Page 30 - F-35 and Transformation

The F-35 and The Transformation of the Power Projection Forces

Hebert is qualified in the T-38, F-15C, and F-22 – so he knows what’s involved in excelling as an air combat,
adversary and F-22 pilot. With that wealth of experience Hebert notes that not every pilot has the aptitude
or the skills to fly the F-22 Raptor.

As Hebert says, pilots are graded on many aspects throughout their undergraduate pilot training (UPT)
including; instrument, formation, low level, aerobatics, pattern work, academics, physical condition, and
professional conduct. By the end of training, it is clear which students are qualified for the F-22.

And as Hebert states emphatically, “it matters, because you have a very expensive single seat platform and
one hour of training in the Raptor may involve multiple Raptors, a Tanker, AWACS, and multiple adversaries.

Leadership needs to ensure the student has the right aptitude, the ability to learn from the sortie without
multiple do overs, and progress to the next step.”

Existing Air Force pilots that transfer into the Raptor program from another fighter platform must have also
demonstrated exceptional piloting skills and aptitude.

Raptor capabilities include sensor fusion that provides the pilot with superior situational awareness vs. Gen 4
fighters.

Coming from the F-15C Eagle, Hebert says, “I used to look at Raptor pilots and think, those guys are so lucky,
the jet does everything for you.

Then I flew the Raptor for myself, and yes the jet does a lot for you, but much more is expected of you!

There are fewer aircraft and the Raptor pilot is addressing a larger mission set.

The aircraft has the speed and sensor suite, it can do anything you need a fighter to do and more, however
you have to manage your fuel and your weapons.

The role of a Raptor pilot is more like a mission commander (even as a wingman) as opposed to the Eagle.

One Raptor is expected to do the work of multiple Eagles.

It’s not easy to employ the Raptor well, because you have a lot to manage.”

Each step forward in technology drives increased platform capability.

The era of platforms dedicated to a specific role are winding down.

Platforms like the Raptor now include capabilities that may all be utilized on the same mission; A2A, A2G,
electronic warfare/electronic attack (EW/EA), and Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance (ISR).

A familiar way to understand this is to consider the mobile phone from its inception to what we use today.

When first introduced it was “just” a mobile phone, then became a phone with added calculator, notepad,
email, and now the mobile phone is a “smart phone” that includes cameras, office assistants and so much more.

The F-22 does more, and that “more” translates into a significant increase in the scope of the mission set.

The F-22 and F-35s advanced sensors ensure both play a critical part in driving the emerging C5ISR
(Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Combat Systems, Intelligence, Surveillance, and
Reconnaissance) structure. The aircraft form critical nodes in the associated kill web of information driven
assets.
Second Line of Defense

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