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Officials Announce Future Total Force Initiatives
 
 
(Source: US Air Force; issued Dec. 2, 2004)
 
 
 WASHINGTON --- Air Force officials plan to tap into the inherent strength and experience of all three Air Force components to increase overall combat capability.  
 
They announced six test initiatives Dec. 1 that fall under the Future Total Force plan that puts Airmen from active-duty, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve units together for specific missions. Each component has unique strengths that together, produce a more effective combat force and efficient peacetime force, officials said.  
 
"For nearly two years, we've been working future total force initiatives that will enable us to meet the challenges of the 21st Century with a smaller, but more capable Air Force," said Air Force Secretary Dr. James G. Roche.  
 
Secretary Roche also said through the initiatives, officials hope to meet the challenges of a shrinking budget, aging aircraft fleet, and new and emerging missions by improved use of people throughout the total force.  
 
The six test initiatives involve Air Force, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve units in Arizona, Virginia, Vermont, Utah, Texas, New York and Nevada:  
 
-- The Virginia Air National Guard will partner with Langley Air Force Base, Va., in the transition to the newest fighter aircraft, the F/A-22 Raptor. The Guard unit will provide one aircrew to attend initial training.  
 
-- Community basing places 10 active-duty maintainers in the Vermont Air National Guard's 158th Fighter Wing. The purpose of this move is to capture the experience of the ANG senior maintainers and help train less-experienced active-duty crewmen.  
 
-- At Hill AFB, Utah, the Air Force Reserve Command's 419th Fighter Wing will integrate into the active-duty 388th Fighter Wing. Both units are at the base and fly the F-16 Fighting Falcon. The wings will combine operations to give the Air Force an opportunity to evaluate the Reserve and active-duty partnership in the fighter community.  
 
-- Texas and Arizona will incorporate the RQ/MQ-1 Predator Unmanned Aerial Vehicle into the Guard and Reserve to support global operations. Guard Airmen can take advantage of the reach-back capabilities associated the Predator and operate the UAVs. Officials anticipate a low turnover rate of people with the Guard and Reserve forces to significantly reduce UAV training costs.  
 
-- The establishment of a distributive ground station in western New York to process global intelligence information, which will further test the Reserve role in reach-back missions. The mission is a partnership with the Army and the New York Army National Guard at a location to be determined.  
 
-- The Air Force will integrate Guard and Reserve Airmen into all mission areas of the Air Warfare Center and Predator operations. The center, at Nellis AFB, Nev., manages advanced fighter training and integrates many of the Air Force's test and evaluation requirements.  
 
The deputy chief of staff for plans and programs, Lt. Gen. Stephen G. Wood, said he views the three components of the Air Force as equal partners.  
 
"We have taken great pride in our seamless integration of expeditionary operations and feel the time is right to try this integration at home. The test cases will confirm the effectiveness of our future integration activities as we respond to the challenges of modernization and recapitalization and execute the decisions resulting from the (base realignment and closure) process," General Wood said.  
 
These test initiatives will also improve the total force, said Army Lt. Gen. H. Steven Blum, chief of the National Guard Bureau.  
 
"As an Army customer... I am extremely excited and energized by the fact that these are bold, transformational steps that the Air Force is taking," General Blum said. "These are big, bold steps that will enable the Air Force to truly be a future total force and a more capable member of the joint team. We are better together, than separate."  
 
An important goal of the initiatives is to reduce the family and community separations caused by long reserve mobilizations.  
 
"What this really does is to reduce some of the stress and allows us to access the capabilities that reside within the human resources in the reserve component without putting them through the mobilization process," General Blum said.  
 
"It's good for American employers, that these citizen Soldiers and Airmen can continue to work for them day-to-day; it's good for their families and good for the Department of Defense, because we're able to better access the special skill sets or military expertise of these individuals. And, it allows us to leverage those capabilities on the service member's terms so they can balance their family life, civilian jobs and military careers," General Blum said.  
 
Air Force officials said they expect major commands to begin some of the test initiatives as early as January.  
 
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[JLRC]

C-Model A-10 Takes First Flight
 
 
(Source: US Air Force; issued Jan. 28, 2005)
 
 
 EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --- The newly designated C-model A-10 Thunderbolt II, modified with precision engagement technology, was flown for the first time here recently by a 40th Flight Test Squadron pilot.  
 
Precision-engagement technology allows the Air Force’s premier close-air support aircraft to also use smart weapons such as Joint Direct Attack Munitions and wind-corrected munitions dispensers, incapable in the previous model, officials said.  
 
“We have taken the world’s greatest close-air support platform and made it even better by adding a wide array of laser and Global Positioning System-aided munitions, the latest in targeting pods and the infrastructure to support data link,” said Maj. Michael Rawls, the pilot who made the flight.  
 
The increased capability also allows for the A-10C to accept more high-value target missions.  
 
Despite some speculation into whether to retire the A-10 in full or in part in years past, its performance in recent conflicts and its program enhancements make it an invaluable part of the Air Force fleet, officials said.  
 
“The A-10 provides a ground commander with a capability no other platform can in terms of survivability, loiter time and array of weapons,” Major Rawls said. “Bottom line, it means (it) is here to stay for awhile.”  
 
For those who have seen an A-10, the new model looks identical from the outside because the modifications are largely in the software and cockpit hardware. The appearance would be different, though, when loaded with a new array of munitions. The new capability will enable the A-10C to carry six smart munitions, with a standard load of four, Maj. Rawls said.  
 
Although it has not yet flown with a new payload including smart munitions, Maj. Rawls said he felt that the modifications had not affected the performance of the aircraft.  
 
“The modification moved the center of gravity slightly forward in the aircraft, but it was not distinguishable,” he said. “The jet handled very well.”  
 
The estimated $300 million program has been a joint Air Force and industry effort that leaders said they believe will breathe yet more life into the 30-year-old aircraft.  
 
“We are moving the A-10 into the 21st century with the capability to deliver the latest precision-guided weapons to the battlefield,” said Col. Robert Nolan, 46th Test Wing commander.  
 
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[JLRC]

Fighting Falcons Tackle 'DEAD' Mission
 
 
(Source: US Air Force; issued Jan. 28, 2005)
 
 
 SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --- The CJ model of the F-16 Fighting Falcon offers cutting-edge war-time fighting capabilities. Three new upgrades have helped the aircraft here transform from suppressing enemy air defenses to destroying enemy air defenses.  
 
“With the Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System, the targeting pod and the Link 16, we can find something faster, share the information quicker (and) more accurately, and destroy it more unequivocally,” said Lt. Col. John Montgomery, 55th Fighter Squadron commander.  
 
The cueing system upgrade on a helmet shows heads-up display data on the helmet visor and allows the pilot to select a target without changing the jet’s direction. The system enables the pilot to visually identify, lock the weapons system on and engage an air or ground target without looking through the heads-up display on the aircraft itself.  
 
When seconds count in combat encounters, the system gives the F-16 pilot an exceptional edge, said Col. Philip Ruhlman, 20th Fighter Wing commander.  
 
The targeting pod is another upgrade incorporated on the aircraft. It has a forward-looking infrared sensor which displays an infrared image of the target for the pilot. The pod helps with precise delivery of laser-guided munitions by using a laser to determine range to a target and to the ground, said Maj. Anthony Roberson, 20th Operations Support Squadron weapons and training flight commander.  
 
In the future, pilots will have even greater capability with an advanced targeting pod known as the Sniper XR.  
 
“The Sniper will give us a 5-fold increase over our current targeting capability. Because of our use of the (current pod) and our focus on training, Shaw’s pilots are already prepared for Sniper delivery,” Maj. Roberson said.  
 
The third upgrade for the aircraft is the Link 16. The Link 16 allows aircraft to share cockpit data and lets pilots merge into one display what all the airplanes are seeing. The data link helps pilots quickly gain situational awareness, and it gives them a combat edge in having complete knowledge of the battle space around them.  
 
Although each upgrade has helped in developing the dominance of F-16s, it is the combination of the three that has given the aircraft tactical superiority.  
 
“The technical transformation of the F-16CJ has enabled evolutionary changes beyond its counter-air mission,” Colonel Ruhlman said. "Current capabilities now allow for a natural progression to fully incorporate counter-land roles of close air support and precision interdiction in addition to a foundation of SEAD (and) DEAD excellence.  
 
"This provides the combatant commander an exceptional range of capability from which to execute key roles and missions, all the while force multiplying limited assets across a wide spectrum of threats and employment challenges," he said.  
 
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Air Force Works to Meet QDR Challenges
 
 
(Source: US Air Force; issued Jan. 28, 2005)
 
 
 WASHINGTON --- Air Force strategic capabilities are already working to meet the challenges outlined in the Quadrennial Defense Review, officials said.  
 
Every four years Department of Defense officials conduct a thorough review, as requested by Congress, to ensure that each service has the right mix of people, skill-sets and capabilities to meet current and future challenges to national security. The next report is due to Congress in January 2006.  
 
The tradition of air and space dominance in the Air Force contributes to the current and future success of all the services, said Maj. Gen. Ronald J. Bath, director of strategic planning. “We make the whole team better,” he said. “The Air Force provides distinct capabilities that the joint force requires to meet threats across the four persistent and emerging challenges posed by the QDR.”  
 
The secretary of defense has outlined four persistent and emerging challenges the services must plan for to meet current and future threats. Those challenges, broken into four quadrants, are traditional, irregular, catastrophic and disruptive.  
 
-- The traditional quadrant represents challenges posed by nations employing capabilities used in well-known forms of military conflict.  
 
-- Irregular challenges consist of those unconventional acts by nonstates and are characterized by terrorism or insurgency.  
 
-- Catastrophic challenges differ from irregular in that they include the use of weapons of mass destruction.  
 
-- The fourth defense quadrant, disruptive, features challenges from competitors using break-through technological capabilities.  
 
“Some of the things we invest in for one quadrant can be used in another,” General Bath said. “For example, we have space and air-breathing (command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance) that is used 100 percent in the traditional quadrant.  
 
“I can also say that 100 percent of that is also used in irregular warfighting, and in the catastrophic realm to combat someone using weapons of mass destruction to attack the United States, and also in the disruptive realm”  
 
During the review, Air Force officials will explain how they intend to leverage the three strategic capabilities of persistent C4ISR, global mobility and rapid strike to ensure joint air, space and cyber-space dominance, strengthen joint warfighting capabilities, and build the future total force while minimizing risk to our nation, the general said.  
 
“The Air Force has always been looking forward to meet changing times,” he said. “We are building the future total force while fighting the war of today.”  
 
Although technical advances in capabilities allow the Air Force to transform its structure and organization to meet those challenges, there is another, more important dimension -- people, he said.  
 
“The one thing that allows us to succeed in all four areas of the QDR framework is our people,” General Bath said.  
 
“It’s the way our people think -- their flexibility and creativity -- and how it’s applied in our unique Air Force culture to make traditional weapon systems perform new missions.”  
 
One example is the use of the ultimate legacy system, the B-52 Stratofortress. The eight-engine aircraft has been flown by generations of pilots using time-tested techniques. Now, aircrews can direct precision-guided munitions to targets that are identified by sergeants on horseback using the latest navigational aides. It now takes only one munition to do what it took hundreds to do not very long ago.  
 
“It’s our organizational culture that empowers our people to think and step out of the norm and institute change,” General Bath said. “We’ve empowered people to do those things.” Those creative people will help plan for the Air Force of 2025 through program decisions made in 2005. And they will benefit the joint team, he said.  
 
Over the next 20 years, the Air Force will commit more than half of its budget to joint enablers, while spending less on conventional combat forces and infrastructure, said Dr. Christopher J. Bowie, deputy director of strategic planning.  
 
That trend already shows promise. “In Operation Iraqi Freedom, we used half the force in half the time to do 10 times the work we did in Operation Desert Storm,” Dr. Bowie said.  
 
And that is the sort of good stewardship of resources that will lead to success as the Air Force aims to meet the challenges of the 2005 Quadrennial Defense Review.  
 
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Boeing Joint Helmet-Mounted Cueing System Begins Aft Seat Testing in F/A-18
 
 
(Source: Boeing Co.; issued Jan. 31, 2005)
 
 
 ST. LOUIS --- Boeing started flight tests today at Naval Air Warfare Center China Lake, Calif., as part of the integration of the Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS) into the aft cockpits of the U.S. Navy’s F/A-18 Hornet.  
 
While the helmet has been used extensively for F-15, F-16, and F/A-18 pilots in the forward cockpit, today’s flight marks the first time both the pilot and weapon systems officer have used the helmet during flight. This flight is a first step in a flight test program that will include integration tests for F/A-18D and F/A-18F aircraft.  
 
“Providing both members of the F/A-18D and F/A-18F aircrew with the JHMCS will provide a dramatic improvement in situation awareness and coordination, resulting in a significant increase in combat effectiveness and survivability,” said Todd Harper , the JHMCS F/A-18 Team Leader.  
 
Pilots first used the JHMCS operationally Iraqi Freedom. The systems gives flight crew members the ability to rapidly acquire and designate a target simply by looking at it. By putting an aiming cross, which is projected on the helmet visor, over the desired target and pressing a button, the pilot can quickly and easily aim the weapons and sensors to designate and attack airborne or ground targets. This not only makes the aircraft more lethal, it also reduces the time it is exposed to potential enemy fire.  
 
JHMCS also displays aircraft altitude, airspeed, g's and angle of attack on the visor, as well as tactical information, to increase the crew member's awareness of the state of the aircraft and the combat situation.  
 
As stated by one of the VFA-41 “Black Aces”, among the first F/A-18F Super Hornet squadrons to fly in combat with the JHMCS, “Our operational and combat experiences during deployment in the F/A-18F [in support of Operational Iraqi Freedom] leave no doubt that a dual JHMCS-equipped F/A-18F will prove to be the most dominant, lethal, and survivable strike-fighter platform in the world.”  
 
Boeing is the prime contractor and integrator for JHMCS and Vision System International, based in San Jose , Calif. , is the major subcontractor.  
 
A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world's largest space and defense businesses. Headquartered in St. Louis , Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $27 billion business. It provides network-centric system solutions to its global military, government, and commercial customers. It is a leading provider of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems; the world's largest military aircraft manufacturer; the world's largest satellite manufacturer and a leading provider of space-based communications; the primary systems integrator for U.S. missile defense and Department of Homeland Security; NASA's largest contractor; and a global leader in launch services.  
 
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[JLRC]

U.S. Air Force Orders Three Boeing C-40C Aircraft
 
 
(Source: Boeing Co.; issued Feb. 8, 2005)
 
 
 SEATTLE --- The U.S. Air Force has announced orders for three Boeing C-40C aircraft to provide worldwide transportation support for government officials. The C-40Cs are based on the Boeing Business Jet and will replace retiring C-9A aircraft, supplying the Air Force with reliable, updated and cost-effective airlift support.  
 
Military avionics and other state-of-the-art equipment will be installed on the 737-700 aircraft prior to delivery. Following delivery, the aircraft will be operated by the 932nd Airlift Wing at Scott Air Force Base, Ill.  
 
“We’re pleased the C-40C, with its superior performance and range, 21st century avionics and quiet, fuel-efficient engines, meets the Air Force’s global requirements,” said Boeing Derivative Airplane Programs Director Mark Rogers. “Boeing looks forward to continuing its outstanding teaming relationship with the Air Force on the C-40C program.”  
 
The Boeing 737-700 builds on the strengths that have made the 737 the world’s most successful commercial airliner, while incorporating improvements designed for the 21st century. The next-generation aircraft provides higher cruise speed, more range, and new engines with reduced noise, fuel-burn improvements and increased thrust. The 737-700 aircraft are manufactured in Renton, Wash.  
 
The first of the three Boeing C-40Cs will be delivered in early 2007. Boeing previously delivered three C-40C aircraft to the Air Force.  
 
A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world's largest space and defense businesses. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $30.5 billion business. It provides network-centric system solutions to its global military, government, and commercial customers. It is a leading provider of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems; the world’s largest military aircraft manufacturer; the world’s largest satellite manufacturer and a leading provider of space-based communications; the primary systems integrator for U.S. missile defense and Department of Homeland Security; NASA’s largest contractor; and a global leader in launch services.  
 
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[JLRC]

First B-2s Deploy to Andersen
 
 
(Source: US Air Force; issued March 4, 2005)
 
 
 ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam --- B-2 Spirit bombers have deployed here for the first time to support Pacific Command’s security efforts in the Western Pacific.  
 
More than 270 Airmen of the 393rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron deployed from the 509th Bomb Wing at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., currently the only B-2 unit in the Air Force. They replaced the 93rd EBS from Barksdale AFB, La.  
 
The 393rd EBS is the first B-2 squadron to deploy here supporting Pacific Command's continuous bomber presence in the Asia-Pacific region. The bombers enhance regional security and the U.S. commitment to the area, Pacific Air Forces officials said.  
 
This rotation provides training to integrate bombers into PACAF's joint and coalition exercises from a forward-deployed location, they said.  
 
“We feel that we have some great training opportunities out here,” said Col. Curtiss Petrek, 36th Expeditionary Operations Group commander. “One of the things we do a lot with the B-2 is fly missions that tend to be a bit longer than the average sorties that most of the aircraft fly. We'll get an opportunity to fly those types of missions and to really practice some of the command-and-control communication links.”  
 
Besides training missions, the Whiteman bombers need to acclimate themselves to the differences of flying around here, Colonel Petrek said.  
 
“The distances are so much further apart here, and if you are going to fly a mission, you need good command and control. It's important that everyone knows the systems you have, how they are to be used, and that they are used properly,” he said.  
 
Although the 393rd EBS is the first B-2 squadron to deploy to Andersen, the pathway has been cleared for them by three previous B-52 Stratofortress squadrons, Colonel Petrek said.  
 
“The transition here has been pretty easy primarily because the prior B-52 unit deployed here worked with us well in advance to make our transition go (smoothly),” he said.  
 
The bomber squadron consists of a variety of maintainers to keep the B-2 up and flying.  
 
“A large majority of us are maintenance specialists,” the commander said. “We have quite a few systems that require unique specialties so we have quite a few Airmen with some very specialized skills.”  
 
The B-2 is distinguished from other bombers and fighters by its stealth capabilities and high aerodynamic efficiency, he said.  
 
“Probably one of the key things that differentiate us from other aircraft is the low-observable characteristics of the airplane,” the colonel said. “(They give) the combatant commander an airplane to use in instances that other aircraft can't be used. This comes at some price, however, because it takes quite a bit of work to maintain those (characteristics).”  
 
The B-2 commander said he expects the Airmen to make the most of their time here and to complete their mission as they have been trained to do.  
 
“One of the things we put a lot of focus on is to be able to put the airplane over a target when we are told to do it,” Colonel Petrek said. “We practice and train to do those things (at Whiteman and now here) so if we are ever called to do it, we can do it and do it well.”  
 
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MH-60R Weapons System Successfully Completes Technical Evaluation
 
 
(Source: Lockheed Martin; issued March 22, 2005)
 
 
 OWEGO, N.Y. --- Subsurface and surface warfare systems developed for the U.S. Navy's MH-60R helicopter by prime systems integrator Lockheed Martin have successfully completed Technical Evaluation, clearing the way for Operational Evaluation and fleet introduction later this year. The next-generation helicopter weapons system will help protect U.S. Navy fleets from submarines and surface vessels well into the 21st century.  
 
The aircraft entered Technical Evaluation (TECHEVAL) two months ahead of schedule in August 2004, with U.S. Navy test teams completing their evaluation February 15. The MH-60R program will now begin the final milestone -- Operational Evaluation (OPEVAL) -- in May. Delivery of the first four helicopters to the fleet is scheduled for December.  
 
"TECHEVAL involved the most intense evaluation of the MH-60R aircraft's developmental and early operational capabilities," said Jeff Bantle, vice president of Multi-Mission Solutions at Lockheed Martin Systems Integration -- Owego. "Completion of this important milestone is a key accomplishment, and affirms the tremendous capability that the Romeo will bring to the fleet as the world's most technologically advanced naval warfare helicopter."  
 
TECHEVAL verified performance of the MH-60R's systems against technical parameters established by the Navy. "We met, and in most cases exceeded, all 43 technical parameters on the U.S. government's most rigorous testing ranges," said Bantle. "The high-quality results represent an order-of-magnitude capability over current legacy aircraft. We are very excited the weapons system is on the verge of being delivered to the fleet."  
 
During TECHEVAL, the Navy's HX-21 and VX-1 squadrons simultaneously tested the operational and development performance of all on-board weapons subsystems, with specific attention focused on the multimode radar, electronic support measures (ESM) and radar warning receiver, airborne dipping sonar and acoustics, and the fusion of multiple data sources to reduce operator workload.  
 
A total of 630 flight test hours were conducted at four test ranges: ESM tests at Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, China Lake, CA, and at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida. Radar tests were conducted at the Southern California Off-shore Range near San Clemente Island, CA. Periscope detection and subsurface tests were successfully conducted against two Navy submarines during the Atlantic Undersea Test and Evaluation Center (AUTEC) trials in the Caribbean in January and early February 2005. Additional system testing was conducted at the Naval Air Station, Patuxent River, MD.  
 
Lockheed Martin is the systems integrator for the MH-60R, and also provides the digital cockpit, which is common to all MH-60S and MH-60R helicopters. Sikorsky designs and manufactures the MH-60S and MH-60R aircraft and is responsible for the mechanical and electrical modifications on the airframe.  
 
Headquartered in Bethesda, MD, Lockheed Martin employs about 130,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture and integration of advanced technology systems, products and services.  
 
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[JLRC]

Lockheed Martin Awarded $37.8 Million Contract for A-10 Upgrades
 
 
(Source: Lockheed Martin; issued March 30, 2005)
 
 
 OWEGO, N.Y. --- Lockheed Martin received a $37.8 million contract to provide the U.S. Air Force with Precision Engagement production kits to modify A/OA-10 aircraft. The entire A-10 fleet will be modified over the next five years for an estimated total contract value of $168 million.  
 
The Precision Engagement modification will enable the A-10 to use advanced precision guided weapons, including the Joint Direct Attack Munition and the Wind Corrected Munitions Dispenser. The modification also adds the capability for advanced targeting pods to improve pilots' situational awareness.  
 
"The Precision Engagement modification allows aircrews to engage targets from a higher altitude using smart weapons," said Jeff Bantle, vice president and general manager of Multi-Mission Solutions, Lockheed Martin Systems Integration - Owego. "This not only provides A-10 pilots with greater safety, but it also gives them the capability to more swiftly and accurately eliminate threats."  
 
The kits include all of the components necessary for the Air Force to configure A-10 aircraft with the Precision Engagement capability. The upgrade also includes adding a Central Interface Control Unit (CICU), which provides a digital stores management system, two multifunction color displays, and new cockpit controls, and doubles the direct current generator capacity.  
 
"These modifications significantly strengthen an aircraft our warfighters rely on for the impressive close air support it provides," Bantle said. "We're committed to ensuring its reliability and utility so our warfighters can achieve mission success."  
 
Lockheed Martin Systems Integration - Owego is the prime contractor on the Precision Engagement modification, under the direction of the A-10 program office (508th Attack Sustainment Squadron), leading a team composed of BAE Systems, Southwest Research Institute and Northrop Grumman. The production kits, a result of work by Lockheed Martin, BAE Systems and Southwest Research Institute, are one component of the Precision Engagement program.  
 
Headquartered in Bethesda, MD, Lockheed Martin employs about 130,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture and integration of advanced technology systems, products and services.  
 
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[JLRC]

Pilots Give Feedback on F-16 Upgrade
 
 
(Source: US Air Force; issued March 30, 2005)
 
 
 WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --- F-16 Fighting Falcon pilots from Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., were here recently to give feedback to members of the F-16 Systems Group on upgrades made to the aircraft.  
 
Lt. Col. John Montgomery, 55th Fighter Squadron commander, and Capt. Jim Govin, a 55th FS pilot, flew two of the newly modified F-16s here. The 55th FS is the first continental U.S. squadron to receive the aircraft with the Common Configuration Implementation Program upgrade.  
 
The pilots spent an afternoon with group officials, briefing them on integrating the modifications into the flying unit and answering questions about the modified planes’ performance.  
 
The purpose of the event was not only to get feedback on the current performance of the upgrade, but also to continue working with the pilots to ensure that the group is meeting current and future warfighter needs, said Col. Scott Jansson, F-16 Systems Group commander. As the enhanced capabilities change the F-16’s role and mission, the group will continue to upgrade the weapon system to support them, officials said.  
 
“This is a huge honor ... because this is where the F-16 started. Thank you for what you do,” Colonel Montgomery said.  
 
With the upgrade the F-16 is “the one aircraft out there that has the entire picture,” enabling it to engage in network-centric warfare, he said.  
 
The modification involves installing a new avionics suite, which improves survivability and lethality, said Lt. Col. George Barber, the group’s chief of modernization.  
 
The upgrade consists of five major components that provide advanced capabilities to the aircraft.  
 
-- A new mission computer for increased processor power.  
 
-- Color displays to communicate more information efficiently, giving pilots increased situational awareness of the battle space.  
 
-- An air-to-air interrogator to allow F-16 pilots to communicate with other aircraft that appear on its radar.  
 
-- An Internet-like system to enhance communication with coalition aircraft.  
 
-- A helmet system that displays information on the pilot’s visor and permits the pilot to lock on targets just by looking at them.  
 
“This is a complicated upgrade, with a high modification rate, and we are doing it in coordination with the (air and space expeditionary force) rotation cycle to avoid any disruption of the Air Force mission,” Colonel Barber said.  
 
The modification program is designed to upgrade about 650 Air Force and the Air National Guard F-16s through 2010, costing more than $2 billion. Colonel Jansson said it is the largest F-16 modification effort ever undertaken.  
 
Colonel Jansson said the Air Force has saved $21.5 million by sharing modification development costs and support plans with our European military partners.  
 
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