PHOTOS: USAF-RMAF mixed formation air-to-air photos at Cope Taufan

Now this is something you don't see every day. A mixed formation air-to-air photo shoot comprising of United States Air Force F-15C Eagle and F-22A Raptor alongside Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) Su-30MKM Flanker, MiG-29NUB Fulcrum, F/A-18D Hornet and BAe Hawk 108 over Georgetown, Malaysia, on June 18, 2014. USAF F-15s from the 131st Fighter Squadron, 104th Fighter Wing, Barnes Air National Guard Base, Mass and F-22s from the 154th Wing, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii sre currently in Malaysia for Exercise Cope Taufan 14, a biennial large force employment exercise taking place June 9 to 20 designed to improve U.S. and Malaysian combined readiness. (All photos U.S. Air Force by Tech. Sgt. Jason Robertson/Released)

Click on thumbnails to view high-resolution imagery

More images at DVIDS

PHOTOS: Air-to-air images of RAAF Hornet in warbird photoshoot

I'm not a fan of using over-the-top superlatives to describe everything, but I think these photos are really stunning. On the 2nd of November, the Temora Aviation Museum in New South Wales, Australia held their second ever Warbirds Down Under airshow.

In addition, an air-to-air photoshoot was conducted from out the back of the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society's ex-Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) DHC Caribou, photographing some of the historical aircraft participating in the show. They were joined by a couple of RAAF F/A-18A/B Hornets and the photoshoot itself, along with some dusk/sunset photos were captured from the back seat of an F/A-18B.

More images can be found at this Gallery. Click on the thumbnails below for high resolution images.

© Commonwealth of Australia

© Commonwealth of Australia

Asia-Pacific Military Aviation News roundup: 02 Oct 2013

HMM-262 Sea Knight at Ex Cobra Gold, Thailand in 2009

According to reports from Russia quoting Indonesian sources, Indonesia has a requirement of 112 fighters between now and 2024. The TNI-AU intends to form 8 squadrons of 16 aircraft each. It already operates 16 Su-27/30s and has 24 refurbished F-16C/Ds on order.

End of an era as the last Okinawa-based U.S. Marine CH-46 Sea Knight made its last flight prior to storage pending disposal. The helicopters from Marine Helicopter Medium Squadron 262 (HMM-262) is in the process of converting to the MV-22B Osprey. Another Okinawa-based squadron is now flying Ospreys since 2012, having also turned in its Sea Knights.

More details have emerged of the new Taiwanese-built air launched precision weapon we reported on a while back. The Wan Chien is a cluster munition with a range of over 200km. It will equip the AIDC F-CK-1 Ching Kuo fighters of the Republic of China (Taiwan) Air Force, with forty Tainan based aircraft already retrofitted for the new weapon.

Marine aviation assets temporarily deployed to Japan are currently in the Philippines conducting training with Philippine Air Force personnel. F/A-18C Hornets from VMFA-232 'Red Devils' and AH-1W Super Cobras of HMLA-167 'Warriors' are temporarily deployed to Japan as part of the USMC's Unit Deployment Program (UDP)

Aviation units supporting Darwin-based Marines in exercise

AV-8B Harrier II of VMA-214 Blacksheep

Marine Corps aviation units based in Japan, in addition to those attached to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit which is currently embarked on board the ships of the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group, are currently training with embarked 31st MEU Marines, the 5th Royal Australian Regiment and Marine Rotational Force–Darwin during Exercise Koolendong 2013, a bilateral exercise taking place at the Bradshaw Field Training Area in the Northern Territory starting 27 Aug. for approximately two weeks.

Exercise Koolendong 2013 is designed as a “proof of concept” to assess the capacity of the Bradshaw Field Training Area to accommodate live-fire training for battalion-sized units of approximately 1,000 personnel and demonstrate the capabilities that U.S. amphibious forces can provide.

The exercise will feature day and night live-fire training that includes light and heavy machine guns, mortars, artillery and aviation-delivered ordnance from AV-8B Harriers from the 31st MEU (attached from VMA-214 Blacksheep) and FA/18D Hornets from VMFA-242 Bats. Additionally, three KC-130Js from the Sumos of VMGR-152 will provide tanker and transport support while MV-22 Ospreys, CH-53E Super Stallions and UH-1Y Hueys from VMM-265 (Reinforced) will provide assault support transportation from the USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) operating at sea.

The Bradshaw Field Training Area is a remote training range in the Northern Territory, Australia; it is approximately 200 miles south/southwest from Darwin and is over 3,300 square miles in size.

Asia-Pacific Military Aviation News roundup: 22 Aug 2013

AV-8B Harrier II of VMA-214 Blacksheep

More details have emerged regarding the unintended dropping of practice and unarmed bombs by U.S. Marine Harriers on the Great Barrier Reef during Talisman Saber in July.

It has been happening for a while, but news has just got out that the F/A-18D Hornets of VMFA(AW)-242 Bats are currently in Tindal, Australia for Exercise Southern Frontier.

The Korean Aircraft Industries (KAI) FA-50 is to begin service with the Republic of Korea Air Force this week. 60 of the light attack aircraft will be replacing the RoKAF's F-5E/F Tiger II interceptor fleet.

If you still doubted that the ongoing Red Flag - Alaska (which I wrote about here) was practice for a North Korea scenario, this story about DHC-2 Beavers simulating An-2 Colts at the exercise should erase them.

VIDEO: Exercise Aces North (and a reference to the movie Top Gun)

An interesting piece over at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, who reported with the Royal Australian Air Force's 75 Sqn at Exercise Aces North, which recently concluded over at the RAAF bases in Australia's Northern Territory.

Aces North 2013 is the final phase of the No 32 Fighter Combat Instructor (FCI) course, which is conducted every two years and provides experienced F/A-18 A/B Classic Hornet, F/A-18F Super Hornet Pilots and Weapon System Officers with five months of highly specialised training in all air combat related roles. The exercise was held from June 3-28 and involved the RAAF's F/A-18A/B Hornet, F/A-18F Super Hornet, the E-7A Wedgetail and a KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport.

And fans of the movie Top Gun will make instantly make the connection between the name of CO 75 Sqn RAAF and his callsign, as seen from the below screengrab of the ABC video:

For those who are unaware, the main character in the 1986 movie Top Gun (played by Tom Cruise) is Pete Mitchell and his callsign is Maverick.

PHOTO: Awesome view of Marine Hornet launching Sparrow AAM

U.S. Marine Corps photo by Capt. Christopher Prout. Click on thumbnail for high resolution image.

This photo is awesome on so many levels. It provides us with an insight into something we seldom have a chance to see as U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Christopher Prout with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 232, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing shoots a AIM-7 Sparrow missile from a F/A-18C Hornet airplane while participating in a deployment for training (DFT) near Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., May 16, 2013. The DFT prepared the squadron for future combat and contingency operations.

On a side note, the Red Devils of VMFA-232 were deployed to the Asia-Pacific last year when they were spent six months at Marine Combat Air Station Iwakuni, Japan on rotation as part of the Marine Corps' Unit Deployment Program (UDP). Their stint in this part of the world included the squadron's participation in the multinational Exercise Pitch Black in Australia, which saw these other photos taken.

New Gallery: Exercise Pitch Black 2012

Finally got down to editing and uploading the photography from our visit to RAAF Darwin last August for Exercise Pitch Black 2012. 20 photos have now been added to the Pitch Black Gallery. The photo below, of Royal Australian Air Force F/A-18A+ Hornet A21-7 of 77 Sqn holding short on Darwin's Runway 29 while waiting for a Republic of Singapore Air Force Gulfstream 550 Conformal Airborne Early Warning aircraft to land, is my favourite photo from two days of shooting.

PHOTO: USAF Aggressor F-16 air-to-air with RAAF Hornet

As has been reported previously, the USAF Aggressor F-16s of Eielson AFB (Alaska) have been in Australia supporting the RAAF's ongoing Fighter Combat Instructor (FCI) course by providing adversary support. They have since left, but not before going for a photoshoot with the RAAF's Hornets, resulting in this spectacular Photo Gallery.

Click on thumbnail for full size image

PHOTOS/VIDEO: RAAF KC-30 MRTT refuels F/A-18 Hornets

Viking 61 and 62. Click on thumbnail for hi-res imagery.

On the 27th of February 2013, members of the media at the Australian International Airshow at Avalon, Victoria were given a unique opportunity to go on board a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Airbus KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) on a flight to refuel two F/A-18A Hornets of 77 Squadron, arriving from their base in Williamtown, New South Wales for the airshow. The mid-air refueling took place in the skies over Victoria's Gippsland region and the Bass Straits.

Viking 62 was F/A-18A A21-49 in the colourful 77 Sqn 70th Anniversary scheme. Click on thumbnail for hi-res imagery.

This publicity flight was a unique in the sense that it was the first time media have been invited on board a KC-30 conducting a refueling mission. About 30 media personnel boarded the KC-30, serial number A39-003 and operating under the callsign DRAGON 21, from the civil aviation terminal at Avalon Airport and departed under leaden skies at approximately 1400. After a short flight, we rendezvoused with VIKING 61 and 62, a two-ship Hornet flight over the East Sale Restricted Airspace where the Hornets joined up on the KC-30's left wing before "plugging into" the refueling baskets trailing from the HDUs (Hose Drum Unit) mounted on each of the tanker's wingtips.

Viking 61 was F/A-18A A21-48 in the RAAF's 90th Anniversary scheme. Click on thumbnail for hi-res imagery.

At this point, I would like to add that I would have been perfectly happy if the Hornets were regular "line birds" in standard squadron livery, however the fact that both Hornets were painted in various special commemorative schemes was an added (and much appreciated) bonus. To top it off, both "receivers" were carrying a mix of AIM-132 Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missiles (ASRAAM) and 500-lb Joint Direct Attack Munitions along with wing tanks and Elta EL/L-8222 ECM pods. The Hornets and tanker and receivers circled among the clouds while the media pack had a field day shooting photos and video. After a few minutes, refueling was complete and both Hornets slid over to the tanker's starboard wing before breaking off towards Avalon, landing just before the KC-30, which touched down at 1505 local.

The RAAF has five MRTTs on strength with 33 Sqn at RAAF Amberley, with one aircraft currently with manufacturer EADS conducting boom certification which is expected to be completed by the end of 2013.

The Base Leg would like to express our deepest appreciation to the RAAF, our crew and Eamon Hamilton, Public Affairs for the RAAF's Air Lift Group for making this amazing event happen. A video of the highlights of the flight can be assessed below (available in HD/720p)

VIDEO: E-3 and KC-135 in near mid-air collision; US Navy Hornet ops

Couple of videos for the weekend; Firstly a near miss as an inflight refueling between a NATO E-3 Sentry and a USAF Air Force Reserve Command - Air National Guard (137th-507th Air Refueling Wing from Tinker AFB, Oklahoma) KC-135 almost goes horribly wrong with both aircraft taking hard evasive action (particularly the E-3) to avoid a nasty mid-air collision. According the comments on the video, some crew on board the E-3 were slightly injured due to the sudden evasive action.

And another video, this time by the U.S. Navy, on the operations of Hornets and Super Hornets on board its carriers.

Auditor: Australian Hornets may soldier on past 2020, costs to rise

The Australian National Audit Office is warning that delaying by two years the acquisition of 12 F-35 Joint Strike Fighters (JSF) for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) will mean a big hike in maintenance costs for the RAAF's ageing fleet of classic F/A-18A/B Hornets if they are to soldier on beyond its 2020 planned withdrawal date. For the first time, we are given an insight into the challenges facing nations struggling with keeping older fleets flying as a result of the protracted development of the JSF.

Australia currently operates 71 F/A-18A/B Hornets with three active squadrons and one Operation Conversion Unit, with the oldest aircraft in the fleet being delivered in 1984. The type has undergone several upgrades in RAAF service, and are regarded highly in terms of capabilities.

Links:
Management of Australia’s Air Combat Capability—F-35A Joint Strike Fighter Acquisition

Management of Australia’s Air Combat Capability—F/A-18 Hornet and Super Hornet Fleet Upgrades and Sustainment

PHOTOS: Marine Hornets air-to-air over Northern Australia at Pitch Black

Click on thumbnail for high resolution

Some nice photography from the United States Marine Corps of its F/A-18C Hornets from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 232 refueling in the air from a KC-130J Hercules during flight training over Northern Australia in support of Pitch Black 2012, August 15 2012. This exercise is conducted to enhance flight operations and maintain proficiency as well as maintain interoperability between allies and partner nations. A coordinated multilateral response to regional challenges is the best way to increase peace, stability and prosperity in the region. (All USMC Photos by Cpl. Vanessa Jimenez)

VIDEO: Twisted stomach, giant cramps: Inside Ex Pitch Black

The Royal Australian Air Force has given the Australian Broadcasting Corporation's Jano Gibson a unique perspective of Exercise Pitch Black from the backseat of an F/A-18B Hornet. After 3 weeks of intense flying operations, the exercise has concluded yesterday.

Vikings Hornet makes 'precautionary' landing on Midway

A U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18D Hornet has landed on Midway Atoll in the Pacific as a precaution due to an unspecified problem while flying from Hawaii to Iwakuni, Japan. The aircraft, from VMFA-225 'Vikings', was on it's way to Japan after taking part in the multinational Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise.

So, it looks like the Vikings will take over VMFA-121 Green Knights as the UDP squadron at Iwakuni.

PHOTO: Air-to-air of 2 Royal Australian AF F/A-18A Hornets

© Commonwealth of Australia. Click on thumbnail to view high resolution image

Some great work from the RAAF's photographers here. Royal Australian Air Force F/A-18 Hornets from No. 3 Squadron at RAAF Base Williamtown move into position as they conduct AIM-9M missile firing activities near Newcastle. Mid Caption: During 12-15 June 2012, No. 3 Squadron successfully conducted a readiness exercise carrying live air-to-air missiles using F/A-18 Hornets in the over water airspace at RAAF Base Williamtown. No. 3 Squadron, RAAF Base Williamtown was the lead fighter squadron with support from both No. 75 Squadron, RAAF Base Tindal and No. 77 Squadron RAAF Base Williamtown.

Lots of spectacular air-to-air photos of this event at at the RAAF's image gallery.

PHOTO: VFA-151 Hornets over the Abe Lincoln

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120320-N-ZZ999-001 ARABIAN SEA (March 20, 2012) F/A-18C Hornets assigned to the Vigilantes of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 151 fly in formation above the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Abraham Lincoln is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. j.g. Will Harris/Released)

It is interesting to note Switch (VFA-151's callsign) 301 and 307 are still carrying the elderly AIM-7 Sparrow air-to-air missile (albeit CATMs as indicated by the blue bands on the missile body) on the wing pylons alongside the latest AIM-9X Sidewinders on the wingtips.

USAF, RMAF conducting Ex. Cope Taufan 2012

The U.S. Air Force and Royal Malaysian Air Force are currently taking part in Exercise Cope Taufan 2012 at RMAF Butterworth, Malaysia. F-15C/D Eagles of the 67th Fighter Squadron from Kadena, Okinawa are taking part with alongside MiG-29 Fulcrums, F/A-18 Hornets and Hawk 208 aircraft of the RMAF.

PHOTO: Royal Australian Air Force 77 Sqn 70th Anniversary Hornet

Image © Commonwealth of Australia. Click on thumbnail to view high resolution image

No. 77 Sqn of the Royal Australian Air Force is commemorating it's 70th Anniversary in 2012, and the squadron has painted one of its F/A-18A Hornets (serial A21-49) in a special commemorative scheme. Members from No. 77 SQN were asked to come up with a design for the commemorative aircraft and the winning design was by Aircraft Technician Leading Aircraftman (LAC) Nick Pearsall with input from all of the Aircraft Technicians at No. 77 Squadron.

77 Sqn was formed at RAAF Pearce, Western Australia in March 1942 with Curtiss P-40 Kittyhawks. The squadron took part in the defence of Darwin and later flew escort and ground attack operations over New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and Borneo. During the Korean War, 77 squadron flew the P-51 Mustang and Gloster Meteor, supporting United Nations forces during the conflict. Today it flies the F/A-18A/B Hornet from RAAF Williamtown.

USMC Jan 2012 Unit Deployment Program (Japan) update

The regular rotation of US Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornet units forward deployed to MCAS Iwakuni under the Unit Deployment Program has taken place, with the following units involved:

Marine Air Group 12 (MAG-12), MCAS Iwakuni, Japan
VFA-94 "Mighty Shrikes" departed Jan 5-7 with 12 F/A-18C Hornets.
VMFA-121 "Green Knights" arrived Jan 25-26 with 9 F/A-18D and F/A-18D (ATARS) Hornets.

Info via Gonavy.