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The overarching point of the presentation was that the fifth generation experience was about dis-
ruptive change, not evolution. You needed to get into the fifth generation platform to experience
the change and learn how to shape tactics and concepts of operations relevant to 21st century
operations, rather than perfecting your 20th century piloting skills.

He went out of his way to compare the Super Hornet to the F-22A with a core focus on how the
former was NO WAY the later. Whereas the F-22A was an SA and information dominance ma-
chine, the Super Hornet was a classic aircraft which had the limitations of any airplane not built
from the ground up to be an information dominance aircraft for the 21st century battlespace.

While the Super Hornet is a significant upgrade from the Hornet, it is not and never will be able
to deliver what a fifth generation aircraft can deliver: integrated data fusion and re-shaping the
pilot and squadron roles in prosecuting air dominance and support to the joint force in the bat-
tlespace.

In short, the leap ahead is crucial; and reworking the culture of the RAAF will be necessary to
leverage the disruptive technology built into fifth generation aircraft.

The UK at Pax River: Integrated, Innovative and Creating
21st Century Airpower

Our visit to the Pax River Integrated Test Force (ITF) concluded with an interview with
two members of the British contingent of the ITF, along with a senior U.S. test engineer
— which, in itself, was a demonstration of how the ITF works as the UK is an equal
partner in an integrated team effort.

UK Pilots and engineers contribute to the overall roll out of capability for the F-35 pro-
gram, as well as the U.S. contributing to a number of aspects of the UK F-35B roll out as
well.

In addition to the obvious leveraging of cost efficient synergy, all F-35 pilots and test

engineers being present at the source of engineering and flight test challenges avoids

miscommunication and any lag time of important two-way information. It is a partner-

ship wisely forged to deliver the best and safest aircraft for combat.

Second Line of Defense Lessons Learned at Pax River
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