Posted on 02/19/2007 8:40:37 AM PST by Excuse_My_Bellicosity
2/19/2007 - KADENA AIR BASE, Japan (AFNEWS) -- Ten F-22 Raptors arrived here Feb. 17 and 18 for the first overseas deployment of the Air Force's newest air supremacy aircraft.
The aircraft, assigned to the 27th Fighter Squadron at Langley Air Force Base, Va., started their deployment to Kadena almost 10 days previously with a stop at Hickam AFB, Hawaii. While en route, a software issue affecting the aircraft's navigation system was discovered Feb. 11 causing the aircraft to return to Hickam.
The issue was corrected and the aircraft continued on to Kadena. According the 27th FS commander, Lt. Col. Wade Tolliver, the unit is excited about the opportunity to work with the 18th Wing and other services while in the Pacific.
"Every time we fly this jet we learn something new, and to have to opportunity to fly it here in the Pacific with the F-15s (Eagles) and other aircraft is something we are looking forward to," said Colonel Tolliver.
The deployment is part of an air expeditionary force rotation. While the first deployment overseas as part of the AEF, it is not the first time the unit has sent its aircraft to other locations. Most recently the aircraft deployed to Alaska.
"This deployment is a great opportunity for the squadron. We are 8,000 miles away from our support system and home base," the colonel said. "Not only will we be learning about operating from an overseas operation, we will get the opportunity to educate the Air Force and our sister services on the capabilities the jet brings to the fight."
The colonel emphasized that the F-22 was not necessarily created to replace any one airframe in the Air Force.
"The F-22 brings an enormous capability to the Air Force," Colonel Tolliver said. "It is not about what aircraft it is replacing but about how to integrate this new aircraft into the fleet and what advantages it brings to the force."
Colonel Tolliver said the squadron will use this deployment to not only educate but to learn more innovative and advanced tactics to enhance the warfighting capability.
"This is history in the making," said Brig. Gen. Punch Moulton, the 18th WG commander. "This deployment definitely brings unmatched combat airpower to the Pacific highlighting the importance of the bilateral alliance of promoting peace and stability in the region."
The 27th FS deployed more than 250 Airmen to Kadena for the 90-120 day deployment, which is part of a regularly-scheduled U.S. Pacific Command rotational assignment of aircraft to the Pacific.
And these raptors really really like Chinese food.
That taxiway has a huge dip in it.
It is because that is where the drain grate is!
Judging from the flat terrain and trees in the background, I'd guess that's Eglin AFB, FL.
I suspect the photographer is using a good telephoto lens -- that's what makes the dip appear significant.
Close...Tyndall AFB
Ghod, that's a pretty plane.
Looks good...flys good.
I hope Murtha will pay for the fuel to get them back to the states someday.
So does the US Congress.
The pilot loading is minimal. The old maxim about aviate, naviagte and communicate has grown so complex in a single seat, high performance jet aircraft that pilot loading has become a factor in the ability to perform the mission of either air supremacy or close air support; the pilot simply had too many things to command and control. The F-22 brings the pilot back to the primary task of flying and mission performance. The heads-up displays and glass integration in conjunction with the computer automations has made this aircraft a pilot's dream. I was fortunate to take a tour of the factory and got some seat time in a mock-up and simulator. Many of us old tire kickers on that tour would have signed-up instanly if the Faustian deal had been offered--(allegorically speaking of course).
THey did the Elmendorf Air Show this year (fishing was good as well).
Wotta show, an F22 will launch and pull up to about 500 ft and then will just sit on its tail. Not quite in a hover.
Then after everyone is deaf, the pilot will *add power* and it will zoom out of sight. Jaw dropping even to old zoomies like myself.
THey did the Elmendorf Air Show this year (fishing was good as well).
Wotta show, an F22 will launch and pull up to about 500 ft and then will just sit on its tail. Not quite in a hover.
Then after everyone is deaf, the pilot will *add power* and it will zoom out of sight. Jaw dropping even to old zoomies like myself.
Just watched a "Modern Marvels" show on the Raptor last Friday night. Wasn't a fan of this expensive plane, and thought that we should just continue to updazte the F-15 as it was the most economical way to keep air supremacy. But in this program, it said that on two different occassions one Raptor had downed five f-15's in mock combat.
One of the F-15E pilots said that he didn't even know the Raptor was nearby until his plane was locked on and "destroyed" by a (simulated) missile. The Raptor pilot said he almost felt sorry for the F-15E pilots, they never had a chance to engage. Incredible.
A couple of these planes could handle a whole squadron of anything the Chinese could put in the air. Made a believer outta me, tell you that.
No...Tyndall
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