraft performed touch-and-goes here
show to a small group witnessing as part of the type’s final flight. The Combat Coyote fleet was formally withdrawn from operational USAF service later that day
the aircraft’s retirement. USAF/Senior Airman Dylan Gentile
While the Combat Coyote entered on the type on behalf of AFSOC. ground troops to forward operating effect some time – the first example
operational USAF service in June The C-145A has not been employed bases in austere environments. formally retired from operations was
2009, with 17 examples delivered to on overseas deployments in recent The 919th SOW was the sole delivered to the 309th Aerospace
the air arm in total, the 919th Special years. However, the platform remaining operator of the C-145A Maintenance and Regeneration
Operations Wing (SOW) at Duke – based on Polish aerospace in USAF service. While the wing is Group at Davis-Monthan AFB in
Field – the parent wing of the 711th manufacturer PZL-Mielec’s M-28-05 expecting to transition to a new Arizona on May 28, 2015. By August
SOS – did not start operating the Skytruck – was delivered to the platform, it is unclear which aircraft 28 that year, nine C-145As had
type until 2012. Under the charge USAF by US-based Sierra Nevada that will be. Chief Master Sgt Bobby been divested and stored at the
of the 919th SOW, combat aviation Corporation and provided a tactical Barton (Ret’d), the former senior facility. A further two examples
advisors from the 711th used the mobility advantage to downrange enlisted leader of the 919th at Duke were transferred to the Arizona
C-145A to maintain proficiency missions when initially purchased Field, said: “The only constant in the Department of Public Security on
before instructing aircrews from by the air arm. air force is change. The people who June 18, 2015, so 11 aircraft were
partner nations on a variety of Given its robust, short take-off and flew the C-145 enjoyed it. It was withdrawn from USAF use that year.
advanced tactics. Meanwhile, landing design, the Combat Coyote a nice aircraft to have for a while, Five have been sold to Estonia (two)
instructors from the 711th’s sister was capable of operating from rural but I’m looking forward to the next and Kenya (three) under the Excess
unit at Duke Field – the 5th SOS areas and undeveloped airfields, one.” The withdrawal of the USAF’s Defense Articles program.
Detachment 1 – trained USAF pilots enabling it to deliver cargo and Combat Coyote fleet has been in

RUSSIA RECEIVES MORE SU-57s AS PRODUCTION RAMPS UP

RUSSIA’S STATE-OWNED Rostec
Corporation announced on
December 28, 2022, that another
batch of serial production-standard
Sukhoi Su-57 fifth-generation
fighters has been handed over to
the Russian MoD.
While the number of Su-57s
delivered in this latest batch was
not disclosed, the aircraft were The RuASF received its first serial production Su-57 on December 25, 2020. This initial example was actually the second to be serially produced,
but was delivered a year after the first Su-57 for the RuASF crashed during pre-delivery testing UAC
manufactured by the United
Aircraft Corporation (UAC) – a delivery of Su-57 fighters to the at long distances, and operate in a systems and equipment for the
subsidiary of Rostec – at the Russian MoD, Sergey Chemezov network-centric war,” he said. Su-57, such as a boathouse for
company’s Komsomolsk-on-Amur – CEO of Rostec – highlighted the At present, the UAC is testing onboard radio-electronic
Aviation Plant (KnAAZ) in the far importance of the platform to the constructing a number of new equipment, a fuel box and a
east of Russia and were handed future of the Russian Aerospace facilities at its KnAAZ facility to build motor test station. Although the
over as part of the 2022 supply Forces (RuASF): “This aircraft is the up capacity and allow the firm to move is supported by the Russian
program. This latest delivery comes future of Russian combat aviation, increase serial production of both government at state level, the
as the Russian government takes it embodies advanced technologies the Su-57 and Su-35S multi-role construction of these new facilities
further action on the modernization and design solutions. It has fighters for the RuASF. is being carried out at the expense
of the KnAAZ facility in a bid to super-maneuverability, is hardly The work also includes the of the UAC, which plans to deliver
increase its production capacity. noticeable, can destroy air and construction of facilities that are up to 76 Su-57s to the Russian MoD
Commenting on the recent ground targets, detect the enemy specifically designed to help test over the coming years.

14 March 2023 // www.Key.Aero

B-52H TEST DROPS FIRST NEARLY 400
F-35s TO BE
HYPERSONIC ARRW
A USAF B-52H Stratofortress
BUILT IN NEW
$30BN DEAL
successfully released the first All- THE F-35 Joint Program Office and
Up-Round AGM-183A Air-launched Lockheed Martin rounded off 2022
Rapid Response Weapon (ARRW) in by finalizing a $30bn contract for
an operational test off the southern the production and delivery of up
Californian coast on December 9. to 398 F-35s for US and foreign
While previous test events focused military sales customers under
on proving the munition’s booster Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP)
performance, this latest ARRW Lots 15-17.
test marked the first launch of a Announced on December 30,
full prototype for the air-launched, this newly signed agreement will
hypersonic boost-glide ballistic see Lockheed Martin produce
missile that is being developed by 145 F-35s under LRIP Lot 15 and
the USAF and Lockheed Martin. This 127 aircraft in LRIP Lot 16. The
milestone test was executed by a deal comes with an option to
A USAF-operated B-52H Stratofortress assigned to the 419th Flight Test Squadron at
B-52H and personnel assigned to Edwards AFB, California, carries a prototype AGM-183A ARRW missile during its first produce and deliver a further 126
the 412th Test Wing at Edwards AFB captive-carry test flight on June 12, 2019. The B-52H is being used as the mothership for F-35s under LRIP Lot 17 and will
this air-launched hypersonic ballistic missile USAF/Christopher Okula
in California. include the first examples of the
According to the USAF, following The USAF is expected to declare team has shown to provide a vital fifth-generation multi-role stealth
the ARRW’s separation from the early operational capability for the capability to our warfighter.” fighter for Belgium, Finland and
B-52H, it reached hypersonic AGM-183A in 2023. With Russia and China fielding Poland. On November 14, 2022,
speeds greater than Mach 5 – more Brig Gen Jason Bartolomei, hypersonic-capable munitions, the Belgian Ministry of Defense
than 3,806mph (6,126km/h) or five program executive officer for the the West is racing to develop its revealed that production of its first
times the speed of sound – before USAF’s Armament Directorate, own. The AGM-183A is designed to F-35A had started at Lockheed
completing its chartered flight path said: “The ARRW team successfully enhance the ability to destroy high- Martin’s facility in Fort Worth, Texas.
and detonating in the terminal designed and tested an air- value, time-sensitive targets. It will The aircraft produced in LRIP
area. “Indications show that all launched hypersonic missile in also allow the US to execute rapid Lots 15-17 will be the first to
objectives were met,” the USAF said five years. I am immensely proud response strikes against heavily include the modernized Technical
in a press release. of the tenacity and dedication this defended land-based targets. Refresh-3 (TR-3) hardware, which is
needed to power the type’s Block

ITALY RETIRES MQ-1C PREDATOR A+ FLEET 4 capabilities. Among other things,

the TR-3 update includes a new
AFTER 3,800 sorties and more than the ITAF’s other aircraft. and monitoring areas of interest, integrated core processor with
31,000 flight hours logged, the Delivered to the ITAF in December remaining on station for long greater computing power when
Italian Air Force (ITAF) retired its fleet 2004, the MQ-1C first saw in-theatre periods of time, which manned compared with F-35s already in
of General Atomics Aeronautical combat operations in January aircraft were not capable of doing. use, along with the addition of
Systems Inc MQ-1C Predator A+ 2005. The Predator A+ served as The RPAS also served at home, an enhanced memory unit and a
remotely piloted aircraft systems an intelligence, surveillance and controlling borders, in search and panoramic cockpit display.
(RPAS) on December 19, 2022. reconnaissance (ISR) platform in rescue and public order operations, The awarding of this $30bn
The retirement ceremony was Afghanistan, the Horn of Africa, and providing security in G7, G8 and production contract marked a
held by 32° Stormo (Wing) at Iraq, Kosovo, and Kuwait. It G20 summits. strong end to 2022 for the F-35
Amendola AB after the final RPAS performed missions of close air RPAS ISR operations are now program. The global Lightning
was transferred from 61° Gruppo support and combat search and performed by the more modern II fleet grew by 141 last year
(Squadron) – a detachment of 32° rescue, supporting the security of MQ-9A Predator B – the ITAF and now stands at 894 aircraft.
Stormo at Sigonella AB in Sicily. convoys in hostile environments operates five, acquired 2008-2009. Lockheed Martin had planned to
The ceremony was attended by deliver 148 aircraft in 2022, but due
high-ranking ITAF officials, including to the imposing of a temporary
the General of the Air Force Alberto pause in F-35 flight operations the
Biavati, who praised the hard work necessary acceptance flight tests
performed by the men and women on the remaining seven aircraft
who operated the RPAS. He also could not be completed. Deliveries
noted that 70% of all the MQ-1C were halted after an F-35B
flights carried out were operational; landing mishap at Fort Worth on
just 30% were for training – making A 32 Stormo Italian Air Force MQ-1C Predator A+ prepares to December 15.
depart for a flight at Amendola AB Italian Air Force
the platform unique compared with

www.Key.Aero // March 2023 15

 CANADA INKS $14BN DEAL FOR 88 F-35As per year for Canadian aerospace/
defense industry and value chain
partners over a 25-year period.
Initially, Canada began investing
in the Joint Strike Fighter program
in 1997, with the RCAF concluding
that the platform was the most
cost-effective replacement for
its CF-188A/B fleet. However,
the Canadian government faced
controversy regarding its planned
F-35 purchase when it initially
announced planned to acquire the
type in 2010. After being elected
to power on October 19, 2015,
Canada’s Liberal Party – led by
Canadian Prime Minister Justin
Trudeau – rejected a straight
purchase of the Lightning II in
favor of reopening a competition.
Canada is scheduled to receive its first four F-35A Lightning IIs from Lockheed Martin in 2026, followed In July 2020, the Canadian
by six more aircraft in 2027 and a further six in 2028. The RCAF is expected to declare FOC with its
government revealed that three
entire F-35A fleet sometime between 2032 and 2034 USAF/Senior Airman Jose Miguel T Tamondong
bidders had been downselected
THE CANADIAN government national security commitments, Fighter Squadron Facilities at as prospective suppliers of a CF-
announced on January 9 that it had while enabling greater Canadian Forces Base Bagotville 188A/B replacement: Boeing (F/A-
finalized an agreement with its US commonality and interoperability in Quebec and CFB Cold Lake in 18E/F), Lockheed Martin (F-35A) and
counterpart, along with Lockheed with other NATO allies that operate Alberta – both are currently home Saab (JAS 39E/F). However, Canada
Martin and Pratt & Whitney, for the the type. Specifically, the move to Hornet squadrons. Canada still controversially eliminated the
acquisition of 88 F-35A Lightning II will help bring the RCAF more in plans to upgrade its CF-188A/B Boeing offer from the competition
fifth-generation multi-role stealth line with the USAF, USMC and US fleet – recently supplemented by on December 1, 2021. While Public
fighters for an estimated cost of Navy, all of which operate different 18 second-hand legacy Hornets Services and Procurement Canada
CA$19bn (US$14bn). variants of the Lightning family and (comprising 12 single-seat F/A-18As would not comment on the reason
This major acquisition marks contribute to the aerial protection and six dual-seat F/A-18Bs) from why the decision to drop the F/A-
Canada’s largest investment in the of Canada and the continental US Australia – to keep the fleet 18E/F was made, it was assumed to
Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) under NORAD. operational until retirement in 2032. be in response to Boeing’s formal
in the past 30 years. The air arm’s As well as the 88 F-35As, this Domestically, the acquisition and complaint to the US Commerce
current, but aging fleet of legacy estimated investment of CA$19bn the F-35A’s initial sustainment in Department that Ottawa was
CF-188A/B Hornet multi-role will also cover the cost of associated RCAF service has the potential to unfairly subsidising an airliner being
fighters, are due to be withdrawn equipment, sustainment set-up contribute more than CA$425m to manufactured by Montreal-based
from operational service by the and services, as well as the Canada’s annual gross domestic rival firm, Bombardier.
end of 2032. construction of type-specific product (GDP) and nearly 3,300 jobs
Canada is expecting to receive
its full complement of 88 F-35As
before the Hornet is retired from
use, with the first four aircraft
slated for delivery in 2026 (a
year later than initially planned),
followed by six in 2027 and
another six in 2028. The nation also
anticipates that the RCAF will reach
full operational capability (FOC)
with its entire F-35A fleet sometime
between 2032 and 2034.
Canada formally selected
the F-35A as the winner of its
Future Fighter Capability Project Aircraft technicians from the RCAF’s 401 Tactical Fighter
competition on March 28, 2022. Squadron marshal a CF-188A Hornet into its parking position
The acquisition will enable the after it arrived in Bodø, Norway, in preparation for Exercise
Trident Juncture on October 19, 2018 RCAF/Cpl Bryan Carter
RCAF to enhance its Arctic and

16 March 2023 // www.Key.Aero

‘BLACK WOLVES’ WELCOME E-11A BACN YOUNGSTOWN
A BRAND-NEW Bombardier E-11A of operational domains in the 6000-based E-11A BACN aircraft in
ARS SET TO
Battlefield Airborne Communication Middle East. The 430th EECS is the a deal worth $464.85m on June 1, RECEIVE NEW
SUPER HERCS
Node (BACN) has arrived at Prince only unit in the USAF that operates 2021. Work under this contract is
Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia, the E-11A BACN, which serves to being performed in Wichita, Kansas,
where it will be operated by provide extended aerial command and should be completed by May THE USAF revealed on December
the USAF’s 430th Expeditionary and control capabilities to air assets 2026. The USAF subsequently 22 that Youngstown Air Reserve
Electronic Communications and ground troops in such locations announced plans to establish a Station (ARS) in Ohio has
Squadron (EECS) ‘Black Wolves’ in as valleys. Since the inception of E-11A BACN squadron at Robins been selected by Secretary
support of operations in US Central the BACN mission in 2008, the AFB in Georgia, serving under the of the Air Force Frank Kendall
Command’s area of responsibility. 430th flew three, then two after 319th Reconnaissance Wing – based as the preferred location to
The new-build aircraft (serial 21- a tragic crash in Afghanistan in at Grand Forks AFB, North Dakota – base eight new C-130J Super
9045) transited through Ramstein January 2020. The USAF ordered as a geographically separated unit. Hercules tactical transports.
AB, Germany, on December 14 a further six Bombardier Global This unit will be stood up this year. This move will see the eight
and arrived at the Saudi base on legacy C-130H Hercules aircraft
December 16. The much modified currently based at Youngstown
business jet was procured by the as part of the 910th Airlift Wing (a
USAF to help keep the ‘Black Wolves’ component of Air Force Reserve
and its already established fleet of Command) replaced by the
forward-deployed E-11As airborne. newer and more modern C-130J.
The fleet provides constant combat The USAF said Youngstown
communications support to in- was selected to host the new
The 430th EECS ‘Black Wolves’ received its latest and newest Bombardier E-11A BACN (serial
theater US and allied commanders 21-9045) when the aircraft arrived at Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, December 16, 2022 aircraft after a site survey was
and military assets across a variety USAF/Staff Sgt Shannon Bowman conducted that “assessed
the location based on factors

‘SCARFACE’ REPLACES ‘VENGEANCE’ AT CAMP PENDLETON

related to mission, infrastructure
capacity, community
IN LINE with its Force Design multiple deployments with Marine HMLA-367 ‘Scarface’ – which was support, environmental
2030 initiative, the USMC Expeditionary Units and in support temporarily stood down at MCAS considerations, and cost”.
deactivated Marine Light of Operation Enduring Freedom Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, in April 2022 – Youngstown-based C-130Hs
Attack Helicopter Squadron in Afghanistan. ‘Vengeance’ has been relocated and reactivated currently support Air Force
469 (HMLA-469) ‘Vengeance’ – a also took part in several key to replace the outgoing HMLA-469. Northern Command by carrying
component of the 3rd Marine humanitarian missions, including HMLA-367 was established by out aerial fire fighting operations,
Aircraft Wing – and reactivated disaster response efforts after the USMC as Marine Observation as well as the type’s enduring
its replacement unit, HMLA-367 earthquakes in Nepal in April-May Squadron 351 (VMO-3) during tactical airlift mission, and will
‘Scarface’, during a ceremony 2015, as part of Task Force 505 World War Two but was stood continue to do so after receiving
at MCAS Camp Pendleton, during Operation Sahayogi Haat. down in 1949. The unit was first the Super Hercules. “The C-130J
California, on December 16. The decision to disband HMLA- reactivated in 1966 to support reduces manpower requirements,
Activated on June 30, 2009, 469 is part of the USMC’s Force US military operations during the lowers operating and support
‘Vengeance’ was the youngest Design 2030 initiative, which has Vietnam war, where it earned its costs, and provides life-cycle cost
HMLA squadron in the 3rd MAW directed the divestment of two ‘Scarface’ nickname and became savings over earlier C-130 models.
and operated both the AH-1Z HMLA squadrons across the USMC the first USMC unit to employ It is also capable of climbing
Viper attack helicopter and UH-1Y to reallocate funding for other areas the AH-1G Cobra. ‘Scarface’ faster and higher, flying farther
Venom battlefield utility helicopter of interest within the service in a went on to support Operations at a higher cruise speed, and
with approximately 350 personnel bid to increase lethality against Desert Storm, Desert Shield, Iraqi taking off and landing in a shorter
on strength. While HMLA-469 was threats. As a result of this move, Freedom (including the Battle of distance,” the USAF added.
still a young unit at the time of its Fallujah) and Enduring Freedom. While Youngstown has been
deactivation, it had carried out initially selected for the C-130Js,
a final basing decision will not
be made until an environmental
impact analysis has been carried
out – expected to be completed
this summer. If Youngstown fails
this study, the USAF has identified
Peterson Space Force Base,
Colorado; Dobbins Air Reserve
Base, Georgia; and Minneapolis-
Lt Col Steven Piacente, the officer commanding HMLA-469 ‘Vengeance’, and Sgt Maj Alex C Brown, sergeant major of HMLA- St Paul ARS, Minnesota, as
469, prepare to encase the unit colors in front of a line-up of AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters during the unit’s deactivation reasonable alternative locations.
ceremony at MCAS Camp Pendleton, California, on December 16, 2022 USMC/Lance Cpl Courtney A Robertson

www.Key.Aero // March 2023 17

 USAF PUSHES FORWARD
WITH RC-26B RETIREMENT
HAVING SERVED as an integral part
of US Air National Guard (ANG)
An RC-26B Condor from the Wisconsin ANG’s
115th FW is marshalled onto the ramp at Truax
counter-narcotics operations for Field ANGB in Madison, after completing its
final flight on December 28, 2022 US ANG/
the last 30 years, the USAF is now Senior Master Sgt Paul Gorman
moving to accelerate the retirement
of its 11-strong fleet of Fairchild RC-
26B Condor reconnaissance aircraft,
a type the service has been pushing
to divest in recent years.
The USAF’s withdrew its
RC-26B fleet on December 28,
2022, when pilots assigned to
the 115th Fighter Wing (FW),
a component of the Wisconsin
ANG, at Truax Field Air National
Guard Base in Madison, Wisconsin,
completed their final operational
Condor flight. In total, a group
of seven 115th FW pilots and
two military information support
operators were detailed to the
ANG’s Counterdrug Program by 11-strong fleet being spread out of both the Fiscal Year 2020 and 2021, Lt Gen Michael A Loh, the
flying the RC-26B in support of across units in Alabama, Arizona, 2021 (FY20/21) National Defense incumbent director of the ANG,
state- and federal-level counter- California, Iowa, Mississippi, New Authorization Acts (NDAAs), but said: “It’s an old aircraft, and there’s
narcotics, counterinsurgency and Mexico, Texas, West Virginia, were blocked by the US Congress. current language right now that
homeland security missions. Wisconsin and Washington. Despite these setbacks, the air says I can’t retire the fleet, or even
An extensively modified version According to the USAF, the RC-26B force has continued to argue that expend money to prepare to retire
of Fairchild’s propeller-driven provided an aerial surveillance maintaining the three-decade-old that fleet… Each year, I’m spending
Swearingen Metroliner, the RC- option for state- and federal-level Condor fleet costs $30m per year, millions of dollars to keep a fleet
26B was designed to serve as a law enforcement agencies, enabling claiming that other aircraft had alive that, quite frankly, has run its
reconnaissance aircraft capable them to cut down on high-speed surpassed the RC-26B’s capabilities. useful life, and I need to actually get
of finding and mapping targets chases and gather evidence on drug There was no request by the USAF out of those to get something new.”
in support of security and aerial trafficking organizations. In times of to retire its Condors in the FY22 However, the USAF’s wish to
firefighting operations using crises, the platform was also capable NDAA. divest its Condor fleet was granted
electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) of relaying video footage of natural Speaking to reporters about the in the FY23 NDAA, which was
imaging systems. The platform disasters to both civil and military RC-26B’s future at a roundtable approved and became law without
entered operational USAF service to agencies on the ground. discussion during the Air Force any objection to the move. A
support domestic law enforcement In recent years, the USAF has Association’s Air, Space and Cyber formal retirement date for the
operations in 1989, with the requested to retire the fleet as part Conference on September 22, reconnaissance aircraft has yet to be
outlined, but the air force is moving
USAF plans to divest its entire fleet of
11 RC-26B Condors which had been to divest them at a rapid pace.
blocked by US Congress until it finally At present, it has yet to be
gained approval in the FY23 NDAA US determined what will replace the
ANG/Senior Master Sgt Paul Gorman
RC-26B fleet in operational service
or whether it will be a manned or
unmanned platform, with modern
examples of both types of aircraft
being more than capable to take on
the Condor’s mission. One thing is
now clear: the Condor has entered
the twilight of its operational career
and is set to be removed from
service quickly. Whether they will
be replaced at such a rapid pace
remains to be seen.

18 March 2023 // www.Key.Aero

DUTCH F-35As
TO DEPLOY USAF RECEIVES 68TH KC-46A
FOR AIR
POLICING OPS
THE ROYAL Netherlands Air Force
(RNLAF) is due to send eight of
its F-35A Lightning IIs to Malbork
Air Base (AB) in Poland to support
NATO operations in February
and March. The fifth-generation
multi-role stealth fighters will
join NATO’s enhanced air policing
(EAP) mission along Europe’s
eastern flank for the months of
February and March. The eight Boeing delivered its 68th KC-46A Pegasus tanker to the USAF on January 13, 2023. The aircraft, serial 20-46074, is seen here departing Boeing
aircraft will be split into two Field in Everett, Washington, the home of the firm’s KC-46A production facility, en route to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in New Jersey, where
it is expected to join the 305th Air Mobility Wing. The USAF aims to field approximately 175 KC-46As in total by 2027 Boeing
segments, with four of the F-35As
set to be constantly employed
on these flights. The other four
will remain in Poland for training MORE KUWAITI TYPHOONS
and to carry out joint exercises
with NATO allies and will also be IN PRE-DELIVERY TESTING
available to augment the four
aircraft dedicated to air policing.
In the Netherlands, the RNLAF
regularly police the skies of the
Benelux (Belgium, Netherlands,
Luxembourg) region alongside
the Belgian Air Force, a mission
the air arms have jointly
conducted since 2017. When it
comes to such operations abroad,
the RNLAF's now outgoing
fleet of F-16AM/BM (MLU)
Fighting Falcons have performed
the mission in the past, with
deployments to Lithuania's
Siauliai AB in 2005 and 2017, and
Two more Eurofighter Typhoons that are destined to join the ranks of the Kuwait Air Force (KAF) were seen performing pre-delivery flight
to Malbork AB following Russia's testing at Leonardo’s production and test facility at Turin-Caselle Airport in northern Italy on December 27, 2022. The two single-seat aircraft
invasion and annexation of – which currently wear the Italian temporary test registrations MT7500 and MT7501 (pictured) – are expected to be serialled as KS002 and
Ukraine's Crimean peninsula in KS003 respectively once they have been delivered to the KAF in the near future. Kuwait has ordered 28 examples of the multi-role fighter in
total, comprising 22 single-seat and six two-seat aircraft. At present, six Eurofighters have been delivered to the KAF and are operating
2014. This will mark the second in country, with flight testing and deliveries set to continue at a steady pace through 2023 Marco Rossi
time the Netherlands has sent

NEW ZEALAND EXPEDITES ORION RETIREMENT

its new F-35As for missions on
Europe's eastern flank, as they
deployed Lightning IIs to Bulgaria THE New Zealand Defence Force move will impact the RNZAF until stated that the first Poseidon will
in May 2022, following Russia’s (NZDF) announced on December the Boeing P-8A Poseidon aircraft not be ready to start performing
invasion of Ukraine on February 13 that it will retire its five remaining formally takes over. operational missions until July 1 this
24, 2022. Lockheed P-3K2 Orion maritime The majority of New Zealand’s year. Full operational capability is
The Dutch F-35As will join patrol aircraft five months earlier original six-strong Orion fleet was not expected until 2025. According
French, German and Polish than planned due to staff shortages delivered to the RNZAF in 1966, to a NZDF spokesperson, the
fighters that are performing air and maintenance constraints. The and were subsequently upgraded RNZAF will lean on other aircraft to
policing in the region. Poland has decision to withdraw the three P-3K2 from 2009-2013. The type is being cover the maritime patrol mission,
four F-16C Block 52+ Fighting MPA fleet in January 2023 leaves replaced in operational service by until the P-8A comes online in the
Falcons at Šiauliai AB, alongside the Royal New Zealand Air Force four Poseidons, the first of which summer. The spokesperson added
four French Rafale F3-Rs. Germany (RNZAF) with a limited capacity to – serial NZ4801 – was delivered to that New Zealand may also ask
is operating Eurofighter EF-2000s carry out search and rescue (SAR) RNZAF Base Ohakea near Bulls in regional partners to help provide
out of Estonia. and maritime surveillance operations the Manawatu on December 12, coverage during the projected
until July 2023 at the earliest. The 2022. However, the government has capability gap.

www.Key.Aero // March 2023 19

 RAFALE DELIVERIES TO
Dassault Rafale B F3R (Serial B359) on the factory floor prior to delivery to the FASF FASF

FRANCE RESTART AFTER

FOUR-YEAR HIATUS
DASSAULT AVIATION’S production by budgetary issues and a change
facility in Mérignac delivered in priorities.
a dual-seat Dassault Rafale B The FASF is due to receive 27 more antennas. The Rafale F4 will also connectivity of the Rafale, improve
(F3-R) to the French Direction Tranche 4 Rafales plus another have a 3D localization mode and the radar, the platform's Talios
Générale de l'Armement (DGA; 12 aircraft ordered in 2021 after the integration of a new fighter- targeting pod and the Rafale's
Directorate General of Armaments) Greece purchased 12 second-hand to-missile datalink. A significant overall self-defense/electronic
on December, its first new-build Rafales from them. The first will addition is the Thales Scorpion warfare capabilities.
example in four years. be delivered in the F3-R standard helmet-mounted display (HMD). The French government is
The Rafale B (serial B359) will configuration, but will be upgraded Other developments include larger expected to place an order for
transfer to the French Air and Space to the F4.1 standard. This will digital cockpit displays and the Tranche 5 Rafales later this year,
Force (FASF). It is part of the order initially focus on the Rafale's radar integration of new infrared search- scheduled to begin in 2026-2027.
for 60 Tranche 4 Rafale fighters system, with the RBE2 being fitted and-track (IRST) sensors. These developments mean
placed by the French government in to the multi-role fighter, with active The subsequent F4.2-standard the Rafale should be remain in
2009, which was interrupted partly electronically scanned array (AESA) upgrade will aim to increase the operational service until 2060.

USAF PERFORMS THE LARGEST EVER LAUNCH

OF C-17 GLOBEMASTERS FROM A SINGLE BASE
JOINT BASE Charleston, South Naske, 437th Airlift Wing chief Bridge in Charleston Harbor and were taken to the Holland drop
Carolina, carried out the launch of of safety and deputy mission then split into four sections. zone, where they performed a
24 USAF Boeing C-17 Globemaster commander for the exercise. He More than 20 Lockheed Martin static-line parachute jump from
IIIs on January 5 as part of a record- said: “The C-17 can be flown into F-16C/D Fighting Falcons took part the C-17. When on the ground, the
breaking exercise involving almost the most austere environments. in the exercise from Shaw AFB and paratroopers secured a dirt landing
60 aircraft. Regarding avionics, the C-17 has McEntire Air National Guard Base, strip for follow-on operations.
Planning started in November a system called the Formation which were divided into a red air The third section of C-17s
2022. After two months the 437th Flight System which allows us to fly and blue air forces landed at MCAS Cherry Point
Maintenance Group was given such large formations. Essentially, With a large focus on agile and uploaded HIMARS rocket
short notice that it was to generate each element lead hooks up to the combat employment, the first launchers, which they flew to
24 C-17 Globemasters. After the overall formation lead, and we all section landed at Pope Army Pope and performed HIMARS
entire formation was briefed, follow the leader. We have displays Airfield in North Carolina to work rapid infiltration. Meanwhile, more
each element (six-ship package) in the aircraft that allow us to see with a joint communications C-17s landed at MCAS Beaufort
then serial (three-ship package) all of the other aircraft to ensure support element and establish a and executed an integrated
met separately, concluding with we are properly maintaining our tactical operations center. combat turn to refuel US Army
individual aircraft briefings. formation.” Another section of C-17s also AH-64 Apaches. The final section
Combat Aircraft Journal After launching from Charleston, landed at Pope. They picked up landed at Hunter Army Airfield and
exclusively spoke to Lt Col Dan the 24 C-17s flew over the Ravenel special tactics airmen and they focused on logistics under fire.

Twenty-four US Air Force C-17 Globemaster IIIs fly together during a mission generation exercise at Charleston, South Carolina, on January 5, 2023. Airmen designed the exercise to force
operations, maintenance, and support personnel from active duty, guard, reserve and sister service units, to solve a complex problem set and maximize lethality USAF/ 1st Lt Taylor Ferry

20 March 2023 // www.Key.Aero

 AIR POWER

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529 USAF YB FP RHP.indd 104 28/11/2022 10:17:56

 MORE EUROFIGHTERS FOR SPAIN?
TALKING at a recent Airbus Trade signed the Halcon deal, with and eight twin-seaters. The first additional capabilities, while the
Media Brief in Madrid in mid Eurofighter GmbH for 20 Tranche 4 Quadriga center fuselage has now Eurofighter Long Term Evolution
December, Airbus D&S head of Eurofighters in June. The contract is been delivered to Manching for final (LTE) study will underpin the future
combat aircraft, Andreas Hammer for 16 single-seaters and four dual- assembly and testing. These Quadriga aircraft development.
said he was confident of further seaters, earmarked as replacements jets will replace the Luftwaffe’s Hammer outlined the
Spanish Air Force Eurofighter orders. for the Ala 46 F/A-18A Hornets based Tranche 1 Eurofighters, with first upgrades:.“We’re currently working
They would replace the 60+ EF-18M at Gando, Canary Islands. deliveries expected in the mid- on a Phase 4 capability enhancement
Hornets serving Ala 12 at Torrejon The Halcon contract is based on 2020s. The next weapons systems (P4E) and have signed the first LTE
and Ala 15 at Zaragosa. His view Germany’s Quadriga, which has a enhancement known as P4E, will fully contracts. LTE is what I would call
comes after the Spanish government requirement for 30 single-seaters integrate E-Scan radars alongside midlife upgrade – bear in mind that
the Eurofighter entered service in
Key personalities celebrating the early 2000 and will fly into the 2060s.
signing of Eurofighter Halcon contract
at the ILA Berlin Air Show 2022 on We will constantly be upgrading
June 23, 2022: Amparo Valcarce,CEO this aircraft with more sensors and
of Airbus Defence and Space; Alberto weapons.”
Gutiérrez, president of Airbus in Spain
and the late Carlo Mancusi, CEO of Hammer said more upgrades
Eurofighter Alan Warnes would come related to connectivity,
satcom, cyber-security and the
ability to transfer data in wider
bandwidths. “We also need to
develop a new glass cockpit,
including a large display integrated
with the helmet to increase
situational awareness,” he finished.

EUROFIGHTER
EW PLANS
SINCE German Chancellor Olaf earlier: “During integration studies
Scholz made the electronic we might find that there could be
warfare-configured Eurofighter EK a jammer available and would get
announcement in March this year, into the Eurofighter before P5E.
all has been proceeding to plan, We require a stepped approach
according to Andreas Hammer, to EW. The Luftwaffe wants the A Full Scale Replica of the Eurofighter EK was displayed at ILA Berlin in June. While the German
Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced a requirement for 15 of these EW specialists in March,
Airbus’s head of combat aircraft. Tornado capability integrated into Airbus believes that will not be enough and more aircraft will have this capability Alan Warnes
First, there will be an impartial Eurofighter by 2028.”
study looking at what is on the Germany wants electronic 2028,” Hammer told journalists at buying to fulfil the Eurofighter
market and what is capable of warfare (EW) capabilities on the the December TMB. He added: “It SEAD/DEAD role, Hammer
jamming. Airbus will then take the Eurofighter, to replace the Tornado will also be retrofitted into Tranche commented: “I know that there
proposed selection and undertake by the end of the decade. It will 2/3 primarily, and Quadriga aircraft was a discussion triggered in
an integration study, which should need to replace the SEAD/DEAD if available. The EW aircraft will not Germany that it might reconsider,
be completed by May next year role – the location of SAMs and remain at 15 – it’s not even a Wing, but as far as I know the discussion
and will be implemented into P4E, firing the advanced anti-radiation so we expect an increase in that went nowhere.”
with a contract being signed the guided missile (AARGM) – and number. I believe that Tranche 5 The radar story is complicated
following year. the Eurofighter will take this on. will replace Tranche 2/3 aircraft in because the four partner nations
Phased 4 Enhancement (P4E) While firing the AARGM, it will also the same way that Quadriga aircraft parted ways on the ECRS. Italy/UK
will include the integration of be equipped with a jammer to will replace Tranche 1.” opted for the 2.0, while Spain and
an emitter location system (ELS) suppress enemy weapons systems. Asked if Germany might now be Germany went for the ECRS 1.0.
or AARGM/HARM missile on the “When Scholz said he wanted 15 looking at the European Common According to Hammer, the program
Eurofighter, and it’s likely that the Typhoon EK, he was talking about Radar Solution (ECRS) 2.0, with its is expected to conclude in 2032,
jammer will come in P5E, although new Tranche 5 aircraft that will have electronic attack focus and which with P-5E taking place in 2028 and
Hammer suggested it might come an initial operating capability in both the UK and Italy have been P6E in 2030.

22 March 2023 // www.Key.Aero

 BRIMSTONE SELECTED FOR SPANISH EUROFIGHTERS
THE Spanish Air Force has selected Brimstone would enter service “by needed as the contract with MBDA No 141 Escuadron has 31
the MBDA Brimstone Dual Mode the end of 2023.” is not thought to have been signed. Eurofighter Tranche 2/3s
Seeker (DMS) for its fleet of Salazar wouldn’t disclose the The versatile Brimstone will configured with P2Eb software.
Eurofighters. RAF Typhoons already version, but did say the Centro add to the Spanish Eurofighters’ Salazar hopes 142, a tiger unit, will
use the Brimstone DMS to attack Logistico de Armamento y armory of 2,000Ib (907kg) Mk84 be re-established in 2024. Six senior
moving targets, that give a low Experimentacion (CLAEX) at GBU-10 and 1,000lb (453kg) GBU/ pilots look after the squadron’s
level of collateral damage. Torrejon, will integrate the weapon Enhanced GBU-16 precision-guided admin requirements and attend
While MBDA would not comment before being passed to Ala14. The munitions, as well as the MBDA the annual Tiger Meets. Ala 14 will
on the deal, the Ala 14 Wing Air RAF, with its integration knowledge, Meteor, Raytheon AIM-120B or C deploy to Al Dhafra in the UAE
Group Commander, Lt Col Jesus could undoubtedly help to speed AMRAAM, plus shorter-range Diehl from February 24 to March 18 for
Salazar, told reporters that the up the process, which will be Defence IRIS-T air-to-air missiles. exercise Desert Flag.

UK, ITALY AND JAPAN JOIN FORCES FOR NEW FIGHTER PROGRAM
IN A significant development, (GCAP), merging development of Japan will enable sharing of costs The three partner countries will
the UK is to collaborate with the UK-Italian Tempest with the and expertise, while ensuring the now establish the core platform
Italy and Japan as part of an Japanese F-X fighter. RAF remains interoperable with its concept for the aircraft and set up
international coalition to develop The aircraft is expected to fly closest partners: “It is anticipated the structures needed to deliver
a next-generation combat aircraft. by 2035, with the intention of that more likeminded countries the project, so as to be ready to
The agreement, announced on producing a fighter enhanced may buy into GCAP in due course, launch the development phase in
December 9 by UK Prime Minister by a network of capabilities such or collaborate on wider capabilities, 2025. Ahead of this, the partners will
Rishi Sunak and Defence Secretary as uncrewed aircraft, advanced boosting UK exports. The combat also come to an agreement on the
Ben Wallace, sees the formation of sensors, cutting-edge weapons aircraft developed through GCAP is cost-sharing arrangements based
a new partnership known as the and innovative data systems. Sunak also expected to be compatible with on a joint assessment of prices and
Global Combat Aircraft Program said joining forces with Italy and other NATO partners’ fighter jets.” national budgets.

EUROPEAN FCAS INDUSTRIAL AGREEMENT SIGNED

DASSAULT AVIATION’s chairman • Combat cloud (CC) – Airbus for
and CEO Eric Trappier announced Germany as prime contractor,
on December 1, 2022, that a major Thales for France and Indra
step forward had been made Sistemas for Spain as main partners
on the Future Combat Aircraft • Simulation – Airbus, Dassault
System (FCAS) after reaching an Aviation and Indra Sistemas as co-
agreement with Airbus on the contracting partners
Next-General Fighter (NGF) aircraft, • Sensors – Indra Sistemas as prime
a key component of FCAS. Trappier contractor for Spain, and Thales for
said: “Being the architect of a new France and FCMS for Germany as
fighter aircraft is very motivating for main partners
our company, our teams, those of • Enhanced low observability
Airbus, our main partner Indra, and Europe’s future combat air system is on the way to making its first flight Airbus Defense (stealth) – Airbus as prime
our long-standing partners Safran, contractor for Spain, Dassault
Thales and MBDA.” Demonstration phase 1B will • New-generation fighter (NGF) – Aviation for France and Airbus for
On December 16, France’s allow the continuation of flying Dassault Aviation as prime contractor Germany as main partners
Delegation Générale de demonstrators and required and Airbus as main partner for • Common Working Environment
l’Armement (DGA; General cutting-edge technology Germany and Spain – Airbus, Dassault Aviation, Indra
Directorate of Armament) awarded development, as well as project • New-generation engine – 50/50 Sistemas and EUMET as co-
the €3.2bn contract to Dassault architecture consolidation, with in- venture between Safran Aircraft for contracting partners
Aviation, Airbus, Indra, EUMET and flight demonstrations targeted in France and MTU Aero for Germany as France will have responsibility
their industrial partners for the the next phases by 2028-2029. prime contractors and ITP for Spain as for running the European FCAS
Demonstrator Phase 1B of FCAS The industrial governance of the main partner program. Spain’s Defence Ministry
on behalf of the governments Phase 1B is organized as follows: • Unmanned systems, remote carrier has stated it will spend €2.5bn on
of France, Germany and Spain. • NGWS consistency, demonstrations (RC) – with Airbus for Germany as the program. The new system is
This will cover work on the FCAS and consolidation – Airbus, Dassault prime contractor (see A330 to control planned to start replacing French
demonstrator and its components Aviation and Indra Sistemas as co- UAVs, p22), MBDA for France and Rafales along with German and
for about three-and-a-half years. contracting partners Satnus for Spain as main partners Spanish Eurofighters from 2040.

www.Key.Aero // March 2023 23

 B-2A SPIRIT FLEET IS GROUNDED
FOLLOWING INCIDENT AT WHITEMAN
A US Air Force Northrop department. In an update from the national security. We are ready and Squadron to resume normal
Grumman B-2A Spirit was 509th BW on December 20, the prepared to answer our nation’s flying operations. However, at
involved in an incident on unit said that, at the direction of call.” that time, the 20-strong B-2 fleet
December 10 that caused Air Force Global Strike Command, The incident is currently under remained grounded, but the
damage to both the aircraft and Whiteman AFB implemented an official investigation and its aircraft could be flown if directed
the runway at its home airfield, a safety stand-down “in order understood that further details will by the commander in chief to
Whiteman Air Force Base for a safety investigation to be be released upon its completion. fulfil mission requirements.
in Missouri. conducted on the aircraft. The B-2 A notice to airmen (NOTAM) Because the incident is still under
The aircraft involved was fleet can be flown if directed by the released by Whiteman after the investigation, the Wing is not
82-1068 ‘WM’ Spirit of New York commander in chief to fulfil mission accident said the runway would releasing further information and
operated by the 509th Bomb requirements”. be closed for the rest of the week. can give no indication as to when
Wing’s 13th Bomb Squadron ‘Fear Safety investigation boards The NOTAM was later extended the B-2 fleet will resume flying.
the Reaper’. It was engaged in a convened immediately following to say that it would be closed until With only 20 aircraft in the
routine operation from Whiteman the aircraft incident, consisting of the end of the year, while another B-2 fleet, the loss of an aircraft
when it experienced an in-flight specialists who provide technical NOTAM issued on December 16 is significant. It is unknown
malfunction. Details of the nature expertise to prevent future said that Taxiway Bravo at the whether the Spirit of New York
of the problem have not been mishaps. The team is currently base would also be closed until is repairable. To date only one
disclosed, but the aircraft was able conducting an extensive inspection December 31. Satellite imagery on B-2A has been written-off – on
to return to Whiteman and make to determine the root cause. December 18 showed the stricken February 23, 2008, when Spirit
a successful emergency landing. At the time the base said that B-2 still blocking the 12,400ft of Kansas crashed on take-off at
There were no personnel the Whiteman AFB runway runway, while images taken from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam.
injuries, either to the crew or would reopen once debris has outside the base showed it resting On September 14, 2021, Spirit
anyone on the ground. However, been cleared and B-2 operations on its port wing. of Georgia was badly damaged
the B-2A was damaged on will resume at the conclusion of Once recovery crews had during an emergency landing
the runway as was the tarmac, the safety stand-down. “We’re cleared the runway, it was finally at Whiteman. However, a year
resulting in the base’s sole runway exercising due diligence to ensure reopened for flying operations later, it was flown to Plant 42 in
being closed with the stricken the continued safety of our on December 21. This enabled Palmdale, California, for a full
B-2A still blocking it. There was airmen and our aircraft," said Col the resident A-10C Thunderbolt rebuild and return to service.
also a fire associated with the Daniel Diehl, 509th Bomb Wing IIs of the 422nd Fighter Wing It was understood that the B-2
aircraft after landing, which was commander. “Team Whiteman and T-38A/C Talons of the 13th fleet was still grounded as CAJ
extinguished by the base fire remains the cornerstone of BS and 394th Combat Training went to press in mid January.

USAF Airmen assigned to the 509th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron perform a

post-flight check on a recently landed B-2 Spirit at Whiteman Air Force Base,
Missouri. This stealth bomber landed after an incentive flight for Staff Sgt
Elizabeth Lambert, the dedicated crew chief of the Spirit of New York DVIDS/USAF

24 March 2023 // www.Key.Aero

RECENT LOSSES
A Ukrainian Air Force MiG-29 Ka-52 helicopter was destroyed a Pantsir-S1 in a friendly fire the aircraft made a belly
Fulcrum fighter was shot down by Russian forces. The exact date incident in the Zaporizhzhia landing at Primorsko-Akhtarsk
by Ukrainian 9K33 SA-8 Gecko is unknown, but wreckage was Oblast on December 20. Air Base. In order to stop as
SAM in a friendly fire incident on reported on December 29. A Ukrainian Air Force Mil quickly as possible, the pilot
January 7 near Kurakhove, in the A Nigerien Armed Forces Mil Mi-8 Hip was shot down on deployed the drag ‘chute but
Donetsk Oblast. The aircraft was Mi-17 Hip helicopter crashed December 19 by Russian it was reported that the jet still
armed with an AGM-88 and in the landed and burst into flames MANPADs in Donetsk. Two sustained considerable damage,
colours of the Ukrainian Falcons at Diori Hamani International Lt Colonels were killed. though the pilot was unhurt.
acrobatic team. The pilot died Airport on December 26 A Grob G120A-F trainer of A USAF B-2A Spirit, 82-1068
The previously unseen killing three people on board, the French Air and Space Force ‘WM’/‘Spirit of New York’, of
wreckage of a Russian Air including a foreign instructor. crashed on December 16 near the 509th Bomb Wing/13th
Force Su-25SM Frogfoot close A Republic of Korea Air Force Saint-Jean-d'Angély, east of Bomb Squadron experienced
air support jet (RF-95152, KAI KA-1 light attack aircraft Églises-d’Argenteuil, Charente- at in-flight malfunction and
15 ‘Blue’) was found near crashed shortly after take-off from Maritime. The instructor and after successfully completing
Chornobaivka, Kherson Oblast. Wonju Air Base in Hoengseong student pilot baled out, the an emergency landing on
The jet was lost under unknown County, Gangwon, on December aircraft was destroyed. December 10 at Whiteman Air
circumstances in the autumn, 26. Both pilots ejected safely. A Lockheed Martin F-35B Force Base, Missouri, but was
but the first video of the wreck On December 25, at the airfield in Lightning II operated by Lockheed then damaged on the runway,
was posted on January 5. Machulishchi, in Belarus, a Russian Martin (to be delivered to the which was also damaged. There
A Ukrainian A1-SM Furia Air Force MiG-31K caught fire. USMC) crash landed at NAS JRB were no personnel injuries, but
drone was downed and According to a monitoring group, (FWH/KNFW), Fort Worth, Texas there was a fire associated with
captured by Russian forces on the engine fire occurred on the on December 15. The pilot the aircraft after landing, which
January 5 at an undisclosed aircraft, registration number ejected safely and the aircraft was extinguished by the base
location in Ukraine. RF-95194. How badly the plane received substantial damage. fire department. As a result of
A Ukrainian Air Force was damaged and how long it An Italian Air Force Eurofighter the incident, the runway was
Ukrspecsystem Shark UAV was will be disabled is not reported. F-2000A, MM7307 (coded closed, but recovery teams
downed without damage 124 An Indonesian Air Force CASA/ ‘37-01’, operated by 37 Stormo were working round the clock
miles from the frontline, in Aksay, IPTN CN-235-100M suffered a ‘Cesare Toschi’/18° Gruppo, to minimize further disruption.
south Russia on January 5. nose landing gear collapse during crashed into the ground five The extent of damage to the
A Syrian Air Force Aero landing at Wamena Airport (WMX/ miles SE from the Trapani-Birgi airframe remains unclear.
Vodochody L-39 Albatros WAVV), Indonesia on December Airport (TPS/LICT) threshold In last month’s Combat Aircraft
crashed near Kuweires Airbase 23. There were no injuries. on December 13. The pilot died Journal it was incorrectly stated
on December 29 following a A Russian Air Force Kamov Ka- and the aircraft was destroyed. that a Croatian Air Force MiG-
technical failure. The pilot, a Lt 52 Black Shark attack helicopter, On December 9 a Russian Air 21UM that crashed on December
Colonel from Masyaf, was killed. registration RF-91335, codename Force Su-25M Frogfoot was badly 6 was 165, the one shown in the
After a forced landing, a "Yellow 43" formerly White43, damaged after the pilot had been photograph was the aircraft that
Russian Air Force Kamov was shot down, reportedly by unable to lower the undercarriage crashed – number 164. CAJ

Above: 33 Blue was one of the four MiG-29s of the Ukrainian Falcons display team. An aircraft in the same colour scheme was shot down in a friendly fire incident Sergey Popsuyevich

www.Key.Aero // March 2023 25

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 F-35S IN THE FAR EAST

F-35 TAKES ON CHINA

As tension rises in the Indo-Pacific, Australia, Japan, and South Korea all have reason to be worried. The
United States has been a stabilizing factor and brings with it the F-35. Gerard Keijsper looks at its role

28 March 2023 // www.Key.Aero

T
he Indo-Pacific is a and North Korea are also increasing. Unit: Marine Fighter Attack Above: F-35C
troubled region. Japan and South Korea have seemingly Squadron 121 (VMFA-121) Lightning IIs of the
USMC’s VMFA-314
There are many similar positions to defend in the region, Nickname: Green Knights ‘Green Knights’ fly
nations with however Japan had occupied Korea from Code: VK in formation during
histories that 1910 to 1945 causing long-held distrust Base: Iwakuni, Japan Exercise Noble Fusion
Above: near Kadena Air
could stand in and the word of reparations has recently The US offers stability in this very volatile Base in Okinawa,
the way of co-operation. World peace is been raised, causing added tensions. region in which the big local players Japan USMC/Lance
indeed very brittle in this region. Open Meanwhile, North Korea has been firing (China and Russia) think of the US as a Cpl Ryan Ulibarri
seas are being threatened and trade missiles that lack precision control but meddling power.
in the area could be impacted. The often fly towards Japan. The first operational F-35 unit, the USMC’s
F-35 Lightning II is a fifth-generation Japan and China have long had a conflict VMFA-121 ‘Green Knights’ changed its
fighter that combines stealth with over the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands, currently home base from MCAS Yuma to MCAS
the latest sensor technology. Its most controlled by Japan. China has a disputed Iwakuni in Japan permanently on January
powerful weapon is the ability to share border with India along which recent 18, 2017. In doing so, the F-35B squadron
information on the enemy with other skirmishes have taken place. It also has became part of Marine Aircraft Group
platforms in the coalition force. claims over Taiwan with the country under 12 and the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. The
Large-scale exercises such as Pitch daily pressure. squadron is proficient in conducting Close
Black in Australia offer the opportunity Taiwan, Japan and South Korea are Air Support (CAS), Offensive and Defensive
to train with other units and integrate all democratic countries with modern Counter Air, Air Interdiction, Assault
the F-35 with other aircraft. economies and the same values and, Support Escort, and Armed Reconnaissance
Japan has a long-running territorial apart from Taiwan, they have one thing in with the F-35B. VMFA-121 participated in
dispute with Russia over the Southern common – they operate the F-35. Together Exercise Northern Edge in Alaska in January
Kuril islands. Just before the war in they are working towards seamless 2017. In 2018 and 2019, it deployed twice
Ukraine, tension between Russia and integration with the US, just in case China in each year to the USS Wasp (LHD-1). By
Japan had been on the increase. or Russia goes on the war path. So which the end of 2018, the squadron participated
Another area of contention is the Korean F-35 units are based in the region, or who in Exercise Valiant Shield at Andersen AFB,
peninsula, where tensions between South have deployed there in recent times? Guam. From March 2020 to 2021, the

www.Key.Aero // March 2023 29

 F-35S IN THE FAR EAST
Eielson Air Base
currently houses
42 F-35As for two
squadrons, 355th and
356th FS. Author

The USS Tripoli returned from the Pacific to its

home-port San Diego on November 29, 2022,
after six months at sea with 16 F-35Bs of
VMFA-121 on board USMC/Sgt Samuel Ruiz

With vapor coming off its wings, a VMFA-314 F-35C flies low over MCAS Yuma
in 2021. Ten ‘Black Knights’ Lightnings deployed to the USS Abraham Lincoln
(CVN-72) for their first major deployment, to the Pacific, on January 3, 2022
Kedar Kedermarkar

A USMC-operated F-35B Lightning II of

Marine Aircraft Group 12’s VMFA-121
conducts aerial refueling in September
last year USMC/Sgt Ricker

Three air bases in Australia can

accommodate the F-35. The RAAF examples
are based at Williamtown and Tindal Author

30 March 2023 // www.Key.Aero

 ROYAL AUSTRALIAN
AIR FORCE
Australia is the only country in the Pacific region that has been
a partner of the Joint Strike Fighter program. The RAAF has a
total requirement of 100 F-35As, and so far the country has 72
F-35As on order. All F-35A operating units report to 81 Wing. As
the volatile situation in the Pacific requires increased deterrent,
it is expected that the remaining 28 will be ordered in due
course. In total, 60 F-35As have been delivered to the RAAF.

Unit: No 3 Squadron
Base: RAAF Base Williamtown
The first two aircraft arrived in Australia on
squadron exchanged the Wasp for the USS Unit: 356th Fighter Sqn December 10, 2018. The first task would be getting
America (LHD-6). In May 2022, it deployed Name: Green Demons operations going from Australian soil. Although
aboard the USS Tripoli (LHA-7). While Code: AK not a conversion unit, No 3 Squadron initiated pilot training.
The training bore its first fruit at Williamtown when the first
based in Japan, it was also used to provide Base: Eielson AFB, Alaska
pilots trained in Australia had their first flight on July 15, 2019.
security assurances for South Korea. The squadron was activated at Eielson The two experienced fighter pilots involved had completed
AFB, Alaska on October 10, 2019, and is an intensive two-month academic and simulator training
Unit: Marine Fighter Attack strategically located close to Russia and program at the base’s Integrated Training Centre. The unit first
Squadron (VMFA-242) Japan. It wasn’t until April 2020 that the verified that the F-35A was capable of doing the tasks it was
supposed to do and evaluated its integration with the other
Nickname: Bats squadron received its first F-35A, followed
aircraft in service, such as the KC-30 and the E-7A Wedgetail.
Code: DT three days later by a two more, piloted Once that verification was completed, IOC was declared.
Base: Iwakuni, Japan by Maj Grant Saum, the 354th Fighter
The ‘Bats’ stood up at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, Wing F-35 Program Integration Officer Unit: No 2 Operational Conversion Unit (OCU)
on October 16, 2020, alongside the ‘Green and director of operations, and Maj Brian Base: RAAF Base Williamtown
Once the training contingent moved from Luke
Knights’. Just like their sister-unit, VMFA-242 Mueller, the 356th Fighter Squadron (FS)
AFB to Australia, the preparation of the training
was assigned to Marine Aircraft Group assistant director of operations. There of future RAAF pilots would begin at home.
12 and the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. On was an urgency in getting the squadron The first graduations of pilots at this unit at Williamtown
September 9, 2021, the squadron achieved operational and for this reason, a total of took place on July 12, 2021. The conversion course took
Initial Operational Capability (IOC). It went four Hill-based F-35As were transferred to six months and the pilots coming through the training
course had come straight out of basic flying training. The
on to become the first unit to land fighter the ‘Green Demons’ on April 27, 2020. With
fact that the operational training was up and running in
aircraft on a Japanese aircraft carrier since Japan close by, the squadron regularly Australia meant that the RAAF was able to train its pilots
World War Two, when its jets landed on the deploys there. Another early deployment and maintainers independently and was seen as a part of
JS Izumo (DDH-183) on October 3, 2021. was to Guam for Cope North 21, which the IOC process, which was completed in January 2021.
The ‘Bats’ participated in Red Flag-Alaska was held on February 3-19, 2021.
Unit: No 77 Squadron
in May 2022 just before reaching Full One of the most recent deployments
Base: RAAF Base Williamtown
Operational Capability (FOC). However, the was for Exercise Iron Dagger at MCAS This squadron was operating F/A-18A [AW36]
most recent drills the unit has participated Futenma in Okinawa, Japan, in December Hornets and retired the aircraft by December
in were Pitch Black, held from August 19 2021. While there, the F-35As trained for 2020. In 2021, the conversion to the F-35 began
to September 8, 2022 at RAAF Base Tindal Forward Area Refuelling Point (FARP) and the first aircraft (AU-35) for this unit performed its maiden
flight on March 8, 2021, from the Lockheed Martin facility
in Australia and the squadron attended sorties with the support of the 1st Special
in Fort Worth, Texas. After deliveries sped up, the RAAF
Exercise Vigilant Storm 23-1 at Kunsan Air Operations Squadron and 18th Logistics had received a total of 48 aircraft by the end of 2021. The
Base in South Korea from October 31 to Readiness Squadron. The 356th deployed RAAF calculated that with 16 aircraft assigned to each unit
November 4, 2022. again to Japan for an Agile Combat it was possible to initiate the transition of the next unit.

Unit: No 75 Squadron
Base: RAAF Base Tindal
No 75 Squadron was the first unit [AW37] to
transition to the F-35 and be based at Tindal.
Their first aircraft was AU-29 which had its first
flight from the production line on July 30, 2020.
The transition overlapped with that of No 77 Squadron. The
first four F-35s arrived at Tindal on December 9, 2021. The
biannual Pitch Black exercise was hosted by No 75 Squadron
in 2022 and, with the USMC’s VMFA-242 ‘Bats’, performed an
elephant walk with a total of 16 F-35A and F-35Bs. Last year’s
Exercise Pitch Black gave RAAF F-35As and USMC F-35Bs the
chance to integrate with KF-16s from South Korea, Japanese
Mitsubishi F-2s, Indian Su-30MKI Flanker-Hs, F-15SGs and F-16s
As part of the USMC Lightning carrier concept demonstration, 20 F-35Bs from both the VMFA-211 from the Republic of Singapore Air Force. From Europe, French
and -225 operated from the amphibious assault ship, USS Tripoli in April 2022, proving Tripoli and Dassault Rafales and German and British Eurofighter Typhoons
other amphibious assault ships were suitable as dedicated fixed-wing strike platforms USMC/Sgt also participated. Pitch Black 2022 was conducted not only
Samuel Ruiz at Tindal but also at RAAF Bases Darwin and Amberley.

www.Key.Aero // March 2023 31

 F-35S IN THE FAR EAST
F-35As from the 356th FS ‘Green
Demons’ at Eielson AFB form up
alongside a KC-135 tanker over the
JPARC range complex in Alaska
Kedar Karmarkar

Two F-35A from the 356th FS ‘Green

Demons’ at the EoR prep to go on a
training mission at Eielson AFB
Kedar Karmarkar

Above: The flagship Employment (ACE) drill – a proactive and

of VMFA-242 ‘Bats’ reactive operational scheme of maneuver,
is seen here on the
JS Izumo. Note the executed within threat timelines while
relatively low-key lift- generating combat power – in June 2022.
fan art USMC/Lance In July 2022, the ‘Green Demons’
Cpl Tyler Harmon
forward deployed to South Korea for a
familiarization drill with the South Korean
F-35A units. This deployment was a ‘get
to know you’ exercise so that in the future
both squadrons would be able to function
as a team.

Far right: Lightning

IIs from VFA-147
‘Argonauts’ were
part of the first
carrier-deployment
of a US Navy F-35C
unit. Based at NAS
Lemoore, the unit was
part of CVW-2, which
deployed aboard
the USS Carl Vinson
(CVN-70) from August
2021 to February 2022
Kedar Karmarkar

Right: Japanese F-35s

are built at the FACO
in Nagoya. Misawa
Air Base is currently
home to the JASDF
examples, while MCAS
Iwakuni in Okinawa is
home to the USMC’s
F-35Bs. Kadena Air
Base, Okinawa, is
also used for US F-35
deployments Author

32 March 2023 // www.Key.Aero

 JAPAN
Japan ordered an initial batch of 42 F-35As, of which the first
four F-35As were produced at Lockheed Martin’s Fort Worth
facility. The maiden flight of the first Japanese F-35A (14-5114,
AX-1) took place on August 24, 2016, with Lockheed Martin
test pilot, Paul Hattendorf, at the controls. The first Japanese
F-35A was delivered to Luke AFB on November 28, 2016. The
remaining 38 are to be produced at the local Mitsubishi Heavy
Industries Final Assembly & Check-Out (FACO) facility. The first
F-35A to roll off the FACO in Nagoya was 15-5158 (AX-5) on June
5, 2017 and it was delivered to Misawa Air Base on November
2, 2017. From there, it flew to the US for technical evaluation
and pilot training at Luke AFB. The five aircraft initially based at
Luke AFB departed and were transferred to Misawa Air Base.
Another six F-35As from the first batch remain on the Japanese
FACO to be delivered in 2023. Japan ordered a second batch
of 63 F-35As and 42 F-35Bs, however, these are reportedly
being delivered from the Fort Worth production line. These
will bring the total for Japan to 105 F-35As and 42 F-35Bs.
The Japanese F-35Bs will be operated from refurbished
anti-submarine helicopter carriers JS Izumo and JS Kaga
(DDH-184). The former was the first to be completely refurbished.
A little short of a year after standing up, the USMC’s VMFA-242
‘Bats’ based in Okinawa played a big role in an operational
test. The test involved the Japanese ship, JS Izumo which
has a similar deck to the American LHD in the USMC
service. It paved the way for USMC Lt Col Robert Guyette
to land his F-35B on the Izumo on October 3, 2021.
The two F-35Bs from the VMFA-242 that were involved in the
trials were the BF-87, 169623 (DT-01) and BF-88, 169624 (DT-02).
After the flight trials aboard the JS Izumo, it was F-35B qualified.

Unit: 302 Hikotai

Unit: 355th Fighter Sqn co-located 356th FS. According to unit Base: Misawa Air Base
Name: Fighting Falcons commander, Lt Col Samuel Chipman, The first Japanese pilots initiated training with
Code: AK the squadron’s primary mission is the the 944th Operations Group Detachment 2 Ninjas, part of
the 944th Fighter Wing from Air Force Reserve Command
Base: Eielson AFB, Alaska suppression of enemy air defences (SEAD)
(AFRC), in December 2016. The first pilot to have his sole
The ‘Fighting Falcons’ and offensive counter-air (OCA) missions. flight on the F-35A from the Japanese Air Self-Defence Force
became the second F-35A unit to stand On its way to full strength, shortly after the (JASDF), Lt Col Nakano, made his maiden flight from Luke
up at Eielson AFB on December 18, 2020, last F-35A was delivered on April 15, 2022, AFB as part of a three-ship mission on February 7, 2017. Lt
reporting to the 354th Fighter Wing. the two Alaskan squadrons combined for Col Nakano and one of his colleagues graduated on May
18, 2018. The two Japanese pilots were the first group to be
During the ceremony, F-35A 18-5355 an elephant walk made up of 42 F-35As. Its
trained at Luke of a total of three Japanese groups. The five
with 355th titles was present, which had most recent exercise was Red Flag-Alaska Japanese aircraft that had been providing support for the
previously been flying with the 22-3 in August 2022. Japanese pilots at Luke AFB all arrived on May 28, 2018, at
Misawa. There, they joined F-35As delivered straight from
the Nagoya FACO at the Rinji F-35A Hikotai. This signalled
the completion of the training of the three groups.
The 302 Hikotai was still operating the McDonnell Douglas
F-4EJ Phantom II/Kai at Hyakuri. They were planning to cease
operation on the F-4EJ Phantom II/Kai on December 2, 2018.
The unit would move to Misawa and assume operations of
the F-35A on home soil. During a ceremony, 302 Hikotai
stood up its first operational squadron on March 29, 2019.
This was followed shortly after by a tragedy as the 302
Hikotai was the first foreign unit to lose an F-35A on April
9, 2019, with fatal consequences for the pilot. The unit was
grounded immediately. Although the flight recorder was
not found, the accident investigation team concluded that
pilot error was partly to blame for the accident. The F-35A
fleet received its flight status back a short time later.

Unit: 301 Hikotai

Base: Misawa Air Base
The JASDF’s second F-35A unit, 301 Hikotai,
which had been operating the F-4EJ since 1972, began its
transition from the Phantom II/Kai to the Lightning II with
the official retirement of its F-4EJ aircraft in November
2020 – with the last flight on December 10, 2020. The
second unit was gaining in strength during 2021 and was
due to reach IOC as this article was being written.

www.Key.Aero // March 2023 33

 F-35S IN THE FAR EAST
USMC F-35Bs assigned to Marine Aircraft Group
12’s VMFA-121, RAAF F-35As from No 75 Squadron
and an Australian E-7A Wedgetail from No 2
Squadron sit on RAAF Base Tindal’s runway during
Exercise Pitch Black in 2022 USMC/Cpl Jones

A ROKAF KF-16U Fighting Falcon and RAAF F-35A Lightning

II aircraft conduct a flight together as part of Exercise Pitch
Black 2022 ROKAF

Above: The last F-35A Unit: Strike Fighter Sqn 147 assigned to Carrier Air Wing 2 (CVW-2)
(AW-40) from the first (VFA-147) equipped with ten F-35Cs. The jets joined
batch for the ROKAF
on its second company Nickname: Argonauts the USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) after it sailed
test flight out of Fort Code: NE on August 2, 2021. It was the first carrier-
Worth, delivered Base: NAS Lemoore, California deployment of a US Navy F-35C unit, and
in January 2022
Lockheed Martin/ VFA-147 ‘Argonauts’ were operating F/A- was operating in the Pacific. It also became
Liz Lutz 18E Super Hornets from NAS Lemoore, the first unit to lose an F-35C during a
before its transition to the F-35C. The landing accident in the South China Sea,
transition was initiated by January 2018, on their first deployment. The squadron
with the unit expected to reach IOC in met up with their USMC counterparts
February 2019. On December 12, 2018, VMFA-314, also operating the F-35C from
the squadron received the designation the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) during
safe for flight – a major milestone before their time in the Pacific. The unit returned
reaching IOC. It meant that they would to NAS Lemoore on February 12, 2022.
be able to operate independently from
the VFA-125 ‘Rough Raiders’, which was Unit: Marine Fighter Attack
the Fleet Replacement Squadron with the Sqn 314 (VMFA-314)
responsibility of teaching them to operate Nickname: Black Knights
the F-35C. The ‘Argonauts’ achieved, as the Code: VW
Right: The location first US Navy combat-coded unit, IOC on Base: MCAS Miramar, California
of the ROKAF’s only
F-35A fighter base at February 28, 2019. The first F-35C for the ‘Black Knights’,
Cheongju Author For its first deployment, the VFA-147 was piloted by USMC Lt Col Cedar L Hinton,

34 March 2023 // www.Key.Aero

 REPUBLIC OF
KOREA AIR FORCE
South Korea initially ordered 40 F-35As and deliveries took
place at a fast pace. The first deliveries were planned from
Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) Lot 10. The initial order was
therefore completed by year-end 2021. The first South Korean
F-35A, 15-5221 (AW-1), had its first flight on March 19, 2018.
The first transfer flight to Luke AFB was with the first South
Korean aircraft – 15-5221 (AW-1) on May 17, 2018. The
first flight of Maj Kiyun Jung, the first ROKAF pilot to fly
the F-35A, took place on July 24, 2018. He took off in his
country’s first delivered F-35A while undergoing training
with the 944th Operations Group Detachment 2 ‘Ninjas’
belonging to the 944th Fighter Wing at Luke AFB.
After training was completed, the aircraft were transferred
to South Korea where they stood up and became part of the
151st Fighter Squadron at the Cheongju Air Base. The unit, part
of the 17th Fighter Wing, achieved IOC on December 17, 2019.
After the 151st Fighter Squadron had received all their F-35A
deliveries, it continued to use the same base as the 152nd Fighter
Squadron. It was in 2021 that the last 14 aircraft were delivered
from the 40 ordered. This completed the second squadron under
the 17th Fighter Wing. A further order for 20 more F-35s has
been approved, bringing the total to 60 for the ROKAF. The 17th
Fighter Wing should receive a third F-35A unit – the 156th Fighter
Squadron, the next unit to make the transition to the F-35A.
In October 2019, Hyundai Heavy Industries received a contract
for the conceptual design of a light aircraft carrier (designated
CVX), due to be equipped with 20 aircraft and eight helicopters.
This aircraft is expected to be the F-35B with an in-service target
date for the CVX of 2030. The assumption is that a squadron
of F-35Bs should be ready at approximately the same time.
South Korea has its own 4.5 generation fighter, Korean
Aircraft Industries’ KF-21 Boramae (Korean for ‘Hawk’), which
had its first flight on July 19, 2022. This will be competing with
the F-35A for the ROKAF requirements. Instead of weapon
bays, the KF-21’s weapons are recessed in the fuselage, as was
shown by the four Meteor replicas flown on the first flight.
The question remains if the KF-21 will be used to replace all
of the KF-5s and KF-16s in use by the ROKAF or if some will be
replaced by the F-35A. A ROKAF F-35A had a belly landing on
January 4, 2022, caused by avionics issues. It’s expected that
the damaged F-35A will be repaired and returned to service.

commanding officer of Marine Fighter

Integration with other allied forces in
Attack Squadron 314 (VMFA-314), landed the Asia Pacific region is important for
at MCAS Miramar on January 21, 2020. the F-35 fleets. Here, a ROKAF KF-16U
Safety of flight certification was achieved Fighting Falcon and RAAF F-35As fly
together as part of Exercise Pitch Black
on March 20, 2020. IOC was achieved 2022 ROKAF
by the unit on December 1, 2020, while
operating from the USS Abraham Lincoln
as a part of a last workup. During 2021,
VMFA-314 deployed to sea a couple of
times, allowing pilots to gain their carrier
qualifications. However, it was not until
January 3, 2022, that ten of its F-35Cs
landed on the USS Abraham Lincoln for
their first deployment. The US Navy has
a requirement to have one carrier in the
South China Sea, and it replaced the USS
Carl Vinson which was heading home to
San Diego. VMFA-314 were the first F-35C
squadron assigned to MAG-11 and the
3rd MAW.
After returning home from their first
deployment August 15, 2022 [AW19]

www.Key.Aero // March 2023 35

 F-35S IN THE FAR EAST

Above: The ‘Green

Knights’ operated
from the USS America
in June 2021. Today
they serve as a ready
response force aimed
at defending peace
and stability in the
Indo-Pacific region
USMC/Staff Sgt John
Tetrault

Right: Freedom of
navigation operations
were performed by
the USS Carl Vinson
(CVN-70) supported
by the US Navy’s VFA-
147 ‘Argonauts’ in
the Bay of Bangal US
Navy/Mass Comms
Specialist 3rd Class
Erin C. Zorich
they joined Exercise Pacific Edge at USS Tripoli that tested the Lightning Force half a year to Kadena Air Base, Japan, as a
Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam , Hawaii. concept with 16 F-35Bs onboard, in the stabilizing force and, at the time, a deterrent
During the drills, they were joined by Pacific on April 2, 2022. USS Boxer (LHD-4) against North Korea, Russia and China.
F-35As of the RAAF’s No 3 Squadron, was due to be F-35B qualified last year
USAF’s 65th Aggressor Squadron and but failed. All operate out of San Diego, Future deterrent
F-35Cs from the US Navy’s Air Test and except for the USS Wasp, which is based at The volatile situation in the Indo-Pacific
Evaluation Squadron 9 (VX-9) ‘Vampires’. Norfolk, Virginia. The deployed F-35 units has seen many countries opt for the F-35
The exercise took place from November have mostly come from MCAS Yuma. One as a deterrent, however, Japan and South
28 to December 15, 2022. While in Hawaii, of the most covered deployments to the Korea want to go one step further to
VMFA-314 also took part in a long-range Pacific was the UK’s Carrier Strike Group obtain a naval capability so that they can
strike mission as a part of Exercise Steel 21 which saw VMFA-211, the ‘Wake Island counter China’s increasing presence at sea.
Knight, which took place in California. Avengers’ embarked alongside the UK’s It seems that a new Cold War is brewing
No 617 Squadron ‘Dambusters’. Their stay and the need for new technology is
Other unit ship deployments in the region included a visit to South increasing. South Korea has selected
Carrier Strike Groups tend to be used for Korea and an exercise with the Japanese the KF-21 to complement the F-35A, and
Freedom of Navigation deployments. Maritime Self-Defence Force. Japan has joined the English and Italian
The USMC deploys regularly with the USS Tempest program, which is due to provide
Wasp (LHD-1), USS Essex (LHD-2), USS Unit: 34th Fighter Sqn all three nations with a sixth-generation
America (LHA-6), USS Tripoli (LHA-7), and Name: The Rude Rams combat capability. It will take years for
the USS Makin Island (LHD-8) which are Code: HL both aircraft to reach operational service
qualified for the F-35B. Base: Hill AFB, Utah which means peace keeping in the region
All these ships had deployed with six At the end of 2017, the USAF deployed its will rely heavily on the F-35 for at least the
F-35B until the beginning of 2022. It was first operational unit 34th FS ‘Rude Rams’ for next decade. CAJ

36 March 2023 // www.Key.Aero

 SINGAPORE
Singapore has ordered four F-35Bs for
evaluation purposes which should enter
service from 2026. The fact that Singapore
is one of the few nations in the area
without territorial disputes makes it an
exception. The country is reliant on free
trade and for this reason the Republic of
Singapore Air Force has quite a formidable
force. As a Security Co-operation Partner
since 2003, it has been following the
F-35 program but surprised many by
selecting the F-35B instead of the F-35A.
The evaluation will take place in the US.
No other information has been divulged
but it is clear that during Pitch Black, staff
of the Republic of Singapore Air Force
responsible for the replacement program
were closely watching both the operations
of the USMC F-35Bs and RAAF F-35As.

TAIWAN
Taiwan is a country eager to get its hands
on the F-35. It is a small country (13,974
sq miles) and has very few diplomatic
ties with other countries. Many other
countries do not want to upset China by
connecting with it, including the US.
China has talked up its intentions
recently to reunite with Taiwan, even if that
means doing so by force. Taiwan would
probably have no problem financing the
F-35 as such. However, there is doubt
that they could successfully prevent
an invasion and it could be too late for
allies to react. If a Chinese invasion was
successful, the technology would fall
into the hands of the Chinese and so it
is unlikely that the US will risk providing
Taiwan with the F-35. Under the Trump
administration, Taiwan was permitted to
acquire the Lockheed Martin F-16V.

Above: Three F-35As

of the Japan Air Self-
Defense Force training
at Luke AFB. They
were subsequently
transferred to Misawa
Air Base, home of the
3rd Air Wing, and the
301 and 302 Hikotai
Lockheed Martin/
Liz Lutz

Right: The first two

Japanese pilots to
graduate pictured
after their final flight
at Luke AFB with the
instructor team from
944th Operations
Group Detachment 2
‘Ninjas’ USAF/Tech
Sgt Louis Vega Jr

www.Key.Aero // March 2023 37

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 BALTIC AIR POLICING // RAFALES IN LITHUANIA

O
Above: A Rafale n a cold day in northern transport plane. It was the first day their pilot, racing down the icy
pilot gazes over Lithuania, ‘Burguy’, a Rafale of the FASF Rafale alert and the first alleyway to another bungalow, this
his left shoulder
while intercepting a pilot and a Captain from mission and the coincidence impressed time one used as an alert room.
Russian Su-34 during the 30ème Escadre de everyone. "But for the last two weeks, it's Burguy and his wingman, a young
an Alpha Scramble Chasse (30th Fighter Wing), been rather quiet," explained Burguy. pilote opérationnel (PO) freshly posted
Etat-major
des armées was being interviewed for His sentence was punctuated by a loud to the Escadron de Chasse (EC) 3/30
a French television network. Inside jingle from the camp's loudspeakers. Lorraine, were already putting on a
the ‘studio’, a bungalow housing the Burguy raised his hand, asking for time second layer of warm clothes under their
detachment commander’s office at out: “I’m listening to the message...” flight suits. Then comes a third. Then
Siauliai Air Base, the atmosphere was ”Passage en alerte à bord. Passage en the dry suit. Then the combat jacket.
relaxed. Outside, the thermometer alerte à bord…” Switch to onboard alert. Flying over the Baltic Sea or even the
stood at -15°C and the landscape Burguy, gestured towards the Baltic countryside in winter is no easy task.
was uniformly white, the result of camera, then dashed towards the door: Covered up like mountaineers, loaded
the snowfall of the past few days. “Sorry, I have to leave you now.” with the classic combat pilot's gear, they
The discussion revolved around the A few seconds later came the second sped to the car park, jumped into a van
mission of December 1, two weeks announcement over the loudspeaker, and headed for the aircraft 200 yards away.
earlier, which saw Burguy intercept a underlined by a dismal siren blast: Barely four minutes had passed since the
Russian Air Force Ilyushin 20 electronic “Alpha Scramble, Alpha Scramble.” first announcement. Three more minutes
intelligence aircraft and then an Antonov The TV team rushed to follow and the two men were sitting in their jets,

40 March 2023 // www.Key.Aero

 Alpha
Scramble
Since the end of last year, four French Air and Space Force Rafales have been
deployed in Lithuania as part of the Enhanced Air Policing mission.
Frederic Lert examines the essential role they are fulfilling in strengthening
NATO's defensive posture on its eastern flank against Russia

www.Key.Aero // March 2023 41

 BALTIC AIR POLICING // RAFALES IN LITHUANIA

The Rafale detachment is protected with a

small contingent of commandos de l’air
All images Frederic Lert unless stated

canopies closed. The engines started, the eAP is a deterrent and defensive force. were still in place under the planes and
power units disconnected, a last salute to We are in a firm but non-escalation there was no trace of gunpowder on the
the groundcrew and the Rafales taxied position with regard to Russia." gun’s nozzle. For the French pilots, the
towards runway 14/32. Less than15 French aircraft are only used for alerts rules of engagement are clear: opening
minutes after the alert, they were in the that are real (the Alpha Scramble) or for fire can only happen in a situation of
air, heading for the Baltic to reconnoiter training purposes (the Tango Scramble). legitimate defense. Alone in his plane
the aircraft flying in the international On December 15, the Alpha Scramble and faced with maneuvers that would be
airspace without identifying itself.​ resulted in the ‘interception’ of a Sukhoi aggressive, the Rafale pilot would have
Su-34 that was transiting the Baltic Sea to quickly analyze a tactical situation,
Combat assistance from Russia to its enclave of Kaliningrad, a evaluate the risks and take a decision
The four Rafales from Mont-de-Marsan, territory that is wedged between Lithuania potentially committing his country. Quick
southwest France, aim to spend four and Poland. To reach Kaliningrad, Russian thinking is the hallmark of a fighter pilot.
months in Siauliai. They are joined by aircraft fly in international airspace, the The dialogue around the confrontation
a complete detachment of about 100 control of which is entrusted to the remained hushed, instead played out on
people. The six pilots from the Régiment bordering countries. The Alpha Scramble, the images. Those brought back on the
de Chasse 2/30 (Fighter Regiment) with a patrol taking off from Estonia and/ handheld camera, the OSF (Optronique
Normandie-Niemen and the EC 3/30 or Lithuania, is triggered when none de Secteur Frontal, the optoelectronics
Lorraine came with about 50 mechanics, of the following three possibilities are system for long-range tracking) or the
around 15 commandos, military met: filing a flight plan, displaying a Talios pod of the Rafale makes Lieutenant
firefighters and specialists in intelligence transponder code or failing to respond Virgile, the intelligence officer, happy.
and communication systems. Since to queries from civil air traffic control. Lieutenant Virgile came to Siauliai with a
Russia's invasion of Crimea in 2014, this "The Russians are transiting in small team of six: a photo interpreter, two
is the ninth FASF participation in the international airspace, in an area that intelligence specialists and two electronic
Enhanced Air Policing (eAP) mission and is cleared for them, but they are not warfare specialists. The cell is in direct
the sixth deployment in Lithuania. formally identified," said Lt Col Jonathan. contact 24 hours a day with the CAOC
"The Baltic countries, Estonia, Latvia and "There is nothing illegal about their (Combined Air Operation Center) in Udem,
Lithuania, have been part of NATO since flight, but their behavior is suspicious. Germany, which controls all operations
2004 but they do not operate combat So our mission is to remove the doubts, in the airspace of the Baltic States. It also
aircraft," explained Lieutenant-Colonel to identify them and to remind them gives the order, if necessary, to launch a
Jonathan, head of the detachment we’re here to protect the airspace.” patrol. It is then up to Lieutenant Virgil's
in Siauliai and commander of the The Alpha Scramble over, the two team to report back to it on the mission.
Normandy-Niémen Squadron. "The Rafales returned to land. The Mica missiles "We provide NATO with a briefing on the

42 March 2023 // www.Key.Aero

 “THERE IS NOTHING ILLEGAL ABOUT THEIR
FLIGHT, BUT THEIR BEHAVIOR IS SUSPICIOUS.
LOGISTICS
SO OUR MISSION IS TO REMOVE THE DOUBTS, UNDER
TO IDENTIFY THEM AND TO REMINDS THEM
WE’RE HERE TO PROTECT THE AIRSPACE”
PRESSURE
The projection of the four Rafales
was triggered at short notice, and the
logistical effort had to adapt within a very
tight time constraint. A FASF A400M was
able to carry about 75m³ of cargo and
40 people and was sent first to meet the
Rafales arriving from France. It was this
first stage that enabled the aircraft (which
carried their own Mica missiles during
the transit) and their pilots to be ready
for the first alert, on December 1, 2022
Subsequently, a special train was used
to transport approximately 100 tons
and 750m³ of cargo, the equivalent
of about 40 containers, to meet the
needs of the ‘stabilized’ phase, which
was to last four months. The train,
prepared in about a week, left France
on November 28 and arrived at Siauliai
on December 5. A second A400M
was then used to transport additional
missiles. It should be noted that Lithuania
participated in the logistic effort with
one of the three C-27 Spartans in
its possession. It is also expected to
Above: Lt Col Jonathan, head of the detachment in Siauliai. He is also the officer in command of the Normandy- participate in the mid-term rotation
Niémen Squadron back in France Below: The four aircraft are sheltered in semi-rigid hangars, which offer some of personnel with one of its aircraft.
level of protection against the freezing cold and the snow in the Lithuanian winter

www.Key.Aero // March 2023 43

 BALTIC AIR-POLICING // RAFALES IN LITHUANIA
flight," explained Lt Virgile. “Images, but observing another aircraft that is not State. Burguy explained the differences:
also analysis of the way the interception doing anything illegal) is unique in its "The missions on the Baltic are generally
was carried out: was the behavior of the course. The type of aircraft, its point much shorter [and] the fatigue of long
intercepted aircraft simply passive or did of origin, its destination, the weather, fire support missions is absent. But on the
it show some aggressiveness, for example the circumstances, all contribute to other hand, there are more unknowns.
by engaging in violent maneuvers?" different scenarios each time. When the alert is triggered, the first
The pilot's feelings are an essential Most pilots of the French detachment priority is to get to the plane very quickly
part of this analysis. Each interception in Siauliai already have experience in and take off. Information about the
(although the word seems ill-chosen, foreign countries, for example during scenario ahead is gradually passed on
since it is above all a question of Operation Chammal against the Islamic to us during the flight by the Lithuanian
interception controllers. You have to
A pilot readies his aircraft
prior to a training mission. be prepared for a lot of possibilities."
The bomb marking is a
testimony of a previous
engagement in operation
An escalation nobody wants
Chammal against The Siauliai detachment lives by the
Islamic State rhythm of ‘hot’ weeks with standby
duty, or ‘cold’ weeks reserved for
training and Tango Scrambles. During
the cold weeks, the real interceptions
are carried out by the other NATO
detachments in the Baltic States.
Alongside the French Rafales, there are
currently four Polish F-16s in Siauliai and as
many Luftwaffe Eurofighters in Estonia. In
total, NATO is deploying 12 fighter aircraft
at three different spots, each nation
taking turns to be on alert during the
week. And when one takes the alert, the

44 March 2023 // www.Key.Aero

 “YESTERDAY WE DID DISSIMILAR AIR COMBAT
TRAINING WITH THE GERMANS, WHILE
REFUELLING ON A BRITISH AIRBUS, WITH THE
GUIDANCE OF LATVIAN CONTROLLERS”

other two can meet for joint exercises: Above: A Rafale from remarkable points on the ground? capable of supersonic flight if the
the Mont-de-Marsan-
"Yesterday we did DACT [Dissimilar On the other hand, one might wonder situation requires it. The subsonic aircraft
based Régiment
Air Combat Training] with the de Chasse 2/30 whether the use of a Rafale equipped can also obtain a better situational
Germans, while refuelling on a Normandie-Niémen with a Talios pod and two 2000 lit awareness by setting back a little,
leaves its shelter for
British Airbus, with the guidance of tanks, a configuration that de facto should a situation get complicated.”
a training mission.
Latvian controllers," explained Lt Col In the background prevents it from going supersonic, is A good appreciation of the situation
Jonathan. "We also take advantage of are some US Army compatible with interception missions. is essential, because before they
RC-12s, also deployed
the Talios laser pod we brought with LtCol Jonathan answers yes without consider throwing themselves at an
in Siauliai
us to train with Lithuanian JTACs ". hesitation: "Firstly, because the Talios adversary’s throat, Siauliai's Rafales are
The uniformly white landscape pod is a very good complement to the primarily there to dissuade, remove
does not make guidance work OSF and the camera for identification doubts and control a situation.
any more easily, but is it really that and intelligence gathering. And, ultimately, the aim is to do
different from work in the Sahel “Secondly, because there is always everything possible to avoid an
where there are not always many one of the two aircraft in the patrol escalation that nobody wants. CAJ

Above: The official requirement is to be able to take off in less than 20 minutes after an Alpha Scramble.
As a matter of fact, reaction time is usually much faster…
Left: A Rafale leaves for a Tango Scramble with two 2000 lit external tanks, one Talios pod and two MICA
missiles. It's a peculiar loading. which makes it capable of long range interceptions or air-to-ground tasking

www.Key.Aero // March 2023 45

 EXERCISE REPORT // FALCON STRIKE 22

FIGHTING FIFTH-GEN

STRIKE As the Italian Air Force prepares to mark its centenary on March
28, 2023, it hosted a training exercise focused on fifth-generation
fighter tactics, Joe Campion visited Amendola Air Base in Northern
Italy for Exercise Falcon Strike 22 and spoke to those involved

With the ITAF operating two variants of the

F-35, both the F-35A and F-35B flew from
Amendola during Falcon Strike 22. They are
seen here during one of the pre-arranged
missions
All images Joe Campion

46 March 2023 // www.Key.Aero

D
espite the spike in fifth- 2022 with multiple aircraft from three air
generation operators across forces. Hosts Italy took part with a myriad
Europe there has been of aircraft – nearly all of its front-line
no exercise dedicated to operational assets. This included up to eight
the latest combat aircraft. F-35As from 32 Stormo and two F-35Bs,
The Italian Air Force (ITAF, one from the ITAF and one from the Italian
Aeronautica Militare) recognized this Navy; six Eurofighter F-2000As from 36
and launched Exercise Falcon Strike Stormo; and four Tornado IDS and ECR from
22 (Ex FS22). Its focus was to execute 6 Stormo. Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA)
air operations in highly contested were included in the scenarios, which was
and congested scenarios, leveraging a rotation of a single MQ-9 Reaper or MQ-1
fifth-gen capabilities and fostering Predator taking part from Gioia Del Collle.
coalition effectiveness by planning, Support came from three tankers
briefing, flying and debriefing in a providing air-to-air refuelling operations
classified environment suitable for – two KC-767As from 14 Stormo at Pratica
the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning Di Mare AB and one KC-130J from the 46th
program. It also aimed to consolidate Air Brigade in Pisa. A single 71 Gruppo
co-operation among users with cross G550 Conformal Airborne Early Warning
maintenance activities and logistic (CAEW) provided C2 support during
footprint optimization, to push the the exercise. All Italian aircraft operated
Lighting capabilities to the limit. from their home stations, apart from the
FS22 was held from November 14-24, CAEW, which operated from Amendola.

www.Key.Aero // March 2023 47

 EXERCISE REPORT // FALCON STRIKE 22

Above: Two ITAF Allied nation participants, who with minimal equipment and personnel to Alghero) took part in FS22, more than
EF2000As from 32 operated from Amendola Air Base (AB) support the mission. It is practiced to gain 180 from USAFE and almost 110 from
Stormo provided red
air during a Falcon for FS22, comprised five US Air Forces the capability to operate from locations RNLAF visited Italy for the exercise.
Strike mission in Europe (USAFE) F-35A Lightning IIs lacking the required built-up infrastructure Two waves were scheduled to fly
from the sole European-based USAF for a certain aircraft type. Operating each day (one side and one main
F-35A Lightning II unit, 495th Fighter from Amendola for the whole duration wave); the usual numbers were up to
Squadron (FS) ‘Valkyries’ home stationed of FS22 were six USAFE F-16C Fighting 15 sorties for the side wave and up to
Below: USAFE 495th at RAF Lakenheath in the UK. Falcons from 555th FS ‘Triple Nickle’ of 35 sorties for the main wave. These
FS F-35As from The 495th jets operated from Amendola Aviano Air Base. The Royal Netherlands Air sorties were variable and molded
RAF Lakenheath
participated while for the first week only of the flying phase Force participated with six Leeuwarden- to fit the omni-role of the F-35.
Italian residents, of FS22 and then returned home to RAF based F-35As from No 322 Squadron
555th FS from Aviano
took part in Falcon
Lakenheath. This was a display of the USAF’s More than 1,000 personnel from the Multiple missions
Strike with its F-16C Agile Combat Employment (ACE) concept, ITAF (deployed from Amendola, Grosseto, To bring the most to the participating
Fighting Falcons which is where a unit will deploy aircraft Decimomannu, Pisa, Pratica di Mare, nations of FS22, very challenging and

An Italian ground
technician greets
the RNLAF pilot of
F-013 after a FS22
mission

An ITAF F-35B Lightning taxies out of one of the newly built

hard hangars at Amendola AB during Falcon Strike 22

48 March 2023 // www.Key.Aero

 A DUTCH
PERSPECTIVE
The Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) attended FS22 with
six jets from No. 322 Squadron based at Leeuwarden AB in the
Netherlands. In addition to sending 12 of its own pilots, three
No.313 Squadron pilots from Volkel AB also attended the exercise.
The 313 pilots were sent to benefit from the learning
outcomes of the exercise as well as integrating with other
European F-35 operators as 313 are currently building
Above: A RNLAF F-35A, F-010, departs for an afternoon mission during Falcon Strike. The RNLAF F-35As,
unlike the ITAF F-35As did not utilize afterburner on take-off during Falcon Strike, demonstrating the F-35A’s up to be a combat-ready squadron with the F-35A.
power capabilities Below: Passing Amendola’s tower, F-022 rotates and heads out to join the rest of the blue Maj ‘Haipa’ van Meerlant, 322 Squadron pilot and the FS22
air participants for a large force exercise mission containing both fourth- and fifth-generation aircraft detachment commander of the RNLAF, said “Even though
the timeline to prepare for FS22 was limited, we still wanted
to attend so we could see and test out the OTI [Operational
Training Infrastructure] the Italians have in Sardinia.
“It is important for F-35s to be able to train against live
emitters since this greatly increases the training value of
missions for us. So, when the Italians invited us, we were
eager to attend and get good training both with emitters
and integrating with both the Italians and Americans.”
No 322 Squadron took part in FS22 with a focus on keeping
the combat status of its pilots current and to provide each pilot
that attended with their annual mission check qualification.
The Dutch flew a range of missions spanning from DCA to
OCA-SEAD, OCA-AI and OCA-ESCORT. One of the missions
was to protect a C-27 Spartan transport aircraft that had to
infiltrate paratroopers into enemy territory heavily defended
realistic scenarios were set up to maximise (COMAO), Dissimilar Air Combat Training by SAM systems, enemy ships, fixed-wing aircraft and a
fifth-gen capabilities. These included the (DACT), Air Combat Maneuvers (ACM) helicopter scouting for the C-27. Asking ‘Haipa’ about this
whole spectrum of mission types the and Basic Fighter Maneuvers (BFM). mission, he said: “The difficult part was twofold. First, we had
to take out a long-range SAM while simultaneously engaging
F-35 can conduct. Specifically, the core The main wave was set up by the
enemy aircraft. After that we had to take out medium-
task could be accomplished only after exercise director (Direx), Col Vito Cracas range SAMs so that the C-27 could get to its drop zone.
fulfilling a series of other side tasks. This and had scenarios with longer duration “We also had to make sure the enemy ship was not hampering
allowed the F-35 pilots to work constantly times (up to three hours) that covered the ingress route. The second part that made it difficult is the
and adaptively covering various roles Air Interdiction (AI); Strike Co-ordination long time we needed to protect the C-27 since it flies relatively
slow and had a long way to go! We were able to stop the
during just a single mission wave. and Reconnaissance (SCAR); High Value
enemy vessel from hampering the mission by first locating
With a matching focus of air-to-air and Airborne Asset (HVAA) Protection and it with our systems. After that we took out the SAM systems
air-to-ground missions, the side waves Attack; Integrated Air and Missile Defence on board so that it was no longer a threat for the C-27.”
had a vul time of up to two hours with (IAMD); Defensive Counter Air (DCA); When AFM/CAJ asked ‘Haipa’ how the F-35 aided
scenarios set up by the participants, Strategic Attack; Tactical Infiltration this mission, he replied: “The F-35 helped us to tackle
enemy aircraft and SAMs simultaneously because of its
mainly Composite Air Operations of Special Forces; Ground Assisted
many sensors providing information and its computer
analyzing all that data. The F-35 is very good in displaying
all that data in a smart and efficient way to the pilot.
‘Haipa’ concluded: “The F35A performs very well in a large
formation exercises (LFE). The F-35 program partners have put
a lot of effort in synchronizing crypto and the Mission Data Files
(MDF) so that we are interoperable. This gave us great benefits
during the LFEs. We were able to integrate seamlessly. Since
the F-35 is focused on data sharing this greatly benefits LFEs.”

A growing generation
No 322 Squadron being the first RNLAF squadron to receive
the F-35A, has now completed delivery of its fleet of 15
F-35As. The squadron currently has a total of 22 combat ready
pilots with its own in-house instructor pilots. Pilots will enter
322 squadron as qualified F-35A pilots but will be trained
further in specific combat disciplines after joining the unit.
As 322 is now full, over the next couple of years new RNLAF
F-35 pilots will be sent to 313 Squadron and then eventually to
the third RNLAF F35 unit which is not yet been established.
Like Italian Air Force pilots, the Dutch F-35 pilots are trained at
Luke AFB, in Arizona, US. They operate with each other on the
F-35 from the very start. When speaking to Lt Gen Dennis Luyt,
Commander of the RNLAF, he said: “We are super happy with
how the training is going over at Luke AFB and how the F-35 is
developing into such a useful and interoperable machine, and more
importantly how we are growing to be a fifth-generation air force.”

www.Key.Aero // March 2023 49

 EXERCISE REPORT // FALCON STRIKE 22

Above: A RNLAF
F-35A flies in close
formation with an
Italian Eurofighter
EF2000A during
Falcon Strike 22

Right: An ITAF
F-35B comes to a
halt in the STOVL
configuration with its
hover fan deployed on
Amendola’s runway
Air Interdiction (GAAI); and Tactical and GAAI missions were also flown. The via offensive operations (SEAD and
Exfiltration of Special Forces all practiced. latter is a mission in which air assets DEAD), the next day they were
An Italian Air Force F-35A pilot, callsign employ weapons deep inside enemy working together to create an IADS.
‘Victor’ [full name protected for security territory, against targets whose location FS22 focused on contrasting highly
reasons] saids of the vuls: “During Falcon is unknown or partially known. Ground capable SAM systems and C2 structures,
Strike we flew a lot of different missions. forces (usually Special Forces with which were all part of the Operational
All of them were very challenging and reconnaissance capability) are employed Training Infrastructure (OTI) performed
gave us the opportunity to learn a to guide the aircrew to the targets. in Sardinia’s Poligono Interforze Salto di
lot of good tactical lessons. The one I Differently from CAS, this kind of mission Quirra (PISQ) range, with a combination
personally preferred was the ballistic is conducted away from FLOT (Forward of real missile systems, Electronic Warfare
missile site attack protected by a very Line of Own Troops) and therefore not emulators and fake targets that the F35s
robust IADS. The Blue package consisted in close-proximity of friendly forces; it had to find, fix, track, target, engage and
of a total of 12 F-35A/Bs and four F-16Cs. requires a lower level of integration within assess for the integration. FS22 used
The mission was divided into different ground forces. The difference between mainly Italian Navy vessels equipped
phases: the initial phase was aimed at these and the “low threat” missions lies with SAMs for the real missile systems.
gaining local air superiority both from air mainly in the fact that air superiority As the scenarios were complex, only
and ground threats, to allow the F-16s is gained only for a short period of advanced pilot upgrades could be
to search and neutralize the ballistic time, giving both air and ground crews accomplished. The ITAF qualified a new
missile launch site during the 2nd and very little room for mistakes. To reduce weapon Instructor on the F-35A and a
3rd stage. The integration between assets exposure and to expedite execution, new four-ship Lead pilot in the exercise.
was very good, thanks both to the Link the digital info flow provided by the
16 connections and to the common F-35 is a crucial mission enabler. Integrating fourth and fifth
tactics and procedure that we share Training with and against Surface- On top of the F-35A/Bs taking part in
among the F-35 and, more generally Based Air Defence Systems (SBAD) was FS22, multiple fourth-generation aircraft
among the NATO fighter community.” conducted. One day the participants took part, although the rationale of these
High-threat close air support (CAS) were searching the SBAD systems attending was not purely based on fourth-

50 March 2023 // www.Key.Aero

and fifth-gen integration due to this being
accessible in exercises that already exist.
The fourth-gen jets included multiple
F2000As and Tornado ECR/IDS from the
CROSS-SERVICING
In addition to the emphasis within the cockpit during and cross-servicing Gen Hecker said: “I think it is
FS22, there was a large focus on F-35 cross-servicing really a warfighting imperative to be able to do that;
ITAF. They mainly played the red air role maintenance on the ground. This is where maintainers there might be times when a US F-35 must divert
and were targets for the F35s to track can operate and perform duties on another nation’s to another air base, or maybe we can even plan on
and engage with. Six F-16Cs from 555th F-35. There were US, Dutch and Italian maintenance going to another air base and we do not have the
‘Triple Nickle’ were also a fourth-gen asset crews working on all the F-35 aircraft that attended maintenance or the equipment to go with them.
the exercise. This displayed the potential of real unitive “We are trying to make it interoperable, so if any F-35
taking part. USAFE commander Gen
power when operating the F-35 within NATO. During nation can work with any F-35, no matter what nation
James Hecker explained: “Our F-16s from the airborne missions, the allied pilots can effectively it comes from, it can work on it, not just refuel it, but
Aviano were there because right now, crosstalk in the air. On the ground, servicing and re-arm it as well. We want to get to that stage in the
we roughly have 140 F-35s in Europe, maintenance demands addressed on a common game and this is the beginning of that.” Gen Hecker
by 2034 we will have a little more than platform mean that allies can work together here too. also confirmed that this was one of the topics on the
The 495th FS F-35As were performing ACE during agenda for the F-35 Air Chiefs Meeting that took place
600, but it’s going to take a while to get
FS22, a doctrine currently being adopted by many during FS22 and saw the majority of Air Chiefs from the
there. In the meantime, we need to use NATO operators. Talking about the ACE concept nations operating or due to operate the F-35 attend.
good interoperability and integration
between both our fourth-gen aircraft,
like the F-16, and our fifth-gen aircraft.
“So, yes, the future holds fifth-gen
aircraft, but until we reach full bed-
down it is important to exercise our
fourth- and fifth-gen together to develop
greater capability on all levels among
partners/allies,” Hecker concluded.
Adding to Gen Heckers point, Chief
of the Air Staff of ITAF, Lt Gen Luca
Goretti said: “Despite the fact that we
are increasing the numbers of the
fifth-gen aircraft, we still own some
fourth, so we need to co-operate and
be interoperable among those guys.
The more they learn from the fifth-gen
aircraft, the better they will be.” CAJ
Look out for a special report on the centenary
of the Italian Air Force, coming soon in our A great example of NATO partners performing cross-servicing’ on the Lockheed Martin F-35.
Here, a RNLAF ground technician can be seen performing post-flight work on a Italian F-35A
sister publication AirForces Monthly

“THE MORE THEY LEARN FROM THE

FIFTH-GEN AIRCRAFT, THE BETTER THEY
WILL BE.” LT GEN LUCA GORETTI

One of a six ship of F-35As, an ITAF

F-35A from 32 Stormo roars away
from Amendola’s runway for an
afternoon sortie during Falcon Strike

www.Key.Aero // March 2023 51

 UNIT REVIEW // NO 302 SQN ROYAL NETHERLANDS AIR FORCE

ECHO
TRANSITION TO

As the Royal Netherlands Air Force prepares to

upgrade its 28 AH-64D Apache to the Echo-model,
No 302 Squadron at Robert Gray Army Field, Texas,
is playing a vital role in the transition process.
Frank Visser spoke with the unit commander

52 March 2023 // www.Key.Aero

A
fter the Boeing AH-64D Apache Below: A RNLAF for the training carried out by the is handled within the squadron itself,
was selected by the Royal AH-64D Apache of squadron. It came after a Letter of with the commander of 166th Aviation
301 Squadron uses
Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) a training area in Offer and Acceptance (LOA) was Brigade ultimately responsible. The US
in 1996, the first group of Dutch the Netherlands drawn up to allow No 302 Squadron has set up a system which ensures that
soldiers left for Fort Hood, Texas. That to fly low level in to function under an agreement all action is taken within US frameworks.
wintery conditions
same year the RNLAF received the first – a mission 302 between the two governments. Lt Col 't Jong added: “The system
of 12 AH-64A Apaches on loan from Squadron cannot Commander of No 302 Squadron, is setup different than anything a
the US Army to fill the gap until the train in Texas Lt Col Martin ‘Tsjech’ ‘t Jong, said: normal unit would face. But at 302
delivery of the first Delta aircraft. “We received an offer from the US we’ve been able to make it work very
In 2013, with the arrival of the CH-47F government, in response to our request. well. For example, we have flown
Chinook and an additional range of This offer was accepted by the Dutch 2,109 hours in 15 months with the
duties, the Joint Netherlands Training government and they paid the total cost.” Chinook during the transition from
Detachment was transformed into No our old F-models to the new CAAS
302 Squadron. They are officially part of Joint force MYII F-models. In a normal year we
a US Army unit – 21st Cavalry Brigade, Because No 302 would fly the Chinook 1,200 hours.”
Right: The
166th Aviation Brigade at Fort Hood. badge Squadron is part Within No 302 Squadron, the US
The RNLAF Defense Helicopter of 302 of the the US government is represented by a US
Command (DHC), together with the Squadron Army structure, Program Manager (PM). Lt Col 't Jong
All images
Royal Netherlands Army (RNLA) 11th Northern operation of explained: “The squadron is actually a
Air Mobile Brigade (AMB), is responsible Skies Aviation the helicopters Foreign Military Sales (FMS) case, which

www.Key.Aero // March 2023 53

 UNIT REVIEW // NO 302 SQN ROYAL NETHERLANDS AIR FORCE

“...NOT LIKE ANY OTHER AMERICAN OR DUTCH

PROGRAM. WE ARE A HYBRID UNIT”
Above: A typical is managed from the Netherlands.” the start; a small team consisting of the to its mission qualification and joint
early morning Besides having to transition from the US PM, but also a member of RNLAF training tasks, all squadron members
scene at the 302
Squadron ramp,
AH-64D to the E-model, the program has Helicopter staff, co-located at Fort Hood. are excluded from other deployments
just before flight been carrying out the practical flying Lt Col 't Jong, who has been commander within the RNAF, ensuring the squadron
operations start portion for the RNLAF E transition. Lt of No 302 Squadron for four years and always remains at full strength. This
Col 't Jong continues: “It is important an Apache weapons instructor pilot for means the squadron can focus on
that we focus on our current training over 14 years, said: “Despite my previous carrying out its primary tasks.
tasks, but also keep looking towards experience with the Fort Hood program, “Because our own Dutch training
the future. Large projects, such as the it took me a year to really become program with Dutch procedures – but
transition to the Echo-model, which effective within the FMS construct.” fully within American rules and regulation
really affect and transcend program The advantage for No 302 Squadron – makes our structure unique, not like
management, will start at the PM office.” is that it has reached almost its full any other American or Dutch program,
The squadron’s PM was involved from compliment of personnel. With regards we are a hybrid unit,” added Lt Col 't Jong.
Right: The extensive
training area near
Fort Hood gives
302 Squadron
the opportunity to
train nearly every
mission. This
Apache crew are
training in low level
operations under
enemy threat

Below: The Q-28

leaving the 302
Squadron ramp to
start its mission

54 March 2023 // www.Key.Aero

 TRANSITION
The RNLAF has chosen to convert the
existing 28 Delta Apaches into Echos
because the AH-64E features improved
digital connectivity and the Joint Tactical
Information Distribution System (JTIDS).
The JTIDS is an L-band Distributed
Time Division Multiple Access (DTDMA)
network radio system to support data
communication, between forces in
the air and on the ground. They will
also have the capability to control
UAVs and will have full IFR capability
and the improved Fire Control Radar.
All new Apaches will receive the more
powerful T700-GE-701D engines with
upgraded face gear transmission to
accommodate more power, climb rate
and payload capacity. Speed is also
increased by new composite rotor blades.

Unit tasks operational aircrews also train here to transition program for both the new
The squadron has two main tasks. Four maintain their certification. In addition, CH-47F MYII CAAS and the AH-64E.
times a year it carries out a five-week in the spring and autumn, No 302 The transition to the CH-47F MYII CAAS
long exercise called American Falcon. Squadron offers ten weeks of training was completed in the first half of 2022
Both personnel of the RNLAF’s No 298 for both upcoming CH-47F MYII CAAS as the last of the new Chinooks were still
Squadron (CH-47F MYII CAAS) and No and AH-64D aircrews, otherwise known being delivered to the RNLAF. In order
301 Squadron (AH-64D), as a Dutch as Mission Qualification Training (MQT). to be able to properly train the aircrews
Army company of 11th AMB take part. After the aircrews have completed and also allow them to participate
During this exercise, the complexity of their MQT, they are transferred to an in the American Falcon exercises, six
the squadron’s joint missions is increased. operational squadron in the Netherlands CH-47F MYII CAAS airframes have
With this, the Army units certify so they as combat ready aircrew. In addition, Below: Ready for take been added to No 302 Squadron. This
off. 302 Squadron has
can be deployed in the highest spectrum the squadron has been given an been part of the US number was reduced to five last August,
of war. Within the training program, the additional task, namely to carry out the Army since 2013 which will be the default number. The

www.Key.Aero // March 2023 55

 UNIT REVIEW // NO 302 SQN ROYAL NETHERLANDS AIR FORCE
squadron has 34 Dutch personnel, 12
US Department of the Army Civilians
and 212 US contractors, who take care
of the maintenance of the helicopters.

American Falcon
During American Falcon, the Dutch
sometimes work closely together
with US units. For example, UH-60
helicopters which are based on the
nearby Fort Hood Army Air Field are
used. But also, an Air National Guard
unit from Houston and American Joint
Terminal Attack Controllers (JTACs)
regularly practice with the Dutch.
Humvees with simulated radar systems
are operated by No 302 Squadron and
are used, for example, to simulate an
SA-8 missile launching platform. This
means they can practice as realistically Above: Personnel of the RNLAF No 298 Squadron and No 301 Squadron and Dutch Army officers of the 11th AMB in a briefing prior to operation
as possible. The area around Fort Hood Daytona in an American Falcon exercise program
has offered the RNLAF the opportunity
to train maximum and realistic Apache
and Air Assault missions since 1996.
The extensive training area with
realistic training targets, training
villages, shooting ranges, low-flying
areas and other facilities offers an
immense training opportunity.
In addition, the weather conditions in
Texas are favorable for flight operations
and make Fort Hood an ideal place to
train. The facilities at Robert Gray AAF,
which is right next to Fort Hood AAF, are
also excellent. The squadron has sufficient
hangars, briefing and arms rooms and a
large platform and the Dutch squadron
can also use all the other US Army facilities
at the airfield. With a dining room, fitness “WE PLANNED AMBITIOUSLY, AS WE
room, etc, all in all it’s ideal for housing the
SHOULD, BUT WE RAN INTO MANY
UNEXPECTED ISSUES”
11th AMB personnel during an American
Falcon exercise. A budget of more than
150 million Euros has been made available
for the next contract period, so that 302
Squadron can perform all of its tasks.

Echo transition
No 302 Squadron has experience of
transition processes. In April 2022 it
completed the transition process for
the Boeing CH-47F MYII CAAS. All
operational aircrews of No 298 Squadron
started their transition with five weeks
of training in the Netherlands.
A large part of this training consisted of
simulator flights. They then continued
their training for two weeks at No 302
Squadron, to obtain certification on this
type of helicopter under the guidance
of the US. Under the supervision of the
Dutch, all aircrews continued for two
weeks with their Flight Training Manual

56 March 2023 // www.Key.Aero

 NEAR
FUTURE
When the Apache AH-64E is fully integrated,
the mission of No 302 Squadron will
remain largely the same. The Netherlands
Military Aviation Authority (MAA) is closely
involved in this major project, as they are
with all 302nd accreditation. LtCol. Martin
‘t Jong commented: “The co-operation and
dialogue with the MAA is going very well.
Sometimes we’ll have some discussion,
but in constructive dialogue we’ve been
able to be accredited on maintenance
MAR-145, operations and soon maintenance
management MAR-M.”
The 166th Aviation Brigade system is
projected onto No 302 Squadron in order
that the US system is accredited. How the
contractors operate is decided between
them and the US government. The MAA has
reviewed and approved the US government
framework. In terms of maintenance
Left: A CH-47F putting management, apart from the fact that No
Dutch Army troops 302 Squadron operates within the US Army
of the 11th AMB on 166th Aviation Brigade, the squadron has
the ground during a lot of experience and expertise on both
Operation Daytona the Dutch and US sides, which makes the
squadron very flexible. Working and training
Right: A CH-47F together with the American military and
delivering sling loads
civilian contractors is especially valuable
for 11th AMB Dutch
Army troops, also in since a third of all DHC Apache and Chinook
Operation Daytona flight hours are flown in Texas.
Given the unit consists of RNLAF and
Below: These F model Royal Netherlands Army personnel, as
Chinooks have now well as Americans, it’s hard to name
been replaced by another unit within the RNLAF that works
CH-47F MYII CAAS as collaboratively as No 302 Squadron.
helicopters “We co-operate as one team, making the
program very effective,” said LtCol ‘t Jong.

(FTM) and the Operational Training little time in between for planning and
Manual (OTM). After obtaining these preparation. The transition trajectories
the aircrews took part in an American are in addition to these tasks and have
Falcon exercise, in order to put all the a serious impact on the squadron. The
acquired knowledge into practice. Operational Test & Evaluation (OT&E)
The Chinook aircrews then returned plan for the Echo-model is already
to the Netherlands to rejoin No 298 in place at No 302 Squadron. This is
Squadron. “The transition was far from ahead of the transition trajectory for
easy, but all goals were met,” Lt Col 't Jong the Chinook CH-47F MYII CAAS.
said. This helicopter flies almost the same Lt Col 't Jong said: “We have learned
as the previous model, but the cockpit some lessons from the first transition
architecture is significantly different, program and are now applying
posing new options for coupled flight,” this to the Echo transition.”
The RNLAF was the first operator with
the 9.4 software, which caused some Getting ready
delays. In addition, COVID also had an Now that the RNLAF are switching
impact on the transition process. to the AH-64E, the squadron is busy
Lt Col 't Jong, explained: “We preparing for this transition. The first
planned ambitiously as we should, 301 Squadron aircraft are now being
but we ran into many unexpected converted to the Apache AH-64E in the
issues, from certification to one- Boeing factory in Mesa, Arizona, the
off maintenance hiccups.” AH-64D, serial Q-06, was the first to be
In a typical year of MQTs and American withdrawn from the No 302 Squadron
Falcon exercises, No 302 Squadron fleet in May. This means the still heavily
already has a busy schedule, with 90% of used D fleet will be reduced while in
its time being spent on execution, leaving the midst of training. It is important that

www.Key.Aero // March 2023 57

 UNIT REVIEW // NO 302 SQN ROYAL NETHERLANDS AIR FORCE
the schedule is continuously reviewed
so that there is no delay in the delivery
of the AH-64Es. Work is now underway
on the airworthiness documentation
and an update to the Memorandum
of Agreement (MOA) between
commander DHC and commander
166th Aviation Brigade is ready to be
signed. With this, the accreditation
should be arranged upon the arrival
of the Echo. This is part of the greater
Echo accreditation in the Netherlands.
Because No 302 Squadron operates
within US procedures, Dutch systems –
for example the SAP system – must be
accommodated and linked within the
American system. The timely receipt goals. This will be a challenge, especially then everything will be focused on the Above: Five brand
of Dutch goods is essential, so that the after the conclusion of the conversion Echo. The Echos intended for No 301 new Chinook
process is not delayed. The goal is to have in 2025, although the Apache fleet Squadron at Gilze-Rijen Air Base, will also CH-47F MYII CAAS
airframes are used
all supplies and the existing US ACN and will be brought back to the final total be ferried to the Netherlands directly. by 302 Squadron
Dutch SAP system ready when the first of eight aircraft at Robert Gray AAF. Currently, future Apache aircrews are
helicopter arrives at No 302 Squadron. Because the RNLAF will be flying a new completing their Initial Qualification
The manufacturer determines the type of helicopter, the demand from the Training (IQT) at Fort Rucker, Alabama,
date of delivery of each helicopter RNLAF to retrain aircrews on the Echo will on Apaches with Version 4 software.
and adjustments are made based on be even greater. In April 2023, three Delta The Echos arriving at 302 and 301
risk analysis from the Dutch led Site airframes from No 302 Squadron will will have Version 6 software so it is
Activation Task Force (SATAF) in regular depart for conversion to the Echo-model, important that No 302 Squadron is ready
communications with No 302 Squadron. If followed by four more in the summer. to receive the aircraft. That means all
this proves insufficient, there is a back-up The US maintainers are now all being their instructor pilots, their contractor
plan in place. It is also important that retrained to be able to handle the maintainers and maintenance test pilots
the training and the American Falcon Echos upon arrival. The instructors are all converted to the Echo Version
exercises take place according to schedule. of No 302 Squadron will also follow 6 before the first Apache pilots arrive
the retraining program this year. from the Netherlands to be converted
Transition goals All RNLAF maintainers from the at Robert Gray AAF in February 2023.
During the build-up phase from Delta Netherlands will also undergo retraining In 2025, No 302 Squadron will receive
to Echo, at least six Apaches at No 302 at No 302 Squadron. An important its last Echos, so that year will start
Squadron are necessary to execute the aspect here is that Dutch maintainers with the last transition class after
transition. Maintenance is also looking can work on the helicopters but will which the rest of the year will be a
at the number of flight hours that each have to be transferred to the Dutch regular program again, with MQTs
Delta and Echo has remaining before system, as they currently reside and American Falcon exercises.
they receive a 500-hour service. within the US maintenance system. In 2026, the current FMS cases for the Below: 302
Squadron operates
Building a stagger line for the new Details on how to join forces next year Dutch will end at Robert Gray AAF after two types of
Echos, planning 500-hour maintenance are being discussed. On December 13, which, it will become clear whether the helicopter:
so it runs back-to-back, will be very 2022 the first two Echos arrived at No current training of Dutch aircrews can the Boeing
CH-47 Chinook
challenging. All Echos will come in at 302 Squadron. The intention is that after be continued there. The PM is already (foreground) and
almost the same time and will have to January 2023 no more training will be working on a business plan for an Boeing AH-64
be flown hard to meet the transition offered on the Delta-model and from extension of five years after 2026. CAJ Apache

58 March 2023 // www.Key.Aero

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 #31
STATE
REPORT NEW HAMPSHIRE

ROCK SOLID
GUARDS Tom Kaminski continues our state report series, exploring New Hampshire, nicknamed the Granite State

60 March 2023 // www.Key.Aero

 abort sites and one of 18 emergency
landing sites for NASA’s Space Shuttle
orbiters. It was closed on March 31,
1991, following the recommendations
of the 1988 Base Realignments and
Closures (BRAC) Commission.
Located just west of the central
business district of Portsmouth, the
joint civil and military use airport is
now owned by the Pease Development
Authority. It is 55 miles north of Boston,
Massachusetts, and just three miles
south of Kittery, Maine, which is home
to the US Navy’s Portsmouth Naval
Shipyard. It first opened for civilian use
through an Airfield Joint Use Agreement

N
(AJUA) with the USAF in July 1991.
ew Hampshire is one of Above: A pair of Originally developed as the Portsmouth
UH-60s from the
six US states that make Municipal Airport in the 1930s by the City
New Hampshire
up the region known as National Guard’s of Portsmouth, it was closed to civilian
New England and was Company C(-), 3rd air traffic in August 1942. The airfield was
Battalion, 238th
named after the county operated by the US Navy until 1946, when
Aviation Regiment
of Hampshire in England. prepare to land exclusive rights were transferred to the
The northeastern most area of the near Coatepeque, US Army Air Force. In 1951, the air force
Guatemala, on June
United States was originally settled selected the installation for development
8, 2016. The air
by the English beginning in 1620. ambulance unit was as an SAC base. Construction began
New Hampshire was one of the 13 supporting Exercise in 1954 and the Portsmouth AFB was
Beyond the Horizon
English Colonies and became the opened on June 30, 1956. It was renamed
2016. USAF/SrA
ninth of the United States on June Dillon Davis Pease AFB on September 7, 1957, in
21, 1788. The state’s motto is ‘Live honor of New Hampshire native and US
Free or Die’ and is attributed to the Army Air Corps Captain Harl Pease Jr,
Revolutionary war general and hero of
the Battle of Bennington, John Stark. NEW HAMPSHIRE
With a total area of just 9,304 square CANADA
miles, New Hampshire is the fifth
smallest state and the tenth least
populated. It is bordered on the north
by the Canadian province of Quebec,
by Maine and the Atlantic Ocean to
the east, by Massachusetts to the
south and by Vermont on the west.
Although it has several nicknames,
New Hampshire is best known as the
‘Granite State’ due to the large amount Maine
of stone and quarries found there.
Although it hosted units of the USAF’s
Strategic Air Command (SAC) as recently
Vermont
as 1990, today the state’s military aviation
assets are comprised of units of the New
Hampshire Air and Army National Guard.

Portsmouth Portsmouth
Portsmouth
Until it was closed in 1989, the Portsmouth International Airport
International Airport at Pease was known • Pease ANGB
as Pease Air Force Base (AFB) and was last
operated by the SAC. The 509th Bomb Concord
Concord
F-35A serial 17-5265 from the Vermont Air Wing was the final organization assigned Municipal
National Guard’s 158th Fighter Wing prepares to to the base and it operated the General Airport
receive fuel from KC-46A serial 16-46018 during a • AASF Atlantic
training flight over New England on April 2, 2021. Dynamic FB-111A and Boeing KC-135R Ocean
The New Hampshire Air National Guard’s 157th Air until the last units departed in 1990.
Refueling Wing was the first reserve component With a runway measuring more than
unit to receive the Pegasus Jim Haseltine Massachusetts
11,300ft, Pease was one of seven launch

www.Key.Aero // March 2023 61

 #31
STATE
REPORT NEW HAMPSHIRE

Above: The crew of who was posthumously awarded the 1971, becoming the 133rd Tactical Airlift
HH-60M serial 17- Medal of Honor for heroism during Squadron. Its mission changed again on
20951 from Company World War Two. The B-17E pilot was October 1, 1975, when it was designated
C(-), 3rd Battalion,
238th Aviation killed while being held as a prisoner as the 133rd Air Refueling Squadron and
Regiment prepares to of war by the Japanese on the South transitioned to the KC-135A. In 1984, the
lift a 4,000lb weight Pacific Island of Rabaul, New Britain. 133rd converted to the KC-135E and, in
while conducting
sling load training at The base initially operated the B-47 1993, to the KC-135R. Originally known as
Joint Base Cape Cod, and KC-97 aircraft but later received the 133rd Fighter Squadron, the unit was Air Refueling Squadron (ARS).
Massachusetts, on the B-52 and KC-135. extended federal recognition on April 4, It was formally identified as the first
June 22, 2022
New Hampshire In 1966, the New Hampshire Air 1947. Its history can be traced back to ANG unit to operate the Boeing KC-46A
National Guard National Guard’s 157th Military Airlift the 529th Fighter Squadron, which flew Pegasus tanker on August 6, 2014, after
Group (157 MAG) relocated to Pease North American A-36s and P-51s in the Pease had been selected as USAF’s
AFB from Grenier AFB, now Manchester- Pacific Theater during World War Two. preferred alternative in May 2013. The
Boston Regional Airport, New Hampshire. Today, the New Hampshire Air final KC-135R departed Pease when
Then operating the Boeing C-97A National Guard’s 157th Air Refueling serial 57-1419 was flown to Goldwater
Stratofreighter, the group’s 133rd Wing (ARW) operates from the 229- ANGB in Phoenix, Arizona, on March
Military Airlift Squadron transitioned acre Pease Air National Guard Base 24, 2019. The first Boeing KC-46A
to the Douglas C-124C Globemaster II (ANGB). The wing’s 157th Operations arrived at Pease on August 8, 2019, and
in 1968 and to the Lockheed C-130A in Group (OG) is responsible for the 133rd the ARS received its twelfth and final
Right: KC-46A serial
17-46034 from the
New Hampshire Air
National Guard’s
157th Air Refueling
Wing visiting Joint
Base Elmendorf-
Richardson, Alaska,
on June 30, 2022.
Named the Spirit
of Portsmouth, the
Pegasus received its
special livery in the
Alaska Air National
Guard’s 36,000sq ft
paint booth, which
is operated by the
176th Wing US Air
National Guard /
SMSgt. Timm Huffman

62 March 2023 // www.Key.Aero

Pegasus on February 5, 2021. The 133rd Kansas, but its personnel are operationally Above: KC-46A serial Canton, Ohio, and reports to the
16-46018 from the
shares responsibility for operating and embedded within the National Guard 3rd Battalion headquarters in Grand
New Hampshire Air
maintaining the tankers with the active units and tasked by the 157th OG. National Guard’s Ledge. The unit last deployed when
duty 64th ARS. Although activated as part 157th Air Refueling it conducted a six-month mission to
of the air force's Total Force Initiative on Concord Wing operating over
New England on April
Iraq that began in October 2019.
October 2, 2009, the 64th was mothballed The New Hampshire Army National 2, 2021. The Pegasus Operating six UH-60A/L Black Hawks,
due to the 157th’s conversion to the Guard’s only Army Aviation Support is one of 12 delivered Company A(-), 1st Battalion 169th
to the wing’s 133rd Air
KC-46A. It was subsequently reactivated Facility (AASF) is located at Concord Aviation Regiment is assigned to the
Refueling Squadron
during an assumption of command Municipal Airport. Originally opened between August 2019 command aviation role. A detachment
ceremony at Pease on July 8, 2022. The in 1926, the 614-acre general aviation and February 2021 is sited in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and
Jim Haseltine
squadron is administratively assigned to site can be found two miles east the general support aviation battalion
the 22nd ARW’s OG at McConnell AFB, of the state capital city. It has been headquarters is in Enfield, Connecticut.
owned and operated by the city Detachment 18, Operational Support
of Concord since 1937. Just three Airlift Agency (OSA-A) provides
units operate from the AASF. operational movement of cargo and
Company C(-), 3rd Battalion 238th high-priority passengers with a single
Aviation Regiment operates nine Black Beechcraft C-12U Huron. It is one of five
Hawks in the air ambulance role. The such units that were not aligned under
unit received its first HH-60M in July one of the National Guard’s two fixed-wing
2017. It is responsible for detachments aviation battalions and remains under
in Grand Ledge, Michigan, and North the full-time control of the OSA-A. CAJ

NEW HAMPSHIRE STATE REPORT

Tail
Location Command Unit Aircraft Notes
Code
Portsmouth International Airport at Pease / Pease Air National Guard Base
157th Air Refueling Wing / Operations Group 133rd Air Refueling Squadron KC-46A
22d Air Refueling Wing / Operations Group 64th Air Refueling Squadron KC-46A {1}
Concord Municipal Airport
AASF (New Hampshire Amy National Guard) C(-)/3-238th AVN (AA) HH-60M
A(-)/1-169th AVN (CMD) UH-60A+/L
OSA-A Det. 18 C-12U
Notes: {1} Active associate unit

www.Key.Aero // March 2023 63

 #32
STATE
REPORT NEW JERSEY

ALL IS GREEN IN THE

GARDEN New Jersey plays a vital role in refueling jets over the mid-Atlantic.Tom Kaminski looks at its airborne assets

N
Below: F-16C serial ew Jersey is located in the east by New York; on the east, southeast, Joint Base
86-0294 from mid-Atlantic region on the and south by the Atlantic Ocean; and on Created on October 1, 2009, Joint Base
the 177th Fighter
Wing’s 119th Fighter US east coast and was one the southwest by Delaware Bay and the McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (JBMDL) is situated
Squadron flies in of the original 13 English state of Delaware. The western border 18 miles southeast of Trenton in the
formation with KC- colonies. It became the third of the 'Garden State’ with Pennsylvania central part of the state. The 42,000-acre
135R serial 60-0366
from the 108th Wing’s state of the United States is formed by the Delaware River. base was formed when McGuire Air Force
141st Air Refueling on December 18, 1787. Its total area New Jersey’s Governor and Adjutant Base, the US Army’s Fort Dix and Naval
Squadron over New of just 8,723 sq miles makes New Jersey General are responsible for several Air Engineering Station Lakehurst were
Jersey on May 12, 2020
US Air National Guard/ the fourth smallest state, but it ranks Air and Army National Guard units, merged. The former air force base was
SSgt Cristina J Allen 11th in population and first in population but the state is also home to several named after Major Thomas B McGuire,
density. It is bordered on the north and important military aviation facilities. Jr, Medal of Honor recipient and the

64 March 2023 // www.Key.Aero

 concluded its aerial refueling support for
US European Command in May 2022.
On September 9, 2022 the 911th ARS
was reactivated at Seymour Johnson
AFB, North Carolina. Administratively, it
is assigned as a geographically separated
unit (GSU) of the 305th OG at JBMDL.
The active associate squadron will
share responsibility for operating and
maintaining the KC-46A aircraft assigned
to the Air Force Reserve Command’s
(AFRC) 916th Air Refueling Wing. The
911th ‘Red Eagles’ had operated the
KC-135R alongside the AFRC unit until
it was placed into inactive status in
preparation for the 916th’s transition to
the KC-46A. The 911th had previously
been assigned as a GSU under the 6th
ARW/OG at MacDill AFB, Florida.
Gained by AMC, the AFRC’s 514th AMW
shares the responsibility for operating
A CH-53E from Marine heavy helicopter squadron and maintaining the aircraft assigned
HMH-772 lifts a US Army Humvee in a joint training
exercise near Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New to the 305th AMW. The ‘Freedom Wing’s’
Jersey, on September 6, 2018. The ‘Hustlers’ have 514th OG manages the operations
been based at the New Jersey base since relocating of the 76th ARS, 78th ARS and 732nd
from NAS JRB Willow Grove, Pennsylvania
USAF/Airman Ariel Owings AS which are respectively associated
with the KC-10A, KC-46A and C-17A.
The New Jersey Air National Guard’s
second leading ace in American history. 108th Wing/OG is also located at McGuire.
It was known as the Fort Dix Army Air Flying squadrons assigned to the 108th
Force Base until renamed in 1948.
Today, the base's tenants include Air
Mobility Command's 305th Air Mobility
NEW JERSEY
Wing (AMW) and the Air Force Reserve New York
Command’s 514th AMW. The flying
squadrons assigned to the former’s 305th
Operations Group (OG) comprise the 2nd
Air Refueling Squadron (ARS), the 6th
Airlift Squadron (AS) and the 32d ARS.
The 2d ARS is the oldest air refueling
squadron in the Air Force and was
originally activated as the 2nd Aero
Squadron on December 1, 1915.
Stationed at JBMDL since October
1, 1994, the squadron operates the
Boeing KC-46A Pegasus. The joint base Pennsylvania
was selected to receive the KC-46A Trenton
in 2017 and the first Pegasus for the Trenton Mercer Airport
• AASF (NJARNG)
2nd ARS arrived on November 9, 2021.
Retirement of the squadron’s KC-10A
JB McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst
Extenders began in July 2020. • AASF (NJ ARNG)
The 6th AS is the oldest airlift squadron • ASF Dix (USARC)
• NAWCAD
in the Air Force and was first activated
on October 1, 1933. It has operated
the Boeing C-17A Globemaster III Pomona
Atlantic City
since making the transition from the International Airport
Lockheed C-141B in September 2004. • Atlantic City ANGB
• AIRSTA Atlantic City
The 32d ARS was the first unit to receive
the KC-10A Extender in 1981 and has Atlantic
Ocean
been based at McGuire since September
1994. In preparation for its upcoming Delaware
conversion to the KC-46A, the unit

www.Key.Aero // March 2023 65

 #32
STATE
REPORT NEW JERSEY

C-17A serial 04-4135 from the 305th Air Mobility Wing’s 6th Airlift Squadron departs Nellis AFB, Nevada on December 7, 2006. The
Globemaster III is one of 12 assigned to the squadron, which is based at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey Don Logan

Above: An F/A-18E OG comprise the 141st ARS and the Tenants aboard the former air force fleet logistic support squadron VR-64
operated by the air
150th Special Operations Squadron base include units of the US Army, Naval operates five Lockheed Martin C-130Ts
test and evaluation
squadron VX-22 Known as the ‘Tigers’, the 141st has and Marine Corps Reserve. Operating in the Navy Unique Fleet Essential Airlift
engages the wire of the operated the Stratotanker since receiving the Beechcraft C-12V Huron and Cessna (NUFEA) mission. The ‘Condors’ have been
land-based advanced
its first KC-135E in September 1991. It is UC-35B, Company A, 2nd Battalion, 228th stationed at JBMDL since relocating from
arresting gear (AAG)
during testing at the an Air Mobility Command-gained unit. Regiment is known as the ‘Greyhounds’. Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base (NAS
full-size shipboard- Tracing its history to the activation of The unit reports to the 2nd Battalion, JRB) Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, in March
representative test
the 141st Aero Provisional Squadron at which is also headquartered at JBMDL 2011. Comprised of active-duty and
site on Joint Base
McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst the former Rockwell Field in Coronado, and known as the ‘Winged Warriors’. It reserve personnel, the squadron is one of
on October 13, 2016. California in 1917, the squadron is one of just two fixed-wing battalions five Naval Reserve units that operate the
The site is operated by
currently has eight KC-135Rs assigned. within the US Army Reserve Command Hercules and report to the Commander,
the Naval Air Warfare
Center Aircraft Division Operating a pair of C-32Bs, the 150th (USARC). Although the USARC aircraft Fleet Logistics Support Wing (CFLSW) at
US Navy SOS reports to the 108th Wing but is are just down the ramp from the USAF NAS JRB Fort Worth, Texas. VR-64 provides
gained by the Air Force Special Operations airlifters, the facility is referred to as responsive intra-theater logistics support
Command (AFSOC). Based on the Boeing Aviation Support Facility Dix. The base to US Navy Forces deployed worldwide.
757-200 series airliner, the C-32, “provides also hosts the headquarters for the Marine Aircraft Group MAG-49 relocated
a dedicated rapid response airlift to the USARC’s 244th Expeditionary Combat from NAS JRB Willow Grove, to JBMDL in
Department of Defense in support of US Aviation Brigade (ECAB). It one of 2011. Reporting to the 4th Marine Aircraft
Government crisis response to events only two such brigades under the US Wing, it is responsible for several Marine
abroad and domestically”. The 150th is Army Reserve Aviation Command. Corps Reserve squadrons including
nicknamed the ‘Keepers of the Gate’. Sharing the ramp with the 108th Wing, Marine heavy helicopter squadron
Right: An E-2D
operated by the air
test and evaluation
squadron VX-20
prepares to launch
for the land-based
electromagnetic
aircraft launch
system (EMALS) at the
full-size shipboard-
representative
test site at Joint
Base McGuire-Dix-
Lakehurst. The site is
operated by the Naval
Air Warfare Center
Aircraft Division.
US Navy/Kelly
Schindler

66 March 2023 // www.Key.Aero

HMH-772(-) and Marine light attack that simulate fleet aircraft. The other Sikorsky UH-60M utility helicopters. Their Above: F-16C
helicopter squadron HMLA-773(-). Known AAG system is located at the Lakehurst transition to the newest Black Hawk model serial 86-0294 from
the 177th Fighter
as the ‘Hustlers’, the former operates RALS test facility, where manned aircraft began when the first UH-60M arrived
Wing’s 119th Fighter
eight Sikorsky CH-53E Super Stallions integration testing is conducted. Lakehurst at Lakehurst in December 2018. The Squadron operates
and has been at JBMDL since relocating also has a land-based, ship-representative headquarters of the 1st battalion ‘Vandals’ over new Jersey on
May 12, 2020. The
from Willow Grove in March 2011. Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System is also at Lakehurst. The battalion’s
squadron has flown
Equipped with ten Bell AH-1Z Viper (EMALS). The RALS and EMALS systems Company C is located in West Virginia. the Block 30 variant
attack helicopters and eight UH-1Y are land-based variants of the shipboard Known as the ‘Jersey Dustoff ’, since it transitioned
from the Block 25
Venom utility/attack helicopters, HMLA- systems first installed aboard the aircraft Detachment 2, Company C, 1st Battalion,
model in 2007
773(-) has been stationed at JBMDL since carrier USS Gerald R Ford (CVN 78). 171st Aviation Regiment operates UH- US Air National
relocating from Johnstown-Cambria The New Jersey ARNG has operated from 60A/Ls from the AASF in the air ambulance Guard/SSgt
Cristina J Allen
Airport, Pennsylvania in March 2011. the Lakehurst facility since dedicating a role. The main body of the company is
Nicknamed the ‘Red Dogs’, the squadron is newly constructed 104,000 sq ft Army in Rochester, New York and the battalion
also responsible for a detachment at NAS Aviation support Facility (AASF) in August headquarters is in Marietta, Georgia. The
JRB New Orleans, Louisiana that operates 2015, which permitted the state to transfer final unit at Lakehurst is Company C(-),
five Vipers and five Venoms. Conversion to most of its aviation assets from Trenton- 1st Battalion, 224th Aviation Regiment.
the former began in 2014 and transition Mercer County Airport to Lakehurst. Today Operating four Airbus UH-72A helicopters
to the AH-1Z followed in 2020. the units assigned to the facility comprise in the security and surveillance role the
Situated at the northeastern end of the Company A and B, 1st Battalion, 150th company is responsible for detachments
Joint Base, the former NAES Lakehurst Aviation Regiment. The assault helicopter in Massachusetts and Vermont. The
and its Maxwell Field host several companies are responsible for 20 battalion headquarters are in Maryland.
units that include both active US Navy
and US Army test and development
organizations and the New Jersey Army
National Guard. Commissioned as NAS
Lakehurst in June 1921, the facility is
famous as the crash site of the German
rigid airship Hindenburg on May 6, 1937.
Assets operated by the Naval Air
Warfare Center Aircraft Division Lakehurst
include the Jet Car Track Site (JCTS)
and the Runway Arrested Landing Site
(RALS), both of which enable in-depth
system testing to ensure AAG meets
fleet requirements. One of the Advanced
Arresting Gear (AAG) systems is located at KC-10A serial 86-0036 from the 305th Air Mobility Wing at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, during its final flight to
the Lakehurst JCTS test facility supporting Davis Monthan AFB in Arizona in July 2020. The jet was the first of three Extenders that were placed in storage with the 309th Aerospace
Maintenance and Regeneration Group in 2020. For more see Boneyard Bound, p96-97 USAF/SRA Sean Hetz
arrestment testing with dead-loads

www.Key.Aero // March 2023 67

 #32
STATE
REPORT NEW JERSEY

Above: The first The base is also home to the and other support. Aircraft operated Fighter Squadron was activated at the
KC-46A for the 305th Detachment 1, Company D, 104th by the CFA include the Beechcraft RC- Atlantic City ANGB. Administratively
Air Mobility Wing
touches down on Brigade Engineer Battalion. Known 12N, de Havilland Canada UV-18A and assigned to the 495th Fighter Group
Joint Base McGuire- as the ‘Skydevils’, the New Jersey Sikorsky UH-60M. The site also carries at Shaw AFB, South Carolina, the unit's
Dix-Lakehurst, on National Guard unit operates the RQ- out post-production, pre-delivery personnel are operationally integrated
November 9, 2021.
The Pegasus is 7B Shadow unmanned aerial system modification for US Army UH/HH-60Ms. in the day-to-day operations of the
steadily replacing the and provides persistent surveillance 177th OG. The squadron was the tenth
wing’s KC-10As, which
are being retired
and targeting information and Atlantic City and final full active associate fighter
US Air National communication relays for ground forces. The New Jersey Air National Guard’s 177th squadron association created under
Guard/MSgt Reporting to the US Army Combat Fighter Wing (FW) is located at Atlantic Air Combat Command’s restructuring
Matt Hecht Capabilities Development Command City International Airport and operates ‘Program Change Request 12-01’. Its
(DEVCOM) at the Aberdeen Proving from a facility adjacent to the civil airport. personnel share the responsibility
Ground in Maryland, the Command, The Wing’s 177th OG is responsible for operating and maintaining the
Control, Computers, Communications, for the 119th Fighter Squadron, which F-16Cs assigned to the 177th FW.
Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance and operates the Block 30 version of the Operated by the South Jersey
Reconnaissance (C5ISR) Center Flight F-16C/D. The general-purpose fighter Transportation Authority (SJTA) the
Activity (CFA) operates from a purpose- squadron maintains a 24/7 standby airport was originally established in
built facility at Lakehurst that opened in posture from an Air Sovereignty Alert 1942 as NAS Atlantic City and is located
Below: Although February 2017. The CFA operates several facility at the edge of the main runway. in Pomona around 10 miles northwest
it still wore the NY fixed and rotary wing aircraft that support Known as the ‘Jersey Devils’ the unit of the beachfront gambling resort
tail code associated a “unique aviation platform sensor traces its history to the activation of the city. It was transferred to the Federal
with its previous
unit on July 8, 2022, development and integration capability 119th Aero Squadron in September Aviation Administration (FAA) in 1958
C-130T BuNo 165316 to government agencies, academic 1917. It has been stationed at the becoming the National Aviation Facilities
was assigned to fleet institutions or industry partners with Atlantic City ANGB since 1958 and Experimentation Center (NAFEC).
logistics support
squadron VR-64. valid Department of Defense missions”. operated the Fighting Falcon since Operational control was transferred to
The ‘Condors’ are The capabilities include aviation support receiving its first Block 15 F-16As in 1988. the SJTA in April 1998 and today the FAA’s
stationed at Joint for emerging airborne electronics The unit transitioned to the Block 25 William J Hughes Technical Center leases
Base McGuire-Dix-
Lakehurst, New Jersey systems, quick-reaction capabilities, F-16C/D in 1994 and Block 30s followed approximately 2,200 acres – including
US Navy post-production aircraft modifications in 2007. On July 8, 2022, the 306th all runways, taxiways and other facilities
from the SJTA. In addition to conducting
aviation research, the facility is home to
the Atlantic City Flight Inspection Field
Office (FIFO), which operates a pair of
specially configured King Air 300s. It is
one of six FIFOs, located throughout the
continental United States, and Alaska
and is tasked to perform flight inspection
activities and certify navigational
aids (NAVAIDs) and instrument flight
procedures at airports across the country.
Commissioned on May 18, 1998, and
located adjacent to the FAA facility,
the newly constructed Coast Guard Air
Station (AIRSTA) Atlantic City allowed
the service to decommission AIRSTA
Brooklyn, New York and AIRSTA Cape

68 March 2023 // www.Key.Aero

May, New Jersey. The air station is tasked
as the H-65 Prime Unit and currently
maintains a fleet of 11 MH-65s. Its area of
operations encompasses the coastlines
of Connecticut, New York, New Jersey,
Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland and
Virginia and includes the Chesapeake
and Delaware Bays, the Hudson River
and Long Island Sound. The air station is
also responsible for the National Capital
Region Air Defense Facility (NCRADF)
at Ronald Reagan National Airport, in
Arlington, Virginia. Transition from the
MH-65D to the MH-65E began on October
24, when tail number 6510 touched down.

Warren Grove Above: An UH-72A flown by a crew from Company C(-), 1st Battalion, 224th Aviation Regiment lifts off from the New Jersey Department of
Military and Veterans Affairs facility in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, on August 1, 2019 New Jersey National Guard/Mark C Olsen
Originally developed as a weapons Below: An UH-60M from the New Jersey National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 150th Aviation Regiment lifts off from Joint Base McGuire-Dix-
research station during World War Two, Lakehurst on June 16, 2022, while supporting training for the 99th Regional Support Command. US Air National Guard/MSgt Matt Hecht
the 9,400 acre Warren Grove Range is
managed by the New Jersey Air National
Guard. The facility is located in the Pine
Barrens of central-eastern New Jersey,
south of JBMDL and northeast of Atlantic
City and operations are managed by
the 177th Fighter Wing. Around 1,000
sorties from fighter and helicopter users
throughout the northeastern US conduct
day and night missions at the range
annually. It typically supports gunnery
and bombing passes with inert stores.

Trenton
Opened in 1929, Trenton-Mercer Airport
is one of only three commercial airports
in New Jersey. Until the New Jersey Army NEW JERSEY STATE REPORT
National Guard’s new AASF opened
Tail
at JBMDL, it was home to most of the Location Command Unit Aircraft Notes
Code
state’s helicopters. During World War Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst
Two it was home to a production facility 305th Air Mobility Wing / Operations Group 2nd Air Refueling Squadron KC-46A
of the General Motors Eastern Aircraft 32nd Air Refueling Squadron KC-10A
and built the TBM series of torpedo 6th Airlift Squadron C-17A
bombers. From 1953 to 1997, it was home 514th Air Mobility Wing / Operations Group 76th Air Refueling Squadron KC-10A {1}
to the Naval Air Warfare Center Trenton 78th Air Refueling Squadron KC-46A
and its predecessor organizations. 732nd Airlift Squadron C-17A
Located near the state capital, in 108th Wing / Operations Group 141st Air Refueling Squadron KC-135R

West Trenton, the airport is just across 150th Special Operations Squadron C-32B {2}
ASF Dix (US Army Reserve Command) A/2-228th AVN (FW) (USARC) C-12V, UC-35B
the Delaware River from Pennsylvania.
COMFLETLOGSUPPWING VR-64 Condors C-130T BD
Following the departure of the ARNG
NAWCAD HMH-772(-) Hustlers CH-53E MT
rotary wing units, only Detachment
HMLA-773(-) Red Dogs AH-1Z, UH-1Y WG
19, Operational Support Airlift Agency
AASF (New Jersey Amy National Guard) Det. 2 C/1-171st AVN (AA) UH-60A+/L
(OSA-A) remains at the facility, which
A/1-150th AVN (ASLT) UH-60M
is shared with the New Jersey State B/1-150th AVN (ASLT) UH-60M
Police Aviation Unit. The detachment C(-)/1-224th AVN (S&S) UH-72A
provides operational support airlift of DEVCOM C5ISR Center Flight Activity RC-12N, UV-18A, UH-60M
cargo and high-priority passengers Atlantic City International Airport / Air National Guard Base
using a single Beechcraft C-12U Huron. 177th Fighter Wing 119th Fighter Squadron F-16C/D (Block 30) AC
It is one of five such detachments that 495th Fighter Group 306th Fighter Squadron F-16C/D (Block 30) AC {3}
remain under the full-time control of 5th Coast Guard District AIRSTA Atlantic City MH-65D/E
the OSA-A and is not aligned under Trenton Mercer Airport, West Trenton
either of the National Guard’s two AASF (New Jersey Amy National Guard) OSA-A Det. 19 C-12U

fixed-wing aviation battalions. CAJ Notes: {1} Associate unit, {2} Air Force Special Operations Command-gained unit, {3} Active associate unit

www.Key.Aero // March 2023 69

 EXERCISE REPORT // GARUDA VII

RAFALES
Since 2003, the
French and the
Indian air forces

IN JODHPUR
have been training
together in Exercise
Garuda. Frédéric Lert
reports on the latest
edition that brought
together French and
Indian Rafales with
the Sukhoi 30MKI

ORDER OF
THE PHÉNIX

F
or several years, France has Another key player in long-distance November 12 at Air Force Station Jodhpur Above: The French
deployments, an Airbus MRTT Phénix Rafale always flew in
made a priority of the Indo- in Rajasthan, resulted in the Armée de
from the 31st EARTS (Aerial Air Refueling the A30 configuration,
Pacific region, which stretches and Strategic Transport Wing) was l’Air et de l’Espace (FASF; French Air and with three 1250 liter
from the East African coasts also involved from the first day of the Space Force) sending five Rafales from and supersonic drop
to the West American shores, exercise by ferrying the Rafales from the Régiment de Chasse 2/30 Normandie- tank. Frédéric Lert
from Zanzibar to California. France. A first step took the formation Niémen and an Airbus MRTT tanker from
to Al Dhafra’s Base Aérienne104 in the
Because of France’s many maritime the Escadron de Ravitaillement en Vol et
United Arab Emirates. After a night's
areas and territories in the Pacific, with rest, everyone left for Jodhpur. Once it de Transport Stratégique (ERVTS) 1/31
a population of 1.6m, Paris is intent on arrived, the Airbus spent a night there Bretagne to take part.
keeping a watchful eye on the strategic before returning to the UAE, from
situation in this part of the world. where it then left to ferry an aircraft Rafales ready
to the Jakarta Air Show in Indonesia.
However, nothing is done without allies With five Rafales present in Jodhpur,
Once this step was completed, the
and without a long-term policy. Airbus returned to France. for the last the operational requirement was to
India is undoubtedly the best example movement in this complex game of launch four in the air twice a day. “The
of this co-operation. Military collaboration logistics, another Airbus returned to reliability of the aircraft is excellent, and
between Paris and New Delhi has Jodhpur to participate in the last week the requirement easily addressed,” said
of the exercise and make itself available
undergone major developments in recent Commandant C (name withheld for
for the return ferry flight.
years, notably with the Exercise Garuda Wherever it goes, the MRTT impresses security reasons), director of the exercise
since 2003. with its operational flexibility. “We can for the French side. “We have also asked
Three editions were organized in India, refuel up to level 350, with a speed the Indian Air Force (IAF) to involve us as
in 2003, 2006 and 2014 at the bases range of 260 to 300 knots,” said one much as possible in the various missions."
pilot. “At the request of the Indians,
of Gwalior, Kalaikunda and Jodhpur The exercise started with three days of
we worked at 18,000ft and 270 knots
respectively. In 2005 and 2019, the Indian during Garuda. We were also flexible on simple visual range (VR) training, before Right: An impressive
Air Force came to France with Sukhoi the fuel flows required by the different moving on to beyond visual range line-up of IAF Sukhois
30 MKIs. During Garuda VI, the Sukhois types of aircraft. A Typhoon will require (BVR), with a stronger involvement of and French and
400kg per minute, whereas the Rafale Indian Rafales ready
of Squadron 24 ’Hunting Hawks’ settled airborne controllers flying the IAF DRDO to take off for a
takes almost three times more – that
in Mont-de-Marsan where they made a airborne early warning and control morning large force
is, 1.1 tonnes per minute. The Sukhoi
strong impression. system (AAEW&CS). “Two missions were employment from AFS
30s, which we refueled as part of the Jodhpur Morgane
The seventh edition of the exercise, exercise, can receive 800kg per minute.” organized daily. For the most complex Vallé/Armée de l’air
which took place from October 26 to one, more than 30 aircraft were in the air et de l’espace

70 March 2023 // www.Key.Aero

 simultaneously, including our four Rafales,”
said Cdt C. “Typically, a Blue Force would
oppose the 'Reds' and we had requested
that our planes be systematically
distributed in each camp, with a pair of
Rafales on either side.”
India is not part of NATO, which is
reflected in the vocabulary of its pilots.
In Jodhpur, the airmen do not refer to
a COMAO (composite air operation)

This is the second time

Exercise Garuda has taken
place at Air Force Station
Jodhpur, but it’s the first
time that French and Indian
Rafales have trained together
Frédéric Lert

www.Key.Aero // March 2023 71

 EXERCISE REPORT // GARUDA VII

or "shadow wave", but rather of ’small Above all, Garuda is oriented towards MKIs (another Sukhos squadron joined it Above: An Indian
force employment’ (SFE) and large force air-to-air missions and the French Rafales for the duration of the exercise), whose Dassault Rafale
takes fuel from a
employment (LFE). “This question of were exclusively engaged in this role. knowhow in air-to-air combat is well French Air Force
vocabulary was one of the interests and Adding an air-to-ground component recognized in India. Thirty years after Phénix. According
one of the difficulties of the exercise,” said would not have posed a problem for its entry into service, the big Russian to the Phénix’s
crew, the Indian
Cdt C. “Procedures and code words vary the crews, but it would have greatly twin-engine remains as impressive and pilots displayed very
significantly from one country to another, complicated the organization of the difficult to counter in flight. "The Rafale good airmanship
which can have important consequences. exercise, so this option was not retained. is extremely maneuverable, but when while refuelling.
Frédéric Lert
An example? The word ‘abort’ indicates the dogfighting with an aircraft that has more
end of a firing sequence for us but, for the Lions’ pride power, carries more fuel and offers its pilot
Indians, it means an immediate end to the The Jodhpur base is home to the No. 31 thrust vectoring and a helmet sight, things
whole mission for safety reasons.” Fighter squadron ‘Lions', flying Sukhoi 30 inevitably become more complicated,”
said a captain of the French detachment.
“We always have a good card to play at
the start of the engagement, but when
the fight sets in, if we can't exploit an
opponent's positioning error, it's not easy.
You have to be lucid.”
The exercise area of ​​Garuda, placed at the
vertical of Jodhpur, offers a vast volume
of evolution with a floor at 4,000ft and a
ceiling at level 460 (46,000ft). Air Chief Marshal VR
The maneuverability of the Sukhoi Chaudhari and Gen
is even more evident as the aircraft is Stéphane Mille hold
a press conference
never seen with external tanks due to its during the exercise.
very large internal fuel capacity. With no The Indian air chief
external drop tanks and not even a full fuel of staff expressed
the need for more
internal load for short duration missions, 4.5-generation
the Sukhoi can scare a lot of people. “The fighters. Frédéric Lert

72 March 2023 // www.Key.Aero

 LOGISTICS
MATTERS
The Garuda exercise was the subject of
a careful logistical plan which made it
possible to transport five Rafales, the
technical and flight personnel (120
people in total) and the necessary
equipment to sustain two weeks
of operation. “We didn't have to
bring heavy equipment. That's the
advantage of the Rafale, which allows
us to travel light,” explained Captain
Guillaume, who led the mechanics
detachment of around 50 men and
women coming from the Mont-de-
Marsan-based ESTA (Aeronautical
Technical Support Squadron) 15/30
‘Chalosse’. The average number
of ten mechanics per aircraft was
optimum and made it possible to
Left: The Sukhoi launch two missions per day, possibly
30MKI is a large and supplemented by night flights.
impressive beast “The Rafales left Mont-de-Marsan
that is always a with an average of 70 to 80 hours of
tough nut to crack in
potential flying, which protected us from
dogfighting. Morgane
Vallé/Armée de l’air preventive maintenance tasks that would
et de l’espace have had to be carried out in India,” said
Guillaume. “Our interventions were
therefore limited to line maintenance.”
In addition to the mechanics, the five
fighters required approximately 30
use of thrust vectoring is recognizable have two strong assets in the long- tonnes of freight and 180m3 of cargo
from a distance – we realize the plane is range Meteor missile and the short- and space divided between two aircraft: an
A400M and a Boeing 737-800 freighter
moving abnormally,” noted a French pilot. medium-range MICA EM and IR missiles.
chartered from CAMEX Airline.
“On the other hand, the plane can be seen The Indians do not have an equivalent to “The A400M was used for bulky
from very far away, because it is imposing.” the Meteor, so it was not played by the equipment,” explained Captain
For their part, the French Rafales left French pilots in order to not imbalance Guillaume. “A small crane to handle the
France in the A30 configuration with three the confrontations. ejection seat, hydraulic unit, one spare
engine on its transport trolley, etc. The
supersonic 1,250lt external tanks and On the other hand, extensive simulated
Boeing 737 carried mainly spare parts
remained as they were throughout the use of MICA caused some confusion for and small tools: a radar, a hinge to open
exercise. “This configuration handicapped Sukhoi pilots faced with the IR version and manipulate the nosecone, jacks
us for dogfighting,” admitted Cdt C. that offered infrared terminal guidance to carry out hydraulic tests and two
“But the real lessons of the exercise are on long-range shots. On the Indian side, complete sets of spare wheels. It was
easier to bring complete wheels rather
learned during BVR combat and, in these the Sukhoi pilots explained to their French
than tires, because for tires we would also
situations, the A30 configuration takes on colleagues that they were simulating the have had to carry a press, which would
its full raison d'être. It gives us excellent use of "Indian missiles" without further have unnecessarily encumbered us.”
autonomy, it preserves the missile- details! Interestingly, some spare wingtip
carrying capacity, while letting us go pylons were also brought, even though
supersonic whenever we want, especially Tactics no missiles were carried. These pylons
carry the navigation lights of the Rafale
for a missile shot.” In terms of tactics, the Indians are very and a damaged pylon could mean the
In this context, the Rafales normally disciplined, with a very strong hierarchy immobilization of the plane.

www.Key.Aero // March 2023 73

 EXERCISE REPORT // GARUDA VII
– a legacy of the proximity of the Soviet
Union, which laid the foundations of

DASSAULT
its aircraft and this satisfaction will weigh
modern aviation in the country.
heavily over the coming months, not only
In the NATO culture, the combat pilot

AVIATION
for a possible additional order, but also in
the context of the competition between conducts his own tactical thinking by
the French aircraft and the Super Hornet using the information provided by

AND INDIA
Starting in 1953, India bought 104
for the equipping of the Indian Navy.
During Exercise Garuda, General
Stéphane Mille, Chief of Staff of the
the controllers placed at his disposal.
Conversely, in the old Soviet system with
FASF, traveled from France to meet his which India is still imbued, it is up to the
MD450 Ouragans from France. A few
years later, the Mystère IVs arrived, Indian counterpart, Air Chief Marshal VR controller to lead the interception by
followed by the Jaguars in 1978. Of these, Chaudhari, as well as the chiefs of staff giving instructions to the pilots.
around 100 are still in service, some of the Indian navy and army and the This translates into less initiative being
modernized with new avionics and, in Indian minister of defence. An express
taken and pilots being less inclined to
particular, an AESA radar. Mirage 2000s round trip and just 48 hours spent in
India, including a couple of hours at the engage in aggressive maneuvering in the
also form an important part of the Indian
Air Force's arsenal – about 50 aircraft Jodhpur air base where he backseated vertical dimension.
were purchased in the 1980s and the in a Sukhoi 30 with Air Chief Marshal VR The Indian Air Force makes no secret
country continues to invest in them by a Chaudhari flying alongside in an Indian of its wish to increase exchanges with
program of updates. two-seater Rafale.
its partners to progress towards a more
The latest episode in this story took At the end of this flight, the two men
held a joint press conference. “Definitely, Western-like operation that has proven
place in 2016, with the purchase of
36 Rafales. It took a lot of tenacity for we require 4.5-generation aircraft, five to itself in all theaters of operation.
Dassault Aviation to finalize that deal, six squadrons of these aircraft to meet This was evidenced during Garuda by the
with negotiations that lasted a dozen immediate requirements,” the air chief debriefings seen as "very constructive and
years at the very least. The first aircraft marshal explained.
honest" by the French pilots: "The Indians
were delivered in July 2020 and the According to the Indian press, Air Chief
Marshal VR Chaudhari was referring are very open and we generally came to
Indian order will have been completely
honored by the end of 2022. The Indian to Rafales when talking about the identical conclusions when we examined
Air Force seems to be very satisfied with 4.5-generation aircraft. together, the progress of a fight."
This desire to move forward is now
Left: Two modernized reinforced by the entry into service of the
Jaguars taking Rafale, whose panoply of sensors and
part in Garuda VII data fusion capabilities give the pilot a
approached the
French tanker but better situational awareness and a greater
didn’t take any fuel capacity for initiative. “We clearly saw that
since they are not the Indian Rafale pilots have different
qualified yet to make
contact on the Phénix working methods from their colleagues
Frédéric Lert flying on Sukhoi,” explains Cdt C. “The
Indian Rafale squadron commander,
Below: Indian fighter
community is now who was trained in France, succeeded in
resting on three transmitting the good practices learned
pillars: a Russian and on the use of the plane”. It’s a further sign
a French one, plus the
Tejas made in India that a real Rafale revolution is underway in
Frédéric Lert India. CAJ

74 March 2023 // www.Key.Aero

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 TYPE REVIEW // IRANIAN RC-707

IRAN’S
MYSTERIOUS
BOEINGS
A pair of elderly Iranian Boeing RC-707-3J9Cs are still being
flown on intelligence gathering missions. Babak Taghvaee
$104.5m for additional work and fees, thus
increasing the maximum estimated price
of Contract 119 to $227m.
looks at the mystery behind its operations As a part of the contract, the IIAF sent

I
two of its 14 Boeing 707-3J9C tanker
n the early 1970s, Rockwell by Brigadier General Abdollah Asrejadid. aircraft to E-Systems’ facility in Greenville,
International was contracted by the Under his command, Rockwell was Texas, to be converted into a multi-
Iranian Ministry of War to supply the awarded two new contracts (No.119 and intelligence gathering aircraft. The RC-707s
necessary infrastructure for creation 120), finalized on August 7 and September were planned to be used in conjunction
of an intelligence and reconnaissance 3, 1977, to expand the intelligence with the pair of C-130H-IIs.
group in the Imperial Iranian Air Force capabilities of Iranian Armed Forces. Contract No.120 was complementary
(IIAF), under Project Ibex. Contract No.119 was a cost-plus-fee to the 119, which until this date had
Texas-based E-Systems was contracted contract, under which the war ministry remained secret. There was speculation
to convert a pair of C-130H Hercules was to pay Rockwell’s costs incurred, plus that two P-3Fs were going to be converted
transport aircraft operated by the IIAF fixed or variable fees depending on the into EP-3Fs under the contract, but that
into two C-130H-IIs – also known as task. The estimated price of Contract 119 was never confirmed.
RC-130H Khoffash, communication and initially authorized by the ministry was Under a subcontract, E-Systems was to
signal intelligence gathering aircraft. nearly $123m. The contract provided equip the aircraft with communications,
Titled Project Ibex, the program was led that the ministry could authorize another electronics and signal gathering

76 March 2023 // www.Key.Aero

S systems and four Long Range Oblique
Photography (LOROP) cameras. The aircraft
Above: RC-707 of
the IRIAF, serial
number 5-8305,
THE ISLAMIC
and had been used for aerial mapping
missions over borderlines since 1973.
were to be used for multi-intelligence
gathering missions on a daily basis for
after delivery to
Iranian officials
REPUBLIC In addition to guarding the Iranian
borders, the RC-707s could also use their
the IIAF Intelligence and Reconnaissance
Group and subsequently, from 1981, for
in Zurich on
May 6, 1984 OF IRAN AIR FORCE powerful cameras to photograph positions
of Iraqi and Soviet armed forces, their
Marcel Walther
the Imperial Iranian Army Intelligence and
Reconnaissance Command
STILL OPERATES bases and surface-to-air missile (SAM) sites
from tens of kilometers away. The images
With the two KC-707s, the IIAF could While it was kept as
a reserve aircraft
TWO RC-707 taken by their cameras could also be
monitor not just its borders with Iraq and shared with the CIA.
the Soviet Union from a safe distance,
for 5-8316, the
5-8317 performed (BOEING 707-3J9C) The aircraft was also planned to be
but would also be able one flight each equipped with ELINT systems capable
to carry out aerial
month to remain
airworthy until
RECONNAISSANCE of gathering information about the
photography and photo-
mapping as a replacement
it had its MTBO
reached in June AND ELECTRONIC frequencies of radar signals of Soviet and
Iraqi SAM sites. This helped the IIAF to
2013. Here it can
for three of the IIAF’s
Fokker F27-400Ms that
be seen after a
ten-minute flight
INTELLIGENCE update its database for use on the AN/
ALQ-101 and AN/ALQ-119 ECM pods of
had special cameras
for this purpose
over Tehran on
January 13, 2013 (ELINT) AIRCRAFT the F-4D/E all-weather fighter jets and
RF-4E Phantom II reconnaissance jets as
Babak Taghvaee
FOR A VARIETY OF well as ALQ-100 ECM systems of the F-14A
Tomcat interceptors.
MULTI-INTELLIGENCE
Soviet sabotage
GATHERING MISSIONS. From 1975, the Soviet KGB allegedly

IRANIAN AIRCRAFT launched a psychological operation

against Project Ibex with the hope of

INDUSTRIES preventing finalization of any contract. The

KGB apparently used Iranian Marxist and
CORPORATION HAS Communist groups opposing the Pahlavi
government to spread disinformation
RECENTLY COMPLETED about the project, including claims that
the project would monitor telephone
AN UPGRADE OF communications in Iran, especially by
opposition students to detect and identify
ONE OF THE TWO critics of the Pahlavi government for SAVAK

AIRCRAFT WHILE THE (Iranian Intelligence Service).

When the Soviet Union failed to prevent

SECOND AIRCRAFT IS Contracts 119 and 120 for Project Ibex

proceeding, a new tactic was employed to
CURRENTLY UNDER sabotage it, involving an Iranian Islamo-
Marxist terrorist cult named the People’s
REPAIR Mojahedin Organization of Iran (also
known as MEK, MKO and PMOI). Militants
reputed to be trained by the Palestinian

www.Key.Aero // March 2023 77

 TYPE REVIEW // IRANIAN RC-707
Liberation Organization in Jordan, The IRIAF’s Mehrabad Overhaul
Lebanon and Libya were allegedly tasked Management Center started depot
to assassinate key personnel of Rockwell maintenance of 5-8317 in 2001, continuing
International involved in the project. until 2003. After several successful test
Subsequently, on August 28, 1976, MEK flights, 5-8317 returned to the overhaul
was reported to have assassinated three center where it was equipped with ELINT
personnel of Rockwell International, and COMINT systems by the IRIAF’s
William C Cottrell, Robert R Krongrad and Department of Self-Sufficiency and
Donald G Smith, while they were driving Industrial Research.
to work in Doshan Tappeh in southeast It saw 5-8317 join 5-8316 and one
Tehran. And allegedly, these three were not of the two IRIAF RC-130Hs, 5-8554, in
the only US citizens who were assassinated Delivery of the second Boeing 707-3J9C, Above: Flights of the 15th Reconnaissance Squadron at
5-8316 to Syria
by MEK/MKO before the Islamic Revolution serialed 5-8305, was delayed until it was for monitoring IDF Tehran-Mehrabad International Airport.
– four others were killed, among them also fully demilitarized. It was spotted in activities and also Decisions were made to dedicate 5-8316
two who were connected to Project Ibex. Zurich International Airport en route to flights of the aircraft to multi-intelligence gathering missions of
over Iran and Persian
In order to prevent the deaths of more US Iran on May 6, 1984. as a passenger aircraft Gulf were visible IRIAF while 5-8317 was flown in missions
citizens, including those connected to registered EP-NHB. on flight tracking for the Iranian Army Intelligence and
the project, the IIAF assigned bodyguards The serial numbers of 5-8305 and 5-8307 websites due to Reconnaissance Command under the
information sent by
to them during their daily activities were changed to 5-8316 and 5-8317, the ADS-B transmitter direct supervision of the Joint Chiefs of
outside air bases. respectively, in 1997, because it had been of the aircraft Gerjon Staff. RC-707 5-8317 remained operational
decided to allocate the numbers 5-8305 until April 2013, when it was put into
After the Islamic Revolution and 5-8307 to two recently retired Boeing storage. This aircraft (formerly 5-8307) has
Following the regime change on February 707-386Cs that had been operated by Iran been put into storage twice in its IRIAF
11 1979, Project Ibex was canceled. Air, and which the Iranian Air Force then career – the first between 1988-2001 and
However, on June 1, 1982, the Iranian used for cargo and passenger flights. second 2013 to 2018. It was restored again
Ministry of Defense filed a claim against by IACI (Iran Aircraft Industries) between
E-Systems with the Public Court of Tehran. Restoring the RC-707s 2018-2021 and is now active again.
In that case the defense ministry sought According to the pictures taken from In 2007, IRIAF’s Self-Sufficiency and
an award obligating E-Systems to return 5-8305 and 5-8307 in Zurich International Industrial Research Command launched a
the two Boeing 707 aircraft belonging Airport, they had no equipment such as project to equip 5-8316 with digital LOROP
to the Iranian armed forces together consoles for the operators of ELINT and IR cameras of an unknown origin. After
with a complete range of equipment as camera systems inside their cabins. almost four years of effort, the aircraft was
described in the contract. Between 1998 and 2002, the Islamic equipped with the cameras capable of
In March 1984, the US government Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF) apparently photography during the day and night.
allowed E-Systems to deliver one of the restored the intelligence gathering Similar cameras were subsequently
Boeing 707-3J9Cs, which had been kept capability of 5-8316 with ELINT and installed on 5-8317.
in Greenville since 1979 – serial number COMINT systems from an unknown source, Below: 5-8316 An IRIAF technical officer from 15th
5-8307. It was not yet equipped with although it didn’t include a camera. taxiing on runway Reconnaissance Squadron, who spoke to
29 of Mehrabad
any intelligence gathering systems. The In 1975, following the order of the International Airport, Combat Aircraft Journal on condition of
aircraft was fully demilitarized before Imperial Iranian Ministry of War, each of Tehran, prior to a anonymity, claimed that the CIA supplied
being transferred to Iran through Zurich. the RC-707s were planned to be equipped mission near Turkish Iran with some equipment including
airspace on March
In Switzerland, it received a civilian EP-NHA with five LOROP cameras manufactured by 16, 2013 cameras for installation on 5-8305 (now
registration code. Itek Corporation. Babak Taghvaee 5-8316) during the Iran-Contra deals.

78 March 2023 // www.Key.Aero

However, the fate of these cameras and Above left: 5-8316 and October 11, 2020. On each mission, new nuclear deal, 5-8316 was flown near
their function were kept a secret for during landing the aircraft apparently circled two or Al-Udeid and Al-Dhafra, photographing
at Mehrabad
decades until decisions were made to International three times over the south and west of US aircraft parked there and collecting
restore and upgrade them. It is possible Airport after a Damascus, where its operators could intelligence regarding the SAM sites
that the current cameras installed on multi-intelligence gather intelligence regarding the protecting them. For some of these flights,
gathering mission
both 5-8316 and 5-8317 use components on July 26, 2016 activities of Israeli Air Defense systems 61st Tactical Fighter Squadron (TFS) F-4E
of the cameras manufactured by Itek Arsin Kaveh and operations of Israeli intelligence Phantom IIs and 81st TFS F-14A Tomcats
Corporation, such as their telelenses. gathering aircraft and drones. They could escorted the RC-707 in question. A KC-707
Above right: RC-707,
serialed 5-8307, after also photograph the SAM sites, aircraft and or KC-747 was used to refuel the fighter
Spying on Israel and US it received the drones as well as any military bases and jets during such missions.
From 2013 until 2021, 5-8316 remained EP-NHA civil outposts of the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) During the Second Nagorno-Karabakh
registration code in
the sole operational RC-707 of the IRIAF. Zurich. It was then in Golan Heights and beyond. conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan
Nicknamed Sadaf, it apparently performed flown to Iran. In January 2021, IACI completed a Republic in late-2020, 5-8316 was
three to four weekly intelligence gathering March 1984 three-year overhaul or depot maintenance dedicated to gathering intelligence
Christiaan Mak
missions along the borders with Iran. Each of 5-8317. The aircraft was redelivered to regarding the activities of Azerbaijani
mission started from between 1930hrs the IRIAF in March 2021 and it was then Armed Forces four times a week. For
and 2000hrs local time from the IRIAF 1st equipped with new mission equipment such flights, the aircraft was often
Tactical Fighter Base at Mehrabad airport, and components. escorted by one or two MiG-29B Fulcrum
lasting until 0600hrs the next day. During After becoming fully mission capable, fighter-interceptors of the 22nd Tactical
the flights, the 5-8316 usually flew at 5-8317 was used for performing missions Fighter Squadron. Similar missions were
between 30,000ft to 35,000ft, starting similar to 5-8316, which was by now in also performed to monitor activities of
from the border with Azerbaijan Republic, need of overhaul. Turkish Armed Forces in both Azerbaijan’s
continuing over the border with Turkey One of the last missions by 5-8316 before Nakhchivan and Turkey.
and Iraq. The aircraft could continue flying being grounded occurred on April 26, 2021 Now, 5-8317 is the sole operational
over the Persian Gulf, Hormuz Strait and when it flew across the Persian Gulf, Strait RC-707 of the IRIAF. Nicknamed Sepehr,
Oman Sea before heading back to Tehran. of Hormuz and Oman Sea to photograph it was recently equipped with a new
If the operators on board the aircraft activities of the US-led coalition and also digitalized AN/ALR-46 RWR system and
detected any seemingly suspicious Al-Udeid and Al-Dhafra air bases chaff/flare dispensers to protect it against
activities of the US-led coalition in Iraq or in – mainly to collect intelligence about two the dangers of radar-guided surface-to-air
Persian Gulf states such as Qatar and UAE, B-52H strategic bombers, 60-0023 and and air-to-air missiles during intelligence
the aircraft could circle in Iranian airspace, 60-0037, deployed to Al-Udeid in Qatar to gathering missions over Iran’s airspace.
but close to the activities in question protect the last remaining US troops Due to safety and security reasons, the
where the camera operators would be able in Afghanistan. IRIAF’s 15th Reconnaissance Squadron has
to photograph any military equipment, It was not the first time that the not been tasked to perform any ‘spy flights’
ranging from air defense systems and Below: RC-707 with IRIAF’s RC-707s were being flown over over Syria since the beginning of 2021,
the serial number
combat aircraft to surface vessels. 5-8305, seen after the southern waters of Iran to monitor but reports say it has recently performed
The IRIAF upgraded the ELINT and receiving EP-NHB civil activities of USAF B-52Hs. Back in 2019 tens of intelligence gathering missions
COMINT systems as well as cameras of the registration in Zurich and 2020, whenever the USAF was flying to monitor activities of the militaries of
prior to flying to Iran
5-8316 in-order to enhance its mission in May 1984 these bombers over the Persian Gulf as a Azerbaijan, Turkey, US and other countries
capabilities. The new systems were Andre Hiltl show of force to Iran, in order to accept a neighboring Iran. CAJ
installed gradually on the aircraft, so as
not to interrupt its operations. The newly
equipped aircraft performed a number of
alleged intelligence gathering missions
over Syria to monitor activities of the Israeli
Defense Force.
‘Spy flights’ of 5-8316 over Syria were
noted on July 13, August 25, September
2, September 4, September 7, November
2 and November 5, 2019. Similar flights
were repeated on April 14, August 2

www.Key.Aero // March 2023 79

 NEXT-GENERATION CARRIER AIR WINGS
What does the future hold for the striking power of US Navy Super Hornets in Demand
The ‘Rhino’ fleet, as the F/A-18E/F Super
Carrier Air Wings? Mike Crutch provides an in-depth by-type Hornet is nicknamed – based on its type-
overview of how the most powerful Carrier Strike force in the identifying callsign ‘around the boat’ that
world will be strengthened and modernized to meet new and was initially needed to distinguish it from
the legacy Hornets – has remained the Aircraft assigned
emerging threats over the next decade backbone of CVWs since it finally replaced to CVW-8 sit on

U
the flight deck of
the mighty F-14 Tomcat in 2006. Having USS Gerald R Ford
S Naval Aviation, specifically Lightning II into fleet service. However, the first deployed with Carrier Air Wing 14 (CVN-78), the newest
those elements that form US Department of Defense (DOD) budget (CVW-14) in July 2002, the many years and most advanced
aircraft carrier to
the Carrier Air Wings (CVWs) is littered with line items to enhance the of back-to-back deployments in combat enter US Navy fleet
deployed aboard the US Navy’s warfighting capability to counter theaters of Afghanistan and Iraq took service to date, as the
Navy’s fleet of aircraft carriers, both current and future threats from ‘peer their toll in addition to which the ‘Rhino’ ‘flattop’ conducts the
carrier qualification
continues to press ahead adversaries’, such as Russia and China, as fleet has suffered from poor maintenance and strike group
with the introduction of new airframes well as to ensure that the force remains availability in the last decade. integration
and technologies as it strives to evolve cutting-edge into the 2030s. Combat Under the leadership of the Commander, process prior to its
first operational
each CVW into the so-called ‘Air Wing Aircraft Journal reviews the key programs Naval Air Forces (CNAF) and working deployment on
of the Future’. The centerpiece of these that have a direct effect on the way that closely alongside US Naval Air Systems April 13, 2022
changes remains to be the rollout of the CVWs, and the carriers they embark on, Command (NAVAIR) and Boeing, the US Navy/Mass
Communication
catapult-assisted take-off but arrested would fight in a future conflict. With every commodores in charge of both the Specialist 2nd Class
recovery-configured (CATOBAR) F-35C likelihood, that this could happen. Atlantic and Pacific Fleet’s Strike Fighter Riley McDowell

CARRIER STRIKE:
A NEW AGE

80 March 2023 // www.Key.Aero

Wings have strived in recent years to
achieve the goal of having 341 mission-
capable airframes operating across CVW-
deployable frontline squadrons, as well
as Fleet Replacement Squadrons (FRS),
adversary air training units and for test/
evaluation and development work. This
effort saw many ‘down’ airframes return to
operational service thanks not only to the
improvement of spare parts supply chains,
but also to an improved utilization of
experienced sailors and civilian personnel
performing the maintenance tasks at both
squadron and depot level.
In addition, delays to the operational
roll-out of the F-35C to the fleet (see later)
have also increased demands on the
Super Hornet fleet, making the upgrades
described here even more key for the
Navy to maintain a credible strike force
well into the next decade.
Above: The US Navy is currently cycling its Block I/II F/A-18E/Fs through a SLM program.
This process will extend each airframe's fatigue life from 6,000 flight hours to 7,500.
In future, the lifespan of these aircraft will rise to 10,000 flying hours
US Navy/Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Hannah Kantner

www.Key.Aero // March 2023 81

 NEXT-GENERATION CARRIER AIR WINGS

A Stronger Backbone Block I/II-standard aircraft go through the Above: A pair of The Block III-standard brings new
F/A-18F Super Hornets
From 2020, the US Navy’s Block I and SLM program, preparations are also being warfighting capabilities to the Super
assigned to VFA-122
II-standard Super Hornets have been made for these airframes to have their ‘Flying Eagles’ (an Hornet, arguably making it the most lethal
progressively returned to the fleet after service lives extended to 10,000 flying FRS stationed at NAS fourth-generation fighter in the world.
Lemoore, California)
undergoing the Service Life Modification hours in the future. These changes include the integration
in flight over the
(SLM) program – a 17-month process Pacific Ocean. Most of the Advanced Cockpit System (ACS),
to extend an airframe’s fatigue life from Block III ‘Rhinos’ of the Super Hornets which brings improved displays to both
that have been
6,000 flight hours to 7,500. Boeing had At present – and having first entered fleet the pilot and – for the dual-seat F/A-18F
through the SLM
two SLM lines – one in St Louis, Missouri, service with the Leemore-based VFA-25 process so far have – weapons system operator. The onboard
and the other in San Antonio, Texas – until ‘Fist of the Fleet’ in May 2022 – 90 new- been aircraft assigned computer processing power available will
to FRS training units
June 29, 2022, when the first F/A-18E/F build Block III Super Hornets are being also be increased to 20 times that of the
Christopher Lohff
was delivered to a third modification line delivered through to the Fiscal Year 2025 earlier Block I/II airframes.
located within the Navy’s Fleet Readiness (FY25) timeframe. This allows Block III F/A-18E/Fs to
Center-Southwest (FRCSW) at Naval Air These newly built Block III jets will be become a ‘smart node’ in the US Navy’s
Station (NAS) North Island in California. complemented by Block I/II airframes Naval Integrated Fire Control Counter
Most of the Super Hornets subjected following their upgrade to the same Block Below: The upgrades
Air/Counter Sea (NIFC-CA/CS) system
to the SLM process so far have largely III-standard. The SLM lines start this work in made to the Navy’s architecture – otherwise dubbed the ‘kill
been aircraft assigned to FRS training FY23. This will roughly coincide with when Growler fleet during web’ by the Navy – using the Distributed
the GCM process
units, specifically flying with Strike Fighter aircraft assigned to carrier-deployable will enable the
Targeting Processor-Networked (DTP-N)
Squadron 106 (VFA-106) ‘Gladiators’ at squadrons begin entering the upgrade type to wield the and then sending the data to other
NAS Oceana, Virginia, and VFA-122 ‘Flying program and will eventually provide the US Raytheon-developed joint platforms via the Tactical Targeting
AN/ALQ-249 NGJ-MB
Eagles’ at NAS Lemoore in California. Navy with a common F/A-18E/F standard pod (as can be seen
Network Technology (TTNT), which uses
At its peak, some 40 ‘Rhinos’ will be across all CVWs. Work to upgrade the equipped to this EA- the Link-16 data link as its foundation.
undergoing their respective SLM processes existing Block I/IIs to Block IIIs is expected 18G under its far-left Having been utilized by the ‘Rhino’ since
wing station). The pod
at any one time, with the plan being to to continue until the end of this decade is expected to reach
its entry into operational service, the AN/
reduce turnaround times to about 12 and will see the airframe life of each aircraft IOC in the near future ASQ-228 Advanced Targeting Forward
months at the Boeing facilities. While these increased to 10,000 flight hours. US Navy Looking Infrared (ATFLIR) pod is to be

“THE OTHER EFFECTS OF

EXTENDING THE NIMITZ-CLASS
VESSELS TO 53 YEARS OF
OPERATIONAL SERVICE DIRECTLY
AFFECT THE NAVY’S CVWS, AS
THOSE OLDER CARRIERS WILL NOT
RECEIVE THE ABILITY TO OPERATE
THE F-35C OR MQ-25A...”
82 March 2023 // www.Key.Aero
replaced on the Block III F/A-18E/Fs by the
AN/AAQ-28 Litening Advanced Targeting
Pod (ATP). Initially, 150 G4-standard
Litening pods are being transferred
from the US Marine Corps (USMC) as the
Navy’s sister service continues to divest its
venerable AV-8B Harrier II force. However,
these pods will be upgraded with digital
capabilities ahead of a planned purchase
of the latest generation of Litening pods in
the FY24/25 timeframe.
Externally, the Super Hornet’s airframe
has received radar and infrared signature
reductions. It was notable that VFA-
25’s first Block III examples were put
into operational service with just nose
MODEX numbers applied and no other
markings – a move that seems to step
away from the US Navy’s traditional
squadron marking-adorned aircraft and radar itself to increase survivability in a Above: By the end developing threat environments of the late
more towards the basic schemes sported contested battlespace. of FY25, the Navy 2020s and beyond.
is expected to have
by low-observable platforms and fleets Throughout the whole of this period, received all of its 90
that promote uniformed liveries to enable the Super Hornet’s arsenal will also be new-build Block III Modernizing Growlers
greater squadron interchangeability, when complemented with new weapons, ‘Rhinos’ from Boeing. The current focus of the Growler desk
The Block III Super
needed. That aside, this perhaps indicates including: the AGM-88G Advanced Anti- Hornets are fitted with officers with the F/A-18 and EA-18G
that the CVW tail codes and other Radiation Guided Missile-Extended Range the ACS, which brings Program Office (PMA-265) is to remove
insignia usually applied may ultimately (AARGM-ER); AIM-260A Joint Advanced new and improved and replace the obsolescent technology
cockpit displays for
compromise the infrared signature of the Tactical Missile (JATM); AGM-158C Long- both the pilot and contained in the electronic attack (EA)
new paint finish and a workaround has yet Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM); and, weapons system aircraft’s airframe – a legacy from when
to be devised. in due course, the weapon that will be operator (in the case the EA-18G was rapidly fielded using
of the F/A-18F)
Other Block III improvements that have selected to fulfil the US Navy’s Hypersonic Mike Henry proven technology to replace the EA-
so far received budgetary funding involve Air-Launched Offensive (HALO) anti- 6B Prowler fleet by 2015. The Growler
upgrades to the F/A-18E/F’s Raytheon surface weapon requirement. Capability Modification (GCM) is being
AN/APG-79 active electronically scanned With the eventual integration of the Below: This image gradually applied to airframes, the first of
offers a good view of
array (AESA) radar, while the Infrared F-35C across all air wings, Navy planners the Block III F/A-18E/ which (BuNo 168255) was accepted into
Search-and-Track (IRST) Block II capability are already looking to potentially reduce F’s new radar/infrared fleet service by Electronic Attack Squadron
should be incorporated from FY24. This CVW Super Hornet complements from four signature-reducing 132 (VAQ-132) ‘Scorpions’ at NAS Whidbey
livery, which is notably
will improve passive, long-range counter- to three Strike Fighter Squadrons. Key to darker than the paint Island, Washington, on February 25, 2022.
stealth targeting. this would be the timely delivery of Block schemes worn by The GCM comprises a number of
Three years beyond that, and with III F/A-18E/Fs, as well as developments earlier Block I/II Super hardware upgrades, changes to the AN/
Hornets. Note that
the industry competition having been of Collaborative Combat Aircraft – the design is much ALQ-218 airborne electronic detection
launched last summer, the Advanced small, rapidly fielded and cost-effective less colorful than system and the addition of the H16
Electronic Warfare architecture should unmanned aircraft that would work in schemes sported by software configuration set. Together, these
Block I/II ‘Rhinos’, an
reach Block III jets. This will see the concert with manned aircraft flying from indication that such enable the type to carry the Raytheon-
systems integration of an improved radar a carrier – over the next decade. Such traditional designs developed AN/ALQ-249 Next Generation
warning receiver and radar jammer, along platforms could have modular payloads could potentially Jammer-Mid-Band (NGJ-MB) pod, which
compromise the new
with the AN/ALE-55 Fiber-Optic Towed for specific missions and would have short paint finish is due to reach its Initial Operational
Decoy (FOTD) and the AN/APG-79 AESA lifecycles in order to remain viable in the Mike Henry Capability (IOC) in the coming months.
Exercise Gray Flag – a joint service
training event held at NAS Point Mugu,
California, from August 22 to September
2, 2022 – served as a key event in the
jammer project by test units based
at NAS Patuxent River, Maryland, and
Naval Air Weapons Station (NAWS)
China Lake, California. As it tackles the
highest density of the threat spectrum,
the entry into service of the MB variant is
being prioritized by the US Navy. When
operational, the NGJ-MB pods will be
fitted to the EA-18G’s wing stations 3 and
9. The Navy will also be able to finally

www.Key.Aero // March 2023 83

 NEXT-GENERATION CARRIER AIR WINGS
A pair of F-35Cs assigned to the now-disbanded
VFA-101 ‘Grim Reapers’ fly in formation with a
single-seat F/A-18E and two-seat F/A-18F. The
Super Hornet will complement the Lightning II in
fleet service, with the two types set to be the core of
Navy carrier strike operations by the decade's end
US Navy/Lt Cmdr Darin Russell

begin to phase out the matured AN/ALQ- Integration’ doctrine, which integrates compared with the Tomcat to Super Hornet
99 Tactical Jamming System pods that Marine fighter units within CVWs aboard transition conducted between 2001-2006.
were once used on the now long-retired aircraft carriers. The latest unit to convert to the type,
Prowler fleet. NAS Lemore-based VFA-147 ‘Argonauts’ VFA-97 ‘Warhawks’, has so far received ten
In a similar vein to the Block III Super conducted the Navy’s first operational Below: The US Navy of their planned 14 airframes, with the
Hornet project, the Growler is also deployment of the fifth-generation will field an eventual squadron set to be the first to operate this
moving towards its own Block II upgrade fighter as part of CVW-2, which embarked fleet of 78 E-2D higher complement of F-35Cs following
Advanced Hawkeye
program, which is due to begin in FY25. aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) between to replace its legacy the change in Navy policy – announced
This will incorporate similar changes August 2021 and February 2022 (see F-35 E-2Cs. In comparison in July 2021 – to address the impending
for the ‘Rhino’ project – such as the ACS takes on China, p34). Meanwhile, Marine with the older strike fighter shortfall that is expected in
Hawkeye, the E-2D’s
(including changes to the electronic Fighter Attack Squadron 314 (VMFA-314) system architecture circa 2025. This revised policy discards the
warfare display) plus the networking ‘Black Knights’ carried out the USMC’s will enable the type to original plan of CVWs fielding two F-35C
DTP-N and TTNT architecture – as well first F-35C deployment when the unit address current and squadrons that each field ten aircraft.
emerging threats in a
as advanced additions to the platform’s was embedded with CVW-9 aboard USS greater capacity than It is believed that plans remain in place
electronic warfare suite. Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) from January to that of the C-model for VFA-97 to forward deploy to Marine
The AN/ALQ-249 pod will also continue August, last year (page 34-35). US Navy/Mass Corps Air Station (MCAS) Iwakuni in
Communication
its development, with a Low-Band version The F-35C squadron transition process Specialist 3rd Class Japan to become part of CVW-5, which is
(NGJ-LB), which will be carried on the continues at a slow pace, especially when Amber Smalley assigned to USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76).
EA-18G’s wing station 6 and is set to enter
operational service from FY29, being
added to target the remaining threats
that are not covered by the NGJ-MB,
such as VHF/UHF radars and certain
communications and data transmission
systems. This new equipment will also
allow the Growler force to develop new EA
doctrine and tactics, which includes the
addition of an advanced digital beam-
forming capability, which can precisely
assess and neutralize enemy emitters.

Enter the Lightning

The US Navy remains committed to
acquiring a total of 273 F-35Cs, with the
USMC set to take 67 of these to field
as part of the long-standing ‘TACAIR

84 March 2023 // www.Key.Aero

 The next Navy squadron to transition
to the F-35C will be VFA-86 ‘Sidewinders’,
which is due to give up its single-seat
F/A-18Es this year, following their current
deployment aboard USS George H W Bush
(CVN-77) to the Mediterranean Sea as part
of CVW-7. Meanwhile, the second USMC
F-35C unit – VMFA-311 ‘Tomcats’ – was
due to be reactivated at MCAS Miramar,
California, towards the end of FY22, but
the schedule for this has slipped.
With regards to the airframe itself, the
F-35Cs continue to receive the latest
iterations of hardware/software that
enhance the aircraft’s onboard systems
(including its AN/APG-81 AESA radar) in the
lead-up to the platform’s highly anticipated
Block 4 capability upgrade. In addition,
these updates will also enable the carriage Hawkeye airborne early warning and Above: A sailor refuels capable by the end of FY23. In terms of the
of a host of new weapons that are being control (AEW&C) aircraft family, with the an F-35C Lightning E-2D’s system architecture, the so-called
II assigned to VFA-
added to the Lightning II’s arsenal. last of the legacy E-2Cs set to be replaced 147 ‘Argonauts’ (a Delta System Software Configuration
Commencing with the Low-Rate Initial in fleet service by the E-2D in 2026. component of CVW-2) (DSSC) – which is currently at version
Production (LRIP) Lot 15 airframes, which In recent years, the addition of an aboard the USS Carl 3.1 – remains the key method for the
Vinson (CVN-70)
are due to start entering fleet service air-to-air refueling capability to the during a deployment aircraft’s adaptation towards meeting
this autumn, Lockheed Martin will start Advanced Hawkeye has been significant to the Philippine Sea both current and emerging threats.
to incorporate the so-called Technology in enabling the platform to carry out its on January 19, 2022 Radar improvements, Global Positioning
US Navy/Mass
Refresh 3 (TR-3) improvements into its AEW&C mission for longer durations and Communication System (GPS) upgrades and advanced
newly built F-35Cs. This package will for it to operate at distances farther away Specialist Seaman networking will form the principal part of
include an update for the AN/AAQ-37 from its ‘mother’ carrier. This upgrade has Leon Vonguyen the DSSC 4 release, which will soon enter
Distributed Aperture System (DAS) – the a knock-on effect for strike fighter units the testing phase ahead of its planned
Lightning II’s unique and heavily classified and aircraft carriers, which both benefit fielding in FY27. Meanwhile, DSSC 5
electro-optical (EO) sensor suite that from wider air defense coverage for longer and 6 have already been earmarked
covers aircraft and missile detection – as periods of time. for incorporation into the E-2D fleet in
well as the platform’s cockpit displays. The At present, four E-2D squadrons are FY29 and FY32, respectively. Across all
F-35’s computer processing ability will also capable of being air-to-air refueled, of these, incremental improvements
be enhanced, while other elements will with Carrier Airborne Early Warning are being applied to how the Advanced
form the basis for future upgrades to the Squadron 126 (VAW-126) ‘Seahawks’ Hawkeye detects threats and shares
stealth fighter’s data links, radar warning having returned from the first deployment that information across the so-called ‘kill
receiver and beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) of so-equipped E-2Ds on September Below: A US Navy web’, matching the improvements that
F-35C Lightning II
communications abilities as the F-35 Joint 11, 2022, after spending more than nine are being made to the Super Hornet,
prepares to launch
Program Office (JPO) pushes forward months cruising with CVW-1 aboard USS from the USS Nimitz Growler, Lightning II and other platforms,
towards the Block 4 capability update. George H W Bush. (CVN-68) as a Super both Navy and non-Navy. Included in
Hornet eagerly awaits
In line with these developments, the first All of the Advanced Hawkeye squadrons this will be the management of the
its turn Christopher
Lightning II to receive the TR-3 update – a are planned to be air-to-air refueling- Lohff blended manned/ [continued on page 88]
US Air Force-operated (USAF) F-35A (serial
07-0745 (c/n AF-07), the second serial
production Lightning II to be delivered –
completed its maiden flight from Edwards
Air Force Base (AFB), California, under
the stewardship of the 461st Flight Test
Squadron (FLTS) ‘Deadly Jesters’ and F-35
Integrated Test Force on January 6 (see
‘First F-35A to receive TR-3 upgrades
completes maiden flight’, p9).

Eye in the Sky

As of September 2022, 55 of an eventual
fleet of 78 E-2D Advanced Hawkeyes had
been delivered to the US Navy.
Seven of nine squadrons have already
transitioned to the latest, most capable
variant of Northrop Grumman’s venerable

www.Key.Aero // March 2023 85

 NEXT-GENERATION CARRIER AIR WINGS

CARRIERS IN BALANCE
Much like the CVWs that embark on them,
the US Navy’s aircraft carrier fleet is also
going through a transitional change.
This process marked a key milestone
at the end of 2022, with the maiden
deployment of the first-in-class USS Gerald
R Ford (CVN-78) to Europe, which – with
CVW-8 embarked – completed the first
stage of a two-phase event on November
26. Having departed Naval Station Norfolk
on October 4, the carrier and its strike
group focused largely on air defense,
anti-submarine warfare and distributed
maritime operations, while working
alongside European allies and conducting
a transfer of authority with NATO. Following
a brief pause, the vessel is set to return to
sea for a further four to five months in the
near future.
The next carrier in this class to enter
Navy service will be USS John F Kennedy
(CVN-79), which is now just months away
from emerging from the Huntington
Ingalls Industries shipyard in Newport
News, Virginia, after incurring a delay to her
fleet delivery following a mandate by the
US Congress that she be able to operate
the F-35C from the outset. Ford will not
be able to operate the fifth-generation
fighter until she undergoes a major
maintenance period some years from now,
as the ship’s development timescales were
understandably not in parity with those of
the Lightning II.

End of an era
As the lead ship of her class, USS Nimitz
(CVN-68) has been the backbone of the
Navy’s carrier fleet since the mid-1990s
and is now approaching the end of her
50-year projected service life in 2025,
with sister-ship, USS Dwight D Eisenhower,
following close behind in 2027. With the
third Ford-class carrier, the future USS
Enterprise (CVN-80), not due for delivery
until 2028 – as well as the incorporation of
some risk-bearing technologies that were
not previously fitted to her two sisters –
the Navy is concerned that a shortfall in
operational carriers could occur.
By law, the Navy has to maintain a force
of “no less than” 11 carriers – a temporary
reduction was allowed between the
retirement of the previous USS Enterprise
(CVN-65) in December 2012 and the much-
delayed delivery of Ford in May 2017.
In recent years, Naval Sea Systems
Command (NAVSEA) has studied options
for applying a service life extension (SLE)
program of modifications and upgrades to
the older Nimitz-class ships, with a view to
providing one complete 36-month cycle
of the Optimized Fleet Response Plan (one
extra work-up cycle and major deployment
beyond the 50-year lifespan). While being
one class of ship, each hull is different
depending on the time since its mid-life

86 March 2023 // www.Key.Aero

Left page top to Refueling and Complex Overhaul and enabled a smooth rundown of the the question of the quota for CVWs
bottom: The next shipyard maintenance programs, such as former Enterprise’s crew at a time when themselves, as only nine are in existence
Ford-class ‘flattop’ the six-month-long Planned Incremental Ford’s crewing as a Pre-Commissioning – four in the Atlantic Fleet and five in the
to enter fleet service Availability (PIA) or the more in-depth, Unit (PCU) was increasing. A seamless Pacific Fleet. Interestingly, and following
will be USS John F dry-docked work that lasts at least a year. transition of the volume and skillset an attempt by CNAF in the FY12 budget
Kennedy (CVN-79), With both service and private sector of naval personnel would be similarly proposal to disestablish CVW-14, US
which is seen here
naval analysts producing studies calling required between Nimitz and the new lawmakers on Capitol Hill determined
under construction
in its dry dock for a 12-strong carrier force, plus the Enterprise, as would Eisenhower and the that ten CVWs should be maintained.
area at Huntington Nimitz-class retirement versus Ford-class future USS Doris Miller (CVN-81), with the At the time, CVW-14 had been robbed
Ingalls Industries’ delivery conundrum, the ongoing Navy latter scheduled to be commissioned into of squadrons to ensure those readying
shipbuilding facility review could press for SLEs for both Navy fleet service in 2032. for deployment were at full complement,
in Newport News, Nimitz and Eisenhower (at least) and the The other effects of extending the and it remained largely a ‘paper’ air wing
Virginia, on October latest NAVSEA estimates show that such Nimitz-class vessels to 53 years of until CNAF made a second attempt to
29, 2019. The vessel an upgrade program could be performed operational service directly affect the disestablish it in FY17. In response, the
is now just months in the same timeframe as a PIA. Navy’s CVWs, as those older carriers US Congress allowed the service to
away from emerging
from the shipyard Staffing issues will not receive the ability to operate
the F-35C or MQ-25A as the necessary
temporarily reduce its number of CVWs to
nine until such a time that either sufficient
US Navy/Mass A major factor in applying SLEs to those
Communication modifications can only be made during numbers of carriers were available, or
two ships will be the need to adequately the more extensive maintenance October 1, 2025, had been reached. Time
Specialist 3rd
man them not only up to retirement, but
Class Adam Ferrero periods. A six-month-long SLE with will tell if CVW-14 will re-emerge, if only
in the many subsequent months as the limited funding would simply sustain to serve as an ‘air wing of the past’ aboard
nuclear reactors are taken offline and operations by the ship of four Strike those Nimitz-class ships chosen for the
The first-in-class other equipment is removed prior to the
USS Gerald R Ford Fighter Squadrons all operating the SLE process and one final deployment.
final decommissioning of the two carriers Super Hornet, with aerial buddy-buddy
(CVN-78) was
commissioned as naval vessels. While this does not refueling remaining their responsibility.
into US Navy fleet involve the same number of individual A possible move to 12 carriers
service on July 22, personnel, the delay in Ford’s delivery (temporarily or otherwise) would raise
2017 and carried
out her maiden
deployment on
October 4-November
26, 2022 to the
European theater
US Navy/Mass
Communication
Specialist 2nd
Class Riley
McDowell

USS Dwight D
Eisenhower (CVN-69)
sails through the
Mediterranean Sea
on January 14, 2010.
Like her sister ship,
USS Nimitz (CVN-
68), she is set to be
decommissioned in
2025, but this could
be delayed
US Navy

Right: USS Nimitz

(CVN-68) is rapidly
approaching the
end of her 50-year
projected service
life and is due to
be decommissioned
in 2025. However,
given the delays in
delivering the new-
generation fleet of
Ford-class aircraft
carriers, the Navy
could conduct SLEs
on the ‘flattop’ to
keep it in service for
three more years
US Navy/Mass
Communication
Specialist 2nd
Class Michael
D Cole

www.Key.Aero // March 2023 87

 NEXT-GENERATION CARRIER AIR WINGS

“WITH THE EVENTUAL INTEGRATION OF THE F-35C ACROSS ALL AIR WINGS, NAVY
PLANNERS ARE ALREADY LOOKING TO POTENTIALLY REDUCE CVW SUPER HORNET
COMPLEMENTS FROM FOUR TO THREE STRIKE FIGHTER SQUADRONS”

unmanned teaming nature of future CVW Above: The US Navy

demonstrated the
strike teams. MQ-25A’s ability
to refuel the E-2D
Supporting Assets Advanced Hawkeye on
August 18, 2021. This
Alongside the ‘strikers’ and those that image highlights two
control them in the modern day air wing, of the Navy’s latest
the helicopter and other support assets capabilities: the MQ-
25A unmanned tanker
embedded within Navy CVWs continue itself (which remains
to receive investment for upgrades (in the in testing) and the
case of the MH-60R/S helicopter family), as E-2D’s newly added
ability to be refueled
well as for new aircraft. in flight, which will
For the latter, and now being assigned enable it to patrol
as a three-plane detachment to CVWs at distances farther
away from the carrier
alongside F-35Cs due to their unique ability and remain on station
to carry the fifth-generation fighter’s Pratt for a longer duration
& Whitney F135 afterburning turbofan Boeing Swimming with Stingrays Initially scheduled to stand-up at NAS
engine, the CMV-22B Osprey tiltrotor is The CMV-22B Osprey The next new program to grace a US Navy Point Mugu in October 2021, the MQ-25
the main project as it replaces the Navy’s was developed carrier flight-deck will be the MQ-25A FRS – Unmanned Carrier-Launched Multi-
aging C-2A Greyhound fleet in the carrier specifically to replace Stingray unmanned aircraft system, which Role Squadron 10 (VUQ-10) – is now set
the Navy’s aging
onboard delivery (COD) mission. C-2A Greyhound fleet will have the primary mission of being to be established at NAS Patuxent River
Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Squadron in the COD role. The the CVW’s organic airborne refueling this year, and future MQ-25 basing plans
30 (VRM-30) ‘Titans’ fielded its first service is expected to asset, with intelligence, surveillance, identifies both NAS Point Mugu and Naval
induct 48 CMV-22Bs
shipborne CMV-22B detachments for the into operational and reconnaissance (ISR) serving as the Station Norfolk’s Chambers Field, Virginia,
recent CVW-2 and CVW-9 cruises aboard fleet service in total platform’s secondary role. as future Stingray base locations. The first
USS Carl Vinson and USS Abraham Lincoln, US Navy/Mass The arrival of a new tanker asset within three of a planned fleet of 72 production-
Communication
respectively, and the speed, range and Specialist 2nd Class CVWs has long been awaited, as the Super standard airframes are due for delivery in
versatility demonstrated by those ‘dets’ Russell Lindsey Hornets utilized in the buddy-buddy FY24 and IOC is expected to be declared
kick-started the Concept of Operations air-to-air refueling role since 2002 have within the opening months of 2025.
(CONOPS) maturation for the Osprey in suffered from the highest airframe fatigue The Stingray – which can fly for some
supporting the entire Carrier Strike Group. issues due to the ‘five wet’ (four 480 US 15 hours without the need to be refueled
Alongside the impending transfer of gal fuel tanks, plus an Aerial Refueling itself – should be able to provide 14,000lb
VFA-97 ‘Warhawks’ to Japan as the first Store) configuration, especially during of fuel to receivers at distances of up to
F-35C unit to be assigned to CVW-5, the stresses of carrier launches and approximately 500nm (926km) away from
VRM-30 will also be forward-deploying recoveries. While the MQ-25’s mission is the ‘mother’ carrier. It will be controlled by a
CMV-22Bs to MCAS Iwakuni to replace the a comparatively simple one, the platform single ground station, which is designated
C-2As of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron will face the challenges of being the first MD-5 and located in a new carrier ‘space’ –
30 (VRC-30) ‘Providers’ Detachment 5, unmanned aircraft to be operationally the Unmanned Air Warfare Center (UAWC)
which has stood watch in Japan since 1995. integrated into a deployed CVW. – and this will be the controlling location

88 March 2023 // www.Key.Aero

 ADVANCING THE USMC
for all future unmanned systems launched
from the vessel.
At present, UAWCs are being installed
on four nuclear-powered Nimitz-class At the time of writing, six of a planned 18 USMC Meanwhile, the long-delayed delivery of the new
aircraft carriers – USS Dwight D Eisenhower F-35B/C squadrons have now transitioned to the CH-53K King Stallion heavy-lift transport helicopters
fifth-generation fighter, with the Corps having – which have been developed to replace the service’s
(CVN-69); USS George H W Bush; USS Carl
reduced its number of remaining AV-8B Harrier II aging CH-53E Super Stallions – received a boost in
Vinson and USS Abraham Lincoln – and the units to just two after Marine Attack Squadron 542 late December, when NAVAIR and Lockheed Martin
confines of such (with room for just a single (VMA-542) ‘Flying Tigers’ ceased operations with the announced that the type had entered full-rate
operator) is forcing the Navy to closely vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) fighter at MCAS production as it pushes towards the declaration of
examine the skillset required for those that Cherry Point in North Carolina on December 1, 2022. Full Operational Capability (FOC), which is now set to
Now posturing to receive the short take-off and take place in FY29 (see CH-53K moves into full-rate
will pilot both Stingray and other future
vertical landing (STOVL)-capable F-35B by the production’, p12).
platforms, as mission performance will be middle of this year at the latest, the ‘Flying Tigers’ On the logistics side and as the US military
on par with the ability to operate around will be rebranded as VMFA-542 before formally continues to align more heavily towards the Indo-
the carrier traffic environment in the same standing up as the first F-35B squadron on the Pacific theatre, a new Marine Air Refueler Transport
manner as manned aircraft. US East Coast (see Flying Tigers begin F-35B Squadron (VMGR) unit, VMGR-153 formerly stood
transition, CAJ February 2023, p14). Meanwhile, up at MCAS Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii on January 13,
equipped with new KC-130J Hercules (see Hawaii unit
Beyond 2030 the two remaining USMC Harrier units will remain
operational until FY27. activates as KC-130Js arrive, p9).
Much has already been speculated about With the Navy’s NAWDC N7 division (TOPGUN) set In terms of unmanned platforms, the MQ-9A
the family of systems known as Next to divest their legacy Hornets this March in favor of Reaper has now fully supplanted the RQ-21A
Generation Air Dominance (NGAD – which acquiring ex-USAF F-16C/D Fighting Falcons, the Blackjack in USMC service with Marine Unmanned
final F/A-18C/Ds employed by the Department of Air Vehicle Squadron 1 (VMU-1) ‘Watchdogs’ at
the Navy pronounces as ‘en-jad’, while the
the Navy will be those in service with the Marines. MCAS Yuma in Arizona. With 25 aircraft due to be
USAF uses the harder ‘en-gad’). For the These aircraft are expected to remain operational delivered to the USMC by FY25 – and as part of the
US Navy it means an almost complete with the USMC until 2030, when they are finally bolstering of US Pacific Command’s forces – VMU-3
replacement of each platform in the replaced by the Lightning II. will be established at Kaneohe Bay to also operate
current CVW setup with either manned or Having received the last of 160 UH-1Y Venom the Reaper.
battlefield utility helicopters from Bell-Textron in Finally, another adversary air training unit – Marine
unmanned aircraft, with the latter expected
April 2018, the USMC finished its program of record Fighter Training Squadron 402 (VMFT-402) – is to be
to make up approximately 60% of the for its H-1 force when it accepted its 189th and final established at MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina, in FY23
complement from the 2030s and beyond. AH-1Z Viper gunships at MCAS Camp Pendleton, equipped with eight F-5N and two F-5F Tiger IIs to
At the tip of the spear is the future F/A- California, on November 4, 2022 (see USMC receives support ‘Red Air’ training with Navy and Marine Corps
XX strike fighter, which remains to be a final AH-1Z Viper, CAJ January 2023, p12). units on the United States’ East Coast.
distinct US Navy development program,
Right: Boeing’s
but shares some synergies with the USAF’s
F/A-18E/F Super
NGAD project. This program is currently in Hornet will remain
the Concept Refinement Phase, with Navy as the backbone of
the Navy’s CVW strike
project and test organizations working
fighter capability
alongside the Naval Aviation Warfighting until the type is
Development Center’s (NAWDC) N7 ultimately replaced
by the planned
division (TOPGUN) – as the Navy’s best
sixth-generation
concentration of subject matter experts F/A-XX fighter in the
in the evolving threat and tactics of mid-to-late 2030s
US Navy/Mass
prospective enemies – the US intelligence
Communication
community and industry partners to Specialist Seaman
generate the F/A-XX requirements. Apprentice Oscar
Albert Moreno Jr
Billed as a sixth-generation air
superiority fighter that will ultimately
replace the F/A-18E/F and complement
the F-35C in Navy service, the F/A-XX
program sees its origins date back to June Right: Glimpsing
the future! An
2008 – when the requirement was first MQ-25A is directed
identified – and will not enter service until aboard the flight
the mid-to-late 2030s at the earliest. deck of USS George
H W Bush (CVN-77)
Like the Super Hornet, the F/A-XX is during testing on
expected to be a multi-role platform, December 13, 2021.
with an open architecture digital The Navy plans to
field 72 production-
backbone and enhanced networking, standard Stingrays in
connectivity, and sensor capabilities. It will operational service for
be required to be capable of operating unmanned tanking
and ISR operations
from both Nimitz- and Gerald R Ford-class while embedded
aircraft carriers and is expected to field a within CVWs
larger payload than the F/A-18E/F, which US Navy/Mass
Communication
will include an arsenal of improved and Specialist 3rd Class
advanced weaponry. CAJ Brandon Roberson

www.Key.Aero // March 2023 89

 JUST A NICE PIC // MARCH 2023

90 March 2023 // www.Key.Aero

 SHOCK
WAVE!
And the
winner is…
Jake Warye from Florida,
USA, with this stunning
image of a Blue Angels F/A-
18E Super Hornet performing
a high-speed low pass on the
east coast of America

Next month’s Just a Nice Pic competition

Would you like to be the next person description for each. The only rule is
to see your photograph published in that your photos must depict modern
Combat Aircraft Journal? Enter our Just A military aircraft in action. Please do not
Nice Pic competition right now! include watermarks. Send your images
Each month, the editor will select to [email protected].
the finest image submitted by our The deadline for the April 2023 issue is
readers to feature across a double-page February 12, 2023.
spread in the magazine, along with the T&Cs: Unlimited entries per person. The
photographer’s name and caption. All prize is to be published and credited in
winning images also have the chance the best-selling aviation magazine in the
of being featured in the CAJ Global USA – no prize fund is provided. Deadlines
Airpower Calendar 2024. You can send a for entries will be provided every month
maximum of three images with a detailed via CAJ social media posts. CAJ

Taken during the 2022 Red, White & Blues Airshow week, directly head on with Lead Solo LCDR
Cary ‘Chewy’ Rickoff during the signature Sneak Pass where Blue Angel 5 flies across the show
center at just under the Mach 1.0! Jake Warye

www.Key.Aero // March 2023 91

 USAF TANKER RETIREMENT

The first KC-10A arrived at

AMARG on July 13, 2020,
and by mid-November
last year had been
accompanied by 11 more,
as seen here, including one
(bottom) on Celebrity Row Additionally, 14 KC-135s have been
Javier Rodrigues
take out of service since the legislation

BONEYARD BOUND
was passed. It should be noted that the
retirement program does not include
aircraft which have been deemed to
be “too damaged or uneconomical to
repair.” This means the total number
Since 2021, the USAF has been retiring part of its legacy tanker of retirements is ambiguous in terms
of which aircraft actually make up the
fleet, making way for the KC-46 Pegasus. Luca Chadwick looks planned withdrawals.
to the future of the USAF’s tanker capability. The withdrawn KC-135 have come

I
from across all the major commands that
n 2021, the US House of KC-10s RETIRED IN JANUARY 2023 operate them and have included three of
Representatives endorsed a Retired aircraft stored at Davis-Monthan unless stated. the eight KC-135R(T)s, which are capable
gradual withdrawal of the USAF’s Serial Previous Unit of receiving air-to-air refuelling and are
fleet of KC-10 Extenders, which 79-0433 305th AMW Preserved AMC Museum Dover AF often associated with Special Operations
79-0434 305th AMW
are based between Travis Air Air Refuelling tasks.
79-1710 305th AMW
Force Base (AFB) in California
and McGuire AFB, New Jersey. The
79-1712
79-1713
305th AMW
60th AMW
Continued commitment
2021 Defence Policy Bill prevents the 79-1947 305th AMW
Despite this, these aircraft continue to
retirement of more than 12 aircraft in 79-1949 305th AMW demonstrate their strategic importance
Fiscal Year 2023, stating that there must 82-0192 60th AMW to operations. In 2021, ten KC-10s
be 24 aircraft in service during that year. 83-0077 60th AMW were deployed to RAF Mildenhall in
Shortly after, US Transportation 83-0079 305th AMW the UK and supported the evacuation
Command told the House Armed Services 83-0081 305th AMW of Afghan refugees during the NATO
Committee that it was ready to begin 83-0082 305th AMW withdrawal. Seven of them came from
retiring KC-135 Stratotankers, having got 84-0187 60th AMW the 60th AMW at Travis, deploying at
84-0190 305th AMW
approval for the gradual withdrawal of at short notice in anticipation of increased
84-0192 305th AMW
least 18 aircraft, reducing the fleet from aerial refuelling missions. The aircraft
85-0028 305th AMW
394 aircraft to at least 376 between late were quickly reconfigured for passenger
85-0030 305th AMW
2022 until October 2023. 86-0027 305th AMW transport, flying from Mildenhall to
86-0034 60th AMW Al-Udeid AB, Qatar, from where they
Fate sealed 86-0036 305th AMW transported passengers to a refugee
On December 1, 2021, KC-10A 85-0030 87-0118 305th AMW facility at Ramstein AB in Germany. They
from the 305th Air Mobility Wing flew 87-0120 305th AMW contributed to the safe transport of 10,310
from its home base at McGuire AFB to 87-0121 305th AMW refugees and 2m lbs of cargo.
Davis-Monthan AFB in Arizona, where 87-0122 305th AMW The war in Ukraine also demonstrates
87-0123 60th AMW
it was retired and stored with the 309th the perseverance of the USAF’s ageing
87-0124 305th AMW
Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration tanker fleet, with the 100th ARW’s
Group, becoming the 26th Extender to end KC-135s flying multiple missions daily
its career after 34 years of service. by December 2022. The original plan from RAF Mildenhall supporting NATO
Since the withdrawal of the first KC-10, released in 2020 sought to retire 14 aircraft coalition assets involved in the allied
86-0036, on July 13, 2020, the USAF had by the end of October 2022, reflecting the response to Russian aggression. They are
retired 26 airframes of the 59-strong fleet speed at which this has occurred. augmented by a detachment of KC-135s

92 March 2023 // www.Key.Aero

at Spangdahlem AB in Germany and transition to the KC-46, having received KC-135s IN JANUARY 2023
were supported by a number of KC-10s their first two Pegasus aircraft on Retired aircraft at Davis-Monthan unless stated. GIA = ground
between Mildenhall and Spangdahlem in November 9, 2021. instructional airframe.
Serial Previous Unit
the early phases of the conflict. However, the KC-46 has increased its
57-1438 452nd AMW
Deployments of KC-135s occur responsibilities. The type’s first operational
57-1474 6th AMW
routinely throughout all the US areas of deployment to Al-Udeid AB in Qatar
GIA Sheppard AFB
responsibility, continuing to form the occurred in September 2022, while 57-2606 185th ARW
backbone of US military airpower across also supporting various coronet drags 58-0009 128th ARW
the globe. (deploying fighters), including the rotation 58-0058 507th ARW
of 24 F-15Es to and from the Middle East in 22nd ARW
Prioritising Pegasus
58-0126
October 2022. GIA Sheppard AFB
59-1490 171st ARW
The retiring of the USAF’s legacy tanker The fleet continues to grow, with a total
59-1523 171st ARW
fleet is occurring simultaneously with the of 179 aircraft expected to be in service
154th WG
steady introduction of the KC-46A Pegasus by 2027. Five wings currently operate the 60-0329 Preserved USAF Museum
into service. Consequently, all retirements Pegasus: the 22nd ARW and 305th AMW Wright-Patterson
have proved controversial because the comprise the active-duty component at 60-0344 18th WG
KC-46 has suffered significant production McConnell and McGuire AFB respectively, 22nd ARW
60-0357
GIA Sheppard AFB
issues, delaying its initial workup, most bolstered by their associate reserve units,
62-3572 190th ARW
notably with the Remote Vision System, the 931st ARW and 514th AMW. The
63-7999 100th ARW
which has been rendered unusable in reserve element has been increased by the 63-8014 92nd ARW
certain conditions, for example washing 916th ARW at Seymour Johnson and New
out in direct sunlight. Hampshire’s 157th ARW, which became Above: The USAF’s
newest tanker, the KC-
An unbalanced equation
So far, the majority of the retired aircraft the first Air National Guard wing to 46A of the 157th ARW The retirement of the KC-10s and KC-135s
have been from the 305th AMW at operate the type. The 97th AMW at Altus KC-46A, is currently has prompted significant criticism and
McGuire, where the 2nd Air Refuelling AFB, Oklahoma, hosts the Formal Training taking up the slack of concern amongst analysts. With fleet sizes
the retiring KC-135s
Squadron became the first KC-10 unit to Unit for the KC-46. and KC-10s. This growing, particularly among the F-35
example arrives at community, and the operational tempo
RAF Mildenhall on showing no signs of decreasing, it is evident
October 22, 2022,
from the Middle East, that 179 KC-46s will be an insufficient
having supported a replacement for approximately 440 tankers.
deployment of F-16s Demand for tankers remains extremely
from the 20th FW to
the region high within the USAF, as it continues to
project world-leading combat air power
as the world’s largest independent air
Left: KC-135R force. The KC-135 is anticipated to remain
63-7999 departs in service for up to 30 more years, but
RAF Mildenhall on
November 27, 2022, will eventually be replaced and in large
for retirement after numbers. A competition for the follow-on
59 years of service. capability to the KC-46 is to be decided
It is adorned with
the signatures of this spring, with leading companies
personnel assigned such as Lockheed Martin and L3Harris
to the 100th Air involved, potentially with designs
Refuelling Wing and
a retirement ‘pin’ based on the A330 and Embraer KC 390
Gary Chadwick respectively. CAJ

www.Key.Aero // March 2023 93

 WHATEVER HAPPENED TO // BOEING-SIKORSKY RAH-66 COMANCHE

W
hat eventually resulted LHX to Comanche and the high technology it embodied to
in the Boeing-Sikorsky While LHX was originally conceived as a allow the aircraft to fulfil its mission made
RAH-66 Comanche replacement for the Hughes OH-6 Cayuse it the centerpiece of army research and
began as the Light and Bell OH-58 Kiowa, with the support development in the late 1980s.
Helicopter Experimental of James Ambrose, Under Secretary of the A request for proposals was released
(LHX) program initiated Army, it quickly evolved into an adaptable, in 1988 and, that October, two teams
in January 1983. LHX sought a new scout/ low-cost, multipurpose airframe to – Boeing Helicopters/Sikorsky and Bell
attack (SCAT) aircraft to complement the supplant all the service’s Vietnam-era Helicopter/McDonnell Helicopters – were
‘high-end’ AH-64 Apache in the deep- utility, light attack and scout aircraft. Up awarded demonstration/validation
strike mission outlined in the Army’s to 3,072 SCAT and 1,951 utility LHX were contracts. In April 1991, the Boeing-
AirLand Battle doctrine for countering initially envisaged but, by 1987, this had Sikorsky ‘First Team’ was selected for the
Soviet forces in Europe. As the Comanche decreased to a total of 4,292 aircraft. In demonstration/validation/prototype
The first YRAH-66 flew
would identify targets to be taken out 1988, the utility version was deleted, in January 1996 and contract for the retitled Light Helicopter
by Apaches, it was designed to be able leaving 2,096 SCAT aircraft, although was retired in 2002. program. The mission design series
to survive in high-threat environments the original single-seat concept was Both Comanches ’RAH-66’ and the name ’Comanche’ were
were delivered to the
likely to be encountered during a major abandoned in favor of a two-seat aircraft, US Army Aviation allocated to the helicopter in May 1991.
confrontation. Low observability was adding weight and cost. Procurement Museum at Fort
seen as key technology to enable such was then expected to start in 1996. LHX Rucker, Alabama,
after the program was
Role reappraisal
operations and the Army was encouraged quickly became army aviation’s number The collapse of the Soviet Union and

STEALTHY
cancelled All images
to adopt it for its new SCAT helicopter. one priority. The scale of the program Boeing-Sikorsky Warsaw Pact in late 1991 had a significant

THE

SCOUT
The Boeing-Sikorsky RAH-66 Comanche was the most
advanced US military helicopter of the 1990s. Once viewed as
army aviation’s top priority, dwindling support meant it was
destined to remain a prototype, as David Willis explains

94 March 2023 // www.Key.Aero

 impact on the program. After the Berlin Work on the first YRAH-66 prototype development on June 1, 2000. Persuading
Wall came down, procurement plans (94-0327) began in November 1993, the rest of the service exactly how the
were scaled back to ‘only’ 1,292 aircraft, with sub-assemblies built at the Boeing Comanche slotted into the digitalized
increasing unit cost by around 40%. More plant in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, army was more difficult. This was not
importantly, it removed the role for which then transported to Sikorsky’s facility helped by the terrorist attacks on
the Comanche was to undertake. Where at Stratford, Connecticut, to join others September 11, 2001. While the helicopter’s
previously both the army’s leadership produced there for final assembly. It was proposed ability to disseminate tactical
and the Office of the Secretary of Defense rolled out at Stratford on May 25, 1995, information would be useful during the
(OSD) had agreed on the need for the before moving to the flight test facility operations undertaken during the Global
helicopter, increasing costs, slips to the at West Palm Beach, Florida. Plans to fly War on Terror, much of the Comanche’s
schedule and difficulty developing the the aircraft that year were frustrated by capabilities were superfluous or could
systems required for the RAH-66 saw structural and software problems and be undertaken by cheaper alternatives. It
political support decline. However, it was it was not until January 4, 1996, that again raised questions about the army’s
allowed to continue because the army still test pilots Bob Gradle and Rus Stiles need for the Comanche.
needed a new SCAT, while the technology completed the 39-minute maiden sortie.
being developed for the Comanche also The second YRAH-66 (95-0001) flew on Dwindling support
had wider implications – cancelling the March 30, 1999. This 30-minute flight was From April 2002, the army worked to
program would deprive the US industry of also undertaken from West Palm Beach. restructure the program for a sixth time.
its most advanced project. By then, development costs had doubled,

Y
The Comanche program was Digital warrior while the program was suffering delays
restructured at least six times during its The downsizing of the active army during and the airframe had weight issues.
history. In February 1992, tthe research the 1990s forced it to do more with less. Although opposition was growing within
and development phase was extended General Dennis Reimer, Chief of Staff US Congress and the DoD, it was still
and any commitment to proceed to of the Army from 1995, emphasized supported by the army’s leadership. By the
procurement was removed. This was force digitalization to take advantage of end of the year, the Defense Acquisition
reconfirmed in December 1994, when the the information revolution to improve Board had cut the number to be
Department of Defense (DoD) deferred a the fighting efficiency of the service. purchased to 650, with the army seeking
decision on production until after 2001. During 1997, the Comanche program 819. The first of five systems development
As the SCAT mission declined in office began to embrace the concept and demonstration aircraft were due to
importance to the army, the roles of network-centric warfare as a means fly in June 2005, followed by four test and
envisaged for the Comanche broadened. of progressing the project out of the training machines late the next year.
Originally designed to operate as an demonstration/validation phase. The On August 1, 2003, General Peter Jan
adjunct to the Apache, the missions of capabilities of the aircraft would be Shoomaker became the Chief of Staff
the two helicopters began to blur during expanded to allow it to provide real-time of the Army, replacing Shinseki. The
the 1990s. Development of the Longbow situational awareness to every army change in leadership removed one of
target acquisition system for the Apache formation on the battlefield, resulting the last supporters of the Comanche. An
threatened the need for a dedicated SCAT, in it being dubbed the ‘Quarterback of agreement was quickly struck with the
while the Comanche’s ability to carry the Digital Battlefield’. The plan required DoD that allowed the $14bn earmarked
Hellfire air-to-surface missiles, coupled significant changes to the aircraft’s for the Comanche to stay within the army’s
with its 20mm XM301 cannon and lower systems, including the addition of the aviation budget to fund a number of new
signature, permitted it to undertake Only two Boeing- Longbow radar and changes to the MEP, and existing projects. Among them were
some of the tasks of the heavier attack Sikorsky YRAH-66 but was supported by Reimer’s successor some being run by Boeing (AH-64 and
helicopter. As budgets tightened following Comanches were from 1999, General Eric K Shinseki. It also CH-47) and Sikorsky (UH-60), softening the
built. The door for the
the end of the Cold War, the lack of a internal weapons bay increased the technological risks within impact of its termination on the project’s
clear role and the unproven technology on the lower center the program and thus raised costs. manufacturers and states where work
made it increasingly difficult to justify the fuselage is prominent Support from the army’s leadership was undertaken. With no supporters left,
on the nearest
Comanche. This was exacerbated when aircraft, the second allowed Comanche to finally proceed the army cancelled the Comanche on
the unit cost of the RAH-66 passed that of prototype, seen here to engineering and manufacturing February 23, 2004. CAJ
the AH-64.
By April 1995, the DoD approved an
army plan that covered two prototypes
and six early operational capability (EOC)
aircraft equipped with a reconnaissance
mission equipment package (MEP),
with a decision on low-rate production
due in 2003 and service entry in 2007.
The reconnaissance MEP would include
a second-generation forward-looking
infrared sensor, fiber-optic databus and
integrated communication/navigation
system. Armament was planned to be
finalised before service entry.

www.Key.Aero // March 2023 95

 DISPATCHES FROM THE FRONT LINE
OF AEROSPACE TECHNOLOGY
BY DAVID AXE An artist’s rendering of the proposed design for DARPA’s ‘Liberty Lifter’ ground-effect seaplane. It will be the first amphibious,
fixed-wing aircraft produced for the United States military in 60 years DARPA

LIBERTY LIFTER
T
he US Defense Advanced Research expand upon existing cargo aircraft by proving This twin-fuselage arrangement not only
Projects Agency – DARPA, the revolutionary heavy airlift abilities from the sea.” induces a significant ground effect, it also allows
Pentagon’s lead agency for fringe Imagine a Lockheed Martin C-130 – or even for efficient flight outside of ground effect,
science projects – has tapped a Boeing C-17 – but one that doesn’t need according to Boschma and McNabb. It’s for good
California firm General Atomics a runway. It could take off from and land on reason that DARPA’s concept art for a possible
to design DARPA’s experimental water. The US military could use a ground-effect Liberty Lifter design also features twin fuselages
seaplane. The choice makes sense for DARPA, seaplane to support far-flung island bases in, say, and centerline propulsion.
even if the project itself might not. The science a conflict with China. Where Boschma and McNabb on the one hand,
agency is determined to design the new DARPA wants the demonstrator to be capable and General Atomics on the other, might differ is
‘Liberty Lifter’ seaplane – the first amphibious, of hauling 70 tons of cargo over a distance of that the former proposed a ground-effect craft
fixed-wing aircraft for the US military in 60 4,000 miles without refueling. To achieve that featuring gas bladders in the fuselages that, filled
years – around a particular aerodynamic kind of efficiency with an amphibious platform, with helium, might increase the craft’s buoyancy
phenomenon called ‘ground effect’, whereby DARPA is counting on ground effect. It’s a risky – like a blimp.
an aircraft is buoyed by a sort of cushion of air bet. It’s not clear that DARPA will favor a design that
while flying at an altitude no higher than its While ground effect isn’t a new practice, devotes significant internal space to gas bladders,
wingspan. ground-effect craft are rare in military service. not when the Liberty Lifter is supposed to pack 70
Ground effect makes cruising more fuel- The Soviet Union operated a small number of tons of cargo into its internal volume.
efficient, and works especially well over water ground-effect craft during the Cold War. More If there’s a major risk in the Liberty Lifter effort,
because water usually presents few obstructions. recently, Iran has adapted a few modern ground- it’s that a ground-effect demonstrator that’s also
General Atomics, which is most famous for its effect vehicles for military roles. capable of high flight might prove too complex
MQ-1 and MQ-9 drones, is highly familiar with Ground effect works best with a certain kind and expensive to transition to a program of
the effect. The MQ-1 and MQ-9 both experience of aircraft. Soviet ground-effect craft were huge, record for the US Air Force or US Navy. It’s niche
significant ground effect owing to their long, lumbering—and inefficient—vehicles. Iran’s are technology for niche applications, but one that
narrow wings. small and flimsy. Neither the Soviet nor Iranian also requires the expensive design work required
The US Defense Department announced the ground-effect craft can fly at high altitude of any clean-sheet aircraft type.
contract for development of the Liberty Lifter in a outside of ground effect. It’s worth noting that several other militaries
November 25, 2022 press release. General Atomic DARPA wants the Liberty Lifter to be both big also have standing requirements for seaplanes,
will receive $8m for the work and there is a May and efficient and capable of high flight. but haven’t developed ground-effect craft
2023 deadline to complete it. Engineers have worked out the best to meet those requirements. The Japanese
The result should be a design for a flyable approaches to ground effect in a large, high- navy’s ShinMaywa US-2 and the AG600 that’s
concept plane and one that could “demonstrate altitude platform. In 2005, James Boschma, Jr in development by Chinese firm AVIC, are both
a leap in operational logistics capabilities”, and Michael McNabb, working for Boschma conventional types with single fuselages and
according to DARPA. The Liberty Lifter will be Research, Inc in Canada, patented a large wing-mounted engines.
“a long-range, low-cost X-plane capable of ground-effect vehicle with twin fuselages joined They don’t take advantage of ground effect the
seaborne strategic and tactical lift”, the agency by a long, narrow wing and with engines along way the Liberty Lifter might. But they also didn’t
added. “The new vehicle concept seeks to its centerline. come with a lot of developmental risk. CAJ

96 March 2023 // www.Key.Aero

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*Prices correct at time of going to press. Free 2nd class P&P on all UK & BFPO orders. Overseas charges apply. Postage charges vary depending on total order value.

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405 Aviation Specs FP.indd 49 06/10/2022 16:30:40

 APRIL ISSUE ON SALE
MARCH 2, 2023
(ON SALE DATE MAY VARY BY REGION)

The Sheppard AFB/Euro-NATO

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PREPARING ISRAELI BACK IN ACTION STATE REPORT #34

STATE
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What does the fifth-gen REPORT
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We review how the Israeli Air Force is readying its the Russian military? We continue our state report series with the
KC-707 tanker fleet for action against Iran’s nuclear sites Land of Enchantment

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