AIR WARFARE

Outline

I. MissionII. HistoryIII.OperationsIV. Fixed Wing AviationV. Rotary WingVI. The Future of Naval Aviation

I. Mission

I. Mission

Naval aircraft support all missions and operations of the U.S. Navy. The capabilities of naval aircraft are too vast to limit their use to one specific mission. As such,

THE MISSION OF NAVAL AVIATION IS TO DEPLOY COMBAT CAPABLE FORCES FORWARD FULLY RESPONSIVE TO THE NEEDS OF THE NATION.

II. History

History

In war at sea, eclipsing the battleship as the decisive weapon, aircraft carriers projected their powerful air wings over vast expanses of water, striking with surprise at enemy fleets and land bases, then disappearing with equal swiftness.

In times of peace, the carrier and her battle group provided American political leaders with a readily and efficient way to respond to regional crises wherever and whenever.

The Navy's interest in airplanes as a naval weapon dates back to 1898.

History

In 1910, LT T.G. Ellyson became the first naval officer selected for flight training.

Eugene Ely made the first shipboard takeoff from the USS Birmingham in 1910. the first pilot to

successfully land an aircraft on the deck of a ship.

1911, LT Ellyson demonstrated the ability to launch a plane utilizing a newly devised compressed air catapult.

Annapolis, MD at Greenbury Point in 1911.

1922, the first aircraft carrier, USS Langley, was commissioned.

History

It was the performance at the Battle of Midway that solidified their position of importance. Having destroyed all four Japanese carriers, naval aviators turned the war in the Pacific from defensive to offensive.

III. Operations

Operations

The primary function of naval aviation is to closely coordinate with other naval forces in maintaining command of the seas. Accomplishing this task takes five areas of focus:

1. Eyes and ears of the fleet. Naval aviation has over-the-horizon surveillance equipment that provides vital information to our task force operation.

2. Protection against submarine attack. Antisubmarine warfare operations go on continuously for the task force and along our country's shoreline. This type of mission includes hunter/killer operations to be sure of task force protection and to keep our coastal waterways safe.

3. Aid and support operations during amphibious landings. From the beginning to the end of the operations, support occurs with a variety of firepower. Providing air cover and support is an important function of naval aviation in modern, technical warfare.

4. Rapid logistic support for ground forces. Logistic support aircraft strongly support the mobility of the ground forces. Providing logistic support aircraft is another required function of naval aviation.

5. Search and rescue operations. During sea missions, the possibility of a downed aircraft or man overboard always exists. Search and rescue helps reduce the number of lives lost.

Operations

Naval aviation conducts its primary mission through the following operations:

1. ANTI-AIR WARFARE (AAW) 2. ANTI-SURFACE SHIP WARFARE (ASU) 3. ANTI-SUBMARINE WARFARE (ASW) 4. CLOSE AIR SUPPORT (CAS)5. COMBAT SEARCH AND RESCUE (CSAR)6. COMMAND, CONTROL, AND COMMUNICATIONS (CCC) 7. COMMAND AND CONTROL WARFARE (C2W)8. FLEET SUPPORT OPERATIONS (FSO)9. INTELLIGENCE, SURVEILLANCE, AND

RECONNAISSANCE (ISR)10. MINE WARFARE (MIW)11. STRIKE WARFARE (STW)

Operations

The numerous naval aviation operations are carried out by multiple aviation platforms. In general, there are two categories of aircraft, Fixed Wing and Rotary Wing.

Fixed wing naval aviation assets can be further classified into one of two groups: Carrier Aviation or Maritime Aviation.

IV. Fixed Wing Aviation

Carrier Aviation

Mission: To provide a credible, sustainable, independent forward presence and conventional deterrence in peacetime, to operate as the cornerstone of joint/allied maritime expeditionary forces in times of crisis, and to operate and support aircraft attacks on enemies, protect friendly forces and engage in sustained independent operations in war.

Aircraft Carrier: With over 5,000 personnel, the current Nimitz Class nuclear powered aircraft carrier (CVN) directly supports of 75-95 aircraft from 7-8 squadrons deployed onboard. The squadrons work together under the direction of the Carrier Air Wing. Each aircraft and squadron serves a unique and necessary role in the conduct of the overall mission.

Carrier Air Wing Elements: Strike Fighter (VFA)

F/A-18 A/C Hornet Role: AAW / STW / CAS / ASU

The F/A-18 Hornet is the Navy’s combat tested maritime strike fighter. It can typically escort itself to the target, drop precision ordinance, and escort itself back home. The Hornet is an exceptional fighter both in maneuverability and weaponry as well as a superb strike aircraft.

Distinguishing Features:

Oval shaped air intakes. Single cockpit canopy.

Crew: 1 Pilot Responsibilities:

Pilot: Responsible for all operations to include aviating, navigating, communications, and weapons employment.

Carrier Air Wing Elements: Strike Fighter (VFA)

F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet Role: AAW / STW / CAS / ASU

The FA-18 E/F is being introduced into the fleet to replace the F-14 Tomcat and the older F/A-18C/D Hornets. Like the F/A-18A/C, the Super Hornet is maritime strike fighter. However, the Super Hornet has a greater range, service ceiling, max speed, payload, reliability, and an improved electronics suite over the original Hornet.

Distinguishing Features:

Rectangle shaped air intakes. 35% larger surface area than F/A-18A/C. Single (E model) or Dual (F model) cockpit canopy.

Crew: E: 1 Pilot F: 1 Pilot / 1 NFO as a Weapons System Officer (WSO) Responsibilities:

Pilot: Aviating, Air-to-Air Weapons Employment WSO: Communications, Navigation, Air-to-Ground Weapons Employment

Carrier Air Wing Elements: Electronic Attack (VAQ)

EA-6B Prowler Role: C2W / STW

The EA-6B Prowler provides an umbrella of protection for strike aircraft, ground troops and ships by jamming enemy radar, electronic data links and communications.

Distinguishing Features:

2 tandem seating cockpits. Permanently mounted refueling probe on bulbous nose. Jamming pods under wings with “football” suite or receivers on top of vertical stabilizer.

Crew: 1 Pilot / 3 NFOs as Electronic Counter Measure Officers (ECMO) Responsibilities:

Pilot: Fly aircraft and evade possible threats. ECMO: Operate weapons systems including jammers and AGM-88 HARM missiles; perform mission commander and co-pilot duties

Carrier Air Wing Elements: Airborne Early Warning (VAW)

E-2C Hawkeye Role: CCC /C2W / INT / AAW

The E-2C Hawkeye is the Navy's all-weather, carrier-based tactical battle management airborne early warning, command and control aircraft.

Distinguishing Features:

Twin turboprop engines. Large rotating radar dome on spine of aircraft.

Crew: 2 Pilots / 3 NFOs Responsibilities:

Pilot: Aviating, navigating, and threat avoidance. NFO: Mission Commander, sensor operator, Airborne Command and Control

Carrier Air Wing Elements: Fleet Logistics Support (VRC)

C-2 Greyhound Role: FSO

Provides critical logistics support to Carrier Strike Groups. Its primary mission is carrier onboard deliver (COD) of cargo, mail and passengers between carriers and shore bases.

Distinguishing Features:

High wing. Twin turboprop engines.

Crew: 2 Pilots / 2 Enlisted Aircrew Responsibilities:

Pilot: Aviating and safety of aircraft and crew Co-Pilot: Navigating, Communication Aircrew: Loadmasters for cargo and passengers

Maritime Aviation

Mission: To conduct global patrol, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions in a maritime role under the command of land- based forces. Maritime patrol and reconnaissance promotes regional security and enhancement of theater security cooperation through close interoperation with allied forces, friendly nations, and other U.S. military services.

Maritime Elements:Patrol (VP)

P-3C Orion Role: ASW / ASU / STW/ CCC / INT

Originally designed as a land-based, long-range, anti-submarine warfare (ASW) patrol aircraft, the P-3C's mission has evolved in the late 1990s and early 21st century include intelligence/surveillance/reconnaissance (ISR) of the battlespace, either at sea or over land; possesses strike capabilities with SLAM, Maverick, and unguided munitions.

Distinguishing Features:

4 large turboprop engines on low-wing aircraft. Large Magnetic Anomaly Detector (MAD) boom protruding from aft of aircraft.

Crew: 3 pilots / 2 NFOs / 4-6 Enlisted Aircrew / nominal crew is 12 total Responsibilities:

Pilot: Responsible for the safety of flight during all mission phases. May act as Mission Commander. NFO: One Tactical Coordinator (TACCO) that typically serves as the Mission Commander; one Navigator / Comms Officer (NAV COM); possibly one other that is strictly the Mission Commander or a trainee for the other two positions. Aircrew: Operates optical / acoustic / non-acoustic sensor systems.

Maritime Elements:Fleet Air Reconnaissance (VQ)

E-6A/B Mercury Role: CCC

TACAMO (Take Charge and Move Out): TACAMO links the NCA with nation’s nuclear forces (Bombers, ICBM’s, SSBN’s, Tankers) by relaying EAM’s.

Distinguishing Features:

Boeing 707 airframe with 4 large turbofan engines.

Crew: 3 Pilots / 3 NFOs as Navigators/ Airborne Communications Officers (ACO) / 10 Enlisted Aircrew

Responsibilities:

Pilot: Responsible for the safety of flight during all mission phases. May act as Mission Commander. Flying duties include aerial refueling and operating in unmanned airfields. ACO: In charge of Communications Central. Releasing Authority for all message traffic. May act as Mission Commander.

Maritime Elements:Fleet Air Reconnaissance (VQ)

EP-3E (ARIES II) Role: INT / C2W / CCC

SIGINT (Signals Intelligence): The Navy's only signals intelligence (SIGINT) reconnaissance aircraft. It uses sensitive receivers and high-gain dish antennas and exploits a wide range of electronic emissions from deep within targeted territory.

Distinguishing Features:

P-3 with canoe-like dome on spine and underbelly of aircraft; multiple protruding antennas over fuselage and wings.

Crew: 3 pilots / 3 NFOs / 14 Enlisted Aircrew Responsibilities:

Pilot: Responsible for the safety of flight during all mission phases. May act as Mission Commander. NFO: One Senior Evaluator (SEVAL) that typically serves as the Mission Commander; one Tactical Evaluator (EVAL) that is the SEVAL Trainee; one Navigator / Comms Officer (NAV COM); possible one other that is strictly the Mission Commander or a trainee for the other two positions. Aircrew: Operates the various sensor systems and normally two in-flight techs.

V. Rotary Wing

Rotary Wing

The workhorses of the Navy, rotary wing aircraft employ over 70% of Naval Aviators.

Helicopters carry out missions ranging from cargo and personnel transport to Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR), while others play vital roles in sea control, surface surveillance, or mine countermeasure operations.

Anti-Submarine Light (HSL) –Transitioning to HSM and MH-60R

HSL squadrons utilize the SH-60B and traditionally deploy on DDG’s, FFG’s, and CG’s.

SH-60B/MH-60R Seahawk Role: ASW / ASU / FOS / CSAR

The SH-60B/R are the helicopters employed by the HSL and HSM communities. The primary missions of the B/R are anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare. Ancillary missions include search and rescue, vertical replenishment, counter-narcotics operations, and command and control operations. The R variant is currently replacing the B variant as the multi-mission helicopter for the future. The R will have updated radar and sonar systems, a glass-cockpit configuration, and will adapt the “dipping” sonar currently found in the SH-60F.

Distinguishing Features: SH-60B: Sonobuoy chutes on left side of the cabin and Magnetic Anomaly Detector (MAD) mounted on right side of the tail pylon. MH-60R: No MAD, dipping sonar dome.

Crew: 1Pilot / 1 Co-pilot as Airborne Tactical Officer (ATO) / 1-2 Enlisted Aircrew Responsibilities:

Pilot: operate aircraft ATO: supervise tactical situation/direct pilot and SO Aircrew: act as sensor operator/runs radar and sonar computers

Anti-Submarine (HS) – Transitioning to HSC and MH-60S

The SH-60F and HH-60H are assigned to HS squadrons and traditionally deploy on aircraft carriers. Their duties include: antisubmarine warfare (ASW), search and rescue, airborne utility services, and combat search and rescue.HH-60F/H/S Seahawk

Role: ASW / ASU / FOS / CSAR / MIW

The F/H/S variants of the H-60 are currently used by the HS and HSC communities. The HS community specifically utilizes the H/F models, but will eventually use only the MH-60S. The SH-60F is designed to conduct anti-submarine warfare. It uses both a “dipping” sonar dome and a payload of buoys to detect subsurface contacts. The HH-60H is used primarily for combat search and rescue and anti-surface warfare missions. The MH-60S is very similar to the HH-60H but boasts updated avionics and a glass cockpit system. The S variant is currently used primarily for search and rescue and vertical replenishment. When the HS community completes the transition to the MH-60S they will lose anti-submarine capabilities. The HSL/HSM communities will assume the role of the anti-submarine platform in the CSG/ESG.

Distinguishing Features: SH-60F: dipping sonar/no FLIR HH-60H:FLIR MH-60S:no FLIR

Crew: 1Pilot / 1 Co-pilot / 2 Enlisted Aircrew Responsibilities:

Pilot: Operate aircraft Co-pilot: Navigation/Tactical mission control Aircrew: SH-60F – operate SONAR, tracking of targets HH-60H – Crew Chief/Aerial Gunners and Ground Rescue Element in CSAR

Sea Combat Support (HSC)

With the disestablishment of the Navy’s Combat Support (HC) squadrons comprised of H-3 and CH-53 helicopters, HS squadrons have assumed the additional responsibilities of the HC community and formed the HSC community. The newer MH-60S is the aircraft of choice for the HSC community.

MH-60S Seahawk

Mine Countermeasures (HM)

Capable of transporting 55 troops or 32,000 pounds of cargo, the MH-53 Sea Dragon remains the armed forces largest and most capable transport helicopter.

MH-53E Sea Dragon Role:

Airborne Mine Countermeasures (AMCM), with secondary missions of vertical shipboard delivery and assault support.

Distinguishing Features:

99 feet in overall length, it’s longer than a C-130 Hercules! 6 blade rotary wing.

Crew: 2 pilots / 1-2 Enlisted Aircrew Responsibilities:

Pilot: aviating, communicating Co-Pilot: supervise tactical situation, direct pilot and SO Aircrew: sensor operator, act as loadmasters

VI. The Future of Naval Aviation

Carrier Aviation

Carrier Wing

Strike Fighter (VFA) The F/A-18E/F Super Hornet will be joined by the F-35C Lightning II as the replacement for the aging F/A-18A/C starting in 2013. The F-35C will be used by the Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force.

F-35C Lightning II

Carrier Wing

Electronic Attack (VAQ) Starting in 2009 the E/A-18G Growler will replace the aging EA-6B Prowler by 2015 as the only

dedicated electronic warfare aircraft. It will retain the fighter capabilities of the Super Hornet.

E/A-18G Growler

Carrier Wing

Airborne Early Warning (VAW) With significant radar and avionics upgrades, the much improved E-2D Advanced Hawkeye will

replace the older model Hawkeyes beginning in 2011.

E-2D Advanced Hawkeye

Maritime Aviation

Maritime Aviation

Patrol (VP / VPU) A derivative of the Boeing 737, the P-8A Poseidon multi-mission maritime aircraft (MMA) will dramatically improve anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare capabilities. The MMA is scheduled to begin replacing the P-3C fleet in 2013.

P-8 MMA

Rotary Wing

Two new H-60 variants, the MH-60R and MH-60S, will replace the aging H-60 and MH-53 fleet. The transition will involve restructuring the Navy’s current squadrons and the assumption of mine countermeasure duties as well as missions formerly assigned to the S-3 Viking.

Rotary Wing

Sea Mine Countermeasures (HSM) Replacing the remaining SH-60B and SH-60F aircraft by 2016, the MH-60R Seahawks assigned to HSM squadrons will perform the same missions as previous HSL and HM squadrons.

Questions?