Page 123 - North Atlantic and Nordic Defense

North European and North Atlantic Defense: The Challenges Return

This capability establishes a new vector for TacAir aircraft design, embracing software upgradeable
platforms and weapons.

This can be measured by a three-dimensional plot incorporating a “Z” axis.

The “Z” axis of cockpit fusion engine dynamics of incorporating software upgradeable system performance is
a new R&D vector in combat aircraft design. In brings the OODA into a marriage with advanced technology
sensing and hence more effective payload delivery.

Like Boyd using his F-86 for OODA, the F-35 is not only advanced OODA, but platform OODA for OODA
sake is not enough, because now the payload carried by the combat force is everything.

It is now much more than a gun or early AA missiles, which constrained Boyd’s thinking.

Just like the example of laser guiding a bomb to destroy the Paul Doumer Bridge, a new chapter in
technology and warfare has been captured in the fifth generation combat world by two USMC Fighter Pilots.

The first is Lt. Col. Chip Berke-USMC-a former Top Gun Instructor, USAF F-22 exchange Pilot and CO
ofVMFAT-501 a USMC F-35 Squadron quipped in an open discussion when challenged by an F-22 pilot-

“I will win the fight because “I will fry you before you see me.”

The second was underscored in our discussion with then Major Greg Summa a USMC XO of an F-35 Squadron
who as an F/A-18 pilot had attended the Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN) and completed the
Strike-Fighter Tactics Instructor (SFTI) Course said in flying the F-35 on a range against enemy capabilities-

For example, if I need an electronic warfare tool set, with the F-18 I have to call in a separate aircraft
to provide for that capability.

With the F-35 I have organic EW capability.

The EW capability works well in the aircraft.

From the time it is recognized that such a capability is need to the time that it is used requires a push
of a button.

Consequentially the “F/A/E”-35 can both fire/drop kinetic weapons or radiate directed “trons” as a payload
function a truly new technology age is upon us.

Historically, Command and Control (C&C) was external to 1,2,3, 4th and some 5th Generations of
TacAir. Now way overly complicated known as C5ISR the goal was still enhancing fleet wide combat
performance for all Type/Model/Series (T/M/S) of TacAir.

This is the historic AWACS and Red Crown (USN ship) hub and spoke battle management concept.

But by using a three-dimensional graph, one can understand that a “Z-axis” (3 dimensional plot) takes
airpower into a totally different design domain.

The shift can be exemplified by ditching C5ISR and going back to the need for the best robust and survivable
higher echelon Command and Control or perhaps more accurately Control and Command (C&C or C2).

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