Colombian Italian Typhoons

Air Force F-2000 on the front line

Officially the world’s number one authority on military aviation

Long-Range
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Singaporean air power Making naval aviators

Issue 389 August 2020 £4.99

Punching above its weight Wings of Gold

AFI.indd 1 01/07/2020 16:41:34
Comment

Flying the flag

Voyager KC2 ZZ336 refuels two Lightnings from No 617 Squadron during Exercise Crimson Ocean on
June 26. According to the RAF, the new paint scheme will better reflect the aircraft’s VIP mission and
contribution to ‘Global Britain’. Crown Copyright

T
he appearance of RAF Voyager KC2 While many other nations operate a of its vital refuelling/air transport capability).
ZZ336 in its new ‘Brand Britain’ colour dedicated, specially painted transport for This issue will be my last as editor of AFM.
scheme in late June was met with long-haul work, it’s noteworthy that the dual- It has been a privilege to be at the helm
enthusiasm, but also some consternation. role ZZ336 has been used as a quick reaction of what is rightly regarded as the world’s
As speculation built in the lead-up to the alert (QRA) response aircraft when not leading military aviation magazine. This is a
roll-out, the popular press picked up on one being flown on VIP missions. Indeed, the jet publication that I grew up with and I hope
unnamed defence source reportedly saying has only been used on ministerial business that, under my tenure, it has helped foster a
the new design sounded like something “from 25 times since its conversion in 2016. new generation of enthusiasts. I would like
Austin Powers”. Once it finally broke cover The RAF was quick to demonstrate that to extend my gratitude to all the readers and
at Cambridge City Airport, there was some ZZ336 retains a frontline mission. A day contributors whose support over the years
alarm on social media that the Union Flag had after it returned to its RAF Brize Norton has provided the magazine with its lifeblood. I
been applied the wrong way round (it hadn’t). base in Oxfordshire, it was refuelling RAF wish this magazine all success for the future.
Ultimately, most concern centred on the cost Lightnings and Typhoons over the North
of the endeavour – a reported £900,000. Sea. On July 3, online flight tracking services
While it was confirmed in parliament that this indicated it was involved in a live QRA
included “related costs”, it’s unclear exactly mission, supporting Typhoons from RAF
what these were. Since the Voyager fleet is Lossiemouth. Sorties like this may go some
operated under a private finance initiative with way to challenging the idea that the RAF Thomas Newdick
AirTanker, costs of routine maintenance, for will be unwilling to commit ZZ336 to a real- Email at:
example, should be built into the existing deal. world operation (effectively losing a portion [email protected]

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www.Key.Aero #389 August 2020 // 3

Contents August 2020 #389
Features
3 Comment 46 Royal Squadron rescuer 66 Dutch Lightnings
AFM’s opinion on the hot topics in military aviation. Thomas Newdick discovers how the RAF over Arizona
adapted one of its BAe 146 C3 transports From Luke Air Force Base in Arizona,
18 Arizona’s fighter town for medical use in record time. Kees van der Mark reports on the training
Kees van der Mark and Rob Conijn report of Dutch F-35 pilots within the 308th
from an action-packed Luke Air Force 48 Russia’s strategic Fighter Squadron ‘Emerald Knights’.
Base in Arizona, which hosted several warriors Part one
deployments, exercises and a fighter Together with intercontinental ballistic 72 Wings of Gold
pilot competition earlier this year. missiles based on land and aboard The US Navy runs a mammoth flight training
submarines, strategic bombers form programme to support its operational units as
36 French Lynx: part of the nuclear triad. For Russia, they well as those of the US Marine Corps and US
endangered species comprise the most important component Coast Guard, as Dick Wels and Hans Drost
The French Navy has long been one of the of the air force. In the first of a two-part discover on visits to Naval Air Station Whiting
main operators of the acclaimed Westland in-depth analysis, Piotr Butowski expertly Field, Florida and NAS Meridian, Mississippi.
Lynx maritime helicopter. But it has recently assesses the potential of Russia’s impressive
been announced that the days of the long-range strategic bomber fleet. 90 Postcard from Colombia
faithful ‘big cat’ are now numbered. Henri- AFM contributors Elio Viroli and Stenio
Pierre Grolleau reports from Lanvéoc- 56 AMI Typhoon Bacciocchi share their photos from visits
Poulmic, Brittany, home of Flottille 34F. spreads its wings to four of the most important Fuerza
The Eurofighter Typhoon is now well Aérea Colombiana (FAC, Colombian
42 Search and established in the Italian Air Force’s order Air Force) air bases – Palanquero,
destroy from the sky of battle. Mauro Zanotto looks back at Apiay, Melgar and El Dorado.
French fighters have been active in the skies the jet’s successful path to the front line
over Africa for many years. In the second and its recent operational deployments, 94 Punching above its weight
part of his report from the Sahel, Jean-Marc while Katsuhiko Tokunaga flies with the Singapore is working through a major
Tanguy investigates the work of the Armée 36° Stormo at Gioia del Colle air base – modernisation effort that will transform its small
de l’Air’s strike force at Niamey in Niger. Italy’s biggest frontline F-2000 wing. but powerful air force, as Roy Choo explains.

4 // August 2020 #389 www.Key.Aero

Regular features
62 COMMANDER’S the service has tackled continuous budget cuts
UPDATE BRIEFING: and a lack of funding for future acquisitions.
Rotary operations
Within the UK Armed Forces, helicopters can 86 Attrition
be found in all three services. Having a range Dave Allport details the world’s most recent
of different rotary types and missions in close military accidents.
co-operation via a joint command is a highly
effective setup, as Air Power Association President, 98 Coming up
Air Marshal (ret’d) Greg Bagwell CB CBE explains. See what’s featuring in your AFM next month.

65 Book reviews
30 AFM evaluates some of the latest
30 INTEL REPORT: offerings in aviation literature.
European LIFT
The face of lead-in fighter training (LIFT) 78 FORCE REPORT:
in Western Europe is changing, as Alan Argentine Air Force
Warnes discovers, with a review of the In the last few years, the Argentine Air Force
current equipment and prospects for has faced serious challenges in maintaining its
new programs and acquisitions. diverse fleet. Horacio J Clariá investigates how 62
Below: This month’s Force Report examines the fortunes
NEWS All the world’s military aviation news, by region of the Argentine Air Force, an air arm that’s suffered
a fair few challenges in recent years. One enduring
6-7............................... Headlines 21 ................................. Middle East
success story is the ‘Huey’ fleet – this is Bell 212 H-89
8-9 .............................. United Kingdom 22 ................................ Latin America (c/n 31141), one of seven survivors. The first eight
10-13 ........................... Continental Europe 23 ................................ Africa entered service from May 1978, a ninth was added in
1996, followed by another pair from Israeli Air Force
14-17 ........................... North America 24-25.......................... Asia Pacific stocks in 1998 and a twelfth from the civilian market in
20 ................................ Russia & CIS 28 ................................ Australasia 2006. Of the five losses in service, two were captured by
British forces during the Falklands War. Horacio J Clariá
Cover: Looking every inch the Cold War warrior, this
Russian Aerospace Forces Tu-22M3 ‘Backfire-C’
carries an example of the delta-wing, Mach-4-capable
Kh-22 (AS-4 ‘Kitchen’) cruise missile under the port
fixed wing glove. As part of a large-scale upgrade of
its Long-Range Aviation force, Russia is preparing
its Tu-22M3 bombers for several more decades of
service. Artyom Anikeev

www.Key.Aero #389 August 2020 // 5

NEWS Headlines

US Navy receives first Block III

Super Hornets

THE FIRST new-build Block trials at ‘Pax’ include shore- an increased service life (SLM) to hundreds of existing Above: F/A-18F Block III
III Super Hornet test jets were based carrier work and will of 10,000 flight hours Block II jets to extend their serial 169751 made its
delivered to the US Navy in focus mainly on the hardware and a reduced radar service life and integrate maiden flight in June.
June, when single-seat F/A- and aeromechanical aspects signature, together with Block III capabilities. The Boeing has now delivered
18E 169748 (c/n E323) and with the F-model. VX-31 will a new avionics suite that first operational Block III the first two Block III flight
two-seat F/A-18F 169751 (c/n also take the jets to Naval includes large touchscreen jet will be delivered early test aircraft to the US
F287) were handed over at Air Weapons Station China cockpit displays and more next year, with the initial Navy. Boeing
Naval Air Station Patuxent Lake, California, to examine powerful computing. squadron deployment of
River, Maryland. The fighters software functionality and Under an approximately the Block III anticipated
will be used by Air Test network architecture. Once US$4bn multiyear in mid-2023. Thereafter,
and Evaluation Squadron testing is complete at VX-23, procurement contract plans call for each carrier
23 (VX-23) ‘Salty Dogs’ for the two-seater will be ferried awarded in March 2019, air wing to field two Block
a “comprehensive” period to VX-31 ‘Dust Devils’ at Boeing is producing 78 Block III squadrons – composed
of testing, US Naval Air China Lake to complete III Super Hornets for the US of new production aircraft
Systems Command (NAVAIR) Block III flight testing. Navy and will also perform and Block IIs that have
announced on June 17. Initial The Block III features Service Life Modification undergone SLM – by 2027.

HMS Queen Elizabeth ready for carrier strike operations

THE ROYAL Navy aircraft With the jets on board, Queen Elizabeth returned and control (ASaC) late. As for the support
carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth HMS Queen Elizabeth to Portsmouth on July 2. programme and lack of ships, described as “crucial
(R08) has been declared began an intense period The Lightnings will timely investment in critical to carrier strike’s operation”,
“trained and safe” to conduct of flying, having previously complete a second support, sustainment currently only one is able
carrier strike operations. The successfully completed four embarkation later this and logistics enablers. to resupply the carriers
announcement was made weeks of basic sea training. year when the squadron The UK plans to declare and the cancellation of a
on June 18 by Cdre Steve The Lightning deployment will join the carrier and initial operating capability recent competition to build
Moorhouse, commander of demonstrated that the jets her task group for a large (IOC) in the carrier strike new supply vessels means
the UK Carrier Strike Group, can successfully defend multinational training role at the end of December, they will not be available
who said: “I was delighted the aircraft carrier with exercise with US, European ahead of a first operational until the late 2020s. Finally,
to act as Inspecting Officer combat air patrols, including and NATO partners. deployment to the Indo- while the UK has ordered
for HMS Queen Elizabeth operating as four-ships. Meanwhile, the National Pacific region next year. 48 F-35Bs, it has not yet
yesterday and declare her After the initial qualification Audit Office (NAO) has The NAO report stated that committed to buying more
ready for the next stage of period, No 617 Squadron identified concerns about Crowsnest will not have “the and deferred receipt of seven
her Strike Group programme. tested its ability to work UK carrier strike, pointing full level of radar capability of the jets to 2025, a year
After an intensive six weeks with Merlin HM2s of 820 to delays to the Crowsnest that it expected”, because later than planned, because
testing the entire ship’s Naval Air Squadron. HMS airborne surveillance the programme is 18 months of financial pressures.
company, she is ready to act
as the flagship at the heart
of my Carrier Strike Group.”
Ahead of the declaration,
the aircraft carrier hosted
UK-operated frontline F-35Bs
for the first time, when four
aircraft from the RAF’s No
617 Squadron ‘Dambusters’
arrived on the deck on June 9.
Commander Mark Sparrow,
commanding officer of
No 617 Squadron, said:
“We are excited to be on
board the carrier and we
have been training hard
to be here. This is the first
time the ship’s operational
squadron has embarked Above: Two of the four No 617 Squadron F-35Bs that embarked on HMS ‘Queen Elizabeth’ for the first round of carrier sea training
and worked together.” by an operational UK Lightning squadron. Crown Copyright

6 // August 2020 #389 www.Key.Aero

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Email the news team at [email protected]

New evidence of Russian aircraft in Libya

Above: Another view of al-Jufra showing a MiG-29 emerging from a hardened aircraft shelter, as
well as a ‘Spoon Rest’ early warning radar. AFRICOM Left: A Su-24 takes off from al-Jufra air base.
AFRICOM
UNITED STATES Africa aircraft shelter at the reported that at least 14 MiG- arms embargo (see Russian
Command (AFRICOM)
has issued more photos of
same location. According
to AFRICOM, the jets –
29s and several Su-24s had
been flown from Russia to
jets arrive in Syria, July, p6).
Col Chris Karns, director of India seeks
Russian aircraft active over
Libya. The June 18 release
delivered to Libya in late May
– are operating in support of
Khmeimim air base in Syria,
where their Russian markings
AFRICOM public affairs, said:
“We know these fighters were additional
showed a Su-24 taking
off from al-Jufra air base
private military companies
(PMCs) sponsored by the
were painted over to conceal
their origin. These aircraft
not already in Libya and being
repaired. Clearly, they came fighters
near Sirte and a MiG-29 Russian government. were then flown into Libya in from Russia. They didn’t come IN THE midst of a tense
emerging from a hardened In late May, AFRICOM violation of the United Nations from any other country.” military standoff with
Chinese forces in eastern

First operational CMV-22B

Ladakh, the Indian
government approved a
raft of military procurement

arrives at NAS North Island

proposals on July 2,
including 21 MiG-29UPGs
and 12 Su-30MKIs worth a
AN INITIAL CMV-22B for December 14, 2018, to begin developmental testing with Air increased survivability combined US$2.4bn, and
operational use arrived at the transition from the C-2A Test and Evaluation Squadron and enhanced beyond- 248 domestically developed
Naval Air Station North Greyhound to the CMV-22B. 21 (HX-21) ‘Blackjacks’. line-of-sight capabilities. Astra BVRAAMs worth an
Island, California, on June The initial aircraft for VRM- The CMV-22B will be The US Navy plans to undisclosed amount. The
22. The carrier on-board 30, serial 169437 (c/n D2003), responsible for conducting achieve initial operational MiG-29s will be overhauled
delivery (COD) variant of the is the third of the new variant high-priority cargo and capability and first deployment and upgraded in Russia,
MV-22B tiltrotor is assigned to be delivered. In February passenger transport services with the CMV-22B next year, and will add a new Russian
to Fleet Logistics Multi- and May, two other CMV- in support of carrier strike aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN mission computer to
Mission Squadron 30 (VRM- 22Bs – 169435 (c/n D2001) groups and task forces. The 70). The programme of record the existing MiG-29UPG
30) ‘Titans’, the US Navy’s and 169436 (c/n D2002) Osprey offers increased for the Osprey COD variant configuration, enabling new
first CMV-22B squadron. – were assigned to NAS operational range, faster is 48 examples, of which 39 weapons and sensors to be
VRM-30 was established on Patuxent River, Maryland, for cargo loading/unloading, are currently under contract. introduced. The additional
computer will also be added
to the Indian Air Force’s
existing 59 MiG-29UPGs.
At an estimated value of
US$992m, the MiG-29
portion of the contract is
seen as a relatively cheap
and quick way to add a
squadron of fighters to
the IAF’s rapidly declining
combat force. The Su-30MKI
deal, on the other hand,
will account for attrition,
and almost a third of the
estimated US$1.43bn
cost will be spent on new
equipment and modifications
to improve capability
and resolve longstanding
performance issues with
the type. Angad Singh
CMV-22B 169437 (c/n D2003) arrives at NAS North Island in California. US Navy/Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Chelsea D Meiller

www.Key.Aero #389 August 2020 // 7

NEWS United Kingdom

No 12 Squadron begins joint Qatari-UK training

NEW MARKINGS for No 12 Air Force (QEAF) Typhoon Gulf state prepares to receive Defence Secretary Ben protecting populations and
Squadron have started to Squadron at RAF Coningsby, its first aircraft in 2022. Wallace said: “No 12 Squadron securing our mutual interests
appear on the unit’s Typhoons Lincolnshire, had commenced The flags of both nations is a testament to our enduring across the Middle East.”
as it begins training as a flying as a joint unit. No were raised at RAF Coningsby friendship and commitment Established on July 24,
joint Qatari-UK squadron. On 12 Squadron will provide in mid-June as Typhoons to Qatar, the only nation with 2018, No 12 Squadron is the
June 19 it was announced the QEAF with Typhoon flew for the first time with the which the UK has a joint first joint squadron in the
that the RAF and Qatar Emiri operating experience as the new squadron markings. squadron. Together we are RAF since World War Two.

Typhoon FGR4 ZK361 ‘361’ is one of the jets to have received No 12 Squadron’s new markings, including a badge on the tail combining British and Qatari flags.
Other jets noted in these colours include ZK369. Derek Bower

New colour scheme

tested on RAF Tutor
A NEW black and yellow with the new scheme. It
colour scheme is being was flying again in the local
trialled for the RAF Grob area on June 1 and June 16.
Tutor T1 fleet. On May 14, It is reported that these
No 6 Flying Training School trials are being undertaken by
Tutor T1 G-BYXH ‘XH’ Southampton UAS/2 AEF –
was delivered from RAF one of the resident University
Wittering, Cambridgeshire Air Squadrons (UAS) at
to MOD Boscombe Down, Boscombe Down. It remains
Wiltshire using Army Air unclear why an AAC callsign
Corps (AAC) callsign was being used for the
‘AA765’, reportedly for tests delivery flight. Dave Allport
Left: The new high-conspicuity scheme on Tutor T1 G-BYXH
is inspired by the old yellow and black colours applied to the
Slingsby T-67M Fireflies of the Joint Elementary Flying Training
School. The trainer has an overall yellow upper surface, with
black undersides featuring a white registration. The spinner and
aerials remain white. Andy Shelton

MQ-9B ground tests with

Brimstone and Paveway IV
AIR MARSHAL Sir Julian BC03 released at the same produced by GA-ASI and
Young, Chief of Materiel time showed it fitted with it is currently scheduled
(Air) at the UK Ministry of three Brimstones on the for delivery to the RAF
Defence, revealed on June outer weapons pylon and in October 2021. BC04 is
12 that General Atomics a Paveway IV on the inner already in production, but
Aeronautical Systems pylon of the port wing once complete it will be used
(GA-ASI) has carried out while undergoing ground for combined system tests
a first trial fit of MBDA vibration tests. BC03 has and weapons trials prior to
Brimstone missiles and 97% commonality with the delivery. The RAF Protector
Raytheon Paveway IV laser- RAF Protector variant. fleet will be operated
guided bombs on the first The maiden flight of BC03 by No 31 Squadron and
production-representative had taken place on March 30 based at RAF Waddington,
MQ-9B SkyGuardian this year (see SkyGuardian Lincolnshire. Current plans
remotely piloted air system. flight paves way for UK’s envisage the RAF acquiring
The test on the company- Protector, June, p8). 16 Protectors, with options on
owned airframe, c/n BC03, The first Protector to be a further ten. Initial operating
was part of the development delivered to the RAF, BC04 capability with the type Above: The first production MQ-9B (c/n BC03) undergoing
of the Protector RG1 for (also known as UK1), will is planned for November ground vibration testing, fitted for the first time with a Paveway
the RAF. An image of be the next airframe to be 2023. Dave Allport IV bomb and three Brimstone missiles under the port wing. RAF

8 // August 2020 #389 www.Key.Aero

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Email the news team at [email protected]

RAF Voyager repainted

in VIP colours

Above: Voyager KC2 ZZ336 demonstrates its refuelling capability during its first operational tasking on June 26, when it topped up RAF Lightnings and Typhoons
during Exercise Crimson Ocean off the North East coast. Crown Copyright
RAF VOYAGER KC2 ZZ336 Defence Group, the Voyager The aircraft – which has and the Royal Family”, rework was announced as
has returned to service returned to RAF Brize apparently been named alongside its original use part of the 2015 Strategic
following a refurbishment Norton, Oxfordshire on June Vespina, after the callsign in air-to-air refuelling and Defence and Security
that provides a special 25, using the callsign ‘Ascot used for VVIP missions personnel transport roles. Review, with the aim of
colour scheme incorporating 622’. The jet had originally – will be used to provide Prior to receiving its providing a more economical
the Union Flag. arrived at Cambridge City “secure, cost-effective and new livery, the interior of way of transporting
After weeks of work with Airport on June 9 to have its suitably profiled transport ZZ336 was converted to ministers rather than the
Marshall Aerospace and new VVIP scheme applied. for government ministers provide VVIP transport. The use of charter aircraft.

RAF Pumas end three-month COVID-19 support task at Kinloss

THREE RAF Puma HC2s at Beacon Barracks, MOD The RAF support gave
temporarily based at Kinloss Stafford, Staffordshire to the SAS the time to
Barracks to support the drop off Tactical Supply build its own infectious
Scottish Ambulance Service Wing personnel who had patient airlift capacity.
(SAS) in the coronavirus supported the deployment. While in Scotland,
fight, have returned to They completed their the RAF aircrews took
their base at RAF Benson, journey to RAF Benson advantage of the Scottish
Oxfordshire after nearly that afternoon. mountains and wilderness
three months in Scotland. The aircraft and crews areas to train for future
After departing from Kinloss from Benson had responded operational deployment
on the morning of June 12, to an urgent request in to Afghanistan. Should
the three Pumas – XW213, March from the SAS to circumstances dictate,
ZA935 and ZA940, callsigns provide it with an interim the Ministry of Defence
‘Ambush 1-3’ – made a ability to move infectious can swiftly redeploy the
stop at Edinburgh Airport. patients by air – especially aircraft in support of the Above: One of the RAF Puma HC2s during operations at Kinloss
As they continued south, vital to remote highland Scottish authorities. Barracks, which ended on June 12 when all three helicopters
they briefly touched down and island communities. Dave Allport returned home to RAF Benson. RAF

Low-level Lightning in the Lakes

RAF F-35B Lightning ZM145 and ZM147 ‘013’ – were
‘011’ thunders over Thirlmere seen over Dunmail Raise,
Lake, Cumbria on June apparently the first time an
25. The jet, from No 207 RAF Lightning two-ship had
Squadron – the operational gone low level through the
conversion unit at RAF Lake District; the previous
Marham, Norfolk – was part occasion involved a single-
of a two-ship with ZM149 ship, callsign ‘Marham 22’
‘015’, conducting low-level on November 12 last year.
work in the Lake District’s For the June 11 mission,
Low Flying Area 17 (LFA17). the jets used the callsigns
On June 11 another pair ‘Doom 31’ and ‘Doom 32’,
James Hicks
of Lightnings – ZM145 with the latter unconfirmed.

www.Key.Aero #389 August 2020 // 9

NEWS Continental Europe

First KC-30 for the MMU arrives

Above: Serial T-055 (MRTT055/M2) – the first A330 MRTT for the MMF – takes off from Getafe, Spain, for a pe-delivery test flight. The entire fleet will be registered by
the Dutch military aviation authority and therefore will wear RNLAF roundels and serials. Airbus Defence and Space
THE MULTINATIONAL (MMF). The second aircraft Authority will then transfer to decision was made to buy have been ordered for
MRTT Unit (MMU) took was due to be delivered the NSPA (NATO Support and new aircraft, both Boeing these members – five with
delivery of its first KC-30 to Eindhoven at the end Procurement Agency) that will Defense (KC-46A) and the accession of Germany
(A330-243) Multi-Role of July; deliveries of the be responsible for life-cycle Airbus Defence and Space and Norway, and one when
Tanker Transport (MRTT) other six will be completed management of the fleet. (A330 MRTT) were invited Belgium joined. The contract
at Eindhoven Air Base, the by the end of 2024. The aircraft will be operated to submit bids. The latter with Airbus includes an
Netherlands, on June 30. Several organisations within the MMF and flown by was selected and was option for a further three
Handover of serial T-055 and countries are involved crews assigned to the MMU. requested to submit its bid aircraft. The KC-30s will
(MRTT055/M2) marked a in the European defence The EDA initiated an for proposal. On July 28, be operated as a pool, with
major milestone for NATO co-operation to jointly MRTT acquisition effort in 2016 Luxembourg and the five aircraft at Eindhoven
and the European partners purchase and operate the 2012. Two years later, the Netherlands became the first in the Netherlands and
in the programme that was KC-30. NATO’s OCCAR MMU was activated with countries to sign a contract, three at Cologne, Germany.
initiated by the European (Organisation for Joint the Netherlands taking the for two aircraft. Since 2016, Eindhoven serves as
Defence Agency (EDA) in Armament Cooperation) lead in the programme. four more countries have the main operating base
2012. To date, eight aircraft agency is responsible for the Several European countries joined the MMU: Germany, and Cologne as forward
have been ordered, to form acquisition phase and the showed an interest in joining Norway, Belgium and the operating location.
the Multinational MRTT Fleet first two years of operation. the MMU and, when the Czech Republic. Six aircraft Manolito Jaarsma

Final flight for Portuguese FAP Epsilon fleet

Alouette III moves to Beja
THE FORÇA Aérea with a small ceremony.
Portuguesa (FAP, Esquadra 101 operates a
Portuguese Air Force) has fleet of 16 Epsilons, from a
relocated its TB30 Epsilon total of 18 received in 1989.
fleet from Base Aérea No BA1 Sintra, meanwhile, is
1 in Sintra – from where set to receive the two FAP
they had operated since rotary-wing squadrons
2009 – to BA11 in Beja. – Esquadra 751 (EH101
The move means a Merlin, currently based at
return to the base that BA6 Montijo) and Esquadra
housed Esquadra 101 552 (AW119 MkII Koala,
between 1994 and 2009. now based at BA11 Beja)
On June 17, a formation – joining the Academia
Above: The last active FAP Alouette III was serial 19376, which still sported the fleet’s 50th of seven aircraft – led da Força Aérea’s DHC-1
anniversary commemorative livery. FAP by serial 11402, in the Chipmunks and fleet of
AN OFFICIAL farewell key ceremony – due to missions in East Timor. commemorative livery gliders. These changes
flight of the last operational the COVID-19 situation By 2019, only three marking the fleet’s 100,000 are a part of a wider
SE3160 Alouette III in – was held by Esquadra airframes (19302, 19376 flight hours and 30 years of reorganisation to avoid
Força Aérea Portuguesa 552 at Base Aérea No 11 in and 19401) were airworthy, operations – arrived at Beja, confliction with civilian
(FAP, Portuguese Air Beja and was attended by and the first two AW119 where they were received airspace. Paulo Mata
Force) service took place Portuguese defence minister MkII Koalas arrived to take
on June 16. The type’s João Gomes Cravinho over its transport, search
last sortie with the FAP and FAP Chief of Staff and rescue and training
took place the next day. General Joaquim Borrego. missions. However, since
Since its first flight in The FAP’s Alouette IIIs the Koalas have no military
Portuguese colours on were used in combat in certification, the Portuguese
June 18, 1963, the FAP’s Portugal’s counterinsurgency government is looking for
Alouette III fleet – which wars in Angola, Mozambique a light to medium tactical
comprised as many as and Guinea-Bissau. helicopter to complement
142 airframes – exceeded Between 2000 and 2002, the FAP’s heavier
The first seven Esquadra 101 Epsilon trainers arrive at BA11
330,000 flight hours across it returned to a war EH101 Merlin in combat
Beja on June 17. Paulo Mata
57 years of service. A low- footing on peacekeeping missions. Paulo Mata

10 // August 2020 #389 www.Key.Aero

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Belgium plans to retire Luftwaffe A400M on COVID-19

NH90 TTH, SF260 and support flight to Africa
B-Hunter UAV
IN LATE June it was be postponed). A number
revealed that the Belgian of alternatives are being
Air Component plans studied that would permit
to significantly reduce a final withdrawal in
flying hours allocated to 2024. It is rumoured that
its four NH90 Tactical the NH90s and perhaps
Transport Helicopters the ten or so remaining
(TTH). Currently, it’s A109BAs could be replaced
considered there are too by 14-15 H145Ms.
few aircraft to operate The NH90 TTH was
them efficiently and that part of an order for eight
keeping the crews qualified NH90s – including four
is prohibitively expensive. NATO Frigate Helicopter
The helicopters (NFH) versions – placed
reportedly require much in 2005, but only officially
more maintenance than signed in 2007. The first
anticipated, compounded TTH entered service with
by a shortage of skilled the Belgian Air Component
technicians and what the in December 2012 and
defence ministry describes the type is operated by 18
as flawed industrial Squadron, part of 1 Wing
support (more specifically, at Beauvechain air base. German Ambassador in Tunis
problems with deliveries of The second aircraft facing LUFTWAFFE A400M fourth such flight since to pick up German Navy
spares). The current cost the axe is the SF260M/D 54+26, callsign ‘GAF231’, the virus took hold in personnel who had been
per flying hour is around primary trainer, currently arriving at Tunis-Carthage Tunisia earlier in the year. deployed on EUNAVFOR
€10,000 – more than for operated by 5 Squadron International Airport, Tunisia, The aircraft then flew operations. The airlifter
an F-16. Providing the high at Beauvechain. This type on June 17 from its base at to Djibouti-Ambouli then headed for home via
number of flying hours is planned for withdrawal Wunstorf, Germany, loaded International Airport and, a fuel stop at Heraklion,
required to keep crews in 2024. A first batch of with medical equipment after a night stop, continued Crete, before arriving back
qualified on different tasks 36 SF260Ms entered and supplies for a Tunisian on to Julius Nyerere at Wunstorf on June 20. In
has not been possible due service from late 1969, military hospital to help International Airport, Dar total, it covered 9,162nm
to low availability rate. and were supplemented with the fight against es-Salaam, Tanzania, in 23.45 flying hours over
During its career, the by nine SF260Ds from COVID-19. This was the before returning to Djibouti three days. Dave Allport
NH90 TTH has only 1992 onwards. It’s

Dutch NH90 returns from

deployed once in an currently unclear if the
operational environment type will be replaced.
– when two helicopters The final type due to

Gulf deployment
were based in Mali leave the inventory is the
for six months in early IAI/Eagle B-Hunter UAV
2018. Around 150 flying operated by 80 Squadron
hours were completed at Florennes. Retirement
during this mission. was already scheduled
On June 24, the defence but has been brought
ministry announced that forward by around four
it would reduce annual months. This will enable
NH90 TTH flying hours the 80 Squadron personnel
from 1,000 to 600 hours to start preparing for
(so that the expensive introduction of the MQ-9B
300, 600 and 900-hour SkyGuardian, scheduled for
maintenance cycles could 2023. Laurent Heyligen

NH90 NFH N319 lands at its home base of De Kooy on June 26 after returning from the first
Dutch EMASOH deployment. Kees van der Mark
DUTCH DEFENCE in the region as part of were seized by Iran. During
Helicopter Command the European Maritime its deployment, the NH90
(DHC) NH90 NATO Frigate Awareness in the Strait was fitted with a full set of
Helicopter (NFH) serial of Hormuz (EMASOH) sensors and self-defence
N319 of 860 Squadron mission between February equipment, including two
returned to its home 18 and June 8, contributing Terma Modular Aircraft
base, De Kooy Naval to maritime security and Survivability Equipment
Air Station, on June monitoring shipping in (MASE) pods mounted
26. The helicopter had the region. The EMASOH on both sides of the
completed a five-month mission was initiated as fuselage, introduced
deployment in the Gulf on a response to a series of in 2018. For N319, this
Above: Unconfirmed reports suggest that Belgium may try board the air defence and incidents in the Gulf last was the third ship-
to sell its four NH90 TTHs to Luxembourg. Back in 2017, command frigate HNLMS year, in which oil tankers based deployment for an
Luxembourg confirmed plans to acquire three NH90s together De Ruyter. The warship were seriously damaged operational mission since
with Belgium, but this hasn’t yet happened. Laurent Heyligen and helicopter operated in attacks, while others 2016. Kees van der Mark

www.Key.Aero #389 August 2020 // 11

NEWS Continental Europe

Captor-E radars for German and Spanish Typhoons

Above: Eurofighters from the Luftwaffe’s Taktisches Luftwaffengeschwader 31 ‘Boelcke’ took part in Exercise Magday with the RAF over the North Sea on June 25.
Germany’s Tranche 2 and Tranche 3 jets are now set for an AESA radar upgrade. Crown Copyright
AIRBUS DEFENCE and initial batch of five for Spain; Manching, Germany and be the Radar 1 version, also receiver. Currently,
Space has secured a contract all are to be delivered by Getafe, Spain will act known as Captor E-Scan in-service Eurofighters are
to supply and integrate 115 2023 and will equip both as an overall integration or Captor AESA (CAESAR), equipped with the Captor
Captor-E active electronically Tranche 2 and Tranche 3 jets. hub for the programme, and is the next step after mechanically scanned radar.
scanned array (AESA) radars For the Luftwaffe, it means while development and the baseline Radar Mk 0 Airbus did not reveal the
for the German and Spanish the 79 Tranche 2 and 31 production will be sub- (or Radar 0) that is being value of the deal, but the
Eurofighter fleets. The Tranche 3A Eurofighters will contracted to a consortium procured by Kuwait and German parliament approved
contract covers 110 Captor-E receive AESA technology. led by Hensoldt and Indra. Qatar. The Radar 1 adds new an investment of €2.8bn
radars for Germany and an The Airbus sites in The equipment itself will modes and a multichannel for the Captor-E effort.

Belgian Alouette III Hungary retires final An-26

prepares for retirement
TO MARK the end of the the Navy Flight were flown
Alouette III’s service with the and maintained by navy
Belgian Air Component, a personnel, but were part of
formation flight by the three the air force’s 40 Squadron.
remaining helicopters took They supported the supply
place on June 29, overflying ships Godetia (A960) and
the most important Zinnia (A961, now retired),
landmarks of the type’s 50 and since 2007 they’ve
years. In September, the also gone aboard the Karel
first Alouette III (serial M-3, Doorman-class frigates
c/n 1817) will be withdrawn Leopold I (F930) and
from service, followed by Louise-Marie (F931). Due to
M-2 (c/n 1816) and M-1 (c/n reorganisation of the Belgian
1812) in June/July next year. armed forces in 2004, the
In 1971, three Aérospatiale helicopters were completely
(Sud Aviation) SA316B integrated within 40
Alouette IIIs arrived at Squadron and are now part of
Koksijde in Belgium to the Belgian Air Component.
serve with the navy as The type’s missions will be
supply helicopters for ships taken over by the NH90
at sea. The helicopters of NFH. Wim Houquet Above: Magyar Légierő An-26 serial 406 during its farewell flight at Kecskemét. v1images.com/Agota Simon
THE MAGYAR Légierő In the speech that followed, One additional airframe was
(ML, Hungarian Air Force) Benkő confirmed that the acquired secondhand from
retired its last operational An-26 will be replaced Ukraine in 2004. The sole
An-26 transport, serial in the near future by a fatal accident occurred on
406 (c/n 03406), with modern transport equipped December 6, 1982, when
a modest ceremony at with a cargo ramp. serial 210 was lost in bad
Kecskemét air base on June The An-26 fleet weather, claiming the lives
11. Defence minister Tibor accumulated 83,000 flying of four crew members.
Benkő was among guests hours in Hungarian service, Five An-26s were retired
witnessing the Curl’s last visiting 47 countries and in 1997 and four underwent
official flight in Hungarian landing at 179 different a general overhaul and life-
service. Accompanied by airports around the globe. A cycle extension in Ukraine
ML Gripens JAS 39C 31/39- total of 11 different An-26s at the beginning of the new
302 and JAS 39D 44/39- served the Hungarian millennium. In one of the last
842, the An-26 made a military. The first arrived ML reorganisations, these
flypast over Kecskemét on April 15, 1974, followed transports were assigned to
before landing and shutting later in the year by an the 3. Szallitó repülö század
down its engines, officially additional five. Over the ‘Teve’ (3rd Airlift Transport
The last three Belgian Air Component Alouette IIIs at their
ending the type’s 46-year following two years, four Squadron ‘Camel’) at
Koksijde base. Wim Houquet
military career in Hungary. more Curls were delivered. Kecskemét. Igor Bozinovski

12 // August 2020 #389 www.Key.Aero

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Next two RNLAF F-35As now flying

Above: F-35A serial F-012 prepares to land at Cameri on June 20 at the conclusion of its fourth test flight. Paolo Rollino
A PAIR of F-35As for the facility in Cameri, Italy. 1525hrs and returned at – the fourth from the to Leeuwarden Air
Koninklijke Luchtmacht F-35A serial F-011 (AN- 1630hrs. During the sortie, Italian production facility Base in mid-July.
(Royal Netherlands Air 11, FMS 18-5405) – the it was accompanied by – serial F-012 (AN-12, FMS They will join serial F-009,
Force, RNLAF) have third Dutch F-35A to be Italian Air Force F-2000A 18-5406) began its test which arrived there last
completed their first flights built at Cameri – took Typhoon MM7324 ‘36-41’ campaign on June 18. October 31, and F-010,
at the Final Assembly off for the first time on flying as chase plane. Both aircraft were which was delivered to
and Check-Out (FACO) June 15. It got airborne at The next Dutch F-35A scheduled for delivery the base on December 8.

External fuel tanks for

Spanish Army NH90
SEEN PERFORMING ground on the Heavy Store Carriers
tests at Albacete on June (HSC) to extend its radius of
2, NH90 HT.29-15/10226 action, a feature not previously
‘ET-815’ is the last Spanish seen on FAMET NH90s.
NH90 TTH for the Fuerzas ‘ET-815’ is the second
Aeromóviles del Ejército Standard 2 NH90 to be
de Tierra (FAMET, Spanish received by the FAMET.
Army Airmobile Forces) to be The first, ‘ET-814’, will be
assembled in Spain. In future, delivered to the Batallón de
all NH90s for the Spanish Helicópteros de Maniobra
army, air force and navy III (BHELMA III) at Logroño-
will be handed over direct Agoncillo this summer
from the Airbus Helicopters after having been used
plant at Marignane, France. for integration work on
Interestingly, this helicopter the Wescam MX-15HD
has a pair of 1,102lb (500kg) electro-optical/infrared
Roberto Yáñez
auxiliary fuel tanks mounted turret. Roberto Yáñez

First Spanish Air

Force ‘Wolf’
THE INITIAL Ejército del before landing. From this
Aire (Spanish Air Force) summer, 803 Escuadrón
NH90 ‘Lobo’ (Wolf), serial will operate both the Super
HD.29-16 ‘803-16’ (c/n Puma and the NH90.
1425), was delivered from After its presentation at
the Airbus Helicopters Cuatro Vientos, the NH90
plant at Marignane, France took off for the 40min flight
to Albacete in Spain on to the Airbus Helicopters
June 18. The flight included facility at Albacete, where
intermediate fuel stops at it will continue test work
Zaragoza and Cuatro Vientos and customisation for the
air base – during the flight search and rescue (SAR) role
between the stopovers, ‘803- before official acceptance
16’ was joined by a pair of in August. The air force has
Cuatro Vientos-based Ala ordered 12 SAR-configured
48 Super Pumas, HD.21- examples and a second
03 ‘803-03’ and HT.27- helicopter is expected to
The new 803 Escuadrón NH90 ‘Lobo’ HD.29-16 ‘803-16’ lands at Albacete for the first time. The 02 ‘402-25’, to perform a arrive before the end of
ferry flight was completed using the French test registration F-ZWCK. Roberto Yáñez three-ship formation flypast the year. Roberto Yáñez

www.Key.Aero #389 August 2020 // 13

NEWS North America

First images of F-35 dropping inert B61-12

USAF/416th Flight Test Squadron F-35A 07-0744 (AF-06) ‘ED/416 FLTS’ carries out the first release of an inert B61-12 nuclear bomb during a dual-capable aircraft test
flight over Edwards Air Force Base, California, on June 27, 2019. US DoD
A SERIES of photographs Test Squadron at Edwards initial B61-12 capability. flown from Nellis AFB, well as allies’ aircraft. Using
from the F-35 Joint Program Air Force Base, California, Separately, two successful Nevada, is consistent with a USAF-supplied Boeing
Office showing tests of which began last year. The flight tests with the B61-12 the F-15E being fully certified Tail Kit Assembly, the B61-
F-35As releasing inert B61- first safe separation took (containing non-nuclear and to carry the refurbished 12 LEP will consolidate and
12 nuclear bombs were place on June 27, 2019, using mock nuclear components) bomb. An initial, lower- replace the existing B61-3,
published on June 22 on the development F-35A AF-01. being dropped from a USAF altitude flight test took place 4, 7 and 10 variants in the
US government’s Defense The sixth separation test was F-15E were completed at at Tonopah on March 12, US nuclear stockpile, with
Visual Information Distribution on November 7, 2019, again the Tonopah Test Range with the F-15E releasing the the first production unit
Service (DVIDS) website. using AF-01. On November in Nevada during March mock weapon while flying scheduled for completion
Although it is well known 25, 2019, AF-06/07-0744 as part of the B61-12 Life almost supersonic at about in fiscal year 2022.
that the F-35A is planned to was used for the first time. Extension Program (LEP), 1,000ft (305m). A higher- Earlier this year, on April
be a dual-capable aircraft The sixth separation test according to press releases altitude test followed, with 26, Boeing was awarded a
(DCA, meaning it will be able using AF-01 took place on on June 8 from the US an F-15E releasing an inert US$127,632,494 contract for
to drop both conventional February 6, 2020. The most Department of Energy’s B61-12 from above 25,000ft the B61-12 LEP by the US
and nuclear weapons), this recent trial shown in the National Nuclear Security (7,620m) at almost Mach 1. Air Force Nuclear Weapons
marked the first time any images was with AF-06 on Administration (NNSA) and The B61-12 LEP will extend Center. A modification to
photos of the type testing the April 2. Nuclear certification Sandia National Laboratories. the bomb’s service life by at an earlier award, it provides
B61-12 had been made public. of the F-35A DCA is planned These represented the least 20 years and improve for the initiation of an
The captions revealed for January 2023. The ability final weapon system its safety, security and undefinitised contract action
previously unknown details to drop nuclear weapons demonstration between the effectiveness. Along with for Lot 1 and Lot 2 long-lead
of the tests, carried out by is due to be included in the B61-12 and the USAF F-15E. the F-15E, the B61-12 will items. Work is expected to
trials F-35As of the 412th Block 4 software release Initial data from the be certified for the USAF’s be completed by August
Test Wing’s 416th Flight for the type, giving it an demonstration, which was B-2, F-16C/D and F-35A, as 31, 2020. Dave Allport

First four RCAF FWSAR CC-295s completed

AIRBUS DEFENCE and (c/n 183, ex EC-005), 295502/ 18, 2019 (see RCAF’s first In addition to the 16 Trainer airframes. The first of
Space has completed EC-004 (c/n 185), 295503 CC-295 formally accepted, operational aircraft on order, these, 295517 (c/n 187), left
manufacture of the first four (c/n 190) and 295504 (c/n February, p16) and has a separate training contract Seville on delivery on January
Royal Canadian Air Force 192). The first of these was been retained in Spain for covers three additional 28 (see CC-295 FWSAR
(RCAF) CC-295s of the formally accepted by the training. None have yet CC-295s which will be used trainer delivered to Canada,
16 on order for the Fixed RCAF at Seville on December been delivered to Canada. purely as Aircraft Maintenance March, p16). Dave Allport
Wing Search and Rescue
(FWSAR) programme. The
company released an image
of all four, fully painted in
RCAF colours, on the flight
line at Seville-San Pablo
Airport, Spain, on June 9.
As previously reported,
the first RCAF FWSAR
CC-295 made its maiden
flight from Seville on July 4
last year, with the second
following in September and
the third in April this year
(see Third RCAF FWSAR
C295 flown, June, p16).
The four aircraft currently
undergoing flight testing at Above: The RCAF’s first four operational CC-295s on the flight line at Seville on June 9: front to back, 295502/EC-004 (c/n 185),
Seville comprise 295501/183 295501/183 (c/n 183, ex EC-005), 295503 (c/n190) and 295504 (c/n 192). Airbus Defence and Space

14 // August 2020 #389 www.Key.Aero

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USAF’s last four AC-130U Spooky gunships retired

US AIR Force Special was stored at AMARG on withdrawn in 2018, followed comprised 89-1054, delivered the type’s final operational
Operations Command September 22, 2015. Four last year by another four (89- to AMARG on March 4, combat deployment when
(AFSOC) has retired more (89-0509, 89-0511, 0513, 89-1052, 90-0166 and and 89-1056 on March 10. they returned to Hurlburt
from service the last four 89-0512 and 92-0253) were 90-0167). Disposals this year Two AC-130Us completed Field on July 8 last year.
operational AC-130U Spooky
gunships operated by the 1st
Special Operations Wing’s
4th Special Operations
Squadron ‘Ghostriders’ at
Hurlburt Field, Florida.
On June 3, a farewell
flypast took place at Hurlburt
involving three of the
remaining four AC-130Us:
89-0510, 90-0164 and
90-0165. The remaining
aircraft, 87-0128, named Big
Daddy, made its last flight
at Hurlburt on June 9; this
aircraft will be preserved at
Hurlburt Field’s Memorial
Air Park. On June 26,
89-0510 was the last to leave
Hurlburt when it was flown
to retirement to the 309th
Aerospace Maintenance and
Regeneration Group (AMARG)
at Davis-Monthan Air Force
Base, Arizona, for storage.
The first AC-130U to be
retired was 90-0163, which Above: AC-130U 90-0164 on the flight line after its farewell flight over Hurlburt Field on June 3. USAF/Airman 1st Class Hailey M Ziegler

74th EFS A-10Cs return from deployment

USAF A-10Cs from the 23rd Base, Georgia, after around 300 personnel, the the 23rd Fighter Group and arriving at Al Udeid Air
Wing’s 74th Expeditionary completing a five-month aircraft arrived back at the 23rd Maintenance Group. Base, Qatar, on January 16
Fighter Squadron (EFS) deployment in support base between June 10-12. The unit had departed from to provide close air support
‘Flying Tigers’ have returned of Operation Freedom’s While deployed, the 74th Moody earlier this year for as part of the 379th Air
home to Moody Air Force Sentinel (OFS). Together with EFS included personnel from the five-month deployment, Expeditionary Wing.

A-10Cs from the 74th EFS returning to their home station on June 10. USAF/2nd Lt Kaylin P Hankerson

First KC-46A delivered The first KC-46A for the 916th ARW
lands at Seymour Johnson AFB on June

to Seymour Johnson 12. USAF/Senior Airman Jacob B Derry

BOEING HAS handed over training. Since then it has

its 34th KC-46A tanker to the continued to send pilots and
USAF, the first to be stationed boom operators to Altus and
at Seymour Johnson Air Force McConnell AFB, Kansas,
Base, North Carolina. The for qualification training.
resident 916th Air Refueling The 916th ARW is scheduled
Wing (ARW)’s 77th Air to receive its 12 aircraft by the
Refueling Squadron accepted end of 2021. Seymour Johnson
its first of 12 KC-46As on is the fourth base to receive
June 12 – the 916th is the the KC-46A. McConnell
first Air Force Reserve wing received the first in January
to receive the Pegasus. 2019, followed by Altus in
Airmen from Seymour February 2019 and Pease Air
Johnson started conversion National Guard Base, New
training from the KC-135R Hampshire, in August 2019.
to the KC-46A last winter. Deliveries to date comprise 21
In December, the unit sent tankers to McConnell, seven
its first crew to Altus AFB, to Pease, five to Altus and
Oklahoma, for KC-46A one to Seymour Johnson.

www.Key.Aero #389 August 2020 // 15

NEWS North America

Mountain Home F-15Es return from

extended deployment
USAF AIRMEN and F-15Es deployment to the Middle rumoured to be Muwaffaq there, the ‘Thunderbolts’ 492nd FS ‘Bolars’ from RAF
from the 366th Fighter East that was extended Al-Salti Air Base in Jordan flew approximately 13,000 Lakenheath, Suffolk. The
Wing’s 389th Fighter by two months due to the – in April, but the six-month combat flying hours – Strike Eagles are deployed in
Squadron (FS) ‘Thunderbolts’ coronavirus pandemic. deployment was extended among the highest ever support of Operation Inherent
at Mountain Home Air The squadron was originally to eight, a result of the recorded in a deployment. Resolve, the ongoing fight
Force Base, Idaho, returned planned to return home from Department of Defense’s The squadron was replaced against so-called Islamic
home in June following a an undisclosed location – movement restrictions. While in the Middle East by the State in Iraq and Syria.

F-15Es taxi to their hangars on their return to Mountain Home in Idaho on June 1. USAF/Airman 1st Class Natalie Rubenak

VMFA-323 departs for final F/A-18C carrier deployment

MARINE FIGHTER Attack final F/A-18C deployment (COMPTUEX) with elements Fighter Squadron 137 (VFA- Carrier Airborne Early
Squadron 323 (VMFA-323) aboard a US Navy carrier of the Nimitz Carrier Strike 137) ‘Kestrels’ with F/A-18Es, Warning Squadron 116 (VAW-
‘Death Rattlers’ – part of and officials from the 3rd Group, the carrier departed VFA-94 ‘Mighty Shrikes’ 116) ‘Sun Kings’ is responsible
Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd MAW confirmed on June from its home port of San with F/A-18Fs and VFA-22 for the E-2Cs. Embarked on
Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW) 10 that it had begun, the Diego, California, on June 8 ‘Fighting Redcocks’ with the rotary side are the San
– has departed its home squadron having departed in support of global maritime F/A-18Fs. Meanwhile, the Diego-based Helicopter Sea
base of Marine Corps Air Miramar on May 8 to join security operations. Whidbey Island, Washington- Combat Squadron 6 (HSC-
Station Miramar, California, the USS Nimitz and Carrier In addition to VMFA-323, based Electronic Attack 6) ‘Indians’ and Helicopter
for the USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Air Wing 17 (CVW-17) for US Navy units deploying Squadron 139 (VAQ-139) Maritime Strike Squadron
The squadron, under the the final time. After a pre- on the carrier with CVW- ‘Cougars’ is supplying 73 (HSM-73) ‘Battlecats’
leadership of Lt Col William deployment composite 17 include the Lemoore, EA-18Gs, while the Point with MH-60Rs. Finally, Fleet
J Mitchell, is making the training unit exercise California-based Strike Mugu, California-based Logistics Support Squadron
30 (VRC-30) ‘Providers’
Lt Col Mitchell, is bringing its C-2As.
commanding officer
One other 3rd MAW
of VMFA-323, takes off
from MCAS Miramar
unit at Miramar – Marine
on May 8 in F/A-18C Fighter Attack Squadron 101
165220 ‘401’ to fly out (VMFAT-101) ‘Sharpshooters’
to the USS ‘Nimitz’. – continues to fly the
USMC/Sgt Samuel Ruiz F/A-18C, but as the fleet
replacement squadron for
the type, it does not deploy.
The last US Navy ‘legacy’
Hornet squadron to go on
board a carrier was Strike
Fighter Squadron 34 (VFA-
34), which returned home in
April 2018 from a deployment
with CVW-2 on board the
USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70).

First sortie for 920th RQW HC-130J at Patrick

A NEWLY delivered HC-130J (CSO) and loadmasters
Combat King II carried out become comfortable
its first fully operational operating the new aircraft.
training sortie at Patrick Air In order to qualify in the
Force Base, Florida, on June HC-130J, aircrew returned
2. The fixed-wing personnel to train at Little Rock AFB,
recovery platform, assigned Arkansas, and Kirtland
to the 920th Rescue Wing’s AFB, New Mexico. The
39th Rescue Squadron, formal school training
came directly off the took an average of seven
Lockheed Martin production months to complete.
line at Marietta, Georgia, The Combat King II has
and went straight to the replaced the HC-130P/N
flight line just two months as the USAF’s dedicated
previously, on April 2. fixed-wing personnel
The first training flight recovery platform and
A 920th Rescue Wing HC-130J on the
marked the start of the the 920th Rescue Wing
ramp at Patrick Air Force Base on
‘crawl’ phase where pilots, is the Air Force Reserve’s
June 2. USAF/1st Lt Amanda Ling
combat systems officers only HC-130J operator.

16 // August 2020 #389 www.Key.Aero

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Kadena
USAF F-15Cs from the
18th Wing’s 44th Fighter
Squadron ‘Vampires’ at
Canadian
F-15s deploy Kadena Air Base, Japan,
have arrived in the US
Hornet
to Saudi Central Command area of
responsibility. The Eagles
upgrade
detailed
Arabia
flew to the Middle East on
April 28, but this was only
announced by the air force THE US Defense Security
on May 29. According to a Cooperation Agency has
press release from Kadena revealed details of planned
AB, the 18th Wing has equipment acquisitions
deployed to CENTCOM associated with the next
as part of the 378th stage of Canada’s CF-188
Expeditionary Operations Hornet modernisation
Group to “defend US programme. Valued at
and partner nation US$960m, the Phase 2
interests in the region and upgrade package will
preserve the international provide Royal Canadian
rules-based order”. Air Force (RCAF) CF-188s
More than 300 airmen with new Raytheon-made
from the wing were sensors and weapons,
Carrying the name ‘Chaos’, applied during its deployment, flown to Prince Sultan including the APG-79(V)4
a 44th FS F-15C Eagle rests on the flight line at Prince
Air Base, Saudi Arabia, active electronically
Sultan Air Base on June 2. USAF/Staff Sgt Giovanni Sims scanned array (AESA)
to support the mission.
radar, AIM-9X Block II air-
to-air missile and AGM-
First KC-130J 154C Joint Standoff Weapon
(JSOW). Also included
delivered to are electronic equipment,
VMGR-452 tactical data and support.
The US State Department
LOCKHEED MARTIN previously cleared Canada
recently delivered the first to acquire 32 AIM-120D
KC-130J tanker assigned AMRAAMs for the CF-188.
to Marine Aerial Refueler The Phase 2 updates will
Transport Squadron 452 address 36 aircraft from the
(VMGR-452) ‘Yankees’, the RCAF’s fleet of 94 jets and
Marine Forces Reserve will include the 18 former
squadron at Stewart Air Royal Australian Air Force
National Guard Base, New F/A-18A/Bs acquired two
York. A US Marine Corps A DCMA pilot taxis F-35A 18-5352 ‘AK’ (AF-243) of the 356th FS after landing at Eielson AFB years ago. Additionally,
crew ferried the aircraft on June 25. This was the fourth of 54 F-35As scheduled to arrive to Eielson by the end of 2021. under the Hornet Extension
from Lockheed’s facility in USAF/Senior Airman Kahdija Slaughter Project (HEP), all 94
Marietta, Georgia, to the Hornets will be upgraded
aircraft’s new home on
May 28. VMGR-452 is the
second Marine Reserve
F-35A fleet expands at Eielson to meet international
aviation regulations and
ensure interoperability
ANOTHER THREE F-35As A total of 54 F-35As pilots will continue to deliver
squadron to operate with NATO allies.
were delivered to the are scheduled to the remaining 48 F-35As,
KC-130Js, replacing the The Hornet modernisation
USAF’s 354th Fighter arrive at Eielson by the enabling the base’s F-35A
unit’s existing KC-130T has been driven by delays
Wing at Eielson Air Force end of next year. pilots to continue to train
fleet. The initial aircraft to Ottawa’s plan to acquire
Base, Alaska, on June 25. The first two F-35As uninterrupted throughout
for VMGR-452 is 169536 88 new fighters to replace
The three jets were flown for the resident 356th the Joint Pacific Alaska
(c/n 382-5896), the last the CF-188 fleet. Most
to Eielson by Defense Fighter Squadron ‘Green Range Complex alongside
of 86 C-130J Multi-Year recently, a one-month delay
Contract Management Demons’ arrived last April 18th Aggressor Squadron
2 aircraft supplied under was introduced to account
Agency (DCMA) pilots, and the third in May. F-16s and F-22As assigned
a contract announced for the effect of COVID-
doubling the number of A mix of local-assigned to the 3rd Wing at Joint
in December 2015. 19 on the bidding teams.
Lightning IIs at the base. Eielson pilots and DCMA Base Elmendorf-Richardson.

AMC and 19th AW receive final C-130J

A BRAND-NEW C-130J was
delivered to Little Rock Air
Force Base, Arkansas, on
May 27, marking the last
Super Hercules delivery for
the 19th Airlift Wing (AW)
and Air Mobility Command
(AMC). The final C-130J to
arrive from Lockheed Martin’s
facility in Marietta, Georgia,
serial 17-5897 was the 47th for
Little Rock AFB, which is the
largest operator of the type in
the world; these airlifters are
divided between the resident
19th and 314th AW. The
former began transitioning
from older C-130Hs to the
C-130J model in 2004. C-130J serial 17-5897 on the flight line at Little Rock AFB on May 27. USAF/Staff Sgt Dana J Cable

www.Key.Aero #389 August 2020 // 17

NEWS Special

Arizona’s
fighter town
Kees van der
I
t was more than just hundreds of missions over Twelve of the jets could be 18E/Fs from VX-9 ‘Vampires’
Mark and Rob business as usual at the Grand Canyon State. seen flying twice a day. at China Lake, California,
Luke AFB – home to Also deploying to Luke – From February 24-28, the and F-16CMs from the 20th
Conijn report over 170 F-16s and F-35As of between February 24 and air base hosted the annual FW at Shaw AFB, South
from an action- Air Education and Training March 6 – were F-16s of the Haboob Havoc fighter Carolina, coming to Luke.
Command’s 56th Fighter Texas Air National Guard’s pilot competition as well. Two Canadian-registered
packed Luke Air Wing (FW) – during the last (ANG’s) 149th FW from Participating pilots compete Alpha Jets from contractor
Force Base in week of February. Twelve Joint Base San Antonio- in two categories: aerial Top Aces also operated out
Royal Canadian Air Force Lackland, also known as combat and strafe runs on of the Arizona base during
Arizona, which (RCAF) CF-188 Hornets Kelly Field. The 182nd Fighter targets at the massive Barry this period. According to
hosted several and 140 personnel from the Squadron (FS) ‘Lone Star M Goldwater Range, located reports in the Canadian
deployments, Bagotville, Quebec-based 3 Gunfighters’ brought ten southwest of Luke AFB. Apart press, the 433 TFS team
Wing deployed to the Arizona F-16Cs and five F-16Ds to from the Canadian Hornets took first and third places in
exercises and base between late January Arizona for the Coronet and locally based F-16s and precision marksmanship on
a fighter pilot and early March. Hornets Cactus training exercise, the F-35As – including those of ground targets. Two other
from both 425 Tactical Fighter final part of the 2019-class foreign nations incorporated in pilots from the squadron
competition earlier Squadron (TFS) ‘Alouettes’ student pilots’ F-16 Initial the USAF squadrons at Luke took first and third in the air-
this year. and 433 TFS ‘Porcupine’ flew Qualification Basic Course. – the competition saw F/A- to-air gunnery category.

Above: With the Texas ANG’s 149th FW being a training unit, five out of the 15 F-16 Block 30s
from the constituent 182nd FS ‘Lone Star Gunfighters’ participating in Exercise Coronet Cactus
were two-seat F-16Ds. Right: The Haboob Havoc fighter pilot competition typically involved
participating aircraft flying in mixed formations. Here, a Canadian CF-188 returns to Luke with
one of the five Royal Australian Air Force F-35As flown within the 61st FS ‘Top Dogs’.

18 // August 2020 #389 www.Key.Aero

 airforcesintel.com

A CF-188 from 425 TFS

‘Alouettes’ takes off from
runway 03R, while an F-16C
Block 25 from the 309th
FS ‘Wild Ducks’ has just
landed on runway 03L in the
background. The deployment
of Canadian jets to the
Arizona base lasted more
than six weeks. All photos Kees
van der Mark and Rob Conijn

Above: US Navy F/A-18F

166673 ‘XE-250’ in high-
viz markings of Air Test and
Evaluation Squadron Nine
(VX-9) ‘Vampires’ returns
to the Arizona base after
participating in a large-scale
mission involving 48 jets
from six nations. This was
one of four Super Hornets
present at Luke in the last
week of February. Left: One
of two F-16CM Block 50s
from the Shaw-based 55th
FS ‘Fighting Fifty-Fifth’ taxies
past Luke’s control tower
before embarking on another
Haboob Havoc mission. The jet
carries an AN/ASQ-213 HARM
Targeting System (HTS) pod
on the air intake.

Above: Among the 12 Canadian Hornets at Luke were two CF-

While many missions flown from Luke in the last week of February were related to exercises, 188Bs, including 188938 from 425 TFS ‘Alouettes’ seen taxiing to
deployments and the Haboob Havoc competition, regular training missions also went ahead. Royal runway 03R. Below: Operating out of Luke in the final week of
Singapore Air Force F-16D Block 52 94-0282 ‘LF’ from the 425th FS is seen returning from a training February as aggressor aircraft were two former Luftwaffe Alpha
mission, carrying special tail markings to celebrate 25 years of RSAF operations from Luke. Jet As from Canadian company Top Aces, including C-GYTO
‘082’ in a three-tone brown/green camouflage.

www.Key.Aero #389 August 2020 // 19

NEWS Russia & CIS
Myasishchev completes first Russian L-39 upgrade In Brief
IN EARLY June, the United Two new Russian Hips
Aircraft Corporation (UAC) delivered to Kant air base
announced that the EMZ Replacement of older
Myasishchev company in VKS Mi-8MTs at Kant air
Zhukovsky was completing base in Kyrgyzstan was
work on mid-life upgrade of due to begin before the
a Vozdushno-Kosmicheskiye end of June, with delivery
Sily (VKS, Russian Aerospace of a pair of Mi-8MTV-5-1
Forces) L-39C Albatros helicopters to the Russian
trainer. The first modernised military facility. Crews
L-39C is serial 834417, recently completed training
which previously flew as on the new helicopters
‘41 White’/RF-94905 at the at Torzhok in Russia.
219th Training Aviation Base Russia signs new
(219 UAvB) in Michurinsk. contract for Su-34
The full scope of the production
upgrade is unclear, an According to Russia’s
official account stating: Above: L-39C serial 834417 – the first example to be upgraded – at the Myasishchev site in TASS news agency, the
“During replacement of non- Zhukovsky in June. UAC Russian defence ministry
repairable and obsolete Force. Today, around 120 still The extent of the work Bekas-03 communication has signed a deal for
components, the aircraft fly at six Russian training done by the company so radios supersede the around 20 more Su-34
received new avionics of aviation bases, part of the far is modest: minor parts previous R-832M. bombers. The otherwise
Russian production. Also, Krasnodar Military Aviation (electrical generators, wires, The decision to enhance the “standard Su-34 aircraft”
painting of the aircraft College of Pilots. Newer seals) have been replaced. L-39C and extend its service will receive modifications
has been completed with and more expensive Yak- The most serious problem in Russia indicates the VKS based on previous
domestic enamels.” 130s are used for advanced in current operations is has given up on a proposal to experience with the type.
The L-39C was produced and combat training, posed by the ejection introduce the propeller-driven The Fullbacks will be
by Aero Vodochody in while the older L-39Cs are seats – in some aircraft the Yak-152 as a new primary delivered under a three-
Czechoslovakia; by 1991, allocated to basic training. original Czech VS-1 seats trainer in this decade. Plans year contract, after which
approximately 75% of the In 1997, Myasishchev was have been replaced during to order around 150 Yak- a contract for upgraded
total output had been tasked with maintaining overhaul by Russian K-93. 152s have apparently been Su-34Ms is expected.
delivered to the Soviet Air airworthiness of VKS L-39Cs. L39 seats. Furthermore, new dropped. Piotr Butowski Ukraine wins
contract to overhaul
Bear-Hs in
Four more new Mi-35Ms
Pakistani Il-78
Ukrainian state company
Alaskan ADIZ Ukrspecexport has
TWO FORMATIONS of
VKS Tu-95MS Bear-H
bombers were intercepted
delivered to Kazakhstan
NEW KAZAKHSTAN Air
secured a contract worth
more than US$30m to
overhaul and upgrade a
by USAF F-22A fighters Defence Force (KADF) Pakistan Air Force Il-78MP
on the morning of June Mi-35M ‘09 Red’ arriving at Midas aerial refuelling
10. According to North an unspecified air base in tanker, with options to
American Aerospace the west of the country, most work on two more. Work
Defense Command likely the 605th Air Base at will be completed at the
(NORAD), the first Russian Aktau, on June 23. It was one Nikolaev Aircraft Repair
formation consisted of four delivered on that date, Plant. A previous Il-78MP
of a pair of Tu-95MS, the other three comprising ‘10 was overhauled in Russia.
accompanied by two Su-35 Red’, ‘11 Red’ and ‘12 Red.’ They Russia to create
fighters and supported were ordered under a contract tactical UAV unit
by an A-50 airborne early signed in January 2017. This in Kyrgyzstan
warning and control brings the total KADF Mi-35M By the end of the year
aircraft. The second inventory to 12. Dave Allport Kazakhstan MoD it’s planned that a VKS
formation comprised unit operating a pair of
Orlan-10 UAV systems will

Fourth EC225LP for Ukrainian

two more Tu-95MS
supported by an A-50. be operational at Kant air
Both groups of aircraft base in Kyrgyzstan, part

Ministry of Interior fleet

entered the Alaskan Air of the Central Military
Defense Identification District. According to
Zone (ADIZ), the first the Russian defence
approaching within 20nm SEEN AT the Airbus 2019 and will be the last of two examples (‘51 Blue’ ministry, UAV crews have
of the Alaskan coast Helicopters facility in the order to be completed and ‘10 Yellow’), Airbus completed training in
and 8nm from sovereign Albacete, Spain on June 3 in Spain. While Airtelis in Helicopters in Romania will Kolomna ahead of their
US airspace. However, is the fourth secondhand France prepared the first take on the remaining 15. deployment to Kant.
the Russian aircraft Super Puma refitted by the Kazakhstan Border
remained in international company for a Ukrainian Guard C295W under test
airspace throughout. Ministry of Interior contract. Noted test flying recently
The NORAD response EC225LP ‘54 Blue’ (c/n at the Airbus Defence and
involved Raptors from the 2708, formerly M-ABKJ, Space facility at Seville/
3rd Wing at Elmendorf PR-YCL and LN-OHY) was San Pablo in Spain is the
Air Force Base, Alaska overhauled and customised sole C295W ordered for
supported by KC-135 at the Airbus Helicopters the Kazakhstan Border
tankers and an E-3 factory prior to delivery Guard. Marked as ‘176’,
Airborne Warning and to the Ukrainian State the aircraft will adopt
Control System (AWACS). Emergency Service. The the future serial 29501.
According to NORAD, this other three Super Pumas The single transport
was the eighth time this already in service with the was ordered in March
year that Russian military Ukrainian Ministry of Interior 2019 and will increase
aircraft penetrated the are ‘52, 53 and 55 Blue’. The Kazakhstan’s overall C295
Canadian or Alaskan ADIZ. fourth arrived by truck at fleet to nine aircraft.
Albacete on February 22, Roberto Yáñez

20 // August 2020 #389 www.Key.Aero

NEWS Middle East Subscribe to www.Key.Aero for breaking news stories.
Email the news team at [email protected]

Rare Royal Oman Police Phenom Russia claims

delivery of
MiG-29s to
Syria
THE RUSSIAN Embassy
in Damascus announced
on Twitter on June 3 that a
“second batch” of MiG-29s
had been handed over to
the Syrian military “within
the framework of defence
co-operation” and had
started flying missions.
A report from the Syrian
Arab News Agency said
the Syrian Arab Air Force
(SyAAF) had received the
Ruben Zammit “second group of modern
VERY RARELY seen Royal was headed to Seville, Spain CN235. The Royal Oman had briefly seen service and advanced MiG-29s” in
Oman Police Embraer to deliver pilots to pick an Police received this brand- from January to June 2011. a ceremony at Khmeimim
Phenom 300 A40-CY visited Omani Police CN235M-100 new Phenom on January 19, The fixed-wing component air base in Latakia on May
Malta International Airport, (see separate item). The 2012, when it was delivered of the Royal Oman Police’s 30. The jets reportedly left
Luqa on June 8. The aircraft Phenom transited back on to Seeb-Muscat International air wing also includes a Khmeimim for different
arrived from Muscat and June 10, together with the Airport. An earlier example single Embraer 175. Syrian air bases. The
announcements came

Qatari C-130J departs Cambridge

days after the US accused
Moscow of transferring
MiG-29s and Su-24s to
A QATAR Emiri Air A7-MAH, which will now Libya – using Khmeimim
Force (QEAF) C-130J-30 go into the company’s air base as a staging post.
departed Cambridge City workshops for similar work. To date there have been
Airport in the UK recently, The two are assigned to no images to confirm
returning home after a the QEAF’s Transport Wing, the presence of ‘new’
period of rework and a which has four C-130J-30s MiG-29s in the SyAAF.
fresh coat of paint with allocated to its 12th Transport The Libyan National
the Marshall Aerospace Squadron. A US$393.6m Army (LNA) allegedly
and Defence Group. contract for the airlifters received 14 MiG-29s and
Serial 212/A7-MAI left was signed with Lockheed a pair of Su-24Ms from
Cambridge for Istanbul, Martin in July 2008 and Russian stocks. Russia
taking off at around 1600hrs deliveries were originally has denied delivering
on June 11 with the callsign due to commence in the first warplanes to Libya, while
‘DEMA 121’. The following day half of 2011. The first QEAF US Africa Command
it left Istanbul for the final C-130J-30 was rolled out at has asserted that the
leg of its journey to its home Marietta, Georgia on May 2, jets have been deployed
station of Al Udeid Air Base. 2011 and all four were handed there “to support Russian
Still with Marshalls is over at the same location Above: C-130J-30 serial 212 prepares to leave Cambridge City state-sponsored private
sister airframe serial 211/ on September 28 that year. Airport. Joe Campion military contractors”.

New look for Omani Police CN235 ROYAL OMAN Police transited via Luqa, the
Israeli
F-16s back
in service
CN235M-100 A40-CU (c/n aircraft now carries different,
062) departs Luqa’s Malta lower-visibility markings
International Airport on (see Omani Police CN235 in
ISRAELI AIR Force (IAF)
June 11. The aircraft had Europe, February 2017, p25).
F-16C/D Baraks damaged
arrived in Malta the previous The two Royal Oman Police
by flooding at Hatzor Air
day, having flown in from CN235M-100 reportedly
Base have been restored
Seville in Spain, where it arrived at Seeb at the end
by the service’s Aerial
had undergone work with of their delivery flights on
Maintenance Unit (AMU)
Airbus Military. It departed February 28, 1983. The other
and returned to service.
Malta for Seeb-Muscat aircraft is serial A40-CV
The IAF announced on
International Airport. Unlike (c/n 063) that was noted
Ruben Zammit
June 12 that “several”
the last time this aircraft at Luqa in August 2017.
Baraks put out of action

Nachshon Shavit
by January’s flooding
underwent a “significant
maintenance process”.

seen in Malta
THIS ISRAELI Air Force Operated by the IAF’s 122
Aircraft classified as
having sustained a low to
medium level of damage
were dealt with first at
(IAF) Gulfstream GV Squadron ‘Nachshon’, but
Hatzor and returned
Nachshon Shavit, serial devoid of any insignia or
to the air “after a short
679, visited Luqa’s Malta numbers, this is one of three
period”. Aircraft that
International Airport for a examples of the signals
required more repairs were
touch-and-go on June 8, intelligence platform that
transferred to the AMU’s
before returning to its home were delivered between June
Ruben Zammit headquarters at Tel Nof.
station of Nevatim Air Base. 2005 and August 2006.

www.Key.Aero #389 August 2020 // 21

NEWS Latin America
Third KC-390 delivered to Brazilian Air Force Ten T-34Cs
for Dominican
Republic
A RECENT update to
the US Department of
Defense’s Excess Defense
Articles (EDA) online
listing has revealed that
the Dominican Republic
requested ten T-34C
Turbo Mentors from the
US Navy through the EDA
acquisition process earlier
this year. Authorisation to
Embraer supply the aircraft to the
THE FORÇA Aérea Brasileira Carlos Moretti Bermudez Since the end of March supplies. The KC-390 has Fuerza Aérea de República
(FAB, Brazilian Air Force) said: “Receiving the third 2020, the FAB has used carried cargo rapidly over Dominicana (FARD,
received its third KC-390 KC-390 Millennium aircraft is two KC-390s to transport long distances, including a Dominican Republic Air
multi-mission medium a matter of great satisfaction essential supplies to combat 1,671-mile (2,690km) flight Force) as an EDA grant
airlifter when serial FAB for the Air Force Command, COVID-19 in Brazil. As from São Paulo to Manaus followed on May 11; their
2855 was delivered on because it will be supporting of mid-June, the health in less than four hours. current value was given
June 29 from Embraer’s the missions already [being supplies transported Deliveries of the 28 as US$341,900. At the
facility at Gavião Peixoto. undertaken] by the other included an ambulance, a KC-390s on order for the same time, authorisation
The aircraft arrived at Base two aircraft. The greatest cell health unit, an oxygen FAB started last September was given to supply one
Aérea Anápolis, where it example is the aircraft’s use plant, more than 130,000 (see Embraer delivers spare Pratt & Whitney
joined join Ala 2’s 1° Grupo for the aerial transport of pairs of surgical gloves, initial KC-390 to Brazil, PT6A-25 turboprop engine,
de Transporte de Tropa (1° supplies and equipment for 17,000 N95 masks, 4,080 October 2019, p22), with the valued at US$12,821,
GTT, 1st Troop Transport combating and preventing pairs of glasses, 14,600 handover of serial FAB 2853 for the aircraft.
Group) Grupo Kilo. COVID-19, within the units of alcohol gel and (c/n 39000004). The second The US Navy retired the
FAB commander operation co-ordinated by 8,800 aprons, as well as example, FAB 2854, was last T-34C operating in
Lieutenant-Brigadier Antonio the ministry of defence.” logistical and hospital received last December 13. its primary role of basic
training on April 19, 2012,
having replaced the
Peruvian
Enstroms Upgraded A-1M delivered type with the T-6A/B. A
total of 166 ex-US Navy
T-34Cs are currently in
storage with the 309th
THE LATEST modernised 5520, 5525 and 5526 (and more A-1As remaining.
prepared AMX A-1M has been
redelivered to the Força
three more for which the
serials are unknown) have
The prototype aircraft, FAB
5530, arrived with Embraer
Aerospace Maintenance
and Regeneration Group
for delivery Aérea Brasileira (FAB,
Brazilian Air Force). The
been upgraded to A-1M
standard, while A-1B FAB
for upgrade on August 31,
2007, but only returned to
at Davis-Monthan Air
Force Base, Arizona. It’s
THE FIRST Enstrom 280FX upgraded jet – the eighth in 5652 has become an A-1M; the air on June 19, 2012. A assumed those requested
Shark for the Fuerza Aérea total – was handed over by a single-seat prototype, first modernised jet was for the FARD will be taken
del Perú (FAP, Peruvian Embraer in March, but its FAB 5530, has also been handed over to the FAB from here. Dave Allport
Air Force) has been seen receipt was only announced converted. This leaves three on September 4, 2013.
at the company’s facilities. by the company on June 1.
The helicopter, c/n 2168,
will become serial 671
once in FAP service, but
Original plans called for
all 55 surviving FAB single- Argentine
is currently still on the US
civil register as N881QX.
seat A-1A and two-seat
A-1B aircraft to be brought Huron
The second helicopter in
this batch is reportedly
up to A-1M and A-1BM
standards respectively. The acquisition
programme has since been THE FUERZA Aérea
N881GE, c/n 2169. The trimmed back to include Argentina (FAA, Argentine
pair was ordered in June modernisation of 11 A-1As A-1M FAB 5520 was one of the earlier A-1As to be upgraded Air Force) has received
last year, being the first and three A-1Bs. To date, to the latest standard. An eighth example has now been permission from the
examples from a planned A-1A serials FAB 5506, 5507, delivered. Agência Força Aérea/Cb V Santos US State Department
total of eight. The Enstroms
to purchase ten ex-US
will replace the Schweizer
300C training helicopters
operated by the FAP’s
Peruvian Air Force acquires another 737 Navy Beechcraft TC-12B
and UC-12B Hurons via
the US government’s
Escuadrón Aéreo de THE FUERZA Aérea del storage as of last October. Airlines in the Ukraine
Foreign Military Sales
Helicopteros 510 at Base Perú (FAP, Peruvian Air Built in 1990, the newly with registration UR-CRL.
programme at an initial
Aérea Capitán Renán Elías Force) is preparing to acquired aircraft previously The airliner was acquired
cost of US$16.7m.
Olivera in Pisco, home to introduce an additional flew with United Airlines by the FAP at a cost of
As of April, the FAA
the Escuela de Formación Boeing 737 to its Escuadrón as N202UA and was last around US$3.75m via
was looking to acquire
de Pilotos No 51 (EFOPI). de Transporte 841, part of operated by Dream Wind a US-based broker.
12 TC-12Bs through the
Grupo Aéreo No 8 based at
US Excess Defense
Base Aérea Jorge Chávez/
Articles scheme, but this
Lima-Callao International
has now been reduced
Airport. The aircraft, a 737-
to nine, some of which
322, manufacturer’s serial
will be delivered to the
24717 (line number 1930), will
II Brigada Aérea for
be delivered imminently, to
Above: A still from a video twin-engine conversion
join a single 737-528 already
released by Enstrom on June training. A single UC-12B
in service. Another 737-
18 showing pre-delivery will also be received.
282(A) – the sole survivor Above: Boeing 737-528, serial 356, is currently the sole active
flight trials for 280FX serial The final aircraft
from a pair built in 1983 example of the type in the Escuadrón de Transporte 841 fleet.
671, currently registered as are scheduled to be
and acquired by the FAP Configured for VIP/VVIP transportation, it was delivered new in
N881QX. Enstrom delivered in 2024.
in 1998-99 – was noted in September 1995. Katsuhiko Tokunaga/DACT

22 // August 2020 #389 www.Key.Aero

NEWS Africa Subscribe to www.Key.Aero for breaking news stories.
Email the news team at [email protected]

New Angolan Kodiak 100 in Germany Bangladesh

deploys
MÖNCHENGLADBACH 25 prior to delivery when de Segurança Pública added a cartography
AIRPORT, near Dusseldorf,
was recently host to this
it emerged from a hangar
for around five minutes.
(CISP, Integrated Public
Security Centre). The Kodiak
mission system developed
by SST Flugtechnik; this
Mi-171Sh
Quest Kodiak 100 utility
aircraft acquired by the
Wearing the temporary
German civil registration
is one of an undisclosed
number purchased by the
includes a stabilised
cartography scanner and
to Central
Força Aérea Nacional de
Angola (FANA, National
D-FSST, the aircraft is serial
R-756 (c/n 100-0252) and its
FANA and was in Germany
undergoing conversion for
an automatic sliding door in
the bottom of the fuselage.
African
Air Force of Angola). The
aircraft was spotted on June
tailfin carries the markings
of Angola’s Centro Integrado
mapping duties. Rheinland
Air Service (RAS) has
Republic
THREE ARMED Mi-171Sh
Hip-H helicopters operated
by the Bangladesh Air Force
(BAF) have deployed for
the first time in support
of the United Nations
Multidimensional Integrated
Stabilization Mission in the
Central African Republic
(MINUSCA), the UN
peacekeeping mission in
the country. Equipped with
night-vision technology,
the helicopters (serials
7668, 7669 and one
unconfirmed) were loaded
on board a UN-chartered
Antonov Airlines An-124 at
Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal
Rolf Flinzner International Airport,
Bangladesh, along with

Morocco Latest NAF ATR 42-500MP associated support

equipment and two
accompanying airmen.
orders 24 overhauled in Germany The aircraft left Dhaka on
June 20 for Bangui M’Poko
Apaches International Airport,
CAR. An image released
BOEING WILL produce 24 by MINUSCA on June 26
AH-64E Apache Guardian showed that at least two
attack helicopters for of the helicopters were still
Morocco. On June 25, disassembled and without
the Pentagon announced main and tail rotors, but
a US$439m Foreign were being worked on.
Military Sales contract On May 29, 123 members
modification for both of the contingent were
new-build AH-64Es deployed to the CAR
and Longbow crew on an aircraft operated
trainers for Morocco. by Biman Bangladesh
Work will be performed Above: NAF930 on June 29, making one of its last test flights before departure. Arnold ten Pas
Airlines and chartered by
in Mesa, Arizona, NIGERIAN AIR Force (NAF) last September 16. handover of NAF930 was the UN. This team was
with first deliveries ATR 42-500MP NAF930 (c/n The NAF’s 81 Air Maritime planned in May, but was the first to be deployed
planned for 2024 and an 693) is ready to be returned Group operates two ATR delayed due to the COVID- at rapid-deployment level
estimated completion to Nigeria after overhaul 42-500MPs and a number 19 crisis. NAF pilots were (RDL) as part of the UN
date of March 2025. in Germany. The aircraft of Dornier 228s from Benin. flown in on June 24 on board Peacekeeping Capabilities
Unconfirmed reports in arrived at the Rheinland Air Both ATR 42s were ordered a Falcon 900 to conduct Readiness System (PCRS).
August last year suggested Service (RAS) facilities at in 2007 and delivered to check and ferry flights When a troop-contributing
Morocco had requested Mönchengladbach Airport Nigeria in 2009. Originally, prior to the return home. country reaches RDL, it
permission from the US
New NAF infrastructure at Katsina
pledges to deploy within 60
State Department to days of a request from UN
buy 24 AH-64Es. Last Headquarters. Dave Allport
November 20, the State
Department approved a
possible Foreign Military
Sale of 36 examples
(including 12 options),
plus related equipment,
for an estimated cost of
US$4.25bn. Weapons
NAF
in the package included
AGM-114R Hellfire NIGERIAN AIR FORCE to inspect progress on a reinforce internal security
and AIM-92H Stinger (NAF) L-39ZA Albatros project to build an apron, operations against armed
missiles, plus Advanced NAF364, along with two hangar and aircraft shelters bandits, cattle rustlers, Above: With two helicopters
Precision Kill Weapon Alpha Jets and a C-130H, at the airport to support kidnappers and other already loaded, the third
System (APKWS) kits. on the ramp at Umaru these and other NAF aircraft, criminal elements in the BAF Mi-171Sh destined
Musa Yar’adua International which were recently forward northwest and north central for MINUSCA operations,
Morocco becomes the
Airport, Katsina, northern deployed to Katsina. The parts of the country. The 7669, is manoeuvred into
17th country to acquire
Nigeria, during a June 23 airport is serving as the new facilities will also form an Antonov Airlines An-124
the AH-64, almost 2,500 at Hazrat Shahjalal prior to
of which have been visit by Chief of the Air headquarters of the air part of the infrastructure of
Staff, Air Marshal Sadique component of Operation the new NAF Central Flying departing for the Central
delivered to date. African Republic. ISPR
Abubakar. He was there Hadarin Daji, a mission to School. Dave Allport

www.Key.Aero #389 August 2020 // 23

NEWS Asia Pacific

Taiwan’s Brave Eagle trainer First F414

engine
makes maiden flight delivered
for KF-X
GE AVIATION delivered
the first F414-GE-400K
engine for South Korea’s
next-generation KF-X
indigenous fighter to Korea
Aerospace Industries (KAI)
in May. KAI selected GE
Aviation in May 2016 to
supply F414s for the KF-X,
a US$7.4bn project that
will replace the Republic of
Korea Air Force (ROKAF)
F-4E and F-5E/F fleets.
Formosa Military Image Press The development
programme is scheduled
THE NEW advanced jet accompanied by a pair of out in a ceremony at the built for the ROCAF and to be completed in 2026,
trainer (AJT) for the Republic F-CK-1D Ching-Kuo fighters Aerospace Industrial deliveries of final production which includes the
of China Air Force (ROCAF), on chase-plane duty. This Development Corporation aircraft are scheduled for production of 15 F414
the prototype XAT-5 Yung initial 20-minute sortie (AIDC) factory in Taichung 2026. It will replace the flight-test engines and
Yin (Brave Eagle), serial was followed on June 22 last September 24 (see ROCAF’s AT-3 Tzu Chiang six prototype fighters by
11001/08-9001, completed by an ‘official’ first flight in Taiwan’s Advanced jet trainer and F-5E/Fs also 2021. Flight testing will
its maiden flight on June 10 the presence of Taiwanese Jet Trainer unveiled, used in the training role. A be launched in 2023.
at Ching Chuan Kang Air President Tsai Ing-Wen. November 2019, p6). light fighter variant of the Currently, 120 KF-X
Base in Taichung. It was The XAT-5 was rolled Sixty-six AT-5s will be AT-5 is also expected. aircraft are scheduled
for production; GE

RMAF renumbers Su-30MKM squadron

THE TENTERA Udara Diraja Samad stated the change jet – two of which were endurance (MALE)
Aviation will provide
240 F414 production
engines plus spares.
In related news, South
Malaysia (Royal Malaysian was due to historical acquired in 1983. These unmanned aerial vehicles Korea has chosen
Air Force, RMAF) has reasons. The revision is were then taken on hand by (UAVs). The RMAF has precision-guided
announced it will renumber not expected to have any 12 Skuadron and operated received ten proposals munitions and guidance
its Su-30MKM unit from 11 operational impact on the together with a few surviving to a related request for kits to arm the KF-X.
Skuadron to 12 Skuadron. Gong Kedak-based unit. F-5E/Fs. The unit was stood information (RFI) released Weapons selected for
In a speech marking Prior to receiving its 18 down in the early 2010s when in late 2018. While the integration comprise the
the 62nd anniversary Su-30MKMs between 2007- the F-5s were withdrawn. RMAF has a requirement GBU-12 Paveway II, GBU-
of the RMAF on June 1, 2009, the then Butterworth- 11 Skuadron is expected for six airframes, only three 31/38 Joint Direct Attack
air force chief General based 11 Skuadron operated to be re-formed to operate will be purchased in the Munition (JDAM), GBU-
Datuk Seri Ackbal Abdul the RF-5E reconnaissance medium-altitude long- short term. Roy Choo 54/56 Laser JDAM, GBU-
39/B Small Diameter

Pakistan Navy ATR 72-500 arrives for upgrade

Bomb I and the CBU-105
Wind Corrected Munitions
Dispenser (WCMD). All
A THIRD Pakistan Navy Arab Emirates and at İzmir aircraft will become the and Elettronica electronic these stores are currently
ATR 72-500 arrived at Adnan Menderes Airport Pakistan Navy’s third support measures (ESM) in ROKAF service and
Mönchengladbach Airport in Turkey before landing RAS 72 Sea Eagle and suite. Originally, RAS had integration on the KF-X
on June 28 for upgrade in Germany. Previous will be configured with signed a deal for conversion will begin this year. The
by Rheinland Air Service examples to be converted the Leonardo Seaspray of two aircraft, but a contract fighter will also carry the
(RAS). The aircraft, to anti-submarine warfare 7300E active electronically to upgrade a third aircraft Meteor beyond-visual-
serial 77, assigned to the (ASW) standard were scanned array (AESA) was agreed last April. No range air-to-air missile
PNS Mehran-based 29 serial 79 (delivered June radar, FLIR Systems Star contract has yet been signed (BVRAAM) and IRIS-T
ASW Squadron, made 2018) and 78 (June 2019). SAFIRE III electro-optical to convert the fourth aircraft short-range AAM.
stopovers in the United After modification, the and infrared (EO/IR) turret (serial 76). Arnold ten Pas

Arnold ten Pas

24 // August 2020 #389 www.Key.Aero

 Subscribe to www.Key.Aero for breaking news stories.
Email the news team at [email protected]

South Korea seeks to add In Brief

Singaporean helicopter

AEW&C and SIGINT platforms deliveries delayed

Handover of the first H225M
and CH-47F Chinook
helicopters for the Republic
of Singapore Air Force
(RSAF) have been delayed
by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Originally scheduled for the
end of this year, deliveries
are now planned for 2021.
RSAF acquisition of the
F-35B remains on track.
ROKAF waits for
next F-35As
Coronavirus has also
affected the planned
arrival of the next batch of
F-35As for the Republic of
Korea Air Force (ROKAF).
The next deliveries have
been postponed from
April until the second half
Above: The ROKAF currently operates six SIGINT platforms: two modified Falcon 2000S jets and four Hawker 800 Peace Krypton of 2020; 13 of the jets are
aircraft. Serial 58-353 is an RC-800RA Geumgang – the local designation for the Hawker 800. Robin Poldermann already in the country and
SEOUL AIMS to acquire plans on June 26, while Allegedly, the ROKAF Separately, around ten were expected to be
an undisclosed number the Defense Acquisition is seeking to acquire US$730m has been handed over this year.
of additional airborne Program Administration two more Boeing E-737 earmarked for additional Philippine Air
early warning and control (DAPA) said the Republic of AEW&C platforms to add SIGINT aircraft under the Force awaits final
(AEW&C) and signals Korea Air Force (ROKAF) is to the four it has fielded Baekdu reconnaissance Hermes 900 UAVs
intelligence (SIGINT) expected to acquire foreign- since 2011-12 under its initiative. The Philippine Air Force
aircraft. South Korea’s made AEW&C aircraft Peace Eye programme. The This project is set to (PAF) is scheduled to
Defense Project Promotion by 2027 under a project acquisition process will begin next year and be receive its final six of nine
Committee approved the valued at US$1.32bn. be launched next year. completed by 2026. Hermes 900 medium-
altitude long-endurance

More TA-50s, RSAF F-16Ds with Condor 2

unmanned aerial vehicles
(UAVs) this year. Images of
possible the first two PAF Hermes

FA-50 LOROP recce pods

EXISTENCE OF a long- RSAF withdrew its last a pod system for its F-16s
900s emerged on social
media last November,
while three Hermes 450
upgrade range oblique photography RF-5S reconnaissance or its then next-generation
tactical UAVs have also
been handed over.
SOUTH KOREA will (LOROP) sensor capability aircraft in late 2005, fighter (F-15SG),
Six UH-2
acquire 20 TA-50 Block on Republic of Singapore seemingly without specifying that real-
helicopters for JGSDF
2 advanced jet trainers Air Force (RSAF) F-16s has a replacement. time data transmission
Subaru Corporation has
under a plan approved been confirmed. AFM has In an interview with was a prerequisite.
received contracts worth
on June 26. Korean reviewed recent images of Jane’s Defence Weekly in Apart from the Condor
US$131.6m to produce six
Aerospace Industries RSAF F-16Ds configured January 2004, then RSAF 2, RSAF F-16Ds also
UH-2 multi-role helicopters
(KAI) has been awarded with an Elbit Systems chief Major-General Lim operate the ELTA ELM-
for the Japan Ground Self-
a US$575m contract Condor 2 electro-optical/ Kim Choon noted the 20600 reconnaissance
Defense Force (JGSDF).
to deliver the aircraft infrared LOROP pod on limitations of the RF-5S and targeting pod, which
The rotorcraft are expected
between this year and its centreline hardpoint, wet-film technology and utilises synthetic aperture
to be delivered by January
2024. The Block 2 is an operating from their home its restricted potential radar imaging to provide
2023. Ultimately, the JGSDF
upgraded version of base at Tengah Air Base. for improvements. He pictures of ground targets
plans to field around 150
the TA-50, 22 of which The capability had long stated the RSAF was and terrain from stand-
UH-2s to replace its UH-1Js.
are now in service with been rumoured since the investigating options for off ranges. Roy Choo
the Republic of Korea
Air Force (ROKAF).
Meanwhile, South Korea’s
Agency for Defense
New colours for Bangladesh Air Force Mi-17
SEEN AT Cox’s Bazar on June
Development (ADD) has 4, Bangladesh Biman Bahini
outlined plans to improve (Bangladesh Air Force, BAF)
the range and combat Mi-17 serial 204 (c/n 223M94)
capabilities of the FA-50 has received a new grey-on-
light combat aircraft, 57 grey camouflage scheme. The
of which are currently BAF operates a diverse Hip
in ROKAF service. An fleet, currently comprising
improved version of the three Mi-171, 13 Mi-171Sh and
Fighting Eagle is required 15 Mi-17-1V aircraft supplied
to replace the air arm’s by Mil, and six Mi-171 and
ageing F-5E/F and F-4E seven Mi-171Sh variants
jets. Until December, from Ulan Ude. Operating
the ADD will study units are 1 Squadron at
improvements to the Chittagong, plus 31 and
FA-50, including conformal 101 Squadrons at Tejgaon.
fuel tanks, targeting Currently used as a forward
pods and beyond-visual- operating base, Cox’s Bazar
range air-to-air missiles. was designated as a fifth main
Mario Flores operating air base in 2011.

www.Key.Aero #389 August 2020 // 25

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NEWS Australasia
First RAAF F-35A passes 1,000-hours milestone Australia
ROYAL AUSTRALIAN
Air Force (RAAF) F-35A
orders third
pilot Flight Lieutenant MQ-4C Triton
Adrian Herenda was at the AUSTRALIA HAS
controls of serial A35-001 committed to a third MQ-4C
as it became the first in the Triton remotely piloted
fleet to pass 1,000 flying aircraft (RPA) from Northrop
hours, during a sortie over Grumman. The Australian
Arizona. FLTLT Herenda, a Department of Defence
former RAAF F/A-18A pilot, announced the move
had been flying the F-35A on June 18, noting that it
for around 12 months. The would “further strengthen
Australian Department of Australia’s maritime
Defence announced the approaches”. Minister for
milestone on June 5. Defence, Senator Linda
F-35A serial A35-001 was Reynolds CSC said: “Once
the first Australian aircraft in service, this capability
Squadron Leader Chris Myles (left), the Australian participant maintenance lead at Luke, and
to roll off Lockheed Martin’s pilot FLTLT Adrian Herenda, on the Luke AFB flight line in front of F-35A A35-001 after the will significantly enhance
production line in 2014. It’s aircraft reached 1,000 flying hours. RAAF our ability to persistently
currently operated by the patrol Australia’s maritime
international Pilot Training at the facility. The country with No 3 Squadron South Wales. The remaining approaches from the north,
Centre (PTC) at Luke Air has now accepted 26 F-35As and No 2 Operational four were scheduled to in the Southwest Pacific
Force Base, Arizona and is in total. In addition to the five Conversion Unit at RAAF transit from the US to and down to Antarctica.”
one of nine Australian aircraft at the PTC, 17 are operating Base Williamtown, New Australia before August. Australia plans to acquire
six MQ-4Cs, plus associated
New Zealand RFI released for Hawk Mk127 replacement ground-control systems, at
a cost of around AUS$6bn.
confirms THE AUSTRALIAN
Department of Defence
The RFI for a Hawk
replacement is part of Air
operators, plus a secondary
requirement to provide Blue The six Tritons will be based
C-130J released a request for
information (RFI) to
6002 Phase 1 (Future Lead-
In Fighter Training System),
Air and Red Air training.
The Department of
at RAAF Base Edinburgh,
South Australia and
purchase industry on June 2 as which is valued at AUS$4- Defence expects the Future deployed to RAAF Base
Tindal, Northern Territory, as
THE NEW Zealand it looks to replace the 5bn and expected to run Lead-In Fighter Training
Royal Australian Air between 2022 and 2033. Air System will use a mix of live necessary. They will operate
Ministry of Defence has alongside the P-8A and
confirmed it will spend Force’s (RAAF’s) Hawk 6002 calls for a platform on and virtual training roles,
Mk127, which is due to which to train RAAF fast jet including aircraft as well replace the AP-3C Orion.
around US$1.4bn to buy On June 25 this year,
five C-130Js to replace be retired in 2026. pilots and weapons systems as full-mission simulators.
Northrop Grumman was
its fleet of C-130Hs awarded a US$333,401,760
now serving with No 40 contract modification
Squadron at RNZAF Base exercising options for the
Auckland. The new Super production and delivery to
Hercules will be delivered Australia of three low-rate
under the US Foreign initial production MQ-4Cs,
Military Sales (FMS) two main operating bases
programme in 2024 and and one forward operating
2025, allowing a phased base. This is the full
retirement of the current Hawk Mk127 A27-07 from No 76 Squadron takes off from RAAF Base Williamtown. The type has contract for the initial three
fleet. Last November the recently completed a significant mid-life upgrade under Project Air 5438 but is currently planned aircraft, the first of which is
US State Department for withdrawal in 2026. CPL Melina Young/Commonwealth of Australia, Department of Defence due to be delivered in 2023.
approved the possible sale.

Training flight stood up at Amberley

Defence Minister Ron
Mark said: “Last year, Last upgraded
Cabinet selected these
aircraft as the preferred
King Air 350ER
option to replace the
current Hercules fleet.
redelivered to
Procurement of the Super RNZAF
Hercules has been my HAWKER PACIFIC has
highest capability priority delivered the last of four
as Minister of Defence.” modified King Air 350ERs
The project includes a to the Royal New Zealand
full-mission flight simulator Air Force (RNZAF). The
and other supporting Sydney-based company
infrastructure. The aircraft secured the ten-year
will also be fitted with contract, along with
additional specialist Above: An F/A-18F from No 1 Squadron lands after a sortie during Exercise Thai Boomerang 2019.
The parent No 82 Wing has now set up a training flight for the RAAF Super Hornet community. engineering and logistics
capabilities, including support for the aircraft
CPL Colin Dadd/Commonwealth of Australia, Department of Defence
a wide bandwidth, and associated ground
high-speed satellite THE ROYAL Australian The commander of 82TF, operational conversion,
training systems. They
communications system Air Force (RAAF) has 82 Wing executive officer such as improved delivery
will be used by No 42
and an MX-20HD electro- established No 82 Wing Wing Commander Trevor of Australian-trained
Squadron at RNZAF Base
optical/infrared camera. Training Flight (82TF) at Andrews, said: “This aircrew back into the
Ohakea. Hawker Pacific’s
Next year, it’s expected RAAF Base Amberley, programme will enable No squadrons, increased
Special Missions design
options will be considered Queensland, to provide 82 Wing to provide enduring standardisation, reduction
team was responsible for
to replace the RNZAF’s operational conversion aircrew training for the in duplicate training
project management and
two Boeing 757s, expected training for the F/A-18F entire capability spectrum overheads and increased
design engineering, while
to reach their end-of- fleet. This Super Hornet required for the F/A-18F. alignment to Australian
installation and testing
service life towards the training had previously We expect significant graduation requirements.”
were conducted at the
conclusion of this decade. been conducted with the advantages to be realised The training effort will be
firm’s Bankstown facility.
US Navy since 2005. through an Australian-based supported by six F/A-18Fs.

28 // August 2020 #389 www.Key.Aero

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Intel
Report

LIFT
European The face of lead-in fighter training in Western Europe is
changing, as Alan Warnes discovers, with a review of the
current equipment and prospects for new acquisitions.

F
ighter pilot training is not
easy. It takes several years
of dedication as well as
a lot of sweat and maybe some
tears. It also consumes plenty of
taxpayers’ money – around £4m
will be spent on a UK pilot before
they begin operational conversion.
The RAF, and air forces all over the
world, need to ensure they protect
their valuable pilot assets with the
best tutoring their money can afford.
Students typically progress
through elementary, then basic
training and are finally streamed
according to their skill sets: to
helicopters, multi-engine aircraft
or fighters. The latter stream
is referred to as advanced, or
lead-in fighter training (LIFT).
Serial ZK017 ‘H’, a Hawk T2 of the RAF’s No IV (Army Co-operation) Squadron at RAF Valley in Anglesey, Wales. This unit Ultimately, the pilot will complete
is one of the service’s two Advanced Fast Jet Flying Training squadrons that provide fast jet conversion and tactical and this phase of training knowing how
weapons training for pilots destined for the Typhoon or Lightning. Jamie Hunter to use an aircraft as a weapon.

30 // August 2020 #389 www.Key.Aero

 airforcesintel.com

Left: The new face of lead-in fighter

training? One of the Armée de l’Air’s
fleet of 17 PC-21s, serial 03 ‘709-FE’, over
the French coast. The type was inducted
into service at Cognac on October 2 last
year. Operated by the École de Pilotage
de l’Armée de l’Air 315, the PC-21s are
supported by Babcock personnel and
flown by French military instructors.
Katsuhiko Tokunaga/DACT

training on the Gnat and Hunter, were selected to take part in the
flying has decreased by 30%, largely Prefect-direct-to-Hawk initiative –
because of synthetics, which these a collaboration between the RAF
days are much more dynamic. Of and Ascent Flight Training. An RAF
course, you need the right balance. statement described it as: “Part of a
While simulators are excellent wider review aimed at streamlining
for initial teaching, practice and how student pilots reach the front
mission rehearsal, pilots need to line,” adding that it would also “in
experience the airborne jeopardy future place greater emphasis on
aspect of live flying – particularly synthetic training developed by
in the early stages of training.” Ascent; with virtual reality, mixed
Whereas once the three training reality and 360° video training aids
phases – blended with piloting the aircraft.”
elementary, The successful duo – a squadron
basic and leader and flight lieutenant – are
advanced – each had the first students to complete the
their own dedicated aircraft trial under UKMFTS, which could
types, the lines that separate them provide an alternative training
In the UK, LIFT requires around Hawk T2 alongside ‘synthetics’ are today more blurred, thanks to pipeline path to flying a fast jet.
120 hours flying a Hawk T2 (in the simulator), and the Hawks the capabilities of new-generation Having achieved their wings in
alongside around 60 hours of are expected to fly until 2040. training aircraft. For example, the under a year, both will now progress
simulation work. In other countries, Simulation plays a major part RAF has recently trialled the 456hp to the Hawk T2 at RAF Valley
it varies according to the course in all aspects of military flying (335kW) Prefect T1 (Grob G 120TP) later this summer. It could pave
and its objectives. Air arms today training these days, with Canada’s to take student pilots right through the way for future fast jet pilots
need to weigh up the most cost- CAE and the American L3Harris to the Hawk, so missing out the to earn their wings at Cranwell in
effective platform in tandem with among the most popular providers. Texan T1 and gaining additional Lincolnshire, instead of Valley.
simulation. Many LIFT syllabuses The RAF’s Advanced Fast Jet training capacity. The RAF’s fleet of
are also now taking on more of the Flying Training squadrons are just 11 Texans has clearly become a Belgium opts
expensive fast jet training from the Nos XXV (Fighter) and IV (Army bottleneck. Affinity Flying Training for US solution
operational conversion units, when Co-operation) Squadrons, under Services supplies and maintains the Since 2004, Belgium was part
pilots learn to master the tactical No 4 FTS at Valley. Both conduct 23 Prefect T1s, five Phenom T1s and of a Franco-Belgian fighter pilot
and flying aspects of a fourth or fast jet conversion and tactical and the Texans within the UK Military training solution, the Advanced Jet
fifth-generation fighter. After all, weapons training before pilots’ Flying Training System (UKMFTS). Training School (AJeTS) based at
flying a Eurofighter or F-35 can cost progress to a frontline aircraft The company recently announced Tours, in France. After 40 years of
an eye-watering £100,000 per hour. type – the Typhoon or F-35B. that two of the RAF’s newest pilots operations, this facility shut down
Not surprisingly, there is earned their wings in record time, last December, but not before 150
UK considerably less live-flying in late May, after completing an Belgian pilots had trained there on
Responsibility for the RAF’s LIFT nowadays, as Stu Butler, training innovative RAF College Cranwell- a fleet of Belgian and French Air
lies with No 4 Flying Training and operational requirements based Prefect Basic Fast Jet Flying Force Alpha Jets. After selecting
School (FTS) at RAF Valley in director at BAE Systems – Air told Training (BFJT) initiative. After the F-35A in 2018, Belgium opted
Wales. Student pilots fly the AFM: “Compared to when I was being streamed for fast jets, they to go with an American LIFT

www.Key.Aero #389 August 2020 // 31

Intel
Report

A trio of AJeTS Alpha Jets, with AT25 nearest the camera. At the end of last year, the final Belgian Air Component jet pilot
students completed their training with the bi-national Advanced Jet Training School at Cazaux in southwest France. The last
three Belgian Alpha Jets returned home to Beauvechain on January 13. Stefan Degraef

solution. New fighter pilots are are already familiar with. They can weapon, but also being taught to introduced to a limited degree in
now being trained by the Euro- fully concentrate on learning the be a reliable fighter pilot as part the T-38 (tiny jet, huge turn circle,
NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training contents of IFF. However, not all of a team. That’s why in IFF we no sensors); other concepts like
(ENJJPT) facility at Sheppard Air countries send all their students made an effort to call the students beyond visual range, electronic
Force Base, Texas, which was to Texas; some countries get their wingmen. We teach them the warfare and standoff weapons are
set up in 1981. Since then, it has pilots trained at Sheppard, but do mindset of a fighter wingman, currently not incorporated, but
trained 7,500 combat pilots for further training modules at home. not that of a student pilot (which could certainly be with the future
NATO. It regards itself as “the “For example, Belgium, Denmark, they are not any more) who is just Boeing/Saab T-7 Red Hawk.”
only internationally manned and Germany, the Netherlands and graded on his flying. So, a great
managed pilot training programme Norway all send their students to part is broadening their flying Finnish legacy Hawks
dedicated to building relationships Sheppard for pilot training and horizon. I liked to say the most The Ilmavoimat (Finnish Air Force)
and training fighter pilots”. IFF. Belgium and Canada only important lessons are to know uses 31 Hawk Mk51A and Mk66
One of the responsibilities of send some students to Sheppard where to point the jet, where to jets for tactical training. Both
the resident 80th Fighter Training for undergraduate pilot training look and what to concentrate on, variants of the first-generation
Wing (FTW) at Sheppard is – or parts of it – flying the T-6C each at any given point in time.” Hawk have had their analogue
training pilots on the Introduction and then to IFF. Turkey does pilot The former chief of IFF training cockpits instruments upgraded by
to Fighter Fundamentals (IFF) – training on the T-6C and T-38C, was asked whether the T-38C’s Finnish aerospace company Patria
another name for LIFT. Students but not IFF. Italy does T-6 training age now provided any difficulties Aviation, adding new glass cockpits
go to the ENJJPT to get their pilot’s at Sheppard and all follow-on in this role and he replied: that narrow the gap between the
wings and they go through the training elsewhere [at Lecce- “Fundamentals change a bit instrument layout of the Hawk
IFF course during their last two- Galatina in Italy]. So it’s [down over time. So a replacement with and Hornet. The 18 ex-Swiss Air
to-three months at Sheppard. to] each country’s individual characteristics that more closely Force Hawks acquired in 2007
Lt Col (ret’d) Carlos ‘Beatbox’ taste what to do, where, and with match current tactical aircraft were upgraded a second time in
Hartmann, a German Air Force what portion of their students.” (or that can fly longer) would be 2018, with the Hawk Link system
instructor pilot, served at ENJJPT He continued: “IFF teaches welcome. However, if a student designed by Patria enabling the
between 2016 and 2019, the last student pilots to operate the succeeds in a T-38 – and as an transfer of location data between
11 months as chief of IFF training. aircraft as a weapon system aircraft itself it demands quite Mk66 aircraft via an airborne radio
He said: “One of the advantages of which means the pure flying (the a lot of attention – then he/she data network. The information
students going through IFF is they scope of most civil flight training) will mostly do well in today’s provided by sensors from a multi-
fly the T-38C in an organisation, needs to be second nature. It’s not fighter jets. Some concepts (ie, air role fighter can be displayed on
airspace and surroundings they only using their own aircraft as a combat manoeuvres) can only be the Hawk’s multifunction display,

32 // August 2020 #389 www.Key.Aero

 airforcesintel.com

Air crews from the 80th Flying Training Wing’s 90th Flying Training Squadron
‘Boxin’ Bears’ conduct a formation take-off during pilot training in T-38Cs at A Swiss Air Force PC-21 instructor prepares for a sortie. More than a decade
Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas. The 80th FTW is home of the Euro-NATO Joint Jet ago, the Swiss training system dispensed with the Hawk and instead uses the
Pilot Training (ENJJPT) programme, on which Belgian fighter pilots are now being turboprop PC-21 for advanced and lead-in fighter training, preparing students
trained. USAF/Danny Webb for the F/A-18C/D Hornet OCU. Swiss Air Force

offering students a realistic view Fighter Pilots Modernised Training PC-21 as an ideal solution for “In 2009, the Swiss Air Force
of the modern-day air combat Programme). The initiative – advanced flying training. One demonstrated the ‘proof-of-
environment, according to the managed by Babcock France in very experienced ex-Armée de concept’ that the PC-21 is perfectly
Ilmavoimat. There are no plans partnership with Dassault Aviation l’Air fighter pilot told AFM: “I’m suitable for the advanced and
to replace the 31 Hawks until the under an 11-year contract – delivers totally against a turboprop in fighter-lead-in training when
2030s. Major General (ret’d) Lauri a comprehensive pilot training the LIFT role. How can proper the first class of student pilots
Puranen, who commanded the solution including the provision training be done on an aircraft successfully transitioned from
air arm from 2012-14 and is the and support of 17 PC-21s, a PC-21 that flies a maximum of 360 knots, the PC-21 directly to the F/A-
H-X future fighter programme ground-based training system and for people dedicated to flying a 18C/D Hornet fighter. During
director at the Finnish defence modernised training facilities. supercruise-capable jet? In my the last 11 years, all students
ministry, told AFM in early 2019: As a subcontractor, CAE view, psychology plays a big part coming from the PC-21 trainer
“The two-way data link system has has provided two full-mission in a new pilot stepping into a stream successfully completed
allowed us to transfer a lot of the simulators at Cognac and was bigger, faster aircraft and going their F/A-18 OCU training.”
training from Hornets to Hawks.” contracted in May to supply from PC-21 to Rafale is a huge step. On the simulation of sensors,
another in 2022. The PC-21 Simulating a sensor is great, but Zimmerman said: “Yes, we do
France acquires PC-21s has an embedded simulation if you don’t explore performance simulate sensors. One example
In 2018, the Armée de l’Air (French capability to cover radar, air as well you miss something.” being the air-to-air radar. We can
Air Force) began to take delivery combat and weapons release; André Zimmermann, vice- assure you that the simulated
of 17 PC-21s to replace the Epsilon the cockpit systems can recreate president of government aviation radar is so realistic that most pilots
basic trainers serving the École de aspects of the Rafale’s mission at Pilatus, responded to the PC-21 will forget after about 20 minutes
Pilotage de l’Armée de l’Air (EPAA, management and display systems. criticism. He told AFM: “The of flying that it is only a virtual
French Air Force Pilot School) While Babcock France runs the PC-21 was designed to satisfy radar. From a training point of
at Cognac and the AJeTS Alpha programme, the Armée de l’Air is the requirements for basic and view, there is absolutely no benefit
Jets at Tours. Pilot training for the providing its own instructors to advanced military pilot training having the real sensor and you
French Air Force is being delivered train 50 pilots per year, including and to cover the fighter lead- get the same quality of training.”
under a programme managed ten for the French Navy. France in training phase. The 1,600shp As for the cost, Zimmerman
by the Direction générale de became the third European nation powerplant and five-blade graphite added: “The operating costs
l’armement (DGA, France’s defence to purchase the PC-21, after the propeller push the speed and per flying hour for high-end jet
procurement agency) and known as Empire Test Pilots’ School in the climb rate of the PC-21 into an trainers (like the M-346, T-50,
FOMEDEC (Formation Modernisée UK and the Swiss Air Force. area that was, until a couple of Hawk T2) will be in the region of
des Equipages de Chasse, or But not everyone sees the years ago, exclusively jet territory. ten times more than the PC-21.”

Above: Poland is building towards a 16-strong fleet of M-346 Bieliks, operated

by the 4. SLSz at Dęblin in the southeast of the country. With the new aircraft,
the Polish Air Force has a trainer suitable for preparing frontline pilots to fly the
F-16C/D Block 52+, to be joined in future by the F-35A. Leonardo Right: The Italian Air
Force’s 61° Stormo at Lecce-Galatina has introduced a new training system based
on the T-346A, the local designation for the M-346 Master. Phase IV participants
with the wing’s 212° Gruppo spend around seven to eight months on the T-346A,
which has replaced the FT-339C (MB-339CD2), the ‘digital’ version of the MB-339,
in the LIFT role. Leonardo Left: Ilmavoimat Hawk Mk51A HW-357 wearing the colours
of the Midnight Hawks display team in a line-up of Finnish trainers taking part
in the air force’s Final 20 exercise earlier this year. This involved live, virtual and
constructive (LVC) training – including live air combat drills – reflecting the advances
incorporated in the upgraded Hawk fleet. Finnish Air Force

www.Key.Aero #389 August 2020 // 33

Intel
Report

Above: Hungary’s future fighter pilots train on the CT-155 Hawk (and the CT-156
Harvard II) under the NATO Flying Training in Canada programme. This Hawk,
from 419 Tactical Fighter Training Squadron at Cold Lake, Alberta – responsible for
the LIFT phase – was photographed over Hamilton, Ontario. Corporal Jean-Francois
Lauzé/4 Wing Imaging Left: Slovakian L-39CM serial 5251 of the 2. výcviková letka, the
2nd Tactical Squadron based at Sliač. This is one of six L-39C trainers that were
upgraded to L-39CM standard, four of which currently serve alongside a pair of
L-39ZAM aircraft – former L-39ZA jets, similarly modernised. Peter R Foster
He concluded by saying he their skills by the time they have The Czech Air Force is currently L-39s can last for a maximum of
expects a fifth major European air left for the Eurofighter OCU.” looking to modernise its LIFT six years, but we have started
force to acquire the PC-21 soon. The Aeronautica Militare has capability by phasing out the L-159 pulling together our needs for a
purchased 18 T-346As for Phase in this role and training pilots on next-generation trainer as well
Italy IV/LIFT while Leonardo is the L-39NG. This is dependent as a budget. We want to look
The Aeronautica Militare (Italian Air providing four to the International on signature of the long-awaited at all the options out there.”
Force) has completely revamped Flight Training School (IFTS) contract for four aircraft between Slovakia has a requirement for
its LIFT solution in recent years, now being created at Lecce- Aero Vodochody and the up to eight new trainers and,
with the so-called Phase IV at Galatina. All 22 T-346s will transfer government-owned LOM Praha. on June 11, Aero Vodochody
Lecce-Galatina – the home of to Decimomannu next year The aircraft should be delivered announced it had offered to
the 61° Stormo – transferring to become a future ‘advanced in 2022, when LIFT will become train Slovak pilots at the Tactical
from the FT-339C (MB-339CD2) training centre of excellence’. So the responsibility of LOM Praha’s Training Simulation Centre at
to the T-346A. Students used to far, Italian Air Force students are Centrum Leteckého Výcviku (CLV, Pardubice in the Czech Republic.
fly around 80-90 live and 20-30 only trained by Italian military Aviation Training Centre) based Hungary is currently committed
simulated hours and, while live instructors at Lecce, but when at Pardubice, currently flying up to sending its pilots to the
training on the T-346 remains the IFTS moves to Decimomannu to six L-39Cs. According to Jakub NATO Flying Training in Canada
around 80 hours, simulation is it’s hoped that military instructors Hoda, Aero Vodochody’s head of (NFTC) programme until 2023.
now at the same figure. Lt Col from the Italian Air Force and sales: “The Czech Air Force has NFTC runs both basic (with
Simone ‘Sossi’ Orlandini, one of foreign air arms will work concluded the L-159 with its less CT-156 Harvard II) and advanced
the T-346 instructors at Lecce, alongside ex-military, now-civilian capable avionics can be replaced undergraduate training (CT-155
explained to AFM: “That’s because instructors under Leonardo. by the L-39NG in that role. With Hawk). CAE operates the NFTC
some of the costly operational CAE is set to become a partner modern synthetic training tools and programme out of 15 Wing at
conversion training will come within the IFTS, which has not the Tactical Training Simulation Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, and
off the Eurofighter and onto the yet secured a foreign customer. Centre at Pardubice we can 4 Wing Cold Lake, Alberta.
T-346 – all with the assistance produce a highly talented pilot who Elsewhere, Bulgaria is buying
of a new Leonardo Integrated Central Europe has no issues converting directly F-16s, so its L-39ZA will need
Training System, which features Poland has acquired eight M-346 to the Gripen, which has been to be replaced, and the Hellenic
a Ground-Based Training System Bieliks and a second order confirmed by Swedish instructors.” Air Force (HAF) is desperate to
(GBTS). Everyone working in for eight was placed in March With the arrival of 14 F-16C/D replace its veteran T-2E Buckeyes.
the GBTS is connected with 2018. Dęblin is home of the 4. Block 70s in 2023, Slovakia is now In a clash of the training titans,
the T-346 live in the air, via the Skrzydło Lotnictwa Szkolnego looking to replace its L-39ZAM/ Israel’s Elbit Systems and
Live Virtual Constructive (LVC) (4. SLSz, 4th Training Air Wing) L-39CM advanced jet trainers. Canada’s CAE are fighting for the
and Embedded Tactical Training and uses a similar integrated Brigadier Lubomir Svoboda told $1.6bn contract to support HAF
System (ETTS) network.” training system to that in Italy. AFM in August last year: “The flying training for 20 years. AFM
Leonardo believes the Italian Air
Force could halve the 90 hours or
so a new Eurofighter pilot spends
on the operational conversion unit
– the 4° Stormo in Grosseto. ‘Sossi’
continued: “We have changed from
a world that is very fast but not
very manoeuvrable, to a world that
is highly dynamic. The progression
to a more performance-based
aircraft like the T-346 gives
students the ability to handle
the task much more quickly.”
‘Sossi’ explained in more detail
the way the air force carries out
training at Lecce: “The ETTS
network allows the T-346 students
The Bulgarian Air Force is set to begin looking for a replacement for its ageing Albatros fleet – L-39ZA serial 147 is seen
to work with the radar, targeting on the Bezmer flight line that also includes a pair of PC-9M turboprops. Bulgaria’s 12 remaining L-39ZAs were grounded
pod and recce pod in many in 2010 when their service life expired, but Aero Vodochody overhauled six and these began to be redelivered in 2013.
scenarios. This greatly improves Alexander Mladenov

34 // August 2020 #389 www.Key.Aero

 AUGUST ISSUE AVAILABLE
THURSDAY 16TH JULY*
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F POSTER INSIDE Also in this issue:
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Sea Harrier FRS.1 TO FA.2
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Paul Stone, a former commanding officer
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T-346A: Next Generation Trainer

Riccardo Niccoli joins a mission in the
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fighter pilot training for the Italian Air
Force and foreign students using a mix

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ITAIN THEN AND NOW

BATTLE OF BR
The Birds from Brazil:
XVII/17 SQUADRON

SQUADRON
3 (FIGHTER)

SQUADRON
1 (FIGHTER) AirTeamImages.com/Philippe
Noret

via JDR Rawlings

 F-35B Lightning

Mk I
 Hurricane
de Groot
ROYAL) SQUADRON
NOW 32 (THE
T C Long
3 Sqn via J AirTeamImages.com/Tim

FGR4 & T3
 Typhoon
32 SQUADRON
AirTeamImages.com/Kieron Mk I
 Hurricane Mk If
via JDR Rawlings
 Blenheim Willson

FGR4 & T3
AirTeamImages.com/Simon

 Typhoon
29 SQUADRON
Mk I
 Hurricane FGR4
 Typhoon Andrew Hay
– www.flyingart.co.uk

& T3
SQUADRON
XXV/25 (FIGHTER)

40 Years of the Tucano

CC2 & CC3
via JDR Rawlings
AirTeamImages.com/HAMFive & BAe 146
GrandNew
 AW109SP

Mk I
Procter
 Hurricane
AirTeamImages.com/Chris

Andy Skarbinski
56 SQUADRON Niall Paterson

Mk I copyright
2014

 Hurricane MoD/Crown
25 Sqn Records

 Hawk T2
54 SQUADRON Niall Paterson AirTeamImages.com/Jesus
Moreno

Mk If 2016
 Blenheim I copyright

 Spitfire Mk
MoD/Crown
M Goodman
Crown Copyright Procter
AirTeamImages.com/Chris

Aviation Media

41 SQUADRON
Paul Harvey/V1images
2016 Aviation Media Procter
copyright Paul Harvey/V1images
MoD/Crown AirTeamImages.com/Chris

& Shadow R1
R1, Sentry AEW1
Crown Copyright
via W Matusiak
Joint, Sentinel
www.aviation-news.co.uk

RC-135W Rivet
Poseidon MRA1,
R1, MQ-9A Reaper, 1940
Martin Laurance R2 & T3, Islander of Britain July-October
in the Battle
Mk I
 Defender
& Shadow R1 that Fought
Glasgow)..................Spitfire
602 (City of
2019
of Defence

R1, Sentry AEW1

UK Ministry Mk I, Mk I
Joint, Sentinel Squadrons Sqn* ..............Spitfire
Aviation Media
RC-135W Rivet Command Mk IIa
266 Sqn.........................................Spitfire 603 (City of
Edinburgh)

Other Fighter
Paul Harvey/V1images Mk I Mk I Mk If,
Aviation Media
Poseidon MRA1, 213 Sqn.......................Hurricane Mk If, Sqn...........................Hurricane Mk I
Sqn*
of Middlesex).........Blenheim Mk If
R1, MQ-9A Reaper,
Paul Harvey/V1images Mk I, Mk Ib, 302 (Polish) 604 (County Beaufighter
219 Sqn.......................Blenheim Mk If Sqn...........................Hurricane Mk I

FIGHTER SQUADRON
Mk I
R2 & T3, Islander
Peter R Foster 19 Sqn .........................Spitfire Beaufighter 303 (Polish) Sqn..............Hurricane Mk I Sqn
Mk IIa Mk I of Warwick)............Hurricane
 Defender Mk If
222 Sqn.......................Spitfire Mk I
310 (Czechoslovak) Sqn .............Hurricane 605 (County

401 TACTICAL
312 (Czechoslovak) Mk I
E A Shipman 23 Sqn .........................Blenheim Mk I 229 Sqn.......................Hurricane Mk I
Sqn* ............Hurricane

RCAF NOW
of Durham)
43 Sqn .........................Hurricane Mk I AIR FORCE 607 (County
FGR4 & T3
232 Sqn.......................HurricaneMk I Mk I
46 Sqn .........................Hurricane Mk I ROYAL CANADIAN Sqn* Mk I
 Typhoon 234 Sqn.......................Spitfire Mk IVf Sqn*.............Spitfire Mk I
1 SQUADRON 64 Sqn .........................Spitfire Mk I, Mk IIa,
65 Sqn...........................Spitfire
Mk IIb
235 Sqn.......................Blenheim If, IVf
236 Sqn.......................Blenheim Mk I
1 Sqn RCAF*.................................Hurricane
(renumbered
401 Sqn on
March 1, 1941) 609 (West Riding)
610 (County
of Chester)
.............Spitfire
Mk I,
I Mk I, Mk IIa
 Spitfire Mk 238 Sqn.......................Hurricane Mk I AIR FORCE Mk I
Sqn ...............Spitfire
66 Sqn .........................Spitfire Mk I ROYAL AUXILIARY 611 (West Lancashire) Mk IIa
242 Sqn.......................Hurricane Mk I of Gloucester)........Hurricane Mk I
73 Sqn .........................Hurricane Mk I, Mk IIa 501 (County Sqn*
245 Sqn.......................Hurricane Mk II Sqn*
Mk I of Surrey) ...............Hurricane
74 Sqn..........................Spitfire Mk I 247 Sqn .......................Gladiator Mk IVf of Nottingham).......Hurricane 615 (County
504 (County I
79 Sqn .........................Hurricane Mk I Sqn ......Spitfire Mk

72 SQUADRON
248 Sqn.......................Blenheim Mk I Mk If, Yorkshire) Sqn*
85 Sqn .........................Hurricane Mk I 249 Sqn.......................Hurricane Mk I
Sqn*
London) ....................Blenheim Mk If 616 (South
87 Sqn..........................HurricaneMk I 600 (City of Beaufighter that flew in the
253 Sqn.......................Hurricane Mk I Mk I RAF squadrons

First flown in 1980, the Embraer

92 Sqn*.......................Spitfire Mk I Sqn* Note: * Current flying units.
257 Sqn.......................Hurricane Mk I, of London) ..............Hurricane but are no longer
111 Sqn.......................Hurricane Mk I I
601 (County Battle of Britain
263 Sqn.......................Hurricane
Whirlwind Mk
141 Sqn .......................Defiant Mk I Mk I
Sqn*
145 Sqn.......................Hurricane Mk I 264 Sqn.......................Defiant

ONLY
151 Sqn .......................Hurricane Mk I

DOUBLE-SIDED RAF POSTER

DND/RCAF
152 Sqn.......................Spitfire

DND/PAC

& B Hornet OF FLIG

HT
 CF-188A T AND
FUTURE
SEN
S T, P R E
Taff Evans T H E PA
Mk I
 Hurricane
via JDR Rawlings

 Texan T1

I
 Spitfire Mk

Ltd
© Key Publishing
2020
of June 25,
2020 correct as
Note: Information

EMB-312 Tucano has excelled in both

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Paulo Moralez details the history of
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311 Av News Latest AFM fp.indd 33 06/07/2020 12:52:16

French L
Flottille 34F

endangered species

T
he last WG.13 Lynx helicopters remaining powered by Gem 2 turboshafts, and 14 Lynx class to carry out a wide range of missions:
in service with the Marine Nationale HAS4(FN)s powered by more powerful Gem  offensive and defensive ASW using
(French Navy) are all allocated to 41-1 engines. At its peak, three units operated DUAV-4 dunking sonar, a dispenser
Flottille 34F stationed at Lanvéoc-Poulmic, on the type: Flottille 31F at Saint-Mandrier in for active and passive sonobuoys and
the Crozon peninsula, just south of Brest. In southeast France, and Flottilles 34F and 35F Franco-Italian MU90 torpedoes
French service, these British-built rotorcraft have both at Lanvéoc-Poulmic. Today, only Flottille  beyond-the-horizon target designation for
earned an enviable reputation for efficiency and 34F is still equipped with a fast-diminishing the Exocet missiles of their mothership or for
reliability thanks to their tough airframe and number of Lynxes, another example being in the Rafale fighters of the Charles de Gaulle’s
strong turbines, their outstanding power and service with the Centre d’Expérimentations carrier air wing, the Lynx relying on its ORB31
eye-watering agility. Alongside the Caïman, the Pratiques de l’Aéronautique navale (CEPA, the radar for surface contact monitoring and on
Lynx still plays a central role providing robust French naval aviation operational evaluation its Chlio forward-looking infrared (FLIR) for
anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities to the centre) for various experiments. Flottille 34F identification of ships at standoff distances
Marine Nationale, but its days are now numbered. is currently headed by Commander François  maritime surveillance, naval force
When introduced in 1978, the Lynx represented Chaput, a very experienced pilot with more protection, navigation surveillance,
a huge improvement over the older Sikorsky than 6,900 flying hours, including 2,200 embargo enforcement, anti-piracy
HSS-1 and Aérospatiale Alouette III helicopters in the Lynx. Chaput previously headed up missions and drug interdiction
then in service with the Marine Nationale Flottille 32F before it disbanded in 2016.  medical evacuation and search and rescue
for ASW duties: it was fitted with a modern (SAR; with a maximum endurance of two hours)
weapons system and was specifically designed A wide range of missions  logistics support, carrying slung loads of
to operate from pitching frigate and destroyer Detachments composed of one – and occasionally up to 2,425lb (1,100kg) – although loads
decks. Two variants of the Lynx were accepted two – Lynx deploy on board French Navy anti- of up to 1,764 (800kg) are more usual
into French service: 26 Lynx HAS2(FN)s submarine frigates of the Georges Leygues  special forces support work

36 // August 2020 #389 www.Key.Aero

h Lynx The French Navy has long been one
of the main operators of the acclaimed
Westland Lynx maritime helicopter.
But it has recently been announced
that the days of the faithful ‘big cat’ are
now numbered. Henri-Pierre Grolleau
reports from Lanvéoc-Poulmic, Brittany,
home of Flottille 34F.

MU90 Impact torpedo

For the ASW mission, the Lynx can carry one
or two MU90 Impact torpedoes depending
on mission profile (the normal configuration
includes one MU90 mounted under the pylon
on the right-hand side). This modern weapon
has been operational on the Lynx since April
2010. A number of modifications had to be
implemented for the Lynx to become MU90-
capable: the electrical system was modified
and the torpedo control unit altered so that
aircrews could programme the weapon
before firing. Depending on sea state, desired
search pattern, selected initial torpedo depth
and requested firing mode, pre-set data is
transferred from the Lynx to the MU90 via the
new torpedo control unit. The MU90 can be
released either in forward flight or in the hover. Above: Lynx crew pose in front of their mount together with a pair of maintainers and soldiers from the
The MU90 gives the Lynx the ability to hit Commando Kieffer, a dedicated maritime counter-terrorist unit that’s part of the Commandos Marine – the
double-hulled, acoustically coated, deep-diving, French Navy special operations forces. The Lynx is typically flown by a crew of three: two pilots and a sensor
operator/winchman. Top: Lynx HAS2(FN) 265 (c/n 045) low over the waves near Flottille 34F’s home base
fast-evading submarines with an extremely high
of Lanvéoc-Poulmic. The French Navy acquired the Lynx in two variants: 26 Lynx HAS2(FN)s and 14 Lynx
probability of kill (pk) thanks to its inherent HAS4(FN)s. Now just five examples remain in use with the squadron. All photos Henri-Pierre Grolleau

www.Key.Aero #389 August 2020 // 37

 flights had each logged around 250 flight hours
over the course of the year while the pilots of
the flottille headquarters had each accumulated
around 180 hours. We were therefore within the
French Navy requirements of 220 flying hours
per pilot on average. Aircrews who took part in
the carrier strike group deployment in the Indian
Ocean easily exceeded that requirement as
they clocked around 300 hours each in 2019.”

Limited upgrade
To maintain the type’s operational capability,
ensure its military relevance in the short term
and guarantee full compliance with the latest
International Civil Aviation Organization (IACO)
rules and regulations, seven Lynxes underwent
a limited upgrade programme, the last before
the type is withdrawn from use. Lieutenant
Commander Christophe (surnames have been
withheld on request), the head of 34F operations,
explained: “In 2017, the Lynx was, at last, fitted with
An example of the Lynx HAS4(FN), 807 (c/n 276) touches down on the flight deck of the French Navy frigate an HF radio and with the associated antenna on
‘Latouche-Tréville’, which is shore-based in Brest. Once the Lynx is retired, this warship will have to operate
the left-hand side of the fuselage. This allows us
either the Dauphin or Panther, since it’s too small to accommodate the Caïman.
to talk to ships at very long distances. A new UHF
speed, its remarkably accurate seeker and on the right-hand side of the main cabin to radio with 8.33KHz spacing has been adopted to
its resistance to jamming and decoying. The protect its mothership against asymmetric support the Link 11 data link functionalities and
operational credibility of the old Mk46 torpedo threats in contested waters. Alternatively, to communicate with civilian air traffic control
is now said to be questionable against the latest a sniper armed with a McMillan or a PGM agencies. Similarly, we are now equipped with a
generation of submarines, which are quieter, Hécate 12.7mm high-power precision rifle Mode C/S/4 transponder. The sensor operator in
faster and capable of diving to greater depths can be carried for drug interdiction, with the the main cabin now has at his disposal a modern
than their predecessors. Recent diesel/electric rifle securely fitted to a modular mounting for workstation with a display that shows all data
submarines are often fitted with air-independent added stability. For self-defence, the helicopters from the AIS [Automatic Identification System],
propulsion that allows non-nuclear boats are fitted with decoy dispensers for flares to the Link 11 data link and the Chlio FLIR turret.” The
to operate without access to oxygen, giving defeat infrared-guided surface-to-air missiles. AIS is used to locate and identify ships at sea or at
them considerable submerged endurance anchor, allowing maritime authorities to accurately
and an excellent mobility to avoid detection Highly trained aircrews track and monitor shipping. Data is automatically
and defeat attacks. With the MU90 and the Lynx aircrews are trained to extremely high broadcast every 20 seconds (vessel identity code,
latest generation of active low-frequency standards and are capable of performing ASW position, speed, course, true heading) and every
dunking and ship-mounted sonars, the Marine missions from the pitching deck of a small frigate, six minutes (radio callsign, name, type of ship
Nationale has at its disposal the required tools in all weathers, day and night. At the time of and load, dimensions including draught, type of
to counter the enhanced operational flexibility writing, Flottille 34F had five Lynxes flown by ten positioning system and its location on board the
of diesel/electric submarines. The MU90 has pilots, enough to form five crews, as the French vessel, destination and estimated time of arrival).
also been adopted by the navy for its surface Lynx is flown by a crew of three, comprising two
combatants and for its Atlantique 2 maritime pilots and a sensor operator/winchman. This Still up-to-date
patrol aircraft, which can carry up to six (see favourable airframe/aircrew ratio within 34F According to all the pilots AFM interviewed, the
France’s ‘flying frigate’, July 2019, p72-76). allows pilots to log a very high number of flying Lynx remains a very potent rotorcraft in terms
The Lynx can be equipped with a pintle- hours. Commander Chaput explained: “By the of performance and power. Commander Chaput
mounted 7.62mm calibre ANF-1 machine gun end of 2019, crews attached to the deployed said: “The Lynx is fast, agile and reactive thanks

Below: The rugged Brittany coast provides plenty of hiding places for the diminutive Lynx. Flottille 34F has
been based at Lanvéoc-Poulmic naval air station since January 1975 and received its first Lynx in October 1979.

38 // August 2020 #389 www.Key.Aero

 Flottille 34F
and the Lynx
Flottille 34F was created at Saint-Raphaël in
September 1974 to operate the dedicated anti-
submarine variant of the Alouette III equipped with
a magnetic anomaly detector and a Mk44 torpedo.
In January 1975, the unit transferred to Lanvéoc-
Poulmic where it has remained until today.
Thanks to the Alouette III, Flottille 34F gained valuable
experience in the ASW role. This was to prove decisive
in helping the unit transition to the Lynx – a much more
capable and complex platform. In October 1979, the first
Lynx was delivered to Flottille 34F which, by the end of the
year, was equipped with six Alouette IIIs and five Lynxes.
In July 1980, the squadron relinquished its final Alouette.
In 1990, Flottille 34F had 15 Lynxes at its
disposal for its seven detachments.
After the end of the Cold War and the ensuing cuts, the
number of flights soon started to diminish, with only five
remaining two years later. A progressive switch from pure
ASW to multi-role missions
was initiated. While Flottille
34F aircrews had focused
on convoy protection
against Soviet submarines
during the Cold War, they
progressively increased
the scope of missions to
include search and rescue,
maritime surveillance,
naval force protection,
pollution control and anti-
piracy, as part of a wider
maritime security concept.

Above left: Pilot and sensor operator look on as a

Mk46 lightweight ASW torpedo is released from Lynx
HAS4(FN) 807 (c/n 276). This older, US-made weapon
is now considered less than effective against the
most modern submarine threats, which are quieter,
faster and deeper-diving than their predecessors.
Left: After being delivered by the fast-roping method,
Commando Kieffer maritime counter-terrorist forces
secure the landing zone during an exercise. In recent
years, the Lynx has been increasingly used for naval
force protection, embargo enforcement, anti-piracy
and drug interdiction missions, which can involve the
movement of soldiers.
to its rigid rotor head, with a cruising speed of nearly everything has to be done manually on (CASEX). While on board a frigate, the Lynx
anything between 120 and 150 knots depending the Lynx as its autopilot is fairly basic. To give can be maintained at five-minute readiness,
on its configuration. Over recent years, French you a better idea, I consider the gap between with the crew strapped in the helicopter, or
Lynxes have suffered from the fact that their the Lynx and the Caïman is similar to that at 15-minute readiness, with the Lynx captain
tail rotor does not turn in the correct direction. between the Caravelle and the Airbus A320.” staying in the warship’s operations room to
When Westland offered us to switch from older keep an eye on the evolving tactical situation
metallic blades to the newer BERP [British ASW training and the co-pilot and sonar operator resting
Experimental Rotor Programme] composite main Flottille 34F aircrews devote around 30% of in the ready room. When required, the Lynx
rotor blades that provide increased performance their flight hours allocation to ASW training. can then take off to investigate a potential
and reduced maintenance requirements, the To hunt submarines, French Lynx helicopters submarine contact and confirm its heading,
navy only purchased one part of the kit for are fitted with the DUAV-4, a rather old but speed, depth and, if feasible, identity.
budgetary reasons: our Lynxes have therefore still effective dipping sonar. Its range is not When operating with the sonar in the water,
been fitted with the BERPs, but not with the very long compared with the latest airborne the Lynx will typically hover at anything between
improved reverse-direction tail rotor that turns in sonars, but it nevertheless remains excellent at 60 and 80ft (18-24m) above the surface,
the opposite direction from the one we have. As determining speeds and headings and its ability depending on weight and sea state. To facilitate
a result, the aircraft sometimes proves difficult to classify targets is outstanding thanks to good station keeping, the pilot can select a specific
to control in yaw. The problem is exacerbated by signal processing. This is a crucial advantage autopilot mode that will precisely maintain the
the fact that the Lynx only has a small vertical to confirm the presence of a submarine hover above the cable and the sonar dome.
tail – the Panther and the Dauphin are fitted prior to engaging it with a torpedo. Positive Crews first lower the sonar transducer to its
with a large vertical stabiliser effective enough identification of underwater targets remains a maximum operating depth in order to obtain
to aerodynamically oppose the torque generated challenging task due to the complexity of the a bathymetric profile of the sea. This allows
by the main rotor, but this is not the case on the marine environment – for example, a whale them to accurately predict sound propagation
Lynx. Moreover, the Lynx is not equipped with can produce a sonar return very close to that speeds relative to depth and to know where
modern aids for the pilots: while the Caïman is of a submarine under certain circumstances. the ‘hostile’ submarine is more likely to hide.
extremely comfortable and easy to fly due to Lynx aircrews train in realistic conditions Against a real submarine during a CASEX,
its advanced autopilot with countless modes, during combined anti-submarine exercises an expendable ESUS Mk84 underwater sound

www.Key.Aero #389 August 2020 // 39

Flottille 34F
Right: The view from the flight deck as a Lynx
approaches its home station. Despite its age, the
maritime Lynx is still prized as a ‘hot ship’ by its crews
– combining plenty of power with superb agility.
Below: The new-generation MU90 Impact torpedo is a
Franco-Italian design that became operational on the
Lynx in 2010. The weapon has been tailored to defeat
double-hulled, acoustically coated, deep-diving,
fast-evading submarines and is also carried by the
Atlantique 2 maritime patrol aircraft.

signal system is manually dropped from the for SAR missions are parked in a humidity- of these vessels will be withdrawn from use in
main cabin to inform the crew of the submarine controlled hangar with positive results. We are September, but will be equipped with a Lynx until
that has been ‘attacked’ by the Lynx. This confident the fleet will easily soldier on until mid- the end. The second warship will have to operate
system generates a coded acoustic signal easily 2020 because, in the course of the last depot- another type (Dauphin or Panther) because her
intercepted by the submarine’s listening devices. level inspections, modifications were made to platform and hangar are too tight for the Caïman.
ensure that the airframes could clock 8,000 flying This will lead to a sharp decline in her ASW
Maintaining the Lynx hours instead of the initially approved 7,000.” capabilities. Latouche-Tréville is expected to be
No fewer than 67 personnel are dedicated to For the French Navy, the Lynx is not unlike decommissioned in 2022. By then, all seven F70
the maintenance of Flottille 34F’s remaining five the Alouette III – an even more geriatric frigates will have been replaced by six Aquitaine-
Lynx rotorcraft. Lieutenant Cécile, the squadron’s rotorcraft. Lieutenant Arnaud, Flottille 34F’s class Frégates Multi-Missions (FREMMs).
senior engineering officer, explained: “A flight junior engineering officer, added: “We have The Lynx is a remarkable rotorcraft that has
deploying on board a frigate with a single decades of experience and we can solve all served the Marine Nationale faithfully. The
Lynx is usually supported by ten specialists: a the airframe problems that cyclically appear type will officially cease operational flying on
detachment chief, an engineer dual-qualified as a on the airframe. The Lynx is a very powerful August 3 and nearly all Flottille 34F personnel
rescue diver and two teams of four maintainers.” helicopter, with the main rotor inflicting a lot already know which unit they will be posted
Lynx maintenance is split into 25, 50, 150, of torque on the fuselage while the tail rotor to next. The unit will temporarily disband on
200 and 400-hour inspections, with additional also creates considerable lateral forces on the September 3, only to be recreated in January to
weekly and yearly checks, all carried out tail boom. As a result, we regularly discover operate the leased AS365N3 Dauphin IIs of the
at Lanvéoc-Poulmic at flottille or naval air cracks on the frame at the junction between the future Flotte Intérimaire d’Hélicoptères (Interim
station levels. At intervals of three and nine forward fuselage and the tail boom. Working Helicopter Fleet). To fill the gap between the
years, depot-level inspections are undertaken within Flottille 34F proves very instructive and Lynx and the Alouette III on one hand, and the
at Cuers-Pierrefeu, in the south of France. young maintainers straight from engineering future H160M Guépard on the other, the navy
At the time of writing, the last nine-year school are still being posted here so that they decided to field an interim fleet of helicopters
check, on Lynx 267, was about to conclude, gain invaluable experience in a frontline unit.” composed of leased Dauphins and civilian
and just one three-year check remained to H160 helicopters to gain experience on the
be performed before the closure of the Lynx Retirement brought forward type until the delivery of the first H160M to the
maintenance facility at Cuers-Pierrefeu. Like armed forces all around the world, the Marine Nationale in 2028. These H160s will
The Lynx has proved to be a very resilient Marine Nationale regularly conducts studies to supplant the NH90s used for SAR missions from
aircraft, but the type is now ageing, and some reassess its needs in order to balance financial Cherbourg and Lanvéoc-Poulmic, allowing the
recurring technical problems have surfaced over resources and operational capabilities. Hard Caïmans to focus on combat missions. Twelve
the last few years. “The Lynx easily handles choices sometimes have to be made, and the AS365N3s will be leased from Héli-Union
operations at sea and its airframe is very good at Lynx will pay the price, with its retirement and spread between Lanvéoc-Poulmic and
resisting corrosion,” Lieutenant Cécile continued. date brought forward from 2022 to 2020. Hyères in continental France, and the French
“Our main problem is that Leonardo [previously The Flottille 34F detachment at Hyères, in overseas territories of Martinique, Réunion, Tahiti
AgustaWestland, and before that Westland] has the south of France, was closed in 2018 when and New Caledonia, to replace the Lynx and
discontinued the production of some of the Lynx the navy decommissioned the frigate Jean de Alouette III. They could all be in service by 2023.
components and finding spares has become a Vienne. The Lynx’s primary purpose is to provide These helicopters will be cleared to operate
real challenge. For instance, we currently have airborne ASW capabilities to the F70 frigates from frigates and, as such, some could find
difficulties sourcing undercarriages. Avionics (Georges Leygues class), two of which remain themselves embarking on board the Latouche-
are old, and we suffer from a high number in service with the French Navy: La Motte- Tréville. The last Lynx mission will be carried out
of electrical connector issues. To increase Piquet (D645) and Latouche-Tréville (D646), on September 3, after which additional sorties
availability, our helicopters standing ready both shore-based in Brest, in Brittany. The first will deliver Lynxes to various museums. AFM

Outside Flottille 34F, the only other French Navy Lynx operator is the Centre d’Expérimentations Pratiques de l’Aéronautique naval that uses the helicopter for trials work. Here,
Lynx HAS2(FN) 273 (c/n 066) shares the ramp with a French Navy Caïman and Falcon 10MER, plus an MV-22B from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 263 (VMM-263).

40 // August 2020 #389 www.Key.Aero

 AIRCRAFT • PERSONNEL • SQUADRONS • MISSIONS • PROGRAMS
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Search &
Sahel air war Part Two

from the sky

M
irage 2000D and Mirage F1CR
jets of the Armée de l’Air (French (SAR),
Air Force) were already operating in a sensor
the Sahel region – in Chad – when France operator who
began its war against the jihadists under controls the MTS-B
Opération Serval in January 2013. In the (Multispectral Targeting
following months, all the fighters settled at System) optronic turret, a
Niamey air base in Niger, where Harfang data analyst and a tactical co-ordinator (an
unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) had started intelligence officer). Sensor operators are the targeting window
to arrive from the beginning of the operation. either NCOs or officers – the latter being only lasts a few minutes.
Today’s situation is the same, but different. pilots or weapons systems operators (WSO) French military tasking authorities
Opération Barkhane – the ongoing anti- coming from the Mirage 2000D community in N’Djamena (home to the Opération
insurgent operation in the area – was – while the data analyst is always an NCO. Barkhane HQ) and Ouagadougou (where the
launched on August 1, 2014, superseding The airman piloting the Reaper is a former pilot SOF HQ has been located since 2010) typically
Opération Serval. A year earlier, the Mirage with fighter, transport or helicopter experience. have only a short time to make a decision on
F1CR was retired from African operations. In the meantime, the Armée de l’Air has also whether to engage a target on the ground.
Currently, the Mirage 2000D retains the started training new Reaper pilots ab initio. UAVs, plus intelligence, surveillance and
same weapons (two GBU-12 or GBU-49 Both Mirage and Reaper teams spend reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft and fighters have
precision-guided bombs) and the same two months in Niamey before going home. been working on developing a co-operative
three targeting pods – the venerable optical Personnel can expect to deploy to the engagement capability (CEC) for some years, but
ATLIS developed in the 1970s, the infrared area a maximum of three times a year. new tactics and air-land integration management
PDLCT that was updated in the 1990s and The Mirage 2000D and Reaper are the primary was improved in the last months of 2019.
the infrared Damocles, originally devised for tools for waging war on the jihadists. The next Operational controllers and taskers have now
the United Arab Emirates Mirage 2000-9. most important offensive options are provided refined their way of working. This is an important
by special operations forces (SOF) teams and point, because the air war is co-ordinated from
Reaper revolution the French Army’s Tigre attack helicopter. the city of Lyon in France, thousands of miles
A big change – perhaps even a revolution – In the first four months of this year, around from the Sahel countries. A daily air tasking
came with the arrival of the highly capable 120 500lb (227kg) Mk82 bombs (fitted with order (ATO) is also produced in France and
MQ-9 Reaper UAV. The French defence ministry either GBU-12 or GBU-49 guidance kits) were received directly in Niamey and N’Djamena.
ordered four such systems in April 2013, via the launched by the fighters and UAVs. The Reaper
regular US Foreign Military Sales procedure, launched 40% of the weapons (50 GBU-12s) Modus operandi
and the first Block 1 was delivered eight months during this period. The new drone has rapidly Between one and three Mirage 2000 combat
later. A second Block 1 system (each includes carved a niche for itself as a strike asset. This air patrols (CAPs, of two aircraft each) can
three UAVs and two Ground Control Stations, capability was only attained last December – be flown. In contrast, the Reaper flies alone,
known in France as ‘cockpits’) was delivered adding weapons to the Reaper had been one and the Escadron de Drones 1/33 ‘Belfort’
soon afterwards. This January, France received of the first decisions taken by the then new can fly two missions simultaneously, since
its third system, a Block 5. The fourth is expected defence minister Florence Parly in June 2017. it has two Ground Control Stations. The
to follow as soon as COVID-19 will allow. With terror attacks escalating in Mali, Niger MQ-9 carries two to four GBU-12s – or
Currently, only three Block 1 Reaper aircraft and Burkina Faso, French President Emmanuel can fly without any weapons to increase
are working in Niamey, operated by six teams of Macron decided in November 2019 to intensify mission ‘playtime’ as an ISR asset.
four airmen. The four crew comprise a pilot who the hunt for the enemy. The jihadists have a Mirage CAPs and Reapers can also combine
also deals with the synthetic aperture radar ghost-like presence in the region; sometimes, their strengths. The Reaper offers much greater

42 // August 2020 #389 www.Key.Aero

& destroy
French fighters have been active in the skies over Africa
for many years. In the second part of his report from the
Sahel, Jean-Marc Tanguy investigates the work of the
Armée de l’Air’s strike force at Niamey in Niger.

Above: A Mirage 2000D can fly for up to two hours

on a combination of internal and external fuel (drop
tanks), before needing to top up from a tanker. Mirage
2000D 660 ‘3-JF’ carries the SPA 48 cockerel insignia
of Escadron de Transformation 4/3 ‘Argonne’, the
Mirage 2000D operational conversion unit. Left: The
French Air Force Reaper often flies with two GBU-12
laser-guided bombs, but can also operate with four if
required. The Hellfire missile will be qualified on the
drone in a few months, followed by the GBU-49 before
the end of the year. Below: A very rare Damocles
targeting pod. The air force doesn’t have enough of
these advanced pods and most are reserved for the
Rafale fleet. All photos Jean-Marc Tanguy

www.Key.Aero #389 August 2020 // 43

Sahel air war Part Two

1 2
time on station and the team on the ground Terminal Attack Controllers (JTACs) belonging tactical software and databases to confirm the
only have to be replaced by new crews every to French Army artillery regiments, and from target is not included on a ‘no-strike’ list and to
six hours; it can also co-ordinate other assets the Commandos Parachutistes de l’Air (CPA, a ensure that the chosen ammunition won’t also
as an on-scene commander. Meanwhile, a French equivalent to the RAF Regiment, now harm civilians or allied troops. The same kinds
Mirage CAP has to refuel at least three or four integrated within the French SOF command). of tools are also available to the Reaper team.
times during a long-duration sortie. The Reaper They exchange tactical information using a ‘nine-
has excellent sensors – especially the MTS-B line’ – a formatted document that provides the Troops in contact
optronic turret – compared to the targeting primary information to find friends and foes. Different types of air missions can be managed.
pods carried by the Mirages. While the Mirages The CPA also provides digitally aided close air For example, a quick reaction alert (QRA)
fly with two human brains inside, the Reaper support (DACAS) using compact computers Mirage 2000D can be scrambled if a troops-in-
has four, but they are all on the ground. and radios to exchange information quickly contact (TIC) situation is declared somewhere
UAVs and fighters provide a comprehensive with the fighters. Inside the Mirage 2000D, the in the region. One such mission occurred
view of the situation below with the help of Joint weapons systems operator in the back seat uses on October 4, 2017, when an American SOF-
led patrol was ambushed in Tongo Tongo,
French search and destroy assets (excluding SOF) Niger. Five Nigeriens and four US soldiers
Base/assets No. of a/c Crews Operating units Weapons were killed and eight Nigeriens and two US
Niamey, Niger
soldiers including the team commander were
wounded. It took a long time to transmit the
Mirage 2000D 7 9 3e Escadre de Chasse 2 GBU-12/49
alert because the patrol was under heavy fire
Reaper Block 1 3 6 Escadron de Drones 1/33 ‘Belfort’ 2-4 GBU-12
and since few of the relevant authorities had
ATL 2 1 1 Flottilles 21F/23F 2-4 GBU-12/51/58
been informed of the US activity, allegedly.
Gabriel 0-1 1 Escadron Électronique Aéroporté 1/54 ‘Dunkerque’ none Eventually, a Nigerien Gazelle was scrambled,
C-135FR 2 3
31ème Escadre Aérienne de Ravitaillement et de
none along with two French Mirage 2000s – one
Transport Stratégiques single-seat Mirage 2000C and a two-seat
Gao, Mali 2000D – all taking off from Niamey. A French
Tigre 5 5 5e/1er Régiments d’Hélicoptères de Combat
30mm gun, unguided ISR aircraft was also airborne and was tasked
rockets, Hellfire to provide intelligence support from the air to
1-2 HOT missiles, try to understand what was happening below.
Gazelle 4 4 1er/3e/5e Régiments d’Hélicoptères de Combat
sniper, M134 Minigun*
No radio contact was possible with the forces
In all Sahel countries on the ground, so the Mirage 2000D was only
ISR aircraft 6+ 6
CAE Aviation/Direction du Renseignement Militaire/ * For SOF-operated able to proceed with ‘shows of force’ – it flew four
Direction Générale de la Sécurité Extérieure aircraft only. in total. In the meantime, helicopters from Gao

44 // August 2020 #389 www.Key.Aero

 3
were also scrambled to bring in reinforcements a particular area. In a short time, a first clue can -51 and -58. Some bombs were dropped by the
and begin the medical evacuation (medevac) lead to new information being uncovered, as ATL 2 over Iraq, but it’s not known if this has
of the injured US and Nigerien soldiers. the Reaper teams help build up a picture of the occurred in Africa. Each ATL 2 flies with 14 people
Most Mirage missions start with a pre- situation on the ground. Now, armed with GBU- on board, some of them watching outside with
planned task, such as escorting a convoy, or 12s, the French Reapers can destroy targets goggles and digital cameras. The ATL 2 has a
providing ISR to a JTAC working in the field. themselves. In the months to come, the UAV satellite communications (SATCOM) system, so
Training local JTACs is also a top priority for will also add the GBU-49 and Hellfire missile it can send relevant images one by one – the
Barkhane and consumes many flight hours. to its armoury. The Hellfire is expected to arrive transmission rate isn’t enough to transmit live
The Malian JTACs are designated as Guetteur first, followed by GBU-49 at the end of the year, imagery. Each ATL 2 can also fly with an airborne
Aérien Tactique Avancé (GATA), essentially a but delays have occurred due to COVID-19. The JTAC to help co-ordinate an allied composite air
specialist for emergency close air support. The MTS-B can also designate targets for other air operation. The Reaper also regularly assumes
GATA will report the locations of friendly and assets armed with laser-guided weapons. this on-scene commander (OSC) capability, due
enemy forces, using coloured smoke or a piece All the Reaper engagements can be co-ordinated to its ability to fly longer than the jets, without
of glass to indicate their own position. GATAs from Niamey, Cognac (the Reaper base in France) having to come off station in order to refuel.
have been instructed in the armies of Mali and and Paris, where the SOF command is based.
Burkina Faso in the last five years and have Death of an AQMI leader
seen intensive combat in the last few months. Atlantique in the Sahel Last June 3, SOF and a single Reaper combined
Mirage 2000Ds are often re-tasked in flight Another asset that can also deliver kinetic to precisely locate Abdelmalek Droukdel, leader
to support urgent needs: typically, their ATO effects is the unique Atlantique 2 operated of al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQMI).
will call for a convoy escort and, once airborne, by the Marine Nationale (French Navy). This The terrorist had been followed over at least
the jets will then be requested to help an allied aircraft has been deployed in Niger since the previous 48 hours by ISR assets apparently
base under attack. The Mirage 2000D is also 2010. Originally, it was used as an intelligence belonging to United States Africa Command.
involved in SOF support. SOF often operate asset, in order to find French hostages. One The Reaper used a GBU-12 to hit the 4x4
in small teams and the speed advantage of was involved in an attempt to release two vehicle carrying the AQMI leader together
the Mirage can deliver a quick response. A hostages in January 2011. The ATL 2 found with his propaganda chiefs and three other
SOF team can call for support if attacked by their location, but sadly two young hostages militants. Only one survived the subsequent
jihadists or to destroy a jihadist group with were killed during the rescue operation led by hour-long battle with SOF commandos and
more fighters than it can take on alone. French SOF and three Cougar helicopters. helicopters. At least two Cougars, one Tigre
The Reaper concept of operations is mainly Subsequently, three ATL 2s were modified with and two Gazelles (one with an M134 Minigun
focused on tactical ‘boxes’ – their ATOs tend to an MX-20 optronic turret under the rear section and another with a sniper) were involved in the
be focussed on high-value targets. The drones of the fuselage. All were given the ability to fly operation. It was a major victory for France after
may be tasked to fly over a suspect vehicle or with up to four GBUs, comprising the GBU-12, years of battling jihadists in the Sahel. AFM

5
1: With a reduced operational requirement to counter so-called Islamic State in the Middle East, the French Navy is
able to provide a single ATL 2 maritime patrol aircraft to support African missions. 2: Using full afterburner from its
SNECMA M53-P2 engine, Mirage 2000D 660 ‘3-JF’ takes off from Niamey. Mirage crew take special measures
to avoid potential hostile fire from the ground. 3: A total of 83 GBU-12 laser-guided bombs were launched
over the Sahel region in 2019, whereas at least 120 have already been dropped in 2020, 70 of them by Mirage
2000Ds. 4: The mechanic completes final checks on Mirage 2000D 660 ‘3-JF’ after it leaves its ‘astro arch’
aircraft shelter at Niamey. 5: The Mirage 2000D is operated by a pilot (left) and a weapons systems operator in
the rear. All unit patches, names and other identifiers are removed from the flying suits for combat operations.

www.Key.Aero #389 August 2020 // 45

NEWS Special

Royal
Squadron
rescuer
Thomas Newdick discovers how the RAF adapted one of its
BAe 146 C3 transports for medical use in record time.
forces in Afghanistan.
R
Above: Flight crew in the AF BAe 146 C3 ZE708 BAe 146-200 Quick Change
cockpit of BAe 146 C3 ZE708. – one of two such aircraft to fulfil the UOR. A The CSAT fleet also operates
In the co-pilot’s seat is No 32 transport aircraft £3.91m contract for the two two VIP-configured BAe 146
(TR) Squadron commander, operated by No 32 (The civilian-specification aircraft CC2s and a single AW109SP
Wg Cdr Delia Chadwick. In Royal) Squadron at RAF (built in 1991 and 1993) was GrandNew. While only ZE708
response to coronavirus, the Northolt in west London – awarded to TNT Airways in has been modified for its new
squadron has been divided has been adapted to carry February 2012. Subsequently, role, the second C3, serial
into two teams to help reduce medical patients in record in June 2012, BAE Systems ZE707, can be adapted using
the chance of infection. Thomas time and at no cost, as part was awarded a £15.5m the same roll-on/roll-off kit.
Newdick Right: Thomas Newdick
of the UK Armed Forces contract to convert the aircraft
response to the coronavirus to military specification. On Joint effort
pandemic. Work to modify February 7, 2013 one of the Wg Cdr Jo Bland, the Officer
ZE708 to transport critically aircraft performed its first Commanding Tactical Medical
ill patients was completed flight following conversion Wing (TMW) described
in just two months. at BAE Systems’ Hawarden conversion of the aircraft as
The squadron’s pair of BAe facility and the first aircraft “an amazing achievement,
146 C3s was acquired for the was delivered to RAF Northolt bringing together 32 (TR)
RAF’s Command Support on February 28, 2013, followed Squadron’s residual capacity,
Air Transport (CSAT) fleet by the second on March Tactical Medical Wing’s
under an Urgent Operational 15 that year. Both aircraft aeromedical evacuation
Requirement (UOR). In were declared as having capability and the design,
December 2011 the Ministry of been officially released to production and engineering
Defence issued a tender, with service in mid-April 2013 skills of Joint Air Delivery Test
the potential value of £6m, and were then used to assist & Evaluation Unit [JADTEU].”
covering procurement of two with the drawdown of UK Wg Cdr Bland pointed to

46 // August 2020 #389 www.Key.Aero

 airforcesintel.com

the Astra programme that AFM’s visit to Brize Norton on

aims to encourage innovation June 16, ZE708 was yet to be
across the RAF. “This project used to transport a stretcher
embodies the very spirit of patient but had been used
Astra; using existing military for trials – including at East
aircraft in a dual-hatted role Midlands Airport – and
and optimising use of key had completed movements
Defence assets. TMW have of ‘walking wounded’.
never delivered aeromed on While there’s clearly an
the BAe 146 in this manner aspiration to employ the
before and it has been aeromed BAe 146 beyond
achieved at zero cost and in the current COVID-19 crisis,
record time by smart use of the future of the type is
pre-existing, available assets.” otherwise uncertain. In
Personnel from TMW and March 2018 BAE Systems
No 32 (TR) Squadron only was awarded a four-year,
began to look at the options £42m contract from the
for using the BAe 146 for MOD to support the fleet of
The stretcher patient is generally unloaded from the
aeromed missions on April 1 aircraft using an ambulift – a vehicle equipped with a flat four BAe 146 aircraft. Plans
before devising a plan to add platform on a scissor-lift that ensures a higher degree of to dispose of these aircraft
stretcher stanchions from comfort during embarkation/disembarkation. From there, emerged during the Defence
the Voyager affixed to pallet they will be moved to an ambulance. and Security Equipment
flooring inside the aircraft. International (DSEI) trade fair
The engineering task was Our core business is the Defence stakeholders.” Globemaster III and Voyager in London last September,
passed to JADTEU at RAF conduct of operational These included the Queen’s are all able to transport when a brochure distributed
Brize Norton who quickly trials and evaluation for Colour Squadron, Defence patients and medical by the UK Government’s
designed and produced the delivery of personnel, Equipment and Support personnel, as are Puma Defence Equipment Sales
a cleared and serviceable equipment and materiel by (DE&S), the release to and Chinook helicopters. Authority (DESA) offered
solution. Within a fortnight air, but it was particularly service authority (RTSA), However, the addition of them for sale. Earlier this
the adaptation was ready gratifying in this instance and industry partners BAE the BAe 146 allows greater year the government
for prototype trials which to be able to design, test Systems and Serco. Wg Cdr flexibility, as Wg Cdr Bland confirmed it was looking
determined the modifications and manufacture a solution Chadwick – a former RAF explained: “The advantage of at possible replacements.
were suitable for all types of so quickly in support Voyager flight commander the BAe 146 is that it can land In a January 16 written
aeromed, including use by the of Defence’s medical who had only been on her at airports where Voyager response to a question in
Critical Care Air Support Team. transportation capability.” current squadron for around can’t, due to its smaller size parliament, the Parliamentary
Following some crew Wg Cdr Delia Chadwick, two months – continued: and footprint. It suits our Under-Secretary of State
training, the BAe 146 was Officer Commanding No 32 “Development of the CSAT purposes brilliantly for short for Defence Procurement,
declared available in its new (TR) Squadron said: “This BAe 146 capability has added hops which can be completed James Heappey, stated: “The
role around two months project is an exemplar of further breadth to what the at less cost and with less current fleet of four BAe
after the initial request. what Defence can achieve Air Mobility Force can offer impact on the environment.” 146 aircraft is planned to be
Lt Col Sam Allinson, in a short space of time to Defence and will enable And while the BAe 146 can retired from service on March
JADTEU Commanding when the operational need more efficient use of a limited only carry a single critical 31, 2022. Replacements are
Officer said: “It came as exists. It has required pool of assets as a result.” stretcher patient, it offers currently under consideration
no surprise to me that the close collaboration and medical staff much more as part of normal capability
JADTEU team rose to this co-ordination, not only Niche aeromed cabin room than a helicopter, planning.” The parliamentary
challenge so professionally; between SMEs from my asset providing all-round access, reply given by Heappey
they are a superb team of team on 32 (TR) Squadron, The RAF already possesses while relieving the demand gives no clue as to what
experts drawn from across JADTEU and TMW, but a significant aeromed on bigger fixed-wing options are being considered
the military and Civil Service. a number of other key capability. The Atlas, Hercules, transports. At the time of for the replacement. AFM

Above: A patient will normally be accompanied by a five-person medical team. This would usually
comprise a consultant anaesthetist, two critical care nurses, an RAF medic/equipment expert and
a medical technician familiar with civilian equipment.
Left: The RAF’s two BAe 146 C3s were procured to support the drawdown of Operation Herrick in
Afghanistan. Prior to the COVID-19 crisis they were mainly being used to transport civil servants
around Europe as part of Brexit negotiations. All photos Crown Copyright unless stated

www.Key.Aero #389 August 2020 // 47

Long-Range Aviation

strategic
Russia’s

Together with intercontinental ballistic missiles based on land and

aboard submarines, strategic bombers form part of the nuclear triad. For
Russia, they comprise the most important component of the air force. In
the first of a two-part analysis, Piotr Butowski assesses the potential of
Russia’s long-range bomber fleet.

I
n March and April, this article – is not unusual and Kazan plant produced six Tu-160s, which were
Russian Tu-95MS Bear-H was routine during the Cold War. then allocated to the 121st Heavy Bomber
and Tu-160 Blackjack Immediately after the collapse of the Aviation Regiment (121 TBAP) at Engels. Then
strategic bombers (as well as USSR, the intensity of such missions the production rate slowed down considerably,
naval Tu-142 Bear-F and Bear-J dropped significantly; Russia simply and the next Tu-160s were only completed in
aircraft) performed an extensive had neither the aircraft nor the money. 1999 (8-02, the second aircraft of the eighth
series of long-distance flights. Flying In 1991, the Soviet Union operated 19 production series), 2006 (8-03) and 2017 (8-04).
in pairs, these ‘heavies’ visited the Atlantic Tu-160 and 86 Tu-95MS strategic bombers (as A quicker method of acquiring aircraft
– venturing south as far as the coast of Spain – well as a number of older Tu-95 versions, which was to buy them back from Kazakhstan
and the Pacific, approaching Alaska and Japan. were soon scrapped). But their disposition and Ukraine. With regards to Kazakhstan,
Russia considers its nuclear deterrent was very problematic. All 19 Tu-160 and 24 it was straightforward: in 1993-94, all
as a single guarantor of security. In the Tu-95MS aircraft were stationed at Pryluky and 40 Kazakh Tu-95MS bombers were
opinion of many Russians, without nuclear Uzin air bases in Ukraine; another 40 Tu-95MS transferred to Ukrainka (Seryshevo) in the
weapons the country would be immediately bombers were at Semipalatinsk in Kazakhstan. far east of Russia; in return, Kazakhstan
attacked by NATO, which would take away Only 22 Tu-95MS bombers remained in Russia received tactical aircraft from Russia.
its vital oil and gas reserves. The task of after the collapse of the USSR – at Mozdok air The agreement with Ukraine proved to be
strategic aviation in the event of a conflict base in Northern Ossetia, where the volatile much more problematic. Several rounds of
is to attack the most important targets local situation was also cause for concern. Russian-Ukrainian negotiations took place,
deep in the enemy’s territory by means of In subsequent years, Russia gradually rebuilt in which the bone of contention was money.
nuclear or conventional cruise missiles. its strategic aircraft fleet. Production of the Finally, in April 1998, when negotiations
Tu-95MS at the plant in Samara and the Tu-160 failed, Ukraine decided to scrap these
Distant patrolling at the facility in Kazan continued, but the aircraft. On January 14, 1999, the first Tu-160
In peacetime, Russia uses its strategic bombers budget was shrinking. In May 1992, production was symbolically quartered at Pryluky.
as a power-projection tool. Patrolling remote of the Tu-95MS ended and all efforts were The situation changed in April 1999, when
waters – the scenario with which we began concentrated on the Tu-160. In 1992-95, the the influence of NATO’s bombing campaign

48 // August 2020 #389 www.Key.Aero

c warriors
Part one

Above: A Tu-95MS approaches the tanker. Note the external pylons here carrying a reduced load of cruise missiles. The four underwing hardpoints can each take a pair
of new-generation nuclear Kh-102 or conventional Kh-101 cruise missiles on AKU-5M launchers. These weapons can’t be accommodated internally, as they are too big
for the existing bomb bay. Evgeniy Kazennov Inset: Lieutenant General Sergey Kobylash has served as chief of Russia’s Long-Range Aviation since September 2016. Piotr
Butowski Top: Nightshift: Tu-22M3 ‘26 Red’/RF-94143 warms up its engines before taking off for a nocturnal sortie. This example – understood to have undergone the
SVP-24-22 avionics upgrade for more accurate navigation and freefall bombing – was reportedly scrapped last year. All photos Artyom Anikeev unless stated

www.Key.Aero #389 August 2020 // 49

Long-Range Aviation

1
in Yugoslavia led to Russia resuming talks average pilot’s flight Russian bombers flew 48 long-distance
with Ukraine. At a meeting in Yalta on October time was 21 hours patrol flights. On July 23 last year, for the first
6, 1999, Ukraine agreed to hand over to per year. But even time in history, a pair of Tu-95MS aircraft
Russia the eight Tu-160s in the best technical then, Russian bombers conducted a joint patrol flight over the Sea
condition, as well as three Tu-95MS bombers occasionally ventured of Japan with two Chinese H-6K bombers.
(the only three Bears in Ukraine that had the into distant regions. In June During a long-distance flight, the bombers
modern Sprut missile initialisation and launch 1999, a pair of Tu-95MS bombers completed replenish their fuel from Il-78M Midas
system), plus 575 Kh-55SM cruise missiles, a 15-hour flight from Engels to Iceland during tankers. On occasions, A-50 Mainstay
in exchange for US$285m deducted from the Zapad-99 exercise. Another pair of Tu-160s early warning aircraft are involved in the
Ukraine’s Russian gas debt. On November 5, flew along the coast of Norway. On the way operation; sometimes, the bombers are
1999, the first two ex-Ukrainian bombers were back, one aircraft from each pair fired a Kh-55 accompanied by Flanker or Foxhound
officially welcomed at Engels. The purchase missile at a training ground on the Caspian fighters on the initial sections of the route.
of eight Blackjacks from Ukraine completely Sea. In September the same year, two pairs of If the Russian aircraft get too close to another
changed the status of the Tu-160 in the Tu-95MS – using the ‘forward airfields’ at Anadyr country’s coast, they will be intercepted by their
Russian Air Force. Six bombers were only and Tiksi – approached the shores of Canada. respective fighters. This is often an opportunity
capable of performing propaganda functions, Distant patrolling became routine again in for operational debuts of new Western fighters.
but with 14 aircraft, Russia could rethink their the new millennium. There was particularly The RAF’s Typhoon F2 made its first live intercept
operational use and further development. intense activity in 2007, when strategic on August 17, 2007 when two examples from
Russian strategic aviation saw very limited bombers made 70-80 such missions. In 2019, No XI (Fighter) Squadron at RAF Coningsby,
activity in the 1990s; in the worst year – 1999 – the according to defence minister Sergei Shoigu, Lincolnshire, shadowed a Tu-95MS for the first

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50 // August 2020 #389 www.Key.Aero

time. At the other end of the world, near Alaska,
on November 22, 2007, F-22As from Elmendorf
Air Force Base shadowed two Tu-95MS bombers,
in the first such intercept for the Raptor. More
recently, on March 7 this year, Russian aircraft
(not bombers, but a pair of Tu-142 maritime
patrol aircraft) were intercepted for the first
time by Royal Norwegian Air Force F-35As.
Sometimes, Russian strategic bombers pay
visits to friendly countries. The most ‘exotic’ recent
international visits were those of two Tu-160s
to Air Force Base Waterkloof in South Africa in
October last year, and of two Tu-95MS bombers to
Frans Kaisiepo Airport in Indonesia in December
2017. In December 2018 (and again in 2008 and
2013) a pair of Blackjacks visited Venezuela.
The introduction of non-nuclear cruise missiles
– to be covered in more depth in the second
part of this article – has made it possible to use
2
Tu-95MS and Tu-160 aircraft in real warfare.
This happened for the first time in November Long-Range Aviation Command
2015 over Syria. According to the Ministry of
HQ: Moscow
Defence of the Russian Federation, during a
four-day operation from November 17 to 20, Formation Unit HQ/location Inventory
Tu-95s flew six sorties and Tu-160s flew ten (in 22 TBAD Engels
addition to 96 sorties by Backfires), launching 121 TBAP Engels Tu-160 (1 sqn), Tu-95MS (1 sqn)
48 Kh-101 and 35 Kh-555 cruise missiles. The 52 TBAP Shaykovka Tu-22M3 (2 sqn)
bombers flew to their targets from Engels, over 40 SAP Vysokiy (Olenyegorsk) Tu-22M3 (1 sqn), transports (1 sqn)
the Caspian Sea, and launched their weapons 326 TBAD Ukrainka (Seryshevo)
over Iranian territory, close to the Iraqi border. 182 TBAP Ukrainka (Seryshevo) Tu-95MS (3 sqn)
The exception was the mission conducted on
200 TBAP Belaya near Irkutsk Tu-22M3 (2 sqn), An-30 (1 det)
November 20, 2015 when two Tu-160s took off
203 OAP SZ Dyagilevo (Ryazan) Il-78/Il-78M (2 sqn)
from Olenyegorsk base in northern Russia, flew
round Norway and the British Isles, entered 43 TsBP PLS DA Dyagilevo (Ryazan) Tu-22M3, Tu-95MS, Tu-134UBL, An-26
the Mediterranean Sea via Gibraltar and flew 27 SAP Tambov Tu-134 and An-26 trainers, transports
over the entire Mediterranean to launch eight Abbreviations
Kh-555 missiles against targets in Syria. Then, Otdelnyi aviatsionnyi polk samolotov
OAP SZ Independent Tanker Aviation Regiment
flying over Syria, Iraq, Iran and the Caspian Sea, zapravshchikov
they returned to their home base at Engels; the SAP Smeshannyi aviatsionnyi polk Composite Aviation Regiment
route covered more than 7,019nm (13,000km). Tyazholaya bombardirovochnaya
TBAD Heavy Bomber Aviation Division
aviatsionnaya diviziya
Long-Range Aviation’s Tyazholyi bombardirovochnyi aviatsionnyi
order of battle TBAP
polk
Heavy Bomber Aviation Regiment

The Russian Dalnyaya Aviatsiya (DA, Long- Tsentr boyevoy podgotovki i

Combat Training and Flight Crew Conversion
Range Aviation) is directly subordinated TsBP PLS DA pereuchivaniya lyotnogo sostava Dalney
Centre of Long-Range Aviation
to the Supreme Command of the Armed aviatsii

1: Tu-160 ‘11 Red’/RF-94114 ‘Vasiliy Senko’ takes part in an aerial refuelling exercise. Surprisingly, the ‘Blackjack’ was only formally commissioned into service on
December 30, 2005; although the bombers had been operated by Soviet and Russian air arms from 1987, this was officially considered a trial. 2: A Tu-22M3 cruises
above the cloud. In Russia the Tu-22M is classed as a long-range bomber, in contrast to the Tu-160 and Tu-95 strategic bombers. In line with 1980 treaty restrictions, the
Tu-22M’s refuelling probe was removed; while it can, in theory, be reinstated, this is a complex undertaking. Evgeniy Kazennov 3: Taxiing for take-off, Tu-160 ‘08 Red’/RF-
94115 ‘Vitaliy Kopylov’ was taking part in a routine training sortie. This bomber was one of the eight ex-Ukrainian examples and arrived at Engels on April 29, 2008. 4:
One of the 200 TBAP ‘Backfires’ that was briefly deployed to Hamedan air base in Iran in August 2016, for operations over Syria, Tu-22M3 ‘42 Red’/RF-34038 launches
here from its base at Belaya in Russia. Evgeniy Kazennov

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Long-Range Aviation

from the 62nd Long-Range Aviation Division

formed in March 1942 at Dyagilevo (Ryazan).
From the end of World War Two until the
demise of the USSR, it was stationed in Belarus
and had three regiments – the 200 TBAP, 121
TBAP and 203 TBAP – with Tu-22 Blinder
bombers. In 1992, the division moved to Russia:
the division’s headquarters and the 121st and
203rd regiments relocated to Engels, while the
200 TBAP switched to Belaya air base near
Lake Baikal. In 1994, the 22nd was dismantled,
but after three years, in 1997, its number, banner
and titles were transferred to the 201 TBAD
in Engels. The 201 TBAD had been formed at
Engels in 1954 with M-4 and 3M Bison bombers,
which were converted into tankers towards
the end of their lives. In 2010, the 22 TBAD was
transformed into the 6950th Air Base, and in
2015 it was re-established as the 22 TBAD. The
division received the Guards title on September
18, 1943; this date is now marked as the 22nd
Guards Heavy Bomber Aviation Division day.
Its commander is Colonel Oleg Pchela.
All the division’s strategic bombers are based
at Engels and are organised in the 121 TBAP,
which began its history in 1940. Between
1952 and 1994, the regiment was stationed
at Machulishchi in Belarus and operated
B-25 Mitchell, Tu-4, Tu-16 and Tu-22 aircraft,
1 in that order. In 1994, the regiment – minus
Forces and is managed by Long-Range was a significant surprise at the time. its aircraft, which were scrapped – moved
Aviation Command based in Moscow. Since Long-Range Aviation has two almost to Engels in Russia, where it took over the
September 16, 2016, it has been commanded symmetrical aviation divisions, the 22 TBAD equipment (including the first Tu-160s) and
by Lieutenant General Sergey Kobylash. A headquartered at Engels in the European part personnel of the 1096 TBAP. The 1096 TBAP
former Su-25 pilot and commander of the 368th of Russia, and the 326 TBAD headquartered had existed at Engels since 1954, but didn’t
Attack Aviation Regiment in Budyonnovsk, at Ukrainka in the Asian part. Each division have the historic traditions of the 121 TBAP.
Kobylash’s appointment as a non-DA officer has one strategic bomber regiment and Another regiment stationed until recently
one or two long-range bomber regiments; in Engels was the 184 TBAP created in 2000
Russia’s Long-Range Aviation, in Russian terminology the Tu-160 and using Tu-95MS bombers transferred to Engels
estimated numerical strength Tu-95 are classified as strategic bombers from Mozdok air base. In 2009, both regiments
while Tu-22Ms are long-range bombers. – the 121st and 184th – were transformed into
Tu-22M3 (60), Tu-95MS (50),
Heavy bombers
Tu-160 (17) aviation groups of the 6950th Air Base. In 2015,
Tankers Il-78/Il-78M (18)
22 TBAD in Europe when Russia converted its air bases back into
The assignment of unit traditions within the divisions and regiments, only one regiment, the
Photogrammetric
aircraft
An-30B (3) Russian air arm is highly arbitrary. Throughout 121 TBAP, was reconfigured. It incorporated all
each unit’s history, subordinations and the bombers based in Engels and now has one
Trainers An-26 (5), Tu-134 (10)
locations have repeatedly changed – as, on Tu-160 squadron and one Tu-95MS squadron.
An-12 (5), An-26 (5), Mi-8 (5),
Transports
Mi-26 (4)
occasion, have their roles. Often, the units There is a long-range aviation museum
have been divided and merged with others. at Engels air base, unfortunately not
Only aircraft in service are counted.
The ‘European’ 22 TBAD derives its history open to the public. The most interesting

1: A Tu-22M3 tucks up its undercarriage after take-off: each of the two Kuznetsov NK-25 turbofans develops 55,115lb st of thrust with afterburning. Note the two BD-45K
pylons under the fixed wing gloves, for carriage of the Kh-22/Kh-32 cruise missile. 2: Up close and personal with a Tu-95MS performing mock aerial refuelling during
a Victory Day parade rehearsal. The bomber’s range with a single inflight refuelling is 8,761 miles, compared with 4,039 miles unrefuelled, and with a full load of six
internal and ten external cruise missiles. 3: Returning to the tarmac after last year’s Victory Day parade, this is Tu-95MS ‘61 Red’/RF-94187. This was the reserve aircraft
for the flypast and was involved in the May 9 celebrations for the first time. 4: Tu-95MS ‘16 Red’/RF-94124 ‘Veliki Novogorod’. This aircraft has since been upgraded to M1
standard, which involves replacing some secondary equipment, including the satellite navigation receiver, VHF omnidirectional range/instrument landing system, short-
range radio navigation system and automatic direction finder. Evgeniy Kazennov

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2
exhibits are the Tu-22K-22 Bear-G 326 TBAD in Asia Currently, the division has two regiments, one
strategic bomber, as well as a Kh-20 (AS-3 The ‘Asian’ 326 TBAD was formed on October with the Tu-95MS and one with the Tu-22M3.
Kangaroo) heavy air-to-surface missile. 10, 1943 in Ukraine. In June 1945, when the war The 182 TBAP is stationed in Ukrainka,
There are also two Tu-22M Backfire regiments in Europe was over, the division moved to the together with the division headquarters. The
in Europe. The 52 TBAP was formed in 1944; Far East, to Mongolia, and, after the surrender unit derives its traditions from the 18th Long-
it has been stationed at Shaykovka since 1959 of Japan, to Sakhalin. In 1951, the division Range Bomber Regiment established in
and has been flying Tu-22Ms since 1982. In returned to Europe, first to Machulishchi in Serpukhov in 1943 with Il-4 bombers. After
2010, the unit took over Tu-22M3 bombers from Belarus, then Soltsy in Russia, and, from 1959, World War Two, the regiment was stationed
the dissolved 840 TBAP at Soltsy. Another Tartu in Estonia. After the collapse of the USSR, at Nezhin in Belarus, and then at Pryluky,
Backfire unit, the 40 SAP at Vysokiy airfield in 1992 the division staff moved from Estonia Ukraine; it operated Tu-4 bombers, followed
near Olenyegorsk joined Long-Range Aviation to Soltsy in Russia, and in 1998 to Ukrainka from 1955 by Tu-16s. In 1962, the 18th was
on April 1, 2011; previously, it was the 924th (Seryshevo) in Russia’s Far East, where it disbanded, but a month later its staff formed
Naval Missile-Carrying Aviation Regiment that remains to this day. In 2009, the division was a new unit with new Tu-95K strategic missile
was part of the navy. It was established in 1938 re-formed into the 6952nd Air Base, and in carriers at Mozdok air base. The regiment
and has been stationed in Olenyegorsk since 2015 it was reconstituted as the 326 TBAD. The took over all 18 BAP titles, but also received
1965. From the 1950s it flew Tu-16s followed division has the Guards title, although this was a new number and became the 182 TBAP.
from 1988 by Tu-22M3s. The regiment is taken over in the course of the reorganisation In 1998, when Mozdok was judged unsafe
termed ‘composite’ because it also includes of one of its regiments, the 182 TBAP, when due to its proximity to the turbulent North
transport aircraft and helicopters (including it was disbanded in 2009. The division’s Caucasus region, the 182 TBAP’s Tu-95MS
heavy Mi-26s) serving bases in the Arctic. commander is Colonel Andrey Malyshev. aircraft were relocated to Engels, where they

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Long-Range Aviation

1
formed the new 184 TBAP in 2000. In turn, changed to 200 in 1946. After the war, the previous 200 TBAP name. The regiment also
the staff from Mozdok moved to Ukrainka, regiment was stationed at Bobruisk, Belarus; it has a detachment of photogrammetric An-30B
where they joined the local 40 TBAP with first flew B-25 Mitchells, replaced by Tu-4s in Clank aircraft; in the past it was a separate
Tu-95MS aircraft previously removed from 1949, followed by Tu-16s (1955) and Tu-22M3s unit, the 181st Independent Aviation Squadron,
Kazakhstan; the combined unit was given the (1986). After the collapse of the USSR, the but currently only a few aircraft remain.
number and traditions of the 182 TBAP. One regiment was moved to Belaya in 1994. There,
more regiment, the 79 TBAP, was stationed the 200 TBAP subsequently absorbed aircraft Forward airfields
at Ukrainka, also with Tu-95MS aircraft. In and personnel of several dissolved Tu-22M Russian strategic bombers are stationed
2009, the 79th and 182nd regiments were bomber units: the 1225 TBAP and 1229 TBAP at Engels and Ukrainka air bases, located
transformed into aviation groups of the from Belaya in 1998, and the 444 TBAP from near the country’s southern borders. For
6952nd Air Base. In December 2015, only one Vozdvizhenka in 2009. In 2011, the unit also this reason, to make a strike in the north
regiment, the 182nd, was restored at Ukrainka, included a squadron of Tu-22M3s previously (for example, against the US, flying via the
incorporating all the base’s Tu-95MS bombers. belonging to the 568th Regiment of Naval North Pole) they need so-called forward
Tu-22M3s in Asia are stationed at Belaya Missile Carriers in Mongokhto. In the years of airfields, which began to be created in the
airfield near Irkutsk. The 200 TBAP was formed organisational turmoil between 2009 and 2015, Arctic regions of the USSR back in the
in October 1943 as the 112th Night-Bomber the regiment was transformed into the 6953rd 1950s. At Tiksi, Anadyr and Vorkuta airfields,
Unit. In 1944, the regiment received the Guards Air Base, then into an air group of the 6952nd there are duty posts with a few personnel,
title, and the new number 26, but this was Air Base and was finally returned to the fuel supplies and runways maintained in

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sufficient condition. If necessary, bombers
from the south can land at the forward airfield,
refuel and take off to continue their flight.
In October 2017, a Tu-22M3 bomber with a
crew headed by Colonel D Golubinsky from
the 200 TBAP made the first-ever Backfire
landing at Anadyr airfield in Chukotka, 380nm
(700km) from Alaska. On August 15, 2018, a
pair of Tu-160s landed at Anadyr for the first
time. Tu-95MS bombers have been using
Anadyr’s forward airfield for several decades.

Tankers
Two formations within Long-Range Aviation – a
tanker regiment and a crew conversion centre
– are not part of any division but are directly
subordinated to the DA Command in Moscow.
Although all new tactical aircraft in Russia
can refuel in the air, the lack of tanker
aircraft makes this somewhat irrelevant. In
the event of a conflict, Il-78 Midas tanker
aircraft will only serve strategic bombers.
Therefore, the only tanker aircraft unit
in Russia is subordinated to Long-Range
Aviation Command, with around 18 Midas
aircraft (including several older Il-78
versions as well as more modern Il-78Ms).
Today’s 203rd Independent Tanker Aviation
Regiment (203 OAP SZ) was formed at
Engels in 1960 as the 1230th Regiment 2
with M-4 Bison ex-bombers converted into US; the flight took him over Germany to the UK, established in 1940, and its current name has
tankers; in 1989-93 they were replaced by and then over the Atlantic. The unit underwent been known since 1968; from the beginning
Il-78 aircraft. In 1994, the unit received the many reincarnations before receiving the of its existence it has been stationed at
number and regalia of the historic 203 TBAP. number 203 in 1946. After the war, the Dyagilevo (Ryazan). In 2010-13, the centre was
In 2000, as the 203 OAP SZ, it moved from regiment was stationed at Baranovichi in subordinated to the air force’s 4th Combat
Engels to Dyagilevo near Ryazan, where it Belarus with Tu-4, Tu-16 (from 1954) and Tu-22 Training Centre in Lipetsk, but then returned
remains to this day. In the turmoil affecting (from 1962) bombers. In 1994, the 203 TBAP to Long-Range Aviation Command control.
the air force between 2009 and 2013, the was disbanded and its number and regalia The centre has several Tu-22M3 medium and
regiment was first disbanded (the Il-78s handed over to the 1230th Tanker Regiment. Tu-95MS strategic bombers at Dyagilevo, as
were incorporated into the 43 TsBP PLS DA, well as training and transport aircraft within
see below), and then in December 2013 it Crew conversion centre the 27 SAP, a composite regiment in Tambov.
was re-established with the previous 203 Long-Range Aviation has its own centre The 27 SAP currently has Tu-134UBL pilot and
OAP SZ name and with the Guards title. responsible for the development of tactics Tu-134Sh navigator training aircraft, An-26
The 203 TBAP was created at Monino near for the combat application of heavy bombers aircraft in training and transport versions, plus
Moscow on July 6, 1941, as the 412th Bomber and conversion of crews for new types and single An-12 and Mi-8 transports. In Dyagilevo
Regiment on Pe-8 heavy bombers. In April versions of bombers. The 43rd Combat there is also an aviation museum, in which the
1942, Soviet foreign minister Vyacheslav Training and Flight Crew Conversion Centre of most interesting exhibits are examples of the
Molotov flew on one of the unit’s aircraft to the Long-Range Aviation (43 TsBP PLS DA) was M-4 and 3M-T Bison, and Tu-95K-20 Bear-B. AFM
1: Tu-22M3 ‘16 Red’/RF-94144 taking off for a training flight as another ‘Backfire’ taxies to the runway. Compared with the ‘Bear’ and ‘Blackjack’, the Tu-22M fleet
has seen much more extensive combat service, including participating in conflicts in Afghanistan, Chechnya, Georgia and – most recently – Syria. 2: The view from
the cockpit of a Tu-95MS as it approaches an Il-78M tanker. On its middle hardpoint, the Il-78M can carry the improved PAZ-1M refuelling pod optimised for heavy
aircraft and offering an increased transfer rate of 766 gallons per minute. 3: Kh-101 cruise missiles loaded on a Tu-95MS before a mission to Syria. Known to NATO as
the AS-23A ‘Kodiak’, this conventionally armed weapon uses a guidance system combining inertial navigation, satellite navigation, terrain contour matching, plus an
electro-optical package for the terminal phase. Russian MoD 4: Tu-160 ‘02 Red’/RF-94102 ‘Vasiliy Reshetnikov’ lands at the Anadyr ‘forward airfield’ on August 14 last
year. This aircraft was one of two Tu-160M1s redelivered after a modest upgrade in which the inertial navigation and engine control systems, as well as armament,
were enhanced using “modern digital technologies”. Anadyr Airport

www.Key.Aero #389 August 2020 // 55

Italian Air Force F-2000

AMI Typhoon
spreads
its wings
The Eurofighter Typhoon is now well
established in the Italian Air Force’s order
of battle. Mauro Zanotto looks back at the
jet’s successful path to the front line, while
Katsuhiko Tokunaga flies with the 36°
Stormo at Gioia del Colle air base, home of
Italy’s biggest frontline F-2000 wing.

T
he story of the Eurofighter
in Italian service officially
began on June 10, 2003, of the fighter’s service
when the Aeronautica Militare (AM, Manutenzione Velivoli (RMV) at introduction, the 4° Stormo’s
Italian Air Force) formally accepted Cameri, in Novara, the air force’s maintenance
its first aircraft, a TF-2000A two-seater main engineering, maintenance squadron, the
Instrumented Production Aircraft 2 (IPA2), and logistics hub for fast jets, where 904° Gruppo
with the experimental serial MMX614 (PT002). it would initiate ‘On the Job Training’ Efficienza
The jet had made its maiden flight on April 5 the (OJT) but, for organisational reasons, it was Aeromobili
previous year – the first of the IPA aircraft to fly. decided the aircraft would remain at Caselle. (GEA), had yet to
Broadly equivalent to a series-production Here, the initial groups of personnel from be established, so the first aircraft were assigned
aircraft, IPA2 was modified with test the AM’s 4° Stormo (4th Wing) completed directly to the 9° Gruppo (9th Squadron). For this
instrumentation and was destined to continue their maintenance courses on the aircraft. reason, three of the first four F-2000s received
trials activities with Alenia Aeronautica (now codes with low numbers (4-1, 4-3 and 4-4),
Leonardo). Above all, the aircraft has been Initial operational deliveries traditionally allocated to aircraft of the 9° Gruppo,
involved in the development of air-to-ground The first aircraft to be delivered to an operational while a single aircraft (MM55095) was coded
armament and the MBDA Meteor beyond- unit was TF-2000A serial MM55093 (IT002), 4-23, which is associated with the 20° Gruppo,
visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM). which was accepted at Caselle and arrived with the type operational conversion unit (OCU).
Italy’s first true series-production aircraft was the 4° Stormo at Grosseto in the central region Commencing in 2002, well ahead of the
TF-2000A, serial MM55092 (IT001), which of Tuscany on March 16, 2004. The aircraft arrival of the first Eurofighter, the 4° Stormo had
was delivered at the Caselle factory near Turin performed its first training mission the same assumed a mixed and flexible organisational
on February 19, 2004. This aircraft remained day and, over the following weeks, another two structure, intended to manage both the
with Alenia Aeronautica for training military Typhoons – MM55095 and MM55094 – joined retirement from service of the final F-104s
personnel on the new type. The original plan the unit, eventually enabling the wing to begin and the introduction of the new aircraft. The
had been to deliver this jet to the 1° Reparto its pilot training programme. In this early stage 9° Gruppo, along with personnel and pilots

56 // August 2020 #389 www.Key.Aero

 Above: The view from the back seat of a TF-2000A
as the wingman holds station off the port wing. The
Typhoon’s wing is fitted with slats and flaperons,
has a surface area of 50m2 and is slightly warped at
the tips to enhance low-speed performance.

Left: Typhoon on a knife edge: F-2000A MM7312

‘36-34’ demonstrates the fighter’s exceptional
agility. The canard foreplanes assist longitudinal
stability and, when required, increase lift while
reducing drag at high angles of attack, enhancing
manoeuvrability. All photos Katsuhiko Tokunaga/DACT
unless stated Insert: James Lawrence

of the 20° Gruppo and the 904° awaited delivery of the first aircraft, to
GEA, was entrusted with activities commence flying activities. The experience they
connected with the new fighter, accumulated would be used to produce the first
while the 20° Gruppo (also with operational manuals for the AM’s Eurofighter.
mixed personnel) was responsible
for managing final Starfighter Conversion to Typhoon
operations, including standing quick The initial basic type-conversion courses
reaction alert (QRA) on behalf of were carried out at Grosseto between mid-
the Servizio di Sorveglianza dello March and August 4, 2004, using the first three
Spazio Aereo (SSSA, National aircraft. The instructors were two test pilots
Airspace Surveillance Service). from the Reparto Sperimentale Volo (RSV,
During October 2003, the first Flight Test Department), who had already been
four aircrew from the 9° Gruppo assigned to the programme for some time
(one pilot) and the 20° Gruppo Type conversion involved six sorties, of which
(three pilots), plus a first group of the fourth was at night and the final mission
engineers, commenced the initial was flown solo. On completion of transition, the
Typhoon conversion course at Caselle. first four pilots underwent the Basic Instructor
The engineers followed modules for Course (BIC) beginning at the end of May
aircraft managers, crew chiefs, airframe 2004. This was a programme of around 35
engineers, engine technicians, electrical flying hours intended to qualify future EF2000
system engineers and avionics and instructors. The BIC also included basic fighter
armament technicians, each lasting manoeuvres (BFM) and air combat manoeuvres
two to three months. Meanwhile, (ACM), plus an aerial refuelling mission.
the pilots completed ground The initial courses – each restricted to four
school in six weeks and then pilots to uphold the desired ratio between

www.Key.Aero #389 August 2020 // 57

Italian Air Force F-2000
Break! A three-ship of 36° Stormo Typhoons high
over their Tuscany home. The fighter’s flight-
control system provides the pilot with “carefree
performance” and includes automatic low-speed
recovery and a disorientation recovery facility,
which can take control of the aircraft and return
it to a safe attitude.

Italian Typhoon
qualified pilots and sessions in the simulator. Despite the restricted
available flying hours number of available aircraft, in 2004 the 4°

test aircraft
– were structured Stormo was able to quickly achieve a high
around the BIC utilisation rate for the Typhoon. The first 100
syllabus, which was considered sufficient to sorties (with two jets available) had already
DA3: single-seat Development Aircraft 3, serial MMX602,
qualify pilots with existing fighter experience – been flown by the beginning of July 2004 and,
was first flown on June 4, 1995. Initially lacking the
aviators declared combat-ready on the F-104 or by the end of that year (when five aircraft were
radar system, it was, however, the first Typhoon with
more advanced fighters, such as the F-16, F/A- available), 370 hours had been flown. Indeed,
EJ200 engines. It was used for trials of the engine and
18 or Mirage 2000. With the impending service considering it was so new and complex, the
underwing tanks and for the first firing tests with the
entry of the Typhoon, the AM had detached availability demonstrated by the Typhoon
BK27 gun. Later it was employed for performance tests,
some of the best pilots from its fighter force was remarkable, exceeding the highest
as well as trials of external loads, including their release.
on exchange with allied air forces since the expectations of the pilots and engineers.
It completed its final flight on February 7, 2006.
beginning of the millennium. This allowed them Technical support for 4° Stormo flying
IPA2: a two-seater, Instrumented Production Aircraft 2, serial
to develop vital experience of aircraft that were operations was provided by Alenia Aeronautica
MMX614, completed its maiden flight on April 5, 2002 and
far more modern than the venerable Starfighter. and Avio under the BOSS (Batch One Support
was the first IPA aircraft to fly. Mainly used for integration
In parallel with these activities – and given System) contract. The two companies
of weapons and the PIRATE infrared search and track
the delays in installing flight simulators at provided around 140 engineers at Grosseto
system, it has also been utilised for trials of the improved
Grosseto – the qualified pilots were initially between the start of operations and December
EJ200 engines, after upgrade to Tranche 2 standard.
sent to Caselle once a month for the required 31, 2006, assuming full responsibility for

Italian Air Force Typhoon units

Unit Base Primary equipment
Reparto Speri- Pratica di
mentale Volo (RSV) Mare
311º Gruppo F-2000A/TF-2000A
4° Stormo Grosseto
9° Gruppo F-2000A
20° Gruppo OCU TF-2000A
Gioia del
36° Stormo
Colle
10° Gruppo F-2000A
12° Gruppo F-2000A
Trapani-
37° Stormo
Birgi
18° Gruppo F-2000A
51° Stormo Istrana
A pair of specially marked single-seat jets. Nearest camera is MM7312 ‘36-34’, with MM7322 ‘36-40’ behind. F-2000A (‘51-01’,
132° Gruppo
Both have 351a Squadriglia markings on the tailfins, applied for the 2018 NATO Tiger Meet. ‘51-02’, ‘51-03’)

58 // August 2020 #389 www.Key.Aero

 Above: Ground crew conduct final preparations on an F-2000A in one of the shelters at Gioia del Colle. Around
80% of the airframe is composed of advanced materials – approximately 70% of the external (or ‘wet’) area
and 40% of the structural mass are manufactured from carbon-fibre composites. Below: The IRIS-T (or
AIM-2000) is the short-range missile of choice for Italian Eurofighters. This weapon was introduced from Batch
2 production aircraft onwards and features a smokeless rocket engine and thrust-vectored exhaust controls.

aircraft serviceability in place of the military Since the Tranche 1 aircraft were delivered participated in countless local and international
personnel. In practice, the aircraft were taken in different configurations and standards, the exercises to ensure full integration in NATO
on charge by the 4° Stormo prior to each AM and Alenia also agreed on an upgrade and the national air defence system.
flight and after the landing were returned to to the programme aimed at bringing the The AM has deployed Eurofighters to Kuwait
the control of the manufacturer. The wing’s aircraft to a single configuration standard. for tactical reconnaissance missions and
engineers closely followed the maintenance for air policing in the Baltic States, Bulgaria,
and inspection activities performed by their F-2000 into action Iceland and Romania. Under an agreement
civilian counterparts, to provide a further The first official operational mission for the Italian signed by the respective governments, the AM
period of OJT and to exercise a control Eurofighter fleet began on February 10, 2006, Typhoons also provide air defence of Slovenian
function. Using this system, it was possible when the new fighter was tasked to provide air airspace. More recently, F-2000s have been
to enhance the experience of the military defence of Piedmont during the 2006 Winter cleared to provide both air-to-air and air-to-
engineers and simultaneously deliver an Olympics held in Turin. The jets participated ground missions, including close air support.
excellent fleet availability rate. Successive in Operation Jupiter 02/2006, in co-operation The Aeronautica Militare and Kuwait Air
operational milestones reached by the 4° with F-16s, MB-339s and HH-3F helicopters. Force signed a co-operation agreement, under
Stormo included the first 500 flying hours From May 8, 2006, the F-2000 took part which the former provides training for Kuwaiti
on March 29, 2005, and the first 1,000 flying in an international exercise for the first pilots destined for the Typhoon, as well as
hours on October 19 of the same year. time, when it flew during Spring Flag 2006, other new military pilots, at the training base
The first single-seat F-2000A Typhoon held at Decimomannu air base in Sardinia. of Lecce-Galatina, home of the 61° Stormo.
delivered to Grosseto was MM7270 coded 4-20. Ever since, the AM’s Eurofighters have The Kuwaiti connection extends to Ahmad

A smart five-ship echelon formation off the Tuscan

coast. Note the PIRATE sensors ahead of the cockpit
– this system integrates forward looking infrared
and infrared search and track equipment. It can
reportedly track aerial targets at up to 93 miles.

www.Key.Aero #389 August 2020 // 59

Italian Air Force F-2000

F-2000A ‘36-12’ in the

climb off the Italian
coast, with a Litening
pod on the centreline.
The Litening 3 pod
currently in use on
the Tranche 2 and
3 jets has a limited
air-to-air potential
and is mainly used
for designation of
ground targets.

The specially marked two-ship is joined by a TF-2000A ‘twin-sticker’, MM5128 ‘36-64’. The frontline squadrons
have at least two twin-seaters for training and operational duties.

al-Jaber Air Base, the location of Task Group northern region of Veneto. The wing’s 132° In terms of armament, the fleet is provided
Typhoon, from where Italian F-2000As operate Gruppo is now responsible for the air defence with AIM-120C-5 Advanced Medium-Range
as part of the Task Force Air Kuwait mission. mission, after it received its first Typhoons in Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) and the short-
In the Middle East, the Italian Typhoon 2019; the wing officially began QRA duties with range IRIS-T missile with infra-red guidance
conducts tactical reconnaissance missions the F-2000 earlier this year. Since 2017, F-2000s for air defence. For air-to-ground missions,
in support of Prima Parthica – the Italian and crews from other AM wings had been the Italian Typhoon can be armed with 1,000lb
contribution to Operation Inherent Resolve. rotationally deployed to Istrana for QRA duties. (454kg) GBU-16 Paveway laser-guided bombs,
Today, each AM wing equipped with the Last year, however, the 51° Stormo attained plus dual-mode GBU-48 Enhanced Paveway
single-seat F-2000A also has at least two full operational capability with the type, bombs with laser and GPS guidance.
TF-2000A twin-seaters for training and after activation of the required maintenance In the not too distant future, the AM’s Typhoon
operational duties. In common with the AM’s facility, including provision for full technical fleet will be updated to Phase 2 Enhancement
Tornado component, F-2000 squadrons don’t inspections. Currently, the F-2000 is operated (P2E) standard that will include augmentation
have a dedicated maintenance squadron. alongside 132° Gruppo’s AMX A-11s – flying of long-range attack capabilities. The P2E
Instead, maintenance squadrons have been the tactical reconnaissance mission – which update programme is due to begin at end
established within the wings; these cover all are scheduled to be withdrawn later this year. of 2021 and will allow integration of the
technical requirements, enhancing aircraft Storm Shadow cruise missile. In the air-to-
availability, serviceability and optimising Current operations and air role, P2E improvements will encompass
the flight line. The Typhoon squadrons future enhancements integration of the Meteor BVRAAM.
themselves only consist of pilots, ground The AM Typhoon fleet can now call upon The AM’s Typhoon force is also benefitting
crew and administrative personnel. Tranche 2 and Tranche 3 aircraft, both from the forthcoming retirement of the A-11
The 36° Stormo at Gioia del Colle air base updated to Phase 1 Enhancement (P1Eb) fighter-bomber. Transferring experienced
in Apulia, southern Italy, received its first standard. Meanwhile, the remaining Tranche air-to-ground pilots from the AMX flight
Typhoon on October 1, 2007. On January 1 jets have been modified to ITA Mod line to the F-2000 has provided a welcome
5, 2009, the wing’s constituent 12° Gruppo 04 configuration, allowing for use of the boost for the Eurofighter, as more pilots
began participating in the SSSA National RecceLite pod, for intelligence, surveillance become proficient in both the air-to-
Airspace Surveillance Service, and on July and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. air and air-to-ground environments. AFM
1, 2010, it added the 10° Gruppo that was
transferred from the 37° Stormo at Trapani.
Today it’s the only AM unit responsible for
two operational F-2000 squadrons and also
includes an aircraft maintenance squadron,
the 936° GEA. The latter provides technical
and logistical support for the entire Italian
F-2000 fleet together with the 1° RMV, the
aircraft maintenance department at Cameri.
Away from the mainland, on the island of Sicily,
can be found the 37° Stormo, which includes
a single frontline squadron, the 18° Gruppo
(see Trapani Typhoons, April, p78-81). A first
Typhoon was officially delivered to the wing
on October 18, 2012. Since the Sicilian-based
18° Gruppo is relatively small, Eurofighters
from the 36° and 4° Stormo – from Gioia del
Colle and Grossetto air bases, respectively The pilot of MM7312 ‘36-34’ prepares to taxi out to
– regularly join the Trapani QRA schedule. the active runway. The pilot’s Martin-Baker Mk16A
The latest frontline Italian unit to receive the ejector seat is inclined 18° to the rear to better
Typhoon is the 51° Stormo at Istrana in the withstand the rigours of high-G manoeuvres.

60 // August 2020 #389 www.Key.Aero

 A PHOTOGRAPHIC GUIDE TO THE BATTLE
OF BRITAIN’S SURVIVING AIRCRAFT
The Battle of Britain is widely considered
to be Britain’s finest hour. The ‘Few’ will
not be forgotten, nor will they be around
forever to recount the heroism of the
summer of 1940 first-hand. In contrast,
the number of restored and preserved
aircraft in our museums and skies is at an
all-time high.

This book features a brief history of all

the front-line RAF fighter aircraft that 128 PAGES, SOFTBACK.

were involved in the famous battle and AUTHOR LEE CHAPMAN

explores some of the major training and Foreword by the Officer Commanding and
support aeroplanes that contributed to the Senior Engineering Officer of the
the iconic events. The story is told using RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.
over 150 photographs of surviving and
restored aircraft in the air, on the ground
and in unique formations together.

JUST £17.99
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240/20

240 RAF BOB Aircraft book NEW COVER.indd 81 18/06/2020 14:41

Commander’s Update Briefing

Rotary operations
Who does it best?
“Undoubtedly, the UK’s
helicopter units will
pursue and embrace
even closer integration,
but not necessarily for
reasons of cost savings.
Rather, it is being led by the
increasing requirement for
maximum flexibility and,
when necessary, the need
to operate more closely
together.”

62 // August 2020 #389 www.Key.Aero

Within the UK Armed Forces,
helicopters can be found in all
three services. Having a range of
different rotary types and missions
in close co-operation via a joint
command is a highly effective
setup, as Air Power Association
President, Air Marshal (ret’d)
Greg Bagwell CB CBE explains.

F
irst, I must make a confession. I conducted from land, the air force is also
have only spent around 30 hours more than capable of doing so from large
total at the controls of some eight ships. The Royal Navy provides a similar
helicopter types – and none of those were capability for the Royal Marines using the
without having someone who really knew Merlin HC3/4, but its more specific roles are
what they were doing being close to hand. multi-role support for frigates and destroyers
Even in that short time I gained a very with the Wildcat, anti-submarine activity by
useful appreciation of the challenges of Merlin HM2, and air surveillance using the
operating helicopters and, importantly, an Crowsnest-equipped Merlin HM2. Last but
understanding of the very different roles and not least, the British Army primarily combines
capabilities of each one. So please excuse the small tactical utility of the Wildcat with
this fixed-wing operator’s take on the very the potent air assault role of the Apache.
different and unique world of helicopters.
Individual military services have always Multiple types, many roles
wrangled over the ownership of aviation (I The first thing you notice about the UK Ministry
will address this a little more in next month’s of Defence’s rotary fleets is the relatively large
article). This is particularly true when it number of types in generally small fleet sizes,
comes to helicopters. Of course, rotorcraft which can, if unchecked, lead to increased cost
were invented long after the formation of of ownership. It also means that training for so
the RAF as an independent air force but, many types and roles can be quite complex and
due to their very nature, they have always potentially costly. And the number of squadrons
been an integral element of maritime and and units operating across all three services
land operations, which has traditionally create the likelihood of multiple command
weakened the argument for them being arrangements and support structures.
subsumed into an independent air force. In normal circumstances, all of this would
Before I describe the relative merits of have made a compelling case for single
ownership, let’s quickly look at the basic roles ownership, and were the very reasons that
and character of rotary aviation in the three swung the argument for an independent RAF.
UK services (excluding the specialised tasks As this was recognised as a very real issue,
of Special Forces). The RAF role is dominated the UK came to a rather unusual solution and
by the movement of relatively large numbers formed the Joint Helicopter Command (JHC) in
of troops by Puma or Chinook; while largely 1999. This brought “under a single command

Top: While some nations assign medium-lift troop-transport rotorcraft to their army aviation branches, the
UK’s Puma HC2 fleet is the responsibility of the RAF. This No 33 Squadron Puma HC2 is performing a brownout
landing during Exercise Jebel Sahara in Morocco. The HC2 added more powerful engines, providing a useful
increase in performance, especially in hot and high conditions. Crown Copyright Above left: A sailor is winched
onto the Wildcat HMA2 serving on board the Type 23 frigate HMS ‘Montrose’ during a global deployment last
year. Operated by the Fleet Air Arm, the Wildcat HMA2 community from Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton,
Somerset, provides Royal Navy warships with embarked flights – in this case, 203 Flight, part of 815 Naval
Air Squadron. Crown Copyright Above right: Operating from the Type 23 frigate HMS ‘Kent’, an 814 Naval Air
Squadron Merlin HM2 from Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose, Cornwall, conducts training variant torpedo (TVT)
loading drills on June 10, during the BALTOPS 20 exercise. Note the inert Stingray torpedo carried on the port
sponson. The annual NATO exercise includes gunnery serials, man overboard training, air defence and anti-
submarine exercises, plus close-proximity sailing. Crown Copyright Left: Integration of Joint Helicopter Command
assets extends beyond the UK Armed Forces. This RAF Chinook from No 27 Squadron at RAF Odiham in
Hampshire is flying with a pair of US Marine Corps CH-53Es during a twilight training sortie over the Arizona
desert in 2018. Two Chinooks were deployed to Marine Corps Air Station Yuma to take part in a Weapons and
Tactics Instructor training programme. The WTI course helped develop pilots and non-commissioned officers
to instructor level. Crown Copyright

www.Key.Aero #389 August 2020 // 63

Commander’s Update Briefing

the battlefield helicopters of the Royal Navy, and co-operation between the three UK case for the diverse approach taken today.
Army Air Corps and Royal Air Force, delivering services, which decades of joint operations Of course, the true test often comes
the core tasks of lift, find and attack on the has cultivated. One notable example is RAF when resources are tight. Some may argue
battlefield supporting ground forces in the land F-35Bs operating seamlessly from sea and that soldiers and sailors will never be as
and littoral environments.” The navy still retains land, jointly manned and operated, with RAF predisposed to spend tight budgets on
sole command of its dedicated and integral and, eventually, Fleet Air Arm-badged units. aircraft compared with airmen/airwomen.
Wildcats and Crowsnest Merlin. The JHC sits in Most recently – and highly significantly – However, while this may have been true
the army’s organisational structure, but can be even the RAF’s totemic No 617 Squadron is in the past, today you will struggle to find
commanded and is staffed by men and women led by a navy commander. Undoubtedly, the professional sailors or soldiers who don’t
from any of the three services. The formation of UK’s helicopter units will pursue and embrace appreciate the value of their helicopters.
the JHC, coupled with a unified training stream even closer integration, but not necessarily So who does it best? Well, that’s a bit like
and a single procurement arm in Defence for reasons of cost savings. Rather, it is asking whether a team in one sport is better
Equipment & Support (DE&S), has minimised being led by the increasing requirement for than one in another. Flying a helicopter in
any inherent inefficiencies of multiple ownership. maximum flexibility and, when necessary, any of the armed forces may involve common
the need to operate more closely together. In skills or techniques, but operating one in its
Increasing co-operation my mind, the unique skills and heavily role- specialist role or environment is unique and
But why not go the whole way and place specific types will continue to make a strong should continue to be judged as such. AFM
all rotary assets under a single service,
as is now largely the case for fixed-wing
aircraft? The simple reason is that the units
and types are so role-specific that there is
minimal crossover in demand that would
create tension in ownership or employment.
And where joint operations are required, the
JHC and Royal Navy have proved perfectly
adept at operating Apache, Chinook and
Merlin off the same amphibious platform
in a joint operation. So the strategy has
always been to make efficiencies where
possible, but not to compromise operational
performance or cohesion just to squeeze
out every last drop of potential savings.
Of course, we are seeing increasing overlap
Above: The latest helicopter type to join the Royal
Navy is the Merlin HC4/4A, a reworked former RAF
HC3/3A optimised for maritime operations. This
example from 845 Naval Air Squadron was one of
three operating from the aircraft carrier HMS ‘Queen
Elizabeth’, together with around 80 Royal Marines from
Lima Company, 42 Commando. They took part in last
year’s three-month WESTLANT 19 deployment. Crown
Copyright Top left: An aircraft handler directs a British
Army Apache AH1 on board Britain’s biggest warship
during the gunship’s debut on the carrier HMS ‘Queen
Elizabeth’ last year. Having already hosted Royal Navy
Merlin and Wildcats and RAF Chinooks to help write
the ship’s operations manual, the team on the carrier
then began practising some of the routines needed
to support Army Air Corps Apaches on operations.
Crown Copyright Top right: Soldiers from 6 Regiment
Army Air Corps prepare to hook up an underslung
load to a British Army Wildcat AH1 at Middle Wallop,
Hampshire. This variant is part of the Aviation
Reconnaissance Force (ARF) based at Royal Naval Air
Station Yeovilton, Somerset, with a pool of airframes
shared between the army and navy. The 6 Regiment
Army Air Corps is the sole Army Reserve regiment in
the Army Air Corps. Crown Copyright Left: RAF Juno HT1
(H135) helicopters from the Defence Helicopter Flying
School based at RAF Shawbury, Shropshire. As part
of the UK Military Flying Training System, the Juno is
used for tuition of students from the RAF, Royal Navy
and Army Air Corps. Crown Copyright

64 // August 2020 #389 www.Key.Aero

Book
Reviews

Seek and Strike

RAF Brüggen in War and Peace
Strategic Air
Command in
the UK
SAC Operations
planning; it was initially discusses its merits, and this is 1946-1992
equipped with Vampires, interwoven with ground crew and
Sabres and Hunters. pilot accounts of operating it. The
It then became the most interesting chapters are
‘jewel in the crown’ of perhaps those featuring the Jaguar
RAF Germany with the and Tornado. They discuss how
arrival of Canberras, pilots used to single-seaters had
Phantoms, Jaguars and, to adapt to having a navigator in
finally, Tornados. Such the rear of the Tornado but came
a history means there’s to welcome the additional crew
a wealth of previously member due to the complexity
unreported stories and of the weapons systems.
anecdotes about life Given the author’s access, it’s a
at the station. Author real shame that the image quality
Nigel Walpole – who is so poor. While this has kept the
flew Jaguars from the cover price down, there’s so much
base in the late 1970s – new information here that decent-
presents a detailed yet quality colour images would have
easily readable account added another level to this book. The author of this impressively
from the earliest days A great read on one of the RAF’s detailed tome is already known
of the airfield through most well-known bases, now for his other Crécy titles –
the Cold War, when consigned to history. Glenn Sands Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker
the Warsaw Pact was and Spyflights and Overflights
just a few minutes’ Publisher: Pen and Sword Books
Author: Nigel Walpole among others – and he’s
flying time away, and lost none of his ability to
As the largest RAF station in on to the 1991 Gulf War and Pages: 356
Price: £25 present precisely detailed text,
Germany, RAF Brüggen was Bosnia. As each new aircraft type previously unpublished images,
at the forefront of Cold War arrives at the base, the author ISBN: 9781526758422
and operational charts, tables

Operation Eagle Claw 1980

and maps. No details have
been left out of the 46 years
covering SAC operations, with
types including the host of

The disastrous bid to end the Iran hostage crisis C-135 variants that deployed
to the UK, along with SR-71s,
If ever there was a mission that part in the rescue of 53 American are explained in detail and, even FB-111As, B-1Bs and, of course,
spurred the United States to hostages seized during the 1979 from a layman’s viewpoint, appear B-52s. Images from private and
develop the spectacularly capable Iranian Revolution. President Carter overly complicated at a time when official collections support the
Special Operations Command, pushed the mission ahead, despite night-vision goggles were still in text and deployment tables, and
it was Eagle Claw. It was overly many of the units having had little their infancy. This is one of the many of the colour photographs
complex from the start, with all the practice in operating together and best books to date on the raid, are in print for the first time.
armed services keen to play their at night in hostile territory. The with input from those involved The countless squadrons
results of the unsuccessful raid were and declassified documents. involved in the annual rotational
broadcast around the world the Also discussed is a potential deployments, duration of
following day, with wrecked C-130s follow-up raid, Credible Sport, the exercises and the types
and burnt-out RH-53D helicopters using a highly modified rocket- involved are also detailed.
at the forward operating site known assisted C-130H, but that crashed Rather than simply focusing
as Desert One. But the real story during a training sortie. on the bombers, chapters
and planning behind the raid have Although not as large as other cover supporting types, such
been little covered until now, and publications on the raid, the as the tankers, reconnaissance
neither have the operations that newly declassified material means platforms, fighters and
would have taken place in Tehran Osprey’s is probably the most liaison aircraft. This book is
had all gone to plan. The author detailed so far. Glenn Sands a fascinating stroll through
dives deep into the planning and aviation history when the UK
rehearsals undertaken by the newly Publisher: Osprey Publishing was an ‘unsinkable aircraft
formed Delta Force, along with Author: Justin W Williamson carrier’ for the USAF. Thoroughly
the activities needed to keep the Pages: 80 recommended. Glenn Sands
whole mission hidden from the Price: £13.99
world. The nocturnal air operations ISBN: 9781472837837 Publisher: Crécy Publishing
Author: Robert S Hopkins III
Pages: 224
These titles are available from: The Aviation Bookshop, 31-33 Vale Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent,
Price: £29.95
TN1 1BS, United Kingdom. Telephone: +44(0)1892 539284 Website: www.aviation-bookshop.com
ISBN: 9781902109565

www.Key.Aero #389 August 2020 // 65

RNLAF F-35 training

Above: A mixed formation of two RNLAF and

two USAF F-35As of the 308th Fighter Squadron
performing a spectacular break high over Arizona in
May last year. Lockheed Martin/Matt Short
Right: Delivered on March 19 last year, F-35A F-005
clocked up the 500th flying hour for the NODF-
35’s fleet at Luke the following July 19. By then, the
308th FS had five Dutch F-35s in its inventory, with
the sixth arriving the following week. Far right: Lt
Col ‘Razor’ van Woerden, commanding officer of
the NODF-35 and the Netherlands’ senior national
representative within the 308th FS. All photos Kees van
der Mark and Rob Conijn unless stated

66 // August 2020 #389 www.Key.Aero

 Dutch From Luke Air Force Base in Arizona,
Kees van der Mark reports on the

Lightnings
training of Dutch F-35 pilots within the
308th Fighter Squadron.

over Arizona
W
hen it comes to training its fighter at Morris Air National Guard Base in Tucson, Current plans foresee RNLAF F-16s continuing
pilots, the Koninklijke Luchtmacht Arizona, taking another nine months. For in frontline service until at least 2024, while
(Royal Netherlands Air Force, RNLAF) this purpose, the Netherlands Detachment the F-35 fleet is increasing by eight new jets
has a longstanding relationship with the USAF. Tucson Arizona (NDTA) is embedded in each year. Because many experienced F-16
After successfully completing elementary the 148th Fighter Squadron (FS) ‘Kickin’ pilots now undergo their transition to the
military pilot training on PC-7 Turbo Trainers Ass’, which has ten RNLAF-owned F-16s F-35 at Luke, there’s still a need for new F-16
at Woensdrecht Air Base, future Dutch fighter assigned – five F-16AMs and five F-16BMs. pilots over the next few years. That’s why the
aviators spend two years in the US. Initially they The RNLAF’s current transition from the F-16 148th FS is continuing to train Dutch fighter
fly the T-6A and T-38C as part of a 55-week to the F-35A obviously has an effect on the pilots alongside the NODF-35 for three years,
Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training (ENJJPT) Dutch fighter pilot training syllabus. The RNLAF delivering its last class of F-16 pilots in 2022.
programme within the 80th Flying Training has expressed a requirement for 67 F-35As.
Wing at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas. This So far, the Dutch government has committed Three-nation squadron
is followed by a further eight weeks of T-38C to the acquisition of 46 jets. Soon after the Like most F-35 squadrons at Luke, the 308th
flying at Sheppard on the majority of these were ordered in 2013, it was FS is dedicated to training pilots from several
Introduction to Fighter decided to train future RNLAF Lightning II nations (see boxed item). The ‘Emerald Knights’
Fundamentals pilots at the international Pilot Training Center currently operate a mix of USAF and RNLAF
(IFF) course. (PTC) within the 56th Fighter Wing (FW) at jets. This will eventually grow to 24 from three
Until recently, Luke AFB. Consequently, the Nederlands nations: nine American, eight Dutch and seven
the next step would Opleidingsdetachement F-35 (NODF-35, Danish F-35As. All US-based RNLAF aircraft
automatically be Netherlands F-35 Training Detachment) was rolled off Lockheed Martin’s production line
Initial Qualification established at Luke in the second half of 2018. at Fort Worth, Texas, while the Netherlands-
Training (IQT) The NODF-35 is integrated in the 308th FS based F-35As are built at the Final Assembly
within the Arizona ‘Emerald Knights’. This USAF squadron was and Check-Out (FACO) facility in Cameri, Italy.
Air National decommissioned as an F-16 training unit at Of the six RNLAF F-35As delivered to Luke last
Guard (ANG)’s Luke on June 25, 2015, and re-established as year (serials F-003 to F-008, US identities 17-5302
162nd Wing an F-35A squadron on November 30, 2018. to 17-5307), the first five arrived at the Arizona

www.Key.Aero #389 August 2020 // 67

RNLAF F-35 training

F-35 squadrons at Luke The Dutch detachment

Commanding officer of the RNLAF’s NODF-
35 at Luke and the Netherlands’ senior
By 2024, Luke AFB will be home to 144 F-35As flown The 63rd FS ‘Panthers’ was reactivated on August 1, national representative within the 308th FS is
by six active-duty squadrons within the 56th Fighter 2016. This is currently a US-only squadron, but it had four Lieutenant Colonel G B ‘Razor’ van Woerden.
Wing (FW). So far, four of its squadrons have converted Turkish Air Force F-35As assigned when Turkish F-35 Razor flew F-16s for 15 years, mainly with
from the F-16 to the F-35. The first F-35A arrived at the pilot training at Luke was halted in early June 2019. The 323 and 322 Squadrons at Leeuwarden Air
Arizona base on March 10, 2014. The F-35s were initially suspension and later cancellation followed the Turkish Base. He told AFM: “We now have six RNLAF
flown by the 61st FS ‘Top Dogs’, which was reactivated government’s decision to go ahead with the acquisition instructor pilots here at Luke, including two
as an F-35 squadron on October 27, 2013. The 61st FS of the Russian-built S-400 air defence system, despite who recently concluded their transition and
has also been responsible for the training of Royal warnings from the US government that this would lead are currently going through the additional
Australian Air Force (RAAF) F-35 pilots since late 2014. to Turkey being thrown out of the F-35 programme. This instructor course, which will be finished later
Although the training of dozens of experienced RAAF eventually happened on July 17, 2019. Pending their fate, this summer. In the end we will have ten
pilots – including 16 instructors – was concluded in the Turkish F-35As delivered to Luke remain at the base. Dutch instructor pilots within the 308th FS.”
late 2019, the 61st FS will remain involved in RAAF Reactivated on November 30, 2018, the 308th FS Among other NODF-35 personnel are
pilot training until No 2 Operational Conversion Unit ‘Emerald Knights’ became the fourth F-35 squadron two non-commissioned officers – including
(OCU) has also fully taken over the undergraduate pilot at Luke. It will eventually operate nine US, eight Dutch one ALIS (Autonomic Logistics Information
training (B-course) at RAAF Base Williamtown, Australia, and seven Danish F-35As. Other nations that trained System) specialist – and two maintenance
by January 2021. For that purpose, the ‘Top Dogs’ still F-35 pilots at Luke for limited periods include Israel officers. The latter act as Partner Maintenance
have five remaining RAAF F-35As in their inventory. (2016-17; academics and simulator missions only), Liaison officers (PMLs). “They are our ‘spiders
The second squadron to convert to the F-35A was Japan (2016-18) and South Korea (2018-19). The latter in the web’ who maintain the necessary
the 62nd FS ‘Spikes’, reactivated on June 5, 2015. This two nations had several of their jets based at Luke, links with all parties involved in our F-35
squadron is also responsible for training Norwegian and assigned to the Air Force Reserve’s 944th FW. Nations operations, including the Dutch Military
Italian pilots. It operates seven Royal Norwegian Air Force planning to train F-35 pilots at Luke in the future Aviation Authority and Defence Materiel
and two Italian Air Force F-35As alongside 15 USAF jets. include Belgium (from 2023) and Poland (from 2024). Organisation, Lockheed Martin and the F-35
Joint Program Office,” the CO explained.
Even when the Dutch detachment is fully
staffed in the future, it will have a relatively
small footprint of 14 personnel. This is not just
because it is embedded in the 308th FS, as
Razor explained: “We have entirely outsourced
the servicing and maintenance of our jets to
Lockheed Martin personnel, who do a fantastic
job. For our aircraft, they deliver the highest
capability rate of the entire fleet here at Luke.
Of course, this has to do with the fact that our
jets are relatively new, but it is also because
US Air Force F-35A 15-5129 ‘LF’ is assigned to the 63rd FS ‘Panthers’, one of the four squadrons within the 56th these guys are very experienced in working
FW at Luke currently operating the Lightning II. with the F-35. These contractors all work with
their ‘own’ jet – with three people per aircraft,
base between February 4 and March 19, 2019.
Serial F-008 joined the 308th FS four months later
– it was loaned to the 323 Test and Evaluation
Squadron (TES) at Edwards AFB, California,
between May 10 and July 23, 2019. This aircraft
carried out a series of test flights as part of the
multinational F-35 Operational Test and Evaluation
(OT&E) programme at the Californian base.
To be able to participate in the OT&E, the
RNLAF took delivery of two early low-rate initial
production (LRIP) F-35As in 2013 (F-001/09-
5008 and F-002/10-5019). After being used for
training at Eglin AFB, Florida, both joined the F-35
Integrated Test Force (ITF) at Edwards in January
2015. The two were scheduled to relocate to Luke
and join the 308th FS towards the end of 2019,
but due to delays in the OT&E programme, they
continued to serve with the 323 TES until recently.
In the end, F-001 was delivered to the 308th
FS on May 21. This jet flew to Hill AFB, Utah,
in the second week of June for depot-level
maintenance at the Ogden Air Logistics
Complex. Once this is finished, it will return
to Luke permanently. Meanwhile, F-002
has been de-modified by removing the test
equipment and is now at the same software
standard as the rest of the RNLAF jets at Luke;
it will also join the 308th FS imminently.
From early next year, the first seven of 27 F-35As
ordered for the Royal Danish Air Force are
scheduled to join the 308th FS at Luke, with the
Instructor pilot Lt Col ‘Razor’ van Woerden, flying in
squadron reaching its full complement of 24 jets in F-008, closely monitors the student on board F-003
2022. The first two Danish jets (L-001 and L-002) as the latter descends to the threshold of runway 03L
are currently on the assembly line in Fort Worth. at Luke during his first flight in an F-35A.

68 // August 2020 #389 www.Key.Aero

 Above: As a Level 2 partner in the F-35 programme,
the Netherlands chose to train its F-35 pilots within
the international Pilot Training Center (PTC) at Luke
AFB in 2013, when it committed to the majority
of its aircraft ordered so far. Below: F-35A F-008
takes off from Luke’s main runway, with the base’s
secondary runway in the background. This aircraft
was temporarily used for flights by 323 Test and
Evaluation Squadron at Edwards AFB, before being
delivered to Luke on July 23, 2019.

F-35A F-003 was the first RNLAF Lightning II to arrive at Luke AFB, on February 4, 2019. This jet made its first
flight from Fort Worth on December 15, 2018, and had its official rollout on January 30, 2019, in a ceremony
attended by many high-ranking officers, politicians and other guests from the Netherlands.

in two shifts. So, once we have all eight jets the end of 2019. Meanwhile, the first operational
here, their group will be a little over 50 people RNLAF pilot returned to Leeuwarden in October
including supervisors. In contrast to the way 2019 after concluding his transition course at
we work while operating our F-16s – where we Luke, followed by two more in February this
have specialists for avionics, weapons and so year and another four in late May. In June, a
on – these people are mainly allrounders. For new class of eight Dutch students began their
us, this is a new concept, which works really training with the 308th FS. They were originally
well over here. The Norwegian and Australian scheduled to start their transition in April, but
detachments at Luke work in a similar way.” this was postponed because of COVID-19.
The high serviceability rate of the Dutch jets is Three of them will remain at Luke as instructors,
reflected in the number of hours and missions increasing the number of pilots permanently
flown since operations started on February 21 assigned to the NODF-35 to nine by early 2021.
last year. The 500th flying hour by the Luke- In the week of AFM’s visit to Luke, six RNLAF
based RNLAF F-35s was reached on July 19, pilots made their first flights in the F-35. CO
2019, followed by the 500th sortie on September Razor said: “At the moment, we mainly train
16, the 1,000th flying hour on November 14 and pilots who have at least 500 flying hours in F-16s
the 1,000th sortie on February 14, 2020. During in the so-called Transition Course 2, or TX2.
the time the Dutch had six jets at Luke, it was The TX2 takes about four-and-a-half months.
not unusual to see five of them flying at the same “Like the other courses, it starts with six
time – or even all six, as was the case on May 12. weeks of academics. The academic classes
are combined with some 15 simulator flights,
Transition course enabling the student to practise the basic skills
When gradually building up the 308th FS after and all emergency procedures at least once.
its reactivation in November 2018, the squadron After that it is time for the first real flight in an
initially operated under the care of sister unit, F-35. As an instructor you fly in chase position
the 62nd FS. In June 2019, when a solid basis in a second jet, since there are no two-seat
had been reached in terms of staff and aircraft, F-35s. During these flights you stay within 1,000
the ‘Emerald Knights’ moved over to their feet of the student, to be able to monitor closely
own brand-new squadron building. Around whether the student does what you have briefed
that time the first two RNLAF instructor pilots, him to do and stays within the safety margins.
including detachment commander Lt Col Van “Every flight is usually preceded by a
Woerden, had finished their transition course simulator ride. You can see the result during
and additional instructor training. A further two those first flights. Yesterday, for instance, I
Dutch pilots qualified as F-35 instructor pilots at did not have to give that many instructions

www.Key.Aero #389 August 2020 // 69

RNLAF F-35 training

because the student had already learned what The instructor pilot in F-005 stays
to do in the simulator. But, of course, there within 1,000ft of the student’s
aircraft during the latter’s first flight
always remain things that you cannot do in in his transition course to the F-35.
the simulator, and the other way around.” This Dutch student is flying an
The F-35 Academic Training Center at Luke American F-35A of the 308th FS –
houses 12 full-mission flight simulators. Lt Col the Dutch and American pilots can
fly in each other’s jets.
Van Woerden explained: “The simulators are
being used constantly. You can link them as
well, enabling you to fly really nice missions.”
Major Stefan (last name withheld on request),
one of the first four qualified RNLAF instructor
pilots at Luke, added: “We spend so much
time in the simulator because the missions
you can fly in them are very realistic. You
can easily say that the simulator is virtually
a one-on-one copy of an F-35, very different
to what we were used to with the F-16.”
The first four flights in TX2 are centred around
basic skills: take-offs, landings and instrument This course includes 11 missions in which you of all the different courses. A TX2 takes more
flying. In the subsequent tactical missions the learn to teach the student – who obviously time than a short TX, but less than a B-course.
simulator also plays an important role, according is an instructor during your training rides.” So the annual output we can deliver depends
to Lt Col Van Woerden: “Every type of mission Besides the TX and instructor courses, the on the demands for the different courses.”
is preceded by one or more tactical sim rides. 308th FS provides other training, all of which is
We kick off with the air-to-air part, including laid down in the Combined Wingman Syllabus Software versions
basic fighter manoeuvres [BFM], long-distance (CWS). The CWS is written by the USAF’s Air “The new tool in the toolbox” is how instructor
aerial combat, air combat manoeuvres [ACM] Education and Training Command (AETC) and pilot Stefan describes the F-35, adding: “Because
and tactical intercepts [TI]. Next comes the air- is identical for student pilots from all nations. we operate here under the wings of our bigger
to-ground part, starting with simple surface Razor said: “In August, we will start training American brother, we are very close to where
attack missions using all available sensors. young Dutch pilots that come straight from it all happens. The possibilities of this jet are
During this part of the course, the student gets the ENJJPT at Sheppard. They go through the incredible, even though we are still in a phase
a chance to release a weapon – a laser-guided so-called B-course. Training these ab-initio where it does not yet do 100% of what it is
GBU-12 or GPS-guided GBU-31 JDAM [Joint pilots will take roughly twice the time needed supposed to do. But the aircraft is continuously
Direct Attack Munition] – and occasionally fire for experienced pilots, as they need a lot subject to further improvements, enabling it to
the jet’s gun as well. We then proceed to close more time and attention to learn the job.” perform exactly as advertised in the longer run.”
air support [CAS] and suppression/destruction Major Stefan added: “I am really curious how The F-35’s software gets an upgrade every six
of enemy air defences [SEAD/DEAD]. The these young guys will perform. The Americans months. Meanwhile, the software version with
latter role is completely new and therefore have already trained the first B-course students full warfighting capability known as Block 3F has
rather challenging for our pilots. That is why we from Sheppard and the first impressions and been developed further. Razor told AFM: “Our
spend quite some sorties and simulator hours feedback are good. But this jet is so different current software version is Block 30, production
on this part of the course. Finally, we move on from the F-16, not only flying-wise. Where you tape 04, iteration 012 – or simply 30P04.012. The
to offensive counter-air [OCA], flying missions often did not have the situational awareness main difference compared to version 30P02.04
that include air threats, ground threats and that you wished in the F-16, you have plenty we had before is the addition of an automatic
dynamic targets – so a combination of the sort of that in the F-35. It may be challenging for ground-collision avoidance system or AGCAS,
of missions flown earlier on in the course.” someone who is not used to being overloaded which was already fitted to newer versions of
with information, to learn to come up to speed US Air Force F-16s and now also to the F-35. We
Other courses in a tactical environment. On the other hand, the expect to convert to software version 30P04.52
RNLAF pilots selected to become instructor advantage of the current generation of young later this summer, and to 30P05 at the end of
pilots within the 308th FS follow an additional people is that they grew up in a world that is this year. Furthermore, we started flying with
course after their TX2, lasting another two-and- very different from when we were young: they the CATM-9X-II – the captive air training missile
a-half months. Razor said: “This is a demanding already have that high-tech mindset. Still, the version of the AIM-9X Block II air-to-air missile –
course. And it should be, because you need to F-35 is so much more advanced than the F-16.” on wing-tip-mounted pylons in early June. We are
be able to train other – often young – people to Lt Col Van Woerden said: “Last but not least, the first international partner at Luke to do so.”
become proficient F-35 pilots. The focus in the we offer short transition courses for those Looking further ahead, Lt Col Van Woerden
instructor course is much more on flying and who will be qualified to fly the F-35, but not – said: “We will soon have all eight Dutch
the use of the simulator, since you’ve already or only partially – in tactical missions. Our air jets in the squadron, enabling us to take
dealt with most of the theory during the TX2. force decided that we will be offering a mix up the required number of training slots for
Dutch pilots, which is related to the number
of aircraft we supply. I expect that we will
keep operating eight RNLAF F-35s within
the 308th FS for the foreseeable future. That
allows us to adapt to the RNLAF’s dynamic
demand for pilots, which will only increase
because we will get more F-35s than the 37
jets previously foreseen. All in all, I think it
would be good if we continue training our
pilots here at Luke for many years to come.” AFM

Acknowledgements
Thanks to Lt Col G B ‘Razor’ van Woerden,
Major Stefan and others at NODF-35/308th
FS, as well as RNLAF PAO Maj Wendy Ryan
and the PAO personnel at Luke AFB for their
A crew chief signals the pilot of a Dutch F-35A to start taxiing. Unlike the USAF F-35As of the 308th FS, servicing assistance in preparing this article.
and maintenance of the RNLAF jets is conducted by Lockheed Martin personnel, hence the civilian clothing.

70 // August 2020 #389 www.Key.Aero

 RAF AIRCRAFT 1970
I N T H E C O L D WA R 1990
The Cold War saw the once-allies of
World War II pitted against each other in
a power play that was to last more than
three decades. This striking collection
of 110 air-to-air photographs, taken
by former Royal Air Force pilot Tony
Paxton, looks at the large variety of RAF 128 PAGES, SOFTBACK.

aircraft involved in the conflict including

Lightning, Tornado GR1 and Jaguar.

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Wings
US Navy pilot training

of Gold The US Navy runs a mammoth flight training operation to support its operational units as
well as those of the US Marine Corps and US Coast Guard, as Dick Wels and Hans Drost
discover on visits to Naval Air Station Whiting Field, Florida and NAS Meridian, Mississippi.

72 // August 2020 #389 www.Key.Aero

 had students from a wide range of countries,
including Mexico, India, France, Italy, Portugal,
Spain and Saudi Arabia. The reason they come to
us is simple – and it is not to pat ourselves on the
back – but we probably have the best training
in the world. The French, for example, send only
the top one or two guys from initial screening to
this programme. We also train them in English
proficiency. So they get the shared experience
and the knowledge of how a partner nation is
performing the training as well.” On a yearly
basis around 600 students successfully complete
their primary flight training at Whiting Field
and the graduation rate is approximately 94%.
The three training squadrons at NAS
Whiting Field North fly the T-6; they are
VT-2 ‘Doerbirds’, VT-3 ‘Red Knights’ and
VT-6 ‘Shooters’. The first T-6 was delivered

T
Above: After a quick ‘gas and go’, the crew of this he release of a new Top Gun movie to TAW-5 on August 27, 2009 as it started to
T-45C is ready for the second leg of its training
later this year is likely to interest replace the T-34 Mentor. This transition was
flight. Below: A US Navy T-45C Goshawk assigned
to VT-7 ‘Eagles’ touches down on the Meridian young school leavers to become completed on April 19, 2012, when the final
runway. Training Squadron Seven (VT-7) arrived at pilots. The US Navy, Marine Corps and Coast student training flight was made in a T-34.
Meridian on July 12, 1961, then split on December 15 Guard are all attractive employers and with TAW-5 currently includes 148 T-6s, all shared
to form its sister squadron, Training Squadron Nine
around 3,500 aircraft and helicopters, there between the squadrons as a pooled asset.
(VT-9). US Navy
is a high demand. Naval aviators begin their Whether the students are destined for the
flying training at a number of locations, but F/A-18E/F, F-35, MV-22, P-8 or MH-60, the
NAS Whiting Field, Florida, and NAS Meridian, fixed-wing syllabus kicks off with the T-6,
Mississippi, are key sites on the path to as LCDR Hogan outlined: “The training
receiving the coveted naval ‘Wings of Gold’. takes just under 28 weeks and starts with
Whiting Field is one of the two naval air an indoctrination programme followed by
stations where Primary Flight Training is ground school, learning about aircraft systems
completed. The base is situated around an and emergency procedures… That whole
hour’s drive northeast of Pensacola, near process takes about a month of ground
the city of Milton. It is considered to be the school before the students even get into a
world’s busiest airport and it combines both simulator device. [Next] they start doing cockpit
fixed-wing T-6 Texan II schooling as well as procedure training in the simulator, such as
rotary training with the TH-57 Sea Ranger. how do I get this thing started, how does a
It’s a constant flow of flying, with around 200 checklist work, what kind of flow is going
T-6 and 220 TH-57 flights each day. Despite on between a student and an instructor?”
the intensity, noise complaints here are rare. It takes about six weeks from beginning the
Julie Ziegenhorn, the base public affairs officer syllabus to starting to work inside an aircraft.
(PAO), told AFM: “This is a very rural area; the This is the contact part of the syllabus, as Hogan
people living here are very military-minded.” explained: “Basic contact flights, the basic
Whiting Field is divided into two separate fundamentals of flying, like how do I do power
airfields with the North Field used for T-6 fixed- on and power off, stalls, how do I operate in the
wing training and the South Field for helicopters. landing pattern, how do I talk on the radio? They
Each has two fully operational runways and will have 12 flights in the early contact syllabus.
its own dedicated control tower. It’s a perfect From flight one to flight 12 they are learning
location for learning to fly – the Gulf of Mexico is everything they need to do to be able to solo
a stone’s throw away and there the aircraft. At the end of that part they will do a
are no fewer than 12 outlying check ride and get cleared safe for solo. They’ll
landing fields. Five of these are go out and do some of their high work there –
exclusively utilised for helicopter training; the stalls and that kind of stuff. Then they’re going
others are employed for T-6 and one field – down in the landing pattern on the outlying fields,
Outlying Landing Field Choctaw – is dual use do some touch and goes, come back home
for both helicopter and fixed-wing training. and land safely; they have soloed the aircraft.”
Following these dozen flights, the students
Primary Flight Training head back to the simulators for more instrument
Before student naval aviators arrive at Whiting training. Hogan said: “Then for the most part
Field, they have all been through Aviation they will go into an aerobatic syllabus. That
Preflight Indoctrination (API) at nearby is fairly compressed, but it teaches air sense,
Pensacola, which is the first step in US Navy basically how to manoeuvre the aircraft a little
aviation. LCDR Jeff Hogan, the assistant more dynamically. There are only four flights
operations officer at Whiting Field’s Training Air in that, another check ride and then they will
Wing 5 (TAW-5) explained: “It’s about six weeks do an aerobatic solo: here are the keys to the
of training where they do basic aviation stuff plane, go out to the area, fly around, do some
– survival, weather, navigation – in academic loops and barrel rolls. From there, people will
classes. After successful completion, the transition into a formation syllabus, which again
students will go to NAS Corpus Christi, Texas, or is a kind of introduction of what formation flying
they will come to us and get assigned to one of is like and how we do it. Basically, what it’s like
our three training squadrons. Some 60% of all to work with a wingman. This syllabus consists
US Navy aviators do their primary training here. of four flights as well. The students will finish
TAW-5 also trains aviators for the Coast Guard, that and then they go into a more intensive
Marine Corps and some foreign nations. We’ve instrument training syllabus. In the simulators

www.Key.Aero #389 August 2020 // 73

US Navy pilot training

they learn more advanced instrument flying

procedures. Dealing with air traffic control,
conducting holding and approaches, point-to-
point navigation, and doing everything from
radio navigation to GPS and flight management
system. They also train on both precision
and non-precision approaches. There are 12
total flights in that syllabus. At the very end
there is a little bit of day and night navigation
work, so VFR [visual flight rules] flying using
a chart and using the ground to decide where
you are and where are you trying to get to.
They do those to cap off the syllabus.”
After 47 flights and 36 simulator events, the
fledgling aviators will be ready for the next step
in their education, either helicopters, maritime
patrol or jets. Hogan explained the selection Training Air Wing Five at NAS Whiting Field North
has 148 T-6 aircraft in its inventory.
process: “You see all brands of students going
through primary. We get them and ask: ‘Hey, Eagles’ and HT-28 ‘Hellions’. They all use the wing and intermediate tiltrotor training
what do you want to fly? What are you interested TH-57B/C Sea Ranger – a derivative of the requirements for the US Navy, Marine
in?’ The answer might be: ‘I want to be a jet commercial Bell 206 JetRanger. The Sea Ranger Corps and Coast Guard until 2050. Phase-
pilot, because that’s a cool thing to do.’ Other has been in use since 1983 when it started out of the TH-57 will begin in 2022 and
guys have their heart set on something else: to replace the UH-1 and right now TAW-5 conclude in 2024 when the last examples
‘Hey, my dad flew helicopters.’ When they get owns 113 examples. From 2023, a new training are retired. The navy expects to acquire a
towards the end of the syllabus in primary, helicopter will start arriving in the shape of the fleet of 130 TH-73As at a cost of US$648m.
they go through a selection process where TH-73. One of the instructor pilots told AFM: The TH-57 syllabus takes 29 weeks. Just like
we calculate their grades and come up with “The commodore and deputy had their inputs on the fixed-wing side, the use of simulators
the naval standard score. They have to meet on it, but ultimately it is the choice of the navy. is important and there are currently 37 such
certain thresholds to go to jet/strike or whatever It’s a balance between what the navy wants events. In February 2019, TAW-5 received
else. But you can have a very high performing and what we need, what the trainer would be the first of ten new simulators to replace the
student who wants to fly helicopters.” If they’re able to do, what the aircraft companies are antiquated existing examples. The instructor
the best in the class they will be assigned rotary, offering and what’s in the budget. It’s a whole explained: “The syllabus is kind of similar
even if they meet the jet grades. “But there is balancing act between all of those things. And as with the T-6. Same concept, where you
always a balance between student preferences with the helicopter comes a new syllabus. have ground school: you learn systems and
and the needs of the navy,” Hogan said. It’s not like we are getting a new helicopter aerodynamics again, because the aerodynamics
and you are just implementing it and go. The of a helicopter are significantly different than
Rotary training at Whiting Field framework will stay the same; it will just be those of a fixed-wing plane. Then you go
For those going on to helicopters, a stint at South an updated aircraft, which, as I am assuming, through some sims again, learning how to do
Whiting Field awaits. It’s the only place in the US has more advanced technology going with the checklist and then the same thing: you go
where helicopter pilots from the navy, marines it compared to the helicopters we have right through a contact phase, learning how to hover,
and coast guard are trained. South Whiting Field now that are from the 1970s. So, that will be learning how to auto rotate if your engine fails,
is only a few minutes by car from the North Field, the big difference in the new syllabus.” going through emergencies and checklists, and
but although the actual distance is minimal, The US Navy announced the selection of the basics of flying. Once you managed that,
the experience at the base is very different. Leonardo’s AW119 helicopter as the winner you do something we call the ‘brolo’, because
There are TH-57s as far as the eye can see! of the service’s Advanced Helicopter Training you don’t actually solo a helicopter. You go out
South Whiting houses three helicopter training System (AHTS) competition on January 13, with another student who went through that
squadrons: HT-8 ‘Eightballers’, HT-18 ‘Vigilant 2020. The TH-73A will fulfil advanced rotary same syllabus and these guys do a solo event

74 // August 2020 #389 www.Key.Aero

 Beechcraft’s T-6 Texan II is based
on the Pilatus PC-9. It’s powered
by the Pratt & Whitney Canada
PT6A-68 turboprop engine, which
delivers 1,100shp. At NAS Whiting
Field, maintenance on the aircraft is
performed by civilian contractors.

together. So solo in terms that you’re with a fly it and the people that teach people how year, and that includes some French, British and
student, but you’re not physically solo. Then to fly it, but also from the maintainers that Italian students,” LCDR Lance Benson, instructor
students go to a tactics phase, where they learn keep the aircraft safely in the air and the and former Blue Angels pilot at VT-7 remarked.
how to do confined area landings.” Another approach controllers that talk to us on the All students in the fighter syllabus are trained
feature at an outlying field is the pinnacle, a radio and the rest of the leadership that’s in the T-45 Goshawk, of which the US Navy is
raised surface where students practice landing. providing the resources for us to do that.” the only operator. The original T-45A, which
They will also carry external loads, which became operational in 1991, featured an
concludes the basic work before moving to the Mastering jets at Meridian analogue cockpit, while the newer C-version,
TH-57C. “The Bravo is not instrument rated. A four-hour drive through the rolling hillside which was first delivered in December 1997,
They’ll go through another classroom portion, and pine forests of Alabama leads from incorporates a new digital cockpit design.
learn about instruments in the helicopter and Whiting Field to the border of Mississippi. From All Goshawks currently in operational use
how to fly it. Then they go through a basic there it is only 15 minutes to reach the city of have been upgraded to T-45C standard. The
instrument phase, which is really about building Meridian and the naval air station is situated T-45 is to remain in service until 2035 or
a scan. After that comes a radio navigation another 20 minutes northeast of the town. later. On May 14 the navy published a request
phase that is actually navigating the airways, NAS Meridian is the home of Training Air for information (RFI) for a new trainer, the
doing approaches. They get their instrument Wing One and has been a training base since Undergraduate Jet Training System (UJTS),
rating here, which they didn’t get in primary, opening in 1961. It has two training squadrons: to replace most of the T-45s with an existing
which is building your instrument foundation. VT-7 ‘Eagles’ and VT-9 ‘Tigers’. VT-7 was type; unlike the T-45, it won’t be required
We do another formation syllabus and they established in July 1960 at the former NAS to be capable of full carrier operations.
do goggles – so night-vision devices and Memphis, Tennessee and relocated to NAS Today, the US Navy has approximately
learning night flying on goggles – a navigation Meridian a year later. In December 1961 it split 200 T-45s in service, equally divided
portion, a ship-boarding and a search and to form a sister squadron: VT-9. Both units have between NAS Kingsville and Meridian.
rescue. And then they are finally done.” been at Meridian ever since. Together with LTJG Ally Strachan, a Maine resident, was
There is a graduation rate of 90% and yearly VT-21 and VT-22 at NAS Kingsville, Texas, VT-7 around six months into the course when AFM
more than 500 students become naval aviators and VT-9 train all the US Navy’s future fighter spoke to her. She explained how she ended
and receive their ‘Wings of Gold’. LCDR Hogan aviators. “We have more than 90 students in up in the jet fighter pipeline: “I grew up in a
concluded: “Naval Aviation is cool, but it is our squadron and that is the same for the other military family. My father is a retired senior
also a very skilled enterprise and it takes a squadrons. In Meridian around 120 students chief, a maintenance guy on the P-3, but he
lot of support from not just the people that graduate and earn their ‘Wings of Gold’ each never told me to be in the navy. I just grew up
around it, went to some airshows, but I never
really thought too much about it. In high school
I had to make decisions about college and I
didn’t know what I wanted to do, so I basically
decided I want to be like my dad and I chose
a career in the military. I joined up and I spent
some time on a ship, but still not knowing what I
exactly wanted. At some point I met some pilots
and they were so happy and so professional.
They seemed to have a challenging job, a high
quality of life and it seemed very rewarding. And
I couldn’t believe it: being on a ship and being a
pilot were both options for me. It seemed like a
no-brainer at that point. I decided that aviation
was for me, but I needed a mentor to explore
different options before I made a decision, so I
had helicopter mentors and ‘big wing’ mentors,
like in Jacksonville. But then I met a female jet
pilot at my college and there was no one like
her. Not only because she is a wonderful person,
but also because there were no female jet pilots
anywhere. She was one of the first and she had
gotten back to college for a short tour and I
started meeting with her every week. And once
Above: All helicopter crews for the US Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard are trained in the TH-57B/C Sea again I couldn’t believe that being like her was
Ranger. The single-letter tail code identifies the aircraft’s training wing – in this case, ‘E’ for TAW-5. an option, so then I decided that I wanted jets!”
Left: Incoming and outgoing. NAS Whiting Field South literally crawls with TH-57 Sea Rangers. After a training
ride, the crews head back to the office for a debrief. Before the moment of selection for the

www.Key.Aero #389 August 2020 // 75

US Navy pilot training

different pipelines, LTJG Strachan first had

to complete her six months of Primary
Flight Training at Corpus Christi, Texas. She
explained: “Looking back at that time, it was
more stressful than my time here. I had my
mind set on jets, but you always know that
you might not get your first choice. Although
in primary your classmates are your friends
and although they are good people, it is a
very competitive world. They are not looking
out for themselves necessarily, but everybody
is doing their best, because being the best
of your class gives you the best opportunity
to get your first choice of pipeline.”
LTJG Strachan remembers well the moment
she found out she had clinched her first choice.
“I will probably never forget the moment I
heard about being selected for this pipeline.
At the end of primary, our commanding officer
brought us all in. There were only seven people
that week, four males and three females. The
commander knew I wanted jets and he started and still be a team member. I think this addressed the drop-out percentage. “We
out with ‘I’m so sorry, you’ll have to move to helps me now, because I know how to be have a very low drop-out percentage. That’s
Whiting’, and then after a pause he followed a team member and still be a female.” not strange if you think about it. The students
with ‘Just kiddin’, you are going to Meridian’. have already gone through primary in the T-6
Because of the stress, I started crying. Out of Drop-out percentage and they did very well there, or they wouldn’t
the seven people that were there that day, I was In the jet syllabus, students fly approximately have shown up here. As long as it’s not a
the only one going to this pipeline. The other 160 hours in the T-45C of which nearly 40 hours personality-based reason, as long as they are
two females went to Whiting for the helicopter are solo. They will also spend approximately working hard and are putting forth the effort,
pipeline. Actually, I was the first female jet 96 hours in simulators before completing the our squadron skipper and the commodore
pilot that the squadron has had in two years.” syllabus. “The step from the T-6 to the T-45 who is in charge of both of our skippers, are
Penny Randall, NAS Meridian’s PAO added: is huge,” according to LTJG Strachan. “People doing a really good job trying to keep them in.
“We get female students every now and then, but warned me about it and said that it is going The navy has spent a lot of money on them
it is still rare. At this moment there are six female to be different. They said it was going to be to this point, so if it really doesn’t work on our
students in VT-9 and four in VT-7. We only have really fast and that you are not going to be platform, they will try to get them reallocated
one female instructor, in addition to our executive ready. I thought they were being dramatic. It to different platforms or different pipelines.
officer in VT-9 and next year she will become the can’t be that different! But they were right. All So far, we have had a lot of success. We had
commanding officer of VT-9. She will be the first the stuff felt so heavy and then you have to get one student going to helicopters and a couple
female squadron CO this base has ever had.” in to do the flying. And it is so different. You went to the P-8. So, it is not that the navy is
LTJG Strachan continued: “Although I am one go so much faster; you’ve got to think faster. necessarily losing them. This pipeline is losing
of the few women around here, I feel that I’m I never felt so slow, but I’m starting to get them, but in general the US Navy is able to keep
in my place. I played boys’ hockey until I was used to it. It’s absolutely the most challenging those guys. But normally these guys are very
in high school, from five until I was about 14, thing I’ve done yet. And it is also physically self-motivated and ready to work on a team.”
and that really helped me, because I played more demanding. Maybe it’s not like you’re
with guys in a team and worked with them. pulling on very big weights or running miles Jet syllabus
There were no women locker rooms and I got and miles, but for me, wearing all the gear “The jet syllabus is essentially broken in two
dressed in the janitor’s closet, so I knew what is hard to overcome. Even though I grew halves,” Benson continued. “If you go back
it was like to operate in up in ice hockey and I’m used to wearing a quite a few years you would have heard the
a place where there are helmet, a cage, lots of gear, it is still hard.” terms primary – now done with the T-6 –
fewer facilities for me Before explaining the syllabus, LCDR Benson intermediate and advanced. You can almost

76 // August 2020 #389 www.Key.Aero

 Above: Aviation training, old and new. The students of Training Air Wing One regularly visit Meridian Regional
Airport, which used to house the famous Key Brothers’ flying school. The old hangar and offices are still
present. Left: A mix of US Navy and Marine Corps T-45C Goshawks from VT-9 ‘Tigers’ awaiting the return of
their crews for the next flight through the Mississippi skies. All photos Dick Wels and Hans Drost unless stated

see Phase 1 as the intermediate portion and start by themselves as a single-ship, trying to one or two more parts. After completing this
Phase 2 as the advanced portion. When the find targets. It is fun because it is a little bit syllabus the students receive their ‘Wings of Gold’
students show up, the initial syllabus is once of everything, operating at these speeds and and report to their fleet replacement squadron.”
again teaching them the basics, just as in the altitudes before they get to whatever platform
T-6, so that is the focus of those basic building they will be flying. They will mainly go to the Being the best
blocks. Once they complete Phase 1, which Super Hornet or the Growler, and now we When the students are in their operational
takes about half the time they are here, they got some guys going to the F-35 as well.” squadron, the learning continues, LCDR Benson
move on to Phase 2. That phase is more of the emphasised. “Remember that whether you are
advanced stuff – they will learn the building Going to the boat going to pursue military or civilian aviation or
blocks for the next aircraft they are going to Another interesting part of the training are the commercial aviation, if you are as passionate
be flying when they get to the fleet, although carrier deck landings, Benson said. “There is a about it as these students are, you are going to
it is not super-tactical. It’s just the basics of minimum touch-and-go requirement we have for be successful in whatever you do. To be honest,
what they need to know. We will teach them field passes; it is around 350. Only afterwards we everybody who finds a love for aviation, they
to manoeuvre a mile apart from each other take them out to the boat, but we only do that will find their niche. From experience, having
and keep two guys together while they are in daytime and with good weather. And we also done some pretty cool stuff myself, even I am
not right next to each other. We teach them need deck-space. Usually, if a boat is going out to excited to listen to stories. There is always
how to drop weapons. For that we take them do some operations, the RAGs [fleet replacement cool stuff to learn when you keep your mind
out to the desert. We actually have a range squadrons, formerly known as replacement air open and you are always a student of aviation.
here north of the field in between Columbus, groups] and the training commands will get an Even though you may be very experienced,
Mississippi and us. There is an air-to-surface opportunity and they’ll send everybody out at there is always going to be something new
range where we drop some Mark 76s, which the same time to join them and do their thing. So, to learn that may save your life someday. It
are blue practice bombs, and then they get the when there is deck space available and the ship is a fun business to be in, that’s for sure.”
ballistic profiles of an actual weapon and we do is moving, everybody can go out there and do
some air combat manoeuvring throughout the their training. We get the backside of that almost Acknowledgements
syllabus. We also do low-level navigation, so every time for the T-45 guys. We are kind of the Thanks to everyone who made this article
they have multiple types of low-level routines. last ones to go out, but everybody will get their possible, especially Julie Ziegenhorn, PAO at
Operational Navigation, or ONAV, is the name passes and hopefully pass first time. For some NAS Whiting Field, and Penny Randall, PAO at
of that part of the syllabus, which is essentially of the students it’s the last thing they’ll do during NAS Meridian.
a single ship navigating at 500 feet. So, they’ll this syllabus; other students have to complete

AFM

Above: LTJG Ally Strachan was around six months into

the Meridian course at the time of AFM’s visit.
Right: LCDR Lance Benson is an instructor with VT-7
and a former Blue Angels pilot, selected for the US
Navy’s flight demonstration squadron in 2016.
Left: Flying the T-45 can be great fun for students and
instructor pilots alike. The instructors also frequently
take the aircraft for a spin to keep up their skills.

www.Key.Aero #389 August 2020 // 77

Force
Report Argentine Air Force

Back from t
In the last few years, the Argentine Air Force has faced serious challenges in maintaining its diverse fleet.
Horacio J Clariá investigates how the service has tackled continuous budget cuts and a lack of funding for
future acquisitions.

Maintenance centres
D
espite many problems, the FAA’s strategy has emphasised the Mirage III/5/Finger, MS.760A,
Fuerza Aérea Argentina training of personnel to maximise The Dirección General de Material F-86 and Canberra aircraft were
(FAA, Argentine Air Force) exploitation of available flight hours. in Buenos Aires encompasses overhauled here. The avionics
has successfully renewed its FAA participation in different all the administrative and upgrade that brought the Dagger
training fleet. On the other hand, it multinational combined exercises logistical elements needed to A fleet to Finger IIIB standard
still faces major hurdles in securing such as Águila I and II (with the support the FAA’s operational took place at ARMACUAR (from
a modern fighter and a new USAF in 1998 and 2001) and activities. It comprises three 1985-89), as well as enhancement
medium transport. However, the Ceibo 2005 in Argentina, CRUZEX major maintenance centres of the Mirage 5A Mara fleet
COVID-19 pandemic seems to be in Brazil (2002, 2004 and 2006) located in Quilmes, Río Cuarto (ex-Peruvian Mirage 5Ps acquired
focusing the government’s attention and Salitre in Chile (2004, 2009 and Córdoba. Área Material in 1982 and modernised in 1988-
on the need to restore and expand and 2014) has helped introduce Quilmes (ARMAQUIL) focuses 89). Nowadays, work focuses on
the FAA’s logistics capabilities. standardised procedures and on major overhaul of helicopters the OA/A-4AR Fightinghawk,
Since the late 1990s, the FAA has NATO phraseology during air (Bell 212/412, Hughes 500), Twin IA-63 Pampa II, EMB-312 Tucano,
been in the process of downsizing operations, among others. More Otters, engines, propellers and Cessna 182 and PA-28 Dakota.
its fleet and personnel in accordance recently, during CRUZEX 2008, avionics/flight instruments. This Two specialist organisations are
with available budgets. With the 2010 and 2012, the ‘war games’ plant has been certified by Viking incorporated within ARMACUAR. The
country immersed in a permanent software was provided by the FAA’s Air to perform a modernisation Centro de Ensayos de Armamento
economic crisis for the last 20 Centro de Simulación y Juegos de programme for the Twin Otter y Sistemas Operativos (CEASO,
years, successive governments Guerra (Simulation and War Games fleet; the first example was Weapons and Operating Systems
have assigned a low priority to the Centre), reflecting the significant upgraded in Canada in 2009, Test Centre) is responsible for
armed forces. During this period, developments in this area. followed by four more in Quilmes. weapons trials and development
important aircraft types have been Despite the downsizing process Área Material Río Cuarto (some in co-operation with private
withdrawn from service without affecting serviceable aircraft, the (ARMACUAR) is the major industry). Currently, no specific
proper replacement, reducing FAA has not closed any air bases maintenance facility for combat aircraft are assigned, but it flew
overall capabilities. Meanwhile, the and has maintained its structure. aircraft. Historically, all A-4B/C, a single Mirage IIICJ until 2005.

78 // August 2020 #389 www.Key.Aero

 airforcesintel.com

m the brink?

The Centro de Investigación de

Tecnologías Aeronáuticas (CITeA,
Aeronautical Technologies Research
Centre) is responsible for analysis,
evaluation, acceptance testing,
definition and technical specifications
of modifications, plus improvements
and/or changes to be introduced
in aeronautical digital systems. It
also carries out development of
software and hardware embedded
in different aerospace technologies.
Since the introduction of the
A-4AR from 1997, it has regularly
upgraded the jet’s mission computer
software, providing the FAA with
technological independence.
The Centro de Ensayos en Vuelo
(CEV, Flight Test Centre) is located
within FAdeA ‘Brigadier San Martín’
(Fábrica Argentina de Aviones, the Above: Single-seat A-4AR serial C-933 (c/n 14424, ex 159483) from Grupo 5 de Caza tops up from the tanker. As well as
former Lockheed Martin Argentina, providing practice for the Fightinghawks, the FAA’s two KC-130Hs also conducted aerial refuelling training with A-37Bs from the
Uruguayan Air Force during Exercise Tanque. Top: A flight of EMB-312A Tucanos from Grupo 3 de Ataque at Reconquista. After
previously FMA) facilities in Córdoba.
the Pucará squadron was disbanded in December 2019, the Tucano operator became the only combat unit based in the north of
The CEV was responsible for the the country, close to the ‘hot zone’ – the tripartite frontier between Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil. It’s here that the majority of
first flights and certification of drug/human trafficking and smuggling flights take place. All photos Horacio J Clariá

www.Key.Aero #389 August 2020 // 79

Force
Report Argentine Air Force
hand, the French government
recently made another offer of
Mirage 2000s (version, quantities
and costs remain undisclosed).
Neither the defence ministry nor
the FAA has yet made any official
statement about this proposal.
Last December 18, IA-58A
Pucará serial A-568 performed
the last flight of this enigmatic
close air support aircraft. In
service since 1975, the final
operational examples were
IA-63 Pampa II serial E-803 (c/n 1008) grounded and preserved pending
from Grupo 6 de Caza climbs over the a new chapter in their career.
foothills of the Andes. The air force Currently, the IA-58H Pucará Fénix
plans to continue upgrading its Pampa
II fleet to Pampa III standard; the sixth
prototype is completing its Pratt
of these was handed over to the VI & Whitney PT6A-62 certification/
Brigada Aérea at Tandil in March and homologation process. In 2021,
the Pampa II has now returned to its six to eight IA-58As are expected
training role at Mendoza.
to start receiving the same
the indigenous IA-58 Pucará and responsible for aircraft maintenance Combat aviation upgrade (including a general
IA-63 Pampa and the flight tests (primary and intermediate levels), Following the withdrawal of the overhaul and life extension) to
of different systems and weapons and a Grupo Base (base group) last Mirage IIIEA/Finger/Mirage perform a new role: intelligence,
introduced to a wide variety of responsible for installations and 5A Mara jets in November 2015, surveillance and reconnaissance
aircraft. Its fleet comprises the security of the air base. A BAM the OA/A-4AR remains the only (ISR). The FAA is also pursuing a
IA-58H Pucará Fénix prototype is a lower-ranked unit with an fighter in FAA service. A total cockpit standardisation, aligning
(serial OVX-501, formerly AX-561) organisation similar to a brigade. of 36 were originally taken on the Pucará with the Pampa III.
and the IA-63 Pampa III prototype The Dirección General de strength between 1997 and 2000, The FAA plans to keep this new
(serial EX-03), both currently Educación (DGEduc, Education operated by Grupo 5 de Caza (V version of the Pucará in the air
performing test campaigns. Two General Direction) is responsible Brigada Aérea) at Villa Reynolds. for a further 15 to 20 years.
veteran B45 Mentors (serials EX-034 for the military schools for pilots During its career, the Fightinghawk Withdrawal of the Mirage family
and 086) and a single Cessna and ground crew, as well as other has suffered from logistical and left the FAA without a supersonic
180F (serial PG-394) also perform training facilities for administrative maintenance issues, affecting interception capability. A stopgap
avionics trials and utility tasks. personnel. The Escuela de Aviación its operational performance and solution to keep their home base
The Comando de Alistamiento Militar (EAM, Military Aviation availability. Additional funding has – the VI Brigada Aérea at Tandil
y Adiestramiento (CAA, Enlisting School) is the academy for the been assigned to the A-4AR fleet – open was the deployment of a
and Training Command) is tasked FAA’s officers, located in Córdoba. since the G20 presidential summit batch of IA-63 Pampa II advanced
with the operational organisation, The selected students – called that took place in Buenos Aires trainer/light attack aircraft from
training, evaluation and instruction cadets – begin a four-year course of in 2018, increasing the number of the IV Brigada Aérea at Mendoza
functions of the operational units. increasing difficulty, with those that serviceable examples; the FAA by late 2015. At the beginning of
To do so, it administers the Brigadas succeed graduating with the rank of plans to continue this effort to 2019, the newly upgraded Pampa
Aéreas (air brigades) and Bases Alferez (second lieutenant). Those achieve ten to 12 aircraft by 2020- III version began to be delivered
Aéreas Militares (BAM, military with the best average become part 21. This decision is also related to to Grupo 6 de Caza, restoring the
air bases) to which aerospace of the Cuerpo del Aire (Air Corps) the fact that negotiations begun Pampa II to Mendoza. Last March,
materiel is allocated. Each brigade and are assigned to the Grupo Aéreo in 2016 for the acquisition of ten the sixth example (serial A-705)
comprises three Grupos (groups): Escuela (GAE) to attend the flying FA-50 Golden Eagles hit a dead was handed over, with two more
a Grupo Aéreo (air group) to which course – the Curso Básico Conjunto end after the presidential election scheduled to be delivered by the
flying squadrons are assigned, a de Aviador Militar (CBCAM, Military introduced a new ruling party end of the year or the beginning
Grupo Técnico (technical group) Aviator Joint Basic Course). in October 2019. On the other of 2021. FAdeA is also seeking to
sign a contract with the defence
ministry for an additional ten
Pampa IIIs, producing two to
three units annually until 2024.
Introduced from 2017, the T-6C+
replaced the EMB-312A Tucano
in the training role with the EAM
at Córdoba. The Tucano fleet was
reassigned to Grupo 3 de Ataque
(III Brigada Aérea) at Reconquista.
After finishing their last CBCAM
course by May 2018, the first five
machines flew to their new home
base on June 26 that year, ending
an important chapter in the EAM’s
history, which included training
more than 870 pilots. A total of
15 Tucanos were transferred to
Originally delivered in May 1969, KC-130H serial TC-69 (c/n 4814) cruises over the coast, with Buenos Aires in the background. Reconquista, survivors from the
This is one of four FAA Hercules to have undergone an avionics upgrade and has also received a FLIR system under the nose. 30 received from 1987. Today, the

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 airforcesintel.com

A trio of T-6C+ Texan IIs up from the Escuela de Aviación Militar at Córdoba, where
they are assigned to Escuadrón Instruccion Aérea III. Deliveries were completed last
December, and a Texan II flight simulator is currently being installed at the base.

Tucano’s main task is border patrol yet been allocated. On the other
and surveillance. The Dirección hand, the last active F28 Mk1000C
General de Investigación y (serial TC-53) was scheduled to
Desarrollo (DGID, Investigation and be retired by October 2019 but,
Development General Direction) two months earlier, cracks were
and DGM are developing a gun detected on its wings during
pod – for 12.7mm and 7.62mm a routine inspection. With no
machine guns – that will be carried aircraft in service, the Escuadrón
under the Tucano’s wings in II F28 faced disbandment.
future. An upgrade project that will After analysing the situation and
include new avionics and a glass concluding there was no budget for
cockpit is on the agenda for 2021. purchasing new machines, the FAA
turned its attention to F28 serial
Transport and support TC-52. This aircraft was no longer
The FAA’s logistics fleet is facing airworthy, having been grounded
unprecedented demand. Since the and preserved since September
beginning of the year, the COVID- 2018 awaiting a 2C inspection
19 pandemic has revealed that that never started (bearing in
more transport aircraft are required mind programmed withdrawal
to meet central government of the type the following year).
requests to assist the effort against After four months of frenetic
the virus. The scenario and plans work in Palomar’s hangars, the
envisaged by the FAA at the end of Grupo Técnico 1 technicians and
2019 have now changed drastically. a team from FAdeA conducted
At the end of last year, the the inspection in record time,
C295 was seen as the only returning the jet to service on
replacement for the F27 fleet, February 4, 2020. The FAA then
which had been disbanded in began to study the possibility of
2016, although no funding had refurbishing another F28 (serial

F28 Mk1000C serial TC-55 (c/n 11024) has been grounded since 2017, but the latest developments within the transport fleet mean it’s now a candidate for a return to
service, following refurbishment.

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 Force
Report Argentine Air Force

A two-ship reveals different colour schemes applied to the Grupo Aéreo 2 Learjet
35A fleet. Leading the formation is grey-painted serial T-22 (c/n 35A-136), followed
by the more colourful T-26 (c/n 35A-369, ex T-24) that was written off after a bird
strike last December.
TC-55 or TC-54, both grounded Paraná by the Grupo Técnico 2/ A-4AR. The C-130 is also essential Escuadrón VII de Transporte
since 2017) and repairing TC-53. II Brigada Aérea) prove a success, for each Campaña Antártica de Aéreo is assigned a wide variety
Last April, the defence ministry another example (serial TC-75) will Verano (CAV, Summer Antarctic of missions, including personnel
allocated funding for acquisition follow. The story of the FAA’s Dutch Campaign), taking place between and equipment transport,
of at least one secondhand 737- transport fleet – which should December and March, when search and rescue (SAR,
700 medium-range transport. have ended in 2019 – has seen an the Hercules creates a cargo including oceanic SAR), tactical
The COVID-19 pandemic has interesting change in fortunes. air bridge between BAM Río work on short and unpaved
demonstrated the need to restore The C-130 fleet continues its Gallegos on the mainland and runways, special operations
the FAA’s strategic transport upgrade and life-extension Base Marambio at Seymour support and medical evacuation
capability, strengthening the programme. Currently, four Island, on the east of the Antarctic (medevac). It also operates
government’s response capacity. machines (serials TC-69, 70, 61 and peninsula. For CAV missions, the on some of LADE’s routes.
The FAA lost its long-range 66 – the last of these redelivered Hercules carry base personnel, The Antarctic is the natural
transport ability in 2006 when on May 6) have received a new full- scientists and their equipment, scenario for the DHC-6, and
the last 707-387B was withdrawn glass cockpit among other avionics helicopters including a support one example is permanently
from service. During the COVID- and improvements, including team and spares, fuel barrels, detached at Marambio air base.
19 crisis, the government has the addition of a forward-looking supplies and waste that cannot Known as Escuadrilla ‘Águilas’
had to use commercial jets infrared (FLIR) system under be left in the ‘White Continent’. (‘Eagles’ Flight), the Twin Otter’s
from national airlines to bring the nose (only in the KC-130H The IX Brigada Aérea, based at crew are highly appreciated by
medical supplies from China and tanker version, TC-69 and 70). Comodoro Rivadavia, operates scientists and military personnel
repatriate Argentinian citizens Two more examples will follow: two transport types, the Saab stationed annually or seasonally
from Europe, North America serial TC-64 should be redelivered 340B and DHC-6. Escuadrón VI at different camps, shelters and
and neighbouring countries. next year, followed by the unique de Transporte Aéreo flies four bases spread across Antarctica.
Moreover, the efforts of the L-100-30 (TC-100) in 2022. Saab 340Bs, mainly used by the Besides its ability to land on ice
C-130 fleet and the sole F28 are The Hercules is the workhorse of state airline Líneas Aéreas del and snow runways (using skis),
not enough to cope with the the FAA’s transport fleet, equipping Estado (LADE) for connecting enabling transport of cargo and
logistical requirements demanded Escuadrón I Transporte Aéreo at small Patagonian villages with passengers, the Twin Otter is
by the pandemic. Therefore, F27 Palomar that flies the remainder the region’s main cities. This is a also responsible for SAR alert
serial TC-79 – the last of its type, of 16 aircraft (three C-130Es, five high-value service, especially in below the 60th parallel south,
grounded and preserved since C-130Hs, one L-100-30 and five the winter season when certain emergency medevac to the
September 2016 – has begun an C-130Bs) that entered service villages can only be reached by air. continent, glaciological mapping,
overhaul for a planned return to from 1968. The two KC-130Hs The Twin Otter equips two scientific probe surveys and sea
service by the end of the year. are periodically used for air-to- squadrons within Grupo Aéreo condition reports for navigation.
If these efforts (undertaken at air refuelling training with the 9 at Comodoro Rivadavia. The Training of future transport pilots
is carried out by the Escuadrón
CEPAT (Curso de Estandarización
les de Procedimientos para Aviadores
VII de Transporte, Procedures
Standardisation Course for
Transport Aviators). The DHC-6
fleet began being used on this
course in 1996, when it was
reinstated at Comodoro Rivadavia.
Nevertheless, this situation
will change with the recent
confirmation of the purchase of ten
ex-US Navy TC/UC-12B Hurons
via the US government’s Foreign
Military Sales programme. The first
Equipped with emergency flotation bags, one of the two Mi-171Es – serial H-94 (c/n 171E0032105701U) – hovers low over the water. example will be received by the
The ‘Hips’ received a high-visibility colour scheme like that used by the Chinook (in FAA service between 1980 and 2002). end of the year, and it has been

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 airforcesintel.com

Argentine Air Force order of battle

Squadron/unit Aircraft Mission Base Squadron/unit Aircraft Mission Base
I Brigada Aérea Grupo 1 de Transporte Aéreo (G1TA) Escuadrón II/ Advanced
H500D
CEPAHC training
KC/C-130H Hercules, El Palomar
Escuadrón I Transport, tanker Escuadrón III Mi-171E Transport
L-100-30 (Buenos Aires)
F28 Mk1000C Grupo de Operaciones Especiales (GOE)
Escuadrón II Transport
Fellowship Escuadrón Operates various
Special forces
II Brigada Aérea Grupo Aéreo 2 (GA2) Operativo/Escuela/ transports from other
commandos
Técnico units
Photo-
Paraná (Entre IX Brigada Aérea Grupo Aéreo 9 (GA9)
Escuadrón II Learjet 35A/Learjet 60 reconnaissance,
Ríos)
transport Comodoro
Escuadrón VI de
Escuadrón Saab 340B Transport Rivadavia
Airfield navaids Transporte Aéreo
Verificación de Learjet 35A/Learjet 60 (Chubut)
calibration
Radioayudas Escuadrón VII de
DHC-6 Twin Otter 200 Transport
F27 Mk400M/600 Transporte Aéreo
Escuadrón IV Transport
Friendship/Troopship Escuadrón CEPAT DHC-6 Twin Otter 200 Training
Escuadrilla Servicios A182J/N Skylane Liaison Escuela de Aviación Militar Grupo Aéreo Escuela (GAE)
Grupo Reconocimiento Aeroespacial (GRA) Escuadrón Elementary Córdoba
P2002JF Sierra
Escuadrón Guerra Electronic Instruccion Aérea I training (Córdoba)
Learjet 35A
Electrónica warfare Escuadrón
G 120TP-A Primary training
III Brigada Aérea Grupo 3 de Ataque (G3A) Instruccion Aérea II
Attack, border Reconquista Escuadrón Basic/advanced
Escuadrón I IA-58A Pucará T-6C+ Texan II
patrol (Santa Fe) Instruccion Aérea III training
Attack, border A182J Skylane, AB-
Escuadrón II EMB-312A Tucano Escuadrón Liaison, SAR,
patrol 180RVR, PA-25-260
Adiestramiento glider tug
Puelche
Escuadrilla Servicios A182J/N Skylane Liaison Escuadrón
Various gliders Training
Volovelismo
IV Brigada Aérea Grupo 4 de Caza (G4C)
Escuadrón SANT Various UAVs Training
Advanced El Plumerillo
Escuadrón I IA-63 Pampa II Dirección General de Investigación y Desarrollo Centro de Ensayos en Vuelo (CEV)
training (Mendoza)
Escuadrón III OTMA CEV
IA-58H Pucará Fénix,
Búsqueda, Rescate y SA315B Lama SAR (Organismo Técnico Córdoba
IA-63 Pampa III, Cessna Flight testing
Tareas Especiales de Mantenimiento (Córdoba)
180F, B45 Mentor
Aeronáutico CEV)
Escuadrilla Servicios A182J/N Skylane Liaison
BAM Morón Escuadrón Aéreo
V Brigada Aérea Grupo 5 de Caza (G5C)
PA-A-28-236 Dakota, PA- Morón
Villa Reynolds Escuadrilla I Transport, liaison
Escuadrón I A/OA-4AR Fightinghawk Attack, fighter A-28-RT-201 Arrow IV (Buenos Aires)
(San Luis)
Escuadrilla II PA-A-34-220T Seneca III
Escuadrilla Servicios A182J/N Skylane Liaison
Dirección de Operaciones de la Agrupación Aérea de Presidencia Dirección
VI Brigada Aérea Grupo 6 de Caza (G6C)
de Operaciones de Aviones
Tandil (Buenos
Escuadrón I IA-63 Pampa III Attack Presidential El Palomar
Aires) Escuadrón Boeing 757-200, 737-500
transport (Buenos Aires)
A182J/N Skylane,
Escuadrilla Servicios Liaison Escuadrón Learjet Learjet 60SE
Aerocommander 500U
Dirección de Operaciones de Helicópteros
VII Brigada Aérea Grupo Aéreo 7 (GA7)
Escuadrón S-70 S-70A Black Hawk
Moreno
Escuadrón I Bell 212/412EP Transport, CSAR Escuadrón S-76 S-76B Spirit
(Buenos Aires)

stated that a batch of Hurons will Three workhorses of the FAA’s challenging
replace the Twin Otter 200 in the Antarctic and high-mountain operations. From
CEPAT, which will be moved to the left to right: Bell 412EP, SA315B Lama and ski-
equipped DHC-6 Twin Otter 200.
II Brigada Aérea at Paraná. The rest
of the Hurons will be distributed
across the major units for liaison/
utility purposes. These aircraft
were selected by FAA personnel at
the 309th Aerospace Maintenance
and Regeneration Group (AMARG)
at Davis-Monthan, Arizona,
and will be returned to flight
condition before being delivered.
The DHC-6 Twin Otter 200’s
extensive history with the FAA Pratt & Whitney PT6A-27 engines; calibration and medevac. In fulfil liaison, light transport and
started in 1968, when the first five five aircraft have been completed, 2016, a single Learjet 35A para-rescue requirements, with
were handed over, followed by with two more on the waiting list. (serial VR-24) was acquired and aircraft scattered across different
an additional three in 1983 and a Operated by the II Brigada Aérea locally modified for electronic units around the country. In
final example acquired in 1998. A at Paraná, the Learjet 35A fleet intelligence/signals intelligence 2018, a cockpit digitalisation
life-extension overhaul began in celebrated its 40th anniversary (ELINT/SIGINT), equipped with and navigation/communications
2011 and includes introduction of in 2017. Its current duties Thales Vigile 200 electronic upgrade began to modernise the
a glass cockpit, new navigation/ comprise photo-reconnaissance, support measures (ESM). survivors, in service since 1965.
communications avionics and VIP transport, airfield navaids A fleet of FMA-Cessna 182s A single twin-engine Rockwell

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Force
Report Argentine Air Force
and passenger transportation.
The UN Flight has accumulated
more than 28,000 flight hours
since the deployment began.
In 2013, the first two Bell 412s
(serials H-101 and 102) were
purchased on the civilian market.
An additional four refurbished
Bell 412EPs (serials H-103 to
106) were then bought via the
FMS programme and delivered
in January 2018. The squadron’s
tactical capabilities have thus
dramatically improved, these
machines arriving fully equipped
A tactical-style overall grey scheme is worn by Chincul-Piper PA-A-34-220T Seneca III serial PG-321 (c/n AR34-8133039)
with external fixed hoists, Nightsun
assigned to Escuadrilla II at BAM Morón, on the outskirts of Buenos Aires.
searchlights, FLIR systems, cabin
Aerocommander 500U (serial and a Learjet 60SE (serial T-11, Moreno (VII Brigada Aérea) and lighting compatible with third-
T-133) – survivor of a fleet of 14 delivered last March) are currently Mendoza (IV Brigada Aérea). generation night-vision goggles
machines introduced in 1968 – serviceable, while the 757-200 The main helicopter unit is the (NVGs), interchangeable skids
faces a fight for survival after a (serial T-01, purchased in 1992) is VII Brigada Aérea, responsible for incorporating emergency flotation
minor accident in February 2018 grounded and has been preserved three squadrons. Escuadrón I flies bags for overwater operations,
left it grounded, awaiting a decision since January 2016, awaiting a the Bell 212/412 fleet. A total of cabin ‘wet floor’ protectors and
about its future. Introduction D-check inspection. Previously, 11 Bell 212s entered service from avionics for all-weather operations.
of the Huron might lead to the there were suggestions the 757-200 1978. With the withdrawal of the Escuadrón I can now perform a
withdrawal of this sole example. might be sold or even scrapped, last operational UH-1H in 2007, wide range of tactical duties, such
BAM Morón – located on the but the new government has they became the main workhorse as SAR (its main role), combat
outskirts of Buenos Aires – decided to allocate funding to finally of the FAA’s rotary fleet. Since SAR (using visual, electronic or
operates Chincul-Piper PA-A- perform the overhaul. The Learjet 1978, they have also deployed to radial search), VIP transport,
28-236 Dakota, PA-A-28-RT-201 60 (serial T-10), acquired as a VIP Base Marambio to support the medevac, casevac, troop and cargo
Arrow IV and PA-A-34-220T transport and introduced in 1999, Campaña Antártica de Verano. transport, special forces missions
Seneca III aircraft for light transport was regularly used for presidential Beginning in 1998, a Bell 212 support and paratrooper training.
duties. The fleet is currently flights, but with the arrival of T-11 has been permanently deployed For self-defence, the Bell 212 can
undergoing a similar upgrade it was transferred to the II Brigada on behalf of the United Nations be armed with door-mounted
programme to Cessna 182s. Aérea at Paraná. T-01 and T-04 are Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus 7.62mm MAG machine guns on
Significant for the FAA’s training not formally part of the FAA fleet, (UNFICYP). The Argentine UN locally designed pintle mounts.
effort, three piston-engine FAdeA- but belong to the government Flight began operations in 1994 After completing the basic flying
Laviasa PA-25-260 Puelche and and are flown by air force pilots. with a pair of Hughes 500Ds. course (CBCAM) at the EAM,
a single Aero Boero AB-180RVR The unit is based at Lárnaca pilots selected for helicopter
light aircraft are used by the Helicopters Airport and conducts observation specialisation move to the army’s
EAM’s Escuadrón Volovelismo The FAA operates an eclectic and reconnaissance patrols flying school at Campo de Mayo
(Glider Squadron) at Córdoba helicopter fleet comprising five along the buffer zone, medevac (Buenos Aires), which hosts the
for glider towing and liaison. types from three suppliers in (sanitary evacuation) and urgent Curso Conjunto de Pilotos de
Three types satisfy presidential France, Russia and the US. These casualty evacuation (casevac), Helicópteros, (CCPHEL, Joint
transport needs. A 737-500 equip four flying squadrons familiarisation flights, command, Helicopter Pilot Course). The
(serial T-04, in service from 2014) assigned to two units stationed at control and liaison tasks, and cargo course is attended by aircrew
Four of the ten Grob G 120TP-A
from the army, navy and air force,
trainers operated by the Escuela sometimes from other countries,
de Aviación Militar’s Escuadrón all flying the Bell 206B-3. The FAA
Instruccion Aérea II formate for has an agreement with the Ejército
the camera. These aircraft were
purchased by FAdeA which then
del Aire (Spanish Air Force) under
leased them back to the FAA. which it also regularly sends
pilots to the Escuela Militar de
Helicópteros (Military Helicopter
School) at Armilla in Granada,
where they fly the EC120 Colibri.
After completing either of these
courses, pilots are assigned to
Escuadrón II at Moreno, where
they receive further specialised
training in the FAA syllabus. This
advanced rotary syllabus relies
on the RACA-Hughes 500D. The
first of 32 (of different versions,
including the 369HS/HM and
500C/D/E) entered service in
1969 and a handful of survivors
remain operational under
Escuadrón II. On these aircraft,
pilots conduct the Curso de

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 airforcesintel.com

that ended with acquisition of a fleet

of ten Grob G 120TP-As in 2013. The
fleet was bought by FAdeA and hired
to the FAA via the defence ministry
under a ‘pay-per-hour’ service
contract. The Grob fleet equips
Escuadrón Instruccion Aérea II, with
which pilots receive primary training.
In April 2017, the FAA signed a
contract for the first four brand-
new T-6C+ aircraft, which arrived
in October 2017. Eight additional
Texan IIs were purchased, the last
in December 2019. All are assigned
to Escuadrón Instruccion Aérea III.
Undoubtedly one of the more unusual types in FAA service is this FAdeA-Laviasa PA-25-260 Puelche, serial PG-463. The aircraft –
a locally produced PA-25 Pawnee – is used for glider towing on behalf of the EAM’s Escuadrón Volovelismo at Córdoba. With these acquisitions, the GAE
has managed to field a state-of-
Estandarización de Procedimientos permanently operate with will be either the Airbus H125 the-art glass-cockpit fleet, setting a
Avanzados de Helicópteros de commando troops from the Grupo or the Bell 407 and allocation high standard in pilot training. After
Combate (CEPAHC, Advanced de Operaciones Especiales (GOE, of funds for the acquisition is completing the CBCAM course,
Helicopter Combat Procedures Special Operations Group) as expected in the near future. selected future fighter pilots
Standardisation Course), a they share the same home base. move to Mendoza’s IV Brigada
demanding syllabus including The final FAA helicopter unit is Trainers Aérea. There they begin flying the
CSAR escort tasks, defensive and Escuadrón III Búsqueda, Rescate Based in Córdoba, the Grupo Pampa II advanced trainer under
offensive manoeuvres against y Tareas Especiales (Search Aéreo Escuela (GAE) currently the Curso de Estandarización
aircraft and helicopters, SAR and Rescue and Special Tasks) comprises three aerial instruction de Procedimientos para
tasks, and external slung-load operating from Mendoza (IV squadrons. They are fully Aviadores de Combate (CEPAC,
operations. On completion, pilots Brigada Aérea) and equipped with assigned to the CBCAM course, Procedures Standardisation
move to the Bell 212/412, Mi-171E the SA315B Lama, introduced from where students – not only from Course for Fighter Pilots).
or SA315B or otherwise remain in 1975. From 2019, this squadron has the FAA, but also the navy and The IA-63 Pampa was introduced
the squadron as operational pilots. made a huge effort to field three army, and even other Latin from 1988 and a total of 22
In order to strengthen capabilities operational machines, despite a American air arms – learn to fly. examples were delivered. The
for Antarctic operations, two shortage of funds and the extremely The FAA’s pilot screening fleet received an avionics and
Mi-171Es were purchased in 2011 high cost of spares. The Lama’s trainer is the Tecnam P2002JF cockpit upgrade in 2007, emerging
and assigned to Escuadrón III (VII natural operating environment is Sierra. Assigned to Escuadrón as the Pampa II. An engine
Brigada Aérea). Their high payload the rugged Andes region, for which Instruccion Aérea I, eight examples replacement effort was launched
capacity – 8,818lb (4,000kg) – has the crew receive special training were introduced in 2016 under in 2013, the trainers receiving
proven to be especially important for high-mountain flying. Rapidly a ‘pay-per-hour’ leasing scheme the more powerful and efficient
during supply summer campaign changing weather conditions, with a private contractor. Due Garret AirResearch TFE731-
operations at Marambio. By the strong and sudden wind shears to its excellent performance, 40-2N as they entered their
end of this year, they will both and difficult landing zones can by the end of 2018 the FAA 1,200-flight-hour major overhaul.
reach 2,000 flight hours and will all be extremely hazardous, so had decided to exercise the Next year, the FAdeA plans to
be grounded pending a major it’s mandatory to always operate option to purchase the fleet. sign a contract with the defence
overhaul. The FAA is assessing the with at least two helicopters. The B45 Mentor’s withdrawal from ministry to upgrade the remaining
most suitable option for this work. The FAA has already decided training duties initiated a selection Pampa II fleet to Pampa
These three squadrons that the Lama’s replacement process III standard. AFM

Escuadrón S-70 and Escuadrón S-76

within the Dirección de Operaciones
de la Agrupación Aérea de Presidencia
operate the Black Hawk (serial H-01,
c/n 70-203 nearest camera) and Spirit,
respectively.

www.Key.Aero #389 August 2020 // 85

Attrition
Report Subscribe to www.Key.Aero
for breaking news stories. E-mail the news
team at [email protected]

F-16 crash near March

ARB – report released
More on USAF
F-16 mishap
in Korea
ADDITIONAL DETAILS have
become available regarding
the accident involving a USAF
8th Fighter Wing (FW) F-16C
at Kunsan Air Base, South
Korea, last December 2 (see
Attrition, February, p89), following
publication of the Aircraft Accident
Investigation Board report. This
identifies the aircraft involved
as F-16CM Block 40 90-0714
‘WP’ from the 8th FW’s 80th
Fighter Squadron (FS) ‘Juvats’.
At 1537hrs local time on
December 2, 2019, the aircraft
crashed between Runway 36 and
Taxiway P at Kunsan Air Base,
South Korea. The mishap pilot
(MP) was an instructor assigned
to the 80th FS. The MP was
returning to Kunsan AB after
completing a local continuation
training sortie. Upon initial contact
with the runway, the mishap
aircraft’s (MA’s) right main landing
gear (RMLG) collapsed and the
Above: Wreckage from the South Dakota ANG F-16C 88-0477 inside the commercial warehouse that it crashed into on May 16 MA yawed to the right. The MP
last year. USAF attempted to keep the aircraft
on the runway and get airborne

A
IR COMBAT Command there. The mishap pilot (MP), low pressure in system B. The
has released the Aircraft assigned to the 144th FW, Det loss of hydraulic pressure in both again but was unsuccessful. The
Accident Investigation 1, ejected before impact and systems significantly degraded the jet departed the runway and
Board report into the May 16, sustained minor injuries. The MA, effectiveness of the hydraulically the MP successfully ejected,
2019, crash of a South Dakota valued at US$24,991,645, was actuated flight controls. Unable suffering only minor injuries.
Air National Guard F-16C into destroyed and the environmental to maintain control of the jet, the The MA remained upright
a warehouse near March Air clean-up cost was US$3,937,652. MP ejected near the threshold and skipped across the infield,
Reserve Base (ARB), California The flight had been intended of March ARB’s Runway 14. intermittently becoming airborne
– see Attrition, July 2019, p108. to practise an aerospace The Aircraft Accident and settling back onto the field.
The report, published on May 31 control alert scramble of two Investigation Board president The fighter eventually stopped
this year, identifies the aircraft F-16s and to conduct aircraft found, by a preponderance of approximately 2,200ft (671m) from
involved as Block 40 F-16C intercept training. It was a two- evidence, the cause of the mishap the first touchdown point and the
88-0477 assigned to the 114th aircraft formation with the was the improper installation of MA rotated 150° from the initial
Fighter Wing/175th Fighter training activities occurring in a two hydraulic check valves in the runway heading. The MA, valued
Squadron ‘Lobos’ at Sioux Falls military operating area (MOA) right flaperon integrated servo at US$19.4m, was destroyed.
Regional Airport-Joe Foss Field, approximately 120 miles (193km) actuator (ISA), which resulted There were no casualties and
South Dakota. The aircraft was east of March ARB. The MP was in a loss of sufficient hydraulic no loss of civilian property.
undertaking duties with the 144th to fly the number two aircraft in pressure to control the MA. A The Accident Investigation
FW, Detachment 1, at March ARB the formation (the ‘wingman’) preponderance of the evidence Board president found, by a
when it crashed on approach to during take-off, transition to the also indicated an inadequate preponderance of evidence, this
the base at 1539hrs local time. MOA, return to base and land. ISA overhaul process that mishap was caused by a failure
There were no fatalities, but the During the approach into March lacked an effective procedure of the RMLG down-lock actuator,
mishap aircraft (MA) impacted a ARB, the MA experienced low to identify improper installation causing the RMLG to collapse,
commercial warehouse, resulting pressure in system A of its dual of ISA check valves was a making the aircraft uncontrollable
in minor injuries to people working hydraulic system, followed by substantially contributing factor. during the landing phase of flight.

86 // August 2020 #389 www.Key.Aero

 Accident Reports
D: May 30
N: Russian DOSAAF
T: Yak-52M
S: RF-01225
While taxiing at Bogorodsky in
the Nizhny Novgorod region at
around 1600hrs during ground
training, the propeller hit the
ground, causing a fire in the
engine compartment. The aircraft
was burnt out, but the two
occupants escaped uninjured.

D: May 30
N/U: US Marine Corps/VMM-163
T: MV-22B Osprey
S: 166740 ‘YP-11’ The burnt-out remains of DOSAAF Yak-52M RF-01225 after the propeller hit the ground while taxiing at Bogorodsky on May 30.
Both occupants escaped unharmed before the fire took hold. Ministry for Emergencies of Russia in the Nizhny Novgorod Region
While parked on Ramp 6
at San Diego-Brown Field and no marines were on board factory. Due to approaching bad Atlantiques
Municipal Airport, California, at the time of the collision. weather, it was decided to remain T: EC145
at approximately 0940hrs local at Reading before continuing. S: F-ZBQF
time, the port propeller of civilian D: Jun 4 Despite the rotor blades being After carrying out a mountain
Kapowsin Air Sports/Skydive N: Libyan National Air Force secured by tie-down lines, the rescue at Col de la Taillandère,
Kapowsin San Diego DHC-6-100 T: Mi-35 unexpected severity of the storm near the town of Laruns in the
Twin Otter N52FW struck the port S: 856 caused one of these tie-downs to Pyrenees, this helicopter, callsign
main rotor of this Osprey, tearing When Libyan Government of snap, allowing the wind to take ‘Dragon 64’ from Pau-Uzein, took
out a large section of the rotor. The National Accord (GNA) forces hold of a forward rotor blade off around 1100hrs local time but
impact then swung the Twin Otter overran Abu Aisha Agricultural and break it at the connection one of the main rotor blades struck
around and its starboard propeller Aviation Airport, southeast of with the rotor head. As a result, a rock wall. The helicopter was
hit the rear of the Osprey’s port Tripoli, Libya, on this date, they the helicopter was moved to its able to perform a safe emergency
engine nacelle, tearing off a large captured this Mi-35 intact. destination by road for shipping to landing nearby and damage
section and leaving the Twin Although in perfect condition, the the Netherlands. After inspection, appeared to be minimal, although
Otter’s starboard engine hanging helicopter had been left behind the second helicopter was found it had to be grounded pending
vertically down from its mountings. having reportedly been grounded to be undamaged and flew to repairs. The pilot, mechanic,
Damage to the Osprey was due to an engine problem that its destination as planned. doctor and injured hiker on board
mostly on the port side, including could not be repaired. After were unhurt. Another Sécurité
the engine compartment, wing, being captured by the GNA, it D: Jun 6 Civile EC145, ‘Dragon 33’, took
undercarriage and port propeller. was towed around the airfield at N: French Sécurité Civile/ over from ‘Dragon 64’ while
The starboard propeller was high speed, causing considerable Départment des Pyrénées- the latter underwent repairs.
also damaged when the impact damage to the airframe – it
pushed it to the ground. No one was also daubed with graffiti.
was injured in the incident. The Several days later, it was put on
Twin Otter had been at the airport a flatbed low-loader to be moved
for some weeks undergoing by road to Tripoli but was further
maintenance and had just started damaged when it failed to clear
up prior to departure to the a low bridge, which struck the
nearby Nichol’s Field skydiving rotor head. An image of it trapped
airstrip with only the pilot on under the bridge appearing on
board. The pilot said the aircraft social media on June 10 said this
had begun to roll forward despite had occurred “a few days ago”.
application of the parking brake
and that when he pressed the D: Jun 5
brakes they were unresponsive. N: Royal Netherlands Air
He pulled back on the power but Force
was unable to stop before the T: CH-47F Chinook
Twin Otter veered to the left and S: D-893
into the Osprey. Damage to both This helicopter – an interim
aircraft was extensive and it has example being flown to Boeing for
been listed as a Class A mishap upgrade to the definitive CH-47F
by the US Naval Safety Center, configuration – was parked up
indicating more than US$2.5m at Reading Regional Airport,
damage. The Osprey, based at Pennsylvania and damaged
Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, during a severe storm at around
Above: USMC/VMM-163 MV-22B 166740 ‘YP-11’ and civilian DHC-6-100 Twin Otter
California, had been conducting 1530hrs local time. The crew was N52FW after the latter had brake failure and ran into the stationary Osprey at
routine training in the area but making a scheduled stopover to San Diego-Brown Field Municipal Airport on May 30, extensively damaging both
had been parked up at the airport refuel while en route from the aircraft. City of San Diego

Abbreviations: D: Date N/U: Nationality/Units T: Type S: Serials

www.Key.Aero #389 August 2020 // 87

Attrition
Report Subscribe to www.Key.Aero
for breaking news stories. E-mail the news
team at [email protected]

D: Jun 6 A Brazilian Air Force C-98A Grand to Kilo apron and into Hangar
N: Indonesian Army Caravan sits on its nose after running 3, the aircraft was inspected for
T: Mi-17V-5 off the runway following brake failure
on landing at Base Aérea de Porto damage and then had its engine
S: HA-5141 Velho on June 11. FAB replaced. It was flown back to
This helicopter was destroyed its home base at Leeuwarden on
when it crashed and exploded in June 12 using callsign ‘Cobra 01.’
flames at 1345hrs local time at
Kaliwungu in the Kendal Industrial D: Jun 11
Park, in the Kendal district of N: Brazilian Air Force
Central Java, during a routine T: C-98A (Cessna 208B)
tactical manoeuvre training Grand Caravan
flight from the Army Aviation S: 2733
Education Centre at Ahmad Yani After returning from a mission
International Airport, Semarang. in the region of Forte Príncipe
Four of the nine on board were da Beira, in the municipality of
killed, the other five sustained Costa Marques, Rondônia state,
injuries and were taken to northern Brazil, this aircraft had
hospitals in Kendal and Semarang. brake failure on landing at Base
runway while landing at Camp D: Jun 8 Aérea de Porto Velho/Jorge
D: Jun 8 Taji Air Base, Iraq, before crashing N/U: US Air Force/388th Fighter Teixeira International Airport in
N/U: German Air Force/HSG 64 into a wall, resulting in structural Wing the state capital. The Cessna
T: CH-53GS damage to the aircraft and a T: F-35A Lightning II veered off the runway and the
S: 84+58 small fire. The airfield crash, Following a routine local training nose undercarriage collapsed as
During a sortie from its base fire and rescue team were on flight, this aircraft’s undercarriage it ran over undulating ground. It
at Laupheim, the crew of this the scene within four minutes, collapsed on landing at 1045hrs came to rest with the tail high in
helicopter was alerted by a extinguishing the flames and local time at Hill Air Force Base, the air and unconfirmed damage
main transmission warning assisting with evacuation of the Utah. The pilot was able to exit to the front of the aircraft. There
in the cockpit and made a Hercules. Four of the seven crew the aircraft and underwent routine were no passengers on the
precautionary landing at around members and 26 passengers medical examination. All flights aircraft and the pilot was unhurt.
1100hrs local time to the north of sustained non-life-threatening from the base were paused and
Schlierbach. None of the seven injuries and were being treated inbound flights diverted after the D: Jun 13
on board were injured and the at Camp Taji’s medical facility, runway was temporarily closed. N: Kenya Police Air Wing
helicopter was undamaged. The from where three of the four were T: AW119 MkII Koala
warning proved to be false. released later after treatment. D: Jun 10 S: 5Y-NPW
All of the injured were military N/U: Royal Netherlands Air This helicopter was damaged
D: Jun 8 personnel, one being a crew Force/322 Squadron beyond repair when it crashed
N: Netherlands Coast Guard member from the Wyoming Air T: F-16AM into trees and rolled over before
T: Dornier 228-212 National Guard. An Operation S: J-631 coming to rest on its starboard
S: PH-CGN Inherent Resolve statement said Following a bird strike over the side in the Kaithe-Kithoka area,
The port main undercarriage tyre that enemy action is not suspected North Sea, this aircraft, callsign Meru county, having developed a
burst as this aircraft was landing but an investigation is under ‘Polly 1’, made a precautionary mechanical problem. Three of the
at Eindhoven Airport at 1238hrs way. The aircraft was deployed landing at Amsterdam-Schiphol four occupants sustained minor
local time following a training with the 386th Air Expeditionary Airport, making a paired approach injuries and one was seriously
flight from Amsterdam-Schiphol Wing at Ali Al Salem, Kuwait. with its wingman in a second injured, all were taken to hospital
Airport, resulting in the aircraft Although the crew were from F-16AM (J-871 ‘Polly 2’), which in Meru. The Koala was carrying
briefly bouncing back into the air, the Wyoming ANG’s 153rd Airlift did not land and overshot and the Eastern Regional security
causing some airframe damage Wing/187th Airlift Squadron at departed once the first aircraft commissioner and his team and
when it came down again. As a Cheyenne Regional Airport/ touched down. Serial J-631 landed was en route to Marsabit for
result of the incident, the stricken Jerry Olson Field, the aircraft was safely and the pilot was unhurt. a meeting with North Eastern
aircraft blocked the runway, assigned to the Georgia ANG. After being towed off the runway security personnel. Eyewitnesses
which remained closed for the
rest of the day for investigation
and recovery using a crane. No
injuries were reported to the two
crew members and damage to
the aircraft was believed to be
minor. The runway reopened
at 0700hrs the next morning.

D: Jun 8
N/U: US Air Force/Georgia Air
National Guard/165th
Airlift Wing/158th Airlift
Squadron
T: C-130H3 Hercules
S: 94-6706 USAF/493rd Fighter Squadron F-15C 86-0176 ‘LN’ over East Anglia on May 12 while participating in Exercise Point Blank 20-
At approximately 2210hrs local 02. A month later, on June 15, the Eagle crashed unto the North Sea, killing the pilot, Lt Kenneth ‘Kage’ Allen. USAF/Master
time, this aircraft overran the Sgt Matthew Plew

Abbreviations: D: Date N/U: Nationality/Units T: Type S: Serials

88 // August 2020 #389 www.Key.Aero

said the helicopter had been Libyan National Army L-39ZO Albatros 71). The crew ejected safely and
circling the area for around 15 9430 after force-landing near the was quickly recovered from the
Libya-Niger border on June 21.
minutes before it crashed on a sea by a Helicopter Sea Combat
farm at around 0730hrs local time, Squadron 8 (HSC-8) helicopter
causing extensive damage to assigned to the Roosevelt, which
banana, maize and other crops. took them back to the carrier,
where they were reported to be in
D: Jun 13 good condition after assessment
N/U: Russian DOSAAF/Samara by an on-board medical team.
Regional Club
T: Yak-52 D: Jun 21
S: RF-00261 N: Libyan National Army
An instructor and student were T: L-39ZO Albatros
killed when this aircraft made a S: 9430
heavy landing at 1151hrs local time While on a sortie from Sabha-
in a cornfield half-a-mile (800m) Tamanhent air base patrolling the
south of the village of Oktyabrsky, Libya-Niger border, a technical
near Bobrovka Airport, in the problem forced the pilot to make
Kinelsky district of the Samara Airport plus the Bridlington and Airport at 1155hrs local time for an emergency landing near Fezzan,
region. Although there was no Scarborough lifeboats. Aircraft a certification test flight with southern Libya, close to the border
fire, the Yak-52 was extensively involved in the search included two test pilots on board. At with Niger. The aircraft put down
damaged, including the fuselage the other three F-15s from the 1214hrs the pilots declared an in an open desert area, resulting in
being broken in half behind the formation, with refuelling support emergency and began returning the nose undercarriage collapsing,
cockpit and the nose smashed. coming from 100th Air Refueling to the airport but at 1216hrs the but with no other apparent damage.
Wing KC-135R tankers from RAF aircraft crashed, impacting nose The two crew are believed to have
D: Jun 15 Mildenhall, Suffolk, including first at an approximately 25° angle been unhurt. On June 28, a video
N/U: Indonesian Air Force/ 62-3540 ‘QUID256’, 58-0036 onto a side street in an industrial was posted online showing it being
Skadron Udara 12 ‘QUID257’ and 59-1513 ‘QUID258’ area half-a-mile (800m) west of moved by road on the back of a
T: Hawk Mk209 followed later by 57-2605 ‘QUID the northern end of the airport’s lorry to an unknown destination.
S: TT-0209 15’. Also assisting was Cobham active runway. As a result of the
After experiencing technical Falcon 20 ‘TASMAN 71’ and hard ground impact, the aircraft’s D: Jun 22
problems on approach to Runway NATO E-3 AWACS ‘NATO 06’. nose section and engine were N: Turkish Air Force/TAI
36 at Lanud Roesmin Nurjadin, Some wreckage was found heavily damaged, and the fuselage T: Hürkuş-B
Pekanbaru, the pilot, 1st Lieutenant later that morning and, in the cracked in several places. The While on a routine test flight from
Apriyanto Ismail, ejected safely afternoon, the pilot’s body was pilot, Oleg Sinitsa, was killed in the TAI facility at Ankara-Mürted/
at 0813hrs local time before the recovered from the sea. He was the crash, while the co-pilot, Yuri Akıncı, this new turboprop trainer
aircraft crashed in a residential part identified the following day as Zhukovsky, succumbed to his crashed at approximately 1230hrs
of Kubang Jaya village, 3 miles Lt Kenneth ‘Kage’ Allen, who injuries en route to the hospital. local time in the Ankara Beypazarı
(5km) from the base. The pilot was was assistant chief of weapons district. The two crew members
taken to the Air Force Hospital in and tactics with his squadron. D: Jun 18 ejected safely and were taken to
Pekanbaru to be checked over. An N/U: US Navy/VFA-154 ‘Black hospital for routine check-ups but
unoccupied house was destroyed, D: Jun 17 Knights’ were said to be in good condition.
but no one on the ground was N: Ukraine Odessa Aircraft T: F/A-18F Super Hornet The aircraft was destroyed.
injured. The aircraft was one of Plant S: 166795
three, callsign ‘Cyborg Flight’, which T: OAZ Y1 Delfin prototype This aircraft crashed in the D: Jun 25
were returning to the base after S: UR-OAP Philippine Sea while undertaking N: Royal Air Force
completing surface-attack exercises This prototype, designed as a routine pilot proficiency training T: A400M Atlas C1
on the Siabu Air Weapon Range. single piston-engine civil and operations as part of Carrier Air S: ZM409
military training aircraft, departed Wing 11 (CVW-11) operating from This aircraft struck a large bird
D: Jun 15 from Odessa International the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN on approach to Getafe, Spain,
N/U: US Air Force/48th Fighter but was able to land safely
Wing/493rd Fighter without any injuries to the crew.
Squadron ‘Grim Reapers’ The aircraft sustained a large
T: F-15C Eagle gash just below the cockpit
S: 86-0176 ‘LN’ on the starboard side, with the
This aircraft, callsign ‘Chosen fuselage skin torn back leaving a
4’, crashed into the North Sea wide hole several feet long. The
74nm off Flamborough Head, aircraft had been at Getafe since
East Yorkshire, at approximately July 9, 2019, for modifications
0940hrs local time during a and was ready to return home;
routine training mission as part this will now be delayed while
of a four-ship flight (‘Chosen repairs are carried out.
1-4’) from its base at RAF
Lakenheath, Suffolk. A major Additional material from:
search and rescue operation was Danny Reijnen, Scramble/
immediately launched, including Dutch Aviation Society, Vladimir
HM Coast Guard S-92 G-MCGH Above: This large gash beneath the cockpit of RAF A400M Atlas C1 ZM409 was Trendafilovski, Maikel de
‘Rescue 912’ from Humberside the result of a bird strike on approach to Getafe, Spain, on June 25. Vaan and Asagiri Yohko. AFM

www.Key.Aero #389 August 2020 // 89

NEWS Special

Postcard
from Colombia
AFM contributors
Elio Viroli and
Stenio Bacciocchi
share their photos
from visits to
four of the most
important Fuerza
Aérea Colombiana
(FAC, Colombian
Air Force) air bases
– Palanquero,
Apiay, Melgar and
El Dorado.
Above: In the air defence role, the Colombian Kfir can employ
the beyond-visual-range Rafael Derby as well as Python 5 air-
to-air missiles, examples of both seen on two-seat Kfir TC12
FAC 3008 (ex IAF 310). Operational Kfirs comprised C10/C12s
FAC 3048, 3058, 3061, 3049 and 3045, plus TC12s FAC 3008 and
3009. Left: Escuadrón de Combate 111 ‘Dardos’ has been very
active in the campaigns against guerrillas of the FARC (Fuerzas
Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia) and the ELN (Ejército de
Liberación Nacional), its Kfirs notably using Griffin laser-guided
bombs. Operations Sodoma, Demóstenes, Selene, Almogàver
and Osiris are referenced on Kfir COA FAC 3058 (c/n 184, ex IAF
570). Below: The trip began at Palanquero, near Puerto Salgar on
the Magdalena River, 121 miles from Bogotá and 157 miles from
Medellín. This is the home of Base Aérea ‘Germán Olano’ and the
resident Comando Aéreo de Combate No 1 (CACOM 1), where a
refuelling mission was scheduled aboard the air force’s sole KC-
767, to photograph three Kfir C10/C12s and one Kfir TC12 of the
Escuadrón de Combate 111 ‘Dardos’. Nearest the camera is single-
seat FAC 3045 (c/n 77) – locally designated as a Kfir COA.

90 // August 2020 #389 www.Key.Aero

 airforcesintel.com

Right: Palanquero is home to Grupo de Combate 11 that

comprises three squadrons: 111, 113 and 116. Escuadrón de
Combate 116 ‘Tweet’ still operates the veteran T-37B in different
roles, of which training is the most important. T-37Bs noted as
operational with the squadron comprised FAC 2130, 2132, 2135
and 2124. FAC 2130 (c/n 41160, ex 68-8055) shows signs of a
replacement rudder having been fitted.
Below: Escuadrón de Combate 212 ‘Tucanos’ still flies the
previous-generation AT-27s. The ‘legacy’ Tucano has also
been used during the conflict against FARC. Most famously,
in the Fénix operation of March 2008 that led to the death of
FARC commander Raúl Reyes, in the south of Colombia, near
the Ecuadorian border. Today, the AT-27s are used mostly for
training, including bombing practice on the nearby ranges.
Operational examples noted were FAC 2252, 2257 (pictured)
and 2262. All photos Elio Viroli

Above: CACOM 2 is stationed at Base Aérea ‘CT Luis Francisco

Gomèz Niño’ at Apiay, where the Grupo de Combate 21 organised
a visit to the flight line of three of the base’s squadrons: 211, 212,
213. (A visit to the unmanned aerial vehicle squadrons, 214 and
217, was cancelled, although these units are seeing increasing
use.) Escuadrón de Combate 211 ‘Grifos’ is the FAC’s A-29B unit.
The Super Tucanos have been an effective weapon in the fight
against FARC and ELN, mostly operating at night. A-29Bs have
often employed 250lb or 500lb bombs, as well as the wing-
mounted machine guns. Operational examples noted comprised
FAC 3111, 3115 (seen here), 3105, 3107, 3109, 3113 and 3118.
Left: AFM also paid a visit to the Escuadrón de Combate Táctico
113 ‘Fantasma’ that operates a handful of AC-47T Fantasma,
Cessna 208B and ECN235 aircraft. The ‘Turbo Dak’ gunship has
a 12.7mm calibre GAU-19A gun, plus a forward-looking infrared
(FLIR) sensor. All the unit’s C-47s are very old – FAC 1681 (c/n
16500/33248, pictured) dates back to the 1940s and once served
with the RAF as KN605. AC-47Ts operational with the Escuadrón
de Combate Táctico 113 comprised FAC 1681, 1686 and 1658.

www.Key.Aero #389 August 2020 // 91

NEWS Special
Left: Escuadrón de Combate
Táctico 213 uses a variety
of different types: the
C212-300 for transport and
paradropping, the Cessna
208B for various duties
including medical evacuation
(medevac), and the Schweizer
SA2-37B for the fight against
the illegal cultivation of
cocaine and other drugs. The
two-seat SA2-37B can conduct
surveillance missions of
between eight and ten hours;
FAC 5752 (here) and 5755 were
noted as operational, as were
Cessna 208Bs FAC 5080 and
5074.

Above: A very welcome guest at Apiay was UH-60L FAC 4135 of

the Escuadrón de Combate 511, part of CACOM 5. Together with
a sister ship, it was deployed there for a week, from its Rionegro
home base.
Left: The Escuadrón de Ataque 413 operates single examples of
the Hughes 369HM and MD 500E helicopters. This is FAC 4252
(c/n 0153E), the last active MD 500E, one of eight delivered in
1985. There have been four confirmed attrition losses and this
example may well be the last in service.
Below: Also observed at El Dorado were two C295Ms (FAC 1282
and 1284 – pictured – from Escuadrón de Transporte 811), a
Beechcraft (FAC 5077, Escuadrón de Transporte 811) prepared
for a medevac mission, a Cessna 550 (FAC 1211, Escuadrón
de Transporte Especial 821) and a Cessna 208B (FAC 5071,
Escuadrón de Transporte 811). Finally, C-130H FAC 1015 was
present – this is a former Italian Air Force aircraft, ex MM62001.
The Escuadrón de Inteligencia Aérea 831 – which includes the
Escuadrón de Inteligencia Aérea 831 and its Beechcraft 300 and
350 electronic intelligence aircraft – was off limits.

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 airforcesintel.com

Melgar is well known as the FAC’s main helicopter station. Officially named Base Aérea ‘TC Luis Francisco Pinto Parra’, the base is the home to the Grupo de Combate
41 of CACOM 4. Here, Bell 212 FAC 4008 (c/n 35086) of the Escuadrón de Combate 411 ‘Rapaz’ was prepared for an anti-terror training flight and was photographed
over the jungle from a Bell 206 with both side windows removed. ‘Rapaz’ flies the Bell 212 exclusively, including some ex-Canadian CH-135s; the unit’s original UH-1Hs
have now been retired; the unit also operates in the combat search and rescue role. Bell 212s noted in service comprised FAC 4410, 4408 and 4021.

Above: A few Cessna 208Bs and numerous UH-1H-II Huey IIs are
assigned to the Escuadrón de Asalto Aéreo 412 at Melgar. AFM
noted Cessna 208B FAC 5055, plus UH-1H-IIs FAC 4207 (here,
in a garish ‘Guerrero Arpía’ colour scheme), 4426, 4423, 4420,
4424 and 4421. Left: The FAC’s helicopter school – the Escuela de
Helicópteros ‘Carlos Alberto Gutiérrez Zuluaga’ – is the home of
the Bell 206 in Colombian Air Force service. As well as a couple
of ex-civil Bell 206B-3s, there was an impressive flight line of
ex-US Army TH-67A Creeks, a type that’s still owned by the US
government. As a result, they don’t wear Colombian roundels or
flags and the usual four-digit code lacks the usual FAC prefix.
Aircraft noted operational were: Bell 206B-3s FAC 4479 and 4476,
plus TH-67As 4604, 4608, 4576, 4615, 4611, 4569, 4584, 4619, 4618,
4612 (pictured), 4594, 4585, 4622 and 4582.

A walk on the Grupo de Transporte Aéreo 81 apron at El Dorado’s Base Aérea ‘BG Camilo Daza Álvarez’ – the military airport of the capital city Bogotá – revealed
examples of the Boeing 727 and 737. All were named after gods from Greek mythology: ‘Cronos’, Boeing 737-46BF FAC 1209, from the Escuadrón de Transporte
Especial 821; ‘Vulcano’ and ‘Apolo’, a pair of 727s, FAC 1203 and 1204 (illustrated), from the Escuadrón de Transporte 811; and ‘Jupiter’, KC-767 FAC 1202, also from
the Escuadrón de Transporte 811.

www.Key.Aero #389 August 2020 // 93

Republic of Singapore Air Force update

Punching
above its weight
Singapore is working through a
major modernisation effort that will
transform its small but powerful air
force, as Roy Choo explains.

‘Viper’ upgrade
A
ffectionately known to many as Left: MG Kelvin Khong was appointed
the ‘little red dot’, Singapore has a This is a momentous year for Chief of Air Force on March 22 last
year. MINDEF Singapore
reputation for punching above its the RSAF’s Fighter Group as it
weight not only in the global economic and marks 50 years of operations. Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing
finance arena but also in its military defence. Its first fighter squadron System (JHMCS), Link 16
With a land area of just 279 sq miles (722km2) – 140 Squadron ‘Osprey’ – terminals and integration of new
and a population of under six million, Singapore was inaugurated in February weapons such as the AIM-9X,
is aware of its precarious position as a small 1970 with ex-Royal Air Force Small Diameter Bomb and CBU-
state. As such, it has taken an uncompromising, Hawker Hunters. Today, the unit, 105 Sensor Fuzed Weapon. The new
pragmatic view of its defence policies. together with two other Singapore- fighter is also expected to feature an
Since the 1990s, the Singapore Armed based squadrons and a training detachment updated electronic warfare suite of Israeli origin.
Forces (SAF) have made substantial strides at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona, operate a An F-16C and an F-16D were flown from
in the so-called Revolution in Military Affairs combined fleet of 60 F-16C/D/D+ aircraft. Singapore to Lockheed’s Fort Worth facility
(RMA), fielding increasingly sophisticated The RSAF F-16s are undergoing a mid-life in Texas for prototyping works in 2016. The
weapons and sensors, integrated in a upgrade to a standard comparable to the single-seater – serial 613 – has been observed
command, control, communications and F-16V. A US$914m Foreign Military Sales (FMS) performing test flights of upgrade components
computer-processing (C4) network. contract was awarded to Lockheed Martin since early 2020. According to Chief of Air Force
The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) in December 2015, and this has been further Major-General (MG) Kelvin Khong, interviewed
is the cutting edge of the SAF, charged with supplemented by two additional contracts by local media in February, work on local
defending the skies and enabling operations totalling $94m. The upgrade work will include aircraft has started, with government-linked
in the land and sea domains. In recent years, it installation of the Northrop Grumman AN/ company Singapore Technologies Engineering
has made significant investments to upgrade APG-83 active electronically scanned array Aerospace as subcontractor. He expects the
or supersede platforms facing obsolescence. (AESA) radar, modular mission computers, first modernised aircraft to roll out next year.

94 // August 2020 #389 www.Key.Aero

 Left: The RSAF’s two current fighter types – the F-15
and F-16 – in formation within training airspace over
the South China Sea. The pair of F-16C Block 52s –
nearest camera – are serial 645 from 143 Squadron
and serial 620 from 140 Squadron.
All photos Roy Choo unless stated

Baby concept of operations (CONOPS) will have

steps with to be drawn up alongside work to integrate
the Lightning the jet with the SAF’s warfighting networks.
The upgraded F-16s The detachment will either be located at
are expected to provide Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort in South
a stopgap until sufficient Carolina, or MCAS Miramar, California – two
F-35Bs are operational. of the US Marine Corps-designated F-35B
Culminating a nearly two- schoolhouses. This is expected to be a
decades-long evaluation process temporary measure as both the F-16 Peace
since Singapore joined the Joint Carvin (PC) II training detachment and the
Strike Fighter programme as a F-15 PC V unit at Mountain Home Air Force
Security Cooperative Participant in 2003, Base, Idaho will be drawn down in the late
the US State Department approved the 2020s to be moved to Andersen AFB in Guam.
country’s purchase of the F-35B last January. The new basing arrangements, signed off
MINDEF announced on June 29 that its four by US and Singapore defence officials last
firm orders remain on track for delivery in 2026, December, will allow for overwater training –
with a further eight options. This is widely something lacking in the current land-locked
expected to be the first of multiple batches. detachments – as well as a more expeditious
The RSAF has indicated that the first four re-deployment location should the RSAF
F-35Bs will be based in the US for initial training need to recall its assets in an emergency.
and testing. It has never operated a low- Singapore’s lack of strategic depth compared
observable (LO) or short take-off and vertical with much larger neighbours means that its
landing (STOVL) capable platform. Therefore, air bases are highly vulnerable to attacks.

www.Key.Aero #389 August 2020 // 95

Republic of Singapore Air Force update

Above: Single-seat F-16C Block 52 serial 642 in the markings of 143 Squadron ‘Phoenix’ – one of three
Singapore-based units operating the ‘Viper’. Right: Airbus and Singapore are collaborating on the Smart
MRTT initiative, with one of the RSAF’s tankers remaining in Getafe to support the programme. The aircraft
are normally operated by 112 Squadron ‘Twister’. José Ramón Valero
Moreover, plans are afoot for the RSAF to Iraq and Afghanistan in the 2000s and 2010s. Work on both the Chinooks and Apaches –
consolidate its three fighter-capable bases Starting from 2010, all aircraft were put through which AFM understands is only conducted
into two by 2030, resulting in a reduction of an upgrade comprising the installation of a digital during phased maintenance – involves
air-power-generating capability. Mitigating glass cockpit, communications, navigation and retrofitting Elbit Systems’ ALL-in-SMALL
these vulnerabilities is the major driver for the surveillance/air traffic management (CNS/ATM) integrated self-protection suite and unidentified
selection of the STOVL version of the F-35. systems and self-protection suites. However, satellite communications (SATCOM) systems,
Tapping into the USMC F-35B Expeditionary the four elderly C-130Bs have an average age among other platform-specific upgrades.
Advanced Base Operations and coupling it of 60 years and are not far from the end of Originally slated for delivery in late 2020,
with the RSAF’s own experience in public road/ their lifespan. Manufacturers have been keenly supply chain disruptions resulting from the
runway operations, the RSAF is well placed eyeing the potential replacement requirement pandemic meant that handover of the RSAF’s
to develop doctrine to employ its F-35Bs for some time now, with the A400M, C-130J and first H225M and CH-47F has been pushed
in dispersed operations. During a wartime KC-390 having been marketed to the RSAF. to early 2021. Orders for both helicopters
scenario, the RSAF would likely operate its Nine Fokker 50s have been in service with were placed in 2016 although no contract
F-35Bs from a handful of non-traditional bases the RSAF’s 121 Squadron since 1994 and are values or numbers of airframes were ever
around the island, each equipped with landing configured in two general variants: five are Mk2S announced. The H225Ms – thought to be
pads, converted airstrips and forward arming Enforcer maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) while an order for 16 – will replace fewer than two
and refuelling facilities. When operational, the the rest are utility transport aircraft (UTA). The dozen AS332M/M1 Super Puma helicopters
RSAF F-35B will herald a new paradigm in the RSAF began studying the replacement of the that have been operational since the 1980s.
generation and sustainment of fighter operations. Fokker 50 MPA in the 2010s. At one stage it was According to Defence Review Asia magazine,
The F-15SG marked a full decade of Singapore- understood to be looking at the Israeli IAI/ELTA civilian registrations for 16 unidentified CH-47Fs
based operations this April and will soldier ELI-3360 mission suite fitted onto either the have been filed with the Federal Aviation
on into the 2030s and beyond. The F-15’s Bombardier Q400 or Global-series business jet. Administration and these are likely destined for
generous payload, integrated with the F-35’s LO In the event, a life-extension programme Singapore. The CH-47Fs will initially go to Oakey
characteristics, advanced sensors and sensor for the Fokker 50 MPA was pursued in 2017. Army Aviation Centre in Queensland, Australia,
fusion technology will make these fighter types a MG Kelvin Khong stated that as part of the to replace five CH-47Ds in service with the
formidable duo – tactics that air arms operating upgrade, components such as the AN/APS-134 RSAF Chinook training detachment. Delivered
both the F-35 and other 4.5-generation fighters maritime surveillance radar, electro-optical/ in 1996 to the Peace Prairie detachment
have been keen to exploit. While the F-15s infrared (EO/IR) sensors and communication in Grand Prairie, Texas, the CH-47Ds were
have been incrementally upgraded over the systems were replaced. It remains to be seen if moved to Oakey in 2018 and were a part of an
years, a more comprehensive mid-life upgrade the eventual replacement of the Fokker 50 UTA international rescue and recovery task force
could be due towards the end of the decade. will be combined with that of the C-130 within during Australia’s bushfire disaster early this year.
a more comprehensive transport requirement. Singapore recognised the utility of unmanned
Transport and maritime patrol aerial vehicles (UAVs) at an early stage,
The ten C-130B/Hs are the workhorses for the Rotary-wing and UAVs acquiring the IAI Scout in 1984. Today, the
RSAF in transport and other support roles and The RSAF’s Helicopter Group (HG) is RSAF UAV Command utilises the Elbit
are the oldest in the air force’s fleet. Apart from experiencing a renaissance as nearly all Hermes 450 and IAI Heron 1 for a variety of
supporting the SAF’s many overseas exercises its types are undergoing upgrade or being intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition
around the globe, the C-130s have been tasked refreshed with newer models. Its 12 CH-47SD and reconnaissance roles. Although both UAV
to deliver humanitarian aid to disaster-hit areas Chinooks and 20 AH-64D Apaches are types have been in service since 2007 and
as well as assisting reconstruction efforts in undergoing an upgrade which began in 2016. 2012 respectively, MG Khong said their shorter

Painted in the markings of 142 Squadron ‘Gryphon’, F-15SG serial 8310 returns from
an Exercise Pitch Black 2018 sortie at RAAF Base Darwin. This year’s iteration of
the exercise was cancelled due to the COVID-19 crisis.

96 // August 2020 #389 www.Key.Aero

 lifespan compared with manned platforms
meant they will soon approach obsolescence.

Challenges
As a small force with strictly limited resources,
the RSAF is imbued with the belief that it
has to do more with less. It makes significant
investments in technology and heavily
leverages this to overcome its challenges.
Artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics
are being applied in a number of initiatives.
During Exercise Forging Sabre held at
Mountain Home AFB last October, the RSAF
tested a ‘smart’ command post that utilises
software to automatically locate targets
from a feed provided by multiple sensors.
The RSAF is also exploring the development
Above: Although the RSAF’s fleet of ten C-130B/Hs was put through an avionics upgrade in the early 2010s,
the aircraft’s age means that a replacement can’t be far off. Serial 735 is one of the H-models operated by 122 of ‘smart air bases’ which will feature
Squadron. Below: RSAF AH-64D Apache and CH-47SD Chinook helicopters deploy annually to Rockhampton in unmanned ground vehicles, AI and data
Queensland, Australia to support the Wallaby series of wargames. Both types are currently undergoing upgrades. analytics in areas such as aircraft inspection
and maintenance, air base security and
runway damage assessment and repairs.
Airbus and Singapore are also collaborating
on the SMART MRTT programme to develop
and implement an automatic air-to-air refuelling
(A3R) capability for the A330 Multi-Role Tanker
Transport (MRTT). The technology aims to
reduce the workload of the air refuelling operator,
improve safety and optimise fuel-transfer rate.
An RSAF A330 MRTT has remained in Getafe,
Spain, to support the flight test campaign.
Singapore views its armed forces as a critical
‘insurance policy’ against foreign aggression
and has sought to maintain defence spending
through good times and bad. However, the
ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has presented
unprecedented challenges. Singapore’s economy,
like others across the world, has been severely
impacted. It remains to be seen how the RSAF’s
plans for modernisation will be affected. AFM

Above: A batch of 20 F-16D+ jets was delivered to the RSAF under the Peace Carvin IV programme from 2004.
Superficially similar to Israel’s F-16I, they feature conformal fuel tanks and Elisra Passive Airborne Warning
Systems (PAWS). They will be upgraded together with the older F-16C/D. Serial 678 is on strength with 145
Squadron ‘Hornet’. Left: Five upgraded Fokker 50 Maritime Patrol Aircraft in service with 121 Squadron are
equipped with a variety of sensors and can carry AGM-84D Harpoon anti-ship missiles for an offensive punch.
Serial 714 carries a search and rescue pod under its starboard wing.

www.Key.Aero #389 August 2020 // 97

Next
Issue

Coming up in AFM The September 2020

issue is on sale globally
from August 20.*

Next month
in AFM, see all
three variants of the
F-35 in our 25-page
celebration of the
Lightning II. Alongside
awe-inspiring F-35
photos, we look at
where the aircraft
are based, speak
to pilots to find
out what makes
the Lightning II so
special and examine
the future of Lockheed
Martin’s Joint Strike
Fighter.

Other forthcoming
features include:
• UK Special Forces
helicopters
• Portugal’s Esquadra
101 ‘Roncos’
• Brazilian AMX report
• Leonardo’s plans for
the UK

*UK scheduled on-sale date. Please note

that overseas deliveries are likely to be after
this date.
Photo: USAF/Senior Airman Keifer Bowes

98 // August 2020 #389 www.Key.Aero

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