Combat Aircraft Monthly - February 2014

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30IN THE NEWS:

shiny two set to become RAF typhoon squadron

last usaf qf-4 deliveredusaf f-35a basing announced

Vol 15, No 2 | www.combataircraft.netNorth AmericAs Best-selliNg militAry AviAtioN mAgAziNe

F-16 AT 40 FLY-BY-WIRE F-15SAFLY-BY-WIRE F-15SAFLIGHT TEST REPORTFLIGHT TEST REPORT

THE MIGHTY VIPER

EXERCISE REPORT:

CRUZEXRUSSIAN AIR FORCE COMBAT AIR PLANS

Sea Harrier FA2s go to war

Glory Days

FROM THE COCKPITUS Marine exchange pilot flies the Typhoon

VIPERCOMBAT AIRCRAFT PAYS TRIBUTE TO THEF-16 40 YEARS AFTER ITS FIRST FLIGHT

SPECIAL ISSUE FLY-BY-WIRE F-15SA

INDUSTRY REPORT: Kamov Ka-52

IN THE NEWS:



IN THE NEWS:



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HEADLINE NEWS

Boeing teams with Saab for T-X trainer contest, South Korea selects the F-35 and USAF F-35A basing plans announced

US NEWS

Last QRF-4C handed over to USAF, P-8A Poseidon heads out on operational deployment and AH-64E Apache Guardian fielded

Uk NEWS

UK announces fifth operational Typhoon squadron as multi-role capability arrives at Leuchars

WorLD NEWS

Chinese UAV latest, Korean special mission Tu-154 and Australian MRH-90 update

EUropE NEWS

A400M Grizzly 1 flies into retirement, Spanish live fire exercise

news6

8161822

26 EXErCISE rEporT: CrUZEX Marnix Sap and Carlo Brummer go to Brazil for the latest edition of this fascinating exercise. Additional reporting by Santiago Rivas

32 TypHooN from THE CoCkpIT The US Marine Corps and Royal Air Force have exchanged pilots for decades. Maj D. R. Ged Miller sampled the pride of the RAF when he swapped the cockpit of his F/A-18C Hornet for the Typhoon

38 rUSSIAN AIr forCE 2025 After countless false starts, in recent years efforts to provide the Russian air arms with new equipment have finally begun to bear fruit. Piotr Butowski looks at the status of the current key programs

64 EXErCISE rEporT: BLUE fLAG The Israeli Air Force Advanced Training Center at Ovda hosted the international Blue Flag exercise. Ofer Zidon was there

66 frENCH fIGHTEr TESTErS Gert Kromhout visits the Centre dxpriences Ariennes Militaires (CEAM) and Escadron de Chasse et dExprimentation 5/330 Cte dArgent, responsible for operational test and evaluation of French fighters

72 f-15SA: SAUDI ADVANCED EAGLE In an exclusive first for Combat Aircraft, Jon Lake presents the most detailed description to date of the F-15SA and finds the most advanced Eagle flying today

78 rUSSIAS GATor oN THE rISE Alexander Mladenov provides a briefing on the Kamov Ka-52 Alligator attack helicopter, in squadron service with the Russian Air Forces Army Aviation branch

88 SACrED CoWS SErVE oN Salvador Maf Huertas examines the Quinta Escuadrilla (Fifth Squadron)s operation of the oldest aircraft in the Spanish Naval Aviation fleet, the Sea King

90 GLory DAyS: SEA HArrIEr oVEr THE BALkANS In this second part of our review of Sea Harrier operations over the former Yugoslavia, Richard Scott recalls the introduction to front-line service of the much-modernized FA2 variant, and its impact on the force

96 CUTTING EDGE Combat Aircrafts monthly column reporting from the front line of aerospace technology, by David Axe

pLUS: Special report on the latest Eurofighter Typhoon news, Robert F. Dorrs Front Line column and all the latest military Losses

Whats insideWhats insideVol 15, No 2 February 2014

It seems incredible that the F-16 Fighting Falcon is marking 40 years since its first flight. In this issue, we salute the mighty Viper. Alexander Golz

SUBSCrIBE AND SAVESubscribe to Combat Aircraft Monthly and make great savings on cover price. See pages 86 and 87 for details.

It seems incredible that the F-16 Fighting

44 THE mIGHTy VIpEr Lockheed Martins F-16 Fighting Falcon is the epitome of a military aviation success story. In this issue, we pay tribute to the fighter that remarkably made its maiden flight 40 years ago. Jon Lake and Jamie Hunter outline the program to date

52 frIESIAN fIGHTErS Frank Crbas/Bluelife Aviation travels to Leeuwarden, the capital of the northern province of Friesland, home to one of the two Main Operating Bases (MOBs) of the Royal Netherlands Air Forces F-16 squadrons

58 foXES of SoUDA BAy In 2013, 340 Mira celebrated 60 years of continuous contribution to Hellenic Air Force operations and 10 years of F-16 Block 52+ employment. The squadron is the leading precision night-strike units in the world, as Ioannis Lekkas details

SPECIAL ISSUE F-16 AT 40

As 2013 came to an end, Eurofighter celebrated a number of significant milestones. Jamie Hunter reports. Alenia Aermacchi/Luigino Caliaro

14 Typhoon comes of age

4 February 2014 www.combataircraft.net

Combat EdgeCombat EdgeCombat EdgeCONTRIBUTOR PROFILE

FRANK CRBAS

Frank is a highly valued special correspondent for Combat Aircraft, specializing in Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF)-related topics. For this issue he gained exclusive access to Leeuwarden Air Base, which will undergo

some major changes in the future. Frank has a passion for aerial photography and has notched up flight hours in most RNLAF types. He lives in Emmeloord in the Netherlands with his girlfriend, and has three daughters.

In this issue we showcase the mighty F-16 Fighting Falcon. It seems incredible that this aircraft made its maiden flight 40 years ago, yet today it is still in demand. Romania is about to trade its

MiG-21 LancerRs for secondhand Portuguese F-16s, and, Iraq is in line for brand new examples.

In the US, the ageing Viper community is shrinking all the time, but the workload hasnt let up. Post-Afghanistan, the F-16 will once again prove its worth the era will be the successful hunting ground of a true multi-role fighter. None fits this mould as well as the F-16 does currently, as an air-to-air fighter, close air support, tactical strike, suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD) and combat-intelligence, surveillance, targeting and reconnaissance (Combat ISTAR) asset.

Ironically, there are a good few in the US who would be delighted to see US F-16 procurement re-activated so as to gain some valuable Block 60 jets. Of course, that will never happen with every fighter dime going to the F-35.

Id like to thank all of you who have supported Combat Aircraft in 2013. As we start 2014, we look forward to bringing you more of the very best in military combat aviation. E-mail: [email protected]

F-16 at 40

Were you lucky enough to receive an iPad or other tablet device for Christmas? If you were then Im sure youre enjoying exploring all the features of your new toy, but did you know that you can also enjoy each issue of your favorite magazine at your convenience?

COMBAT AIRCRAFT is just one of a wide selection of titles from Key Publishing which are available on a range of digital devices. Why not download our next issue? You could even dive straight into the digital age with a subscription for a great range of offers, simply visit www.pocketmags.com today!

Jamie Hunter, EditorE-mail: [email protected]

5www.combataircraft.net February 2014

This Month

The mighTy viper

Jamie Hunter

As the F-16 turns 40, we take a look at the core program, and visit some of the current operators. Ioannis Lekkas


NewsNews

The USAF is keen to replace the stalwart T-38C Talon with a platform that better suits the lead-in training requirements for its F-35A and F-22 fleets. Jamie Hunter

Boeing teams with Saab for T-XClean sheet design planned to meet USAF training requirements

Boeing and SaaB have signed a Joint development agreement (Jda) to develop and manufacture an all-new jet training aircraft to compete for the

US air Forces T-38 Talon replacement requirement, dubbed T-X. although a formal request for proposals (RFP) has still not been issued, manufacturers are already vying for the lucrative 350-aircraft project.

Under the new agreement, formally announced on december 6, Boeing would act as the prime contractor, with Saab as primary partner to cover design, development, production, support, sales and marketing, according to the press release.

Boeing Military aircraft President Chris Chadwick commented: Boeing and Saab form the foundation for what will be the strongest, most cost-effective industry team. our comprehensive Family of Systems approach provides a new,

purpose-built T-X aircraft supported by innovative training and logistics support to offer total-life-cycle cost benefits to the US air Force and taxpayers.

Saab President and Ceo Hkan Buskhe said: We will invest in development of this completely new aircraft design over the coming years. Saab says that this agreement has been in planning for a considerable amount of time, and that money is already being spent on the project.

Saab was keen to point out that the new aircraft is (contrary to recent speculation) not a gripen, nor even a stripped-down gripen it is an all-new design. Boeing will be keen to exploit Saabs lean manufacturing know-how to develop the aircraft in an affordable and flexible manner. The current economic climate within the USaF means that the aircraft will indeed need to be both affordable and able to meet the exact parameters that are likely to be found in the T-X requirement when it is formally released,

probably in 2016 to meet an in-service date of 2023.

OpinionThe only reason for building a clean sheet design is so it can be specifically tailored as a bespoke solution to meet the USaFs T-X requirements. it may be the only way that the Lockheed Martin/Kai T-50 can be shoved aside as the ideal F-35 lead-in trainer, but the big question will be whether Boeing and Saab can jointly develop and flight-test a new design cheaply enough to be able to compete on price with the established T-50. a stripped-down gripen would have allowed Saab to offer a platform that is already flight-tested and proven, but Saab argues that it would be an over-match for the requirement, thus damaging its reputation as a fighter. Speculation has also been around for some time that Boeing already has a design and may have even built a prototype at its Phantom Works.


Headlines

Penetrating ISR platform revealedRQ-180 may be designation of stealthy Northrop Grumman UAVAviation Week has revealed the existence of a Aviation Week has revealed the existence of a Aviation Weekhighly classified new Penetrating Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance unmanned aerial vehicle. RQ-180 may be the designation of this new Northrop Grumman aircraft a secret program that might have assumed the P-ISR mantle. The aircraft draws upon Northrop Grummans cranked-kite stealthy design, akin to its X-47B.

Tha magazine says that Northrop Grumman financial reports from earlier in 2013 acknowledge that an un-named aircraft program had entered low-rate initial production (LRIP). The major Northrop Grumman black program is understood to be gearing up for operational service in 2015, having been tested at both Air Force Plant

42 at Palmdale, California and the US Air Forces Groom Lake, Nevada, facility, and is designed to bring back the USAFs capability to gather intelligence in contested airspace.

The existence of the RQ-180 goes a long way to explaining the USAFs desire to cancel the Block 30 RQ-4B Global Hawk. The stealthy RQ-180 now looks to have superseded that platform.

It is thought to be a long-range global strike enabler that is far more capable than the Lockheed Martin RQ-170 Sentinel, which was likely developed as a rapid technology-insertion program for a specific mission.

The new aircraft is likely to represent the desire for a more balanced fleet of both manned and unmanned platforms in the

post-Afghanistan era that are able to penetrate denied airspace to collect intelligence on well-defended locations such as North Korea.

F-35A basing announcedThe US Air Force has announced that it will base its first operational F-35A Lightning IIs at Hill AFB, Utah, and the first Air National Guard unit flying the type at Burlington International Airport, Vermont. The news ends four years of study and deliberation. Timothy Bridges, deputy assistant secretary of the Air Force for installations, said of the decision to choose Hill AFB: The nearby Utah Test and Training Range provides access to one of the largest and most diverse airspace and range complexes in the Air Force. Access to high-quality airspace and ranges is essential for the first operational F-35A wing.

Hill is home to the active-duty 388th Fighter Wing and the reserve 419th Fighter Wing, and the Lightning II will be flown by both components. Col Bryan Radliff, 419th FW commander, said: Flying F-35s alongside our active-duty counterparts is a great example of the Air Forces Total Force vision.

A total of 72 F-35As will replace the 48 F-16s currently assigned to the units at Hill. Vermont ANG is expected to receive 18 F-35As beginning from 2020.

Last of the lineFinal QRF-4C delivered to USAF. See US News

RAF starts Puma HC2 trainingUnits work up with upgraded helicopter. See UK News

Typhoon marks milestonesFirst Storm Shadow flight, 400th delivery. See our Special Report

Also this month...

F-35 wins in KoreaLightning II only aircraft that fits requirements On November 22 the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) in Seoul announced their plan to purchase the Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II for Koreas much-delayed fighter competition.

The F-35 had previously been eliminated from the original $7.2-billion F-X Phase III contest on cost grounds, leaving the Boeing F-15SE and Eurofighter Typhoon in the running. The latest decision comes after rejection in September of the F-15SE.

While F-X Phase III originally envisaged the purchase of 60 aircraft, South Korea will initially buy 40 conventional take-off and landing F-35As via Foreign Military Sale (FMS) channels, with the potential to increase this order by 20 aircraft in future, although these latter may not necessarily be F-35s. Defense Ministry spokesman Kim Min Seok said the F-35 is the only aircraft that fits requirements set by the military.

The move in favor of the JSF now as a no-bid sole candidate is seen as a direct response to increasing nuclear and missile threats posed by neighboring North Korea and meets calls from senior Republic of Korea Air Force officers for a fighter with high-end stealth technologies. The next-generation fighter is a key asset of the kill chain system to respond to North Korea, said JCS spokesman Eom Hyo-shik. The F-35A will be used as a strategic weapon to gain a competitive edge and defeat the enemy in the early stage of war The South Korean military will also use the aircraft to effectively deal with provocations.

Deliveries of the Block 3 F-35 to the RoKAF are expected from 2018 to 2021,

dependent on a contract signature in 2014. Meanwhile, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration confirms that military and budget authorities in Seoul are in the process of re-negotiating the defense budget to include the purchase. Purchase of the 20 remaining aircraft will then be dependent upon required operational capabilities, the security situation, funding, and technological developments. The remaining aircraft will be purchased by 2023-24.

The choice has already run into controversy in political circles, with lawmakers calling for a re-negotiation of the F-35 deal. Politicians are concerned that Korea plans to buy all 40 jets from US production, in contrast to Japan that will assemble the majority of its fleet locally, and are demanding similar technology transfers. This may be difficult considering the FMS regulations. Furthermore, the cost of the purchase remains uncertain, although the reduction in aircraft numbers should bring it within the budget limits that the F-35 previously exceeded.

The last two unsuccessful F-X Phase III candidates, Boeing and Eurofighter, are now expected to join Lockheed Martin in preparing new bids related to the indigenous KF-X fighter project. Indeed, Boeing officials have already identified KF-X as a potentially more lucrative long-term project than F-X Phase III. Aided by technological assistance from a foreign partner, KF-X aims to field a new fighter in the F-16 class after 2020, with a requirement for at least 120 aircraft. Preliminary research and development will begin in 2014. Thomas Newdick

Hill AFB will become the first operational Hill AFB will become the first operational base for US Air Force F-35As. USAF


NewsNews

Phinal Phantom target drone deliveredLast QRF-4C marks the end of the line for drone Phantom program

The 82nd AeriAl Target Squadron at Tyndall AFB, Florida, received the finalQF-4 Full Scale Aerial Target (FSAT) when serial 68-0599 arrived on november 19.

The former rF-4C was the last of 314 Phantoms to be converted into targetsPhantoms to be converted into targetsby BAe Systems at its facility in Mojave, California. Since replacing the QF-106 inthe FSAT role in 1998 the QF/Qrthe FSAT role in 1998 the QF/Qrthe FSAT role in 1998 the QF/Q F-4s have flown more than 16,000 manned and 600unmanned missions, while around 250 of the Phantoms have been successively destroyed over the Gulf of Mexico and the ranges near holloman AFB, new Mexico. rF-4C 68-0599 had been placed in storage at davis Monthan AFB, Arizona, on January 18, 1989 and after beingre-generated by the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and regeneration Group it was flown to the BAe Systems facility on April 17, 2013, for drone conversion.


United StatesBACN milestoneNorthrop Grummans Battlefield Airborne Communications Node (BACN) logged its 5,000th combat mission over Afghanistan on November 9. The airborne gateway, which provides an airborne communications link between warfighters in the air and on the ground, is installed on four E-11A manned aircraft and three Northrop Grumman Block 20 EQ-4B Global Hawk remotely piloted aircraft operated by the 430th Expeditionary Electronic Combat Squadron at Kandahar Airfield in Afghanistan and the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing in South-west Asia respectively. The BACN was initially deployed by Northrop Grumman to satisfy a joint urgent operational need and the systems beyond-line-of-sight capability has been particularly useful overcoming the communications limitations posed by Afghanistans rugged terrain. The system has delivered near 24/7 coverage in theater since it was deployed in 2008.

New call for A-10 fleet cutThe USAF is continuing to push for the retirement of its A-10C Thunderbolt II fleet.Chief of Staff Gen Mark Welsh said on December 11 that he still believes cutting entire aircraft fleets may be the only way to achieve the savings required under current budget plans.

Welsh said that more than 70 per cent of close air support (CAS) missions in Afghanistan are performed by aircraft other than the A-10. The Air Force is once again viewing the Warthog as a target for cuts as it is a niche CAS platform at a time when there exists a need to concentrate on multi-role types. Officially the USAF will replace the A-10 with the F-35A, but few see this as a fitting replacement for the gutsy Hog.

Speaking in Washington, Welsh said: Do I want to get rid of the A-10? No. Can I afford to keep everything we have right now and pay a US $12-billion bill? No.

Ultimately, the A-10 decision will fall to the US Congress, with many being bitterly opposed to shelving the type.

Galaxy updateLockheed Martin delivered the 13th C-5M Galaxy to the USAF on November 22 when serial 85-0004 departed Dobbins Air Reserve Base in Marietta, Georgia. It was flown to Dover AFB, Delaware, where it was accepted by the 436th Airlift Wing. The fourth C-5B to be built is one of 52 Galaxies that will be upgraded to C-5M configuration by 2017. It was inducted into the modification line in Marietta on November 29, 2011.

On December 5, 2013, C-5M serial 86-0017 was flown from Marietta to Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh, New York, where the 105th Airlift Wing will carry out the aircrafts internal paint restoration. It will be delivered to Dover in January, once that effort is completed. Although the aircraft is due to be the 14th C-5M completed, it is the 10th that will undergo refurbishment in New York.

Main image: QRF-4C 68-0599/AF-416 took off from Mojave on November 18, 2013, piloted by Jeffrey Percy, director of flight operations and chief pilot. Current and former employees, USAF personnel, and officials gathered to be part of this historic event in Phantom history. Damon Duran

Inset: QRF-4C serial 68-0599, the last of 314 Phantoms to be converted into full-scale-aerial targets, taxies in at Tyndall AFB on November 19. USAF

C-5M serial 86-0017 departs Dobbins Air Reserve Base C-5M serial 86-0017 departs Dobbins Air Reserve Base in Marietta, Georgia, at the start of its delivery flight on December 5, 2013. The Super Galaxy was delivered to Stewart ANGB, New York, where interior paint refurbishment is carried out. Lockheed Martin


NewsNews

War Eagles deploy the PoseidonBoeing P-8 heads out to Japan on maiden operational mission

Milestone Herc deliveredLockheed Martin has delivered the 200th C-130J to the US military. MC-130J serial 11-5735 (pictured left) was flown to Kirtland AFB, New Mexico, where it was accepted by to the 58th Special Operations Wing. Two aircraft were included in the milestone hand-overs, the second being C-130J serial 11-5736 that was delivered to the 19th Airlift Wing at Little Rock AFB, Arkansas.

In related news, Lockheed Martin has received a $48.5-million modification to an existing contract from the USAF that provides advance procurement funding of long-lead components for five additional C-130Js.

The US NAvyAvyA S newestmaritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft began its first deployment when the first two of six Boeing P-8A Poseidons assigned to patrol

squadron vP-16 departed NAS Jacksonville, Florida, for Kadena, Japan, on November 29.The aircraft arrived on December 1. Prior to deploying, the War eagles completed an Operational Readiness evaluation (ORe(ORe(OR ) and the squadron was officially declared prepared for deployment by theCommander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Group on November 4. Following the departure of the initial pair of aircraft, the Navy declared that the Poseidon had achieved initial operational capability (IOC).

The squadron was the first to transition from the Lockheed P-3C Orion to the P-8A after concluding its final Orion deployment in June 2012. vP-16s six P-8As will bedeployed along with 12 combat air crews for a period of six months. They will be followed by vP-5, which has completed conversion from Orion to Poseidon andis now executing an Inter-Deployment Readiness Cycle. vP-45 commenced its transition to the P-8A on July 15 afterreturning from deployment this past summer.

In preparation for the first deployment, the Poseidon program successfully completed its initial operational test and evaluation phase and Boeing had delivered 12 low-rate initial production (LRIP) aircraft

that are supporting the first three squadrons to convert from the P-3C to the P-8A. In addition to assisting with the fleet transition process, vP-30 is also now producing P-8-qualified replacement personnel who will be directly assigned to squadrons whoseown conversion to type is complete.

Boeing delivered the 13th production P-8A to NAS Jacksonville on December 4. The Poseidon, the final aircraft from the second LRIP lot, arrived ahead of schedule. The initial aircraft from the third LRIP lot, which is assigned BuNo 168754, made its first Navy test flight at Boeing Field on November 5. It will be delivered in early 2014. The US Navy has ordered 37 P-8As under four LRIP contracts and planned production includes 117 aircraft.

P-8A BuNo 168429, flown by VP-16s commanding officer, departs NAS Jacksonville, Florida, at the start of the Poseidons initial deployment on November 29. US Navy

Lockheed Martin

11 11www.combataircraft.net February 2014

United States

Block 40 Global Hawk flies combat missionNorthrop Grummans Block 40 RQ-4B high-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aircraft system (UAS) made its combat debut recently. The aircraft, assigned to the 69th Reconnaissance Group, flew the mission from its home base at Grand Forks AFB, North Dakota. The Block 40 version of the Global Hawk features the AN/ZPY-2 Multi-Platform Dakota. The Block 40 version of the Global Hawk features the AN/ZPY-2 Multi-Platform Radar Technology Insertion Program (MP-RTIP). The active electronically scanned array (AESA) air-to-surface radar provides wide-area surveillance of stationary and moving targets.

Apache Guardian Apache Guardian Apache

fieldedThe 1st Battalion, 229th Aviation achieved Initial Operating Capability (IOC) with the AH-64E Apache Guardian at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, and was designated as the Armys first unit equipped (FUE) with the services newest attack helicopter on November 21. The Attack Reconnaissance Battalion received its first AH-64E in January 2013; since fielding and individual training were completed in May, the 1-229th has completed three rotations at the National Training Center (NTC) at Fort Irwin, California, High Altitude Mountainous Environment Training (HAMET) in Idaho, and the Operation Rising Thunder exercise working with Japanese AH-64Ds at the Yakima Training Center, Washington. The battalion is a component of the Armys 16th Combat Aviation Brigade.

Located at Fort Carsons Butts Army Airfield in Colorado, the 1st Battalion, 25th Aviation Regiment is currently receiving its complement of AH-64Es as the second unit to field the aircraft. The Attack Reconnaissance Battalion is a component of the 25th Infantry Divisions Combat Aviation Brigade, which is based in Hawaii.

UCAS-D completes carrier operationsThe US Navy concluded another round of carrier testing with the X-47B unmanned combat air system demonstrator (UCAS-D) on November 19. The tests, conducted aboard the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), included deck Roosevelt (CVN 71), included deck Roosevelthandling, carrier approaches and landings in differing wind conditions, digitized ship systems interfaces, and concept of operations development. The demonstrator was tested in higher winds and differing directions than on previous tests, providing a more complete evaluation of its GPS auto-landing capability. During the 10-day test period, which began on November 9, the UCAS-D performed 26 total deck touchdowns, 21 precise touch-and-goes and five arrested landings, as well as five catapults, five commanded and two autonomous wave-offs. The tests marked the first time that both X-47Bs had operated in the carrier environment simultaneously. One flew in the vicinity of CVN 71, while the second conducted flight operations between ship and shore.

Tacos re-designatedThe New Mexico Air National Guards 150th Fighter Wing was formally re-named the 150th Special Operations Wing at Kirtland AFB in Albuquerque on December 1. The move reflects the units primary mission of training MC/HC-130, CV-22B, HH-1N and HH-60G 130, CV-22B, HH-1N and HH-60G 130, CVaircrews for the special operations and personnel recovery roles. Known as the Tacos, the wing conducts the mission as a traditional associate unit alongside the 58th Special Operations Wing. The transition to the new role was announced in 2009 and the 150ths last two F-16Cs departed in September 2010.

Hercs depart YoungstownAir Force Reserve Commands 910th Airlift Wing will have its complement of C-130Hs cut to eight during Fiscal Year 2014 as a result of Air Force structural changes. The unit reduced its fleet to 10 aircraft on October 1, when the first two Hercules departed from Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport, Ohio, for Little Rock AFB, Arkansas. Two more aircraft will be transferred to other units by March 31, 2014, bringing the inventory to eight C-130Hs. Six of the eight Hercules remaining with the wing have been modified to carry out the Department of Defenses fixed-wing aerial spray mission. They are the only USAF C-130s configured for that role.

Tennessee Guard plans moveThe Tennessee Army National Guard is planning to re-locate 21 of its aircraft and its Army Aviation Support Facility #1 from Rutherford County Airport in Smyrna to Nashville International Airport. The aircraft would take over facilities at the Berry Field Air National Guard Base that had previously supported C-130Hs operated by the 118th Airlift Wing. Nine aviation units that are currently stationed in Smyrna operate and maintain 10 UH-60, six HH-60 and four UH-72A helicopters and a single

fixed-wing C-12U. The Tennessee National Guard had originally planned to spend $75 million on expanding its operations in Smyrna but the availability of the facility in Nashville was deemed to be more feasible. The moves could take place before the end of 2014

Warriors returnMarine light attack helicopter squadron HMLA-167 returned to MCAS New River, North Carolina, at the conclusion of a six-month deployment to Afghanistan on November 21. While attached to the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) at Camp Bastion in Helmand Province, the Warriors flew offensive air support, close air support and medical evacuation missions. The squadrons AH-1Ws chalked up over 3,700 flight hours and 3,200 sorties; its UH-1Ys completed more than 3,000 flight hours and 2,400 sorties. While the majority of the squadron was deployed to Afghanistan, one of its detachments conducted a Unit Deployment Program rotation in Okinawa.

CVW-5 returns to AtsugiThe aircraft assigned to carrier air wing CVW-5s nine squadrons departed from the forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) on December 1. The 60 aircraft returned to NAF Atsugi, Japan, following the fly-off, which marked the conclusion of the ships fall patrol. During this, CVW 5 participated in Operation Damayan relief efforts in the Philippines and conducted dissimilar air-to-air training with the Royal Malaysian Air Force. In support of the relief efforts, MH-60R and MH-60S helicopters from helicopter sea combat squadron HSC-12 and helicopter maritime strike squadron HSM-77 airlifted more than 3,250 gallons (12,303 liters) of water, 24,900lb (11,294kg) of food, and 2,600lb (1,179kg) of general supplies, and conducted over 250 personnel transfers.

Unit news

RQ-4B serial 08-2034 is prepared for a mission at Grand Forks AFB. USAF


Combat Aircrafts regular column taking a look behind the headlines

by Robert F. DorrContact the author at [email protected]

FRont

PACAF and provocations: US air boss looks at China

Long before China heightened tensions by declaring an air Defense identification Zone (aDiZ) off the coast of the asian continent on november 22, hawaii-

based gen herbert hawk Carlisle, the boss at Pacific air forces (Paorces (Paorces (P Caf), may have contributed to Chinas action.

Carlisle told reporters during a Washington visit last July 28 that the United States plans to encircle China with its most capable warplanes over the next few years. he said Pae said Pae said P Caf will rev up the frequency of its exercises at places as disparate as Changieast airfield, Singapore and Misawa air base, Japan two locations thousands of miles apart, which, if connected by an arc,would form a fence astride the Chinese sea coast. The pace of US activity is growing now and it begs the question of who, exactly, is being provocative.

Chinas aDiZ declaration is closely linked to long-standing disputes with Japan overthe Diaoyu/Senkaku islands and with South Korea over a submerged rock. on December 8, South Korea retaliated by expanding anaDiZ of its own to overlap with Chinas.

responding three days after the Chinese declaration with what was clearly meant asa show of force, two b-52h Stratofortress heavy bombers launched from andersen air force base, guam and entered the airspace encompassed by the Chinese aDiZ. in news footage, the mighty b-52s looked powerful and menacing as they trundled throughthe sky seemingly inviting beijings fighterforce to intercept them. There was tension on the US side as the flight progressed, but in the end not much happened. no Chinese fighter rose to challenge them. China said itobserved the b-52s during the two hours and 22 minutes they spent inside the aDiZ.

The b-52s were part of the Continuous bomber Presence (CPb) being conducted by Carlisles command to show the flag. Under way since 2004, the CPb involves rotating half a dozen heavy bombers and 300 airmenthrough guam every few months. before he left office at the end of the year, Pentagon spokesman george Little said, The b-52 Stratofortress can perform a variety ofmissions including carrying precision-guided conventional or nuclear ordnance. We will continue to fly [b-52 missions in the Pacific] as part of our ongoing actions toenhance our strategic posture in the asia-Pacific region.

When CPb began nine years ago, b-52, b-1b Lancer and b-2 Spirit squadrons shared the commitment. Today, the US shared the commitment. Today, the US shared the commitment. T air

force inventory includes 74 b-52s, 65 b-1bs and 20 b-2s or a total of just 159 heavy bombers. The b-1b, the only member of the trio not to have a nuclear mission, becameheavily tasked in iraq and afghanistan and was taken out of the rotation. The small sizeof the b-2 fleet and perhaps the february 23, 2008 crash on guam of aircraft 89-0127, Spirit of Kansas, caused by a sensor failure led to a decision to remove the b-2 at least temporarily from the guam rotations. now, the b-52 handles the guam CbP commitment by itself.

We will continue the CPWe will continue the CPW b, Carlisle said in a telephone interview with Combat Aircraft on Aircraft on Aircraft october 15, a month before the aDiZ brouhaha. Carlisle kept the door open for b-2 Spirit stealth bombers to return to the US territory of guam. This is our way of recognizing the importance of the regionand of being serious about our sovereignty. This is a crucial part of our presence in the region.

Carlisle hangs his hat on the second floor of Paof Paof P Caf headquarters in building 1102 at Joint base Pearl harbor hickam. The outside of the building and a portion of theinside are pock-marked with cannon shell hits from the December 7, 1941 attack, at which time the structure was a barracks nicknamed the hickam hotel. Theyre daily reminders, Padaily reminders, Padaily reminders, P Caf Lt Col aaron D. burgstein told CA.

Carlisle is the top US airman in the region and in wartime would be air commander under the US Pacific Command boss, aDM Samuel J. Locklear. We are always mindful of China, Carlisle told Combat Aircraft. China is the number two economy in the

This photo: A B-52H flies past the USS Nimitz with a pair of F/A-18Cs in tow, Nimitz with a pair of F/A-18Cs in tow, Nimitzduring a 96th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron deployment to Andersen AFB, Guam. US Navy

Below left: Below left: Gen Herbert Hawk Carlisle, Gen Herbert Hawk Carlisle, commander of Pacific Air Forces. USAF


We are always mindful of China. China is the number two economy in the world and the number one importer of oil. The fact that we are here in the Pacific region for the security and prosperity of the United States is obvious Gen Herbert Hawk Carlisle

world and the number one importer of oil. The fact that we are here in the Pacific region for the security and prosperity of the United States is obvious. Carlisle cited the size, the amount of water in his area of responsibility 32 countries in 16 time zones where everyone is aware of a rough, gruff, rising China.

His command possesses a significant part of the 186-aircraft F-22 Raptor fleet and will have the first OCONUS out of the continental United States F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters. He wants to make use of the technology offered by these advanced aircraft in the face of the challenge from China and other concerns in the region, including North Korea. Oh, and hed like to keep what he has, too. I would not favor retiring the A-10 if we had a choice about it, he told this magazine.

Nobody is kidding the PACAF boss. He knows the budget stricture known as sequestration will continue we need to get our debt under control and PACAF wont be getting any new airfields or people. He told this magazine there will be more temporary deployments of small packages of combat aircraft, like the slimmed-down F-22 deployments we described last month. Air power has unique attributes of speed, range and flexibility and we need to use those as well as we can.

While the ADIZ thing sorts itself out, Carlisle must decide where to place a squadron of CV-22 Ospreys, the tilt-rotor aircraft in use by US Air Force Special Operations Command. On Okinawa, where the US Marine Corps has two squadrons of MV-22s, the local community opposes the aircraft. Theres some issues with

Kadena and Okinawa, said Carlisle, who would prefer to locate the CV-22s at Yokota Air Base on the main Japanese island of Honshu. PACAF is working through a strategic basing review and talking with local officials before an Osprey decision is made, Carlisle continued.

When we went to press, what began as a flare-up of excitement over Chinas ADIZ was abruptly deflated into a giant let-down, with every party in the region doing too much talking but no-one initiating any air-to-air engagements. A member of Carlisles staff told CA that, after what initially seemed a threatening situation, Things are calm.

Largely overlooked in the West was the fact that Chinas declaration of an ADIZ viewed as provocative by Americans was unquestionably legal and remarkably similar to the way the United States enforces its own ADIZs. Yang Yujun, Beijing spokesman for the Defense Ministry, told reporters that, Since the 1950s the United States and more than 20 other countries including Japan have enforced ADIZs. Another nation wishing to enter a host countrys ADIZ is simply expected to provide advance notice not to seek permission when it enters the zone.

China, Asia and the Pacific will continue to be vitally important, as Carlisle told us. The ADIZs? Probably not so much.

Special REpoRt


There is a genuine feeling around the eurofighter Typhoon program that the Typhoon program that the Taircraft is making strong progress in a number of key areas. The first flight of

the MBDa storm shadow cruise missile on the type has marked a significantstep up in the Typhoons ground attack capability. Trials began on November 27 at the alenia aermacchi Flight TestCentre at Decimomannu in sardinia, italy,and signified the start of an intensive

18-24-month flight test program. This is commencing with flutter tests and an air data system large store interference assessment, using instrumented Production aircraft 2 (iPaPaP 2) updated to the Phase 1 enhancement (P1e) standard.

Chief executive Officer of eurofighter Gmbh, alberto Gutierrez, said: The successful start of the flight tests is goodnews for our program. This is one of a number of enhancements that are coming on stream and there are many more to come. storm shadow is a major step forward,

significantly increasing the air-to-ground capabilities of the eurofighter Typhoon.

Cassidian was also expected to beginflight trials of the similar Taurus KePD 350 weapon on iPaPaP 7 as we went to press, while Bae systems is also set to commence active electronically scanned (aesa) radar trials at the start of 2014.

Two other significant milestones came Two other significant milestones came Tin the form of the maiden flight of the first Tranche 3 aircraft on December 2 and the hand-over of the 400th aircraft on December 4.

The initial Tranche 3 aircraft (c/n Bs116, serial ZK355) is for the royal air Force. it made its maiden flight from Baesystems airfield at Warton in the handsof Nat Makepeace. Tranche 3 is the latest production batch and represents the ultimate Typhoon standard, configured for conformal fuel tanks and the new aesa radar.

The honor of the 400th Typhoon fell The honor of the 400th Typhoon fell The honor of the 400th Tto aircraft serial 31+06 (Gs082) for the German Luftwaffe, handed over duringa ceremony at Cassidians Military air

As 2013 came to an end, Eurofighter celebrated a number of significant milestones, as Combat Aircraft reports.

report: Jamie Hunter

tYpHooN CoMES oF AGE

This photo: Alenia Aermacchis two-seat IPA2 during the maiden Storm Shadow test flight. Alenia/Luigino Caliaro

Inset: Trials of the Taurus KEPD 350 cruise missile will run concurrently with the Storm Shadow integration. Jamie Hunter


Systems Center in Manching, Germany. Chief Executive Officer of Cassidian, Bernhard Gerwert, said: As a partner in the Eurofighter consortium, we are proud that we have assembled the 400th Eurofighter and that today we can hand over to the German Air Force its 112th aircraft.

Alberto Gutierrez commented: The delivery of the 400th Eurofighter Typhoon marks a historic milestone in Europes largest defence programme. Now we must focus much more strongly on export campaigns in order to win new contracts and new customers for this outstanding aircraft. Right now, especially in these difficult times in the defence industry, it is more important than ever that we stand up and be counted. That is what today is all about.

Speaking to journalists after the ceremony, Gutierrez said that he predicts the worldwide market for fighters (outside the US) over the next 20 years to be for 800 aircraft, and that the Typhoon has the potential to secure 20-25 per cent of these sales.

Top right: The 400th Eurofighter,

serial 31+06 (GS082), at Cassidians Manching facility.

Eurofighter/Bilfinger/Visuelle Medien

Right: Nat Makepeace airborne in serial ZK355, the first Tranche 3 Typhoon. BAE Systems

Bottom right: Eurofighter CEO Alberto Gutierrez addresses guests during the hand-over of the

400th aircraft on December 4. Jamie Hunter

14-15 Typhoon special report C.indd 15 10/12/2013 15:31


NewsNews United KingdomUnited Kingdom

UK joins C-17 waiting listThe UK has joined a growing list of nations eager to acquire Boeing C-17 Globemaster IIIs before production ceases. The interest would mark a move to procure a ninth such aircraft for the RAF. Boeing officials said in September that the C-17 line will close in 2015 because US Air Force production finished in 2013. Remaining aircraft are all for international customers, with 13 of the remaining 22 C-17s being funded by Boeing in anticipation of new orders. These 13 aircraft are slated for three customers, some being protected for a customer in the Middle East, possibly Saudi Arabia.

RAF commences P1EA Typhoon trainingRAF commences P1EA Typhoon trainingRAF Typhoon FGR4s from No 1(F) Squadron at RAF Leuchars have received the first Tranche 2 jets to have been upgraded with the P1EA multi-role software. The squadron is the lead unit for the multi-role-capable Tranche 2 jets and will receive a total of six upgraded aircraft. In 2014, P1EB will multi-role-capable Tranche 2 jets and will receive a total of six upgraded aircraft. In 2014, P1EB will be introduced to the operational fleet, marking the arrival of a full suite of multi-role capabilities, including the full clearance with the Paveway IV precision-guided bomb. Crown Copyright

ThE UK MInISTRy of ISTRy of ISTRDefence has revealed that no II (Army Co-operation) Squadron is set to become the RAFs fifth, and possibly final, operational Eurofighter

Typhoon FGR4 unit. The squadron will Typhoon FGR4 unit. The squadron will Tdisband as a Tornado GR4 operator on March 31, 2015, and stand up on the Typhoon the following day.

no II(AC) Squadron is stationed at RAF Marham. It is currently working up in preparation for its forthcoming tour in

Afghanistan where it will relieve no 617 Squadron Dambusters.

The news means that, as of next year, the RAF will be reduced to just two Tornado GR4 squadrons. Tornado GR4 squadrons. T no II(AC) Squadron will re-form as part of the new Lossiemouth Typhoon Wing, alongside nos 1(F) and 6 Squadrons.

There had been much speculation regarding the identity of the RAFs last front-line Typhoon unit. The reduction of front-line Typhoon unit. The reduction of front-line Tthe UKs fast jet force means that famous units will continue to disappear.

No II(AC) Squadron will disband as a Tornado GR4 unit in 2015 and become the RAFs fifth

front-line Typhoon squadron. Jamie Hunter

Shiny Two to go Typhoon

Puma HC2 training startsRAF crews from both nos 33 and 230 Squadrons have begun training flights with the upgraded Puma hC2. Puma Force Commander Gp Capt nigel Colman said: The Puma is a remarkable aircraft and its ability to operate in urban and harsh conditions will see it play a key role in any future deployments. Seven of the 24 Puma hC2s have so far been delivered, with the remainder to follow over the next two years.

ILA F_P.indd 1 13/12/2013 12:35


NewsNews

Beijings East China Sea ADIZNew tensions develop in the Far East

In a surprIsIng move, Chinas Ministry of national Defense established an air Defense Identification Zone (aDIZ) over a wide area of the East China sea (ECs) on november 23. This area covers the

disputed islands known as the senkaku Islands by Japan and the Diaoyu Dao by China that are claimed by both sides, and which have led to strained relations between

the two countries. The islands are close to strategically important shipping lanes, and besides national pride they would give their legal owners the rights to the rich marine life and other resources in surrounding waters.

an aDIZ is not unusual, nor a provocative step in itself. There are several similar zones around the world, including in the us, Taiwan, south Korea and Japan, extending well beyond the 12nm of national sovereign

airspace. However, nations cannot claim sovereignty over the whole area of an aDIZ; they are established for security purposes and all aircraft entering this airspace will be closely monitored and intercepted if they fail to comply with the rules set for the aDIZ. as such, and in contrast to the impression given by several news stories, an aDIZ is not a no-fly zone, nor an extension of territorial sovereignty.

The problem here is that the ECs aDIZ covers disputed territory and that none of the neighbors were consulted in advance. relatively strict aircraft Identification rules were also announced, which apply to all flights and not only aircraft en route to China. all aircraft must provide means of identification in the form of flight plan, radio, transponder and logo identification. also, all aircraft should follow the instructions of the Chinese administrative organ, namely the Ministry of national Defense. Emergency defensive measures will respond to any aircraft that do not co-operate in the identification or refuse to follow the instructions.

unsurprisingly, this decision was immediately condemned by Japanese officials, and both the us secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel and secretary of state John Kerry expressed their concern by stating that: This unilateral action constitutes an attempt to change the status quo in the East

Chinas East China Sea ADIZ (marked in red), shown in relation to the existing Japanese ADIZ. Like the Chunxiao gas field, the disputed Senkaku Islands/ Diaoyu Dao are at the southern end of the Chinese ADIZ box and therefore also fall within the Japanese zone.


World

Japans future fighter takes shapeDuring a defense technology symposium on October 29-30, the Japanese Defense Ministry briefly unveiled its next-generation fighter study to the public. Two different proposals are reportedly currently under design, with the aim of establishing a conceptual three-dimensional digital mock-up using CAD. The two designs are called 23DMU and 24DMU. Interestingly, while 23DMU is based on the existing ATD-X Shinshin technology demonstrator concept, 24DMU features several design features reminiscent of the Northrop YF-23.

Pentagon approves Viper upgradeThe US Defense Department has approved a deal under which BAE Systems will upgrade 134 F-16C/D Block 52 fighters for South Korea. The US Defense Security Co-operation Agency notified Congress of the decision on November 25. Valued at $200 million, the initial Foreign Military Sale covers the so-called Phase 1 upgrades, comprising initial design and development efforts. Combined with the second phase, which will upgrade the F-16s with new avionics and Raytheon Advanced Combat Radars (RACR), the contract could be worth around $1.1 billion.

Korea primed for tanker decisionA Republic of Korea Defense Ministry committee has approved the Defense Acquisition Program Administrations road map for the acquisition of a new aerial refueling tanker. After a tender is issued in January, a final choice on the aircraft is likely to be made before the end of 2014, with the most likely candidates being the Airbus Military A330 MRTT and Boeing KC-46. A total of four tankers are required between 2017 and 2019.

Ex-US Army Chinooks for KoreaThe US Defense Security Co-operation Agency has notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to South Korea of 14 CH-47D helicopters. The Chinooks would be provided as part of a $151-million package to include T55-GA-714A engines, plus communication and navigation equipment, spares, technical support and training. The CH-47Ds being considered for sale are currently operated by the US Army at Camp Humphrey in Korea. If the sale is approved, the aircraft will be sold and transferred to Korea incrementally once the US Army in Korea begins taking receipt of new CH-47Fs, which should begin around January 2014. According to Boeing, the Republic of Korea Army currently operates 23 CH-47D/DLR aircraft, and the RoKAF operates five HH-47Ds.

South Korea

China Sea. Escalatory action will only increase tensions in the region and create risks of an incident

On its first day of existence, two PLAAF aircraft patrolled the zone: a special missions Tu-154M/D (Type II) and a Y-8CB (GX-2) ECM/EW aircraft, both of which were intercepted by Japanese fighters, as confirmed by Shen Jinke, spokesman for the PLAAF. Within the following week, the PLAAF scrambled to intercept several Japanese aircraft including E-767 and P-3 surveillance aircraft and F-15J fighters, as well as two US P-3C and EP-3 aircraft. The clearest sign of non-compliance, however, was the flight by a pair of unarmed B-52H bombers, which flew over a disputed island chain without informing Beijing. Prior to the sortie by the B-52Hs which were based at Andersen AFB in Guam, and part of a long-planned exercise called Coral Lightning US officials had promised that the US would challenge the zone and would not comply with Chinese identification requirements. In return, the PLAAF intensified its operations and the aircraft carrier Liaoning, escorted by two destroyers and two frigates, was sent on its maiden voyage to the South China Sea, where China is also embroiled in territorial disputes with its neighbors. Andreas Rupprecht

Phantom survivor South Koreas F-X Phase III program sought to replace aging RoKAF F-4 Phantom IIs and F-5 Tiger IIs. Here, F-4E serial 80-737 from the 153rd Fighter Squadron taxis after completing a flight demonstration during the Cheongju International Airport Air Show that took place from October 25-27. Gordon Arthur

Jordanian gunship fliesJordanian gunship fliesJordanian

ATK has announced that it has begun flight-testing of the CN235 light gunship for the Royal Jordanian Air Force. ATK has been contracted to modify two CN235s as weaponized special mission aircraft on behalf of the King Abdullah II Design and Development Bureau (KADDB).

With modifications and ground testing complete, ATK was able to launch the flight test program to validate the installed weapons and gun system. Upon successful completion of the test effort, the aircraft will be delivered to Jordan. Modifications include installation of electro-optical targeting systems, a laser designator, aircraft self-protection equipment, a synthetic aperture radar, and armament including Hellfire laser-guided missiles, 2.75in rockets, and a side-mounted M230 link-fed 30mm chain gun.

Among the aircraft used to patrol the new East China Sea ADIZ on its first day of operation was the PLAAFs special missions version of the Tu-154M, at least four of which are operated by the 102nd Air Regiment, 34th Transport Division. via Chinese internet

Iraq orders FA-50s from KoreaIt was disclosed as we went to press that the Iraqi Air Force has ordered 24 FA-50s (to be designated T-50IQs) in a deal worth $1.1 billion, according to the South Korean Yonhap news agency.

The FA-50s will act as lead-in fighter trainers for Iraqs 36 new Lockheed Martin F-16s, deliveries of which in 2014. The first FA-50s should arrive the following year.

The Iraqi Air Force pilot training program will consist of an elementary phase on the Serbian Utva Lasta 95 piston-engined aircraft, with an advanced element on the Beechcraft T-6 Texan II turboprop.

As well as serving as a lead-in trainer, the FA-50s will also serve as valuable force multipliers, able to tackle both the air-to-air and air-to-ground roles.


NewsNewsSharp Sword performs maiden flightNew Chinese UCAV takes to the air

via

Chin

ese

inte

rnet

Taiwan Guardian deliveries continuePart of the second batch of Apache Guardians for Taiwan, this aircraft (serial 11-00016) made a night stop at Palm Springs, California on December 3. In November Taiwan received the first six AH-64Es from 30 on order under a contract worth over $2 billion. Deliveries are due to be completed in 2014. The aircraft are shipped from the US to the port of Kaohsiung, before onward transit to their base in Tainan City. Dan Stijovich

FollowING ITSUNvEIlING in May 2013, the lijian (Sharp Sword) unmanned combat airvehicle demonstrator performed its maiden flight

on November 21. The UCAvon November 21. The UCAvon November 21. The UCA took off at 13.00hrs, local time, and landed at13.17hrs.

The lijian is designed by the Design Institute 601 (Shenyang AircraftIndustry Corporation) and built by the Hongdu Aviation Industry Corporation (HAIG). It is powered by a modified RD-93 similar to that used in the FC-1/JF-17 multi-role fighter.

Contrary to several reports published in the news media, this flight did not

take place at Nanchang, where the HAIG concern is based, nor at Chengdu, but at the GAIC UAvbut at the GAIC UAvbut at the GAIC UA test base at Anshun/Huangguoshu. This locationseems to have become established as Chinas premier facility for testing drones from different design teams and manufacturers. Andreas Rupprecht


World

MRH90 conducts first embarked deployment The Royal Australian Navys 808 Squadron conducted the first operational deployment of the MRH90 in the Maritime Support Helicopter role when serial A40-017 embarked aboard HMAS Tobruk (L50), which arrived in Leyte, the Tobruk (L50), which arrived in Leyte, the TobrukPhilippines on November 26. The ship carried a Recovery Support Force as part of the Australian Defence Forces Operation Philippines Assist. Tom Kaminski

Tanker squadron re-assignedThe Royal Australian Air Forces No 33 Squadron was formally assigned to No 86 Wing at RAAF Base Amberley on November 29. The unit operates the RAAFs fleet of five KC-30As and had previously been a part of the Air Forces KC-30A Transition Team. It achieved initial operational capability with the type in early 2013 and is currently cleared to conduct strategic airlift and air-to-air refueling with its hose-and-drogue refueling system. Testing of the aircrafts Advanced Refueling Boom System is scheduled to occur in Australia in late 2014. As the RAAFs heavy airlift wing, 86 is responsible as well for the C-17As operated by No 36 Squadron, also stationed at Amberley. Tom Kaminski

First RAAF Spartan assembledAlenia Aermacchi has completed final assembly of the first C-27J Spartan for the Royal Australian Air Force at the companys Turin plant. The milestone came when the aircrafts wing was mated with the fuselage and the engines, landing gear, and other major components were installed. The aircraft is currently undergoing equipment installation and functional tests in preparation for the test flight phase. Alenia Aermacchi is providing the C-27J to prime contractor L-3 Communications, in support of a US Air Force Foreign Military Sale to Australia. The first aircraft is expected to be delivered to L-3 at Waco, Texas in the first quarter of 2014. Alenia Aermacchi is under contract to deliver 10 C-27Js to L-3 by 2015.

Australia

Boeing delivers third P-8I On November 30 the third Boeing P-8I long-range maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare aircraft for the Indian Navy arrived in India. The aircraft departed Boeing Field in Seattle for Naval Station Rajali, where it joined two P-8Is currently undergoing flight trials and testing. The first P-8I arrived in India in May. According to a contract awarded in 2009, Boeing is building eight such aircraft for the Indian Navy.

India retires MiG-21FLOn December 11 the Indian Air Force retired the last of its MiG-21FL fighters. The final operator of the variant, the Operational Conversion Unit (OCU) took part in a ceremonial flypast to mark the withdrawal. Developed to meet an Indian requirement, the MiG-21FL enjoyed an impressive career with the IAF, seeing action in the Indo-Pakistan conflicts of 1965 and 1971 and more recently in the Kargil campaign in 1999.

MRH90 serial A40-017 from 808 Squadron arrives at Ormoc Airport, Leyte, during Operation Philippines Assist on November 28. The helicopter was embarked aboard the HMAS embarked aboard the HMAS TobrukTobruk. RANRAN

India Two more Hercules for IsraelOn December 3 the US Department of Defense announced that the Israeli government has signed for two additional C-130J-30 Hercules to augment the four already on order. Lockheed Martin has been awarded an $81.2-million modification to an existing Foreign Military Sales contract to fund manufacture of the fourth C-130J. This also includes funding for long-lead items required for manufacture of a fifth and sixth Super Hercules, and external fuel tank modification kits. Work will be completed by July 2016. Israel has requested a total of nine C-130J-30s. A first aircraft was formally handed over in June 2013, pending initial deliveries to Israel in 2014.

Israel may lease KC-46AIsrael may lease KC-46AIsrael may

Israel is considering options for leasing a fleet of Boeing KC-46A tankers in order to replace its current fleet of converted Boeing 707s. Previously the US government offered to supply three ex-US Air Force Boeing KC-135Es worth around $200 million, but the Israeli Air Force rejected these and instead stated that it would consider a similar package for KC-135s powered by CFM56 engines. However, officials favor a new-build aircraft and have now turned their attention to the KC-46.

Brazilian interest in F-16As the F-X2 program to replace the Brazilian Air Forces Mirage 2000s and F-5s faced more delays, officials from the air arm traveled to the US to negotiate the possible purchase of a batch of second-hand Lockheed Martin F-16s from the US Air Force inventory.

According to internal sources, the Brazilian Air Force is negotiating the purchase of a batch of aircraft currently in service, most likely Block 40 or 42 jets, rather than buying aircraft stored at Davis-Monthan. Block 40/42 F-16s are not only more modern, but could also be delivered immediately. Brazilian pilots tested the F-16 during their visit.

The Brazilian Air Force urgently needs a replacement for the Mirage 2000, retired on December 31, 2013, and still awaits a final decision on the F-X2 program, in which the Dassault Rafale, Saab Gripen NG and Boeing Super Hornet are contenders.

A purchase could form part of a deal including the transfer from the USAF of three KC-135 Stratotankers to replace the Brazilian Air Forces retired Boeing KC-137s. Santiago Rivas

El Salvador buys additional Dragonflies from ChileTo reinforce its small combat fleet, the Salvadoran Air Force has signed a contract for the purchase of 10 Cessna A-37B Dragonflies retired by the Chilean Air Force some years ago. The deal is worth $8.6 million. The aircraft are expected to arrive in March 2014 and will be used dramatically to boost the existing Dragonfly fleet, which comprises only three examples operational at Comalapa International Airport. Santiago Rivas

Peru selects SpartanFinmeccanica has announced that the Peruvian Defense Ministry is to buy two examples of the Alenia Aermacchi C-27J Spartan tactical airlifter. A contract is to be signed as soon as administrative procedures are completed, and will be valued at around 100 million including logistic support. The Spartan was chosen following a selection process that has lasted almost three years. The aircraft will be delivered in April 2015 and the new type will replace the Antonov An-32B.

Latin America

Wearing the Boeing test registration N535DS, P-8I serial IN322 arrives at Naval Station Rajali on November 30. Boeing


NewsNews

A400M Grizzly 1 following its final flight on November 4. Airbus Military

Final flight for Grizzly 1First A400M to fly bows out of test program

M-346 lowest bidder in PolandThe final bids were received for Polands Advanced Jet Trainer (AJT) competition on November 20. The Polish Defense Ministry confirmed that Alenia Aermacchi offered the lowest-cost option, with its M-346 Master. The company is in competition with Lockheed Martin UK (T-50 Golden Eagle) and BAE Systems (Hawk Mk128). The Polish Air Force requires eight new jet trainers (with options for four more) as part of a full training package, including a full-mission flight simulator and task trainers, to be based in Deblin. A final choice will be made based on price, the cost of the product life cycle, and performance. Contract signature is expected in the first quarter of 2014.

Maiden flight for HammerHeadThe Piaggio Aero P1HH HammerHead unmanned aerial vehicle made its maiden flight from the Italian Air Force base at Trapani on November 14. The twin-turboprop was controlled from a ground control station as part of the demonstration and validation phase of the program. It flew over the Mediterranean Sea for approximately 12 minutes, testing the navigation system and verifying maneuvering

capabilities in both manual and automatic flight modes. The aircraft reached an altitude of 2,000ft and a speed of 170kt, flying at 12 miles from the base. It is planned to achieve operational readiness of the HammerHead UAV by the end of 2014. The HammerHead employs a mission management system developed by Selex ES, and is designed for patrol and ISR missions.

French Army Caman at seaFrench Army Aviation (ALAT) has begun testing the NH90 TTH Caman aboard a naval vessel, the French Navy amphibious warfare ship Tonnerre. The Camans maximum take-off weight was uprated to 10.6 tonnes. Further tests are planned for March 2014, leading to clearance for shipboard operations. Initial

operational capability is planned for mid-2014, when four Camans will be available for operations. On December 12, three ALAT Camans and their operational crews departed the training center at Cannet des Maures to join their new unit, the 1er Rgiment dHlicoptres de Combat based at Phalsbourg.

THE FIRST AIRBUS Military A400M prototype, known as Grizzly 1, made its final flight from Toulouse on flight from Toulouse on flight from TNovember 4. First flown at Seville on December

11, 2009, in the hands of the same crew who undertook its last flight, MSN1 will who undertook its last flight, MSN1 will

be placed on public display. It made 475 flights totaling 1,448 hours 25 minutes, the final sortie being used to validate procedures for landing with the ramp and door failed in the open position.

A400M MSN3 has meanwhile been placed in long-term flyable storage. Although not planned to be flown again, Although not planned to be flown again,

the aircraft could be returned to flight-test duties if required.

The French Air Force, as initial operator of the A400M, recently conducted operational trials for loading and unloading equipment at Orange air base. The tests on December 3 involved a long-wheelbase variant of the French Army VBL light armored vehicle. French Army VBL light armored vehicle.


EuropeEurope

NATO Global Hawk takes shapeNorthrop Grumman has commenced production of the first Block 40 Global Hawk unmanned aerial vehicle destined for the NATO Alliance Ground Surveillance (AGS) initiative. Production began on December 3 at the companys Moss Point, Mississippi, Unmanned Systems Center. The aircraft is

the first of five Global Hawks that will be delivered to the alliance. The NATO AGS system will be equipped with the multi-mode AN/ZPY-2 Multi-Platform Radar Technology Insertion Program (MP-RTIP) airborne ground surveillance radar that also equips the US Air Forces Block 40 RQ-4Bs.

Alberto Mocchetti

Italian Air Force Master markingsSeen at Venegono, home of the Alenia Aermacchi plant, this is the second Italian Air Force T-346A jet trainer, now wearing the codes and insignia of the 61 Stormo at Lecce. Force T-346A jet trainer, now wearing the codes and insignia of the 61 Stormo at Lecce. CSX55154 will subsequently receive the service serial MM55154. Italy has placed orders for six T-346s, from an overall requirement for 15.

Praetorian under testThe MC-27J multi-mission gunship prototype was recently photographed landing at Alenia Aermacchis Venegono facility. As reported last month, the Italian Air Force has become the launch customer for the type, of which an initial three examples are under contract for conversion. An additional three aircraft will also be modified to accept the gunship equipment. Appropriately, N359PL (c/n 4126) recently received a fin flash in the Italian national colors.

Netherlands choose ReaperDutch Defense Minister Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert has announced selection of the MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial vehicle to fulfill Royal Netherlands Air Force medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) requirements from late 2016. By the end of 2017, the system will be fully integrated into the armed forces. The Dutch will purchase four MQ-9s and a ground station. The Reapers will be procured through Foreign Military Sales channels, and a budget of up to 250 million has been earmarked for the acquisition. The aircraft will be based at Leeuwarden with 306 Squadron, traditionally the reconnaissance squadron of the RNLAF, but most recently decommissioned as an F-16 training unit in Springfield, Ohio, some years ago.

Dutch squadron activatedThe Royal Netherlands Air Force re-activated 302 Squadron at Robert Gray Army Airfield at West Fort Hood, Texas on November 25. The unit replaced the Joint Netherlands Training Detachment, which was disbanded. The squadron, a component of the Air Forces Defense Helicopter Command, will continue to train with the 21st Cavalry Brigade (Air Combat) at Fort Hood. Dutch personnel began training on the AH-64D at Fort Hood in 1996 and a permanent contingent was established in 1998. The squadron provides training for both the AH-64 and CH-47 at Fort Hood. Five times a year 302 Squadron provides a joint Air Assault training campaign for helicopter crews from Defence Helicopter Command and ground units of 11 Airmobile Brigade. Chinook crews and loadmasters also complete Initial Mission Qualification Training twice a year. Tom Kaminski

Netherlands

Russian Navy receives carrier fightersThe Russian Navy has taken delivery of its first four series-produced MiG-29K/KUB carrier-based fighters. The initial delivery comprised two single-seaters, now designated as MiG-29KRs, and two twin-seat MiG-29KUBRs. The Russian Defense Ministry signed a contract with RAC MiG in February 2012 for delivery of 20 MiG-29K and four MiG-29KUB fighters by 2015.

Su-30SM sent to SiberiaIn early December it was announced that the first operational Su-30SM fighters for the Russian Air Force had been delivered to Domna air base in Siberia, where the initial operational unit is standing up. The first three examples arrived at Domna in November, and the base is due to receive 10 Su-30SM fighters by the end of the year. A further 10 will be delivered next year to complete the establishment of an aviation regiment.

Russia

Alberto Mocchetti


News EuropeEurope

A Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) Anka unmanned aerial vehicle crashed on December 6 in south-east Turkey. The UAV went down during a daylight flight, for reasons as yet unknown. The Anka is currently conducting operational test flights at Batman in south-east Turkey. Thomas Newdick Four soldiers, two pilots and two civilians were injured when UH-1H serial 940 crashed in Leyte Province while attempting to make an emergency landing following

an apparent engine failure on December 6. The Huey, which had been operated by the Philippines Air Force, went down around 15.45hrs, local time while conducting relief operations in the town of La Paz. Two unidentified helicopters of the Nigerian Air Force were reportedly destroyed in an Islamic terrorist attack at Maiduguri air base in Borno, Nigeria on December 2. Boko Haram militants carried out the attack, which occurred at around 03.00hrs, local time. Three MiG-21 fighters

that were no longer in service were also reportedly destroyed. An unidentified Afghan Air Force helicopter crashed while conducting an anti-narcotics operation in the Haidar Khan area of eastern Nangarhar Province on November 25. A remotely piloted aircraft crashed on a range outside of Creech AFB, north-west of Las Vegas, Nevada on November 14. The unmanned US Air Force aircraft went down at about 15.45hrs, local time.

LossesCompiled by Tom Kaminski

Exercise DardoSpanish Air Force live-firingSpanish Air Force live-firing

Croatias overhauled MiGs begin testsOn November 28, Croatian Air Force and Air Defense (Hrvatsko ratno zrakoplovstvo i protuzrana obrana HRZ i PZO) test pilot Col Ivan Selak commenced testing of the first second-hand MiG-21bis fighter to have been purchased and overhauled in Ukraine.

Under a 13.9-million deal, the Ukrainian Aircraft Repair Plant at Odessa is to overhaul four Croatian MiG-21UMD two-seaters and three MiG-21bisD

single-seaters, plus five newly-purchased single-seaters previously destined for Yemen. All will be brought up to Croatian D (Doradjen) standard with NATO- and ICAO-compatible communications and navigation equipment.

The first three overhauled and upgraded MiGs were to be delivered to Zageb-Pleso air base in mid-October, but the delivery was postponed to December. Antonio Prlenda

Austria requests UH-60MsThe US Defense Security Co-operation Agency has notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Austria of three UH-60M helicopters. The Black Hawks are part of a package valued at around $137 million, also including T700-GE-701D engines and AN/AVS-9 night vision engines and AN/AVS-9 night vision engines and AN/Agoggles. The Austrian Air Force currently operates nine S-70A-42s.

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DURING NURING NURING OVEMBER 11-15, OVEMBER 11-15, OVEMBERMorn air base hosted the Spanish Air Forces ExerciseDardo 2013. This is a live-firing campaign that involves use of both missiles and

cannon, and fighters from all relevant Spanish

Air Force units. A total of 14 Typhoons from both Morn (Ala 11) and Los Lanos (Ala 14) were involved, including C.16-26/11-06 from Ala 11, seen here toting live AIM-9M Sidewinder missiles. EF-18 Hornets were provided by Ala 12 at Torrejn, Ala 15 at Zaragoza, and Ala 46 at Gando.

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ExErcisE REpoRt

The producT of some 15 months of preparation, exercise cruZeX flight 2013 saw the majority of the combataircraft and crew operating out of Base Area de Natal in

the state of rio Grande do Norte. refueling, rescue and reconnaissance assets flewfrom Base Area do recife in the state of pernambuco some 100 miles south of Natal, while a small radar and rescue contingentwas located at caic.

This seventh cruZeX saw delegations from canada, chile, colombia, ecuador,the uS, uruguay, and Venezuela coming ruguay, and Venezuela coming ruguay, and Vtogether in the largest exercise organized by the fora Area Brasileira. While each nation had its own specific training objectives,the opportunity to build relationships with the members of other countries forces is a significant benefit of participation.

Inspired by the french odeX exercises, previous editions of cruZeX were

organized every two years from 2002. except for 2002 and 2006, all took place at Natal.

Located in the north-eastern corner ofBrazil, Natal air base is co-located with Augusto Severo International Airport and normally home to 2/5 Grupo de Aviao (GAv) Joker operating the A-29 Super Tucano in the combat training role, as well as 1/11 GAv Gavio flying the h-50 esquilo in which student pilots take the curso de especializao operacional de Asas rotativas (operational helicopter training course).

Being a training base, Natal has therequisite structure for exercises of this scale. The vast expanse of airspace at its disposal covers the states of rio Grande do Norte, cear, paraiba and pernambuco, as well as the Atlantic ocean.

Although france and Argentina had participated in the initial and final planningconferences for cruZeX flight 2013, both were notably absent, Argentina officially

cancelling just days before the start of the exercise. france had indicated that due to operational commitments it was unableto join, while Argentina had to admit that it stepped down at the last minute since congress had not authorized its participation.

This was disappointing for the fuerza Area Argentina as it was very keen to bringsome six A-4Ar fightinghawks plus a single Kc-130 hercules TanqueroTanqueroT to the exercise. This gap was quickly filled by the Brazilian Air force, which sent additional aircraft to Natal as substitutes.

Noveltiescontrary to previous form, this years cruZeX was focused purely on the air combat training element of the exercise. Thisdistinction started in November 2012 when cruZeX VI was exclusively dedicated to command and control, with troops trainingin a virtual environment to practice their

CRUZEX 2013South Americas premier multi-national air combat training exercise, Cruzeiro do Sul (CRUZEX) Flight 2013 took place from November 4-15 and saw record participation by 92 aircraft, nine helicopters and more than 3,000 military personnel.

report and photos: Marnix Sap and Carlo Brummer

Above: A Venezuelan F-16A from Grupo Areo de Caza 16 Dragones with special markings for the 30th anniversary of the Viper in Venezuela.

Right: Six A-37 Dragons from the Fuerza Area Colombianas Escuadrn de Combate 311 made the long journey from their home base at Malambo to Natal. The aircraft had been modified to carry GBU-12 Paveway II LGBs, while their pilots also used tablet computers for mission information.


C2 capabilities. To underline the difference between the two versions of the exercise now in place, the word Flight has since been added to the name.

2013 also saw the introduction of combat search and rescue missions involving Brazils Esquadro Aeroterrestre de Salvamento (Airborne Rescue Squadron), or PARA-SAR. These Air Force specialists were either air-dropped by C-130 or C-105 Amazonas aircraft or inserted with the support of Brazilian Air Force UH-60Ls to carry out forward air controller (FAC) as well as combat rescue missions. They also performed several partnership jumps with US and Canadian special forces. Making their debut, two AH-2 (Mi-35M) Sabres and one spare operated by 2/8 GAv made the long journey from Porto Velho to provide rescue escort (RESCORT). In addition, a range of aircraft comprising examples of the F-5EM, F-2000 Mirage, R/A-1 Falco, A-29, K/C-130H, E-99, C-105 Amazonas, SC-105

Pelicano, H-1H Iroquois/Sapo, H-60 Black Hawk and H-34 Super Puma took part, making the Brazilian Air Force the largest force contributor.

One of the technical novelties was the introduction of a small portable GPS. Easily fitted in a pilots pocket, its use introduced the possibility of shot validation for the first time. In an exercise like CRUZEX, the launch of missiles is only simulated, and in the past it was difficult to assess whether a kill was made or not. Often the result was defined by shouting it out. Now, with the introduction of these portable GPS devices, the process works as follows. In Recife, air traffic controllers from the 3rd Integrated Center for Air Defense and Air Traffic Control (CINDACTA III) monitor the fight as it evolves, using the radar network in the region. This enables them to make the initial validation of the virtual shots as the pilots call them. After landing, this ATC data is cross-referenced with information

collected from on-board aircraft systems and the data downloaded from the portable GPS devices. Once processed, all the pilots who participated in the mission will meet for a second validation, evaluating their mission by watching an animation that re-creates every moment of action based on all data collected. As in a video game, it is possible to see on screen where each aircraft was at every moment, as well as their altitude and the trajectory of the shots.

Another novelty was the participation of the Fuerza Area Colombiana. The Colombian Air Forces Escuadrn de Combate 311 operating the A-37 Dragon prepared itself extensively by participating in two large-force employment (LFE) exercises in 2013. Monitored and evaluated by the Colombian Air Force as a last check prior to attending CRUZEX, the latest exercise was run in September at Malambo air base and involved some 30 aircraft including Kfir, A-37B, A-29B, OV-10, AH-60

26-31 Cruzex C.indd 27 13/12/2013 10:01


and Huey II as well as AC-47T, KC-767, C-130 and C-295.

Before their departure to Brazil, Colombian A-37 aircrews had on two separate occasions practiced long-endurance flights aided by air refueling, mimicking the long non-stop journey from Manaus to Natal, covering some 1,500nm or close to five hours of flight. After departing their coastal town of Baranquilla, each of the six Dragons had to be air-refueled five times before reaching Manaus in the heart of the Brazilian Amazon for a night stop, and five times more before making Natal, totaling some 60 connections with the Colombian KC-767 MMTT Jupitertanker operated by Escuadrn de Transporte 811. Colombias KC-137 Zeus was also Zeus was also Zeusscheduled to participate in CRUZEX, but it was decided that it would remain in Colombia in support of national security operations. In a similar way, the absence of the Dragons was resolved by temporarily deploying some Kfirs and Super Tucanos to the CACOM 3 area of operation.

Without doubt Canada had to travel the longest distance to participate for the first

time in a CRUZEX Flight exercise when it deployed two of its CC-130J Hercules and more than 40 members of the Royal Canadian Air Force from 8 Wing Trenton, Ontario, 3 Wing Bagotville, Quebec, and 1 Canadian Air Division, Winnipeg, Manitoba, as well as personnel from the Canadian Army Advanced Warfare Centre, Princess Patricias Canadian Light Infantry and the 3rd Battalion, the Royal Canadian Regiment.

Taking part for the first time in an air exercise with Brazil since the 1970s, debutant Ecuador brought three of its digi-camo A-29Bs and some 34 pilots and technicians to CRUZEX Flight 2013. Operated by Escuadrn de Combate 2313 Halcones in the border surveillance and training role, the Ecuadorian Super Tucanos operated alongside those from the Brazilian Air Force.

Another new development was the appearance of the first modernized A-1M (serial 5520) that was delivered to the Brazilian Air Force on September 3, 2013. Equipped with the initial version of the BR2 datalink, this aircraft is the first of 43 to be

This photo: Performing the defensive counter-air role, two F-5EMs from 1/1GAvCa Jambock from Santa Cruz are pictured. The nearest aircraft is toting an MAA-1 Piranha missile.

Below left to right: Ecuador was making its first CRUZEX appearance with three Super Tucanos from Escuadrn 2313 Halcones of Ala de Combate 23.

The three Uruguayan Pucars deployed for the exercise taxi behind the Colombian A-37s. The Uruguayan Pucars had just received new color schemes, with the previous hogs head markings removed from their noses. Santiago Rivas

26-31 Cruzex C.indd 2826-31 Cruzex C.indd 2826-31 Cruzex C.indd 2826-31 Cruzex C.indd 2826-31 Cruzex C.indd 2826-31 Cruzex C.indd 2826-31 Cruzex C.indd 2826-31 Cruzex C.indd 2826-31 Cruzex C.indd 28 13/12/2013 10:0113/12/2013 10:0113/12/2013 10:0113/12/2013 10:0113/12/2013 10:0113/12/2013 10:0113/12/2013 10:01


refurbished and upgraded. Sixteen airframes have been inducted for conversion so far. In due course, all F-5Ms, A-29Ms and A-1Ms as well as the upgraded E-99s should share the same avionics suite, allowing these aircraft to exchange large amounts of data and even images in a secure way.

It was the US Air Forces second visit since its inaugural CRUZEX participation in 2010, but considering the budget sequestration of 2013 its presence was significant. More than 150 US airmen were involved, including two pararescue members and an MC-130 pilot from the 129th Rescue Wing at Moffet Field to exchange best practices in airlift and airdrop operations. A single KC-135R Stratotanker from the Arizona Air National Guards 161st Air Refueling Wing and six F-16 Block 30Fs from the District of Columbia Air National Guards 113th Wing went down to Brazil too.

Known as the Capital Guardians, the 113th Wing normally operates 18 aircraft and is also responsible for the 113th Aerospace Control Alert (ACA) Detachment, assigned the task of providing air sovereignty to defend the nations capital and the National Capital Region (NCR). The ACA Detachment at Andrews AFB is one of 16 units nationwide where fighters sit ready to defend Americas airspace it is one of the busiest, exceeding 4,000 alert events, more than the other 15 ACA units combined, since Operation Noble Eagle started in September 2001. Bringing this vast experience to the exercise, in CRUZEX Flight 2013 the US F-16s filled the role of offensive counter-air (OCA). Only in one scenario did US F-16s support the defensive counter-air role (DCA).

Combined air

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Combat Aircraft Monthly - February 2014

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