Combat Aircraft (January 2020)

One of the Naval Aviation
Warfighting Development
Center’s F-16As flies with
an F/A-18C. Both serve
as adversary aircraft
and are flown by TOPGUN
instructors.





















































































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SQUADRON SHOWCASE // US NAVY FIGHTER WEAPONS SCHOOL

Buss is a recent graduate of the course,
and was selected to remain at Fallon to
join the TOPGUN sta as an instructor.
Re ecting on his path to being accepted
as a student, he says, ‘You need to have
completed your rst eet tour and be
a division [four-ship] leader with all the
right quali cations, plus have supporting
letters of recommendation. When you
hear you’re accepted you have about six
months to get ready. Fleet squadrons
do a great job of preparing the students,
making sure you’re not hit by a re hose
when you come here initially. No matter
how much preparation you do, the quality
of instruction and the di culty of the
ights here are unmatched.
‘You get one warm-up ight when
TOPGUN missions typically include course aircrews fl ying you rst arrive, which is usually a local
standard fl eet jets, accompanied by instructors in NAWDC familiarization, but your rst ‘hop’ on
aircraft such as this F/A-18C, but they also use the visiting the course is ‘BFM one’ [basic ghter
aircraft if they are fl ying as a wingman to the students.
maneuvering, ight one], leading a
TOPGUN instructor. It counts at that
be the best and they are challenged to be (WSOs) who, upon graduation, are posted point and the stakes are high. Literally
better every single day.’ to either the TOPGUN sta , Strike sta at everything you do is judged. You have
TOPGUN runs three 13-week student NAWDC, an east or west coast weapons to meet their standard and a big portion
courses each year with aviators who school, a eet replacement squadron of the learning is realizing your mistakes
are hand-picked from eet squadrons. (FRS), or to Test and Developmental Below: ‘Hop’ and showing what could have been
‘Sometimes we’ll have as many as 14 or Squadron Nine (VX-9). SFTIs are complete, a done to prevent them. Then you have to
15 students [per class] when you count designated as squadron training o cers, TOPGUN BFM teach that to the instructor. So much of
our two-seat aircraft,’ explains Myers. who prepare for deployments and keep instructor heads being a patch-wearer is about being a
back to the Fleet
‘That’s 42-45 TOPGUN graduates per year their units abreast of new tactics. Training Building, good teacher.’
[who] then go back to the eet to raise TOPGUN patch-wearers are at the heart which houses
the level of instruction there.’ TOPGUN of eet squadrons, as LT Matt ‘Magic TOPGUN as well The TOPGUN charter
as the HAVOC
teaches the Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor Mutt’ Buss explained to Combat Aircraft: EA-18G Growler, TOPGUN was established in 1969 as a
(SFTI) course, dedicated to maintaining ‘The guys with a TOPGUN patch on their TOPDOME E-2 response to the Ault Report, which found
standards across the eet. It’s aimed at shoulder are extremely professional Hawkeye and that training across the US Navy was not
SEAWOLF MH-60
pilots and weapons systems o cers and they set the pace for the squadron.’ weapons schools. where it needed to be, recommending





































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the establishment of a ghter weapons environment we will also instruct each nished with their rst tour in the eet
school dedicated to teaching individual one of our students on the ways that they will put in an application package to
1-v-1 aerial combat. Myers says, ‘That was they can continue to teach the tactics, TOPGUN, which — along with the east
really the start of TOPGUN’s charter — Above left to right: techniques and procedures that they learn and west coast weapons schools as well
training aviators that are able to teach and Larger missions at the class to others. as other constituencies, including the test
towards the end
instruct the rest of the eet to accelerate of the course ‘Selection of our students has absolutely community — will parse through and pick
the learning throughout the US Navy.’ Over see the TOPGUN changed throughout the years. When the best and most quali ed for the class.
the years, TOPGUN’s model has changed. instructors being TOPGUN was rst established, basically Once they are accepted to TOPGUN they
supplemented
It started 50 years ago as a multiple-week with either the squadron commanding o cer would are assigned follow-on orders to either
course but has now expanded into a contract be ‘convinced’ to give up a couple of their one of those weapons schools, the test
multiple-month course, currently standing adversaries or by aviators for a period of time to get the community, NAWDC Strike or potentially
the resident F-5s
at 13 weeks. It has also evolved from of VFC-13. extra training. They would provide them to stay on as TOPGUN instructors, and
mainly 1-v-1 air combat — ‘dog ghting’ to TOPGUN, which would train them then they will serve an entire two-and-
— into section (two-ship) and division Although F/A-18Cs for several weeks in aerial combat and a-half to three-year tour in an instructor
have all been
(four-ship) tactics. Myers adds, ‘While we’re retired by fl eet then return them to the eet. What has capacity at one of those schools.
focusing on individual mechanics and units, NAWDC changed over the years is that TOPGUN ‘Talent goes beyond performance in
the combat employment of our aircraft in retains a large students are really on a continuation the aircraft. While talent in the aircraft
fl eet of these
both the air-to-ground and the air-to-air aircraft. of a career model. Once students have is fundamental to credibility, it must

TOPGUN’s F-16s are Block 15 A/B
models that were destined for
Pakistan but were embargoed.
Unlike the earlier F110-GE-100-
powered F-16N adversary aircraft
that were retired by 1995, the
current jets have Pratt & Whitney
F100 engines.

































www.Key.Aero // January 2020 53




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SQUADRON SHOWCASE // US NAVY FIGHTER WEAPONS SCHOOL

































go further. We need people who are the F-4 Phantom II, the F-14 Tomcat and Right: Wearing
credible, humble, approachable and today in the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, the trademark
hard-working. Talented instructors who TOPGUN remains weighted towards light blue T-shirt
and black
are intellectually curious and outstanding air-to-air. Myers says, ‘It’s still the Navy fl ying boots,
teachers. All of these talents together Fighter Weapons School and our charter a TOPGUN
make for a rounded human being who is is to ensure the eet is ready for air-to- instructor
walks away
also excellent in an aircraft.’ air combat. We do have a signi cant from a
period of air-to-surface training as well, mission in
BFM — the foundation but for the most part it’s an air-to-air one of
of TOPGUN weapons school.’ NAWDC’s
‘vanilla’
Despite the evolution of naval ghter The TOPGUN course is divided into F/A-18Fs.
aviation over the past 50 years, through four phases: basic ghter maneuvering













































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While talent (BFM), air-to-surface, section (two-ship) able to ght the aircraft. It starts with
and division (four-ship). Each runs for
the student being o ensive, so as the
in the aircraft between three and three-and-a-half instructor I’m the defender [out front]
weeks, except for air-to-surface, which
and I’m trying to maneuver my aircraft
is fundamental to lasts only two weeks. All phases are in order to deny them that position
conducted at Fallon, except for BFM,
credibility, it must which involves TOPGUN detaching to — they’ve got to make the correct
decisions based on how my aircraft is
go further. We need either NAS Lemoore or MCAS Miramar in maneuvering. If they make an error I will
California, or NAS Oceana, Virginia.
look to capitalize on that as quickly as
LT James ‘Brolemic’ Gibbons is a BFM
people who are instructor on the TOPGUN sta . He says, possible. We repeat each ight multiple
times because it’s likely the rst time
credible, humble, ‘When the school was founded in 1969, they’re exposed to ‘slick’ airplanes — we
kick the pylons o in order to improve
most of the engagements were WVR
approachable [within visual range], so the primary aerodynamic performance and we are
focus was to teach aviators to maneuver
ying close to sea level in denser air,
and hard-working. to employ their weapon successfully. with a greater thrust-to-weight ratio. We
Talented instructors BFM is the foundation of the school — then move to defensive BFM and the
roles are reversed; then into high aspect
we build everything upon what we learn
who are intellectually in that and it can be applied to the air- [head-to-head].’
Aside from a handful of US Marine Corps
to-air concepts that we have later on in
curious and the class, be that in a division of aircraft, students in ‘classic’ Hornets, the US Navy
or beyond. As you go from BVR [beyond
crews all now y Super Hornets, although
outstanding visual range] to WVR you have to know the F-35 will be added to the class from
how to maneuver your aircraft and
January 2020. The students y eet
teachers how to take advantage of the threat’s aircraft that are borrowed from the
mistakes and turn that into an o ensive front line and are preferably in
advantage for you. the latest con guration.
CDR Timothy
‘Ain’t’ Myers ‘We begin with the BFM phase, which
is designed to introduce students
to maneuvering the aircraft at 7.5g
while maintaining sight and being
















































www.Key.Aero // January 2020 55




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SQUADRON SHOWCASE // US NAVY FIGHTER WEAPONS SCHOOL

In the BFM phase they initially fly constantly evaluating where you could subject area. Buss adds, ‘A lot of it is just
against similar types. However, the have improved.’ about timing. The SME topics are all
NAWDC F-16A/B ‘Vipers’ are then drafted extremely complex and executed to the
in with BFM instructors so the students Staying on the staff exacting TOPGUN standard — it’s why
can fight against a dissimilar aircraft Having successfully completed the the process is infamous for how difficult
that has a significantly higher thrust-to- TOPGUN class, Buss got his number it is. Right now I’m reading everything
weight ratio. one choice of staying on at Fallon to the current SME has written, looking
This is all about live flights. At present become a TOPGUN instructor, which is at what has changed, absorbing as
there are no Super Hornet simulators a full three-year tour and reflects the much knowledge as possible. The only
at Fallon, as Gibbons explains: ‘Right complexity of the task at hand. ‘They say, interface I have with the students in this
now with respect to BFM it’s difficult to ‘Congratulations on getting your patch, current class is as an adversary. Probably
simulate the environment because the now the hard work begins’.’ even the next class will be the same
effect of g is significant. Under 7.5g in a Once pilots join the staff they receive because I’ll be going through my ‘murder
defensive break turn, trying to assess the the trademark light blue T-shirt and board’ process.’
nose position of another aircraft while initially train to get a ‘Red Air’ adversary Of the 42 instructors on the TOPGUN
trying to keep the lights on is relatively qualification, so they can fly as a staff, a small portion are like Buss who
difficult. That’s why we put so much wingman on those missions. They are have recently graduated the course and
emphasis on the flying.’ then assigned a ‘smee’, which means are undergoing the process of becoming The first TOPGUN
Reflecting on BFM from a student they will become a subject matter expert SMEs. That involves compiling their mission of the day
perspective, Buss recalls, ‘BFM is very (SME) in a particular area. Buss says, lecture and all the research required to is launched at
difficult right up front because of ‘I am going to be the AIM-9 and aerial be the TOPGUN expert on that topic, in dawn, such is the
need to maximise
the shock factor. It’s the introduction gunnery SME.’ This gets handed down order to then be able to teach this to the the day’s flying.
to what the standards are. Having as instructors move on and essentially students. Building the lecture is crucial TOPGUN does
everything you do on a one-hour entails becoming the single point of and is achieved through an ominous not fly any night
missions during
flight put under the microscope, you’re contact for all things related to the process of ‘pre-boards’ given to a hyper- the course.
























































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critical panel of seasoned instructors, This all happens in parallel with the memory. It’s eye-opening how much
as preparation for the ultimate ‘murder start of IUT — instructor under training. work goes into creating a BFM instructor
board’, which is delivered to the entire Buss says, ‘In order to complete IUT you pilot to get to that level of proficiency.’
staff and then critiqued in extraordinary have to progress meticulously through The IUT syllabus for each phase is
levels of detail. Successful completion each phase of the course, essentially extremely thorough. Every instructor
of the murder board means the going back through the entire course at TOPGUN will have flown upwards
individual is qualified as the SME for their several times to be polished enough to of 60 flights in BFM just to become an
particular area. actually instruct the students.’ instructor.
LT Orion ‘Sid’ Kelly is the current air-to-
surface fundamentals SME. ‘I completed Maintaining the standard
the class in December 2018 [and] started With more than 4,000 graduates of
working on staff in January. As a junior TOPGUN over its 50 years, there is zero
instructor the majority of the flying is ‘Red doubt over the credibility that comes
Air’ as you haven’t yet got your instructor the day these aviators earn their patch.
quals. I got my ‘Red’ then air-to-surface Myers says, ‘Our credibility is derived
instructor qualification, and next will from the efforts and the representation
be BFM. Towards the end of your time — the blood, sweat and tears — of those
on staff is usually when the guys get that have gone before us. We are very
division. Throughout the entire time on conscious of our history.
staff you’re continuing to work on your ‘We have never been asked to lower
qualifications to teach the various flights. or to compromise the very high bar that
‘The BFM instructors on staff have we have set, so I can confidently say that
seen every error there is to be made when you graduate from TOPGUN you
and they’re at the point where they’re have met a very stringent requirement.
maneuvering the aircraft with muscle The fact that our leadership supports our











































Under 7.5g in a defensive break turn, trying to assess the nose

position of another aircraft while trying to keep the lights on is

relatively difficult. That’s why we put so much emphasis on the flying


LT James ‘Brolemic’ Gibbons


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SQUADRON SHOWCASE // US NAVY FIGHTER WEAPONS SCHOOL

standards is certainly indicative of the says, ‘I see the school becoming a bit type’s suitability to the suppression of
fact that they support our mission.’ more focused on the integrated fourth enemy air defenses (SEAD) role.
When asked about the impact of the and fifth-generation fight, whilst still Reflecting on the developments ahead,
new movie on TOPGUN’s mission, Myers maintaining the dedication that we Myers says, ‘When I flew the F-14, I
remarked, ‘We focus primarily on the job have to individual aircrew performance, remember F-4 pilots talking about how
at hand: training the next generation of because that’s really what the Ault easy it was to fly an F-14 — now it’s the
Strike Fighter Tactics Instructors. It helps Report talked about. Regardless of the most difficult airplane I’ve ever landed on
that we’re very busy, which means we schemes, no matter what the strategic an aircraft carrier. Every modernization
don’t have time to sit and bask in the employment of the force might look like, is a significant step-change. The
spotlight. We are also very confident individuals in their warfighting platforms incorporation of the F/A-18 into TOPGUN
in our identity and appreciate that the make a difference. Making sure that you
original Top Gun movie is a Hollywood are focused on individual training and
rendition of the school.’ While a new raising the level of every one of those
movie is surely good news for navy individuals makes the collective a much
recruitment and overall morale, any talk more powerful fighting force.’
of it at Fallon is quickly diverted back NAWDC will receive two F-35s in the
to the importance of the training and summer of 2020, with F-35Bs and Cs from
the mission. the US Marine Corps and US Navy coming
It’s an evolving picture at TOPGUN as in for each class. TOPGUN has no present
the first F-35 students arrive in January, plans to fly F-35s as adversaries. The
breaking a collegiate cycle of Hornet air-to-surface focus of the F-35 is likely to
and Super Hornet training and adding herald a tweaked syllabus compared with
overall complexity to the syllabus. Myers the Super Hornet, especially given the




























































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was an advance, and these progressions
always create new opportunities and
challenges, and open up mission sets
that were previously closed. This is the
next challenge. Change brings risk and
we’re mindful of that fact. We’re currently
executing a dry run of [the] F-35 syllabus
in this class right now with just TOPGUN
instructors. We are dedicated to the
quality of the product we provide in
the class, we can’t experiment with the
implementation of this platform.
‘In my humble opinion Strike Fighter
Tactics Instructors — the product
of TOPGUN — are the soul of naval
aviation. We have a huge impact on the
direction and tactics, driving combat
excellence, which is ultimately our
mission, to be ready to conduct prompt
and sustained combat operations at
sea. TOPGUN has created the people
who drive the navy’s mission every
single day.’


Acknowledgements: The authors would like to
thank CDR Timothy Myers, LT Alex Beasley, LT Matt
Buss, LT Benjamin Witt, Mr ‘Zip’ Upham and all at
TOPGUN for their assistance in the preparation of
this feature. Left page:
This F/A-18C is
assigned to the
NAWDC and is
flown by TOPGUN
instructors as
an adversary
aircraft.
Left page inset:
TOPGUN
Instructors step
from the Fleet
Training Building,
where the school
is located, to the
hangar to get
kitted up before
walking to the jets
on the adjacent
flight line.
Left top to bottom:
A TOPGUN
instructor in an
F/A-18C waits for
two students to
taxi past for the
morning ‘go’.
A sight many
students see
in their mirrors
— an instructor
bearing down
in an adversary
F/A-18C.
A student flying
a loaned VFA-2
F/A-18F with a
GBU-12, recovers
to Fallon during
the air-to-ground
phase.

www.Key.Aero // January 2020 59




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COMBAT REPORT // ‘ATLANTIC RESOLVE’


















Part of the European Reassurance Initiative, ‘Atlantic Resolve’ has seen a series of large US Army
deployments to Europe, with the latest example getting under way in October.

REPORT AND PHOTOS Dino van Doorn





HE US ARMY’S 3rd Combat is part of a renewed US commitment to
Aviation Brigade from peace, security and stability in Europe
Hunter Army Air eld in through deployments that are generally
Georgia set foot in Europe focused on central and eastern Europe.
at the port of Zeebrugge, These rotations are overseen by the
TBelgium, on October 16, as mission command element, a regionally
its helicopters started unloading from aligned headquarters based in Poznan,
the ARC Endurance. It was the start of Poland, and there are approximately
a nine-month rotation in support of 6,000 soldiers participating in OAR at This image:
‘Atlantic Resolve’. The 3rd CAB’s 3rd any given time. 3rd Combat
Infantry Division is replacing the 1st CAB To date, four di erent US Army CABs Aviation Brigade
‘Demon’, which is heading home to Fort have deployed to Europe. Apache and
Black Hawks in
Riley, Kansas. Capt Philippe De Cock, the Belgian Zeebrugge during
Part of the European Reassurance Navy commander of the province of October having
Initiative (ERI) that came into e ect in West Flanders, explained to Combat been offl oaded
from the ARC
2014, Operation ‘Atlantic Resolve’ (OAR) Aircraft, ‘Our services as host nation are Endurance.









































62 January 2020 // www.Key.Aero




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to co-ordinate the support of various Unit Home base Start End Arrival port Departure port
American ministries and o cials, such 10th Mountain Fort Drum, March 2017 October Bremerhaven Rotterdam
as the security of this part of the port, Division New York October 2017
1st Cavalry
supplied by Belgian soldiers, but also Division Fort Hood, Texas 2017 June 2018 Zeebrugge Zeebrugge
the supply of fuel and re safety for 4th Infantry Fort Carson, Texas July 2018 January Rotterdam Rotterdam
the unloaded US Army equipment in Division 2019
our harbor.’ 1st Infantry Fort Riley, Kansas January October Zeebrugge Rotterdam
Division
2019
2019
On average, 80 helicopters are shipped 3rd Infantry October
for an OAR deployment, and they are Division Hunter AAF, Georgia 2019 July 2020 Zeebrugge -
o oaded at one of the major ports
in Europe. In order to test di erent
logistical routes and the capacity of
European ports, the US Army has moved
equipment through Bremerhaven,
Rotterdam and Zeebrugge on previous
deployments, with Alexandropoulos and
Volos in Greece having handled a small
number of helicopters as well. The vast
ARC (American roll-on, roll-o carrier)
Endurance is able to accommodate
and disgorge all of the helicopters in a
single day — they typically consist of 12
CH-47F Chinooks, 24 AH-64E Apaches,
38 UH-60 Black Hawks and 12 HH-60
medevac Black Hawks. Once o oaded,
the aircraft are immediately readied
for a short ight to a nearby staging
airport for a so-called ‘tech stop’ before
continuing on to their destination eld.
This rotation is slightly unusual in that
the CAB only unloaded eight AH-64Ds,
four CH-47Fs and 25 UH-60/HH-60s at
Zeebrugge, with a second shipment
heading for Volos to support the major
e ort in Bulgaria and Romania. These
assets will then gradually move north
into central Europe in order to take part
in ‘Defender Europe 20’ during April and
May — the largest planned deployment
of US-based forces to the area in the
past 25 years.






Top to bottom:
The 3rd CAB
takes in three
fl ying battalions
including 2-3
Avn that fl ies the
UH-60L (seen
here), UH-60M
and CH-47F.
Having been
offl oaded, the
helicopters are
readied for a short
fl ight to a nearby
airfi eld.
AH-64D serial
07-07046 of
3-17 Cav on the
dockside at
Zeebrugge.

www.Key.Aero // January 2020 63




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64 January 2020 // www.Key.Aero




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The US Navy was struggling to train new aviators amid big problems
with its Boeing T-45 Goshawks in 2017. But with those problems fixed,

training is back on track, thanks to a number of new initiatives.
REPORT AND PHOTOS Andy Wolfe













































A VT-7 T-45C
holds close
formation during
a training mission
out of NAS
Meridian.

www.Key.Aero // January 2020 65




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UNIT REPORT // TRAINING WING ONE

HE SPRAWLING FORESTS of simulator ‘rides’ and lectures. Roughly throughout 2019, which is testament to
central Mississippi are unlikely 150 pilots each year earn their wings the hard work of the staff.
surroundings for a naval air here — it’s a crucial node in the training
station, but away from the pipeline that provides junior officers for Getting results
US Navy’s more traditionally fleet squadrons. One of the key enablers to breaking
Tlocated bases is NAS Meridian, Following an ‘operational pause’ in 2017 the backlog and actually increasing
home to Training Wing One (TRAWING while the navy addressed physiological pilot training efficiency was the
ONE). A pair of squadrons sit under this issues in the T-45C, maximizing pilot establishment of the FITU in January
organization — VT-7 ‘Eagles’ and VT-9 throughput is more important then ever 2018. Prior to this, the training syllabus
‘Tigers’, which operate nearly 100 Boeing amid retention issues in a world where for instructors was far more informal
T-45C Goshawks. More than half of all airlines are hiring and greater pay and and located within the individual VT
naval aviators destined to fly carrier- quality of life are luring people out of the squadrons. During a normal 36-month
based aircraft (E-2, EA-18G, C-2A, F/A- military. The increased demand signal on instructor tour, the first four to six
18E/F, F-35C, AV-8B) come to Meridian naval training following the T-45 pause months were spent getting fully
to earn their coveted wings of gold. has been a huge challenge for TRAWING qualified as an instructor. Following the
Students arrive having completed their ONE, according to CDR Brandon ‘Billy’ formation and integration of the formal
first phase of training in the T-6 Texan II Ray, the Flight Instructor Training Unit FITU at TRAWING ONE, the instructor
at either NAS Whiting Field, Florida, or (FITU) officer in charge (OIC) here. With qualifications are taking less than three
Corpus Christi, Texas, and spend some a large quantity of students stacked months, netting a 24 per cent reduction
52 weeks at Meridian flying around 150 up, the wing has worked through in the time required to qualify. The
hours in the Goshawk, interspersed with the backlog and got back on track impact of this has been huge for a training
community that was essentially shut
down for more than three months.
The US Navy approach to instructor
training has differed significantly
from the USAF philosophy of having a
separate and dedicated training wing
for instructors. The wing at Randolph
AFB, Texas, commonly known as pilot
instructor training (PIT), serves as the
only schoolhouse for air force instructors
in the T-38 Talon, T-1 Jayhawk and T-6A Left top top to
Texan II. Ray went through Randolph from bottom:
A dedicated
2003-05 prior to a tour in the T-37 ‘Tweet’, instructor pilot
and says, ‘Even though there is an entirely pipeline has
different instructor training philosophy dramatically
improved
with the different services, one is not productivity.
necessarily better than the other. They
are just different approaches to creating Three Goshawks
lined up on the
a qualified instructor.’ Ray is now on his Meridian runway.
third spell teaching in the T-45 and was The pace of
an ideal candidate to set up the FITU. operations here
means that as
‘There were many obstacles to overcome many as 150
during the establishment of the FITU since sorties a day is
it was a dramatic culture shift from how standard.
[navy] instructor training was completed Right page
previously.’ clockwise from
There are more than 80 full-time top:
A T-45C performs
instructors assigned to the various a carrier break
organizations at Meridian, with around into the pattern at
35 in each squadron and 10 more on the Meridian.
wing staff. Of those 80 instructors, about CDR Brandon
15 per cent are standardization pilots ‘Billy’ Ray is the
who are assigned to the FITU to train new commander of
the new Flight
instructors and serve as NATOPS (Naval Instructor Training
Air Training and Operating Procedures Unit (FITU) at
Standardization) evaluators. In addition, Meridian.
16 US Navy Reserve instructor pilots (IPs) With the safety
fly eight to 10 days per month to each issues behind
offer 100 hours of valuable tuition. Since the T-45C, the
navy has worked
TRAWING ONE flies a whopping 150 hard to clear the
training sorties each day, these reserve trainee backlog.

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TRAWING ONE will continue

to look at ways to improve

training and instruction via increased

efficiency as well as implementing
new technology like augmented reality

and virtual reality


CAPT Nick Mungas

































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22/11/2019 14:33
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UNIT REPORT // TRAINING WING ONE

instructors are crucial for continuity, and marine pilots, many of whom were known as FAIPs — first assignment
especially when factoring the natural leaving after department head tours instructor pilots. Even though it’s
turn-over in active-duty staff every year. when their service obligation was currently a small number of officers, it’s
This can equate to anything up to one complete and they could easily walk out working well and will likely continue.
third of the staff billets. the door to the civilian job market.
Mirroring the case throughout the A blend of experience
Professional flight US services in recent years, the high The instructor cadre at TRAWING ONE is
instructor operational tempo coupled with lucrative a melting pot of experience from various
Another new program at Meridian is career opportunities outside the military fleet platforms, not just fighters. It’s not
that of the professional flight instructor. have made it difficult to retain precious unusual to find E-2 Hawkeye, P-3 Orion
This is designed for O-4 and O-5 officer aircrew. This has spurred the services to or E-6 Mercury experience here, even
ranks who have completed their rethink traditional options and career though they have no prior T-45 flight
department head tours. It’s a new paths for more senior pilots, in order to time. CAPT Nick Mungas, commodore
career path for pilots who want to stop keep them in assignments that benefit of TRAWING ONE says, ‘This diverse
pursuing a command track and would the navy as well as the individual. instructor corps provides a high-quality
prefer to focus on flying in their next The navy is coming at the problem training program for the students that
assignment. They come to the wing from a number of angles, additionally includes a variety of perspectives beyond
to become experienced senior-level using the selectively retained graduate a single aircraft community.’
instructors who fly events without (SERGRAD) initiative to strengthen the Despite the recent troubles, T-45C
extra command and leadership instructor cadre at Meridian. SERGRADs training at Meridian will go on well into
development responsibilities. stay at Meridian for a year after they the future as the expected airframe life
The program was started are winged to serve as instructors prior of the aircraft is currently set at 14,400
as a retention enabler to heading to the fleet replacement hours, thanks to a fleet-wide service life
based on feedback squadron (FRS). It’s an approach that’s extension program (SLEP). Goshawks are
from navy worked for the USAF, where they are due to fly into the early 2040s, but eyes





















































A crisp echelon of T-45Cs from VT-7, one of
the two squadrons at Meridian.

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THE FRENCH years. He previously flew the Super
Étendard and Rafale M. Approximately
CONNECTION five foreign students complete training
at Meridian every year, with three to
four international instructors on the
staff at any given time. The relationship
Coalition partnerships on the battlefield permeates through operations on the
filter down into training command. Not front line. Indeed, ‘Chico’ recounts how
only does TRAWING ONE host students he once buddy-refueled from a US
from Italy, France and the UK, but there Navy Super Hornet and that mutual
are international instructors on staff, understanding and joint co-operation
too. Currently, there are three foreign is aided greatly by the grass roots level
instructors in the cadre of VT-7 and work at Meridian: ‘All French carrier strike
VT-9. Two French pilots fly with VT-7, pilots go through Meridian for training
while one British pilot teaches at VT-9. Lt in the T-45C,’ he says. ‘Here, they earn
‘Chico’ is from the French Navy (Marine their initial carrier qualifications [CQs] in
Nationale) and is on exchange for two addition to their wings.’





































































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UNIT REPORT // TRAINING WING ONE

are already on a replacement requirement
that will likely kick off in the early 2030s.
Interestingly, since the C-2 Greyhound
is being retired in favor of the Bell-
Boeing CMV-22 Osprey in the carrier
on-board delivery (COD) role, it is
forecast that there will be slightly less
demand for the Goshawk’s services in
the 2020s. Additionally, with the advent
of technology such as Magic Carpet
in the Super Hornet/Growler as well
as the Delta Flight Path in the F-35C,
the carrier qualification (CQ) phase of
training is likely to be adjusted. There are
already considerations to reduce the CQ
requirements for fleet F-35 and Super
Hornet pilots, and this will probably have
an effect on the training community.
The T-45C lacks fly-by-wire controls
and therefore cannot be upgraded with
an equivalent flight control system that
mirrors that of the fleet fighters. However,
the strategic approach to this complex
training is to be re-evaluated and it will
feed heavily into the T-45 replacement Left top to bottom:
project in the longer term. The US Navy has
CQ accounts for roughly a third of the initiated a number
entire T-45C syllabus and there is scope of programs
designed to retain
to employ new technology to train new experience in its
naval aviators more efficiently. Mungas ranks.
says, ‘TRAWING ONE will continue to The T-45C has
look at ways to improve training and received fixes
instruction via increased efficiency as for the oxygen
well as implementing new technology flow issues that
caused major
like augmented reality and virtual reality.’ problems in 2017,
There is a clear recognition that there a back-up system
are opportunities for improvement even now being fitted.
when success is prevalent — and there’s The T-45C is
a strong expectation that student and set to remain in
instructor training will continue to evolve service for many
more years, with
over the remaining life of the T-45C. a replacement
project not slated
to start until
early in the next
decade.
Right top to
bottom:
Getting
airborne from
Meridian. Carrier
qualifications
form a significant
portion of the
training course
on the T-45,
and the navy is
looking to simplify
this through
technology in the
future.
T-45C BuNo
165598/101
in its special
markings for the
commander of
TRAWING ONE.
US Navy

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SPECIAL an opportunity to do something new.
LT Scott ‘Hooker’ Hook floated an initial
MARKINGS concept to the wing leadership in the fall
of 2018 and, after several adjustments
and tweaks, it was approved and went
for paint at the beginning of 2019. BuNo
In the summer of 2018, the leadership at 165598, coded 101, rolled out of the
TRAWING ONE had the idea to paint one Meridian paint shop in February 2019
of the T-45s in a patriotic scheme. The bearing a unique design that includes
T-45Cs have a nine-year paint cycle, so the ‘Betsy Ross flag’ painted on the speed
there were options for special schemes brakes as well as extensive red, white and
on jets assigned here, but the chief of blue paint. In an era of drab schemes and
naval air training (CNATRA) limits the a lack of color on navy jets, it’s good to
number of ‘deviated paint schemes’ see that some senior officers recognize
allowed for each wing. When one of the value of special schemes and make
these specially painted jets came up for an active push to paint jets and involve
its nine-year makeover, it was used as aircrew in these initiatives.




































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In 1986, Helmut Schelchshorn
underwent transition training from the
F-104G to the F-4F, a type his son was
to fly as one of the last ever Luftwaffe
pilots to train on the Phantom II.
























































































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One family’s history charts a remarkable story of the Luftwaffe, from the
F-104G Starfi ghter, through to the F-4F and the Eurofi ghter Typhoon.

REPORT AND PHOTOS Stefan Petersen









































































HE LUFTWAFFE OF Federal Phantom II with the ‘Richthofen’ wing at
Germany has existed for more Wittmund. What makes them so special
than 60 years, and in some is the fact that Helmut ew the F-104G
cases the grandsons of its Star ghter at Memmingen for 10 years
initial pilots now occupy the before he stepped to the F-4F, and his
T front-line cockpits of today. son Philipp is now a Euro ghter pilot at
There are father and son pairs who have Laage with 1,100 total ight hours under
logged ight time on the same type his belt. Three generations of jets, and
of jet — sometimes even in the same air bases in the north and south, west
wing. That goes for Helmut and Philipp and east of Germany, are represented
Schelchshorn, who both ew the F-4F in two generations of the Schelchshorn

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GLORY DAYS // LUFTWAFFE FATHER AND SON

























































family. So, what was it like back in the to fighter fundamentals] to learn basic His father regularly flew three or four
Starfighter days, and how does that air combat skills,’ the now 32-year-old times a day in the F-104 during his
compare with things now? Hauptmann (captain) explains. time with Jagdbombergeschwader
Both Helmut and Philipp began their This phase of training wasn’t in the 34 at Memmingen. Little wonder he
flying careers in the US with initial flight schedule in the 1970s. Back then, logged 1,800 hours in the cockpit of
training at Sheppard AFB in Texas — mastering flying skills was given greater the Starfighter. ‘In those times, the main
Helmut in 1973-74 and Philipp in 2009- importance, whereas tactics play a far thing was to fly as much as possible,’
10. ‘We flew 200 hours on [the] T-37A greater role today, even during the early he reflects. ‘Quantity had priority over
and T-38A, before we went to weapons phases of training, as does the use of quality, and quality was achieved by
system training on the F-104 at Luke AFB simulators. Indeed, back in the 1970s quantity.’ He looks back on it as a dream
in Arizona,’ says Helmut, a retired Oberst these training aids were very simple. period for a fighter pilot, but notes that,
(colonel). The 70-year-old says he was following conversion training to the F-4F,
fascinated by the ‘enormous amount Different worlds flying time started to reduce noticeably.
of skills’ he learned during that time. Comparing the two training paths Transition from the Starfighter to the
‘One had no idea about the amount reveals some significant differences Phantom — on which he logged 1,200
initially — and at the end of the training between them. For example, the modern hours — was not difficult for Helmut
one knew the whole spectrum and had syllabus sees check rides ‘flown’ almost when it took place in 1986, aside from
enormous self-confidence because of exclusively in the simulator. Now, as having to become accustomed to
this knowledge.’ a fully-fledged Eurofighter pilot of having a weapons systems officer (WSO)
The T-37 ‘Tweet’ was retired before Taktisches Luftwaffengeschwader 73 in the back seat. He also recalls how the
Philipp arrived at Sheppard and he ‘Steinhoff’ (TaktLwG 73 ‘S’) at Laage, sheer size of the Phantom II was a big
embarked on the T-6A Texan II course. Philipp finds himself in the Eurofighter adjustment, with a huge cockpit. The
‘We then flew the T-38C with a glass simulator two to three times a week F-4 was more agile than the F-104, yet
cockpit, which I then flew for 40 on average, and airborne in the jet unsurprisingly, ‘it took an awful lot of
additional hours of IFF [introduction between two and four times per week. time before it went supersonic’, he says,

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Clockwise from
this image:
Back in the
1980s, Luftwaffe
pilots sometimes
flew as many as
five times each
day.
Helmut
Schelchshorn
in 1974 during
training on the
F-104G Starfighter
at Luke AFB,
Arizona. He flew
the Starfighter
until 1986.
via author
Hauptmann
Philipp
Schelchshorn in
the cockpit of a
Eurofighter for
a night mission
from Laage.








































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GLORY DAYS // LUFTWAFFE FATHER AND SON

adding that the F-4F tended to hold-up predecessors at Laage — the MiG-29. [GCI] officer, and we were able to fight
at Mach 0.95, whereas the F-104 ‘just ran ‘In Poland I got a ride on the MiG-29GT,’ against multiple targets,’ says Helmut
through it!’ he says. ‘The ‘Fulcrum’ can’t keep up Schelchshorn, who then progressed to
The transition to the F-4 for with the Eurofighter — the radar, for become the deputy commanding officer
Schelchshorn junior in 2010 was example, is far more sophisticated. [The] of the ‘Richthofen’ wing from 1995-98.
somewhat different. ‘The handling of the ECR-90 of the Eurofighter is very user- His son says of his conversion from
F-4 was similar to the T-38C, but it was friendly — you drag-and-drop, like on the F-4F to the Eurofighter: ‘I grew up
a step back from the glass cockpit into your home computer.’ in the air-to-air role. [In the Eurofighter]
the old analog layout of the Phantom. When his father flew the F-104, he I still have the AMRAAM, but instead
But because I didn’t get a full transition had to work with the relatively simple of the AIM-9L Sidewinder we use the
course, I always flew with an instructor NASARR-F-15-A radar, but he recalls that IRIS-T air-to-air missile, plus the 27mm
in my back seat.’ the switch to the F-4 was far from an Mauser cannon has 7mm more diameter
In fact, he only logged 59 hours in the advance when it came to the avionics. than the M61 Vulcan of the F-4F, but five
F-4F during his time with ‘Richthofen’, He explains, ‘It displayed the surface barrels fewer,’ he adds with a smile.
but in 2013 he flew the final jets to Jever [picture] better than the old AN/APQ-12 The younger Schelchshorn has been
for scrapping. ‘It was a honor to be their of the F-4F, and the F-104 also navigated at the center of development of the
last pilot,’ he says. more accurately.’ air-to-surface role for the Luftwaffe’s
Today, he flies the Eurofighter EF2000 The big leap ahead for the German Eurofighters. He attended the Weapons
and has logged some 750 hours in the Phantoms came thanks to the ICE Instructor Course (WIC) at Laage earlier
jet. ‘I am happy to be a single-seat pilot. (Improved Combat Efficiency) upgrade in 2019, when the role was integrated
The excellent visibility from the cockpit, performed on 110 F-4Fs, which were for the first time. He was able to drop
the acceleration, the agility — it’s just modified between 1991 and 1996. This two GBU-48 laser-guided bombs on
marvelous.’ essentially added the AN/APG-65 radar the Vidsel range in Sweden during
and the ability to use the Raytheon the course.
Eurofighter meets the AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Discussing the latest Luftwaffe
‘Fulcrum’ Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM). ‘Suddenly, advances, his father compares these
The young Hauptmann Schelchshorn is we could see on the radar scope things with his time in the Starfighter wing at
able to make an interesting comparison that we had formerly only heard of Memmingen in the Cold War, recounting
between the EF2000 and one of its from the ground control intercept the two NATO tactical evaluations



















































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each year and the high rate of ying
accidents involving the F-104G. ‘Of
course, it moved us,’ he says. ‘But we
got over it and learned — and the
next day we carried on. We trusted the
system and the materiel, and there
was a tremendous team spirit in the
squadron, both when we were on duty
and afterwards!’
That particular team spirit was a
decisive factor for his son in deciding
to become a ghter pilot. Philipp says,
‘I attended school in Wittmund and
experienced the great camaraderie of
the members of the ‘Richthofen’ wing.
That was what I wanted: to become part
of this team.’
Now, Philipp Schelchshorn proudly
wears a ‘Steinho ’ patch on his shoulder,
while having also enjoyed a special
relationship with the ‘Richthofen’
wing. ‘I wanted to become a weapons
instructor on the Euro ghter,’ he says.
It’s an ambition he has achieved,
having graduated in October 2019 as
a proud member of ‘Team Steinho ’
— thus writing another chapter in this Left:
remarkable two-generation story of Helmut
Luftwa e history. Schelchshorn
fl ew the Alpha
Jet in order to
maintain currency
as a fast jet pilot
and between 1998
and 2001 he was
the commander
of Taktisches
Luftwaffen-
Ausbildungs-
kommando
(Tactical Training
Command of the
German Air Force
in Canada) at
I attended Goose Bay.
Right top to
school in bottom:
During an
Wittmund and orientation
fl ight in Poland,
Hauptmann
experienced the Philipp
Schelchshorn
great camaraderie of fl ew in a
MiG-29. Some
the members of the of these very
aircraft formerly
served with the
‘Richthofen’ wing ‘Steinhoff’ wing at
Laage.
Hauptmann Philipp Schelchshorn Eurofi ghters of
TaktLwG 73 during
the Weapons
Instructor Course
carrying GBU-48
bombs, IRIS-T
missiles and a
Litening III laser
designator pod
(LDP) under the
fuselage.

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PHOTO REPORT// 23RD WING




























The 23rd Wing at Moody AFB, Georgia, has painted
one of its A-10Cs in special markings to salute the
history of the unit.

REPORT AND PHOTO Nate Leong





















































A-10C serial 80-0241
wearing its new special
markings.


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HE 23rd WING at Moody AFB, tail of the A-10. It also features the
Georgia, is the latest to paint Disney-designed ‘Flying Tiger’ on the
a ‘heritage jet’, with A-10C engine nacelles.
serial 80-0241/FT ingeniously On July 4, 1942, the 23rd Fighter Group
incorporating some unit was established by the Army Air Forces at
Thistory with ‘European One’ Kunming, China. It immediately absorbed
camouflage on its vertical stabilizers. the American Volunteer Group, and the
The 23rd Wing’s exploits are well squadron designations were changed
documented with its origins in the to the 74th, 75th and 76th Fighter
American Volunteer Group, led by Col Squadrons. This is represented on the
Claire Lee Chennault who commanded fin band of the aircraft with the three
100 P-40 Warhawks at the beginning current squadrons, all currently serving
of World War Two. It was dubbed the at Moody. The ‘European One’ colors hark
‘Flying Tigers’ and consisted of the 1st back to the standard A-10 camouflage of
Pursuit Squadron ‘Adam and Eve’, the the 1980s.
2nd PS ‘Panda Bears’, and the 3rd PS
‘Hell’s Angels’, all of which are honored The author wishes to thank SSgt Nicholas Alder
of the 23rd Wing for his assistance.
with their respective patches on the





























































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PART TWO



















































EVELOPMENT OF THE longer-span ailerons extending further foreign object damage (FOD) protection This two-seat
MiG-29M — internally outboard. The tailplane was vastly system that was so characteristic of prototype was
the fi rst ‘Fulcrum’
designated as the 9-15 improved in order to be more e ective the original design, which made use of to receive
within the MiG OKB — was at high AoA, with a greater area and a intake doors and auxiliary air intakes; the MiG-35
launched as early as 1982. dogtooth discontinuity on the leading these were now replaced by newly designation. This
D The much more capable edge. Furthermore, the radome shape added fuel tanks. Additional fuel volume happened in 2007
when the aircraft
derivative boasted a signi cantly was altered to further contribute to the was provided by using the space was modifi ed as
redesigned airframe with additional aircraft’s stability in high-AoA ight. previously occupied by the cannon the technology
demonstrator
fuel capacity, combined with increased- The end result of these many ammunition box, which was now of with the Zhuk-AE
thrust engines and an all-new avionics aerodynamic changes and re nements reduced capacity (100 rounds, compared AESA radar. It
suite to enable a full multi-role capability. was that the MiG-29M was made to 150 for the baseline version). In this used the fuselage
of one of the
The 9-15 was based around a wholly unstable in the pitch axis for better agility, way, the MiG-29M boasted an increased original MiG-29M
new airframe with considerably further improving its already formidable internal fuel capacity of up to 5,800 liters prototypes,
improved aerodynamic performance, low-speed turning performance. This, in (1,500 liters more than the original 9-12 serialled ‘154’,
and saw use as
featuring a revised leading-edge root turn, necessitated the use of an analog version), providing 30 to 40 per cent a demonstrator
extension (LERX) design with sharp y-by-wire system instead of the simple more range. The reshaped, at spine for the Indian
leading edges to further improve the hydro-mechanical system found on the allowed some increase to the internal MMRCA fi ghter
competition.
complex vortices eld created by the rst-generation ‘Fulcrums’. fuel capacity and it accommodated a RAC MiG
airframe in high angle of attack (AoA) To increase internal fuel volume, the battery of built-in cha / are dispensers
ight. The new wing design boasted MiG-29M dispensed with the complex for 120 rounds.

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In the second half of a two-part feature, Combat Aircraft looks

at the most ambitious ‘Fulcrum’ derivative — the MiG-29M.
It was also used as a baseline for the MiG-29K shipborne
derivative, eventually ordered by India and Russia. After the
MiG-29K’s land-based export version was sold to Egypt, the
further improved MiG-35 was ordered for the Russian air arm.


REPORT AND PHOTOS Alexander Mladenov


The new intake FOD protection this much heavier ‘Fulcrum’ derivative.
MiG-29K AND MiG-35 included a simpli ed retractable system The afterburning turbofan introduced
SPECIFICATIONS of meshed grills preventing ingestion of a new low-pressure compressor for a
greater mass- ow. This, combined with
debris on take-o and landing.
MiG-29K MiG-35 The revised wing design retained the the higher-temperature turbine, resulted
Dimensions same span but was made capable of in a signi cant thrust increase compared
Length 17.30m 17.32m carrying much greater weights, with a with the baseline model. The new engine
Wingspan 11.99m 11.99m total of eight hardpoints — four under had a hybrid digital/hydro-mechanical
Height 4.40m 4.40m each console. The strengthened wing control system for even better response.
Wing area 42.00m 2 42.00m 2 structure enabled the MiG-29 to carry up Rated at 86kN (19,400lb st or 8,766kgf)
Weights to 9,920lb (4,500kg) of ordnance. at full afterburner, the RD-33K’s dry
Normal take-o 18,550kg 17,500kg
Maximum take-o 24,500kg 23,500kg The undercarriage members were rating was set at 53.96kN (12,122lb st or
Maximum payload 6,500kg 6,500kg reinforced — while remaining externally 5,500kgf).
Performance unchanged — in order to enable a In its initial form, the MiG-29M boasted
Maximum speed at sea level 1,400km/h 1,400km/h maximum take-o weight of more than a much more modern cockpit layout,
Maximum speed at high altitude 2,200km/h 2,100km/h 48,450lb (22,000kg). with a pair of cathode ray tube (CRT)
Ceiling 17,500m 16,000m More powerful Klimov RD-33K engines, multi-function displays and hands on
G limits +9/-3 +9/-3 originally developed for the shipborne throttle and stick (HOTAS) controls. It
Range at high altitude on internal fuel 2,000km 2,000km MiG-29K, were installed on the M version had an all-new weapons control system
Ferry range with three external tanks 3,000km 3,000km
in order to enhance the performance of (WCS) centered on the then brand-

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MiG-29M — as the MiG-35, now o ered
for export. Then, in 2014, the MiG-35’s
development program, now redirected to
meet domestic needs, at last secured the
required funding from the Russian MoD.
The rst of a pair of newly built MiG-35s —
Left: Two two-
seat MiG-35UBs referred to as pre-production aircraft and
were delivered to earmarked for use in the type’s exhaustive
the VKS in the end testing and evaluation e ort — took to
of 2018, and the
other four aircraft the air in November 2016. This event,
from the Russian however, was kept out of the public eye
order placed in in anticipation of an o cial unveiling and
August 2018 were
set to be taken blessing from Russia’s all-powerful state
on strength by and military authorities, which eventually
the end of 2019. occurred in January 2017.
This ‘Fulcrum’
is believed to be Upon completion of the development
one of the aircraft and testing e ort, an order for 30-
delivered in late plus examples for the Vozdushno-
2018, shown
with a selection Kosmicheskiye Sily (VKS, Russian
of air-to-surface Aerospace Forces) was originally expected
new Phazotron-NIIR N010 Zhuk multi- development funding allocated to the guided ordinance to be placed in late 2018 or early 2019.
including the
functional radar, which had both air-to-air MiG-29M program. As a consequence, in Kh-38ME and the Such a scenario would allow rst deliveries
and air-to-surface operating modes. the mid-1990s the development e ort Kh-35UE anti-ship to take place by 2020 but, in fact, only
The rst MiG-29M prototype (serial stopped altogether, although it was missile. Alexander six MiG-35s were ordered by the Russian
Mladenov
‘151’) was completed in 1986 and took to eventually revived in the mid-2000s. MoD in August 2018. This initial batch
the air on April 26 that year, with Valery This time the MiG-29M utilized a host of Below: The new is intended for use mainly in the type’s
Menitsky at the controls. This prototype new technologies, the much-improved MiG-35UB for the testing and evaluation campaign, after
VKS presented for
was powered by the old RD-33 engines, ‘Fulcrum’ derivative being touted for both the fi rst time in which a large-scale order could be placed
retained the same analog cockpit as the domestic and export customers. January 2017 is, by the Russian military. According to the
original MiG-29 and lacked the WCS. It in fact, a follow-on latest information released by RAC MiG
derivative of
received its new-generation WCS later MiG-35 for the the well-known in August 2019, the MiG-35 is slated to
on, and in 1991 it began trials of the new Russian military MiG-29K/KUB, complete its exhaustive joint state testing
mission avionics. Today’s MiG-35 is regarded as a very retaining the e ort, currently carried out by the VKS, at
same airframe
That initial prototype was followed by di erent beast from the aircraft wearing structural design, the end of 2021.
a batch of ve pre-series aircraft. The rst the same designation and unveiled for albeit without The MiG-35, showed in public for the rst
of these — serial ‘152’, powered by the the rst time for the public by RAC MiG folding wings time in January 2017, is a new derivative
and tailhook,
new RD-33K and equipped with a full set some 12 years ago, when it was proposed and boasting a of the MiG-29M, ordered by the VKS.
of mission avionics — made its maiden for participation in the Indian MMRCA Russian-made According to RAC MiG director-general Ilya
ight on September 26, 1987. The Soviet tender. In 2005, the ghter manufacturer avionics suite Tarasenko, speaking to the press in June
in order to meet
Air Force, however, stopped purchasing began marketing a company-funded the complex VKS 2019, the rst two MiG-35 ghters from
MiG-29s in 1991, and sharply reduced demonstrator — previously designated specifi cation. UAC the VKS order for six aircraft dating from


Tarasenko has confi rmed that this ‘MiG-35 on steroids’ is seen as a contender

in India’s ongoing tender for the procurement of 110 advanced fi ghters

























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August 2018 have already been delivered The fi rst pre-series two-seater of
to the VKS, while four more are set to the ‘new’ MiG-35 family line for
follow by year-end. the VKS, dubbed the MiG-35UB,
taxiing in after a display fl ight at
Tarasenko told the Russian RIA Novosti Lukhovitsi in January 2017. UAC
news agency that a new order for an
undisclosed number of MiG-35s for the
VKS is expected soon. He hinted that
these aircraft are slated to replace the
aging rst-generation MiG-29s delivered
to the Russian military prior to 1990. This
follow-on contract is expected to cover
at least 14 more MiG-35s and they will be
delivered, according to Tarasenko, within
three years. In addition to the front-line
VKS units, the new-build MiG-35s will
be used to replace the rst-generation
MiG-29s operated by the Strizhy (Swifts)
air display team.
Within RAC MiG, the internal
designations of the two sub-versions of
the MiG-35 for the VKS are 9-41SR for
the MiG-35S single-seater, and 9-47SR
for the MiG-35UB two-seater. Both these
sub-versions share the same airframe
structure and even sport the same
canopy design, one employed for the
rst time in the MiG-29K/KUB derivative, Above left to right: between overhauls (TBO) has been KUB together with the NSTs-T helmet-
albeit now without folding wings The Phazotron- extended to 1,000 ight hours. mounted cueing system (HCMS).
and tailhook. Space occupied by the NIIR AESA radar The MiG-35 features a newly introduced
in its initial form,
second cockpit in the two-seat version known as the Conservative sophisticated self-protection suite,
is used to accommodate an additional Zhuk-AE, was mission avionics including the L-150 Pastel’ radar warning
400-liter fuel tank on the single-seater. installed on the The MiG-35S/UB built for the VKS receiver in addition to the OAR missile
fi rst MiG-35
Airframe service life is set at 6,000 hours prototype for the retained the MiG-29K’s Phazotron-NIIR approach warning system using six
or 40 years. Indian MMRCA Zhuk-M radar with a mechanically ultraviolet sensors for spherical coverage
The MiG-35 is powered by the same tender. Alexander scanned slotted-array antenna, the same and two laser warning sensors for the
Mladenov
engines as on the MiG-29K/KUB — as is used on the MiG-29KR/KUBR built OLO system placed in the wingtips. The
Klimov RD-33MK afterburning turbofans, A close view of for Russian Naval Aviation, in a sub- MSP-418K jammer pod is o ered for this
rated at 11,902lb (52.97kN) at military the Zhuk-AM version with enhanced performance. ‘Fulcrum’ derivative as well.
AESA radar in its
power and 19,836lb (88.3kN) at full latest version. Its weapons control system further During January 2017’s o cial
afterburner. The engine service life is Alexander comprises the OLS-UEM optronic system, presentation, the MiG-35 for the Russian
set at 4,000 ight hours while the time Mladenov also ‘borrowed’ from the MiG-29KR/ military had the T220 targeting pod,


























This anonymous-looking MiG-35UB
two-seater is believed to be among
the initial production aircraft for the
VKS. Alexander Mladenov


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The two pre-series MiG-35s on
a test fl ight. The lead aircraft
is armed with four KAB-500Kr
guided bombs using the TV
guidance method. UAC



















accommodated between the engine
nacelles in addition to four external
tanks under the wings.
Below left to right:
The latest MiG-35 According to RAC MiG sources, non-
demonstrator speci ed measures were taken to reduce
unveiled by the aircraft’s infrared and radar signature,
RAC MiG has
redesigned fi ns thanks to the use of special coatings.
supplied by the Moscow-based NIIP The list of air-to-surface munitions with square
company, with the same sensor out t includes Kh-29 missiles in two versions tips, apparently Still targeting export
as the nose-mounted OLS-UEM. It is (equipped with TV and laser guidance for better The MiG-29M/M2 is a land-based export
controllability.
intended to be used for target detection systems respectively, as the Kh-29T and This derivative derivative of the new-generation
and identi cation as well as for the Kh-29L), in addition to the all-new Kh-38 is also set ‘Fulcrum’, likewise based on the airframe
designation of laser-guided munitions. missile with several guidance systems, to get new, and systems of the shipborne MiG-29K/
increased-area
The cockpit layout is described as the Kh-35U and Kh-31A anti-ship missiles wings for better KUB, with the tailhook and folding
being very similar to that of the MiG-29K, and the Kh-31P/PD high-speed anti-radar aerodynamic wings deleted. It has an export-standard
dominated by an IKSh-1M monochrome missile. It is capable of using satellite, performance. avionics out t and weapons, and
Alexander
head-up display (HUD) and three laser and TV-guided bombs of the KAB Mladenov was o ered for the rst time in the
MFI-10-7 color liquid crystal displays. series and the Grom family of new- late 2000s.
The MiG-35’s armament is carried on generation guided glide munitions. One of the two Initially, its marketing e ort turned
pre-series
eight hardpoints and includes the entire Maximum warload weight is set at MiG-35s, the out to be fruitless as the only customer
arsenal of modern Russian-made air-to- 13,224lb (6,000kg), with the four inner single-seater found was Syria, which placed an
air and air-to-surface guided munitions. hardpoints made ‘wet’ for carrying shows its air- order for 12. These aircraft, however,
to-air weaponry
The air-to-air missiles are represented 1,150-liter external tanks, in addition to a of two RVV-SD have never been delivered due to the
by the RVV-SD (R-77-1) for beyond 2,200-liter tank accommodated between and four RVV-MD country’s civil war. In the event, only
visual range (BVR) engagements and the engine nacelles. The MiG-35 has missiles together two examples from the ill-fated Syrian
with the T220
the RVV-MD (R-74M) for within visual an in- ight refueling probe and can be targeting pod order were built in 2011 — a single-
range (WVR) combat, in addition to deployed as a ‘buddy-buddy’ tanker under the seater designated MiG-29M (wearing
the traditional 30mm GSh-301 single- for refueling other tactical combat starboard engine the serial ‘747’) and a two-seater called
nacelle. Alexander
barrel gun. aircraft, the PAZ-MK refueling pod being Mladenov the MiG-29M2 (serial ‘741’). These saw























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the late 1970s. Detailed design work, WEAPONS
however, began as late as 1984, with
the new MiG-29K (9-31) intended to be
included in the air wing of the newly OPTIONS
built short take-o but arrested recovery
(STOBAR) aircraft carriers of the Project The MiG-29K/KUB sports nine
1143.5 class. pylons for carrying weapons, eight
For STOBAR operation the aircraft under the wings and one under
required powerful afterburning engines, the fuselage. In addition, the two
innermost underwing pylons can
while landing was to be performed using be tted with tandem bomb racks,
a desk arrestor system in conjunction increasing the number of available
with a tailhook. The new RD-33K hardpoints to 13.
engine, speci cally designed for the The air-to-air weaponry integrated
shipborne ‘Fulcrum’, introduced a so- on the Indian aircraft includes
a mixture of RVV-AE and R-73E
called emergency afterburning mode missiles. Up to eight can be carried
to enable the MiG-29K to be launched in di erent combinations, or six
o the ski-jump at a take-o weight of plus two underwing fuel tanks.
up to 39,010lb (17,700kg) from the ‘ rst The air-to-surface missile options
extensive use by RAC MiG for ight trials start position’, providing a take-o run cleared for the shipborne ‘Fulcrum’
include the Kh-31A and Kh-35E/
and customer demonstration purposes. of just 344ft (105m). At its maximum UE active radar-homing anti-ship
The de nitive export derivative of permissible deck take-o weight of missiles as well as the Kh-31P
the new-generation ‘Fulcrum’, dubbed 49,379lb (22,400kg), the MiG-29K was to anti-radiation missile and Kh-29T/
the MiG-29M/M2, was launched into be capable of being launched from the TE TV-guided missiles — up to four
can be carried under the wings.
production in 2015 for Egypt, which Below left to second start position, which provided a Guided bomb options include up
placed an order for no fewer than 46 right: The pre- take-o run of some 640ft (195m). to four KAB-500Kr 1,100lb (500kg)
aircraft. The rst of these are reported to series MiG-29K To be suitable for carrier operation, TV-guided bombs, while the
have been delivered in 2017. The contract landing on the the MiG-29K received a new wing with unguided weapons selection takes
Indian aircraft
is priced at around $2 billion and the last carrier INS power folding at one-third span, as well in free–fall bombs weighing up to
1,100lb (500kg) each and various
of the new-generation ‘Fulcrums’ for the Vikramaditya as a new, strengthened undercarriage, rockets. The maximum combat load
Egyptian air arm were expected to be during a test center-body and nose sections, in is 12,100lb (5,500kg).
and evaluation
taken on strength in 2019. campaign held addition to an increased-area tailplane The MiG-29K/KUB retains the
The MiG-29M/M2 built for Egypt di ers in August and and arrestor hook. proven GSh-301 30mm cannon with
from the VKS MiG-35 in its export-standard September Two MiG-29K prototypes were built and 150 rounds, installed in the port
2012 in the
leading-edge extension.
mission avionics, such as the radar, electro- Barents Sea. It the rst of these, wearing serial ‘311’, took The Russian Navy’s shipborne
optical targeting system, communication is armed with to the air for the rst time on June 23, ‘Fulcrums’ are capable of using non-
system, electronic warfare system and two KAB-500Kr 1988. It was then tested on the deck of export versions of all air-to-surface
guided bombs.
identi cation friend or foe system. RAC MiG the new Soviet aircraft carrier Tbilisi from guided weapons, already integrated
The airframe structure of both the November 1, 1989. on the Indian MiG-29K/KUBs, which,
newly built MiG-35s and the MiG-29M/ The shipborne The second prototype, serial ‘312’, as a rule, boast higher performance
than that of their export
‘Fulcrum’ can
M2s is very similar to that of the MiG-29K/ carry extensive was rolled out in 1990, equipped with a counterparts. The list of air-to-air
KUB shipborne ghter. external fuel full-standard mission avionics t. It was weapons already integrated on
and a PAZ-MK mainly used in the type’s mission avionics the Russian MiG-29K/KUB includes
Shipborne derivative for refueling pod, and weapons trials. the new RVV-SD BVR missile with
here between
India and Russia the engine The dissolution of the Soviet Union in a maximum range in head-on
engagements at high altitude of
The origins of the dedicated shipborne nacelles, late 1991 — and the resulting cuts in the 60nm (110km), plus the RVV-MD for
enabling use in
derivative of the ‘Fulcrum’, built on the the tanker role. defense budget — meant the MiG-29K WVR engagements.
basis of the MiG-29M, date back to RAC MiG program was e ectively frozen in favor






















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FIGHTER FOCUS // MIG-29 ‘FULCRUM’

























of development of the much larger and the brunt of the ight test e ort. These The MiG-29K/KUB is equipped with Above left to right:
heavier Su-27K, later redesignated as shipborne ‘Fulcrums’ took to the air for the the KSU-9.41 quadruple-channel digital First customer
deliveries of the
the Su-33. rst time on January 20 and June 25, 2007 y-by-wire (FBW) ight control system MiG-29K/KUB took
In the event, the MiG-29K/KUB program respectively, while the rst production- with envelope protection, auto-throttle place in 2009.
was revived and turned into a success standard aircraft built for the Indian Navy and in- ight loads alleviation functions. After India, which
ordered 45 aircraft,
story in the late 2000s, only thanks made its maiden ight on March 18, 2008. It’s provided with a speci c mode for the variant was
to the huge investment from India at The production-standard MiG-29K/ improving stability and controllability purchased by the
the time. Major development work on KUB boasts an all-new wing, consisting during air-to-air refueling. Russian Navy,
which took 24 more.
the redesigned shipborne ‘Fulcrum’ — of large-size double-slot trailing-edge As many as 16 MiG-29K/KUBs were RAC MiG
with a redesigned fuselage, modi ed aps, double-slot leading-edge slats covered in the rst Indian order. Placed in
engines and an all-new avionics suite and drooping ailerons. It introduced the 2004, it was priced at $740 million. These The MiG-29K
and two-seat
— was largely completed by 2010. Serial so-called Krueger aps — small leading- aircraft were taken on strength by the MiG-29KUB have
production was launched two years edge vortex controllers extending from Indian naval air arm between 2009 and all-new avionics,
earlier and rst customer deliveries were wing root — used for low-speed stability 2011. The rst examples from the second completed thanks
to funding provided
reported in 2009. improvement by reducing oscillations on Indian contract for 29 aircraft, ordered by India. RAC MiG
The rst Indian order became a long- the glide path during landing approach. in March 2010, were delivered in 2012
awaited opportunity for the crisis-stricken This extensive and highly automated and the last was taken on strength in This image: The
MiG-29K and KUB
RAC MiG to launch development and wing mechanization would provide early 2017. are powered by
production activities by resurrecting the considerable reduction in approach The solid progress of the Indian Klimov RD-33MK
two decades-old shipborne ‘Fulcrum’ speed, vital for the pilot on nal approach MiG-29K/KUB program in the early Sea Wasp engines.
RAC MiG
program, which had been frozen during and when touching down the desk. 2010s eventually prompted the Russian
the early 1990s. The e ort resulted in a The internal fuel tanks were made MoD to place an order for 20 single-seat
shipborne aircraft (designated 9-41 for the much roomier than those of the baseline and four two-seat shipborne ‘Fulcrums’,
single-seater and 9-47 for the twin-seater), ‘Fulcrum’, holding 11,463lb (5,200kg) designated MiG-29KR for the single-
claimed to be very di erent from the rst- of kerosene, equal to 6,666 liters; a seater and MiG-29KUBR for
generation MiG-29K. conformal dorsal tank holds 858lb the two-seater. This
An all-new fuselage with extensive (390kg) or 500 liters in the fuselage mid- contract was inked
corrosion protection was developed as section aft of the cockpit. The MiG-29K in February
well as a good many new systems and single-seater additionally features a 2012 and
a more powerful ‘marinized’ derivative 1,082lb (492kg)/630-liter internal tank
of the RD-33K jet engine. Two pre- housed just behind the cockpit, while
production aircraft — one two-seater and the two-seater’s internal capacity is
one single-seater, using exactly the same seven per cent less than that of the
basic fuselage design — were built to bear single-seater.



















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ALL-NEW integrated on the Indian MiG-29K/KUBs
Another non-Russian mission system

is the IAI Elta EL/L-8222 podded self-
MISSION protection jammer (SPJ) system, which
can be installed on the outer starboard
AVIONICS underwing pylon and is typically
intended for use as a self-escort jammer.
The MiG-29K/KUB’s self-protection
SUITE suite also features the Indian-made
Tarang radar-warning-receiver (RWR). In
addition to the two electronic systems,
the aircraft’s self-protection equipment
The MiG-29K/KUB’s mission avionics includes two Russian-made, downwards-
include the PrNK-29K integrated ring APP-50A cha / are dispensers
targeting and navigation suite, its most on the outer side of the engine nacelles
important system being the Phazotron- below the ns, each containing 16
deliveries to Russian Naval Aviation were NIIR FGM-129 Zhuk-ME radar. The rounds.
The single-seater’s full-digital
completed by 2015. mechanically scanned Zhuk-ME works glass cockpit incorporates a large
in both air-to-air and air-to-surface
Ultimate ‘Fulcrum’ modes, and it has multiple-target monochrome IKSh-1M head-up display
engagement capability, with a claimed
(HUD) with 26° eld of view (FoV) and
At the MAKS 2019 aerospace exhibition maximum detection range of around three side-by-side 6 x 8in MFI-10-7 LCD
in Zhukovsky, near Moscow, RAC MiG 81nm (150km) and acquisition range displays, while the two-seater has seven.
showcased the MiG-35’s de nitive export of 65nm (120km) against a ghter-size 2 The MFI-10-7’s resolution is 1,024 x 768
target with a radar cross-section of 5m .
pixels and they are used for displaying
derivative, promoted as a ‘Gen 4++ The radar can track up to 10 air targets ight/navigation, targeting and system
ghter’. It was claimed that this derivative and provide data for the engagement status information as well as digital
uses some technologies inherited from of four of these with the RVV-AE BVR terrain maps and targeting data.
fth-generation ghter design. Tarasenko active-radar missiles, while the air-to- The communication, navigation and
has con rmed that this ‘MiG-35 on surface modes include high-resolution identi cation (CNI) suite of the Indian
shipborne ‘Fulcrums’ incorporates an
terrain-mapping.
steroids’ is seen as a contender in India’s The new OLS-UEM electro-optical (EO) eclectic mixture of French, Indian and
ongoing tender for the procurement of search-and-track system with a sensor Russian-made equipment. The French
110 advanced ghters. window in front of the windshield is equipment is represented by the Sagem
The latest MiG-35 con guration capable of operating 90° left and right Sigma 95N inertial navigation system
sports redesigned, larger-area wings (in azimuth), 15° down and 60° up (in (INS) with integrated GPS receiver for
elevation). It incorporates infrared,
accurate navigation and targeting.
and extended-area vertical ns with laser and TV sensors and works in both The list of Indian-made items includes
rudders mounted ush with the n air-to-air and air-to-surface modes. a radio altimeter, TACAN short-range
trailing edge. The ns feature cropped In the former mode, the EO system is navigation system, VOR/ILS/MRK
top surfaces (so-called square ns) claimed as being capable of detecting navigation aids, IFF and UHF/VHF radios,
instead of the downwards-canted design. and automatically tracking aerial targets while Russian company Polyot supplies
the R-800L2 VHF/HF radio as well as
in tail-on engagements at a maximum
These changes were likely introduced to distance of 24nm (45km), while the the R-098 jam-resistant secure tactical
enhance aerodynamic performance and Above: A head-on detection range is advertised to datalink system for sharing targeting
production-
further improve aircraft controllability standard be up to 8nm (15km). and navigation data.
at high AoA. MiG-29KUBR two- The third component of the MiG-29K/ The MiG-29K/KUBs built for the
Tarasenko noted that this new MiG-35 seater, belonging KUB’s sophisticated targeting suite Russian naval air arm are known to have
to Russian
retained the Sigma 95N system, but
ordered by the Indian Navy is the Thales
derivative for export customers has Naval Aviation’s TopSight helmet-mounted sight and all the equipment of Indian and Israeli
a further re ned airframe design 100th OKIAP, an display (HMSD) system, allowing o - origin was removed and Russian-made
and is powered by uprated Klimov independent boresight target designation and cueing equivalents were integrated — for
shipborne
RD-33MK engines. He said it sports a aviation regiment, of the EO sensor, radar, INS and the example, the Tarang RWR was replaced
modular avionics suite and, in addition home-based at seekers of IR- and TV-guided air-to-air by the SPO-150 Pastel while the NSTs-T
and air-to-surface missiles.
replaced the TopSight HMSD.
to the Zhuk-A/AM AESA radar and a Severomorsk-3
near Murmansk.
T220 targeting pod, uses a Russian- Andrey Zinchuk
made extra-wide eld of view HUD.
Furthermore, Tarasenko claimed that the Right: The
Russian Naval
new AESA radar o ered for the MiG-35 is Aviation
capable of simultaneously tracking up to ‘Fulcrums’,
30 aerial targets. designated
MiG-29KR (single-
This is without doubt the ultimate seater) and
incarnation of this Russian classic — a MiG-29KUBR (two-
ghter that has continued to re-invent seater), sport a
true multi-role
itself, and one that may just have enough capability with a
in the tank to be able to secure more variety of guided
precious business for the Russian ghter air-to-surface
munitions.
industry. Andrey Zinchuk
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A memorable mission with QF-4 Phantom
IIs and F-14 Tomcats in the heyday of
missile testing operations at Point Mugu.


REPORT AND PHOTOS
Ted Carlson/Fotodynamics.com















































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QF-4N BuNo
150465 during
a manned fl ight
from Point Mugu
in July 1996 while
attached to the
resident test
squadron.

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GLORY DAYS // QF-4 MISSILE OPS

























T WAS LESS than a stellar day on to depart from San Nicolas Island and San Nicolas. Due to the reserved range
the weather front back in March would ideally be recovered back there distance o shore, we would need to go
1998. There were three layers of to serve as prey for another day, unless to a tanker and top up our tanks as well.
gloomy clouds spread across the it got thwacked by the Tomcats. A QF-4S At Point Mugu, the VX-9 ight line and
skies and robust winds combined stablemate was positioned as a target arming areas were bustling with activity
Iwith a ‘marine layer’ just above the observer and inspection bird, with me in and missile-laden trailers. Even the all-
ocean surface. Still, we had a mission the back to document the entire event. black F-14D ‘Vandy 1’ was on hand for
to do: a live- ring VX-9 ‘Vampires’ F-14 At the helm of our S-model ‘Rhino’ was the extravaganza, and AIM-9 Sidewinder,
Tomcat feeding frenzy, clawing at a the renowned F-4 aviator LCDR Chip AIM-7 Sparrow, and AIM-54 Phoenix air- Above: The QF-4
sole unmanned QF-4N Phantom II o ‘Shantini’ Shanle. to-air missiles were strapped to the ‘Cats’, was unique in its
the coast of Point Mugu, California, The plan was to have the target but with their warheads removed. Aside ability to carry
and fi re the
within the expansive Whiskey 291 Phantom just out of reach of the from that, they were the real deal with AQM-37C drone.
range complex. Tomcat’s missile range, and the telemetry the latest upgrades.
The unmanned QF-4N Phantom II was would be monitored to validate proper Naval Weapons Test Squadron Point Below: A close-up
of the QF-4N as
being own remotely by a pilot back tracking and accuracy. We would inspect Mugu (NWTSPM) was the ‘go-to’ it limped back
at the base, Rich ‘Mink’ Bryant, as this the QF-4N before and after the shoot, specialist for US Navy aerial targets, and to San Nicolas
was a NOLO (no on-board live operator) ensuring target integrity before the the ‘Bloodhounds’ were happy to provide Island, having
shrugged off the
sortie. The target aircraft was planned return ight and NOLO landing back at the assets for this very important test. pack of Tomcats.











































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Being the operational test F-14 Tomcat ‘Silver Eagles’, VMFA-232 ‘Red Devils’, Once at altitude we worked our way
unit, VX-9 was responsible for validating VMFA-312 ‘Checkerboards’ and to the tanker through the gloomy haze Above left to
right: QF-4N BuNo
software updates, new systems, and VMFA-451 ‘Warlords’, before being and clouds — very rare in the area and 150465 blasts out
aircraft upgrades. converted into a QF-4 with the potential just typical given the scope of what we of San Nicolas
to be own unmanned as well as had in front of us that day. Much to my Island for the
unmanned test
‘Rhinos’ roll conventionally piloted. delight, the tanker turned out to be an fl ight.
‘Shantini’ and myself squeezed into our I had never had the opportunity to y 18th Wing/909th Air Refueling Squadron A VX-9 ‘Vampires’
ight gear, strolled out onto the buzzing in a ‘Rhino’ before and it was like going ‘Shoguns’ KC-135R Stratotanker from F-14B lets rip
ight line and began the process of for a ride in a classic car like a ‘57 Chevy. Kadena Air Base, Japan, unusual in with an AIM-54
Phoenix over the
clambering into our 1960s-vintage, To my surprise, the back-seat instrument these parts at that time. Since it was Pacifi c Missile
intrepid steed. It was McDonnell cluster was rather sparse and missing con gured for navy ghters with Test Range.
Douglas QF-4S BuNo 155810, which several dials — not that I needed them. probes it had the ‘wrecking ball’ drogue Below: The empty
began life as an F-4J-35-MC and was The engineers red up the ‘hu er’ attachment installed on the end of QF-4N cockpit
during the NOLO
eventually upgraded into an S-model (ground power unit) and soon we had the boom. It held true to its nickname fl ight. The mission
during its tenure in military service. a good light on both engines. ‘Shantini’ — due to the turbulent conditions it marks on the
It had previously served with the US quickly taxied out, and the pair of was dancing around like a butter y on splitter plate
denoted live-fi re
Marine Corps for years and had been afterburning J79s took us airborne and steroids. Several attempts to spear the missions it had
attached to units such as VMFA-115 into the wild gray muck above. bucking and elusive basket with our endured.































Straining to see the F-14s in the distance, we saw a missile fl ash.
The AIM-7 appeared to track the target before it petered out as

planned, without reaching the QF-4N





www.Key.Aero // January 2020 91




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GLORY DAYS // QF-4 MISSILE OPS

echelon. It was surreal to see an F-4 in
afterburner, adorned with a 600-gallon
centerline fuel tank, making a lazy right-
hand turn over the island coastline, with
no-one on board.
The target was QF-4N BuNo 150465,
which featured a Roadrunner cartoon
painted on the nose. This aircraft had
been born on the assembly line in the
Above: 1960s as an F-4B and served as a US Navy
QF-4N BuNo eet machine, attached to units such
152970 gets as VF-51 ‘Screaming Eagles’ and VF-151
airborne from
Point Mugu in ‘Vigilantes’. She had seen action during
1996 during the the Vietnam War and eventually survived
heyday of the her entire operational career, including
type there.
Jamie Hunter the volatile drone service, as it turned
out, ultimately being laid to rest in the
Below: boneyard and written o in 2000.
The QF-4N was
refueling probe ended in failure, resulting ‘Shantini’ had actually been granted superseded by
in some grumbles up front about having permission. Looking up (or below, the QF-4S, which Defying death
to possibly RTB (return to base) due to depending on how you look at it) at San soldiered on until We ew around the NOLO jet on both
2003.
our worsening fuel situation. However, Nicolas Island through the Plexiglas at Jamie Hunter sides and it checked out as ‘thumbs-
‘Shantini’ prevailed in the end and earned the view outside as we red past I could up and good to go’ for the mission.
his money as we plugged into a welcome see a small dot below — it was our target Below right: A green range light was relayed to
A fabulous shot of
ow of fuel from the laden tanker. QF-4N preparing to get airborne. We three Point Mugu the circling Tomcats, and the game
Topped up, we headed for San Nicolas came back in for the rendezvous and QF-4Ns as they commenced. Straining to see the
Island and made an awesome high- airborne pick-up of the jet. The QF-4N formate behind F-14s in the distance, we saw a missile
a KC-135 tanker
speed, low-level pass over the runway lit the ‘burners and climbed out as we during a manned ash. The AIM-7 appeared to track the
— like ‘Maverick’ did in Top Gun except slid in on her and tightened up in left test fl ight in 1996. target before it petered out as planned,



















































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without reaching the QF-4N. A second MUGU and a multitude of low- and high-
shot worked in the same manner. It was performance profiles. The QF-4s also
offered extensive video, analog, and
all going to plan until a sudden call of ‘RHINOS’ digital data collection systems that
‘lost link, lost link!’ provided real-time video and data
It meant the pilot on the ground who feedback during missions.
was ‘flying’ the QF-4 could no longer Naval Weapons Test Squadron Point When asked about the QF-4N, former
control the target aircraft due to a Mugu — later known as VX-30 — EA-6B pilot and senior QF-4N/S pilot
LCDR Chip Shanle said, ‘Flying the QF-4
operated numerous McDonnell Douglas
technical issue of some kind. Standard QF-4N and QF-4S Phantom IIs, which was the most diverse and the most fun
operating procedure was to cease fire participated in manned and unmanned flying job I’ve had in 15 years in naval
and knock it off, holding a safe distance test flights. The QF-4 was unique since aviation. It was one of the best-kept
from the target, and waiting to see if the it was the only supersonic high-altitude secrets in the navy, and when I first
link could be re-established. If not, the launch platform at the time for the came to Point Mugu I thought the
AQM-37C drone.
majority of what we did was prepare
Tomcats would have to ‘splash’ the F-4 The QF-4 made an excellent and fly NOLO flights. While that was
— take it out with one of their missiles. unmanned test platform when the our primary mission, it only accounted
Because the weapons on the F-14s did mission may have dictated unsafe for about five per cent of our annual
not have warheads, the plan was for a mission parameters. It had an on-board flight hours. The rest of our missions
direct impact, hoping that a high-speed Trimble GPS navigation system, which consisted of test and evaluation ‘hops’
guaranteed precise accuracy during
and fleet support including AQM-37
kinetic object such as a missile would a launch. QF-4 missions included drone launches. The QF-4 at the time
punch through the F-4, thus creating multi-sensor search and track via an was the only aircraft in the navy that
sufficient damage to bring it down. ATIMS (airborne tracking infrared could take an AQM-37 target drone
After about 15 minutes, the link had measuring systems) pod, dynamic to 50,000ft and Mach 1.5 for launch.
still not been regained. That meant it target presentations, forward-firing Despite its age back then, the F-4 was
the quintessential test and evaluation/
and freefalling ordnance, photo/safety
was fireball time. Could I really watch chase, electronic airborne jamming, fleet support aircraft in the world.’
the destruction of a mighty F-4 without
becoming teary-eyed? The Tomcats
were directed to slide in closer for a
‘Rhino kill’. They fired their remaining
missiles when within physical striking
range, yet the QF-4N still didn’t succumb
to the onslaught. When the F-14s were
‘Winchester’ — they’d expended all of
their missiles — they turned for Mugu.
Shortly thereafter came the call of ‘link
regained, link regained!’ It was safe
for us to rejoin the unmanned QF-4
with a mind of its own. We’d be able to
assess exactly what had happened in
the Tomcat attack and whether the jet
was safe for a retrieval attempt back at
San Nicolas Island. If not, it would be
programmed into a ‘circle of death’ until
its fuel ran out and it would plummet
into the Pacific.
As we gingerly moved in closer, initially
in echelon and then edging forward,
it dawned on us that the 600-gallon
centerline fuel tank was no longer
present. It had gone. Did a missile rip it
off or did this Phantom with a mind of
its own somehow jettison it? We never
knew for sure, but I’d wager a missile
took it off.
‘Shantini’ deemed the jet as being
fit for landing back on the island and
it touched down without incident. We
headed for Point Mugu. The Roadrunner
QF-4N continued to soldier on until it
eventually was put out to pasture in
2000. It was a day I’ll never forget, and
working with a US Navy master at the
helm of our ‘Rhino’ was so impressive.
Thank you, Chip.

www.Key.Aero // January 2020 93




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‘Syrian experience displayed to Russian forces small enough for the Orion to carry without
the need to have available drones that can sacrificing much of its performance.
range for hundreds of kilometers and then The Kremlin is working on several types of
deliver a strike, without [troops] calling for drones. Perhaps most notably, a heavyweight,
manned aviation and without putting manned jet-powered drone that appeared in public for
aerial assets at risk’, Bendett added. the first time in January 2019. The Hunter-B is
‘With Orion in the Russian forces, a significant a rough analogue of the US military’s MQ-25
gap in ISR and strike capability can be closed. tanker drone and RQ-170 spy drone as well as
While mass use of this UAV is still some time China’s Tian Ying.
away, the fact that it was supposedly tested in As their development continues, the Hunter-B
DISPATCHES FROM THE FRONT LINE Syria signifies the Russian ministry of defense’s and Orion could run into some of the same
drive to acquire sophisticated weapons that can
problems. Besides the relative immaturity
OF AEROSPACE TECHNOLOGY extend Russian forces’ operational range while of Russia’s efforts to produce small, guided
BY DAVID AXE giving them greater precision capabilities.’ weapons to arm the drones, there’s also the
The Kremlin has not disclosed what kinds issue of manpower.
RUSSIA’S KILLER of munitions Orion carried in Syria. US armed and analysts to effectively operate a single ‘orbit’
It takes hundreds of maintainers, operators
drones routinely carry small, laser-guided
DRONE MAKES bombs as well as laser-guided anti-tank missiles. of three or four drones that’s capable of keeping
a single UAV over a target area for long periods
Kronshtadt Group has demonstrated munitions
and bombs that weigh up to 50kg, making them
of time. The US military has spent more than
STRIKES IN SYRIA two decades developing a pool of manpower
that now supports hundreds of Reaper drones
The Orion’s organized into nearly 50 orbits.
USSIA’S FIRST ARMED drone has Russia by contrast has just begun to train
completed combat trials in Syria and apparent success drone crews. But they’re learning fast, Tom
is now beginning to equip units in Cooper, an author and Russian military
Russia for further testing, state media signals an important aerospace expert, told Combat Aircraft. ‘The first
reported on November 1. turning point for the generation of pilots and ground crews for UAVs
R The armed, satellite-controlled just completed their four-years-long training,
Orion, a product of the Kronshtadt Group, is Kremlin, which has lagged and they meanwhile have plenty of experience
roughly similar to the US Air Force’s own Predator in operating smaller UAVs in Syria.’
drone, which the American flying branch retired far behind the US and even According to TASS, the Russian Aerospace
in 2017 after the type had served for more than Forces are considering establishing mixed units
20 years. The USAF continues to operate larger Chinese militaries in the to operate drones such as the Orion alongside
Reaper drones from the same manufacturer, manned aircraft. That would represent a
General Atomics. development of armed, departure from the American model, which
‘The Orion drone in its attack configuration can
carry up to four missiles, which it successfully test- unmanned aircraft organizes unmanned aircraft into their own
squadrons and wings.
fired in Syria’, an unnamed source told TASS. ‘The
drone has started arriving for Russian troops for its The Orion is roughly similar to the
operational evaluation, after which the command USAF’s now-retired Predator. KT Group
will make a decision on launching it into serial
production and accepting it for service.’
TASS described the Orion as a ‘medium-altitude,
long-endurance drone with a maximum take-off
weight of one ton and a maximum payload of
200kg. The drone has a service ceiling of 7.5km
and its maximum flight duration with the standard
payload is 24 hours. The drone can develop a
speed of up 200km/h.’
It’s unclear when or how long the Orion was in
Syria and exactly what missions it performed. But
the drone’s apparent success signals an important
turning point for the Kremlin, which has lagged far
behind the US and even Chinese militaries in the
development of armed, unmanned aircraft.
‘Russian forces are starting to get their ‘missing
element’ — long-range [intelligence, surveillance
and reconnaissance, ISR] and combat UAVs that
were not available to the military until recently’,
Samuel Bendett, a drone expert with the Center
for Naval Analysis, told Combat Aircraft.

94 January 2020 // wwwKey.Aero




21/11/2019 20:55
94 Cutting Edge C.indd 94 21/11/2019 20:55
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96 January 2020 // www.Key.Aero




22/11/2019 13:12
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96-97 Flashback C.indd 96

Ling-Temco-Vought
A-7D Corsair IIs (with
serial 71-0341 nearest
the camera) at Nellis AFB,
Nevada, on October 7, 1987
prior to the weapons loading
competition during exercise ‘Gunsmoke
87’. Assigned to the 120th Tactical Fighter
Squadron of the Colorado Air National Guard
— winner of the first ‘Gunsmoke’ contest in 1981
— A-7D 71-0341 ultimately notched up 4,320.9 flight
hours before being retired to the boneyard at Davis-
Monthan AFB, Arizona, on November 20, 1991. Jim Dunn

www.Key.Aero // January 2020 97




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