DOCSLIB.ORG

The Watching Wolves of Portugal

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
The Watching Wolves of Portugal MARIÏIME PATROT AVIATION The Watching Wolves oÍ Portugal by Marco P.J. Borst The Portuguese Air Force has tors were responsible Íbr the early Many operationai systems on been flying the P-3P Orion for almost training courses. In the meantime board the P-3P are similar to those on twelve years now. Despite the fact that Lockheed at Burbank was modiÍying the P-3C-IIr/: Orion variant as used by Esquadra 601 "Lobos" (Wolves) had to one of the P-38 Orions to a new stan- the US and Netherlands navies. but the face the lack of Maritime Patrol expe- dard to meet the Portuguese require- cabin layout ofthe aircraÍ1 is still based rience in the early years of their P-3 ments. It was not before March 1986 on the P-3B airÍiame. which means operations, the squadron developed that the current Orion squadron was that all mission stations are situated on into one of NAIO's most experienced established, and the Íirst so-called P-3P the left side of the cabin. From the squadrons. Orion arrived at the squadron in front to the back these are Communications (station 7), Radar and Forward Looking Infra Red (FLIR) sensor (station 8), Electronic Surveillance Measurements (ESM) and Magnetic Anomaly Detector (MAD) sensors (station 8a), Navigation (station 9), Tactical Coordinator (TACCO, station l0) and Acoustics (stations 1l and 12). Crew workload has been better divided. since operating the non lcoustic sen\or\ is the responsibility of two crew mem- bers instead of one. Also navigation and communications have been split Between 1954 and 1960 the Air Ar.rgust 1988. Only one of the six air- into two diÍÍèrent tasks. Force had two squadrons (Esquadra 6l craft was modified by Lockheed. The Esquadra 601 is a rather small and Esquadra 62) with Lockheed PV2 other Íive were leworked at the squadron. In November 1997, reorga- Harpoons. These were used mainly as Oficinas Gerais de Material nizations in the Portuguese Air Force bombers Íbr oper:ations in Portugal's Aeronautico (OGMA) facilities at command structure led to the integra- African colonies. In 1960 the Alverca AB in Portugal. Operational tion of a maintenance group into the Harpoons were replaced by Lockheed training of mission crews was super- squadron. Maintenance personnel now P2V-5 Neptunes which remained in vised by Lockheed instructors, and report to the squadron commander. service untilr 1917. Both the Harpoons took one and a half years. In mid 1989, Before the reorganization they reported and the Neptunes were former Royal Esquadra 601 reached operational sta- to the base commander. EsqLradra 601 Netherlands Navy aircraft. Prior to the tus with the P-3P; Portugal was back in "Lobos" (Wolves) has 104 personnel arrival of the Orions in 1988. the the Maritime Patrol business. Since the including 46 maintenance technicians. Portuguese Air Force did not have any introduction of the Orion. the aircraft The goal is to have six operationai Maritime Patrol aircraft in its invento- have flown more then 3.600 missions crews available but at the moment 601 ry. Search and Rescue or coastal patrol with over 15,400 flight hours in has only 3Vz crew. One of the six missions were conducted with C-l3t) Portuguese service. Orions is in permanent storage (but Hercules or CASA 212 Aviocars. The Portuguese government rec- ognized the lack of a Maritime Patrol platÍbrm, and ordered six former Royal Australian Air Force P-38 Orions fiom Lockheed in 1985. These aircraÍi were traded in by the RAAF when the latter purchased ten new P-3C Orions. In rnid October 1985 the first two Orions were r*i:r:rr.::.r:.rr.:i:r.r:&ièi.:ir:itaruir:rr: Íèrried from RAAF Edinburgh tcr Montijo AB in Portugal. Almost imme- diately these aircraÍt were used Íbr flight-crew training. Lockheed instruc- P-3P over the Atlantic (PAF) 4 MARITIME PATROL AVIATION are dropped from the aircraft's participation in Operation Sharp weapons bay, a much more accurate Guard, the control of the UN embargo method. Every kit contains one l0-per- against former Yugoslavia, out of NAS son dinghy and a survival pack. During Sigonella (Sicily) between July 1992 1997, Esquadra 601 f'lew I l3 hours in and February 1996. Although the support of SAR operations. Portuguese took part in the operations P-3P Tactical Cell (PAF) will return into service this year) and usually there is one aircraÍï in Scheduled Depot Level maintenance (SDLM) with OGMA, while one or Unipac SAR Kits in the P-3P weapons bay (Marco Borst) two eircral-l lre in phase inspeclion at Of course the Lobos are regular with only one aircraÍt and one crew, the squadron's own facilities at participants in NATO exercises like they were responsible Íbr 11.5olo of the Montijo AB. This leaves two or three DogÍish, Strong Resolve and Tapon. total number of Maritime Patrol mis- aircraft available for operational duties. Further operational training is done in sions. This made them number two of The squadron is flying about 1200 cooperation with the STANAVFOR- the operation, immediately behind the Í1ight hours every year. LANT fleet while flight-crew training US Navy which was responsible for As with any other Orion operator is done at the Dutch P-3C-III/: flight the greater part of the Maritime Patrol Anti Submarine WarÍàre (ASW) is still simulator at RNLNAS Valkenburg. missions with 637o. The Royal the main mission of Esquadra 601. Besides operations from Montijo, 601 Netherlands Navy (taking part with Secondary missions are Anti SurÍàce is also operating Íiom Forward two aircraft) was third with 9olo. Warfare (ASuW), Search and Rescue Operation Locations such as Lajes Numbers and hours presented by (SAR), mining, coastal patrol, environ- (Azores) and Ovar near Porto. These Esquadra 601 at the end of Sharp mental control and (although only once deployments usually last seven to ÍiÍ-- Guard are impressive: they flew 576 or twice a year) counter-dr-ug opera- teen days. out of 607 planned missions (94E;). tions. The mosl imporlunl peuce time A very important period in the During these 576 missions they logged mission is SAR. The area of responsi- short history of the squadron was their 5,823 flight hours of which 3,712 bility for the Lobos is very large. Whenever a SAR mission has to be conducted in the far end ofthe area the P-3P will Íly to the Azores for refu- elling. From there the Orion has an endurance ofjust three hours on \tat ion in order to be able to reach the Azores again. Until 1998 Esquadra 601's Orions carried MA-l SAR kits which contained two 7-person dinghies and two survival packs. These MA-l kits uere dropped l-rom the main entrance door, which required Ílying at low level to be able to drop the kit as near to the people in the water as possible. During the Summer of 1998 the squadron received new Unipac SAR kits which Sensor I & 2 in battle condition on P-3P (Marco Borst) MARITIME PATROT AVIATION hours were on-station time. P-3P crews tical companies that might be interest- igation, AGM-65F Maverick missiles investigated 12,188 contacts. It may be ed in the contract. Following the capabilities and additional Electro- clear that Operation Sharp Guard was responses to this RFI (Request For Optical and Image systems like the the ultimate chance for the Lobos to lnlbrmation). Porlugel expects lo issue FLIR Systems "Star SaÍire" or gain a lot of operational experience in the RFP (Request For Proposals) dur- Wescam's "Model 20". Portugal rnay a very short period. Portuguese pilots ing 2000. LECIP is divided into two benel-it from recent experiences on who took part in Sharp Guard logged sub-prograrns: Life Extension and extending the airframe's service life of 500 - 600 flight hours each during this Mission Systems Update. Under the the New Zealand's P-3K, and on sys- tems upgrade of various operators, like i...irll and 'n;i{i- US Navy's AlP, Dutch P-3C r.r,..Ë is ::. ]s Australian AP-3C. When LECIP : '..llil on a safe i, r.ir.bi completed the Lobos can rely . 1r,r.. $. and modern platÍbrm for continued operations in the new century. - ' l::l:: Special thanks to: Maj. Baros Ferreira (XO Esq60J ) Capt. Antonio Eugenio (MSC/Esq60l ) Personnel Esq601 + About the Author P-:P u, Ai.buse 6, Montijo Portugal (Marco Borst) operation, while navigators logged 900 LiÍè Extension program airframe struc- hours each! tural components and systems identi- The squadron can rely on the Íied as having potential fbr signiÍïcant (MSC) at irnpact on Íïture aircraft availability Mission Support Center Marco P.J. Borsí mode it his hobhy' due lo excessive lime/cost to replrir are Montijo AB. Although it is indepen- to clescribe the history oJ the Lockheed dent Íiom the squadron, MSC person- likely to be replaced. lt is expected that McLrtin P-3 Orbn. As u Ji'eelance .jour- augment crews on structural improvements will inclucle nel Írequently 601's ncLli,st, he hns visitetl severol P-3 operttt- the replacement of the wings and stabiliz- operational missions, usually in íng sqtradrons, antJ htt,s wrilten several lines the RNZAF role of navigators or TACCO's. The ers along the of urticles on the P-3 Orion. He co-oper- USN "Kestrel" project which is currently MSC is comparable to the cLtes with Jnop Dubbeldtun in the P-3 (TSC). being carried out by Hawker Pacific Tactical Support Centers Orion Re.setrrch Group. In 1997, the,- near Sydney, Australia.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Meeting the Challenge of Maritime Security
    Meeting the Challenge Of MaritiMe Security A Publication Of Second1 Line Of Defense ForewOrd Meeting the Challenge Of MaritiMe SeCurity he interviews and essays in this booklet have appeared in earlier Section One: The Challenges versions on the web site Second Line of Defense (http://www.sldinfo. The Challenge of Risk Management 5 com/). SLDinfo.com focuses on the creation and sustainment of Protecting the Global Conveyer Belt 7 military and security capability and the crucial role of the support European Naval Force: A Promising “First” 9 community (logistics community, industrial players, civilian contractors, etc.) along with evolving public-private partnerships Section Two: Shaping an Effective Tool Set t among democracies and partners in crafting real military and security Building Maritime Security Tools for the Global Customer 12 capabilities. On SLDinfo.com, articles, videos and photo slideshows on military and Maritime Safety and Security: Going the Extra Mile 15 security issues are posted on a weekly basis. Building a 21st Century Port: The Core Role of Security 18 The Role of C4ISR in the U.S. Coast Guard 21 Some of the articles and interviews in Meeting the Challenge of Maritime Security are Shaping a 21st Century U.S. Coast Guard: The Key Role for Maritime Patrol Aircraft 23 excerpted from the longer pieces on SLDinfo.com, as indicated at the beginning of the Miami Air Station: USCG and Caribbean Maritime Security 25 article. The original pieces on the web site often include photos and graphics which are Building the Ocean Sentry ..62 6.52 27 not included in this publication.
    [Show full text]
  • Getting the Philippines Air Force Flying Again: the Role of the U.S.–Philippines Alliance Renato Cruz De Castro, Phd, and Walter Lohman
    BACKGROUNDER No. 2733 | SEptEMBER 24, 2012 Getting the Philippines Air Force Flying Again: The Role of the U.S.–Philippines Alliance Renato Cruz De Castro, PhD, and Walter Lohman Abstract or two years, the U.S.– The recent standoff at Scarborough FPhilippines alliance has been Key Points Shoal between the Philippines and challenged in ways unseen since the China demonstrates how Beijing is closure of two American bases on ■■ The U.S. needs a fully capable ally targeting Manila in its strategy of Filipino territory in the early 1990s.1 in the South China Sea to protect U.S.–Philippines interests. maritime brinkmanship. Manila’s China’s aggressive, well-resourced weakness stems from the Philippine pursuit of its territorial claims in ■■ The Philippines Air Force is in a Air Force’s (PAF) lack of air- the South China Sea has brought a deplorable state—it does not have defense system and air-surveillance thousand nautical miles from its the capability to effectively moni- tor, let alone defend, Philippine capabilities to patrol and protect own shores, and very close to the airspace. Philippine airspace and maritime Philippines. ■■ territory. The PAF’s deplorable state For the Philippines, sovereignty, The Philippines has no fighter jets. As a result, it also lacks trained is attributed to the Armed Forces access to energy, and fishing grounds fighter pilots, logistics training, of the Philippines’ single-minded are at stake. For the U.S., its role as and associated basing facilities. focus on internal security since 2001. regional guarantor of peace, secu- ■■ The government of the Philippines Currently, the Aquino administration rity, and freedom of the seas is being is engaged in a serious effort to is undertaking a major reform challenged—as well as its reliability more fully resource its military to shift the PAF from its focus on as an ally.
    [Show full text]
  • OH-323) 482 Pgs
    Processed by: EWH LEE Date: 10-13-94 LEE, WILLIAM L. (OH-323) 482 pgs. OPEN Military associate of General Eisenhower; organizer of Philippine Air Force under Douglas MacArthur, 1935-38 Interview in 3 parts: Part I: 1-211; Part II: 212-368; Part III: 369-482 DESCRIPTION: [Interview is based on diary entries and is very informal. Mrs. Lee is present and makes occasional comments.] PART I: Identification of and comments about various figures and locations in film footage taken in the Philippines during the 1930's; flying training and equipment used at Camp Murphy; Jimmy Ord; building an airstrip; planes used for training; Lee's background (including early duty assignments; volunteering for assignment to the Philippines); organizing and developing the Philippine Air Unit of the constabulary (including Filipino officer assistants; Curtis Lambert; acquiring training aircraft); arrival of General Douglas MacArthur and staff (October 26, 1935); first meeting with Major Eisenhower (December 14, 1935); purpose of the constabulary; Lee's financial situation; building Camp Murphy (including problems; plans for the air unit; aircraft); Lee's interest in a squadron of airplanes for patrol of coastline vs. MacArthur's plan for seapatrol boats; Sid Huff; establishing the air unit (including determining the kind of airplanes needed; establishing physical standards for Filipino cadets; Jesus Villamor; standards of training; Lee's assessment of the success of Filipino student pilots); "Lefty" Parker, Lee, and Eisenhower's solo flight; early stages in formation
    [Show full text]
  • RAF Centenary 100 Famous Aircraft Vol 3: Fighters and Bombers of the Cold War
    RAF Centenary 100 Famous Aircraft Vol 3: Fighters and Bombers of the Cold War INCLUDING Lightning Canberra Harrier Vulcan www.keypublishing.com RARE IMAGES AND PERIOD CUTAWAYS ISSUE 38 £7.95 AA38_p1.indd 1 29/05/2018 18:15 Your favourite magazine is also available digitally. DOWNLOAD THE APP NOW FOR FREE. FREE APP In app issue £6.99 2 Months £5.99 Annual £29.99 SEARCH: Aviation Archive Read on your iPhone & iPad Android PC & Mac Blackberry kindle fi re Windows 10 SEARCH SEARCH ALSO FLYPAST AEROPLANE FREE APP AVAILABLE FOR FREE APP IN APP ISSUES £3.99 IN APP ISSUES £3.99 DOWNLOAD How it Works. Simply download the Aviation Archive app. Once you have the app, you will be able to download new or back issues for less than newsstand price! Don’t forget to register for your Pocketmags account. This will protect your purchase in the event of a damaged or lost device. It will also allow you to view your purchases on multiple platforms. PC, Mac & iTunes Windows 10 Available on PC, Mac, Blackberry, Windows 10 and kindle fire from Requirements for app: registered iTunes account on Apple iPhone,iPad or iPod Touch. Internet connection required for initial download. Published by Key Publishing Ltd. The entire contents of these titles are © copyright 2018. All rights reserved. App prices subject to change. 321/18 INTRODUCTION 3 RAF Centenary 100 Famous Aircraft Vol 3: Fighters and Bombers of the Cold War cramble! Scramble! The aircraft may change, but the ethos keeping world peace. The threat from the East never entirely dissipated remains the same.
    [Show full text]
  • Pioneers to Partners, British Aircraft Since 1945
    Pioneers to Partners British Aircraft since 1945 Christopher Foyle & Leo Marriott Foreword by Marshal of the Royal Air Force, HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, KG, KT spsfojd |EuoiiEUJ9iu| JO(EW snojauunu in jguiJEd |Eiiu9ss9 PUE lUEiJodum UE s\ Xjisnpm UOjlEjAE IjSjljjg 31)1 9J9l|M UOjlEnijS UJ9pOLJU 91)1 01 iinds puE s9|i!)Euosj9d §uu99iioid uo iijnq Xjisnpui UE LJUOJJ 9§UEip ss9|iu9|9J inq 9|iqns 91)1 SUElp >|00q 91)1 '9)111 9lfl. Uj p91E|nsdEDU9 sy 'sdjijSJiB U9A9 puE sj9p||2 'si|mq-9uuoq p S||E19p j9Uq §U|A!§ S9D|pU9ddE l)l|M S|Enp!Alpll! plIE S9!UEdlUOD J9||EUUS 91)1 3-1 H U9HO§JOj 1O[\J uojinquiuoD JofEiu E 9pEUJ SEIJ /Jisnpin qsjiug 9J9qM s9iuuuEj2ojd |Euo!iEUJ9iui jo spnpojd 9SOLJ1 SE ||9M SE pOU3d IBljl UlljljM l^EJDJjE l|mq l)SI!Ug /J9A9JO 'J9pJO )ED!§0|OUOJl)D Uj 'S|jB13p SujpjAOjd Xq A'JOIS ai)i SujiEJisn)!! '/Ep iu9S9jd 91)1 01 c^6|, iiiojj AJisnpu! ^EJDJJE ijsiiug 91)1 Uj 9§UEl)D 91)1 SlJEljD SJ9UJJDJ OJ SJ33L/0/J 'lU9JEddE X||pE9J S/EM|E 10 u sj Xijiuspi qsjiug 3i|i q§noqi|E p9iu9S9jd9j ||9M 9J9M S1SJ1U9DS pUE SJ99U|§U9 'SgjUEduUOD l)SjlUg tpjljM Ul EI1JOSUOD IEUOJ1EUJ91UI Ol p9| S9UUlUEJ§Ojd lU9LJUdO|9A9p l^EJDJIE JOfEUU JO 1SOD pUE 9|EDS J991JS 91)1 X||EniU9Ag S9iEJ9uuo|§uoD lEUisnpuj J9§JE| oiui pgqjosqE X||EnpEJ§ 9J9M pUE||!AE|-) 9p pUE (OlSjjg 'OJA\/ SE ipns S9UUEU snouiiEj PUE Xjisnpui IJEJDJJE 3i)i UjqijM SUOHESJIEJUOIIEJ JOfElU Ol p9| XiqEUEAUj S9pED9p JEMlSOd 31)1 JO Xll|E9J 3l)_|_ 'SS9DDnS LjljM p9UMOJD SXEM|E 1OU 9J9M SIJOJ-P 9S91J1 E qi|M s|i)i uo p|inq 01 iqSnos PUE uo|S|ndojd 13 [ Uj J9pE9| p|JOM 91)1
    [Show full text]
  • The Viability of Drones As Maritime Patrol Aircraft
    THE AURORA REPLACEMENT: THE VIABILITY OF DRONES AS MARITIME PATROL AIRCRAFT Maj R.D. Freeman JCSP 44 PCEMI 44 Exercise Solo Flight Exercice Solo Flight Disclaimer Avertissement Opinions expressed remain those of the author and Les opinons exprimées n’engagent que leurs auteurs do not represent Department of National Defence or et ne reflètent aucunement des politiques du Canadian Forces policy. This paper may not be used Ministère de la Défense nationale ou des Forces without written permission. canadiennes. Ce papier ne peut être reproduit sans autorisation écrite. © Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, as © Sa Majesté la Reine du Chef du Canada, représentée par represented by the Minister of National Defence, 2018. le ministre de la Défense nationale, 2018. CANADIAN FORCES COLLEGE – COLLÈGE DES FORCES CANADIENNES JCSP 44 – PCEMI 44 2017 – 2018 EXERCISE SOLO FLIGHT – EXERCICE SOLO FLIGHT THE AURORA REPLACEMENT: THE VIABILITY OF DRONES AS MARITIME PATROL AIRCRAFT Maj R.D. Freeman “This paper was written by a student “La présente étude a été rédigée par un attending the Canadian Forces College stagiaire du Collège des Forces in fulfilment of one of the requirements canadiennes pour satisfaire à l'une des of the Course of Studies. The paper is a exigences du cours. L'étude est un scholastic document, and thus contains document qui se rapporte au cours et facts and opinions, which the author contient donc des faits et des opinions alone considered appropriate and que seul l'auteur considère appropriés et correct for the subject. It does not convenables au sujet. Elle ne reflète pas necessarily reflect the policy or the nécessairement la politique ou l'opinion opinion of any agency, including the d'un organisme quelconque, y compris le Government of Canada and the gouvernement du Canada et le ministère Canadian Department of National de la Défense nationale du Canada.
    [Show full text]
  • Realignment and Indian Air Power Doctrine
    Realignment and Indian Airpower Doctrine Challenges in an Evolving Strategic Context Dr. Christina Goulter Prof. Harsh Pant Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed or implied in the Journal are those of the authors and should not be construed as carrying the official sanction of the Department of Defense, Air Force, Air Education and Training Command, Air University, or other agencies or departments of the US government. This article may be reproduced in whole or in part without permission. If it is reproduced, the Journal of Indo-Pacific Affairs requests a courtesy line. ith a shift in the balance of power in the Far East, as well as multiple chal- Wlenges in the wider international security environment, several nations in the Indo-Pacific region have undergone significant changes in their defense pos- tures. This is particularly the case with India, which has gone from a regional, largely Pakistan-focused, perspective to one involving global influence and power projection. This has presented ramifications for all the Indian armed services, but especially the Indian Air Force (IAF). Over the last decade, the IAF has been trans- forming itself from a principally army-support instrument to a broad spectrum air force, and this prompted a radical revision of Indian aipower doctrine in 2012. It is akin to Western airpower thought, but much of the latest doctrine is indigenous and demonstrates some unique conceptual work, not least in the way maritime air- power is used to protect Indian territories in the Indian Ocean and safeguard sea lines of communication. Because of this, it is starting to have traction in Anglo- American defense circles.1 The current Indian emphases on strategic reach and con- ventional deterrence have been prompted by other events as well, not least the 1999 Kargil conflict between India and Pakistan, which demonstrated that India lacked a balanced defense apparatus.
    [Show full text]
  • Germany at the Pivot
    Three powerful factors military dy l Kenne security, trade opportunities, and Pau by Ostpolitik—are shaping West German tos attitudes toward the Soviet bloc. —Pho Germany at the Pivot BY VINCENT P. GRIMES N ONE critical issue after an- tional approach are West German O other—arms control, East- economic and military power within West trade, modernization of NATO and the German perception NATO nuclear weapons, policy to- that a historic opportunity exists to ward eastern Europe—West Ger- ease national problems. many is now exerting a major and The rise of a powerhouse econo- perhaps decisive influence. my in the Federal Republic, far from The nation of 61,000,000 seems concentrating German attention on increasingly ready to place itself at internal affairs, has fed German odds with key allies on the basic readiness to play a more prominent security issue of how to respond to international role. Soviet power. Bonn consistently After World War II, Germany lay outpaces both the US and Britain in destroyed, and the lines of occupa- supporting Soviet leader Mikhail tion became the frontiers of a divid- Gorbachev and in calling for West- ed Europe. From this prostrate con- ern military concessions. dition, the West German state has The West German Air Force's first-rate equipment includes 165 Tornado fighter/ Bonn's actions reflect a desire for risen to become a worldwide indus- ground-attack aircraft. This Tornado and a larger role in eastern Europe, a trial giant and the dominant eco- crew recently visited Andrews AFB, Md., region where the Kremlin faces vast nomic force on the Continent.
    [Show full text]
  • Redalyc.THE IMPACT of NATO on the SPANISH AIR FORCE
    UNISCI Discussion Papers ISSN: 1696-2206 [email protected] Universidad Complutense de Madrid España Yaniz Velasco, Federico THE IMPACT OF NATO ON THE SPANISH AIR FORCE: A HISTORICAL OVERVIEW AND FUTURE PROSPECTS UNISCI Discussion Papers, núm. 22, enero, 2010, pp. 224-244 Universidad Complutense de Madrid Madrid, España Available in: http://www.redalyc.org/articulo.oa?id=76712438014 How to cite Complete issue Scientific Information System More information about this article Network of Scientific Journals from Latin America, the Caribbean, Spain and Portugal Journal's homepage in redalyc.org Non-profit academic project, developed under the open access initiative UNISCI Discussion Papers, Nº 22 (January / Enero 2010) ISSN 1696-2206 THE IMPACT OF NATO ON THE SPANISH AIR FORCE: A HISTORICAL OVERVIEW AND FUTURE PROSPECTS Federico Yaniz Velasco 1 Brigadier General, Spanish Air Force (Retired) Abstract: The Spanish Air Force is one of the oldest independent Air Forces in the world and the youngest service of the Spanish Armed Forces. Since the early 50’s of the last century it was very much involved in exercises and training with the United States Air Force following the Agreements that Spain signed with the United States in 1953. That is why when Spain joined NATO in 1982 the Spanish Air Force was already somewhat familiar with NATO doctrine and procedures. In the following years, cooperation with NATO was increased dramatically through exercises and, when necessary, in operations. The Spanish Air Force is now ready and well prepared to contribute to the common defence of NATO nations and to participate in NATO led operations whenever the Spanish government decides to do so.
    [Show full text]
  • World Air Forces Flight 2011/2012 International
    SPECIAL REPORT WORLD AIR FORCES FLIGHT 2011/2012 INTERNATIONAL IN ASSOCIATION WITH Secure your availability. Rely on our performance. Aircraft availability on the flight line is more than ever essential for the Air Force mission fulfilment. Cooperating with the right industrial partner is of strategic importance and key to improving Air Force logistics and supply chain management. RUAG provides you with new options to resource your mission. More than 40 years of flight line management make us the experienced and capable partner we are – a partner you can rely on. RUAG Aviation Military Aviation · Seetalstrasse 175 · P.O. Box 301 · 6032 Emmen · Switzerland Legal domicile: RUAG Switzerland Ltd · Seetalstrasse 175 · P.O. Box 301 · 6032 Emmen Tel. +41 41 268 41 11 · Fax +41 41 260 25 88 · [email protected] · www.ruag.com WORLD AIR FORCES 2011/2012 CONTENT ANALYSIS 4 Worldwide active fleet per region 5 Worldwide active fleet share per country 6 Worldwide top 10 active aircraft types 8 WORLD AIR FORCES World Air Forces directory 9 TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT FLIGHTGLOBAL INSIGHT AND REPORT SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES, CONTACT: Flightglobal Insight Quadrant House, The Quadrant Sutton, Surrey, SM2 5AS, UK Tel: + 44 208 652 8724 Email:LQVLJKW#ÁLJKWJOREDOFRP Website: ZZZÁLJKWJOREDOFRPLQVLJKt World Air Forces 2011/2012 | Flightglobal Insight | 3 WORLD AIR FORCES 2011/2012 The French and Qatari air forces deployed Mirage 2000-5s for the fight over Libya JOINT RESPONSE Air arms around the world reacted to multiple challenges during 2011, despite fleet and budget cuts. We list the current inventories and procurement plans of 160 nations.
    [Show full text]
  • Maritime Patrol Aviation: 90 Years of Continuing Innovation
    J. F. KEANE AND C. A. EASTERLING Maritime Patrol Aviation: 90 Years of Continuing Innovation John F. Keane and CAPT C. Alan Easterling, USN Since its beginnings in 1912, maritime patrol aviation has recognized the importance of long-range, persistent, and armed intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance in sup- port of operations afl oat and ashore. Throughout its history, it has demonstrated the fl ex- ibility to respond to changing threats, environments, and missions. The need for increased range and payload to counter submarine and surface threats would dictate aircraft opera- tional requirements as early as 1917. As maritime patrol transitioned from fl ying boats to land-based aircraft, both its mission set and areas of operation expanded, requiring further developments to accommodate advanced sensor and weapons systems. Tomorrow’s squad- rons will possess capabilities far beyond the imaginations of the early pioneers, but the mis- sion will remain essentially the same—to quench the battle force commander’s increasing demand for over-the-horizon situational awareness. INTRODUCTION In 1942, Rear Admiral J. S. McCain, as Com- plane. With their normal and advance bases strategically mander, Aircraft Scouting Forces, U.S. Fleet, stated the located, surprise contacts between major forces can hardly following: occur. In addition to receiving contact reports on enemy forces in these vital areas the patrol planes, due to their great Information is without doubt the most important service endurance, can shadow and track these forces, keeping the required by a fl eet commander. Accurate, complete and up fl eet commander informed of their every movement.1 to the minute knowledge of the position, strength and move- ment of enemy forces is very diffi cult to obtain under war Although prescient, Rear Admiral McCain was hardly conditions.
    [Show full text]
  • Medium Support Helicopter Aircrew Training Facility (MSHATF)
    Medium Support Helicopter Aircrew Training Facility (MSHATF) Introduction to CAE’s MSHATF The Medium Support Helicopter Aircrew Training Facility (MSHATF) was developed by CAE in partnership with the UK Ministry of Defence. Responsible for the design, construction and financing of the facility that opened in 1999, CAE operates the MSHATF under a 40-year private finance initiative (PFI) contract. CAE’s MSHATF is delivering the total spectrum of synthetic aircrew training demanded by the UK Joint Helicopter Command Support Helicopter Force. The turnkey training program includes academic classroom training and simulator training delivered by experienced instructors. The MSHATF is equipped with six full-mission simulators configured for CH-47 Chinook, AW101 Merlin and Puma helicopters. Under the terms of its PFI contract, CAE also has the ability to provide turnkey training to third-party users. This enables approved military and civil operators across the globe to take advantage of the advanced simulation, training and mission rehearsal capability at the MSHATF on a highly cost-effective basis. Other NATO nations and wider alliances also regard the MSHATF as part of their normal training regime. For example, Royal Netherlands Air Force Chinook crews routinely train alongside their Royal Air Force (RAF) counterparts before operational deployments. In addition, Royal Navy crews operating the UK Merlin and other operators of the AW101 helicopter such as the Royal Canadian Air Force, Royal Danish Air Force, and Portuguese Air Force use the advanced Merlin simulators for a range of training applications, including battlefield and search and rescue (SAR) roles. The MSHATF also offers Puma helicopter training where the customer base includes the RAF and several Middle Eastern customers.
    [Show full text]