Page 82 - AirForces - Monthly (February 2020)

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Afghan
Apaches
without radar?

I just finished the Commander’s
Update Briefing in the November
2019 issue and had some RNoAF
thoughts on the caption for
the Apache image on p60.
I don’t think any air arm would anniversary
willingly give up situational
awareness in a conflict,
regardless of perceived threat. F-35A explained
It’s notable that while US Army
and Dutch Apaches generally Above: A close-up of F-35A 5146, specially marked for the RNoAF’s 75th anniversary last year. Nate Leong
flew without Longbow, the
Army Air Corps (AAC) aircraft I just read your report on the Royal F-35A, December 2019, p14). While to this jet dates back to World
always flew with the radar. Norwegian Air Force’s (RNoAF’s) Litago is in fact a popular brand War Two, when 332 Squadron,
My understanding is that the specially marked F-35A at Luke of chocolate-flavoured milk in based in the UK, operated a
re-engined AAC Apaches Air Force Base, Arizona – serial Norway, it’s also an old-fashioned Spitfire with this name (flown by
retained sufficient performance 5146 (AM-06, FMS 15-5146) – see name for a cow. I think the actual Johan Kristoffer Bjørn Ræder).
in Afghanistan’s ‘hot and high’ Anniversary markings for Norwegian reason for the name being applied Morten Hanche
summers to carry Longbow,
weapons and a useful fuel load
and still retain safe performance, Baz serial correction
while the US and Dutch aircraft
lacked power in these conditions.
Leaving the radar at home was
therefore a necessity driven by
performance; the lack of threat
meant they got away with it!
I’d also like to provide a quick
addendum to the Poseidon
story on p8 of the December
2019 issue – First Poseidon
delivered to RAF. The first
RAF aircraft will actually fly
into Kinloss, probably during
February 2020, with the second
likely to arrive there soon after.
The runways and infrastructure Israeli Air Force F-15C Baz serial 583 (c/n 901/IC018, FMS 83-0062), named ‘Golan’, in the markings of 106 ‘Tip of the Spear’
at Lossiemouth are expected Squadron during Exercise Cobra Warrior 2019. Edwin Schimmel
to be ready to accept No 120 I’d like to provide a correction to the The Israeli Air Force F-15C Baz serial a B-1B – the correct serial for the
Squadron around October 2020. item on p21 of the October 2019 issue 583 has the wrong US serial number Israeli fighter should be 83-0062.
Paul E Eden – Israeli Air Force joins Cobra Warrior. tie-up. Serial 83-0067 is actually Dietmar Fenners
More on 322 Squadron

Lightning IIs

Further to your report (RNLAF the move is intended to avoid
F-35A arrives in the Netherlands, disruption of 322 Squadron’s
December 2019, p12), currently, current F-16 operations.
the Military Aviation Authority – The new 3xx Squadron will be
the Netherlands (MAA-NLD) does manned and equipped under
not allow 322 Squadron to operate the project name Datum Ingang
two different types within the Nieuwe Organisatie (DINO, Date
same unit. Within 322 Squadron Opening New Organisation).
a shadow unit, designated 3xx Initially, it will be equipped with
Squadron, has been established. eight factory-fresh F-35As. DINO
This ‘squadron’ is administratively was set up ready to accept the first
responsible for the introduction operational F-35s at Leeuwarden Above: An Italian Air Force F-2000A Typhoon flies chase to RNLAF F-35A F-009
of the F-35A within the Royal Air Base in October 2019. (AN-09, FMS 17-5308) at Cameri, Italy. The Lightning II was flown from Cameri
to Leeuwarden AB by Lt Col Ian ‘Gladys’ Knight, the future commander of 322
Netherlands Air Force and Stephan de Bruijn Squadron. Paolo Rollino
Contact the AFM team by email at: edafm@keypublishing.com

80 // February 2020 #383 www.Key.Aero

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