Combat Aircraft Monthly

116 Pages·2015·15 MB·English

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fight typhoons
Volume 16 • Number 10 NNOORRTTHH AAMMEERRIICCAA’’SS BBEESSTT--SSEELLLLIINNGG MMIILLIITTAARRYY AAVVIIAATTIIOONN MMAAGGAAZZIINNEE
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F-35B
LIGHTNING II
SHORT TAKE-OFF
VERTICAL LANDING
VARIANT IN DETAIL
FLORIDA EAGLES
Mixing it in Bulgaria
OCTOBER 2015 UK £4.40
PART 2
GREEK PHANTOMS
‘‘BBLLAACCKK KKNNIIGGHHTTSS’’ RRUULLEE
over 40 YEARS IN HELLENIC SERVICE
UK BRACES FOR DEFENSE REVIEW • IRAQI ‘VIPERS’ ENTER SERVICE • RUSSIAN PROCUREMENT in crisis

October 2015 • Vol 16 • No 10
60 UK F-35B ON TEST AT EDWARDS AFB, INCLUDING
INTERVIEW WITH SQUADRON COMMANDER
IN THE NEWS FFRREEEE FF--3355BB

06 Headline News LLIIGGHHTTNNIINNGG IIII
Marine Corps marks initial operating SSUUPPPPLLEEMMEENNTT
capability (IOC) milestone with F-35B and
Australia receives fi rst EA-18G Growler
08 US News
Hill AFB set to receive fi rst F-35As, Aviano
‘Vipers’ strike from Turkey and Marines bid INCLUDING
farewell to the Sea Knight PULL-OUT
CENTERSPREAD
20 World News
POSTER AND...
News from Europe and around the globe
50
including Gripens on Icelandic patrol, plus
all the latest military losses
88888888 I I INNNDDDUUUSSSTTTRRRYYY RRREEEPPPOOORRRTTT:::
28 VIPERS OF BABYLON RRAAPPIIDDLLYY GGOOIINNGG NNOOWWHHEERREE??
Fourteen months after the maiden fl ight of the AAnn aammbbiittiioouuss ddeeffeennssee pprrooccuurreemmeenntt eeffff oorrtt
fi rst Iraqi F-16IQ Fighting Falcon, a fi rst group iinniittiiaatteedd bbyy RRuussssiiaa iinn tthhee eeaarrllyy 22001100ss hhaass
of four ‘Vipers’ fi nally reached Iraq in July, as resulted in hundreds of new aircraft being taken
Babak Taghvaee details on strength by the country’s air arms. However,
CREATING A SUPER FIGHTER
Alexander Mladenov reveals that a number of
32 EXERCISE REPORT: The F-35 has been designed as the ultimate answer problems threaten to derail this modernization
INDRADHANUSH to future multi-role fi ghter requirements. CA looks at process
progress to date
Rich Cooper and Jamie Hunter investigate the
94 GLORY DAYS:
recent exercise that saw Indian Su-30 ‘Flankers’
52 STEP-CHANGE FOR THE BLACK KNIGHTS RULE
fl ying missions with and against RAF Typhoons
MARINE CORPS In Part 2 of this look at VF-154, Tony Holmes
34 HELLENIC PHANTOMS: Thomas Newdick examines the recent initial concludes his examination of the unit’s valuable
THE LEGEND CONTINUES operating capability declaration plus plans for contribution to combat operations as it
Over 40 years after its service entry with the the future within the swapped F-14As for new Super Hornets
Marine Corps
Hellenic Air Force, Ioannis Lekkas explains
102 EXERCISE REPORT:
how the F-4 Phantom II remains an essential
FANG ON TOUR
component of Greece’s Tactical Air Force
planning Frank Crébas and Stephan de Bruijn/
Bluelifeaviation joined the 159th Expeditionary
42 TURKISH TALONS Fighter Squadron when it became the fi rst Air
Each year the Turkish Air Force is required to National Guard unit to lead a Theater Security
qualify 100 new pilots. Following on from last Package in Europe
68 POWERING THE F-35B
month’s review of KT-1T basic training, Mauro
108 TIME FOR CHANGE
Finati and Paolo Rollino look at the advanced The Harrier re-wrote the rulebook when it came
stage with the upgraded T-38M Talon to military aviation. The F-35B took the Harrier Although Bulgaria became a NATO member in
operational concept, and adapted it for a modern,
2004, its air force has not introduced any new
74 UNIT REVIEW: stealthy platform combat equipment in that time. This
NOMAD NATION is going to change in the near future, as
The Lockheed Hercules is not usually Dr Andreas Zeitler and Andrea Avian reveal
associated with being a US Navy asset, but
112 CUTTING EDGE
behind the scenes Navy C-130T units are very
busy, as Combat Aircraft’s monthly column reporting
Ted Carlson/Fotodynamics found out from the front line of aerospace technology, by
David Axe
82 HOGS ON TOUR
The arrival of the 354th Expeditionary Fighter PLUS SSSSSSUUUBBBAAASSSCCCRRRVVVIIIBBBEEE AAAEEENNNDDD
Squadron ‘Bulldogs’ at Spangdahlem AB,
Germany, earlier this year marked the start
of the fi rst ever European Theater Security News Report on the Russian
Package in support of Operation ‘Atlantic ‘Aviadarts’ exercise and Robert F.
Resolve’. Rens van Rijn and Dennis Vink/ Dorr’s Front Line column Subscribe to Combat
PHODOCU refl ect on a successful deployment Aircraft Monthly and
86 A MOVING TARGET? ON THE COVER: make great savings on
cover price.
Jon Lake evaluates recent stories in the media A British F-35B of No 17(Reserve) Test
regarding UK fi ghter strength and plans and Evaluation Squadron over the
See pages
under the forthcoming Strategic Defence and ranges near Edwards AFB, California.
Security Review (SDSR) Jamie Hunter 72 and 73 for details.
COMBAT EDGE | FIND US ON
T
WO SIGNIFICANT We have all seen ‘Flanker’ routines with
STORIES have dominated astonishing displays of nose authority
the fi ghter world in thanks in part to thrust-vectoring engine
recent weeks, both controls. By contrast, the Typhoon is a ‘rate
of which involved fi ghter’ that avoids being drawn into a
dogfi ghting. slow, turning fi ght. It favors the long-range
First was one that went viral on social battle. The same goes for the stealthy F-35.
media regarding a January test mission Chances are that nine times out of ten
that saw an F-35A apparently being an F-35 will kill its prey while remaining
trounced by an F-16D, according to a unseen. Talk to any fi fth-generation fi ghter
leaked report. Then came the story from pilot and they see a good ‘fourth-gen’
July’s ‘Indradhanush’ exercise alleging that dogfi ghter as having large aerodynamic
Indian Su-30 ‘Flankers’ notched up a 12-0 surfaces and a similarly large radar cross-
victory against Royal Air Force Eurofi ghter section. Easy meat!
Typhoons during a within visual range When it comes to the merge, are slow-
(WVR) mission. speed agility and nose authority crucial?
Just how important is this? Do modern Pilots with a good helmet-mounted
fi ghters such as the Typhoon and F-35 sight and an agile missile say ‘no’. They
rely too heavily upon beyond visual range are looking towards better sensors and
(BVR) tactics? Is the close-in ‘knife fi ght in a information. Agility is perhaps geared
phone box’ a thing of the past? more towards spectrum management
Many people initially point to lessons these days than about throwing your jet
learned in Vietnam, when American around the sky.
fi ghters were undone by their reliance on While on the surface the recent
long-range missiles. BVR technology and engagements may have been publicly
tactics have evolved massively since those embarrassing, maybe they were about
days, and so have WVR tactics. In fact, no gathering data rather than winning the
one is getting complacent about getting fi ght? After all, look back at the very
into ‘the merge’ with other fi ghters... rreeaassoonnss ‘‘RReedd FFllaagg’’ aanndd TTOOPPGGUUNN wweerree
Sometimes a visual identifi cation may eessttaabblliisshheedd —— iitt wwaassnn’’tt aallwwaayyss aabboouutt
be required due to rules of engagement. wwiinnnniinngg dduurriinngg ttrraaiinniinngg,, bbuutt
04
There is also the reality that, despite the wwiinnnniinngg wwhheenn iitt’’ss
eff ectiveness of a fi ghter package in ‘killing’ for real.
the enemy BVR, there will be ‘leakers’ — a
few fi ghters that make it through the wall Jamie Hunter, Editor
of long-range missiles. E-mail: [email protected]
CONTRIBUTOR PROFILE FRANK CRÉBAS
F
or this issue F-15s, was an international aff air
Frank Crébas with the Bulgarian and American pilots
fl ew with the plus a Dutch photographer. Frank
Florida Air commented: ‘I was impressed that despite
National Guard during its the language barriers, all the pilots spoke
deployment in Bulgaria. the same slang when it came down to
The unique photo fl ying. It resulted in a safe, effi cient and
mission, consisting of well-executed sortie — one that I will
a MiG-21, MiG-29 and remember for a long time!’
www.combataircraft.net October 2015
OCTOBER 2015 | COMBAT EDGE
How
important
is the
dogfight?
05
Royal Air Force Eurofi ghter
Typhoons and Indian Su-30MKI
‘Flankers’ tussled during the
recent exercise at RAF Coningsby.
Crown Copyright/Cpl Paul Oldfi eld
October 2015 www.combataircraft.net
[NEWS] HEADLINES
VMFA-121 ‘Green Knights’ at MCAS
Yuma is now flying 10 F-35Bs in Block 2B
configuration. Jamie Hunter
06
AUSTRALIAN GROWLER UNVEILED
BOEING UNVEILED THE first EA-18G before delivery to electronic the US Navy’s EA-18Gs, they are on other aircraft. The US Navy is
airborne electronic attack aircraft attack squadron VAQ-129 at NAS additionally capable of fielding currently considering adding the
for the Royal Australian Air Force Whidbey Island, Washington, the Raytheon Advanced Targeting ATFLIR capability to its EA-18Gs.
at its St Louis, Missouri, facility on where RAAF flight crews are Forward-Looking Infra-red (ATFLIR)
September 29. The aircraft is the first being trained. The initial aircraft, system and AIM-9X air-to-air
ALSO THIS MONTH...
of 12 Growlers to be operated by which made its maiden flight at missiles, which will allow the
No 6 Squadron, RAAF. The fleet will St Louis International Airport on Growlers to react to airborne
F-35As for Hill AFB
be based at RAAF Base Amberley, July 12, is expected to arrive in threats and defend themselves.
First combat-coded Lightning IIs
Queensland, and is planned to reach Australia during 2017. The ATFLIR system was added as a
for USAF. See US News
initial operational capability in 2018. Australia ordered 12 Growlers result of lessons learned by the US
Assigned RAAF serial number from Boeing in June 2014, under Navy during operations in Libya ‘Aviadarts’ exercise
A46-301, the Growler (BuNo a $3.7-billion foreign military and provides the Growler with The Russian military’s ultimate
missile practice camp.
169148) will initially support testing sales contract. Although the capability to visually validate targets
See Special Report
at NAWS China Lake, California, RAAF Growlers are identical to when required, rather than relying
www.combataircraft.net October 2015
HEADLINES [NEWS]
‘GREEN KNIGHTS’ ARE GO!
MARINE CORPS DECLARES INITIAL OPERATING
CAPABILITY WITH F-35B LIGHTNING II
T
HE US MARINE the Marine Corps’ ability to employ Munition (JDAM) carried in the
Corps declared initial this complex weapon system in an Lightning II’s internal weapons bays.
operating capability operational environment.’ The software supports ‘basic’ close air
(IOC) with the F-35B Commandant of the Marine Corps support and interdiction missions as
Lightning II on July 31. Gen Joseph F. Dunford Jr added that well as ‘limited’ suppression of enemy
Marine fighter attack VMFA-121’s aircraft and crews ‘have air defense and destruction of air
squadron VMFA-121 ‘Green Knights’ the requisite performance envelope defense missions. The Marines expect
at MCAS Yuma, Arizona, is now flying and weapons clearances, to include to declare full operational capability
10 Block 2B-configured F-35Bs that the training, sustainment capabilities, (FOC) with the Block 3F software
are considered as being ready for and infrastructure to deploy to an package in 2017, which will enable the
worldwide deployment. austere site or a ship.’ carriage of up to 18,000lb (8,165kg)
According to Under-secretary of The Block 2B software package of weapons both internally and on
Defense for Acquisition, Technology enables limited combat capabilities external pylons, along with the four-
and Logistics Frank Kendall, ‘The that include the AIM-120C air-to- barrel GAU-22/A cannon.
decision was made following a air missile, 500lb (227kg) GBU-12 A full report on the IOC declaration
thorough operational readiness laser-guided bombs, and the 1,000lb and much more features in our free
inspection (ORI), which assessed (454kg) GBU-32 Joint Direct Attack F-35B supplement in this issue.
F-35B test aircraft BF-04 conducted the first
aerial refueling from an F/A-18F equipped with
a hose and drogue-equipped buddy-refueling
pod on August 4, on a mission from NAS
Patuxent River, Maryland. Lockheed Martin
07
The first of 12 EA-18Gs destined
for the Royal Australian Air
Force carried out its first flight
at St Louis, Missouri, on July 12.
Boeing/Richard Rau
October 2015 www.combataircraft.net
[NEWS] UNITED STATES
F-35A 13-5072/HL (AF-78) is the second
aircraft for the 34 th FS and it made its
maiden flight on July 23. Carl Richards
An F-35A has conducted the type’s first aerial
refueling trials from an Italian Air Force KC-767A
at Edwards AFB, California. The Italian 767 is the
first non-US tanker aircraft to undergo refueling
certification with the Lightning II, and it will
support Italian trials. Lockheed Martin
The first pair of F-35As for the
56th Fighter Wing’s second
training unit, the 62nd FS,
arrived at Luke AFB, Arizona, on
August 15. The aircraft (serials 13-5065 and 13-5068)
are the first of 18 that will be assigned. Jim Haseltine
08
Huey replacement gathers steam UPGRADE UPDATE
ON AUGUST 10, the USAF announced options that include modification
it would hold an industry day to of the existing fleet, a sole‑source ‘Dragon Lady’ upgrades planned keep the airplane relevant and able
discuss plans to replace its Twin award for a new aircraft or an open The USAF’s U‑2S fleet, which had to perform its mission. One major
Hueys with up to 72 vertical lift competition for a new platform. A been scheduled for retirement in program will add the Raytheon
aircraft. It had previously confirmed capabilities request for information 2016, will likely receive an extension Advanced Synthetic Aperture
plans to replace its fleet of UH‑1Ns (CRFI) will be released after the that will keep the high‑altitude Radar System. The ASARS‑2B
with recapitalized UH‑60As being industry day. intelligence, surveillance, and active electronically‑scanned array
retired by the US Army. The service plans to develop a reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft in (AESA) radar provides double the
The UH‑1N replacement will be an Huey successor acquisition strategy service through 2019. The move range of the earlier ASARS‑2A and
in‑production, non‑developmental and establish a program office is intended to allow time for improves target indication and
(NDI), government or commercial in fiscal 2016, and will conduct a the necessary upgrades to be synthetic aperture radar imaging
off‑the‑shelf (GOTS/COTS) aircraft. milestone decision and award a incorporated on the Northrop capabilities. Additionally, the aircraft
The service is also considering other contract during Fiscal 2017. Grumman RQ‑4B Global Hawk. will receive a third‑generation L‑3
Although plans currently call for the Communications radio capable of
Global Hawk to replace the U‑2S, relaying data between fourth‑ and
SOCOM plans enhanced Chinook
Lockheed Martin hopes the service fifth‑generation fighter aircraft.
will again reverse its decision. In The two efforts are included on a
THE US ARMY has issued a The new version would be based
fact, the contractor has conducted ‘prudent actions list’ approved by
solicitation associated with the on the Block II CH‑47F airframe.
an extensive stress analysis which the Secretary of the Air Force and
purchase of new‑production Although Boeing is still defining
verified that the airframe could submitted as part of the service’s
Block II MH‑47G Chinook special the requirements for the Block II
remain in service through 2050. Fiscal 2016 budget request.
operations helicopters from version, it will likely be equipped
According to Lockheed Martin, the The U‑2S is also capable of
Boeing. This will follow delivery of with the Advanced Chinook
U‑2 airframe still has 80 per cent of its carrying the latest version of the
the last of eight new‑build Block Rotor Blade, which is intended to
service life remaining and its mission‑ UTC Aerospace Systems Senior Year
I MH‑47Gs to US Army Special provide the aircraft with 11,905lb
capable rate currently averages 97 Electro‑Optical Reconnaissance
Operations Command (USASOC), (5,400kg) of additional lift. This,
per cent. System. The SYERS‑2C multi‑spectral
which will occur in 2015. Boeing says, will increase the
The USAF fleet currently comprises imaging sensor provides new bands
The command had previously CH‑47F’s payload from 24,000lb to
27 single‑seat U‑2S and five two‑seat on the electromagnetic spectrum
received 61 Block I MH‑47Gs that 35,900lb (10,886kg to 16,284kg).
TU‑2S trainer models. Retaining the and increases the spectral resolution
were re‑manufactured using The Army expects to begin
‘Dragon Lady’ for several more years and image interpretability. The
components from 35 CH‑47Ds, fielding the Block II version in the
means that upgrades are required to system is currently carried only by
nine MH‑47Ds, and 18 MH‑47Es. early 2020s.
www.combataircraft.net October 2015
UNITED STATES [NEWS]
LIGHTNING II LATEST

FIRST COMBAT-CODED F-35A • F-35C EXTERNAL WEAPONS TESTING
L
OCKHEED MARTIN HAS capabilities to upgrade F-35 software
completed pre-delivery standards in the field. Indeed, engineers
test flights of the first two from the 57th Aircraft Maintenance
combat-coded F-35As Squadron Lightning Aircraft
destined for US Air Force Maintenance Unit and a Lockheed
operational squadrons Martin field team recently completed
at its Fort Worth facility. Production the upgrade of a pair of early low-rate
aircraft AF-77 and AF-78 (USAF serials initial production F-35As from Block
13-5071 and 13-5072 respectively) will 1B to Block 2B configuration. Carried
be delivered to the newly re-activated out locally at Nellis AFB, Nevada, the
F-35C test aircraft
CF-05 has been 34th Fighter Squadron ‘Rude Rams’ updates, which involved Lightning IIs
conducting high angle of at Hill AFB, Utah, in September. The assigned to the 53rd Test & Evaluation
attack departure resistance squadron is expected to achieve initial Group’s 422nd Test & Evaluation
testing with external stores
operational capability with 12 F-35As in Squadron, were the first to be done on-
including GBU-12 laser-
guided bombs and AIM-9X August 2016. site rather than at a depot facility. The
air-to-air missiles. Maintenance personnel assigned first upgrade began in May and was
Lockheed Martin/Michael D. Jackson to the F-35A are now developing completed in early July.
09
UPGRADE UPDATE
the U-2S, and two SYERS-2C units The 22nd Airlift Squadron’s last C-5B aircraft’s service life, ensuring that aircraft. The system will replace the
are fielded at Beale AFB, California. was flown to Marietta for upgrading the Talon fleet can remain in service Sentry’s AN/APX-103C.
However, an effort is under way to to C-5M configuration on August 4. It until 2029. Development of the UPX-40 began
integrate it with the Global Hawk. is scheduled to be returned to Travis The 575th AMXS, which is a in 2008 and production efforts started
By 2019 the USAF plans to replace in December 2017. The unit continues geographically-separated unit of in 2012. Included as part of the
the U-2S fleet with the Global Hawk, to operate the remaining C-5C, which the Ogden Air Logistics Complex at Block 40/45 program, the system is
which can remain airborne for more will be inducted into the modification Hill AFB, Utah, is currently carrying designed to eliminate ground clutter
than 30 hours and offers lower line in 2016 and delivered in 2017. out modifications on 11 Talons. It in order to better detect, identify,
operating costs. Lockheed Martin In related news, Lockheed Martin will upgrade 16 more aircraft in and track enemy and friendly low-
proposed an unmanned version of has received a $240.5-million Fiscal 2016, and up to 150 by 2021. flying aircraft. The first modification
the U-2 in 2012 and 2014 but the contract modification that provides The project is the largest and most was completed in April and eight
project generated little interest. for installation of the final lot of invasive structural modification more installations are planned for
reliability enhancement and re- ever performed on the Talon and completion this year.
Super Galaxy deliveries engining program (RERP) kits. Lot 7 involves removing and replacing Additionally, the tactical radio
Lockheed Martin delivered the 30th includes the final batch of 11 C-5Bs 185 structural parts including major system on Block 40/45 AWACS will be
upgraded C-5M to the US Air Force for conversion to Super Galaxy longerons, bulkheads/formers, replaced by the new Multi-functional
on August 5 when serial 86-0026 configuration. Work is expected internal skins and structural floors, Information Distribution System/Joint
departed Dobbins Air Reserve Base to be completed on the last C-5M and assessing the serviceability of as Tactical Radio System (MIDS/JTRS),
in Marietta for Travis AFB, California. conversion by April 2018. many as 155 additional components. which will provide new capabilities,
Delivered six weeks ahead of the Under current plans, 125 aircraft will including crypto modernization
schedule, the Super Galaxy is the Pacer Classic III T-38C delivered received the upgrades at a cost of and the ability to receive messages
12th C-5M delivered to the 22nd Air Technicians from the 575th Aircraft $250 million, but 25 more T-38Cs on four different channels, while
Mobility Wing. Just eight days earlier Maintenance Squadron (AMXS) at could be modified for $25 million. transmitting through just one. The
the contractor flew serial 84-0062 Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, program is managed by the AWACS
to Stewart Air National Guard Base Texas, recently completed AWACS upgrades continue Communication and Network
in Newburgh, New York, where it is modifications to the first T-38C to be The Air Force has completed the first Upgrade (CNU) program office,
undergoing internal paint restoration upgraded under the Pacer Classic III installation of the AN/UPX-40 Next which plans to release a request for
prior to delivery to Travis. The two project. The aircraft was unveiled on Generation Identification Friend or proposals some time during mid-
aircraft were originally delivered as July 31. The structural modifications Foe (NGIFF) in the Boeing E-3 airborne Fiscal 2016, with a contract award
C-5Bs in June 1988 and July 1986. will add around 8,000 hours to the warning and control system (AWACS) following early in Fiscal 2017.
October 2015 www.combataircraft.net
[NEWS] UNITED STATES
THE US MARINE Corps has marked
its fi nal fl ight of a CH-46E Sea Knight.
The type took to the air for the fi rst
time in August 1962, and the fi nal
example in service made its last
fl ight on August 1, 2015 as it arrived
at the Smithsonian Institution
10
National Air and Space Museum’s
Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in
Chantilly, Virginia.
Marine Medium Helicopter
Squadron 774 was the last Marine
Corps Sea Knight squadron, the
type having now made way for the
MV-22 Osprey. The sole remaining
US Marine Corps Sea Knights are the
four HH-46Es assigned to the search
s and rescue fl ight at MCAS Cherry
p
or Point, North Carolina.
C
e Speaking at the ceremony, Lt Col
n
Mari SO LONG, SEA KNIGHT John Sarno commented: ‘This aircraft
S is leaving behind history dating from
U
Vietnam to Afghanistan.’
‘RAGING BULLS’ DEPLOY
SHARK-MOUTH EAGLE
MV-22B Ospreys of VMM-261 ‘Raging Bulls’ have deployed to Morón,
Spain, to join the resident US Marine Corps Special-Purpose Marine Exercise ‘Sentry Eagle’ at Kingsley Field, Klamath Falls, Oregon,
Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa. Four Ospreys arrived saw the host 173rd FW’s 114th FS fl ying F-15C serial 79-046 with
from MCAS New River on July 28. Antonio Muñiz Zaragüeta an impressive shark’s mouth on the nose. Nate Leong
www.combataircraft.net October 2015