Combat Aircraft 02.2022

WESTERN PACIFIC RAF TYPHOONS –
SNOOPERS TRANCHE 1 FARCE

USA AND CHINA SPYPLANES - ON PATROL SCRAPPING FOURTH GEN FIGHTERS

FLORIDA FLYERS #10
STATE
REPORT

HEAVY GULF COAST ON
HITTING GUARD - PART 1
HORNETS

USMC’s Red Devils
deployments

IRAN

IRRITATED

Prepping for regional
adversaries

DOOMSDAY JUMBOS

Nebraska’s
secret
E-4Bs

Volume 23 No 2 FEBRUARY 2022 UK £5.40

02

9 772041 748135



COMBAT EDGE // FIND US ON

AND THE
WINNER IS... F-35 AGAIN

Below: A US Air Force SO FINLAND FINALLY opted particularly if there isn’t the operational €254 million ceiling (10% of annual
F-35A Lightning II, for the Lockheed Martin integration of the Gripen with the F-35 defence budget) to which the current 64
assigned to the 4th F-35A. As Finnish Defence that the Typhoon and Rafale enjoy. Gripen F/A-18C/D fleet works. But with Lockheed
Minister Antti Kaikkonen put and F-35 now face-off in Canada. Martin committing in September to
Fighter Squadron from it during a news conference an operational cost-per-flight-hour of
Hill Air Force Base, on December 11: “When The Finnish decision comes just six $30,000, that seems do-able, particularly if
Utah, conducting comparing military performance, the months after another non-NATO country, the Finns take advantage of ground-based
flight training F-35 best met our needs.” Switzerland, surprisingly opted for 36 training and so decrease the flying hours.
operations over the F-35As in a $5.5bn contract, declaring that
This came after a pretty comprehensive the jet had the highest overall benefit Finland will become the 14th country
Utah Test and Training six-year analysis –known as HX – of at the lowest overall cost – even if there to acquire the Joint Strike Fighter and the
Range on February the five competitors. In addition to are now questions about that, given the ninth in Europe after Belgium, Denmark,
14, 2018 Lockheed Martin, there was BAE Systems’ recent report that inflation has resulted in Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland,
US Air Force/Staff Eurofighter, the Boeing F/A-18E/F a hike in the price. Switzerland and the UK.
Sgt Andrew Lee Super Hornet and E/A-18G Growler, the
Dassault Rafale and Saab’s Gripen E/F and There were some surprising revelations A Lockheed Martin spokesperson
GlobalEye in contention. coming out of the HX announcement. told me in September that the F-35A’s
Neither the Rafale nor the Eurofighter current flyaway cost is $78.9m, which will
The deal for 64 F-35As, worth €8.37bn made it through the first three gates of the reduce with more orders. Couple that
($9.37bn), was said by the Finnish Air Force competition – security of supply, industrial with a $30,000 operational cost-per-hour
Head of Logistic Command, Maj Gen Kari participation and price – although the by 2023, the fifth-generation jet is now
Renko, to be the most extensive domestic details have not been revealed. This looking a much better fiscal option. Add
support capability of F-35, apart from the means they were not evaluated militarily the increasing threat of Russia in Europe
United States. Not being part of NATO, and, not surprisingly, their manufacturers and China in Asia and you can perhaps
Finland obviously wants to be ready for were unhappy about that, even if the understand why many governments
any eventuality. decision was softened for Dassault by the believe the F-35 would now be a good
announcement in early December that the solution, given the closer military ties it
The Swedish government and Saab UAE was set to buy 80 Rafales at $19bn. would bring with the United States.
will be particularly disappointed with the Alan Warnes
F-35A decision, as both the Finnish and In capability terms, the F-35 achieved Group Editor at Large
Swedish air forces enjoy a joint defence a score of 4.47 out of 5, when 4.0 was
agreement. Saab felt their solution the requirement set by the Finnish MOD. Visit our website at
was not only the best, but would have Nevertheless most of us were surprised www.key.aero/combataircraftjournal
brought even closer defence co-operation that the operating costs of the 64 F-35As Contact the team at
between the two. That looks set to end, per year managed to remain inside the [email protected]

www.Key.Aero // February 2022 3

February 2022 • Vol 23 • No 2

IN THE NEWS

Finland has settled on the F-35A as its 48 Antonio Gemma More
new fighter aircraft 38 James DeBoer

Draken acquires F-16s from Norway
and the Netherlands

Saab begins deliveries of Gripen E

30 Nebraska Nightwatch

Chris Croot takes a look into the somewhat
secretive world of the United States Air Force’s
so-called‘doomsday plane’

38 The Devils made me do it

As the US military continues to keep a heavy
focus on the Indo-Pacific region, we catch up
with VMFA-232 as they prepare to transfer to the
region as part of a Unit Deployment Program,
which will involve participating in a host of
exercises. James DeBoer reports

46 Just a nice pic

Lancer on the loose: a B-1B Lancer from the 9th
Expeditionary Bomb Squadron‘The Bats’during
air-to-air refueling

48 State Report: Florida’s flyers

Tom Kaminski provides the first in a two-part
overview of the US military assets based in Florida

58 Western Pacific snoopers

David Axe highlights the use of intelligence
surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft in the
western Pacific as the USA and its allies try to keep
a close eye on what China is doing and vice versa

66 Guardians of Makran

Babak Taghvaee recently monitored the activities
of all of Iran’s main military branches during
a major seven-day exercise on the southeast
coastline of the country

72 RAF Typhoon retirements
– is it a farce?

Jon Lake looks at the decision to prematurely
withdraw roughly one-quarter of the RAF’s
Typhoons and the resulting ramifications

78 Yankee air

While the UH-1Y Venom is a fixture of the Marine
Corps, its capabilities are continuing to evolve.
Joe Copalman reports on the impact this has
had on the training of the next generation of
weapons and tactics instructors

30 Richard Vandervoord SEE PAGE 18 FOR
78 Joe Copalman FULL DETAILS

86 Falcons flock to Italy

For two weeks in November, Royal Netherlands
Air Force (RNLAF) F-16AMs deployed to Gioia del
Colle Air Base in southern Italy to train with the
Italian Air Force. Giovanni Colla and Remo Guidi
caught some of the action

88 Jack of all trades

Whatever happened to the E-10A? The Northrop
Grumman E-10A Multi-Sensor Command and
Control Aircraft (MC2A) was an ambitious program
to replace several types with a single model. As
David Willis reveals, it proved to be too ambitious
and was quickly dropped when the USAF needed
funds for higher priority projects

90 ‘Nothing is too much’

Ludo Mennes and Frank Visser recently visited
the Royal Netherlands Air Force 298 Squadron at
Gilze Rijen to see how the new CH-47F Chinook
fleet is gaining increased traction with the
Defence Helicopter Command

96 Cutting Edge

David Axe takes a look at China’s Y-20U tanker,
which has recently been involved in the
dramatic increase in Chinese aircraft patrolling
the areas around Taiwan

ON THE COVER

Cover image: Two US
Air Force F-22A Raptors
assigned to the 325th
Fighter Wing at Tyndall
Air Force Base (AFB),
Florida. After the base
was devastated by
Hurricane Michael
in October 2018, the
aircraft temporarily
relocated to Eglin
AFB (see Florida
Flyers, p48) James
‘Hazy’ Haseltine

LIGHTNING II HITS THE SPOT IN FINLAND

Above: Finnish Air Force F/A-18C Hornet serial number HN-410 flies in formation with US Air Force F-35A Lightning II serial number 13-5066 ‘LF’ from the 56th Fighter Wing’s 308th Fighter Squadron
‘Emerald Knights’ at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. Finland has decided to buy 64 F-35As to replace its legacy Hornets Ilmavoimat

LOCKHEED MARTIN’S F-35A Construction costs for operational by the other contenders in the front fuselage for Finland and other

Lightning II has been declared facilities, aircraft hangars and HX program. operators, as well as facilities for

the winner of Finland’s HX fighter storage facilities, as well as runway The stealth and other unique structural production components,

competition. On December 10, the structures are predicted to be features of the F-35, such as its equipment testing and

government of Finland authorized €777m. Additionally, €823.8m is sensors and networks, all supported maintenance capability. Finland has

the Finnish Defence Forces Logistics reserved for the final optimized the aircraft’s survival in combat also been offered an engine final-

Command to sign a procurement weapons package and to cover situations. The fighter had the assembly project for the aircraft.

contract with the US government future contract amendments. Some highest internal fuel-tank capacity The essential security of supply

for 64 F-35A Block 4 aircraft. of the weaponry will be obtained and all sensors are incorporated requirements relates specifically to

The F-35A will replace the later in the aircraft delivery stage. internally, meaning there is no need the independent ability to operate

current fleet of Ilmavoimat Since being launched in 2015, the for external targeting systems or in exceptional circumstances,

(Finnish Air Force) F/A-18C/D HX fighter program has cost Finland external fuel tanks to be purchased due to Finland’s location and the

(MLU2) Hornets. The procurement €10bn, in its search to find its new as part of the procurement deal. extreme weather conditions this

contract will include appropriate front-line fighter The F-35 either came first or brings. Another reason for the

weaponry tailored to Finland’s The decision regarding the F-35A shared the top score in all mission country choosing the F-35A is that

operational circumstances, comes after six years of evaluation. scenarios, and it achieved the the program is multinational and

training, maintenance services and Other contestants in Finland's highest total score throughout the the number of operators is only

sustainment solutions until the HX fighter program included the military capability assessment. The increasing. Multiple European

end of 2030. The F-35 weapons Eurofighter Typhoon, Boeing’s F/A- F-35’s operating and sustainment nations, such as Belgium, Denmark,

package offered includes AMRAAM, 18 Super Hornet, the Dassault Rafale costs – which fall below Finland’s Italy, Norway, the Netherlands,

Sidewinder, SDB I and II, JDAM- and the Saab Gripen. yearly budget of €240m – also Poland, Switzerland and the UK

family weaponry, JSM and JASSM- The F-35A was victorious as it suited the Nordic nation best. either already are or are due to

ER. The weaponry is to be procured was able to tick all the boxes. This Another selling point was the operate the F-35. This will enhance

within the available program includes fulfilling the security of aircraft’s life-cycle development, interoperability and integration of

funding by the end of 2035. supply, industrial participation, including mid-life upgrades, which tactics with the type.

The whole acquisition package mission capability and affordability will be feasible from the resources Finland’s current F/A-18 fleet is

is valued at €8.378bn ($9.37bn). requirements throughout the whole provided by Finnish Defence Forces. due to start being withdrawn from

Broken down, the contract costs evaluation process. As part of the procurement service from 2025. The Finnish

are split between the 64 F-35A During the military capability process, several essential securities F-35As should enter service the

aircraft (€4.7bn); AMRAAM and assessment of the HX program, of supply requirements and same year, initially over in the US,

Sidewinder air-to-air missiles the F-35 hardware systems were significant industrial participation as FAF members train on the type.

(€754.8m); service equipment, unsurpassed, in Finland’s eyes. The have been agreed upon by Finland, The first Finnish F-35 is scheduled

spare and exchange parts, training Nordic country considered the Lockheed Martin and engine- to land on home soil in Finland in

and sustainment solutions, as well F-35’s combat, reconnaissance and provider Pratt & Whitney. These 2026. The F-35 should then fully

as maintenance services until the survival capability envelope to securities include in-country, replace the Hornet fleet on active

end of 2030 (€2.92bn). be greater than those exhibited large-scale production of the F-35 operational tasks between 2028-30.

6 February 2022 // www.Key.Aero

FIRST KUWAIT TYPHOON DELIVERIES
KUWAIT HAS taken delivery
Above: Senior Kuwait Air Force (KAF) officials and other personnel stand in front of one of the first two KAF Eurofighter Typhoons during the official of its initial duo of Eurofighter
hand-over ceremony at Caselle, Italy, on December 7 Kuwait News Agency Typhoons. The Tranche 3A aircraft
(Italian test serials CSX55243 and
CSX55244), both twin-seaters,
were formally handed over to the
Kuwait Air Force at Leonardo’s
facility in Turin-Caselle, Italy, on
December 7 . They were flown to
Kuwait on December 14.

As previously reported, both
aircraft made their maiden flights
from Caselle on October 15 (see
Combat Aircraft Journal, January
2022, p7). The Kuwait Air Force
has ordered 28 of the type,
comprising eight twin-seaters
and 22 single-seat aircraft. The
weapons package for the type
will include Brimstone and Storm
Shadow air-to-ground weapons,
while equipment fit will include
Captor E-scan radar and the
Lockheed Martin Sniper laser
designation pod.

CANADA NARROWS FUTURE FIGHTER
CONTEST TO TWO CONTENDERS

PUBLIC SERVICES and Procurement UK Ltd and Rafael Advanced economic impact. Responding to based on further analysis of the
Canada (PSPC), the Canadian Defence Systems Ltd proposing an enquiry from Combat Aircraft two remaining bids, could involve
government’s central purchasing the Gripen E. The US bid is from Journal, PSPC said that“due to proceeding to final negotiations
agency, announced on December Lockheed Martin, in association the confidential aspect of the with the top-ranked bidder
1 that, following evaluation of with Pratt & Whitney, offering the information provided by the or entering into a competitive
submitted proposals, the country’s F-35 Lightning II. This means that bidders during the procurement dialogue, whereby the two
Future Fighter Capability Project Boeing’s F/A-18 Super Hornet is no process, we cannot provide remaining bidders would be
(FFCP) has been reduced to just two longer being considered. further information.” provided with an opportunity to
remaining bidders. These comprise improve their proposals. The PSPC
the Swedish and US governments. The PSPC said proposals were The FFCP is seeking 88 new states that the Government of
rigorously assessed on elements fighters for the Royal Canadian Canada continues to work towards
The Swedish offer comes from of capability, cost and economic Air Force. Over the coming a contract award in 2022, with
Saab, in association with Diehl benefits. The evaluation also weeks, Canada will finalize the delivery of aircraft as early as 2025.
Defence GmbH and Co KG, MBDA included an assessment of next steps in the process, which,

RETRO ‘HOG’
AT THE READY
IN NEVADA

US Air Force/Maryland Air National Guard
(ANG) A-10C Thunderbolt II 78-0693
‘MD’ (from the 175th Wing/104th Fighter
Squadron ‘Fighting Orioles’ at Warfield
ANG Base) prepares for a Green Flag West
22-02 mission from Nellis AFB, Nevada, on
November 8. Earlier in 2021, the aircraft was
repainted in this impressive retro scheme,
to mark the centenary of the Maryland ANG
USAF/William R Lewis

www.Key.Aero // February 2022 7

JORDAN RECEIVES EX-USAF C-130Hs

DURING A ceremony at Amman- by the Connecticut Air National September”, suggesting they around the world. The first R2R
Marka, Jordan, on December Guard’s 103rd Airlift Wing/118th may have already been in service aircraft delivery took place
9, three former US Air Force Airlift Squadron‘Flying Yankees’at for several months prior to the in April 2021 and eight have
C-130H Hercules were formally Bradley International Airport. The official transfer. All three aircraft been delivered to date, out of a
transferred to Royal Jordanian Air identity of the third aircraft, which have received recent equipment projected 30 aircraft worldwide.
Force (RJAF) ownership. Only two is allocated RJAF serial 358, has updates and upgraded avionics.
of the three were present at the yet to be confirmed. The new aircraft will join the
event, but the third was due to be They are being delivered under existing C-130Hs operated
delivered in January. US government authorisation to the C-130 Ramp-to-Ramp (R2R) by the RJAF’s 2 Squadron at
supply the three C-130Hs through transfer program, as part of the Amman-Marka, boosting fixed-
The first two, serial numbers the Excess Defense Articles US Congressional mandate to cap wing tactical airlift capability by
357 (ex-USAF/74-1664) and 359 process was granted on May 3, the size of the USAF C-130 fleet. almost 50%. The RJAF has been
(ex-USAF 74-2134), were those 2019. An announcement about R2R is the first USAF program to operating the Hercules for almost
present for the ceremony. They the handover said the RJAF had transfer fully active and functional 50 years, having taken delivery of
had previously been operated received the first two“since assets to key security partners its first C-130B variant in 1972.

The two ex-USAF C-130Hs during the handover
ceremony at Amman-Marka on December 9 RJAF

NEWS BRIEFS included signature of a Letter of (G2G) agreement will see Slovenia
Three RAAF F-35As delivered purchase of 12 second-hand Intent for the future acquisition of procure a Leonardo C-27J Spartan
An additional trio of Royal Dassault Rafale F3-Rs from France. a further four A400Ms. tactical transport aircraft from
Australian Air Force (RAAF) F-35A The deal for the former French Air Italy. The aircraft is scheduled to
Lightning IIs have been delivered. Force aircraft was announced on Serbia to buy pair of C295s be delivered in 2023.
The aircraft arrived at RAAF Base November 25. First deliveries are Serbia signed a Letter of Intent
Williamtown, New South Wales, scheduled for 2024. on November 4 for two Airbus Eighth RAF Poseidon delivered
on November 20, bringing the Defence and Space C295 transport The eighth Royal Air Force
current RAAF fleet to 44 out of Indonesian orders A400Ms aircraft. The deal is part of plans P-8A Poseidon MRA1 (serial
planned total of 72 aircraft. Airbus Defence and Space to enhance defense co-operation number ZP808) arrived at RAF
announced on November 18 between Serbia and Spain. Lossiemouth, Moray, Scotland, on
Croatia signs Rafale deal that Indonesia has ordered two November 16 after a delivery flight
The Croatian government has A400Ms in multirole tanker and Slovenia to acquire a C-27J from the US. This leaves just one
signed a formal contract for the transport configuration. The deal Signed on November 17, more aircraft to complete the RAF
between Slovenia and Italy, a order. At time of print, the latter
new government-to-government was due to arrive in January 2022.

8 February 2022 // www.Key.Aero

Marine Corps F-35C Lightning II serial number 169788 ‘VW-312’ launches from the USS NEW MOJAVE UAV
Abraham Lincoln during training on November 23 USMC 1st Lt Charles Allen COULD BE A REAL
GAME CHANGER

‘BLACK KNIGHTS’ COMPLETE GENERAL ATOMICS surfaces while also retaining
F-35C PRE-DEPLOYMENT Aeronautical Systems Inc significant advantages in
TRAINING IN PACIFIC OCEAN (GA-ASI) has unveiled a new endurance and persistence
unmanned aircraft system over manned aircraft. These
MARINE FIGHTER Attack Corps squadron to deploy the (UAS) called Mojave. The US innovations make Mojave the
Squadron 314 (VMFA-314)‘Black F-35C on an aircraft carrier, which manufacturer, which revealed perfect UAS to perform armed
Knights’has returned home to will occur in early 2022. Mojave in a press briefing on overwatch, attack and armed
Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, December 8, said it is based on reconnaissance missions, the
California, after conducting its The at-sea period with CSG-3 the avionics and flight control company stated.
final integrated training cycle evaluated the mission readiness systems of the MQ-9 Reaper
with Carrier Strike Group Three of a US Navy battle group and and MQ-1C Gray Eagle-ER but A prototype aircraft first
(CSG 3) and Carrier Air Wing its ability to perform as an is focused on short take-off and flew in summer 2021, but has
Nine (CVW-9) aboard the USS integrated unit. The exercise landing (STOL) capabilities and been kept under wraps until
Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) in the ensures squadrons such as VMFA- increased firepower. now. GA-ASI stated the UAS
US 3rd Fleet area of operations in 314 are fully prepared to work is continuing to demonstrate
the Pacific Ocean. alongside other elements aboard It features enlarged wings exceptional short-field
The 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing the USS Abraham Lincoln as a with high-lift devices (leading- performance and other unique
unit flew back from the carrier on cohesive fighting force. edge slats and double-slotted qualities. The company notes
December 3, after completing flaps) and a more powerful that the STOL capability
preparations to lead the Marine VMFA-314 was the first Marine 450hp Rolls-Royce M250 increases the number of
Corps into the next step in naval Corps squadron to transition to turboprop engine. Payload employment options available
aviation as the first US Marine the F-35C after retiring its legacy capacity is 3,600lb and Mojave to Mojave, potentially including
F/A-18A/C aircraft and receiving can carry up to 16 Hellfire (or aircraft carrier-based options,
its first F-35C in January 2020. equivalent) missiles on six unlocking naval missions or
underwing hardpoints. There sea-based support for special
FIRST HELLENIC is also a centerline hardpoint. operations forces.
NAVY MH-60R The UAS can be equipped
with a sensor suite, including GA-ASI CEO Linden Blue said:
THE FIRST Sikorsky MH-60R to the H-60 program office (PMA- electro-optical/infrared “We’re proud to bring these
Seahawk (serial number PN-25) 299) on December 10. Four of (EO/IR), synthetic aperture extraordinary capabilities to
for the Hellenic Navy is seen here the type were ordered for Greece radar/ground moving target our Predator line of UAS. We
after completion at the Lockheed under an October 2020 Foreign indicator (SAR/GMTI) and signal are providing the ground force
Martin facility in Owego, New Military Sales contract. intelligence (SIGINT) payloads with a long-endurance, armed
York, where it was handed over NAVAIR to support either land or overwatch UAS that can quickly
maritime missions. reload weapons at austere
sites, located close to the
GA-ASI said Mojave provides conflict zone. This revolutionary
options for forward-basing design, based on seven million
operations without the need flight hours of UAS experience,
for typical airport runways increases expeditionary
or infrastructure. It can land employment options – making
and take off from unimproved Mojave a real game changer.”

GA-ASI’s new Mojave STOL UAV was unveiled on December 8, 2021 GA-ASI

www.Key.Aero // February 2022 9

FORMER AFGHAN HELICOPTERS BOEING QF-16
STORED AT DAVIS-MONTHAN CONTRACT AWARD

AS A result of the Taliban takeover is retrograding US and rescue mission, October 2021, BOEING WAS awarded a firm fixed-
in Afghanistan, various former multinational aircraft from US and p6), attempts were also being price letter contract not to exceed
Afghan Air Force helicopters have overseas maintenance support made to prevent Afghan military $49,677,000 by the US Air Force
been shipped out to the US and facilities to the 309th Aerospace equipment from falling into the Life Cycle Management Center on
placed in storage with the 309th Maintenance and Regeneration hands of the Taliban. At Kabul, November 23 for QF-16 Production
Aerospace Maintenance and Group at Davis-Monthan Air Force US forces disabled all remaining Lot 6 Block 25 and Block 30
Regeneration Group at Davis- Base in Tucson, Arizona. To date, Afghan aircraft and helicopters Unique Material for Drone Peculiar
Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona. the 309th AMARG has received 17 still on the airfield, ensuring Equipment Package. The deal
In response to a query from MD-530s and seven Mi-17s.” they could not be used by the also includes program integration
Combat Aircraft Journal, a public Taliban. It is unclear where the support, production line support
affairs spokesperson for the Air While US and Allied forces Afghan helicopters now at Davis- material and warranty for drone
Force Materiel Command (AFMC) were evacuating civilians from Monthan came from, although peculiar equipment lay-in material.
stated on December 9 that:“The the country in mid-August the comment from AFMC Work is expected to be completed
Defense Security Cooperation through Kabul-Hamid Karzai suggests they were not in the by April 30, 2025.
Management Office-Afghanistan International Airport (see country at the time. This award is the result of a sole
Chaotic scenes in Kabul airlift source acquisition. Fiscal year 2021
navy weapons procurement funds
of $4,186,507; and fiscal year 2022
procurement funds of $20,651,992
were released at the time of award.

Indonesian Navy Bell 505 JetRanger X
HT-2302 ready for the delivery ceremony
at Lanud Juanda, Surabaya, Java, on
December 8 Bell Textron

TWO BELL 505s DELIVERED TO INDONESIAN NAVY

MODERNIZATION OF Tentara formal ceremony on December 8 helicopters used by the unit in the Although there are more than
Nasional Indonesia-Angkatan at the Navy Flight Training Centre. same role since 2002. 300 Bell 505s operating in 55
Laut (TNI-AL; Indonesian Navy) The helicopters comprise serial countries across all six continents,
basic rotary-wing training has numbers HT-2301 (c/n 65352) and It is unclear whether the TNI- only a small number have so far
got underway with the arrival of HT-2302 (c/n 65353). They will AL plan to order any further taken on a military role. These
two new Bell 505 Jet Ranger X be operated by 1 Wing’s Skadron examples, but the manufacturer include six with the Jamaica
helicopters. They were handed Udara 200 at Lanud Juanda, confirmed to Combat Air Journal Defence Force, four with the Japan
over from local company PT Surabaya in Java, replacing on December 9 that, at present, Coast Guard and two with the
Atamora Tehnik Makmur during a the Eurocopter H120 Colibri only these first two have been Montenegro Army Air Force.
sold and delivered.

10 February 2022 // www.Key.Aero

NEW BLACK RAVENS
GROWLER COLORS

The last batch of five Philippine Air Force S-70i Black Hawks from the initial order for US Navy EA-18G Growler 168259 CAG-bird paint scheme when it
16 being formally christened during their induction at Clark Air Base on December 3. ‘NL-520’from Electronic Attack arrived at NAS Fallon, Nevada, on
Approval has now been given for a further batch of 32 Armed Forces of the Philippines Squadron 135 (VAQ-135)‘Black October 28 for a brief refueling
Ravens’at Naval Air Station (NAS) stop after returning from a shore-
Whidbey Island, Washington, based Pacific deployment at
was sporting a new full-color Misawa, Japan. Jim Dunn

PHILIPPINES TO BUY 32

MORE S-70I BLACK HAWKS

A FURTHER 32 Polish-built acquisition included $636 million DRAKEN US ACQUIRES
Sikorsky S-70i Black Hawk combat for the 32 Black Hawks to be DUTCH AND NORWEGIAN F-16s
utility helicopters are to be acquired from Sikorsky’s Polish
purchased to supplement the subsidiary PZL Mielec. He said that US-BASED adversary support the Netherlands to add another
Philippine Air Force (PAF) fleet. a contract for the aircraft was still contractor Draken US has signed 12 ex Koninklijke Luchtmacht
Philippine Defense Secretary under negotiation. contracts to procure more than (Royal Netherlands Air Force)
Delfin Lorenzana announced the 20 F-16 Fighting Falcons from F-16s to its fleet. This procurement
plans on December 7, saying that The PAF has already taken the Netherlands and Norway. deal was announced through a
the government has allocated delivery of 16 S-70i Black Hawks According to a press release Netherlands government letter
funds for the acquisition of the from PZL Mielec, the last batch of issued by the Norwegian on June 29, with the contract
helicopters for the PAF, along with which arrived on November 8 (see government on December 2, officially signed on December 1.
six offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) Philippine Black Hawk deliveries Draken US has arranged with
for the navy. completed, January, p18). That final the Norwegian Forsvarsmateriell In addition to the 12 Dutch
batch of five was formally inducted (Defence Material Agency) fto F-16s procured, according to the
Lorenzana said that funding into service on December 3 at Clark procure 12 former Luftforsvaret same government letter, State
allocated for capital assets Air Base, Angeles, Pampanga. (RNoAF; Royal Norwegian Air Secretary for Defence of the
Force) F-16AM/BM (MLU)s. Netherlands at the time, Barbara
AUSSIE TIGERS ON Visser, announced that“within
EXERCISE IN ARIZONA Norway is planning to retire the contract is an option to sell
its fleet of F-16s by the end of another 28 F-16s to Draken US.”
Australian Army Tiger ARH A38-009 from the 1st Aviation Regiment 2021. The Forsvarsmateriell was The additional 28 F-16s would
hover-taxis at US Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, California, on tasked with the sale of the retiring be procured when withdrawn
September 28 during Exercise Griffin Eagle. The Tiger ARHs deployed to F16 fleet back in 2019, as the from service at the end of 2024.
the US for systems testing and training qualification activities with the expected 33-strong deployment These ex RNLAF F-16s are all
US Marine Corps. Commonwealth of Australia/Capt Gavin Patridge of Lockheed Martin F-35As takes being made available by the
over the front-line fighter role for end-life of type (ELOT) program
the country. because, as in Norway, the fifth-
generation F-35A takes front-line
In addition to the 12 aircraft, responsibility for the Netherlands.
the contract agreement includes
support equipment to operate Draken is not the first in the
the F-16s. Deliveries of the ex contracted red-air world to
RNoAF F-16s to Draken US are boast a fleet of F-16s. Canada-
expected to take place as early as based rival contractor Top Aces
2022. This delivery date depends beat Draken US to purchase 29
on formal approval from both the ex-Israeli Air Force F-16A/Bs.
US and Norwegian Governments. The company received the first
of these in January 2021 and
As well as the 12 F-16s from achieved FAA certification of the
Norway, Draken US has agreed type in May this year.
a deal with the government of

www.Key.Aero // February 2022 11

US HANDS OVER SECOND HERCULES TO NIGER

A SECOND C-130H Hercules Since renewing its partnership two Hercules. Additionally, the US in total to Niger, of which 5UMMS
has been delivered by the US with Niger on the C-130 program built a C-130 Hangar at BA201 in was the second. The first was
Government to Niger to join the in 2015, the US has provided more Agadez and will soon complete a Niger’s sole remaining example,
Armée de l’Air du Nigér (Niger than $30m to ensure its success. warehouse for spare aviation 5UMBH, which was totally
Air Force) inventory. The aircraft, This has included: delivering parts at BA101. refurbished in the US and then
serial number 5UMMS, was training and technical assistance redelivered on January 4, 2021
formally handed over to Minister to Niger Air Force flight and The US is also to construct a new – see ‘Hercules achieves African
of National Defense Alkassoum maintenance crews; supplying C-130 hangar at BA101. In Arkansas, milestone’, March, p21.
Indatou, by US Major General spare parts and equipment; and Little Rock Air Force Base’s C-130
James Kriesel, National Guard providing aircraft fuel. Formal Training Unit provided Since then, that aircraft has
Assistant to the Commander of US the country with an international undertaken various humanitarian
Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces About $17m of this support has pilot training program, which assistance operations and
Africa, during a ceremony in Niger furnished critical infrastructure graduated the first Nigerien United Nations troop and vehicle
on December 7 at Base Aérienne – the US recently funded the female pilot and educated other movements.
101 (BA101) Niamey-Diori Hamani. refurbishment of a hangar at pilots in the program. The US
BA101 that can accommodate The third Hercules is scheduled
plans to deliver three C-130Hs for delivery in April 2022.

The new Niger Air Force C-130H Hercules, 5UMMS, at the hand-over ceremony on December 7 at Base Aérienne 101 (BA101) Niamey-Diori Hamani USAF Tech Sgt Stephanie Longoria

FIRST BRAZILIAN FEDERAL POLICE EMBRAER E175 DELIVERED

DURING A ceremony in the is expected to join it in 2022. Both Airport, Devon, after Flybe stopped there before delivery. On December
Coordenação de Aviação (Aviation aircraft are secondhand, having flying, it was ferried to Alverca, 5 it departed from Alverca, making
Co-ordination – CAV) hangar at previously been operated by UK Portugal, on August 21, 2020. technical stops at Sal in Cape Verde
Brasilia International Airport on airline Flybe but became available and Natal in Rio Grande do Norte
December 8, the first of two Embraer after Flybe ceased operations on As it was previously operated state in northeast Brazil before
E175s (ERJ170-200STDs) for Brazil’s March 3, 2020. commercially before being handed arriving at Brasilia.
Departmento de Policia Federal (DPF The first to be delivered is currently over to the DPF, the E175 went
– Federal Police Department) was registered as 2-RLBZ (c/n 17000341, through numerous adjustments The second aircraft is 2-RLBY (c/n
handed over. The aircraft will shortly ex G-FBJF) and initially had DPF at OGMA, an Embraer Group 17000336, ex G-FBJE). After being
begin operating in the country with registration PS-CAV allocated, but company based at Alverca. It had stored in the UK at Birmingham
the DPF’s Comando de Aviação this has not been taken up and it all maintenance work carried out Airport following the demise of
Operacional (Operational Aviation will now instead become PS-DPF. needed for it to resume operations Flybe, it was flown to Alverca on
Command), while the second E175 After being stored in the UK at Exeter and comply with Brazil's operational July 16, 2020. It is also now being
requirements. It was also repainted prepared for the DPF by OGMA.

Above: The first Embraer E175 for the Brazilian Federal Police, currently still carrying registration 2-RLBZ, which was handed over in a ceremony at Brasilia International Airport on December 8 Embraer

12 February 2022 // www.Key.Aero

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497/21

RAF SENTINELS SOLD TO US CONSORTIUM

A US-based consortium depend upon the ability of the for disposal as scrap, the UK aircraft to be flown to the US. It is
has purchased the recently consortium to regenerate and fly at Ministry of Defence has since as yet unclear exactly what
retired Royal Air Force fleet of least one aircraft. I am withholding determined that the sale of the purpose they will be used for,
five Bombardier Sentinel R1 the value of the sale as it may aircraft to the US consortium is although there have been
intelligence, surveillance, target prejudice commercial interests.” deemed to be better value for unconfirmed reports that they are
acquisition and reconnaissance money to the UK taxpayer. for the US Army.
(ISTAR) aircraft. Confirmation of Originally, it had been planned
the sale was provided in the UK to scrap the aircraft and DESA had In November, an MOD The aircraft, heavily modified
Parliament on November 30 by issued a notice seeking expressions spokesperson confirmed to versions of the Bombardier Global
Jeremy Quin, Minister of State for of interest from companies CAJ that a sales agreement to Express business jet, had been
Defence Procurement. “interested in being considered for deliver Sentinel airframes to the operated by the RAF’s No 5 (Army
receiving an Invitation to Tender consortium had been signed, Co-operation) Squadron at RAF
In a formal statement, Quin (ITT) in respect of the proposed adding “details of the agreement Waddington, Lincolnshire.
said: “The Defence Equipment sale of the aircraft for stripping are commercially sensitive.”
Sales Authority [DESA] has sold so to harvest all reusable parts As part of UK defence cuts,
the retired Sentinel R1 fleet of for potential resale, recycling or The fleet had already been which meant that plans for an
five aircraft to a US consortium of disposal and final dismantling partially stripped of its specialist expected major system upgrade
three companies, Springfield Air, and removal of the remaining equipment in preparation for were abandoned some time ago,
Raytheon US and Bombardier. platforms. Note these aircraft are being scrapped. the type was officially retired
not for reuse”. on March 31, 2021, with all five
”The aircraft are not currently in However, work to make the fleet aircraft being placed in storage at
an airworthy condition and the Despite the specific statement airworthy again has reportedly Waddington to await their fate –
potential receipt to defence will that they were only to be offered begun recently, just sufficient to see RAF Sentinels retired, .May, p7.
allow one-off ferry flights for all five

NEW TRIALS UNIT ACTIVATED AT DAVIS-MONTHAN BOEING
TO SUPPLY
A NEW US Air Force trials unit, the when USAF Lt Col David McAlroy He added:“Mixing two traditionally SIX MORE
418th Test and Evaluation Squadron was appointed as commander of separate communities into one MH-47Gs
(TES), has been activated at Davis- the squadron by Col Jason Zumwalt, squadron leverages different
Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona. 53rd Test and Evaluation Group experience sets and resources. It BOEING HAS been awarded a
The resident 355th Wing’s Public Commander from Nellis Air Force ultimately results in new, creative contract to supply an additional
Affairs office revealed details of the Base, Nevada. solutions to relevant tactical six MH-47G Block II Chinook
new squadron in an announcement problems with lower overheads.” helicopters by US Special
on November 24. USAF Capt Charles Wilson, 418th Operations Command.
TES director of operations, said: The 418th TES activation began on
The 418th TES, the first ever “With this new squadron we’ll October 1, 2021, to help generate The $212,629,000 cost-plus
combined HC-130J Combat King be able to directly support the rapid and decisive combat air fixed fee and firm-fixed-price
II and EC-130H Compass Call test development and implementation power to airmen and combatant modification to an existing
unit in the entire USAF, was formally of new tactics, techniques and commanders, ensuring that the delivery order contract was
activated during a ceremony at procedures to make us a more USAF is always ready for any future awarded to the US manufacturer
Davis-Monthan on November 5 effective integrated force abroad.” conflicts that may arise. on November 24.

Above: Members of the 418th Test and Evaluation Squadron pose for a photo in front of HC-130J Combat King II, serial number 09-0108, at Davis- In addition to the procurement
Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, during the unit’s activation ceremony on November 5 USAF/Airman 1st Class William Turnbull of six MH-47Gs for US Army
Special Operations Aviation
Command, the deal includes
eight spare shipsets. Fiscal year
2021 procurement and aircraft
procurement, US Army, funds are
financing the acquisition.

Deliveries are scheduled to
begin in 2023.

These helicopters will be the first
to include the new Active Parallel
Actuator Subsystem (APAS), a
mission system that helps pilots
execute more difficult maneuvres
while improving safety and
reliability of flight.

14 February 2022 // www.Key.Aero

DELAWARE ANG’S FINAL C-130H2 DEPARTS

DEPARTING FROM New Castle After being flown on missions C-130H2.5 features newer avionics, Express’ at Standiford Field,
Air National Guard Base on around the globe, these older an upgraded airframe and more Louisville, and still wore the full
November 16 was US Air Force H2 variants, which the unit powerful engines. The aircraft, markings of its previous operator
C-130H2 Hercules serial number first introduced in 1985, have 91-1237, was previously operated on arrival. The 123rd has been
90-1057, the last of this variant been replaced by eight newer by the Kentucky ANG’s 123rd divesting its C-130H models as it
operated by the Delaware Air C-130H2.5 models, built in 1991. Airlift Wing/165th re-equips with the new C-130J and
National Guard’s 166th Airlift Airlift Squadron has passed on the older aircraft to
Wing/142nd Airlift Squadron. The first of the new Hercules for ‘Thoroughbred the Delaware ANG.
the unit arrived on July 16. The

The final C-130H2 Hercules with the Delaware Air National Guard’s 166th Airlift Wing, 90-1057, taxies out to Runway 27 for its last departure from New Castle Air National Guard Base on November
16. The variant has been replaced by newer C-130H2.5 models in Delaware ANG service USAF/166th AW

JAPANESE APACHES TRAIN IN WASHINGTON

Above: Japan Ground Self-Defense Force AH-64DJP Apache, serial number 74507 ‘JG-4507’, assigned to Dai 1 Hikotai at Metabaru launches a Hellfire missile at Yakima Training Center, Washington,
on December 6. The unit was conducting a combined weapons shoot with the US Army’s 1-229th Attack Battalion, 16th Combat Aviation Brigade, together with the combined American and Japanese
observation post as part of Exercise Rising Thunder 21 US Army/Capt Kyle Abraham, 16th Combat Aviation Brigade

MILITARY BIZJETS BRING IN
TOP BRASS TO POINT MUGU

Above: US Air Force Gulfstream C-37A 01-0065 from the 15th Wing/65th Airlift Squadron (AS) and C-37B 11-0550 from the 89th Airlift Wing/99 AS, plus US Navy C-37B 166378 from Fleet Logistics
Support Squadron 1 (VR-1) on the ramp at Naval Base Ventura County, Point Mugu, California, on December 3. They were among a flurry of VIP transports bringing in senior military leadership to
attend the 2021 Reagan National Defense Forum, which took place on December 3-4 US Navy/Ensign Drew Verbis

www.Key.Aero // February 2022 15

LINCOLN’S JETS WORK UP

NATE LEONG VISITED NAVAL AIR STATION (NAS) FALLON, NEVADA, ON SEPTEMBER 20 TO CATCH A FULL WORK-UP
BY CVW (CARRIER AIR WING)-9 AS IT PREPARES FOR AN UPCOMING CRUISE ABOARD USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN

Above: This specially marked EA-18G
Growler, 168376/’500’ of VAQ-133 (Tactical
Electronic Warfare Squadron) is fitted with
a AGM-88 heat-seeking anti-radiation
missile, normally used to destroy radar
sites. The unit known as the ‘Wizards’
has re-designed its squadron markings.
Traditionally, they had the pitchfork and
atom symbol, now there is a skull with a
pitchfork protruding from its mouth and an
atom on its forehead
Left top: An F-35C from VX-9 ‘Vampires’
based at NAWS (Naval Aviation Warfare
Station) China Lake, California, participated
in the TOPGUN class being run at Fallon
Left bottom: The USS Abraham Lincoln’s
sole F-35C unit of VMFA-314 (Marine
Fighter Attack Squadron) ‘Black Knights’
was present at Fallon. This example,
169790/’314’, is one of the latest C models
to come off the assembly line, working up
prior to deployment in 2022
Below: A dual-seat F/A-18F Super Hornet
of VFA-41 ‘Black Aces’ prepares to touch
down armed with two GBU-31 JFDAMs under
the left wing and an AGM-88 HARM under
the right. For air defense it has an AIM-9X
Sidewinder on the port wing tip and a CUBIC
ACMI pod on the starboard wing tip
All photos taken at NAS Fallon, Nevada,
by Nate Leong, unless stated

16 February 2022 // www.Key.Aero

Above: VF-41’s nicely marked F/A-18F 166876/100 with its black upper fuselage and tails sitting at the end of runway ready for departure. The smart-looking jet also carries the squadron’s
70th Anniversary patch on the inside of the tails
Below: Another specially marked jet is the VFA-14 (Strike Fighter Squadron) ‘Tophatters’ CAG-bird, F/A-18E Super Hornet 168927/’200’ seen here with a GBU-31 JDAM (Joint Direct Ammunition)

AGGRESSORS

Above: Another F/A-18C, 164673/’41’ of the NAWDC (Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center) at NAS Fallon, showing off its new paint color scheme of gray, light/dark blue
Below: This legacy FA-18C Hornet 164630/’47’ has recently been transferred to the NAWDC at NAS Fallon from VFC-12 (Fighter Squadron Composite) known as the ‘Fighting Omars’.
It is the only jet at the naval base that sports the arctic camouflage Photo Kevin Whitehead

www.Key.Aero // February 2022 17

FREOESNUDABELSLLCIVRPEIRPRITNYITONS TAIWAN TENSIONS BACK TO SCHOOL

CHINA SORTIES UP THE ANTE TRAINING NAVY AVIATORS

FIFTH-GEN FORCE

UPGRADING US NAVY
CARRIER AIR WINGS

COMING IN HOT! US ARMY AVIATION 2030 UK £5.40

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F-35 SEA TRIALS WATCHING THE
BAD GUYS THE UNSUNG
FOR ITALY’S CAVOUR AIRCRAFT CARRIER
E-8C JSTARS

END OF USMC SOUTH

AV-8Bs CALIFORNIA
IN SIGHT
BIG #06
VMAT-203 TO
DISBAND SUNSHINE STATE
BASES REPORT

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BLACK
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OUT THERE?

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513/21

GRIPEN E DELIVERIES TO
BRAZIL AND SWEDEN BEGIN

SAAB HAS begun deliveries of Lieutenant Brigadier of the 2013. An agreement for the confirmed by Saab on December
the series production Gripen E Air Carlos de Almeida Baptista purchase of 28 JAS-39E and 18, 2013.
with hand-over of the first six Junior, accepted the four eight JAS-39F Gripen NG aircraft
aircraft, comprising four to the Brazilian aircraft. for the FAB was concluded on The first FAB aircraft will enter
Força Aérea Brasileira (FAB – October 24, 2014. service with Ala 2’s (Wing 2’s) 1°
Brazilian Air Force) and two to At the same time, the single- Grupo de Defensa Aérea (1st Air
the Swedish Air Force. seat FAB variant was officially The initial 13 FAB aircraft are Defense Group) at Base Aérea de
The hand-over took place on designated as the F-39E. being produced by Saab, while Anápolis, replacing the F-5EM/FM
November 24 at Saab’s facility in the remainder will undergo Tiger IIs currently operated by the
Linköping, Sweden. Brazil had first announced final assembly in Brazil. Sweden unit. The first Swedish Air Force
that the Gripen had been is acquiring 60 single-seat unit to re-equip with Gripen E will
The Commander of the FAB, selected to meet its FX-2 fighter JAS39E, for which an order was be the F7 Wing at Såtenås.
requirement on December 18,

The first production Brazilian Air Force Saab F-39E Gripen, serial 4101,
in a line-up of new production aircraft for Brazil and Sweden during
the hand-over ceremony at Linköping, Sweden, on November 24 Saab

UAE/FRANCE CONTRACT
A RECORD-BREAKER

A RECORD-BREAKING contract of the French Republic, MORE USMC KC-130Js
has been signed between Emmanuel Macron, and Sheikh ARRIVE AT CAMBRIDGE
France and the United Arab Mohammed ben Zayed Al
Emirates to acquire a total of Nahyane, Crown Prince of Abu US Marine Corps KC-130J Transport Squadron 152 (VMGR-
80 Rafale F4s and 12 Airbus Dhabi and Vice-Commander of 167982 ‘QD-982’ arriving at 152) ‘The Sumos’ at Marine
H225M Caracal helicopters. the Armed Forces of the UAE. Cambridge, UK, on November Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan.
Including the H225 order, the 18 for minor repairs and MADG announced on October
Dassault Aviation announced total acquisition cost is €17bn. modification by Marshall 1, 2020, that it had been
the Rafale deal on December The UAEAF&AD will become the Aerospace and Defence Group awarded a US Naval Air Systems
3, saying the contract had first operator of the F4 standard (MADG). Arriving the same Command contract to provide
been signed by Eric Trappier, Rafale F4 outside of France. day for overhaul by MADG was depot level maintenance for the
Chairman and CEO of Dassault The country also becomes the 165957 ‘QD-957.’ Both came worldwide USMC KC-130J fleet
Aviation, and Tareq Abdul largest export customer for the from Marine Aerial Refueler Neil Damsell
Raheem Al Hosani, CEO of Rafale.
Tawazun Economic Council,
the company in charge of The H225Ms will be in CSAR
UAE Air Force and Air Defence configuration, with Airbus
(UAEAF&AD) acquisitions. Helicopters’ HForce weapons
system. They will also have air-
The contract was signed in to-air refueling capability.
the presence of the President

20 February 2022 // www.Key.Aero

The RAF Protector RG1 undergoes extreme cold weather
testing down to -33°C at the McKinley Climatic
Laboratory at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida GA-ASI

PROTECTOR RG1 PASSES SYSTEM TESTING MILESTONE

UK ROYAL Air Force (RAF) Protector key elements of the HIRF testing. with solar load tests. These were to eventually fly in UK and
RG1 remotely piloted air system Electromagnetic testing for all carried out at the McKinley International airspace.
(RPAS) development has passed the Protector took place at the Climatic Laboratory at Eglin Air
another key milestone in the Electromagnetic Environmental Force Base, Florida. The first Protector is expected to
project with completion of a series Effects Test Facility at Naval Air complete its test and evaluation
of system level tests by its US Station Patuxent River, Maryland. Multiple stress tests on the program in late 2022 and arrive in
manufacturer, General Atomics- The aircraft was subject to high Protector were undertaken during the UK in 2023.
Aeronautical Systems Inc (GA-ASI). intensity electromagnetic radiation full-scale static testing at GA-
across the whole operational ASI’s facility in Desert Horizons, Initially, the RAF ordered three
The achievement was announced electromagnetic spectrum. The California. The entire airframe Protectors, but on July 22, 2021, the
by GA-ASI on November 30. radiation tests also included (full fuselage, wings, tails and UK Ministry of Defence announced
hazards of electromagnetic undercarriage) was tested with an $195 million contract for a
Tests, all completed in the US, radiation on ordnance (HERO) 150% of the highest expected further 13, exercising options held
included full-scale static strength, testing of the weapon outload of operational loads. Testing all the on the original deal – see RAF orders
High-Intensity Radiated Frequency the Protector. major structures of the airframe, 13 more Protectors, October, p14.
(HIRF) and environmental testing these tests verified whether the
of Protector, the RAF version of The Protector faced extreme cold aircraft could perform safely when Over last summer, GA-ASI
the MQ-9B SkyGuardian medium weather, testing to -33°C during operated at maximum flight speed provided a company MQ-9B and
altitude long endurance RPAS. the environmental stage of the and g-forces. operated it in the UK from RAF
series. It also faced in-flight ice, Waddington, Lincolnshire, and
Most of the tests were performed supercooled fog, in-flight rain, high This was a key example of RAF Lossiemouth, Moray, to help
by GA-ASI using internal research humidity and high temperature demonstrating why the Protector the RAF get acquainted with its
and development funding with the will be the first RPAS to be certified operational capabilities ahead of
RAF and US Air Force supporting the first delivery of Protector.”

MORE UK F-35Bs DELIVERED AND FIRST LOSS

A FURTHER three Lockheed the crash has yet to be confirmed first flight from Fort Worth, Texas, 2BK,0026), which took its maiden
Martin F-35B Lightning II jet officially, but reports suggest during October. It was followed flight on November 15. Both are
fighters were delivered to RAF that a stray engine intake cover into the air by ZM160 ’026’(c/n due for delivery in 2022.
Marham in Norfolk on October 28. was ingested into the engine,
The new aircraft comprise serial resulting in a loss of thrust. The After a seven-month deployment on HMS Queen Elizabeth, F-35B Lightning II ZM154 ‘020’
numbers ZM156‘022’(c/n 2BK022), pilot attempted to abort the take arrives at RAF Marham, Norfolk, on November 24. The aircraft returned home early to
ZM157‘023’(c/n 2BK023) and off, but it appears he was unable assess maintenance requirements UK MOD Crown Copyright/RAF Marham
ZM158‘024’(c/n 2BK024). to slow the aircraft down before it
ran off the end of the ski jump and
This increased the UK’s Lightning dropped into the sea. Luckily, the
force to 23 aircraft, following the airman was able to eject and was
loss of ZM152‘018’on November recovered safely.
17, when it ditched while
attempting to take off from the Meanwhile, production of F-35Bs
aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth destined for the UK continues.
(R08) in the Mediterranean Sea. The next aircraft — the 25th
production example, ZM159
This accident marked the first ‘025’(c/n 2BK.0025) — made its
loss of a UK F-35. The cause of

www.Key.Aero // February 2022 21

A Huey II being unloaded from the
Antonov Airlines An-124 after arriving
in Sarajevo on December 4, 2021
US Embassy in Bosnia and Herzegovina

US DELIVERS FOUR HUEY IIs TO BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

FOUR NEW Bell UH-1H-II Huey 124 on December 3 for the direct In addition to the helicopters, in the case of natural disasters, as
IIs have been delivered to the flight to Sarajevo. the deal includes provision well as for medical evacuation,
Bosnia and Herzegovina Air Force of pilot and maintenance firefighting, search and rescue
and Air Defence Brigade by the The serial numbers follow personnel training, along with and other missions. They will
US government. The helicopters on from that of the last of the the necessary tools and ground supplement the few UH-1H
(serials A2628, A-2629, A2630 previously acquired UH-1Hs: support equipment to ensure safe Iroquois remaining in service with
and A2631) arrived at Sarajevo A-2627. They have been acquired maintenance and management 2 Helicopter Squadron at Banja
International Airport at 0810hrs as part of the modernization of of the Huey IIs. The US will also Luka-Mahovljani.
on December 4, on board Antonov the BiH Armed Forces, and mark provide an aviation advisor
Airlines An-124-100-150 UR- the biggest investment program to assist with the helicopters’ A Letter of Offer and Acceptance
82072, callsign ‘ADB3004’. since it was established in 2005. integration into the armed forces, for the helicopters’ acquisition was
The helicopters had initially been The total value of the acquisition and initial spare parts to cover signed with the US government
flown in to the cargo ramp at is $38.5m, of which Bosnia and 300hrs per year of operation for on December 13, 2019, and
Huntsville International Airport, Herzegovina contributed $4.6m. the first two years. Bosnian pilots completed their
Alabama, on November 30, 2021, The remainder was secured by the training on the type between June
then departed on board the An- US government via the US Foreign The Huey IIs will be used to 6-25, 2021, at the Bell Training
Military Financing aid program. support the civilian population Academy in Fort Worth, Texas.

RAF TO UPGRADE ISTAR FLEET

TWO ADDITIONAL Beechcraft Raytheon UK, as announced by After the upgrade, which will current Shadow R1s are based
Shadow intelligence, the UK Ministry of Defence on be applied to all eight aircraft, and operated by 14 Squadron.
surveillance, target acquisition November 3, 2021. they will be designated Shadow
and reconnaissance (ISTAR) R2. Work will be undertaken Shadow program senior
aircraft are to be acquired for The deal also includes at Raytheon UK’s facility in responsible owner, Group
the UK’s Royal Air Force, which integration of an improved, Broughton, North Wales, with Captain Shaun Gee, RAF said: “It
will also upgrade its existing state-of-the-art UK Sovereign additional roles being carried out is expected the first upgraded
six-strong fleet. The new aircraft Defensive Aids Systems (DAS), at the company’s sites in Harlow, aircraft will be delivered to the
will be purchased under a which will increase the type’s Essex, and RAF Waddington, RAF in June 2023, with delivery
£110m contract awarded to ability to defend itself and Lincolnshire, where the six of the eighth Shadow R2 aircraft
operate in unfriendly airspace. before the end of 2025.”

22 February 2022 // www.Key.Aero

FIFTH BRAZILIAN

KC-390 ARRIVES

Pictured here is the fifth Embraer Air Force Base, where the Aircraft WAKE ISLAND AVENGERS
KC-390 Millennium (serial number joined Ala 2’s (2 Wing’s) resident 1°
2857) to be delivered to the GTT (1st Troop Transport Group)
Força Aérea Brasileira (Brazilian ‘Esquadrão Zeus’.
Air Force), at an official handover The event also marked the 60th
ceremony on December 1, 2021. anniversary of 1° GTT.
The event took place at Anápolis Brazilian Ministry of Defence

ARRIVE BACK HOME

FOLLOWING A seven-month Above: US Marine Corps F-35B Lightning
deployment on board the Royal II serial number 169621 ‘CF-01’ from
Navy aircraft carrier HMS Queen VMFA-211 taxies on the flight deck of HMS
Elizabeth (R08), the ten US Marine Queen Elizabeth (R08) on November 24
Corps F-35B Lightning IIs that USMC/1st Lt Zachary Bodner
have been on board for the
duration of the ship’s maiden, Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona,
28-week operational Carrier on December 8.
Strike Group deployment, finally
headed for home. The successful deployment of
The aircraft from Marine Fighter VMFA-211 on the ship began
Attack Squadron 211 (VMFA-211) when the ten F-35Bs from the unit
‘Wake Island Avengers’flew off the arrived on board in May 2021,
vessel in the Mediterranean Sea flying in from RAF Lakenheath,
on November 24, initially heading Suffolk, to join the carrier, which
for Naval Station Rota, Spain. had left Portsmouth, Hampshire,
They arrived back home at Marine on May 1. Since then, they have
traveled the world and been
involved in numerous exercises.

USAF’S 100TH ARW RECEIVES BLOCK 45 KC-135R

US AIR Force Block 45 KC-135R at Fairchild AFB, Washington, equipment, including old analog accomplished between 1997
Stratotanker serial number now joins the 100th’s 351st Air instruments, which are considered and 2001.
59-1475, callsign ‘RCH221’, was Refueling Squadron (ARS) and the high-maintenance or obsolete
delivered to the UK-based 100th rest of its earlier-variant KC-135s. altogether. It includes a more- In addition to the USAF
Air Refueling Wing (ARW) at RAF Capt Nicholas Boonstra, 351st ARS advanced autopilot, new liquid aircraft, the Turkish Air Force’s
Mildenhall, Suffolk, on November pilot, said: “With RAF Mildenhall crystal cockpit displays, radio fleet of seven KC-135Rs is
24. Significantly, this was the first now having one Block 45 aircraft, altimeter, digital flight director and being put through the Block
Block 45 variant for the ‘Bloody all active-duty squadrons in the US other computer module updates. 45 upgrade. Completion of
100th’, which was the final USAF Air Force have some Block 40 and the first Turkish aircraft to
active-duty unit to receive a 45 variants of the KC-135.” The Block 45 modification undergo this modernization was
Block 45 aircraft. enhances the previous Pacer Crag announced by the US Air Force
The Block 45 modifications to cockpit and fuel management Life Cycle Management Center on
The aircraft, which previously this veteran airframe include systems upgrade, September 14 (see Combat Aircraft
served with the 92nd ARW upgrading or replacing 63 items of which was Journal, November 2021, p12).

Above: US Air Force KC-135R Stratotanker serial number 59-1475 being towed along a taxiway shortly after delivery to RAF Mildenhall, Suffolk, on November 24. The aircraft is still wearing the
markings of its previous unit, the 92nd ARW at Fairchild AFB, Washington USAF/Senior Airman Joseph Barron

www.Key.Aero // February 2022 23

TAIWANESE F-16Vs ACHIEVE US TO PERMANENTLY
FULL OPERATING CAPABILITY BASE ATTACK
HELICOPTERS IN
Above: Upgraded ROCAF F-16Vs (serial nos 6626, 6628, 6648 and 6816) perform a flypast during the ceremony at Chiayi on November 18 Peter Ho SOUTH KOREA

A CEREMONY was held at Chiayi has now received all of the first Peace Phoenix Rising programme. APPROVAL HAS been given
to plans for the permanent
Air Base in Taiwan on November batch of 60 F-16V upgrades. Another 66 new production F-16V stationing of a previously
rotational attack helicopter
18 to mark the F-16V achieving At present, the ROCAF has a (F-16C Block 70) fighters are being squadron in the Republic of
Korea. On November 29, the
full operating capability with total of 141 F-16s, which are being purchased from the US. This will US Department of Defense
announced that US President
the Republic of China Air Force’s handed over in batches to Taiwan’s make Taiwan the country with the Joe Biden had accepted the
recommendations of the
(RoCAF’s) 4th Tactical Fighter Wing. Aerospace Industrial Development most F-16Vs in the world. Lockheed Global Posture Review (GPR)
by Secretary of Defense Lloyd
Emphasising its significance at a Corporation (AIDC) for performance Martin has partnered with AIDC to J. Austin III. Although no type
was specifically mentioned, it is
time of increased provocation by enhancements to bring them up upgrade the existing 141 F-16A/B assumed this will involve AH-64
Apaches, which have previously
mainland China, the event was to F-16V standard. The ROCAF Block 20s to F-16V standard. To undertaken deployments in
South Korea at Desiderio Army
personally hosted by Taiwanese F-16V project is being carried out date, 64 F-16V upgrades have been Airfield, Camp Humphreys.

President Tsai Ing-wen. The RoCAF by Lockheed Martin under the completed. Peter Ho The announcement followed
several months of analysis and
TWO MORE TNI-AD BELL 412EPI DELIVERIES close co-ordination across the
US government. In addition to
A FURTHER pair of Tentara Nasional from Bandung to join Skn 11 on February 19. The fourth and fifth the permanent attack helicopter
Indonesia-Angkatan Darat (TNI- November 19. The initial delivery were both delivered on July 21. The presence, the review directs
AD; Indonesian Army) Bell 412EPi had taken place on December 29, TNI-AD also have around 26 earlier additional co-operation with
helicopters have been delivered 2020, followed by a second on model Bell 412s, the first of which allies and partners to advance
by PTDI. These are the sixth and February 17, 2021, then a third on entered service in August 2012. initiatives that contribute to
seventh of an order for nine placed regional stability and deter
with PTDI that was announced on potential Chinese and North
January 10, 2019. Korean aggression. These
include seeking greater regional
The latest delivery — the access for military partnership
seventh example — was serial activities, enhancing
number HA-5230 (c/n 37036, ex infrastructure in Australia and
C-FXNV), also wearing temporary the Pacific Islands, and planning
test registration HX-4149. It rotational aircraft deployments
departed PTDI’s Bandung facility in in Australia, as had already been
Indonesia on December 6 to join announced in September.
Skadron 11 Serbu (11 Squadron-
Assault) at Abdulrachman Saleh The seventh Tentara Nasional Indonesia-Angkatan Darat Bell 412EPi, HA-5230/HX-4149
Air Base. (c/n 37036, ex C-FXNV), departs from Bandung on its delivery flight on December 6 PTDI

Prior to this, the sixth helicopter,
HA-5229 (c/n 37035, ex HX-
4148, C-FXEW), had departed

24 February 2022 // www.Key.Aero

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A United Arab Emirates Air Force
and Air Defense C-17A Globemaster
III spits out flares as the flypast to
mark the opening day ceremony drew
to a close All photos, Alan Warnes

WHILE MOST AEROSPACE DUBAI SHOWS OFF
EXHIBITIONS HAVE
FALLEN VICTIM TO There was a large selection of helicopter gunships at the show, which included this UH-60M Armed Battlefield Helicopter (ABH). The UAEAF&AD
COVID-19 IN RECENT has contracted Sikorsky and Abu Dhabi-based AMMROC to upgrade 24 of its 50 UH-60Ms with a very capable offensive capability
TIMES, THE BIENNIAL
DUBAI AIRSHOW ON
NOVEMBER 14-18
ILLUSTRATED ITS
RESILIENCE.
ALAN WARNES WAS
AMONG THE 100,000
VISITORS AND

HIGHLIGHTS SOME OF
THE US EXHIBITS AMONG

THE 200 AIRCRAFT
PRESENT. FOR A MORE

COMPREHENSIVE
REPORT FROM DUBAI SEE
THE JANUARY 2022 ISSUE
OF AIRFORCES MONTHLY

26 February 2022 // www.Key.Aero

Above: One of the most surprising exhibits
was this E-11A BACN (Battlefield Airborne
Communications Node) used as a beyond-
line-of-sight relay aircraft. During operations
in Afghanistan, it was flown by the 430th
Expeditionary Combat Squadron (ECS) out of
Kandahar, but the unit now resides at Prince
Sultan Air Base (PSAB) in Saudi Arabia
Left: A UAEAF&AD F-16E Block 60 participated
in the flying display every day. Lockheed
Martin has been addressing obsolescence
issues with the fleet of 78 surviving F-16E/Fs,
which was deployed on a lot of sorties during
the Yemen War when the UAE was involved.
The F-35A is being looked upon as a future
replacement.

Right top: A recent addition to the UAEAF&AD
inventory is this Cessna 208B Grand
Caravan, serial-led 2243, which is the
last in an order of five. Florida-based MAG
Aerospace, which refers to the upgrade as
the MC-208 Guardian, delivered it recently.
Its former US civilian registration, N574TW,
could still be seen on the rear fuselage.
Armed with two AGM-114 Hellfires and a
2.75 inch rocket pod, the L3Harris MX-15 EO/
IR turret underneath the forward fuselage
allows the weapons systems operator in the
rear to scour for potential targets and fire the
missiles when required
Right bottom: While the UAE announced an
order for two more A330 Multi Role Tanker
Transports at the show, to add to the three
they currently operate, it didn’t stop Boeing
from exhibiting a KC-46A Pegasus tanker
from the 22nd ARW based at McConnell AFB,
Texas. The USAF has received 48 of the 179
KC-46As that are set to be delivered by 2029

Another interesting USAF visitor was this
23rd Wing HC-130J Combat King II operated
by the 71st RQS (Rescue Squadron) at
Moody AFB. In August, the 71st became the
first HC-130J unit to refuel from a KC-46A
Pegasus tanker

www.Key.Aero // February 2022 27

NEW THAI T-6TH TEXAN II FLEET

NEARS PRODUCTION COMPLETION

TEXTRON AVIATION Defense Above: Two of the 12 T-6TH Texan IIs for the Royal Thai Air Force being inspected by Thai officials in mid-November Textron Aviation Defence
announced on November 18 that
the fleet of 12 Beechcraft T-6TH Kamphaeng Saen Air Base between focuses on the modernization of support of the 41st Wing light
Texan IIs ordered for the Royal
Thai Air Force (RTAF) is nearing late 2022 and early 2023. Textron key capabilities and promotes the attack operations at Chiang Mai
manufacturing completion and
surpassing technical inspection says they are on schedule as they development of the Thai defense Air Base (see Thailand becomes
milestones ahead of schedule at
its Wichita, Kansas facility. Under a progress down the production line. industry. The RTAF also recently international launch customer for
$162 million contract announced by
the US manufacturer on September The T-6TH Texan II holds the awarded Textron Aviation Defense light attack Wolverines, January, p6).
26, 2020, 12 T-6C Texan IIs (locally
designated the T-6TH) were ordered, distinction of being the first RTAF a $143 million contract for an The deal, announced on November
along with ground-based training
systems for pilots and maintenance procurement contracted in support integrated system, including eight 14, was also completed under the
professionals, a mission planning
and debrief system, spare parts and of S-Curve 11, a Thai plan that Beechcraft AT-6TH Wolverines, in S-Curve 11 plan.
ground support equipment.

Betsy Relph, the Textron Aviation
Defense T-6 program manager for
Thailand, said:“We showcased all
12 of the aircraft during a recent
visit from the RTAF acceptance
committee and are especially proud
that RTAF Air Chief Marshal Chanon
Mungthanya was here to fly the T-6.”

The aircraft are due to arrive at
the RTAF Flying Training School at

PHILIPPINE AH-1F COBRAS ARRIVES AT SANGLEY POINT

ONE OF the two recently acquired Above: The first Philippine Air Force AH-1F Cobra, 1027, shortly after arrival at the 15th Strike Both are former Royal Jordanian
Philippine Air Force (PAF) Bell Wing headquarters at Major Danilo Atienza Air Base in Sangley Point, Cavite City, on November Air Force (RJAF) helicopters
AH-1F Cobras has finally been 18. It will be operated by the Wing’s 20th Attack Squadron PAF/15th Strike Wing and prior to that had been in
delivered to the 15th Strike Wing Israeli Defence Force/Air Force
headquarters at Major Danilo service. The second example
Atienza Air Base (MDAAB) in is serial number 1023. They
Sangley Point, Cavite City. The will complement the current
helicopter, serial number 1027 (c/n MD520MGs of the 20th Attack
21718, ex RJAF 1027), flew into Squadron, supporting other armed
the base on November 18 and forces of the Philippines units.
was greeted by a traditional water
cannon salute. The attack helicopters were
The Cobra, piloted by Major Reese donated by Jordan when, in
James A Obeso, PAF, Squadron September 2018, the Philippine
Commander, 20th Attack Department of National Defense
Squadron, and Capt Wilmore and the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab
Kristus A Tanamor, took off from Army signed a memorandum
Clark Air Base and performed of understanding on defence
low passes before making its co-operation. They arrived in the
first touchdown at MDAAB. The Philippines in November 2019, but
15th Strike Wing commander, since then had remained at Clark
Brig Gen Aristotle Gonzales and Air Base being prepared for service.
other ranking officers of the unit It has not been announced when
welcomed the aircraft and its crew. the second Cobra will join the first
at Sangley Point.

28 February 2022 // www.Key.Aero

LIGHTNING IIs REPLACE HORNETS
AT NORTHERN TERRITORY BASE

FOUR ROYAL Australian Air Force by two more on December 8. F/A-18A/B Hornets, which were The last seven Hornets of 75
(RAAF) F-35A Lightning IIs from Air-to-air refueling support for operated by the unit for 33 years. Squadron made their final flights
75 Squadron have arrived at their the ferry flights from RAAF Base The Squadron will eventually on November 29, when they were
new home at RAAF Base Tindal, Williamtown, New South Wales, was operate 16 F-35As. flown from Tindal to Williamtown.
Northern Territory. The first two provided by a 33 Squadron KC-30A. On their arrival, a ceremony was
(serials A35-029 and A35-042) held to mark the end of RAAF
flew in on December 2, followed The F-35As have replaced classic Hornet operations.
75 Squadron’s classic

The first RAAF/75 Squadron F-35A Lightning II to
arrive at its permanent home touches down at RAAF
Base Tindal on December 2
Commonwealth of Australia/Sgt Pete Gammie

RECENT LOSSES Paraguayan Air Force UH-1H Siachen Glacier in Gilgit-Baltistan's
Iroquois serial number H-0433 Ghanche district. Both crew
An Ethiopian Air Force Mi-35 Indian Air Force Mi-17-1V operated by the Grupo Aéreo de members were killed.
Hind was shot down during an serial number ZM3023 crashed on Helicópteros crashed on November
attack on Tigray People’s Liberation November 18 during an emergency 25 during a training flight from A US Air Force MQ-9A Reaper
Front militants in Mille, the Afar landing near Rochham in Arunachal Campo Grande/Ñu Guazú Air Base, from the 49th Wing crashed on
region on November 11. Pradesh. The five crew members Asunción. Three were killed. take-off from Holloman Air Force
escaped serious injury. Base, New Mexico, December 6.
Royal Malaysian Air Force Hawk Azerbaijani State Border Guard
Mk 108 serial number M40-08 Two US Air Force T-38C Talons Service Mi-17-1V serial number An Iraqi Army Aviation
from 15 Skuadron was written off from the 47th Flying Training 20136 crashed on November 30 Command Mi-171Sh operated
on November 16 when it crashed Wing/87th Flying Training Squadron during a training flight on the by the 15th Special Operations
at RMAF Butterworth Air Base, collided on the runway and crashed Garaheybat air range in the Khizi Squadron was written off on
Penang. One pilot was killed, the at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, region. Of the 16 on board, 14 were December 7 after attempting an
other was injured. on November 19. One was serial killed and the other two injured. emergency landing in the Sayed
number 68-8121‘87FTS.’One pilot Ahmed Al-Rifa'i area of southern
Royal Air Force F-35B Lightning was killed and two others injured. Salvadorean Air Force Beech Iraq. Some of the personnel on
II serial number ZM152‘018’ G58 Baron serial number 010 board sustained injuries.
operated by 617 Squadron was lost Colombian National Police crashed into the sea south of
on November 17 during an aborted UH-1H-II Huey II serial number PNC- La Puntilla beach, La Paz, on Peruvian Air Force Mi-171Sh
take-off from HMS Queen Elizabeth 0715 was written off on November December 2. Three were killed. serial number 609 from Esc de
(R08) in the Mediterranean Sea. The 20, when it crashed near La Yeguera Helicópteros 341 crashed on
pilot ejected safely. village, Cundinamarca. Two of the Royal Thai Air Force F-5THF December 7 near San Mateo,
six on board died in the crash and Super Tigris serial number south of Lima. Five were killed.
A Hellenic Air Force F-16C another died later in hospital. 21105/91692/Kh18kh2-5/24 from
Block 52 from the 115th Combat 21 Wing/211 Fighter Squadron Indian Air Force Mi-17V-5
Wing/343 Mira crashed on A Japan Ground Self-Defense crashed on December 3 on the serial number ZP5164 from 109
November 18 while landing at Force ScanEagle UAV disappeared Chandy Range in Lopburi. The pilot Helicopter Unit was destroyed
Andravida Air Base after a Weapons after launching from the site of a was injured after ejecting. in a crash on December 8 near
and Tactics School training mission. former airport on Tanehgashima Coonoor, Tamil Nadu. A total of
The pilot ejected safely. Island on November 23. An unidentified Pakistan 12 of the 14 on board were killed,
Army Aviation Corps helicopter including the Chief of Defence
crashed on December 6 on the Staff and his wife.

www.Key.Aero // February 2022 29

THE HOTTEST ALERT AIRCRAFT... ANYWHERE

NEBRAS
Chris Croot takes a look into the somewhat secretive world of the United States Air Force’s ‘doomsday plane’

Above: Visible in this shot of E-4B
75-0125 lifting off are the two
towed aerial outlets, one above
the APU (Auxiliary Power Unit)
exhaust and the second aft of
the the landing gear. This pod

houses the LFTS aerial cable used

NIGHTtocommunicatewithUSnuclear
submarines USAF/Tech Sgt
William A O’Brien

30 February 2022 // www.Key.Aero

SKA IN THE EVENT a major stateside strategic deterrence. Responsible
disaster or nuclear attack destroys for leading this unit is Colonel Brian
ground-based command and Golden who, alongside Lieutenant
control (C2) facilities, the upper Colonel Michael Shirley 1st Airborne
echelons of the US government Command and Control Squadron
turn to one aircraft to keep the (ACCS) commander and Major
country moving: the Boeing E-4B. Theodore ’Ted’DeBonis 595th
Operated by the 595th Command Aircraft Maintenance Squadron
and Control Group (C2G), an 8th Air Force (AMXS) commander, helps deliver its
unit at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, unique mission.
the aircraft serves as the current National
Airborne Operations Center (NAOC) and
represents a critical piece in the US’s

TWATCH

www.Key.Aero // February 2022 31

THE HOTTEST ALERT AIRCRAFT... ANYWHERE

Above: An Air Force E-4B disconnects from the boom of a KC-135
Stratotanker, assigned to Fairchild Air Force Base. As a derivative of a
commercial airliner the E-4B wasn’t designed to fly in close proximity
to another large aircraft and therefore makes aerial refueling a very
challenging procedure for pilots who must regularly practise this
perishable skill USAF/Senior Airman Mary O’Dell

Inside the E-4 and delivering a response to any
conceivable attack/disaster. Lt Col Shirley
Based on the Boeing 747-200 commercial expanded:“This is not DV [Distinguished
airliner, the E-4B ’Nightwatch' is a large, Visitor] airlift. It’s global command and
four-engined US Air Force communications control with the ability to reach out to
platform designed to provide a survivable, anyone across the globe.”An E-4B will
command and control (C2) capability. travel with the President to provide a
The first three E-4As (73-1676, 73-1677, back-up aircraft should the VC-25 be
74-0787) entered service in the early 1970s unavailable, but will typically be posted to
while the fourth and final aircraft (75-0125) a separate location.
was delivered in 1979 in E-4B standard. The
original aircraft were upgraded to E-4B by The exterior of the aircraft is covered
1985, the major difference between A and with a myriad of UHF/VHF (Ultra/Very
B models being the shielding of onboard High Frequency) aerials and satellite
equipment against the electromagnetic communications antennas. Atop the
pulse (EMP) generated by a nuclear fuselage is a distinctive blister that
explosion. This type of aircraft is not unique houses the SSHF (Survivable Super
to the USAF; the Russian Air Force operates High Frequency) SATCOM antenna,
a fleet of Ilyushin Il-80‘Maxdomes', but they which was subject to a $23.8m upgrade
are rarely seen in operation and are widely by L3Harris in 2020. Once in flight the
believed to face serviceability issues. aircraft deploys two trailed aerials used
to communicate with the US Navy’s
To the casual observer the E-4B and submerged ballistic submarines.
VC-25 (often inaccurately referred to as
‘Air Force One’) appear very similar; indeed With a mission crew of up to 80, the E-4
one may question why the USAF operates has the largest operational crew of any
two fleets of 747-derived aircraft. However, USAF platform in history. This enormous
the exterior is where the similarities end. crew is broken down into flight crew,
Although the VC-25 provides the President battle staff and technical/support staff.
with a communications capability, it is not In the flight deck sits a pilot, co-pilot,
as globally integrated nor as sophisticated navigator and flight engineer, supported
as that aboard the E-4B. The VC-25 also by a number of flight attendants who
lacks the E-4B’s dedicated battle staff and are primarily responsible for the safety of
advisors who are capable of organizing passengers and crew. The battle staff and

32 February 2022 // www.Key.Aero

communications operators occupy the Above: The
center and rear of the aircraft’s main deck impressive number
and are taken from four of the five service of communications
branches. This team of approximately aerials and antenna
50 is comprised of communications and are seen on almost
radio equipment operators, intelligence the entire length
and operations planners and weather, of the aircraft’s
reconnaissance and damage assessment spine USAF/
officers. Leading the battle staff is either Louis Briscese
a Grade 0-6 USAF Colonel or US Navy
Captain and an 0-5 rank deputy who will Right: Staff Sgt
work and communicate with outside Chad Price scrubs a
entities on where the aircraft should go E-4B at the Allman
and what defense posture should be Maintenance
maintained. The battle staff man consoles Facility in April
and communication stations in the cabin, 20, 2020 for the
now with LCD screens in place of the first time since
original ’80s vintage cathode ray tubes. the flooding of the
The final members of the crew are the installation in 2019.
Security Forces members who provide USAF/Tech Sgt
protection from unlawful interference and William A O’Brien
10-15 maintenance personnel who are
carried to service the aircraft.

Nightwatch remit

The group is tasked with generating a fully
serviceable E-4B and mission crew 24/7
ready to take to the air, escape the threat,
and provide a secure communications
network for the President, Secretary of

WITH A MISSION CREW OF UP TO 80, THE E-4 HAS THE LARGEST
OPERATIONAL CREW OF ANY USAF PLATFORM IN HISTORY

An E-4B aircraft sits on the ramp of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila, Philippines after supporting then Secretary of Defense Ash Carter on a visit to the USS John C Stennis aircraft
carrier as it sailed the South China Sea on April 15, 2016. In the background is a C-17 Globemaster, which often deploy alongside E-4Bs carrying spare parts USAF/Senior Master Sgt Adrian Cadiz

www.Key.Aero // February 2022 33

THE HOTTEST ALERT AIRCRAFT... ANYWHERE

Defense and/or the Joint Chiefs. Although all mission systems fully operational. Left: Colonel Brian There’s no other weapons system that has
both a USAF asset and C2 platform, the Onboard the alert aircraft at all times are Golden, 595th that capability.”
595th C2G’s priority lies with delivering communications operators ensuring the Command and Control
communications to the executive branch vast suite of comms equipment comprised Group and National Once airborne the NAOC may be
of the government, rather than working of more than 40 systems, is operational Airborne Operations called on to communicate directly with
directly with battlefield commanders. and integrated into US governmental Center commander, an individual member of government
“We aren’t the traditional command and networks. The mission crew sits in an alert gives remarks after or to work as a pathway between two
control platform flying over a battlespace building nearby and the 595th aims to assuming command of organizations or platforms. Although
with data links and comm radios; we have an aircraft on the move just a couple the 595th Command primarily designed to operate in the event
provide reliable head-of-state level of minutes after being scrambled and and Control Group of a nuclear attack, the NAOC may also be
communication,”explained Golden. While then airborne soon after (official scramble and National Airborne utilized to support response to a crippling
the majority of units work to support the times are classified). Operations Center in disaster such as the loss of the national
wider USAF, the 595th focuses entirely July 9, 2021. Golden electrical grid.“We are the doomsday
on giving government that anytime, Shirley explained just how integrated previously served as plane. If we are doing our [primary] job, it’s
anywhere communication capability. into the defense network the E-4B is: the director of the the worst day for our nation,”said Golden.
“Secretary [of Defense] Austin can step on Joint Global Strike
The aircraft’s‘hot-alert’status is unique our aircraft, plug in his phone and it’s just Operations Center, The four-strong fleet is regularly
within the USAF; no other aircraft sits with like he’s in his office. He can call anyone, which oversees positioned across the US to cater for
either an engine running or connected anywhere, reach out and speak to foreign all peacetime and different mission requirements and when
to a GPU (Ground Power Unit) with dignitaries and even host tele conferences. wartime actions serviceability allows, deploy overseas on
for US Strategic Global Command and Control Missions
Command’s Joint (GC2Ms) with the Secretary of Defense.
Force Air Component When the aircraft does travel the group
commander USAF/ takes advantage of a very robust logistics
Charles J Haymond pipeline and routinely carries crucial
spare parts on board such as tires. It is not
Below: Aircrew from uncommon for a C-17 Globemaster to
the 1st Airborne follow the aircraft with larger parts:“We
Command and Control don’t break a lot but we need to be able to
Squadron board an swap parts very quickly,”said Golden.
E-4B at Offutt during
a simulated alert One of the most important events for
mission. The E-4B the Group is the Presidential inauguration,
has the largest crew during which two aircraft are generated,
of any platform in ensuring a constant airborne presence
USAF history with 80 at a time when both the incoming and
personnel typically incumbent Presidents will be in the same
carried. The four- place at the same time. Golden explained:
aircraft fleet has sat “It’s a big deal for us. When I was on the
on continuous alert for primary jet [during the last inauguration]
more than 35 years I told the team on board: “Boring is good.
USAF/Lance Cheung

34 February 2022 // www.Key.Aero

IF WE ARE DOING OUR JOB, IT’S THE WORST DAY
FOR OUR NATION – COLONEL GOLDEN

Boring is the goal.”If it’s racing for us it’s Above: A view of the B-1 Lancer and B-52 Stratofortress, Offutt:“Whatever the location, our alert
really not going well for our nation.” the flooding that who with a solid knowledge base can be maintainers must keep the jet mission-
hit Offuttt Air Force quickly ’spun up’to stand alert. The only ready. If the aircraft becomes non-mission-
Maintenance challenges Base in March 2019. first-term airmen (those arriving at their capable and requires additional support
Visible in the center first posting after technical school) to join we bring people and parts out from home
Maintaining the fleet falls to Maj Ted of the image are two the unit are comm/nav technicians, who station to get it fixed. Not only do we make
DeBonis and his team of roughly 270 staff, RC-135 Rivet Joint arrive with a fundamental understanding all efforts to repair the jet we also must
who cover a range of specialities including aircraft, helping to of their systems. At present there is no produce a replacement if unable to repair
communications/navigation systems, give a sense of scale E-4B specific communications training the alert aircraft. It’s fighting a battle on
hydraulics, and guidance control. Unlike to the area affected. pipeline, though the squadron is working two fronts,”said DeBonis. Unscheduled
most USAF maintenance squadrons, An increase in water to remedy this, and all training for this maintenance and the unpredictability of
which belong to a Maintenance Group, levels of surrounding speciality must be done in-house. operations makes Ted and his squadron’s
the 595th AMXS falls directly under the rivers and waterways work very dynamic and so mobility
595th C2G. Another difference from the caused by record- With a finite number of aircraft available, readiness spares packages with common
wider USAF is how maintainer training setting snowfall over the pressure really is on Ted to ensure aircraft parts, tool kits and personnel are
is conducted; rather than a separate, the winter in addition taskings are met. While one aircraft stands kept ready to deploy:“It’s one of those
dedicated qualification program all to a large drop in air alert or conducts operational sorties, the things that normally comes on a Friday
training is at squadron level.“We have to pressure resulted in remainder undergo upgrade or scheduled before a long weekend!”Ted joked.
balance real world missions and sending widespread flooding maintenance including one aircraft at
maintainers away for weeks at a time across the state of Boeing’s facility in San Antonio, Texas. In March 2019 the Missouri River
while trying to retrain new maintainers Nebraska USAF/TSgt Maintenance schedules are finely managed breached defenses and flooded around
as they come in from other platforms,” Rachelle Blake to ensure specific aircraft are available for one-third of Offutt, displacing aircraft and
Ted said. The vast majority of maintainers particular missions; however technical thousands of personnel. The flooding
who join the 595th are seasoned 5-Level snags can threaten to derail operations, damaged the hangars used by the 595th
professionals on other airframes such as especially when operating away from meaning any maintenance conducted

www.Key.Aero // February 2022 35

THE HOTTEST ALERT AIRCRAFT... ANYWHERE

at Offutt must be done outside, making ways to adapt:“This mission is unique, was keen to praise the stamina of his Left: Staff Sgt Krystal
the aircraft vulnerable to significant it’s 24/7/365 and while many units were squadron: ”During COVID: nearly every Air Lerohl, a flight
weather like hailstorms. If bad weather able to take an operational pause during Force unit took a knee, but we didn’t. We attendant with the 1st
is predicted aircraft are diverted to other early COVID-19, our mission set did not kept working.” Airborne Command
bases. An additional layer of complexity is allow for that,”said Shirley. Perhaps the and Control Squadron,
in extensive scheduled maintenance like biggest obstacle facing his squadron was Ted’s team also had to adapt given that wipes off a table in
an isochronal inspection (roughly 30-days conducting crew changes in a COVID-safe maintenance personnel regularly worked the private quarters
long). This work renders the aircraft non- way. Inbound crew members first sanitize in close proximity so masks were adopted of an E-4B prior to
airworthy and unable to escape severe the whole aircraft, then take a COVID test. very early on. Contact tracing was also a simulated alert
weather. Ted and his team must relocate The bulk of the crew disembark, leaving as used should a member of the squadron mission. Flight
and work with Boeing to transport tools, minimal staff as required to hand over to test positive. Although the pandemic may attendants form
equipment and major spare parts to a reduced outbound complement. When have inconvenienced individual members, a valuable part of
locations with a hangar large enough to fit hand-over is complete the rest of the crew perhaps swapping a day to a night shift, it the E-4B’s crew,
an E-4B, such as Wright-Patterson, Ohio to embark and maintain the alert posture. didn’t impact the unit’s ability to generate responsible not
complete these inspections. This process takes upwards of two hours serviceable aircraft:“COVID hasn’t stopped only for providing
versus 45 minutes pre-COVID-19. Shirley us, but really hasn’t made things any easier.” catering to crew
Despite its growing years the aircraft and dignitaries
enjoys high serviceability rates (exact The 2019 flood also caused significant but also for the
figures are classified) as Col Golden safe evacuation of
explained:“The aircraft is very reliable but the aircraft in an
also very complex. I came from the B-1, emergency USAF/
which everyone thinks breaks all the time Lance Cheung
but in reality we had so many sub-systems
there’s a high chance that one is going to Right: Just some
break. The E-4B is no different.” of the E-4B’s
communication and
COVID will not stop us video conferencing
facilities are visible
While much of the world went into behind then US
lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic, Secretary of Defense
the 595th C2G had no choice but to find Dr Mark T Esper as he
speaks to reporters
during a press gaggle
over the Pacific
Ocean, Aug 6, 2019.
The size of the 747’s
cabin is also apparent
DoD/US Army Sgt
Amber I Smith

Above: An E-4B aircraft sits on the tarmac at Travis Air Force Base, California,
on September 11, 2017. The E-4B participated in a flyover at the California
Capital Airshow. The faring atop the forward fuselage houses a range of satellite
communications antenna while the blister on the aircraft’s nose contains the
air-refueling receptacle USAF/Louis Briscese

36 February 2022 // www.Key.Aero

DURING COVID NEARLY EVERY AIR FORCE UNIT TOOK A KNEE, BUT
WE DIDN’T. WE KEPT WORKING – LIEUTENANT COLONEL SHIRLEY

damage to Offutt’s runway, forcing the frequency interference and the item’s likely be used as large [suitable] aircraft are
595th to displace to Lincoln Airport, NE. maintenance sustainability is also tested. not being built and then we will modify
Until the $144m runway replacement it.”He also expects the new fleet to be
is complete the aircraft will operate out Golden is confident these continuous significantly larger than the existing one,
of Lincoln but crews will remain based upgrades give the E-4B and therefore with between eight and 12 aircraft.
at Offutt. Commuting adds around two the US, the upper hand against foreign
hours to the crew’s day and so Shirley and aggressors:“I am not worried about the The project will no doubt be a significant
his team must ensure fatigue and duty Chinese or Russians – we are not trying to financial burden on the US government,
limits are not exceeded. outpace them and we well exceed their especially at a time when other platforms
capabilities. We have survivable and non- are undergoing modernization/
Future of the Watch survivable comms equipment [on board], replacement. Golden points out:“The
which is far beyond anything an adversary NAOC does many other mission sets
The aircraft’s communications systems are can deny or intercept.” outside the nuclear role. There is nothing
in an almost constant state of upgrade, else that can do what we can.”While this
the most recent being delivered to the Although enhancements will continue is true, one consideration currently on the
first aircraft in March 2021. The upgrade to ensure the E-4B remains as capable as table of defense planners is a combined
introduced the Low Frequency Transmit ever, the type’s retirement may be just over replacement of the E-4B and the US
System (LFTS) – a single-wire low the horizon. The search for a new platform Navy’s E-6B Mercury, used to provide C2
frequency communication capability began in late 2019 before a change in for ballistic missile submarines, into one
– and the Advanced Extremely High acquisition strategy prompted a delay platform. A decision is expected in the
Frequency Presidential National Voice in October 2020. However, on February coming months with a procurement of
Conferencing Integration Program 17, 2021 the Department of Defense the new fleet perhaps beginning in as
(APIP), which improves reliability and issued a Request for Information, seeking soon as two years.
survivability of the aircraft’s SATCOM C2 industry submissions for a commercially
systems. Modifications vary from bespoke, derived aircraft on which to base the Next year sees the 60th anniversary
classified additions through to off-the- E-4B’s successor. The contract identifies of the National Emergency Airborne
shelf purchases. However that is not to the need for a“very large platform”, which Command (NEACP) and National Air
say these additions are easy:“An E-4B is when combined with the operational Operations Center (NAOC) missions. Col
like a hand built Ferrari, they are all very requirements, the need for four-engined Golden said:“We will be honoring the men
unique to themselves. Comms gear is redundancy and ongoing replacement of and women who served on the platform.
not something a contractor can walk on, the VC-25A perhaps suggests a modified Sixty years is a big deal for us;
install and say yes it works,”said Golden. 747. Golden was able to shed a little light it’s a long time for this deterrence. It is
All new equipment undergoes rigorous on the subject:“It may be another 747 or really impressive to see what this team
in-flight testing to check for EMP or radio another platform but it will most likely be does, the least we can do is honor the
a commercial derivative. The aircraft will team that came before.”

www.Key.Aero // February 2022 37

USMC VMFA-232 ON OVERSEAS DEPLOYMENTS

THE DEVILS

MADE ME DO IT
As the US military continues to keep a heavy focus on the Indo-Pacific region, we caught up with
VMFA-232 as they prepared to deploy to the region as part of a Unit Deployment Program, which will
involve participating in a host of exercises. James DeBoer reports

38 February 2022 // www.Key.Aero

MARINE CORPS AVIATION Main image: Red become part of Marine Aircraft Group getting these aircraft ready
is rich in history and Devils Hornets take on (MAG) 12 and be temporarily stationed to transit across the Pacific and
tradition, but only one fuel from a KC-130J aboard MCAS Iwakuni in Japan. UDP then be ready for whatever we
squadron is regarded as Hercules tanker, squadrons spend about half their time need to do when we’re over there.”
the Marine Corps’ oldest while two F-35Bs deployed away from Iwakuni in support of
and most decorated. The in the background international exercises and other training Speaking about the training,
’Red Devils’ of VMFA-232 based at MCAS wait their turn opportunities. Mullen added:“The other significant
Miramar in California trace their genesis All photos, author portion of getting ready is just training
to 1925 and since then, they have taken Maj Patrick ’JB' Mullen serves as the and readiness and getting simulator time
their personnel and aircraft across the Below: The VMFA- Executive Officer of VMFA-232 before and flights so we know we are proficient.
world into harm’s way on behalf of the 232’s Red Devils the deployment. He told CAJ:“So, the We completed an exercise winter fury
United States in almost every major insignia on their big thing for us is just figuring out who’s here at the 3rd Marine Air Wing. It was
conflict. The squadron is currently on going to go. There’s a lot of turnover that huge for us focusing on the air-to air-
a six month Unit Deployment Program hangar at MCAS happens with Marines coming and going mission and integrating with F-35Bs and
(UDP) with its full complement of 12 Miramar and moving, so at a certain point, we Cs that we have.”
aircraft. The UDP allows Marines to essentially just hammer out who are the
support combatant commanders people that are coming with us for the The squadron conducted a few weeks
around the globe. next six months. Once we know that, the of close-air support (CAS) training with
Combat Aircraft Journal next huge piece is the jets that we will ground units at the 2507 range space,
take. We currently have 14 aircraft, but we just north of Yuma where it had the
spoke to some senior will take the best 12. We really focus on opportunity to drop live ordnance.
officers of the squadron “There’s just been a big push to get
as they prepared for
their second UDP in
three years, in which
the Red Devils would

WITH THE AIRPLANES BEING AS OLD AS THEY ARE, THE AIRCRAFT
READINESS IS THE ONE THAT IS JUST THE HARDEST – IT’S THE
HARDEST NUT TO CRACK BECAUSE WE’RE TRYING TO
FLY AGGRESSIVELY TO GET READY AND GET PROFICIENT

MAJOR PATRICK ‘JB' MULLEN, XO VMFA-232

www.Key.Aero // February 2022 39

USMC VMFA-232 ON OVERSEAS DEPLOYMENTS Above: You know we manage to work it out. It sounds like a
you are a cool fighter generic thing to say, but these young kids
us spun up early and just ready to go," squadron when you are out there on the line, and it blows my
explained Mullen.“That’s kind of the big have your very own mind that they’re able to keep these things
moving pieces. So, it just keeps everybody fire truck flying as aggressively as we do, because
really busy.” they are so old.
Left: A pilot checks
Red Flag-Alaska an AIM-120 AMRAAM ”This is the reason that I joined the Marine
before a flight off the Corps, because it was almost 200 Marines
In October 2020, the Red Devils coast at the start of a that were down there in the maintenance
participated in Red Flag-Alaska, a premier training mission department and it was just super-
exercise designed to provide joint offensive rewarding to watch them."
counter-air, interdiction, close-air support
and large force employment training. Mullen, who flew in the Air Force before
It was able to execute joint integration joining the Marines, elaborated:“It’s such a
tactics, techniques and procedures with different construct in the Air Force because
F-35 fifth-generation aircraft and did two the Air Force operations and maintenance
full weeks of large force exercises and two are totally separate. There’s a maintenance
of squadron training. The squadron went squadron commander and there’s an
to Red Flag 20-2 at Nellis Air Force base in operation squadron commander, so you
March 2020, but that was unfortunately cut just barely know the guys that are working
short after a NATO airman was diagnosed
with COVID-19.

Training for deployments means flying
the aircraft hard and often, which gets
very complicated when the aircraft you
are flying are old and maintenance-
intensive. Mullen said:“With the airplanes
being as old as they are, the aircraft
readiness is the one that is just the hardest
– it’s the hardest nut to crack because
we’re trying to fly aggressively to get ready
and get proficient. But, of course, that just
beats up the airplanes and we have got
to find a balance. So, they have got to be
ready to go and work when we move out
and deploy.”

Mullen knows about these challenges,
having previously served as aviation
maintenance officer for the squadron.
Mullen said:“The F/A-18C was originally
specced to be a 6,000-hour platform – and
I mean, we’ve got most of our jets with well
over 7,000. We’ve got some with 8,000, but

40 February 2022 // www.Key.Aero

on the airplanes. And when I go out to Above: VMFA-232 schoolhouse and then the other two are on the back radio like I did with my WSO,
the line now and walk out to fly, I know ordnance marines more experienced guys that are coming but I was sorely disappointed. One of
just about every Marine, and I’ve worked load a live AIM-9 from the Japan unit that just shut down.” my first flights in the Charlie, I remember
with them, so being downstairs and missile on to the forgetting to call Departure [control]
maintenance was pretty awesome.” wingtip of ‘Charlie’ Hornets when I got to 2,000 feet because that was
an F/A-18C at something the WSO usually did. These
Composite squadron MCAS Miramar Flying both aircraft takes some getting
used to. Maj Michael‘Thad’Humiston has After the
Like all other Marine Corps Hornet Below: The Red flown the Hornet for the last six years, Phantoms
squadrons, VMFA-232 has become a Devil flight line starting in the FA-18D with the Vikings
composite squadron, now flying a mix at MCAS Miramar of the all-Delta VMFA(AW)-225, where he In December 1988, VMFA-232 turned
of single-seat Cs and two-seat Ds, which with a mix of quickly went on a UDP. After the Vikings in its last F-4 Phantom II after flying
enables the Hornet community to retain F/A-18C/D Hornets returned to Miramar, they began to receive the aircraft for more than 20 years. The
the weapon systems officer (WSO) C models into the squadron before they squadron transitioned to the F/A-18C/D
for a while longer. The‘Deltas’are fully transitioned to the F-35B in 2020. Humiston Hornet the following year and current
missionized Hornets, with rear cockpits flew one of the last aircraft out of Miramar plans see it flying the plane until 2027.
outfitted for the WSOs like those in the to MCAS Beaufort before joining the Red At that point, it will stand down as be the
all-weather VMFA(AW) squadrons. The Devils where he flies both the C and D. last active duty ’legacy' Hornet squadron
back seat is loaded with interfaces and in the US military.
tactical displays and radios for dedicated Humiston told Combat Aircraft Journal:
CAS and forward air controller–airborne “At 101 [VMFAT-101, the Hornet training
(FAC-A) missions.

The Red Devils are no strangers to the
Delta, since the squadron has deployed
with the aircraft previously. In January
2010, VMFA-232 accepted two F/A-18D
Hornet aircraft and left a few months later
on deployment to Kandahar, Afghanistan,
in support of Operation Enduring
Freedom (OEF). While deployed, the Red
Devils used both aircraft very effectively,
flying more than 4,000 hours and
dropping 240,000lbs of ordnance.

On this UDP, Mullen explained that
this is“a big change for the squadron.
Marine Corps Hornet squadrons have
gone composite, so we’re going to take
a certain number of two-seat airplanes
and a certain number of single-seat
airplanes, and we’re going to have four
WSOs coming with us on the UDP. Two
of them are brand new right out of the

www.Key.Aero // February 2022 41

USMC VMFA-232 ON OVERSEAS DEPLOYMENTS

squadron] they are teaching you to fly things take some getting used to.”The Executive Officer
as a single-seat Charlie pilot. They don’t current commanding officer and aviation Major Patrick ’JB’
have a syllabus for the Delta. For the first maintenance officer both came from the Mullen stands next
few months after joining the Red Devils, Delta community, so the Red Devils travel to his F/A-18C after
we started to receive Deltas, but we didn’t on this UDP with enough experience to a training sortie.
have any WSOs. So, we started to fish use the Delta to its full potential, especially Mullen previously
around at the MAG, because [after the as a two-seat FAC-A aircraft. flew the B-1B in
Vikings received F-35s], many WSOs were the USAF
dispersed to other assignments at the MAG Both Hornet models fulfil a variety
or sent on FAC tours. The moneymaker for of missions for the Marine Corps, so
having a guy in the backseat are CAS flights squadrons must find the right training
because you have the WSO controlling the balance before they deploy to be ready
targeting pod and doing data entry while for whatever may lie ahead. There is a
the pilot works the radar and flies. If we are joke in the USMC Hornet community that
both wearing the Joint Helmet Mounted there is a little F and a big A in the F/A-18.
Cueing System [JHMCS], then I can also see Mullen said:“The guys who are very good
where he is looking in my helmet, because at air-to-air will give me all kinds of crap for
it shows an asterisk. It’s called match DAC saying this, but in my mind, I always make
—dynamic aiming cue.” the joke that I will sleep very soundly at
night if I am mediocre at [basic fighter
Asked about the differences coming maneuvers] and being good at the air-to-
into the Charlie, Humiston was very frank. air mission set, but I can’t sleep soundly
“It’s just really quiet in the Charlie,”he if I’m not confident in how I can perform
said.“I thought pilots would talk more close-air support, because in training or

THE F/A-18C WAS ORIGINALLY SPECCED TO BE A 6,000-HOUR PLATFORM
AND I MEAN, WE’VE GOT MOST OF OUR JETS WITH WELL OVER 7,000. WE’VE GOT

SOME WITH 8,000, BUT WE MANAGE TO WORK IT OUT

MAJOR PATRICK ‘JB’ MULLEN, XO VMFA-23

42 February 2022 // www.Key.Aero

in combat, you can kill somebody if you Above: An F/A-18D six-month deployments to Operation OP DESERT
don’t do it right. I say it tongue-in-cheek, now serving with Enduring Freedom (OEF). It was the first STORM
but I definitely mean it.” VMFA-232. Two were time his squadron had flown with the
sent with the unit Sniper targeting pod. ‘First to Fight, Last to Leave' is the
A question of balance for its UDP to MCAS motto seen across the squadron’s walls
Iwakuni, Okinawa “The Sniper pod was kind of a game at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar
“But with that being said, when we go changer, because everything before that outside San Diego. On January 17,
to the western Pacific, we definitely have Left: Four Red Devil had just been done on a SAR [synthetic 1991, the Red Devils lived up to this
to be ready for the air-to-air mission set,” F/A-18Cs queue up aperture radar] map,”Mullen said“It just motto, when they were among the first
Mullen continued.“They are very complex behind a KC-130J enabled us to be much more effective squadrons to cross into Iraq during
and so different that the only way that you tanker for gas with close-air support. Operation Desert Storm. The Red Devils
can really be proficient is you have to kind completed 740 combat missions and
of piecemeal and focus on one thing at Below: This “After that second deployment, I 1,390 hours, earning the Navy Unit
a time, feel good about it, and then kind F/A-18C over the assessed to do what they call a special Commendation for their performance.
of move on to the next one. It’s always Pacific Ocean is operations air liaison officer,”he continued. A little more than a decade later, they
this balance of juggling, of working on carrying a live “It's very similar to what the Marine Corps deployed to Kuwait for the beginning
each one. And that involves studying and AIM-9 Sidewinder, FACs do with MARSOC [Marine Special of Operation Iraqi Freedom, in which
reading, because the threats are always for a missile shoot Operations Command]. I went to the 17 they racked up another 540 combat
changing. Our tactics are always changing. before the start Special Tactics Squadron and was an air sorties, dropping more than 600,000lbs
And then getting in the simulator and of a deployment. liaison officer and a JTAC with 3rd Ranger of ordnance in the process.
practicing that stuff in the sim over and Notice the Litening Battalion at Fort Benning.”
over. Then we try and get in large force targeting pod
exercises, because they are huge for us. He completed three deployments
Because it’s training that you just can’t
replicate. It’s pretty awesome.”

Mullen’s appreciation for CAS missions
is a story in itself. He graduated from the
Air Force Academy in 2005 and started
pilot training at Vance Air Force Base
in Oklahoma. At that time, there was
joint pilot training, so he had Navy and
Marine Corps students going through the
turboprop T-6 Texan II syllabus with some
Navy/Marine instructors giving him a small
taste of naval aviation.

Mullen then flew the twin-engine T-38
jet before selecting the B-1 bomber. His
first operational unit was up in Ellsworth,
South Dakota, from which he did two

www.Key.Aero // February 2022 43

USMC VMFA-232 ON OVERSEAS DEPLOYMENTS

with the Rangers to Afghanistan. ”It was Above: A pilot from of comical. I had a blast there.” and C. Deployment can take a squadron
awesome. I loved it. But yeah, the Rangers VMFA-232 checks Because of issues with the T-45, Mullen to multiple locations over a period of
were just phenomenal to work with.” the fins of an AIM-9X several months, operating in a somewhat
training round before was sent directly to VMFT-101.”The sim expeditionary manner.
After the ground tour, Mullen went back embarking on an instructors in the IPS over there were
to the B-1, this time at Dyess Air Force Offensive Counter Air awesome. Because I think they all just Mullen said,“Typically what we do is we
Base, and upgraded to flight lead and mission off the coast were so dumbfounded that I left the Air will go to a community, and that’s kind of
then instructor pilot.“My commitment of southern California Force to join the Marine Corps they got our home base. We will essentially become
to the Air Force was finally closing out. a kick out of it. They were all super eager part of MAG-12 while we’re out there. But
I applied for an interservice transfer to Below: Loaded with to help. They were very supportive. And it while we’re there, every UDP is different.
the Marine Corps. My commitment was four 500Ib GBU-12 was also a total blast because in addition We’ll bounce around to different places.”
the ten-year pilot training commitment precision guided to just wanting to be in the Marine Corps,
and they didn’t really have a choice but munitions, this I will admit, the Hornet was the airplane “Last year we went to the Philippines
to see that [otherwise] I was going to get F/A-18C gets ready that I have just always wanted to fly. I've for a bilateral exercise out there,”he said.
out. So they let me go. And the Marine to move out for a CAS always thought it was just the coolest “Then we went to Andersen Air Force Base
Corps was just‘Hey, we need pilots. This training mission airplane. So again, I got super lucky.” in Guam for about 30 days. The ranges
is weird, but we’ll figure it out. Come and the training out there are awesome,
on over.’So they brought me over.” Unique UDPs and so it’s a great time to train, because
when we’re in mainland Japan, the ranges
Mullen continued:“I went through It’s been several years since the Red Devils and airspace are just a little restrictive,
an abbreviated TBS [The Basic School] were part of a carrier air wing (CVW), but so it’s hard to do all of our mission sets,
at Quantico. It was me as a major UDPs have kept the squadron busy. It has particularly the air-to-surface stuff. It’s nice.
with 300 second lieutenants that I been tasked for them frequently while We can kind of pack up and go.”
was14 years older than, so it’s kind other squadrons transition to the F-35B
”And we’ll go to these different places
and just bed down for 30 days and operate
out of there. It’s like an expeditionary feel
sometimes,”explained Mullen.

Something out of nothing

Capt Tolbert, who has been with
the squadron since 2018, says the
best training event he has seen was
the training detachment to Guam
during the Red Devils’ last UDP.

“We did one month in Guam on the last
UDP," he recalled, ”and the integration we
had with Air National Guard F-15s, B-52s
and B-1s was just amazing. We shared a
hangar with EA-18G Growlers of VAQ-132
and we have become very close with that
squadron. We did not have a big named
exercise going on, but, rather, the training
officers from each of the squadrons sat
down and probably said,‘How about every

44 February 2022 // www.Key.Aero

Wednesday and Friday we do some kind during air-to-ground missions. It also Above: The age of the a diamond around it. So, you know where
of event where we plan on Tuesday and fly includes the ability to track cruise missiles. F/A-18Cs at around 30 you should be looking to pick up a tally or
on Wednesday, and then we will plan on years old means they to pick up even your flight lead, because
Thursday and fly on Friday?’. Phenomenal JHMCS spend a lot of time sometimes we’ll get split up if we’re
under the watchful eye depending on the tactics we’re doing. It’s
”We integrated missile shoots, live One upgrade the pilots really love is the of maintenance staff ‘I can’t see him now’, but you will get an
bomb drops, bomber escort and mission introduction of the JHMCS helmets. indication of like, looking out, ’Okay, he’s
commander events, and we just kind of – there’. And then maybe as you get to like
in-house – watched the training officers Mullen told Combat Aircraft Journal: three or four miles it’s easier to pick them
put this together, basically making an “It’s pretty awesome. because when, for up visually.
exercise out of nothing. We were dropping example, we’re doing air-to-surface, the
live ordnance every day, all day. One targeting pod will be looking at something. ”So, it’s awesome in that regard because
hundred percent of the flight operations And if we look out the window, it it can give you just a ton of awareness of
were out of the CALA for a couple weeks superimposes the heads-up display on the what’s going on.”
in a row, and every flight was integrated helmet. And then also it will put a diamond
with tankers, Growlers and F-15s. It was an around whatever you’re designated with The combination of an AESA radar,
awesome experience for all involved.” that targeting pod. When you’re looking at JHMCS and newer weapons such as
something through this little [thing] we call AIM-120D and AIM-9X air-to-air missiles
Marine Corps Hornets have entered ‘the soda straw’of the FLIR, the targeting will make sure that the Hornet’s sting will
into their final decade of service with pod, it can be very hard to figure out –‘I’m remain deadly as it moves towards its final
some significant upgrades, while still seeing that on my screen, where is that few years of service.
waiting on others. Mullen told Combat outside?’And the helmet will just literally
Aircraft Journal: “I make the joke to put a diamond around it. The situation With all the exercises and training events
people that what we want is iPhone- awareness it gives you is just phenomenal. the squadron has performed and will
level software, but the computers in the be participating in over the next several
airplane are capable of Atari technology. “And then similarly, for air to air, what months, it will be ready for anything that
The mission computers can only handle the radar’s looking at, the helmet will put may lie ahead in the coming years.
so much. It is miraculous what they
have been able to do as far as software
upgrades, be it with the radar or Link 16.
The integration that we’re able to do is
incredible because the airplane is so old,
but it still stays relevant to be able to do
all these missions. All of these upgrades
that we get is what keeps us relevant and
in the fight.”

While the APG-79(v)4 active
electronically scanned array (AESA) radar
is slated to fly on the Red Devils’Hornets,
the squadron has yet to receive any. The
new radar will enable pilots to identify,
track, and engage more targets over a
greater distance than they can now and
will help achieve better performance

www.Key.Aero // February 2022 45

JUST A NICE PIC // LANCER ON THE LOOSE

LANCER

ON THE LOOSE

46 February 2022 // www.Key.Aero

A B-1B Lancer, call sign ‘Dark 02’, from
the 9th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron
‘The Bats’ pulls away after taking
90,000Ibs of fuel from a 351st ARS
KC-135R, call sign ‘Lager632’, of the

100th ARW on October 19 Josef Campion

www.Key.Aero // February 2022 47

#10 HH-60W serial 14-4480 operated by the 413th Flight Test Squadron at Duke
Field, Florida, refuels from an HC-130J operated by the 41st Rescue Squadron
STATE for the first time over southern Alabama on August. 5, 2020. The mission was
part of the Jolly Green II’s developmental and operational test program
REPORT FLORIDA PART ONE USAF/MSgt Tristan McIntire

Tom Kaminski provides the
first of a two-part overview
of the US military assets
based in Florida

KNOWN ASTHE‘Sunshine FLORIDA’S LY E
State’, Florida is a hotspot for
holidaymakers, but is also Blue Angels 5 and 6 depart MCAS Cherry Point during a
home to some of the nation’s practice session in advance of the station’s 2021 airshow
most important military on September 24, 2021. The 2021 Season marked the 75th
aviation and aerospace Anniversary of the US Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron
facilities. Surrounded by water on three ‘Blue Angels’ and the first flying the Super Hornet
sides – the Gulf of Mexico on the west, US Navy/MC1 Bobby Baldock
the Atlantic Ocean on the east and
the Straits of Florida to the south – the
state shares borders to the north with
Alabama and Georgia.
Admitted to the union as the 27th state
on March 3, 1845, Florida’s land area spans
65,758 square miles, making it the 22nd
largest among the 50 states. Not including
barrier islands, Florida has the longest
contiguous coastline in the United States
at approximately 1,350 miles. No part of
the state is more than 60 miles from one of
the aforementioned bodies of water.
Florida is home to no fewer than nine
major US Navy and Air Force facilities, as
well as two Coast Guard Air Stations and
numerous National Guard and Army and
Air Force Reserve facilities.

The PanhandleSituated near the Alabama border in

northwestern Florida’s Escambia County,

FNaval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola employs

more than 16,000 military and 7,400
civilian personnel. The air station has been
referred to as both the‘Cradle of Naval
Delivered to the US Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron
‘Blue Angels’ in August 2020, C-130J BuNo 170000 –
seen arriving at the New Century AirCenter in Kansas
City, Missouri on July 2, 2021 – was acquired following its
retirement by the Royal Air Force US Navy/MC2 Cody

48 February 2022 // www.Key.Aero

ER SAviation’ and the ‘Annapolis of the Air’
in recognition of its role in the history of
T-6A BuNo 165996 taxies at the Pensacola International Airport naval aviation. Major tenant commands
during off-station operations from training squadron VT-10’s home include Naval Aviation Schools Command,
station on November 5, 2015. The squadron is assigned to training the Naval Air Technical Training Center
air wing TAW-6 and normally based nearby at NAS Pensacola (NATTC), the headquarters for Naval
Antonio Gemma More Education Training Command (NETC) and
the National Museum of Naval Aviation.
NAS Pensacola is one of the largest
training bases in the Navy and Forrest
Sherman Field supports flight training
conducted by two flying squadrons
assigned to Training Air Wing 6 (TAW-6).
The wing provides undergraduate
flight training for prospective Naval Flight
Officers (NFO) for the US Navy and Marine
Corps, plus flight officers/navigators
for NATO and Allied/Coalition partners.
Training squadrons VT-10 and VT-86
provide that training with the Beechcraft
T-6A Texan II and Boeing T-45C Goshawk.
Similar training is delivered by the USAF’s
451st and 455th flying Training Squadrons
(FTS). Reporting to the 12th Flying Training
Wing (FTW) at Joint Base San Antonio-
Randolph as a geographically separated
unit (GSU), the 479th Flying Training
Group’s two squadrons respectively
operate the Beechcraft T-1A and T-6A.
Known as the Blue Angels, the US Navy
Flight Demonstration Squadron is also
a tenant at Pensacola and has called the
base home since 1955. The team reports to
the Commander, Naval Training Command
(CNATRA) at NAS Corpus Christi, Texas.
On January 20, 1914, the first Navy
Aeronautic Station opened on the site

www.Key.Aero // February 2022 49

#10

STATE

REPORT FLORIDA PART ONE

T-45C BuNo 163637 from training squadron VT-86’s leads a row of US of the former Pensacola Navy Yard and it Rotary wing operations are conducted by
Navy and USAF trainers at the Pensacola International Airport during was commissioned as Naval Air Station helicopter training squadrons HT-8, HT-18
off-station operations on November 5, 2015 Antonio Gemma More Pensacola in 1917. Initially supporting and HT-28, which are based along with the
seaplanes, a fixed-wing airfield known as HITU at NAS Whiting Field South.
Assigned to the 479th Flying Training Station Field opened in 1922. The facility
Group’s 451st Flying Training Squadron, was upgraded in 1935 and renamed NAS Whiting Field is the busiest aviation
T-1A serial 94-0121 taxies at the Pensacola Chevalier Field and 28,562 students complex in the world, with nearly one
International Airport on November 5, 2015 – equating to nearly half of the naval million annual flight operations. TAW-5’s
Antonio Gemma More aviators trained between December 1941 units fly roughly 130,000 flight hours
and the end of World War Two – received annually, accounting for 11% of all US
Although its transition to the MC-130J is underway, the 1st Special their‘Wings of Gold’at Pensacola. Navy and Marine Corps flight hours. While
Operations Wing’s 15th Special Operations Squadron continues to operate 83% of all student naval aviators conduct a
the earlier MC-130H variant from Hurlburt Field, Florida. Serial 90-0162 The introduction of jet aircraft rendered portion of their initial flight training at NAS
departs NAS JRB Fort Worth, Texas, on August 31, 2012 Keith Snyder Chevalier's limited-length runway and Whiting Field, 100% of US Navy, Marine
ramp space obsolete and, on November Corps and Coast Guard helicopter pilots
Gulfstream IV N49RF Hurricane Hunter operated by the National Oceanic 2, 1951, the newly constructed Forrest are trained there.
and Atmospheric Administration Aircraft Operations Center taxies to the Sherman Field was dedicated. Located
ramp at Lakeland-Linder International Airport, following a training mission on the western side of NAS Pensacola, Additionally, the air station’s operations
on October 4, 2018 Tom Kaminski it welcomed its first jet trainers when 15 department is responsible for several
The Navy’s first TH-73A arrives over its new home station at NAS Whiting Field Lockheed TO-1 (USAF F-80C) Shooting naval outlying landing fields (NOLF) to
on August 6, 2021. The Thrasher will replace Training Air Wing Five’s current Stars arrived. Named after the late ADM support both primary and intermediate
fleet of Bell TH-57B/Cs as the Navy’s undergraduate rotary and tilt-rotor Forrest P Sherman, a former chief of naval flight training. Helicopter operations are
helicopter trainer US Navy/MC2 Jason Isaacs operations, it continues to be Pensacola’s conducted at NOLF Harold, Pace, Spencer,
primary air facility. Santa Rosa and Site X in Florida. The latter
site is the Navy’s newest NOLF and began
Located 35 miles northeast of Pensacola operations on January 30, 2019. NOLF
and six miles north of Milton, NAS Barin, Brewton, Evergreen, Silverhill and
Whiting Field was established to support Summerdale in Alabama and Choctaw in
operations at NAS Pensacola. Originally Florida support T-6B training.
commissioned as a Naval Auxiliary Air
Station on July 16, 1943, NAS Whiting Whereas most of the NOLFs are limited
Field is named to honor CAPT Kenneth facilities, Choctaw is a fully operational
Whiting, who was designated Naval airfield and was upgraded to support F-35
Aviator No 16 and commanded the first flight operations, which began in May
US Navy aeronautical unit to reach Europe 2016. Originally constructed during World
in 1917 The 1st Naval Air Unit was based in War Two as Eglin Field (now Eglin Air Force
Dunkirk, France. Considered the‘Father of Base) Auxiliary Field 10, NOLF Choctaw is
the Aircraft Carrier’, Whiting made the first located 16.6 miles northeast of Pensacola.
catapult take-off from the USS Langley (CV
1) on November 18, 1922. TAW-5 completed its transition from the
Beechcraft T-34C Mentor to the T-6B in
Today, the air station’s two airfields host April 2012. Replacement of the Sea Ranger
six fixed-wing and helicopter training fleet got underway on August 6, 2021,
squadrons, plus a fixed-wing instructor when the first Leonardo TH-73A Thrasher
training unit and helicopter instructor was delivered to the HITU at South Field.
training unit (HITU) that operate more
than 140 Beechcraft T-6B Texan IIs and Honoring Eglin
more than 110 Bell TH-57B/C Sea Rangers.
Eglin Air Force Base (AFB) was initially
Fixed-wing flight operations are based established by the US Army Air Corps as
at NAS Whiting Field North, where training the Valparaiso Bombing and Gunnery
squadrons VT-2, VT-3 and VT-6 are based. Base on June 14, 1935. It was renamed
Eglin Field on August 4, 1937, to honor Lt

F-15EX serial 20-0002 from the 53rd Test and Evaluation Group’s 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron
at Eglin AFB, Florida departs Nellis AFB, Nevada, on October 19, 2021 USAF/William R Lewis

50 February 2022 // www.Key.Aero