Soon after being renamed US Army Air Forces on 20 June 1941
their biggest challenge yet started in December 1941 when the United
States declared war on Japan and joined World War II. Thousands and
thousands of airmen flew even more missions over Europe, Africa and Asia
and successfully beat the suppressors. The War ended by dropping two
atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki leading to Japans surrender on 2
September 1945.The development of new aircraft leaped in WWII. The German
engineers developed a lot of sophisticated equipment and the US, and other
forces had a good look at them. This all helped to get the first North
American XP-86 Sabre jet aircraft.The relationship with the Soviet Union
worsened at the end of the forties. Thousands and thousands of aircraft,
like F-80s, F-84s, F-86s, F100s, B-47s and B-52s, were manufactured to
deter the Russians. The US had a strong presence in Europe with many
airbases in France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands and the United Kingdom. It
did not take al long time before the Korean war stood at the doorstep
which lasted from June 1950 to July 1953.
Next was Vietnam.More than 8500 aircraft were lost by all US
services and many servicemen were killed or captured.The eighties saw the
introduction of a lot of new hardware. President Reagan reinstated the B-1
program and hundreds of F-15's and F-16's were delivered. During that
decade another "sneaky" aircraft was developed, the F-117
stealth fighter. A few years later its big brother, the B-2 Spirit stealth
bomber followed.It took the American military a long time to get over the
political Vietnam "conflict". They were given the chance in 1990
when the "Mother of all Dictators" invaded Kuwait in August
1990. Within days dozens of US planes were flown to Saudi Arabia which
started an air campaign to bomb the Iraqi invaders. This time no political
intervention and General Norman Schwarzkopf was given a free hand during
'Desert Storm'. Because of that and the Coalition Forces outclassed Iraq
by state-of-the-art equipment and far better training this resulted in a
quick victory.
A devastating blow hit the US on 11th September 2001 when
fanatics destroyed the World Trade Center and damaged the Pentagon by
using commercial airliners as cruise missiles. It was soon clear that
Osama Bin Laden and his Al Qaeda organisation were behinds this and the US
started to hunt them down by starting a large air campaign over
Afghanistan. A large part of the current fleet is in need of replacement.
120 C-17s have been ordered to replace the C-141 fleet. The
Lockheed/Boeing F-22 Raptor will replace the F-15 and the big battle for
the F-16 replacement has been won by the Lockheed-Martin F-35A Joint
Strike Fighter. Several C-130J's have been bought to replace the older
C-130E's, EC-130E's and WC-130H's and funds are being sought to buy more.
The Raytheon T-6A Texan II was introduced in 2000 as a replacement for the
Cessna T-37B in the primary training roll. The CV-22 is the intended
replacement for the MH-53J/M, but because of technical problems this
program will take a bit longer to realize. And a start has been made with
replacing the oldest KC-135's in service. A hundred Boeing 767-200ER
air-to-air tanker variants will be leased for up to ten years. During that
time the USAF can look for a real solution to replace these tankers.
Aircraft of the USAF :
Fighter/Attack Aircraft :
- F-15 C/D Eagle
Designed in the 1960s and built in the 1970s, the F-15A - D
aircraft has now been in service for over twenty years. While the Eagle's
aerodynamics and maneuverability are still on a par with newer aircraft,
quantum leaps in integrated circuit technology have made the original F-15
avionics suite obsolete. The objective of the Multi-Stage Improvement
Program (MSIP) was to set the Eagle in step with today's vastly improved
information processing systems. Improvements incorporated via MSIP vary
between F-15A/B and F-15C/D aircraft; the C/D MSIP has been completed.
However, all air-to-air Eagles gain improved radar, central computer,
weapons and fire control, and threat warning systems.The purpose of the
F-15 Multi-stage Improvement Program (MSIP) was to provide maximum air
superiority in a dense hostile environment in the late 1990s and beyond.
All total, 427 Eagles received the new avionics upgrades.
The F-15C is an improved version of the original F-15A
single-seat air superiority fighter. Additions incorporated in the
F-15C include upgrades to avionics as well as increased internal fuel
capacity and a higher allowable gross takeoff weight.
The F-15D is a two-seat variant of the single-place F-15C.
The primary purpose of the F-15D is aircrew training, with an
instructor pilot occupying the rear seat while an upgrading pilot mans
the front seat controls.
- F-15 E Strike Eagle
The Boeing F-15E dual-role fighter is an advanced long-range
interdiction fighter and tactical aircraft. The F-15E is the latest
version of the Eagle, a Mach 2.5-class twin-engine fighter.The F-15E made
its first flight in 1986. It is armed with air-to-air missiles that can be
launched from beyond visual range, and has air-to-ground capability to
penetrate hostile air and ground defences to deliver up to 24,000lb of
precision ordnance.In April 2001, Boeing received a contract for 10
further F-15E aircraft for the USAF to bring the total to 227, with
deliveries scheduled for 2002 2004.Boeing is upgrading the programmable
armament control set and software for the delivery of precision weapons
like the joint direct attack munition (JDAM), joint stand-off weapon (KSOW)
and the wind-corrected munition dispenser (WCMD). The aircraft will also
have improved night-vision capability and three new active-matrix liquid
crystal displays.
- F-16 C/D Falcon
The Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon, the first of the
US Air Force multi-role fighter aircraft, is the world's most prolific
fighter, with more than 2,000 in service with the USAF.650 USAF Block
40/50 F-16 s are being upgraded under the Common Configuration
Implementation Program (CCIP). The first phase of the program (first
aircraft completed in January 2002) provides core computer and colour
cockpit modifications; the second, beginning in September 2002 involves
fitting the advanced interrogator/transponder and Lockheed Martin Sniper
XR advanced FLIR targeting pod; the third, starting in July 2003 adds Link
16 datalink, the Joint Helmet-Mounted Cueing System and an electronic
horizontal situation indicator.The aircraft has nine hardpoints for
weapons payloads: one at each wing tip, three under each wing and one
centreline under the fuselage.
- F-117 NightHawk
The F-117A Nighthawk Stealth Fighter attack aircraft was
developed by Lockheed Martin. Development of the F-117A began in 1978 and
it was first flown in 1981, but it was not until 1988 that its existence
was publicly announced. The Nighthawk is the world's first operational
stealth aircraft. Of the 59 Nighthawks procured by the US Air Force, 52
are still in service.The mission of the aircraft is to penetrate dense
threat environments and attack high-value targets with high accuracy.The
surfaces and edge profiles are optimised to reflect hostile radar into
narrow beam signals, directed away from the enemy radar detector.For
stealth, the F-117A does not rely on radar for navigation or targeting.
For navigation and weapon aiming, the aircraft is equipped with a
forward-looking infrared (FLIR) and a downward-looking infrared (DLIR)
with laser designator.
- F-22 Raptor
The F-22 Raptor advanced tactical fighter aircraft is being
developed for service with the US Air Force from the year 2005. The USAF
requirement is for a fighter to replace the F-15, with emphasis on
agility, stealth and range. By 1990, Lockheed Martin, teamed with Boeing
and General Dynamics, had built and flown the demonstration prototype
aircraft, designated YF-22. The first F-22 fighter aircraft was unveiled
in April 1997 and was given the name Raptor.The decision to proceed to
low-rate initial production (LRIP) was authorised in August 2001, when
Lockheed Martin was awarded a contract to deliver 10 F-22 by 2003. A
further 13 aircraft were ordered in February 2002.The USAF has a total
requirement of 295 aircraft. During flight tests, the F-22 has
demonstrated the ability to 'supercruise', flying at sustained speeds of
over Mach 1.5 without the use of afterburner. Assembly of the first
operational F-22 began in March 2001. In September 2001, the F-22
successfully launched an AMRAAM air-to-air missile against a target drone
during tests.
- Joint Strike Fighter
The Joint Strike Fighter, the JSF, is being developed by
Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company for the US Air Force, Navy and Marine
Corps and the UK Royal Navy. The stealthy, supersonic multi-role fighter
is to be designated the F-35. The JSF is being built in three variants: a
conventional take-off and landing aircraft (CTOL) for the US Air Force; a
carrier based variant (CV) for the US Navy; and a short take-off and
vertical landing (STOVL) aircraft for the US Marine Corps and the Royal
Navy.The requirement is for: USAF F-35A air-to-ground strike aircraft,
replacing F-16 and A-10, complementing F-22 (1763).
- A-10 Thunderbolt II
The first flight of the A-10 was in May 1972, and a total of
707 aircraft have since been produced.An upgrade program for the A-10 is
being defined, which may include enhanced precision target engagement
capabilities as well as enabling an extension of the aircraft's service
life to 2028.Low rate initial production of the upgrade is planned to
start in 2004.The A-10 Thunderbolt is also known as the Warthog, the
Flying Gun and the Tankbuster. The aircraft was used extensively during
Operation Desert Storm and in support of NATO operations in response to
the Kosovo crisis. During Operation Desert Storm, 144 A-10 aircraft flew
in various roles, achieving 95.7% mission capability and 8,100 combat
sorties.The single-seat cockpit is protected by all-round armor, with a
titanium 'bathtub' structure to protect the pilot that is up to 3.8cm
thick.
Bombers :
- B-52H Stratofortress
The B-52H is the US Air Force's long-range, large-payload
multi-role bomber and is known as the Stratofortress or the Buff (Big Ugly
Fat Fellow). It is the USAF's principal strategic nuclear and conventional
weapons platform, and supports the US Navy in anti-surface and submarine
warfare missions. It is the longest serving combat aircraft in the world -
104 B-52Hs were built and the last was delivered in 1962. However, due to
extensive system and structural upgrades, its service life is expected to
continue beyond the year 2030. There are now 94 B-52H aircraft in service.The
B-52H, with a weapons payload of more than 70,000lb, is capable of
carrying the most diverse range of weapons of any combat aircraft.
- B-1B Lancer
The B-1B has the largest internal payload of any current
bomber. The B-1B became operational in 1986 and there are about 95
currently in service. However, in July 2001, the US Department of Defense
announced plans to cut its B-1B inventory to 60 by the end of 2002.
Savings made will be used to modernise the remaining fleet. The upgrade
program is planned to be completed in 2003.The aircraft is operated by
four crew: pilot, copilot, defensive systems operator (DSO) and offensive
systems operator (OSO).The B-1B does not currently carry nuclear weapons.
The aircraft has three internal weapon bays and six external hardpoints
under the fuselage. The maximum internal weapons payload is 75,000lb and
maximum external weapons payload is 59,000lb.
- B-2 Spirit
The B-2 is a low-observable, strategic, long-range, heavy
bomber capable of penetrating sophisticated and dense air-defence
shields.Its distinctive profile comes from the unique 'flying wing'
construction. The leading edges of the wings are angled at 33 degrees and
the trailing edge has a double-W shape.20 B-2s have been delivered to
Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri, the first in December 1993. In the
first three years of service, the operational B-2s achieved a sortie
reliability rate of 90%. An assessment published by the USAF showed that
two B-2s armed with precision weaponry can do the job of 75 conventional
aircraft.The aircraft carries all its weapons internally and is fitted
with two separate weapons bays in the centre of the aircraft. The B-2 has
the capacity to carry up to 40,000lb of weapons, including conventional
and nuclear weapons, precision-guided munitions, gravity bombs and a range
of maritime weapons.
Transport :
C-130C/E/J Hercules
The Lockheed Martin C-130 is the US Air Force principal
tactical cargo and personnel transport aircraft, and the C-130J Hercules
is the latest model, featuring a glass cockpit, digital avionics and a new
propulsion system with a six-bladed propeller.The C-130 has been in
continuous production since 1954, and over 2,100 Hercules have been built
for 64 countries. The improvements built into the C-130J, which entered
production in 1997, have enhanced the performance of the aircraft in terms
of range, cruise ceiling time to climb, speed and airfield requirements.
The C-130 Avionics Modernization Program (C-130X AMP) will modify
approximately 525 aircraft to establish a common, supportable, cost
effective baseline configuration for AMC, ACC, ANG, AFRC, PACAF, USAFE and
AFSOC C-130 aircraft.
- C-141B Starlifter
The C-141 Starlifter is the workhorse of the Air Mobility
Command. The Starlifter fulfills the vast spectrum of airlift requirements
through its ability to airlift combat forces over long distances, inject
those forces and their equipment either by airland or airdrop, re-supply
employed forces, and extract the sick and wounded from the hostile area to
advanced medical facilities.The C-141B is a stretched C-141A with
in-flight refueling capability. Stretching of the Starlifter consisted of
lengthening the plane 23 feet, 4 inches (53.3 centimeters), which
increased cargo capacity by about one-thirdThe first C-141B was received
by the Air Force in December 1979. Conversion of 270 C-141s from A to B
models was completed in 1982. C-141 modifications aim to preserve the
remaining force by reliability and maintainability improvements and
capability improvements necessary for effective use through
2006.Sixty-three aircraft in the current C-141 fleet will undergo major
modification. Each will receive the All Weather Flight Control System (AWFCS)
consisting of a digital autopilot, advanced avionics display, and Ground
Collision Avoidance System (GCAS).
- C-5 Galaxy
The C-5 Galaxy is a heavy-cargo transport designed to
provide strategic airlift for deployment and supply of combat and support
forces. The C-5 can carry unusually large and heavy cargo for
intercontinental ranges at jet speeds. The plane can take off and land in
relatively short distances and taxi on substandard surfaces during
emergency operations. The C-5 and the smaller C-141B Starlifter are
strategic airlift partnersUsing the front and rear cargo openings, the
Galaxy can be loaded and off-loaded at the same time.The AF took delivery
of the first C-5A in 1969.With the retirement of the C-141 force, the C-5
will take a larger role in peacetime movement of cargo over the next few
years.Active-force, 70; ANG, 11; Reserve, 28.
- C-17 Globemaster III
The Boeing C-17 Globemaster III military airlift aircraft is
capable of carrying payloads up to 169,000lb, and has an international
range and the ability to land on small airfields. A fully integrated
electronic cockpit and advanced cargo systems allow a crew of three; the
pilot, copilot and loadmaster, to operate all systems on any type of
mission. Since it entered service in January 1995, over 80 aircraft have
been delivered to the US Air Force with 40 more on order.
Tankers :
- KC-135R/T Stratotanker
The US Air Force has about 550 KC-135 Stratotankers in
service, and has made substantial investment in a series of upgrade
programs, including re-skinning of the lower wing surfaces, the
installation of new CFM56 engines and new avionics systems.The primary air
fuel transfer method is through the tanker's flying boom, controlled by an
operator stationed at the rear of the fuselage. USAF aircraft have
primarily used this boom and receptacle refuelling technique.About 45 US
Air Force KC-135R Stratotankers are fitted with Mark 32B wingtip hose and
drogue air refuelling pods, which are supplied by Flight Refuelling Ltd.
These are capable of refuelling Navy and NATO aircraft. The USAF selected
Rockwell Collins to carry out the modernisation of the avionics system
under the KC-135 Pacer CRAG (Compass, Radar and Global Positioning System)
program.
- KC-10A Extender
The United States Air Force/McDonnell Douglas KC-10A
advanced tanker/cargo aircraft is a version of the intercontinental-range
DC-10 Series 30CF (convertible freighter), modified to provide increased
mobility for U.S. forces in contingency operations by: refueling fighters
and simultaneously carrying the fighters' support equipment and support
people on overseas deployments: refueling strategic airlifters (such as
the USAF C-5 and C-l4l) during overseas deployments and resupply missions;
and augmenting the U.S. airlift capability.As one of the newest aircraft
in the AF inventory, the KC-10 requires little maintenance and
modifications when compared to older military systems. The KC-10 complies
with FAA Stage 3 noise standards. Designed with a service life of 30,000
hours, projected structural service life of the KC-10 extends to
2043.Active force, 59
Support/Intelligence Aircraft :
- E-3A Sentry AWACS
The E-3 Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) is built
by Boeing Defense & Space Group. The role of the E-3 is to carry out
airborne surveillance, and command, control and communications (C3)
functions for both tactical and air defence forces. In the USA the
aircraft carries the designation E-3 AWACS.The E3 look-down radar has a
360-degree view of the horizon, and at operating altitudes has a range of
more than 320 km. The radar can detect and track air and sea targets
simultaneously. The USAF Block 30/35 modernisation program, which will be
completed early in 2002, includes the following upgrades: provision of GPS
(global positioning system) navigation, enhanced computer memory,
installation of a JTIDS (Joint Tactical Distribution System) Class II
terminal and ESM (electronic support measures) equipment.Boeing, with the
Electronic Sensors and Systems Division of Northrop Grumman as
subcontractor, have carried out an E-3 AWACS Radar System Improvement
Programme (RSIP) which upgrades the capability of the AN/APY-1/2,
installation is underway on the 32 USAF E-3 AWACS and is due to be
completed by 2005
- E-8C Joint Stars
The Joint Surveillance and Target Attack Radar System (JSTARS)
is a joint development project of the US Air Force and Army which provides
an airborne, stand-off range, surveillance and target acquisition radar
and command and control centre. In September 1996, JSTARS was approved for
full rate production for 14 aircraft. Ten have been delivered.JSTARS
provides ground situation information through communication via secure
data links with air force command posts, army mobile ground stations and
centres of military analysis far from the point of conflict. JSTARS
provides a picture of the ground situation equivalent to that of the air
situation provided by AWACS.
- RC-135V/W Rivet Joint
The USAF RC-135V/W RIVET JOINT surveillance aircraft are
equipped with an extensive array of sophisticated intelligence gathering
equipment enabling military specialists to monitor the electronic activity
of adversaries.The fleet of 14 RIVET JOINT aircraft increased to 15 in
late 1999 with the addition of a converted C-135B. The RIVET JOINT
aircraft are capable of conducting ELINT and COMINT intercept operations
against targets at ranges of up to 240 kilometers
UAV :
- RQ-1A/B Predator
RQ-1A Predator is a long endurance, medium altitude unmanned
aircraft system for surveillance and reconnaissance missions.A contract
was awarded to General Atomics Aeronautical Systems in January 1994 to
execute the Tier II, Medium Altitude Endurance Predator Program. The
Predator system first flew in 1994 and entered production in August 1997.
Predators are currently in production for the US Air Force and are
operational with the USAF 11th and 15th Reconnaissance Squadrons. Over 60
Predators have been delivered to the USAF out of 85 under contract.In
February 2001, the Hellfire-C laser-guided missile was successfully fired
from a Predator air vehicle in flight tests at Nellis air force base,
Nevada.In May 1998 General Atomics was awarded a Block 1 Upgrade contract
to expand the capabilities of the Predator systemThe Predator B has an
operational ceiling of 45,000 ft and maximum payload of 750 lb. The
Predator B can carry up to 14 Hellfire anti-armour missiles. The upgraded
Predator, the RQ-1B, has been operational in the Balkans since April 2001.
The USAF has also ordered two versions of Predator B with turbofan jet
engines.
- RQ-4A Global Hawk
RQ-4A Global Hawk is a high altitude, long endurance
unmanned aerial reconnaissance system which provides military field
commanders with high resolution, near-real-time imagery of large
geographic areas.In March 2001, the US Department of Defense awarded
Northrop Grumman a contract for the engineering and manufacturing
development (EMD) phase of the program, to last until March 2003 and in
June 2001 a contract to begin low rate initial production (LRIP). The
contract calls for two air vehicles and the mission control element of the
system s ground station, to be completed by December 2003.In April 2001,
Global Hawk made aviation history when it completed the first non-stop
flight across the Pacific Ocean by an unmanned, powered aircraft, flying
from Edwards AFB, California, to the Royal Australian Air Force Base,
Edinburgh, South Australia.
Helicopters :
- MH-53J/M Pave Low
The MH-53J Pave Low III heavy-lift helicopter is the largest
and most powerful helicopter in the Air Force inventory, and the most
technologically advanced helicopter in the world. Its terrain-following,
terrain-avoidance radar and forward-looking infrare d sensor, along with a
projected map display, enable the crew to follow terrain contours and
avoid obstacles, making low-level penetration possible.The helicopter is
equipped with armor plating, and a combination of three 7.62mm miniguns or
.50 caliber machine guns. It can transport 38 troops or 14 litters and has
an external cargo hook with a 20,000-pound (9,000-kilogram)
capacity.Active force, 41
- HH-60G Pave Hawk
The HH-60G's primary wartime mission is combat search and
rescue, infiltration, exfiltration and resupply of special operations
forces in day, night or marginal weather conditions. The HH-60G Pave Hawk
provides the capability of independent rescue operations in combat areas
up to and including medium-threat environments.The maximum speed is 193
knots with a cruise speed of 120 to 140 knots.Pave Hawks are equipped with
a retractable in-flight refueling probe and internal auxiliary fuel tanks.
