Page 31 - F-35 and Transformation

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

They are not replacements for existing Gen 4 aircraft, but provide an entirely new capability, and as such
new Tactics, Techniques and Procedures (TPPs) must become second nature for the pilot.

While new mission sets are seldom discussed (due to the classified nature of the capabilities), even traditional
mission sets have many variables.

The Raptor may be flown in a blended environment with both Gen 4 and coalition (international) jets, or
fighting on its own.

In a blended group the Raptor often functions as a battlespace manager for the group providing a “god’s
eye view” to all participants – even as it keeps the airspace clear of adversaries, and sends volumes of ISR
data back to other platforms.

In some cases, the mission commander will utilize Raptor driven information and designate the missiles of other
aircraft to down adversaries, ensuring the Raptor keeps maximum weapons load for use as a last resort (as
we have seen in Red Flag exercises).

In another scenario the Raptor may be driven by a time sensitive window to get a bomber on target and
aggressively strike deep into contested space with scores of hostile air and ground threats to evade or
neutralize.

As Hebert summarized, “the Raptor pilot is called upon to manage each unique environment, and that
challenges how you manage your weapons. Do you sling one missile or are you slinging two, ensuring the
threat is killed?

“That affects what weapons you have available on board to support the mission on egress. So there is a lot to
think about.”

It goes beyond multi-tasking, to multi-tasking in a fluid, dynamic environment with an un-compromised
commitment to survival and achievement of mission objectives.

Each circumstance brings a new set of challenges to utilize the available sensor information and deploy the
aircraft effectively. Hebert says “the pilot is constantly evaluating out how one change affects everything else
and what decision has to be made now.”

Adversary Air

While of 1960s vintage, the sleek, black T-38s are effective adversaries for the Raptors, and train against
them daily.

Not to be confused with dogfighting within visual range (WVR) (generally suicidal for a T-38 vs an F-22), the
primary training involves taking on multiple bogeys beyond visual range (BVR) that attack in a wide variety
of formations.

In the past F-22 pilots used to slip in and out of the T-38s to try their hand against their own aircraft, but that
is generally not the case today. Each pilot is focused on their specific craft. Leeroy brings a fresh but
disciplined approach to flying as an F-22 adversary.

As he explained, he flies the mission while maintaining a series of priorities revolving around the mission and
safety; maintaining fuel; staying within the designated airspace; keeping a safe distance from other
participants.

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