Weapons Platforms 0623

USAF & USSF ALMANAC 2023
WEAPONS & PLATFORMS By Aaron M. U. Church
Bomber Aircraft 120 Uncrewed Aircraft Systems 148

Fighter & Attack Aircraft 122 Strategic Weapons 150
Special Operations Aircraft 126 Long-range Standoff Weapons 152
C3/BM/ISR 130 Air-to-Air Missiles 153
Tanker Aircraft 136 Air-to-Ground Weapons 154
Airlift Aircraft 138 Area Weapons 155
Helicopters 143 Precision Guided Weapons 156
Trainer Aircraft 145 Satellite Systems 160
Experimental and Test Vehicles 147 Glossary 165
Master Sgt. Charles Vaughn
118 AIRANDSPACEFORCES.COM 2023 ALMANAC

BOMBER AIRCRAFT B-2 SPIRIT
Long-range heavy bomber
Brief: The B-2 is a stealthy, long-range, penetrating nuclear and conven-

tional strike bomber. It is based on a flying wing design combining Low
Observability (LO) with high aerodynamic efficiency. The aircraft’s blended
fuselage/wing holds two weapons bays capable of carrying nearly 60,000
lb in various combinations. Spirit entered combat during Allied Force on
March 24, 1999, striking Serbian targets. Production was completed in
three blocks, and all aircraft were upgraded to Block 30 standard with
AESA radar. Construction was limited to 21 aircraft due to cost and politi-
Tech. Sgt. Chris Hibben

cal considerations and a single B-2 was subsequently lost in a crash at
Andersen on Feb. 23, 2008. Modernization is focused on safeguarding the
B-2A’s penetrating strike capability in high-end threat environments and
integrating advanced weapons. The B-2 achieved a major milestone in 2022
with the integration of a Radar Aided Targeting System (RATS), enabling
delivery of the modernized B61-12 precision-guided thermonuclear freefall
weapon. RATS uses the aircraft’s radar to guide the weapon in GPS-denied
B-1B LANCER conditions, while additional Flex Strike upgrades feed GPS data to weapons
Long-range conventional bomber
Brief: The B-1B is a conventional, long-range, supersonic, penetrating strike

aircraft derived from the canceled B-1A. The B-1A first flew on Dec. 23, 1974,
and four prototypes were developed and tested before program cancella-
tion in 1977. The Reagan administration revived the program as the B-1B in
1981, adding 74,000 lb of usable payload, improved radar, and reduced radar
cross section, but reducing speed to Mach 1.2. Its three internal weapons
bays can carry the largest payload of guided/unguided weapons in the Air
Force inventory, and its blended wing/body and variable-geometry wing
permit long-range/loiter time. Offensive avionics include terrain-following
SAR and a fully integrated Sniper ATP to track and target moving vehicles.
B-1B made its combat debut over Iraq during Desert Fox in 1998. The fleet
completed its most comprehensive upgrade to date in September 2020.
The three-part Integrated Battle Station (IBS) program added an all-digital
glass cockpit, Fully Integrated Data Link (FIDL) to enhance targeting/ LOS/
BLOS C2, and Central Integrated Test System (CITS) for real-time simplified
Heide Couch/USAF
troubleshooting. The fleet is also undergoing Multifunctional Information
Distribution System/Joint Tactical Radio System (MIDS/JTRS) mods to
improve situational awareness and retargeting abilities, and updated BLOS
cryptography to sustain the aircraft’s connectivity. The B-1B is USAF’s sole
Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) carrier and its range, speed, and
payload make it a key power-projection asset in USAF’s Indo-Asia Pacific
strategy. USAF is expanding the B-1B’s capacity to carry future weapons prerelease to thwart jamming. A B-2A successfully dropped an inert B61-12
such as the AGM-183 ARRW hypersonic missile or 5,000 lb-class guided using RATS on June 14, 2022, and successfully employed the longer-range
bombs. Recent demonstrations reconfigured the bomb bay to expand JASSM-ER cruise missile in a test launch last December. Ongoing upgrades
internal capacity, as well as use of the bomber’s previously deactivated include replacing the primary cockpit displays, the Adaptable Communica-
external pylons to carry JDAM. AFGSC retired 17 of the least serviceable tions Suite (ACS) to provide Link 16-based jam-resistant in-flight retasking,
airframes in FY21 and will divest, rather than repair, the aircraft damaged advanced IFF, crash-survivable data recorders, and weapons integration.
in a 2022 ground fire at Dyess. Recent retirements increased the fleet’s USAF is also working to enhance the fleet’s maintainability with LO signa-
mission capable rate and USAF plans to keep enough B-1Bs to maintain ture improvements to coatings, materials, and radar-absorptive structures
capacity until the fleet is fully replaced by the B-21, targeted for 2032. such as the radome and engine inlets/exhausts. Two B-2s were damaged
in separate landing accidents at Whiteman on Sept. 14, 2021, and Dec. 10,
Contractor: Boeing (formerly Rockwell International). 2022, the latter prompting an indefinite fleetwide stand-down until May 18,
First Flight: Oct. 18, 1984 (B-1B). 2023. USAF plans to retire the fleet once the B-21 Raider enters service in
Delivered: June 1985-May 1988. sufficient numbers around 2032.
IOC: Oct. 1, 1986, Dyess AFB, Texas.
Production: 104. Contractors: Northrop Grumman; Boeing; Vought; Sierra Nevada (ACS).
Inventory: 45. First Flight: July 17, 1989.
Operator: AFGSC, AFMC. Delivered: December 1993-December 1997.
Aircraft Location: Dyess AFB, Texas; Edwards AFB, Calif.; Eglin AFB, Fla.; IOC: April 1997, Whiteman AFB, Mo.
Ellsworth AFB, S.D. Production: 21.
Active Variant: Inventory: 20.
•B-1B. Upgraded production version of the B-1A. Operator: AFGSC, AFMC, ANG (associate).
Dimensions: Span 137 ft (forward sweep) to 79 ft (aft sweep), length 146 Aircraft Location: Edwards AFB, Calif.; Whiteman AFB, Mo.
ft, height 34 ft. Active Variant:
Weight: Max T-O 477,000 lb. •B-2A. Production aircraft upgraded to Block 30 standards.
Power Plant: Four GE Aviation F101-GE-102 augmented turbofans, each Dimensions: Span 172 ft, length 69 ft, height 17 ft.
30,780 lb thrust. Weight: Max T-O 336,500 lb.
Performance: Speed 900+ mph at S-L, range approx. 7,455 miles (further Power Plant: Four GE Aviation F118-GE-100 turbofans, each 17,300 lb thrust.
with air refueling). Performance: Speed high subsonic, range 6,900 miles (farther with air
Ceiling: 30,000+ ft. refueling).
Armament: 84 Mk 82 (500-lb) or 24 Mk 84 (2,000-lb) general-purpose Ceiling: 50,000 ft.
bombs; 84 Mk 62 (500-lb) or eight Mk 65 (2,000-lb) Quickstrike naval Armament: Nuclear: 16 B61-7, B61-12, B83, or eight B61-11 bombs (on
mines; 30 CBU-87/89 cluster bombs or 30 CBU-103/104/105 WCMDs; rotary launchers). Conventional: 80 Mk 62 (500-lb) sea mines, 80 Mk 82
24 GBU-31 or 15 GBU-38 JDAMs/GBU-54 JDAM; 24 AGM-158A JASSM, (500-lb) bombs, 80 GBU-38 JDAMs, or 34 CBU-87/89 munitions (on rack
JASSM-ER, or LRASM. assemblies); or 16 GBU-31 JDAMs, 16 Mk 84 (2,000-lb) bombs, 16 AGM-154
Accommodation: Pilot, copilot, and two WSOs (offensive/defensive) on JSOWs, 16 AGM-158 JASSM/JASSM-ERs, or eight GBU-28 LGBs.
ACES II zero/zero ejection seats. Accommodation: Two pilots on ACES II zero/zero ejection seats.
AIRANDSPACEFORCES.COM 2023 ALMANAC 119

Airman 1st Class William Pugh
U.S. Air Force
B-52 STRATOFORTRESS
Long-range heavy bomber
Brief: The B-52H is a long-range nuclear/conventional bomber and USAF’s

B-21 RAIDER primary standoff cruise missile carrier. The YB-52 prototype first flew on
Long-range heavy bomber April 15, 1952, and Strategic Air Command declared IOC with the B-52A on
June 19, 1955. Boeing produced a total of 744 B-52s culminating in the last
Brief: The B-21 Raider is a developmental, penetrating strike bomber planned Stratofortress variant still in service, the B-52H. Multimission capabilities
to deliver both conventional and nuclear munitions. The low-observable include long-range precision strike, CAS, air interdiction, defense suppres-
flying-wing design was christened “Raider” in honor of the WWII Doolittle sion, and maritime surveillance utilizing both Litening and Sniper targeting
Raiders, who mounted the surprise attack on Japan in April 1942. Though pods. The B-52 is undergoing major upgrades to replace key obsolescent
similar in shape to the B-2, the B-21 features more deeply recessed engine systems including engines, radar, comms, and weapons interface to extend
inlets, dual-wheel main-landing gear, unique trapezoidal windscreens, and the fleet through the 2050s. Combat Network Communications Technology
more advanced low-observable designs. The Air Force awarded Northrop (CONECT) recently replaced cockpit displays and comms and added integrated
Grumman the Long-Range Strike Bomber contract in 2015, aimed at develop- mission-management, including Link 16 and machine-to-machine tasking/
ing an affordable, next-generation stealth bomber utilizing modern systems retargeting. It forms the digital backbone of the Internal Weapons Bay Upgrade
and materials. The type is the Air Force’s first new bomber design since the transitioning the Conventional Rotary Launchers designed for CALCM to carry
B-2 Spirit, introduced in 1988, and is planned to become the mainstay of the the modern AGM-158B JASSM-ER. This nearly doubles the B-52's payload
strategic fleet alongside the modernized B-52J. USAF is developing the B-21 of JASSM, JDAM, and MALD, while reducing drag and increasing range.
as part of a “family of systems” encompassing complementary ISR, C2, and CONECT also enables associated mods including Tactical Data Link to add
electronic warfare platforms and capabilities designed for survivability in low-latency, jam-resistant C2/comms, and GPS updates. USAF is pursuing
high-end threat environments. Northrop Grumman is using digital design both the Radar Modernization Program to replace the B-52s AN/APQ-166
techniques to quickly incorporate changes and speed fielding, as well as with an AESA radar and the Commercial Engine Replacement Program
an open-system architecture to easily enable future upgrades and mod- (CERP) to re-engine the fleet. CERP will replace the B-52’s TF-33 engines
ernization. Notional nuclear armament includes the planned Long-Range with the modern, efficient and reliable Rolls-Royce F130-200 turbofans in a
Standoff (LRSO) missile and B61-12 guided free-fall weapons, as well as a modified pylon-mounted eight-engine arrangement. Re-engined aircraft will
range of advanced conventional weapons. AFGSC plans to acquire a fleet be redesignated B-52J and fleetwide retrofits are expected to be completed
of at least 100 B-21s which would be delivered starting in the mid-2020s. by 2038. AESA radar is planned for introduction in 2026, and future upgrades
Concurrent development and low-rate initial production aim to accelerate include VLF/LF receiver modernization, ATP color MFDs to enhance targeting
fielding, starting with the first lot in FY23. LRIP will include 21 aircraft over and situational awareness, and AEHF SATCOM installation. Integration of the
five lots, followed by full-rate production as soon as FY25. At least six air- future Long-Range Standoff (LRSO) nuclear cruise missile will cement the
frames are in production at Northrop Grumman’s Palmdale, Calif., facility B-52’s nuclear role, complementing the B-21 Raider after retirement of the
where the initial aircraft was unveiled in a public ceremony Dec. 2, 2022. B-1 and B-2, potentially continuing to serve through the 2050s.
The first aircraft is completing ground testing and taxi trials at Palmdale,
before making the type’s first flight. USAF slipped the first-flight timeline to Contractors: Boeing (airframe/CONECT); Rolls-Royce (CERP)/Collins
ensure design maturity but still plans to deliver the aircraft to Edwards in Aerospace (nacelles); Raytheon (RMP).
2023, to continue development and conduct flight-testing. Initial operational First Flight: July 20, 1960 (B-52H).
aircraft will be delivered to AFGSC’s formal training and operational units Delivered: May 9, 1961-Oct. 26, 1962 (B-52H).
at Ellsworth, followed by Whiteman and Dyess. IOC: May 1961 (B-52H).
Production: 102 (B-52H).
Contractors: Northrop Grumman (aircraft); Pratt & Whitney (engines); Inventory: 76.
Collins Aerospace; GKN Aerospace; BAE Systems; Spirit Aerosystems; Operator: AFGSC, AFMC, AFRC.
Janicki Industries (advanced structures). Aircraft Location: Barksdale AFB, La.; Edwards AFB, Calif.; Minot AFB, N.D.
Unveiled: Dec. 2, 2022. Active Variants:
First Flight: 2023 (projected). •B-52H. Longer-range development of the original B-52A with more ef-
Delivered: N/A. ficient turbofan engines.
IOC: Unknown •B-52J. Future modernized B-52H retrofit with ultra-efficient Rolls-Royce
Production: ≥100 (projected). F130-200 turbofans.
Inventory: 1. Dimensions: Span 185 ft, length 159.3 ft, height 40.7 ft.
Operator: AFMC. Planned: AFGSC. Weight: Max T-O 488,000 lb.
Aircraft Location: Air Force Plant 42, Calif. Planned: Edwards AFB, Calif. Power Plant: Eight Pratt & Whitney TF33-P-3 turbofans, each 17,000 lb thrust.
(planned test location); Ellsworth AFB, N.D.; Whiteman AFB, Mo.; Dyess Performance: Speed 650 mph, range 8,800 miles (further with air refueling).
AFB, Texas. Ceiling: 50,000 ft.
Active Variant: Armament: Nuclear: 12 AGM-86B ALCMs externally, and eight ALCMs or
•B-21. Developmental Long-Range Strike Bomber. gravity weapons internally. Conventional: 12 AGM-158 JASSM externally,
Dimensions: Span 150 ft (estimated), height 18 ft (estimated). and eight JASSM-ER/MALD/ MALD-J internally (upgraded aircraft), as
Weight: Max T-O unknown. well as Mk 62 sea mines, Mk 82/84 bombs, CBU-87/89 cluster bombs,
Power Plant: Pratt & Whitney turbofans. CBU-103/104/105 WCMDs, GBU-31/38 JDAMs, AGM-158A JASSMs, and
Performance: Speed high-subsonic (estimated), range intercontinental. GBU-10/12/28 LGBs, MALD, and MALD-J jammer variant.
Ceiling: Unknown. Accommodation: Two pilots, navigator, radar navigator, and EWO on
Armament: Nuclear and conventional (planned). upward/downward ejection seats. Radar navigator position to be elimi-
Accommodation: Crewed/Optionally Uncrewed. nated on B-52J.

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FIGHTER & ATTACK AIRCRAFT
Staff Sgt. Alex Miller

Andrea Jenkins/USAF
between October 1975 and March 1984. USAF declared A-10A IOC in October
AT-6 WOLVERINE 1977. The fleet was modernized under the Precision Engagement Program,
Light attack/armed reconnaissance resulting in the A-10C which first flew at Eglin in 2005. The A-10C adds
color cockpit MFDs, a Helmet Mounted Cueing System (HMCS), Hands-
Brief: The AT-6E is a turboprop, light attack/armed reconnaissance aircraft on Throttle and Stick, digital stores management, improved fire-control,
developed from the T-6 primary trainer. Wolverine incorporates the A-10C’s GPS-guided weapons, Litening/Sniper pods, advanced data links, and
mission computer, the F-16’s Hands-on Throttle and Stick (HOTAS), Helmet integrated sensors. The A-10C debuted in combat during Iraqi Freedom in
Mounted Cueing System (HMCS), and a digital glass cockpit with three 2007. With NVGs and targeting pods, the A-10C can operate under ceilings
color MFDs for integrated navigation, sensor, and weapon’s management/ as low as 1,000 ft including at night. The Operational Flight Program (OFP)
delivery. The aircraft can carry a wide array of air-to-ground weapons on six continuously updates the A-10’s systems and software, and OFP Suite 11 is
wing pylons and can carry a centerline-mounted MX-15D EO/IR sensor for now planned for fielding in early FY23. The program will then shift to more
targeting and tactical ISR. The AT-6 is equipped with LINK-16/SADL data frequent rolling software upgrades. USAF plans to cut the fleet to 218, up-
links, real-time FMV/ROVER for integration with ground forces, and tactical grading remaining aircraft to continue through 2030 or beyond. Upgrades
VHF/UHF/SATCOMS. The type was originally proposed for USAF’s Light include replacing primary cockpit instruments with a high-resolution digital
Attack/Armed Reconnaissance (LAAR) requirement that fell prey to budget glass display, adding directional audio threat cueing, modernizing ARC-210
cuts a decade ago. The service launched a renewed effort in 2017, kicking UHF/VHF comms, adding Ethernet, and integrating Small Diameter Bomb
off the Light Attack Experiment (OA-X), which evaluated rapidly procurable I. Re-winging is key to the aircraft’s longevity and extends airframe life to
off-the-shelf CAS/ISR platforms to relieve pressure on existing fleets. USAF at least 10,000 hours. A total of 173 aircraft received new wingsets prior
procured two AT-6 Wolverines (and an equal number of AFSOC A-29 Super to modifications recommencing in 2022, and all remaining aircraft will be
Tucanos) to develop rapidly procurable light CAS/ISR for partner nations. re-winged through FY26. Congress lifted stipulations barring A-10 cuts for
SOCOM opted for neither aircraft, selecting the AT-802U Sky Warden to FY23, allowing divestiture of 21 aircraft from the Indiana ANG’s 121st Fighter
replace AFSOC’s U-28 fleet instead. After a year of manufacturer certifica- Squadron which will revert to flying the F-16.
tion, two AT-6Es arrived at Moody AFB, Ga., on Jan. 12, 2022, testing the
Airborne Extensible Relay Over-Horizon Network (AERONet) secure-tactical Contractors: Fairchild Republic (Lockheed Martin); Boeing/Korean Aero-
networking for U.S./partner-nation COIN applications. Colombia, Nigeria, space Industries (re-wing).
Thailand, and Tunisia teamed with 81st Fighter Squadron personnel to First Flight: Jan. 20, 2005 (A-10C).
develop light attack/ISR tactics with AERONet. Thailand plans to operate Delivered: 2006-2012 (A-10C).
eight AT-6s, Tunisia requested four, and Columbia and Nigeria both operate IOC: September 2007 (A-10C).
the similar A-29 Super Tucano. The AT-6Es successfully completed trials Production: 713.
on June 14, 2022, and achieved military type certification before being Inventory: 281.
returned to Beechcraft for potential foreign military sale. Operator: ACC, AFMC, PACAF, ANG, AFRC.
Aircraft Location: Barksdale AFB, La.; Boise Air Terminal, Idaho; Davis-
Contractors: Beechcraft/Textron Aviation Defense (formerly Raytheon); Monthan AFB, Ariz.; Eglin AFB, Fla.; Fort Wayne Arpt., Ind.; Martin State Arpt.,
Lockheed Martin (mission systems); Esterline (glass cockpit); L3/Harris Md.; Moody AFB, Ga.; Nellis AFB, Nev.; Osan AB, South Korea; Selfridge
(sensors). ANGB, Mich.; Whiteman AFB, Mo.
First Flight: Sep. 10, 2009 (AT-6). Active Variant:
Delivered: Feb. 17, 2021. •A-10C. Upgraded version of the A-10A ground attack aircraft.
IOC: N/A. Dimensions: Span 57.5 ft, length 53.3 ft, height 14.7 ft.
Production: Three. Weight: Max T-O 51,000 lb.
Inventory: Two. Power Plant: Two GE Aviation TF34-GE-100 turbofans, each 9,065 lb thrust.
Operator: ACC. Performance: Speed 518 mph, range 800 miles (farther with air refueling).
Aircraft Location: Moody AFB, Ga. Ceiling: 45,000 ft.
Active Variants: Armament: One internally mounted 30 mm, seven-barrel GAU-8/A cannon
•AT-6E Wolverine. Light attack/armed reconnaissance variant of the T-6A. (1,174 rd of high-explosive incendiary (HEI) or HEI/armor-piercing incendi-
Dimensions: Span 33.5 ft, length 33.4 ft, height 10.7 ft. ary); four AIM-9 Sidewinders, AGM-65 Mavericks, laser-guided rockets,
Weight: Max T-O 10,000 lb. most free-fall or guided air-to-surface weapons in USAF inventory, as well
Power Plant: One Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-68D turboprop 1,600 shp. as ECM and advanced targeting pods.
Performance: Speed 360 mph, range 1,700 miles (with four external tanks), Accommodation: Pilot on ACES II zero/zero ejection seat.
mission endurance 4.5 hr (7.5 hr ferry).
Ceiling: 31,000 ft. F-15 EAGLE
Armament: Wide array of laser/inertial-guided PGMs as well as laser- Air superiority fighter
guided rockets (APKWS), AGM-114 Hellfire, and/or .50 cal gun on six
wing-mounted hardpoints. Brief: The F-15 Eagle has been the world’s dominant, supersonic, all-weather,
Accommodation: Two pilots on Martin Baker MK16LA zero/zero ejec- day/night air-superiority fighter for more than 40 years. The F-15A first
tion seats. flew on July 27, 1972, and F-15A/Bs were delivered between 1974 and 1979,
attaining IOC in September 1975. F-15C/Ds began replacing F-15A/Bs in
A-10 THUNDERBOLT II 1979, offering superior maneuverability, acceleration, range, weapons, and
Attack, close-air support, forward air control avionics. The C/D incorporates internal EW countermeasures and an added
2,000 lb of internal fuel (with provision for CFTs). The aircraft accounted
Brief: The A-10 “Warthog” is a specialized CAS aircraft tasked with interdic- for 34 of 37 USAF air-to-air kills during its combat debut in Desert Storm.
tion, Forward Air Controller-Airborne (FAC-A), CSAR, and Strike Control & The final 43 production aircraft received the F-15E’s APG-70 radar, and the
Reconnaissance. It combines a heavy, diverse weapons load with low-level subsequent Multi-Stage Improvement Program (MSIP) enhanced its tacti-
maneuverability, a large combat radius, and long loiter time. The A-10 is cal capabilities. USAF received the first APG-63(V)3 AESA-modified F-15
capable of carrying up to 16,000 lb of ordnance in addition to its 30 mm in 2010, but comprehensive modernization, including the Eagle Passive/
cannon which can destroy heavy armor while the pilot is protected by Active Warning Survivability System (EPAWSS) was cut after the deci-
a titanium-armored cockpit. The prototype YA-10A first flew on May 10, sion to replace the fleet with new-build F-15EX. USAF also reduced the
1972, wining USAF’s A-X competition for a new attack aircraft. The A-10A number of aircraft slated for MIDS/JTRS upgrades to add higher capacity,
development aircraft first flew on Feb. 15, 1975, and A-10As were delivered jam-resistant Link 16 and UHF SATCOM. Though two-thirds of F-15C/Ds

will increase its lethality against more capable targets. The Eagle Passive/
Active Warning Survivability System (EPAWSS) is simultaneously replac-
ing the Strike Eagle’s obsolete self-defense suite to increase survivability
in future high threat environments. Supporting upgrades include color
Staff Sgt. Benjamin Raughton

Large Area Digital (LAD) displays and processors to fully exploit AESA and
EPAWSS’ targeting and situational awareness improvements, and MIDS/
JTRS to enable higher capacity, jam-resistant Link 16. Boeing completed
EPAWSS installation on the first two F-15Es in 2022, and fleetwide AESA
installs are slated for completion by FY24. Future enhancements include
Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) secure, jam-resistant SATCOM and
NATO-interoperable SATURN UHF, as well as IRST to discreetly engage
airborne targets. An F-15E conducted the first live-fire of the upgraded
AIM-120D3 missile, as part of qualification testing over the Eglin range
have exceeded their design lives and suffer performance-limiting structural on June 30, 2022.
issues, USAF determined SLEP is not cost-effective and reduced mods to
only 63 airframes now continuing through FY24. USAF declared the Legion Contractors: Boeing (previously McDonnell Douglas); BAE Systems
Pod initially operationally capable and fielded it on Kadena-based F-15s (EPAWSS); Raytheon (AESA).
in 2022. Legion IRST gives the F-15 passive detection capability to enable First Flight: Dec. 11, 1986.
long-range air-to-air engagement without exposing intent to adversary Delivered: April 1988-2004.
aircraft. USAF requested to divest 67 aircraft in FY23 ahead of replacement IOC: September 1989.
by the F-15EX. The last F-15C/D departed Nellis and Lakenheath in March Production: 236.
and April 2022, respectively, leaving Eglin and Kadena the final Active-duty Inventory: 218.
locations. Kadena began F-15 drawdown in late 2022, and USAF plans to Operator: ACC, AFMC, USAFE.
backfill with rotational fighters until a final force-structure decision is made. Aircraft Location: Eglin AFB, Fla.; Mountain Home AFB, Idaho; Nellis AFB,
Nev.; RAF Lakenheath, U.K.; Seymour-Johnson AFB, N.C.
Contractors: Boeing (previously McDonnell Douglas). Active Variant:
First Flight: Feb. 26, 1979 (F-15C). •F-15E. All-weather strike aircraft derived from the F-15C/D.
Delivered: 1979-85 (F-15C/D). Dimensions: Span 42.8 ft, length 63.8 ft, height 18.5 ft.
IOC: 1979 (F-15C/D). Weight: Max T-O 81,000 lb.
Production: 874. Power Plant: Two Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-220 augmented turbofans,
Inventory: 185 (F-15C); 18 (F-15D). each 23,450 lb thrust; or two F100-PW-229 augmented turbofans, each
Operator: AFMC, PACAF, ANG. 29,000 lb thrust.
Aircraft Location: Barnes Arpt., Mass.; Eglin AFB, Fla.; Fresno ANGB, Calif.; Performance: Speed Mach 2.5, range 2,762 miles with CFTs and three
Jacksonville Arpt., Fla.; Kadena AB, Japan; Klamath Falls (Kingsley Field), external tanks (farther with air refueling).
Ore.; NAS JRB New Orleans, La.; Portland Arpt., Ore. Ceiling: 50,000 ft.
Active Variants: Armament: One internally mounted M61A1 20 mm six-barrel cannon (500
•F-15C. Upgraded version of the single-seat F-15A. rd); four AIM-9 Sidewinders and four AIM-120 AMRAAMs or eight AIM-120s;
•F-15D. Upgraded version of the two-seat F-15B. most air-to-surface weapons in USAF inventory (nuclear and conventional)
Dimensions: Span 42.8 ft, length 63.8 ft, height 18.7 ft. including GBU-53 Stormbreaker and B61-12 nuclear free-fall weapon, as
Weight: Max T-O 68,000 lb. well as ECM, SAR, and advanced targeting pods.
Power Plant: Two Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-220 augmented turbofans, Accommodation: Pilot and WSO on ACES II zero/zero ejection seats.
each 23,450 lb thrust; or two P&W F100-PW-229 augmented turbofans,
each 29,000 lb thrust.
Performance: Speed Mach 2.5, ferry range 2,878 miles (3,450 miles with
CFTs and three external tanks; farther with air refueling).
Ceiling: 60,000 ft.
Armament: One internally mounted M61A1 20 mm six-barrel cannon (940
rd); four AIM-9 Sidewinders and four AIM-120 AMRAAMs, or eight AIM-120s
1st Lt. Savanah Bray

as well as ECM pods; in a one-time test, an Eagle successfully launched
an anti-satellite missile.
Accommodation: Pilot (C); two pilots (D), on ACES II zero/zero ejection seats.
F-15EX EAGLE II
William Lewis/USAF
Air superiority fighter
Brief: F-15EX is the most advanced Eagle variant based on the F-15QA as
a replacement for the legacy F-15C/D. The Eagle II is the first USAF F-15
to boast digital fly-by-wire flight controls, LAD glass-cockpit with touch-
screen interface, and incorporate APG-82 AESA radar, Joint Helmet Mounted
F-15E STRIKE EAGLE Cueing System (JHMCS), and EPAWSS self-defensive suite from the outset.
Multirole fighter The aircraft pioneers Open Mission System (OMS) software to enable
rapid upgrades and capability enhancement, as well as the latest Suite 9.1
Brief: F-15E is an upgraded, two-seat, all-weather F-15 capable of deep software in common with upgraded legacy aircraft. F-15EX promises higher
interdiction/attack, tactical nuclear delivery, and air-to-air combat. Strike speed, longer range, increased 29,500 lb payload (including two additional
Eagle is capable of sustaining 9 Gs throughout the flight envelope. It first weapon stations), and lower operating costs than previous variants. The
saw combat in Desert Storm in 1991. F-15E’s large, varied load of precision type also boasts the longest stand-off air-to-air engagement range of any
weapons and 20 mm cannon make it a potent ground-attack platform, fighter in the USAF inventory. Due to insufficient F-22 procurement, the
and radar-guided and IR-homing missiles give it an additional air-to-air F-15C/D fleet has continued flying beyond its designed service life, posing
capability. Its advanced cockpit includes a wide-field-of-view HUD and a serious risk of structural failure. Similar infrastructure, support, and train-
helmet mounted cockpit-cueing. The F-15E’s avionics permit all-weather ing requirements will permit existing F-15 units to quickly transition to the
day/night engagement and it carries LANTIRN, Sniper, and Litening ATPs F-15EX. The F-15EX incorporates two seats enabling future crew/mission
on dedicated pylons. The “Dragon’s Eye” SAR pod fielded in 2009 provides expansion. FY23 efforts focus on integrating F-15EX-unique software into
all-weather surveillance/reconnaissance capability. F-15Es are equipped the common F-15 Operational Flight Program build, ramping up production
with Link 16 and BLOS SATCOM. The Strike Eagle is undergoing major capability, and continuing capability enhancement. USAF awarded Boeing
avionics modernization centered on the new APG-82(V)1 AESA radar which a $1.2 billion contract for the first eight new-build F-15EX on July 13, 2020.

FY21 and FY22 each funded 12 airframes plus a congressional add of five and a further 444 will be upgraded. USAF aims to expand digital RWR up-
aircraft last year. FY23 funds 24 airframes to speed phase-out of the F- grades into a future, fully integrated, internal EW suite for active jamming
15C/D, though the Air Force now plans to purchase 104 aircraft rather than as well as self-defense. The rapidly developed Integrated Viper Electronic
the originally planned 144. The first aircraft delivered to Eglin on March 11, Warfare Suite (IVEWS) will leverage AESA and will be rapidly upgradable
2021, supports AFMC developmental testing while the second delivered against new threats. An IVEWS-equipped F-16 will undergo operational
April 20, 2021, is assigned to ACC for operational testing. The next six jets assessment this year, followed by potential fleet mods starting in FY25.
are slated for delivery in 2023, followed by upward of 76 over the next five Comm suite upgrades integrate Mobile User Objective System (MUOS)
years. Combined developmental and operational testing is ongoing, and secure, jam-resistant BLOS and NATO-interoperable LOS SATURN, while
the type flew its first operational test sortie from Nellis in October 2021. MIDS/JTRS will provide higher capacity, jam-resistant Link 16. Other efforts
An F-15EX fired a live missile for the first time on Jan. 25, 2022, launching include modernizing mission computer and cockpit displays in conjunction
a pair of AIM-120s over the Eglin range. with offensive/defensive upgrades, Mode 5 IFF, navigation improvements,
and Auto Ground Collision Avoidance System (AGCAS). An F-16 tested
Contractors: Boeing; BAE Systems (EPAWSS); Raytheon (AESA). the Legion IRST pod to passively detect and track aerial targets during a
First Flight: Feb. 2, 2021. series of flights at Eglin in 2022. USAF plans to continue upgrading the
Delivered: March 11, 2021-present. F-16 to keep pace with threats through 2040 or beyond. The Wisconsin
IOC: 2023 (planned). ANG’s 115th Fighter Wing and Alabama ANG 187th FW flew their final
Production: 104 (planned). F-16 sorties in October 2022 and March 2023, respectively. Both units are
Inventory: Two. transitioning to the F-35.
Operator: ACC, AFMC. Planned: ANG.
Aircraft Location: Eglin AFB, Fla. Planned: Klamath Falls (Kingsley Field) Contractors: Lockheed Martin (previously General Dynamics); Northrop
and Portland Arpt., Ore. Grumman (AESA/ IVEWS).
Active Variant: First Flight: June 19, 1984 (F-16C).
•F-15EX. Future F-15C/D replacement based on the F-15QA developed Delivered: July 13, 1984-2005 (F-16C/D).
for Qatar. IOC: 1981 (Block 25-32); 1989 (Block 40/42); 1994 (Block 50/52).
Dimensions: Span 42.8 ft, length 63.8 ft, height 18.5 ft. Production: 2,206.
Weight: Max T-O 81,000 lb. Inventory: 752 (F-16C); 145 (F-16D).
Power Plant: Two General Electric F110-GE-129 augmented turbofans, Operator: ACC, AETC, AFMC, PACAF, USAFE, ANG, AFRC.
each 29,000 lb thrust. Aircraft Location: Aviano AB, Italy; Edwards AFB, Calif.; Eglin AFB, Fla.;
Performance: Speed Mach 2.5, range approx. 2,762 miles (air refuelable). Eielson AFB, Alaska; Holloman AFB, N.M.; Homestead ARB, Fla.; Kunsan
Ceiling: 60,000 ft. AB, South Korea; Luke AFB, Ariz.; Misawa AB, Japan; NAS JRB Fort Worth,
Armament: One internally mounted M61A1 20 mm six-barrel cannon (500 Texas; Nellis AFB, Nev.; Osan AB, South Korea; Shaw AFB, S.C.; Spang-
rd); combination of up to 12 AIM-9 Sidewinders or AIM-120 AMRAAMs, or dahlem AB, Germany; and ANG in Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, District of
combination of up to 24 air-to-ground munitions. Columbia (flying from Maryland), Minnesota, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma,
Accommodation: Pilot and (optional) second aircrew member on ACES South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas. Planned: Fort Wayne Arpt., Ind.
5 zero/zero ejection seats. Active Variants:
•F-16C/D Block 30/32. Multinational Staged Improvement Program II up-
Senior Airman Zachary Rufus
graded with new engines, flown by ANG, AFRC, and test/aggressor units.
•F-16CG Block 40/42. Optimized for night/all-weather attack.
•F-16CJ Block 50/52. Optimized for SEAD with long-range radar, engines,
and weapons.
Dimensions: Span 32.8 ft, length 49.3 ft, height 16.7 ft.
Weight: Max T-O 37,500 lb (Block 30/32); 42,300 lb (Block 40/42); 48,000
lb (Block 50/52).
Power Plant: GE Aviation F110-GE-100 augmented turbofan, 29,000 lb
thrust (Block 30); Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-220 augmented turbofan,
F-16 FIGHTING FALCON 24,000 lb thrust (Block 32/42); F110-GE-129 turbofan, 29,000 lb thrust
Multirole fighter (Block 50); F100-PW-229 augmented turbofan, 29,000 lb thrust (upgraded
Block 42, Block 52).
Brief: The F-16 is a lightweight, multirole fighter capable of air-to-air, CAS, Performance: Speed Mach 2+, ferry range 2,002+ miles.
SEAD, interdiction, FAC-A, tactical nuclear delivery and all-weather strike Ceiling: 50,000 ft.
missions. The “Viper” makes up roughly half the fighter inventory, carries Armament: One M61A1 20 mm cannon (500 rd); up to six AIM-9 Sidewinder
the majority of PGMs in service, and is one of the most maneuverable or AIM-120 AMRAAMs air-to-air missiles; most air-to-surface weapons in
fighters ever built. The prototype YF-16 first flew Feb. 2, 1974, competing USAF inventory (nuclear and conventional) including JASSM-ER, as well
in the USAF Lightweight Fighter competition. After selection, F-16A flew as ECM and advanced targeting pods.
on Dec. 8, 1976, followed by the two-seat F-16B on Aug. 8, 1977. Deliveries Accommodation: Pilot (C), two pilots (D), on ACES II zero/zero ejection seats.
began in August 1978, and USAF declared F-16A IOC in October 1980. F-
16C/D deliveries began at Block 25 in 1984, adding the APG-68 radar and
AMRAAM missile as well as cockpit, airframe, and avionics improvements. Tech. Sgt. Betty Chevalier
Block 30/32 added the HARM missile and more powerful engines, and Block
40/42 introduced the terrain-following LANTIRN pod and wide-angle HUD
for high-speed night/all-weather penetration. These airframes boasted
higher take-off weight and G-limits and an expanded flight envelope start-
ing in 1988. Block 50/52 was introduced to replace the F-4G in the “Wild
Weasel” SEAD-role armed with the HARM missile, longer-range radar, and
even higher-performance engines. The F-16 entered combat during Desert
Storm in 1991 and scored its first USAF air-to-air kill during Southern Watch
on Dec. 27, 1992. The fleet is now cockpit-standardized with color MFD, F-22 RAPTOR
modular mission computer, Helmet Mounted Integrated Targeting (HMIT), Air superiority/multirole fighter
and Link 16. The Operational Flight Program (OFP) continuously updates
the F-16's software and most recently added JASSM-ER and enhanced Brief: The F-22 is a stealthy, penetrating, air dominance, and multirole
AMMRAM. Most upgrades are managed in Pre-Block (Blocks 25-32) and fighter built for day, night, and adverse weather, full-spectrum operations.
Post-Block (Blocks 40-52) tranches. USAF retired the final Block 25 aircraft The prototype YF-22 first flew as part of USAF’s Advanced Tactical Fighter
from Luke in September 2022, and will continue retiring 76 Pre-Block aircraft competition on Sept. 29, 1990, followed by the flight of the first F-22 test
through FY24. Late-block aircraft are undergoing modernization and a total aircraft in 1997. The Raptor flew its first operational sortie during Noble Eagle
of 450 are also undergoing SLEP to stretch beyond 8,000 flying hours. in 2006 and debuted in combat striking Islamic State ground targets during
Modernization centers on the new AN/APG-83 AESA radar, specifically Inherent Resolve in 2014. The F-22 achieved its first air-to-air kill downing a
aimed at countering cruise missile threats to the homeland. An initial 72 Chinese surveillance balloon off the coast of North Carolina on Feb. 3, 2023.
AESA-equipped aircraft were fielded under an emergent operational need Raptor is currently the world’s most advanced fighter and its mix of stealth,

long-range supercruise, and multitarget engagement capability make it a
key platform in USAF’s Indo/Asia-Pacific strategy. F-22’s advanced flight
controls and high-performance thrust-vectoring engine enable extreme
Senior Airman Erica Webster

maneuverability. Features include six LCD color cockpit displays, APG-
77 AESA radar, EW system with RWR and missile launch detection, and
advanced comm/navigation and data links. USAF is aggressively testing
enhancements to ensure the F-22’s “first-shot, first-kill” advantage against
advanced threats until replaced by the Next Generation Air Dominance
(NGAD) fighter in the 2030s. Combat-coded aircraft recently completed
Increment 3.2B software upgrades adding high-resolution ground mapping
SAR, threat geolocation, EA capability, and integrated SDB I, AIM-120D, and
AIM-9X. The program employs an “agile” strategy to rapidly and continu-
ously develop, test and field improvements, including adding technologies to minimize future retrofits. The Lot 15 through 17 production deal agreed in
developed for NGAD back into the Raptor. Ongoing efforts include IRST December 2022 will include the first Tech Refresh 3 (TR-3) aircraft specifically
to stealthily track and target airborne threats, and stealthy external fuel equipped to support Block 4 retrofit. TR-3 flight-testing began in January
tanks/pylons to extend unrefueled range. Other significant efforts include 2023, and Continuous Capability Development and Delivery (C2D2) will
the Reliability, Availability, and Maintainability Program (RAMP), Link 16, provide ongoing development and modernization. The F-35A also requires
and IFF enhancement. RAMP improves electrical power, replaces avionic- increased engine performance to fully exploit Block 4. Both GE and Pratt
fiberoptics, adds more durable LO, and fixes structures and wiring. Link & Whitney tested prototype engines that offered as much a 30 percent
16 will enable two-way networking with legacy aircraft via Multifunctional range increase, but USAF opted for an Engine Core Upgrade to the cur-
Information Distribution System/Joint Tactical Radio System (MIDS/JTRS). rent power plant instead on cost and variant-interoperability grounds. F-35
Initial installs began in FY22 and fleetwide upgrade is now planned for FY25. deliveries were halted for three months following the engine-related crash
USAF proposed retiring noncombat-coded Block 20 aircraft to fund NGAD of an F-35B in December 2022. All three variants will now undergo engine
development in FY23, retaining only modernized Block 30/35s. Congress modifications to correct harmonic resonance issues. The F-35 program aims
blocked the move pending analysis of the costs to upgrade Block 20s to to complete operational testing this year, enabling a full-rate production
full combat capability. F-22 formal training is moving from Eglin, where it decision and future cost-saving mutiyear block buys. Operational testing
has been since Hurricane Michael ravaged Tyndall, to a new permanent was originally slated for completion in 2019. Congress added FY23 funds
location at Langley in 2023. to procure 43 airframes, 10 more than the service initially requested. The
Czech Republic announced plans to purchase 24 F-35s in July 2022, joining
Contractors: Lockheed Martin; Boeing (production partner). Germany, Finland, and Switzerland as recent allied customers for the jet.
First Flight: Sept. 7, 1997.
Delivered: Oct. 23, 2002-May 2, 2012. Contractors: Lockheed Martin; BAE Systems; Northrop Grumman; Pratt
IOC: Dec. 15, 2005. & Whitney (engine and Engine Core Upgrade).
Production: 195. First Flight: Dec. 15, 2006.
Inventory: 185. Delivered: April 2011-present.
Operator: ACC, AFMC, AFRC (associate), PACAF, ANG. IOC: Aug. 2, 2016.
Aircraft Location: Edwards AFB, Calif.; JB Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska; Production: Planned: 1,763 (USAF F-35As).
JB Langley-Eustis, Va.; JB Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii; Nellis AFB, Nev. Inventory: 354 (USAF).
Active Variant: Operator: ACC, AETC, AFMC, AFRC (associate), ANG, PACAF, USAFE.
•F-22A. Fifth-generation air dominance fighter. Aircraft Location: Burlington ANGB, Vt.; Edwards AFB, Calif.; Eglin AFB,
Dimensions: Span 44.5 ft, length 62 ft, height 16.6 ft. Fla.; Eielson AFB, Alaska; Hill AFB, Utah; Luke AFB, Ariz.; Nellis AFB, Nev.;
Weight: Max T-O 83,500 lb. RAF Lakenheath, U.K. Planned: Dannelly Field, Ala.; NAS JRB Fort Worth,
Power Plant: Two Pratt & Whitney F119-PW-100 augmented turbofans, Texas; Truax Field, Wis.; Tyndall AFB, Fla.
each 35,000 lb thrust. Active Variant:
Performance: Speed Mach 2 with supercruise capability, ferry range •F-35A. Conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) variant for the Air Force.
1,850+ miles with two external wing fuel tanks (farther with air refueling). Dimensions: Span 35 ft, length 51.4 ft, height 14.4 ft.
Ceiling: Above 50,000 ft. Weight: Max T-O 70,000 lb.
Armament: One internal M61A2 20 mm gun (480 rds); two AIM-9 Side- Power Plant: F-35A: one Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100 augmented tur-
winders inside internal weapons bays; six AIM-120 AMRAAMs (air-to-air bofan, 40,000 lb thrust.
loadout), or two AIM-9, two AIM-120s, two GBU-32 JDAMs or eight SDBs Performance: Speed Mach 1.6 with full internal weapons load, range
(air-to-ground loadout) in main internal weapons bay. 1,380 miles.
Accommodation: Pilot on ACES II zero/zero ejection seat. Ceiling: 50,000 ft.
Armament: F-35A: one 25 mm GAU-22/A cannon; standard internal
loadout: two AIM-120 AMRAAMs and two GBU-31 JDAMs.
Accommodation: Pilot on Martin Baker MK16 zero/zero ejection seat.
F-35 LIGHTNING II
Multirole fighter
Brief: The F-35 Lightning II is a multirole, stealthy, penetrating, all-weather

fighter/attack family of tactical aircraft developed under the multinational
Capt. Jason Sanchez
Joint Strike Fighter program. USAF’s conventional F-35A is complemented

by the F-35B short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) version for USMC,
and the carrier-capable F-35C for the Navy. The X-35 demonstrator first
flew on Oct. 24, 2000, winning the go-ahead for the F-35A which first flew
in developmental form in 2006. Lightning II is planned to replace the A-10
and some F-16s, offering better penetrating capability against advanced
A2/AD threats to strike heavily defended targets. USAF’s F-35A can carry F-117 NIGHTHAWK
up to 22,000 lb of weapons on 10 stations: two internal bays for stealth, Test and training
and/or six wing and fuselage pylons for max loadout. Air Force F-35s
first saw combat on April 30, 2019, during Inherent Resolve. The current Brief: The F-117 was the world’s first operational stealth aircraft, designed
fleet-standard Block 3F software gives the F-35A full combat capability to expand USAF’s ability to strike critical, heavily defended targets. Its small
with an array of precision guided weapons across mission sets including radar signature, LO technologies, and advanced targeting system allowed
interdiction, basic CAS, and limited SEAD. The next Block 4 iteration will the aircraft to penetrate dense threat environments and deliver precision
give the F-35A a new maritime strike role and add weapons including the weapons against heavily defended, high-value targets with pinpoint accu-
nuclear B61-12, developmental Stand-in Attack Weapon (SiAW), and SDB racy. Primary missions included precision attack, air interdiction, SEAD, and
II, as well as APG-185 radar sensor and EW improvements. Block 4 also special operations. The type was first publicly acknowledged in November
corrects deficiencies discovered in concurrent development/testing but is 1988 and conducted its first operational deployment during Just Cause over
roughly three years behind schedule. USAF is continuing low-rate delivery Panama in 1989. Highly classified F-117A development and manufacturing

began simultaneously in November 1978, using many parts transferred or Force pilots through September 2021, supporting the sale of 12 A-29s to
modified from existing aircraft. The F-117As were first stationed at Tonopah Nigeria. A total of 15 countries operate the type worldwide. Sierra Nevada
Test Range in Nevada to conduct test flying before transferring operationally delivered all three aircraft to Hurlburt in early 2021, though the Air Force
to Holloman in 1992. A single aircraft was shot down in combat over Serbia now considers the aircraft excess to need and plans to offer the airframes
on March 27, 1999, and the F-117 fleet was officially retired on April 22, 2008. for foreign military sale.
The remaining airframes entered climate-controlled storage at Tonopah,
with several being maintained in flyable condition for the Air Force Flight Contractor: Sierra Nevada Corp.
Test Center. F-117s have recently reemerged, notably supporting several First Flight: June 2, 1999.
exercises in 2020, operating more frequently and openly alongside Aggres- Delivered: Feb. 23, 2021-March 31, 2021.
sor aircraft at Nellis and MCAS Miramar. USAF has acknowledged a need IOC: N/A.
for more advanced, threat-representative training and recently reactivated Production: Three.
the 65th Aggressor Squadron at Nellis with early F-35As to enhance fifth- Inventory: Three.
generation combat training. F-117s most recently flew dissimilar air combat Operator: AETC, AFSOC.
training alongside ANG F-15s at Fresno in September 2021, and took part Aircraft Location: Hurlburt Field, Fla.; Moody AFB, Ga.
in ANG’s large-force employment Exercise Sentry Savannah in May 2022. Active Variants:
A combined 45 aircraft remain in flying (or regeneratable stored) condition •A-29 Super Tucano. License-built version of the Embraer EMB-314 light
with approximately three airframes undergoing demilitarization and disposal attack aircraft.
each year. USAF contracted to maintain the type for test and training sup- Dimensions: Span 36.5 ft, length 37.3 ft, height 13 ft.
port through at least 2034. Weight: Max T-O 11,905 lb.
Power Plant: One Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-68C turboprop, 1,604 shp.
Contractor: Lockheed Martin. Performance: Speed 368 mph, range 1,900 miles (with wing-mounted
First Flight: June 18, 1981. external tanks).
Delivered: 1982-summer 1990. Ceiling: 35,000 ft.
IOC: October 1983. Armament: Two internal wing-mounted .50-caliber machine guns (200 rd
Production: 59. each), up to 3,714 lb of external weapons on four wing and one centerline
Inventory: 45 (Type 1000 storage). station.
Operator: AFMC. Accommodation: Two aircrew on Martin Baker MK10 zero/zero ejection seats.
Aircraft Location: Tonopah Test Range, Nev.
Active Variants:
•F-117A. First-generation stealth attack aircraft.
Weight: Max gross 52,500 lb.
Weight: Max T-O 70,000 lb.
Power Plant: Two General Electric F404-GE-F1D2 non-afterburning tur-
William Lewis/USAF
bojets, each 9,040 lb thrust.
Performance: Speed 0.9 Mach, mission radius unrefueled (5,000 lb weap-
ons load) 656 miles.
Ceiling: 35,000 ft.
Armament: Full internal carriage of a variety of tactical weapons, including
laser- and GPS-guided 2,000 lb munitions.
Accommodation: Pilot on ACES II zero/zero ejection seat. AC-130J GHOSTRIDER
Attack
SPECIAL OPERATIONS AIRCRAFT
Brief: The AC-130J is AFSOC’s primary CAS, air interdiction, and armed
reconnaissance platform optimized for convoy escort, point defense, and
supporting urban combat. The next-generation gunship is designed to
provide ground forces a persistent direct-fire platform and is based on a
highly modified MC-130J. Airframes are retrofitted after delivery with the
modular Precision Strike Package, wing-mounted weapons, and gunship-
specific systems. The initial aircraft delivered was damaged beyond repair
Sierra Nevada Corp.
when it crashed during a test sortie on April 21, 2015. Ghostrider deployed to
combat for the first time in Afghanistan in June 2019. AC-130Js are upgraded
and managed in common with the HC/MC-130J, and are receiving Block 8.1
avionics upgrades along with the baseline C-130J. SOF-specific enhance-
ments are rapidly developed and integrated in response to operational
requirements. The aircraft’s PSP weapons system, initially developed on
the AC-130W, includes a dual mission management console, robust com-
A-29 SUPER TUCANO munications suite, two EO/IR sensors, advanced fire-control equipment,
Light attack PGM delivery capability, and trainable cannons. Block 20 added/retrofitted
a 105 mm gun, laser-guided SDB, side-facing pilot tactical HUD, and Large
Brief: The A-29 Super Tucano is a turboprop light attack/armed recon- Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM). Block 20+/30 improved gun
naissance aircraft designed by Embraer in Brazil and built under license by accuracy, hardened GPS, and added Hellfire missile and Small Glide Munition
Sierra Nevada Corp. USAF has long sought a cost-effective, manned light as a result of lessons learned in operational testing. The first Block 30 was
CAS/tactical ISR platform for operations in permissive counterinsurgency delivered for testing in 2019 and fleetwide retrofit is planned by FY25, with
scenarios. The A-29 was initially a contender for the Air Force’s Light At- two aircraft funded in FY23. Lockheed Martin delivered the first Airborne
tack/Armed Reconnaissance (LAAR) requirement for approximately 100 High Energy Laser (AHEL) weapon in October 2021, which it plans to test on
aircraft that fell prey to budget cuts a decade ago. The service launched the AC-130J. Ongoing upgrades include re-engineering and modernization
a renewed effort in 2017, kicking off the Light Attack Experiment (OA-X) of the 105 mm gun, installation of engine IR Suppression System (IRSS),
to rapidly evaluate off-the-shelf CAS/ISR platforms to relieve pressure radio frequency countermeasures (RFCM) to detect, locate, and respond
on existing, higher-cost fleets such as the A-10 and F-16. A fatal A-29 to threats, defensive systems upgrades, and HF/VHF/UHF/SATCOM suite
crash abruptly ended the flight segment of evaluations at Holloman on modernization. The AC-130J fully replaced the AC-130U/W with the retire-
June 22, 2018. Trials, however, yielded sufficient data for USAF to opt for ment of the last AC-130W on July 13, 2022, completing AFOSC’s gunship
two AT-6Bs, and two—later increased to three—A-29s to form a Combat recapitalization effort. AFSOC recently reduced its planned buy from 37
Aviation Advisor and SOF-support capability. The A-29 was not selected to 30 aircraft, making the aircraft delivered to Cannon Nov. 2, 2022, the
as one of the five aircraft USSCOM evaluated to replace the AFSOC- final AC-130J. AFSOC plans to shift AC-130J formal training from Hurlburt
operated U-28A fleet, ultimately won by the AT-802U Sky Warden. AETC’s to Kirtland were delayed a year to FY23.
81st Fighter Squadron at Moody also operated the A-29, initially training
Afghan Air Force crews. The unit further trained a total of 64 Nigerian Air Contractor: Lockheed Martin, Sierra Nevada Corp. (RFCM).

First Flight: Jan. 31, 2014.
Delivered: July 29, 2015-Nov. 2, 2022.
IOC: Sept. 30, 2017.
Production: 31.
Inventory: 29.
Michelle Gigante/USAF
Operator: AFSOC; Planned: AETC.
Aircraft Location: Hurlburt Field, Fla.; Cannon AFB, N.M. Planned: Kirt-
land AFB, N.M.
Active Variants:
•AC-130J Ghostrider Block 20. Production standard gunship with additional
105 mm gun.
•AC-130J Ghostrider Block 30. Production aircraft with post-operational
test upgrades.
Dimensions: Span 132.6 ft, length 97.7 ft, height 39.1 ft. C-146 WOLFHOUND
Weight: Max T-O 164,000 lb. Special operations mobility
Power Plant: Four Rolls-Royce AE 2100D3 turboprops, each 4,700 shp.
Performance: Speed 416 mph, range 3,000 miles (farther with air refueling). Brief: The C-146 provides flexible, responsive airlift for special operations
Ceiling: 28,000 ft. teams flying from austere and semi-prepared airfields worldwide. Wolfhound
Armament: Trainable 30 mm GAU-23/A cannon; 105 mm cannon; up to is based on the German-built Dornier 328 regional airliner and was purchased
eight wing pylon-mounted GBU-39 SDB or AGM-114 Hellfire; aft-firing GBU- by USSOCOM, modified by Sierra Nevada Corp., and designated C-146.
69B Small Glide Munition or AGM-176 Griffin (deployed from 10 Common The aircraft are operated by AFSOC as a nonstandard fleet providing direct
Launch Tubes integrated into the aircraft’s ramp/door). support to SOF teams worldwide. Modifications include ARC-231, PRC-117,
Accommodation: Two pilots, CSO, WSO, sensor operator, loadmaster, and Iridium communications suite, troop/cargo-capable cabin, casualty
and three gunners. evacuation capability, NVG compatibility, and STOL/austere operations
enhancements. The aircraft first deployed in support of USAFRICOM in
2011. Recent upgrades include navigation enhancements to permit ops in
GPS-degraded environments. C-146s notably participated in the tactical
landing and refueling operation on a Michigan highway during Exercise
Northern Agility, as well as the first Agile Combat Employment operations
from a roadway in Latvia as part of Exercise Trojan Footprint in May 2022.
Contractors: Fairchild-Dornier; Sierra Nevada Corp.

First Flight: December 1991 (Dornier 328).
Tech. Sgt. Sam King
Delivered: 2011-2017.
IOC: Circa 2011.
Production: 20 (converted).
Inventory: 20 (USSOCOM-owned).
Operator: AFSOC.
Aircraft Location: Cannon AFB, N.M.; Duke Field, Fla.
Active Variant:
C-145 COMBAT COYOTE •C-146A. Pre-owned civil Dornier 328 modified for SOF airlift.
Training and light special air mobility Dimensions: Span 69.6 ft, length 68.8 ft, height 23.8 ft.
Brief: The C-145 is a STOL multipurpose utility and SOF proficiency Power Plant: Two Pratt & Whitney PW-119C turboprops, each 2,282 shp.
training aircraft based on the Polish-built PZL Mielec M-28 Skytruck. Performance: Speed 310 mph, range 1,500 miles (2,000 lb cargo).
The high-wing STOL aircraft features nonretractable landing gear for Ceiling: 31,000 ft.
austere operations. USSOCOM assets are operated by AFSOC as a Accommodation: Two pilots, one loadmaster.
nonstandard fleet, initially supporting small combat teams. The aircraft Load: 27 passengers; up to four litters; max cargo 6,000 lb.
first deployed in 2011 to Afghanistan. It is reconfigurable for 2,400 lb of
cargo airdrop, casualty evacuation, CSAR, and humanitarian missions.
Senior Airman Trevor Gordnier

C-145As later shifted to partnership capacity building Aviation Foreign
Internal Defense (AvFID) missions. AFSOC now uses contract aircraft
to provide partner countries with more tailored assistance and opted
to cut the fleet from 16 to the current five aircraft in 2015. USSOCOM
evaluated the armed MC-145 Coyote as one of five types considered to
replace the U-28A before ultimately selecting the AT-802U Sky Warden.
C-145s provided aircrew proficiency for combat aviation advisers until
the command began divesting the remaining fleet in FY23. The 711th
Special Operations Squadron at Duke flew the type’s last operational
sortie before retirement on Dec. 15, 2022.
CV-22 OSPREY
Contractor: PZL Mielec (Lockheed Martin/Sikorsky subsidiary). Multimission lift
First Flight: July 1993 (PZL M-28).
Delivered: 2009-2013. Brief: The CV-22 is a medium-lift, vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) tilt-
IOC: N/A. rotor, primarily used for clandestine long-range, all-weather penetration to
Production: 16. insert, recover, and support SOF teams in hostile, denied, and politically
Inventory: Five, USSOCOM-owned. sensitive areas. Derived from the V-22, which flew in prototype form on March
Operator: AFSOC, AFRC (associate). 19, 1989, USAF CV-22Bs are equipped with a fully integrated precision TF/
Aircraft Location: Duke Field, Fla. TA radar navigation, digital cockpit management system, FLIR, integrated
Active Variant: NVG/HUD, digital map system, robust self-defense systems, and secure
•C-145A. Militarized civilian M-28 Skytruck used for SOF support and training. anti-jam comms. The CV-22 can conduct shipboard and austere forward
Dimensions: Span 72.3 ft, length 43 ft, height 16.1 ft. operations and is USAF’s sole high-speed vertical lift asset. It is also fully
Weight: Max T-O 16,534 lb. capable of operating in nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) warfare
Power Plant: Two Pratt & Whitney PT6A-65B turboprops, 1,100 shp. conditions. CV-22s first deployed to Africa in November 2008 and debuted
Performance: Speed 256.5 mph, range 1,010 miles. in combat in Iraq in 2009. The Department of the Navy leads joint-service
Ceiling: 25,000 ft. sustainment with USAF funds, while SOCOM foots special operations specific
Accommodation: Two pilots, one loadmaster. Load: 16 passengers or 10 mods. The program is currently retrofitting CV-22s to Block 20 standard,
paratroopers; up to four litters; max cargo 5,000 lb. in common with USMC’s MV-22s. Mods include new cabin lighting, Color

Helmet Mounted Displays, IR searchlight, lightweight ballistic armor, EW Solo flew its final broadcast sortie on Sept. 16, 2022, and all three aircraft
upgrades, avionics, self-defensive improvements, weapons integration, and will be retired in FY23. The four Super-J will be de-converted to C-130J
ISR and situational awareness enhancements. USSOCOM is replacing the configuration and transferred to the ANG schoolhouse at Little Rock as
CV-22’s legacy APQ-186 radar with the Silent Knight TF/TA radar (in common the 193rd SOW transitions to the MC-130J.
with the MC-130J) under a three-year contract awarded in FY21. A CV-22
test-flew the stealthier, low-altitude, night/all-weather navigation radar for Contractors: Lockheed Martin; Raytheon; Sierra Nevada Corp. (Link 16/
the first time in 2020. Integration of a ventral-mounted 7.62 mm minigun AbMN).
will eventually give pilots a helmet-cued, 360-degree field of defensive fire First Flight: November 2003.
to complement the ramp-mounted weapon. Priority development includes Delivered: Oct. 17, 1999-2006.
improving the Osprey’s rapid, long-distance self-deployment capabilities, IOC: 2004.
and modifying its nacelles to improve maintainability, engine IR suppres- Production: Seven.
sion, and reduce dust/ debris ingestion. AFSOC briefly grounded the fleet Inventory: Three (Commando Solo); four (Super J).
in 2022 due to engine-gearbox issues affecting aircraft controllability. FY23 Operator: ANG.
includes developmental funds to improve gearbox, clutch, and proprotor Aircraft Location: Harrisburg Arpt., Pa.
components, and AFSOC instituted training and procedural changes to Active Variants:
mitigate risk in the interim. •EC-130J Commando Solo. Modified C-130J used for broadcast and psyops.
•EC-130J Super J. Modified C-130J used for SOF mobility and psyops.
Contractors: Boeing; Bell Helicopter Textron. Dimensions: Span 132.6 ft, length 97.8 ft, height 38.8 ft.
First Flight: February 2000 (CV-22). Weight: Max T-O 164,000 lb.
Delivered: Sept. 19, 2005-present. Power Plant: Four Rolls-Royce-Allison AE2100D3 turboprops, each 4,637 shp.
IOC: 2009. Performance: Speed 335 mph cruise, range 2,645 miles (air refuelable).
Production: 54 (planned). Ceiling: 28,000 ft.
Inventory: 52. Accommodation: Two pilots, flight systems officer, mission systems officer,
Operator: AETC, AFSOC, ANG (associate). two loadmasters, five electronic communications systems (CS) operators.
Aircraft Location: Cannon AFB, N.M.; Hurlburt Field, Fla.; Kirtland AFB,
N.M.; RAF Mildenhall, U.K.; Yokota AB, Japan.
Active Variant:
Travis Burcham/USAF
•CV-22B. Air Force special operations variant of the V-22 Osprey.
Dimensions: Span 84.6 ft, length 57.3 ft, height 22.1 ft, rotor diameter 38 ft.
Weight: Max vertical T-O 52,870 lb; max rolling T-O 60,500 lb.
Power Plant: Two Rolls-Royce-Allison AE1107C turboshafts, each 6,200 shp.
Performance: Cruise speed 277 mph, combat radius 575 miles with one
internal auxiliary fuel tank, self-deploys 2,100 miles with one in-flight refueling.
Ceiling: 25,000 ft.
Armament: One ramp-mounted .50-caliber machine gun. Planned: One MC-12W LIBERTY
belly mounted forward firing GAU-17 (modified) 7.62 mm minigun Full- Tactical ISR
azimuth Defensive Weapon System (FDWS).
Accommodation: Two pilots, two flight engineers. Brief: The MC-12W is a crewed, medium/low-altitude tactical ISR, SIGINT,
Load: 24 troops seated, 32 troops on floor, or 10,000 lb cargo. and targeting platform based on the Beechcraft King Air 350ER (Extended
Range). It was hastily developed under Project Liberty to meet an urgent
operational need for crewed battlefield ISR and deployed to Iraq and Af-
ghanistan in less than a year in 2009. MC-12W is capable of complete ISR
collection, processing, analysis, and dissemination. The aircraft provides
targeting data and tactical ISR direct to special operations ground forces.
Specialized equipment includes FMV, laser designation, SIGINT, advanced
BLOS connectivity, and advanced SATCOM. ACC passed 20 airframes
to USSOCOM in 2015, and the Oklahoma ANG formed a dedicated SOF
Staff Sgt. Tony Harp
support mission with the remaining aircraft, deploying for the first time to
Afghanistan in 2015. Pooling aircraft within SOCOM initially hampered the
137th SOW’s effort to reach full capability. Coordination between AFSOC
and the ANG eventually freed 13 aircraft, enabling the aircrew qualifications
and availability needed to reach full operational capability in 2022. The fleet
requires sensor modernization to meet COCOM requirements including
EC-130J COMMANDO SOLO/SUPER J SAR for ground-moving target tracking in poor visibility, and a second
Psychological warfare/special operations airlift high-fidelity EO/IR/full-motion video sensor in addition to a modernized
tactical data link. SOCOM announced it is procuring a fleet of 75 AT-802U
Brief: The EC-130J is the Air Force’s primary psychological warfare platform, Sky Warden light attack/armed reconnaissance aircraft to replace the U-
providing Military Information Support Operations (MISO) and civil affairs 28A as well as the MC-12W over the next few years.
broadcast. Roles include offensive counterinformation radio, television, and
military communications broadcast, EA, and/or SOF mobility. Aircraft are Contractors: Beechcraft; L3Harris (EO/IR sensors).
also equipped with enhanced self-protection including Large Aircraft IR First Flight: April 28, 2009.
Countermeasures (LAIRCM) to counter MANPAD threats. Legacy Com- Delivered: April 2009-2012.
mando Solo variants have conducted psychological operations in almost IOC: June 2009.
every U.S. contingency since 1980 and the EC-130J debuted in combat Production: 42.
during Enduring Freedom in 2001. With transition to the J model, USAF Inventory: 13.
added a new, secondary mission resulting in the “Super J” variant. Three Operator: ANG.
heavily modified EC-130J Commando Solo served as a standard broadcast- Aircraft Location: Will Rogers ANGB, Okla.
ing station for psychological warfare operations while the four “Super Js” Active Variant:
perform secondary, low-cost EA in addition to special operations. USAF •MC-12W. Modified Beechcraft King Air 350ER equipped for battlefield
began modernizing the fleet with the new Multi-Mission Platform-Heavy ISR and targeting.
(MMP-H) digital broadcast system in 2018. The system includes a roll-on Dimensions: Span 57.9 ft, length 46.7 ft, height 14.3 ft.
internal payload as well as the external podded Communication EA Surveil- Weight: Max T-O 16,500 lb.
lance and Reconnaissance (CEASAR) and Long-Range Broadcast System Power Plant: Two Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-60A turboprops, each
(LRBS), giving both variants full MISO/EA capabilities. The software-defined 1,050 shp.
digital system is capable of UHF/VHF and AM/FM radio, cellular, and tele- Performance: Speed 359 mph, range 2,760 miles.
vision broadcast as well as advanced EA at a stand-off range of up to 175 Ceiling: 35,000 ft.
miles. The MC-130J Commando II is replacing both Commando Solo and Accommodation: Two pilots, combat systems operator, tactical systems
Super-J as part of AFSOC’s multimission fleet consolidation. Commando operator.

ing, tactical navigation, and comms. MC-130Js are equipped with wing-
mounted external tanks and drogue refueling pods to provision tilt-rotor
and rotary-winged aircraft as well as a boom-style receptacle to receive fuel
in-flight. The MC-130J shares system commonality with both the HC-130J
rescue and AC-130J gunship versions, sharing overlapping upgrades and
modernization with both types. The MC-130J was pulled out of baseline
C-130J Block 7/8.1 software upgrades, which were then merged with comm/
nav modernization in 2022. “Block 8.X” now comprises critical software for
Staff Sgt. Miranda Mahoney

HF/VHF/UHF SATCOM upgrades, including secure, jam-resistant Mobile
User Objective System (MUOS) BLOS and anti-jam NATO-interoperable
SATURN UHF. Link 16 mods were delayed for funding and a planned
switch to high-capacity, jam-resistant MIDS-JTRS. Commando II marks a
significant capability enhancement with the addition of Terrain-Following/
Terrain Avoidance (TF/TA) radar (housed in a second radome below the
cockpit). Silent Knight TF/TA will enable the MC-130J to fully replace the MC-
130H’s low-level nighttime/adverse weather penetration role. Development
concluded in 2021 and AFSOC plans to field four TF/TA-equipped aircraft
MC-130H COMBAT TALON II this year. FY23 funds six radars as well as bringing two early airframes up
Special operations airlift/aerial refueling to fleet-standard configuration. MC-130Js are also receiving modernized
EW and tactical situational awareness via Radio Frequency Countermea-
Brief: The MC-130H is a special operations tanker/mobility aircraft based on sure (RFCM) and Airborne Mission Networking (AbMN). RFCM improves
the C-130H. Its primary missions are covert day, night, and adverse weather detection, location, and response to emerging threats, while AbMN gives
infiltration, exfiltration, and resupply of special operations forces in hostile the aircrew a common air/ground picture to manage complex workloads.
or denied territory. MC-130H also provides airdrop resupply, rotary wing
aerial refueling, and psyops. The aircraft are equipped with TF/TA radar,
precision INS/GPS navigation, and electronic and IR counter-measures for
self-protection. The fleet is fitted with wing-mounted external fuel tanks and
drogue refueling pods to refuel HH-60 and CV-22 and can also receive fuel
in flight. Aircraft are capable of airdrop using the Joint Precision Airdrop
Staff Sgt. Jake Jacobsen

System and operating from austere and unmarked strips. The original MC-
130Es were converted in the mid-1960s, followed by the MC-130P (previ-
ously HC-130N/P), which were delivered in the mid-1980s and retired in
2017. MC-130Hs were converted from base-model C-130H to supplement
the Combat Talon I and Combat Shadow fleets and the first aircraft was
delivered to Hurlburt on June 29, 1992. MC-130H have been continuously
upgraded over their service life and boast an integrated glass cockpit and a
modernized pod-based aerial refueling system. The type notably undertook AFSOC is consolidating its multimission fleet, retiring the MC-130H and
noncombatant evacuations from Liberia in 1996, saw combat during Allied EC-130J Commando Solo/Super J. Three MC-130Js are planned for delivery
Force, and kicked off both Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, seizing in 2023, including initial aircraft for the Pennsylvania ANG’s 193rd SOW.
key airfields during the invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan. Two aircraft Aircraft previously earmarked for gunship conversion were redirected to
conducted the type’s final combatant operation evacuating Afghanistan the unit to stand up the first non-Active-duty MC-130J unit which received
during Allies Refuge in 2021. AFSOC retired the final MC-130H to storage its first aircraft on Feb. 7, 2023. Demonstration of a float-equipped MC-130J
at Davis-Monthan on April 2, 2023, completing transition to the MC-130J for non-runway operations in INDOPACOM was delayed, despite showing
Commando II. The fleet accumulated some 264,442 flying hours over 106,850 conceptual viability in 2022.
sorties since entering operational service in late 1992.
Contractors: Lockheed Martin (airframe); Boeing; Sierra Nevada Corp.
Contractors: Lockheed Martin (airframe); Boeing. (RFCM); Raytheon (TF/TA radar).
First Flight: 1984. First Flight: April 20, 2011.
Delivered: 1991-1994. Delivered: Sept. 29, 2011-present.
IOC: June 30, 1993. IOC: Dec. 7, 2012.
Production: 24. Production: 59 (planned).
Inventory: Eight. Inventory: 54.
Operator: AFSOC. Operator: AETC, AFSOC, ANG.
Aircraft Location: Hurlburt Field, Fla. Aircraft Location: Cannon AFB, N.M.; Harrisburg Arpt., Pa.; Kadena AB,
Active Variant: Japan; Kirtland AFB, N.M.; RAF Mildenhall, U.K.
•MC-130H Combat Talon II. SOF support and aerial refueling tanker. Active Variant:
Dimensions: Span 132.6 ft, height 38.5 ft, length 99.8 ft. •MC-130J. Next-generation SOF support and aerial refueling tanker based
Weight: Max T-O 155,000 lb. on the C-130J.
Power Plant: Four Allison T56-A-15 turboprops, each 4,910 shp. Dimensions: Span 132.6 ft, length 97.8 ft, height 38.8 ft.
Performance: Speed 300 mph, range 3,105 miles. Weight: Max T-O 164,000 lb.
Fuel Capacity: Approx. 63,000 lb (81,120 lb with additional internal tanks) Power Plant: Four Rolls-Royce AE2100D3 turboprops, each 4,591 shp.
at up to 450 gpm. Performance: Speed 416 mph, range 3,000 miles (further with air refueling).
Ceiling: 33,000 ft. Fuel Capacity: 61,360 lb at 150-300 gpm (100 gpm dual, simultaneous
Accommodation: Two pilots, navigator, EWO, flight engineer, two load- refueling).
masters. Load: 77 troops, 52 paratroops, or 57 litters. Ceiling: 28,000 ft with 42,000-lb payload.
Accommodation: Two pilots, CSO, two loadmasters. Load: 42,000 lb of
MC-130J COMMANDO II cargo/personnel (see C-130J for configurations).
Special operations airlift/aerial refueling
U-28A DRACO
Brief: The MC-130J is USAF’s next-generation special operations tanker/ Tactical ISR
mobility aircraft based on the C-130J. Designated Commando II (previously
Combat Shadow II) in honor of the WWII C-47, the aircraft are tasked with Brief: The U-28A is a crewed, tactical ISR and targeting platform based on
covert day, night, and adverse weather infiltration, exfiltration, and resupply the Pilatus PC-12. The USSOCOM-owned aircraft are operated by AFSOC
of special operations forces in hostile or denied territory. They also provide as a nonstandard fleet. Draco is employed worldwide in support of special
airdrop resupply, rotary wing aerial refueling, psyops, and rubber raiding operations ground forces, humanitarian efforts, and search and rescue.
craft deployment for littoral ingress/egress. Specialized mission systems AFSOC first employed the aircraft during Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan
include advanced, integrated defensive systems including LAIRCM, EO/IR as well as Iraqi Freedom. Mission equipment includes advanced radio-
targeting sensor, and an added CSO flight-deck station to manage refuel- comms suite, IR suppression, missile, hostile fire and laser warning, EO

new consoles, improved electronic support measures (ESM), and passive
surveillance capability. DRAGON (Diminishing manufacturing sources
Replacement of Avionics for Global Operations and Navigation) upgrades
Airman 1st Class Moses Taylor

add a digital cockpit and next-generation CNS/GATM. Four USAF aircraft
are slated for DRAGON in FY23 and mods to remaining aircraft are now
expected by 2025. Development includes Electronic Protection (EP) to
improve radar processing for classified requirements, modernizing airborne
moving target indication, and fourth- to fifth-generation connectivity (to
integrate F-22 and F-35). Ongoing mods include accelerated Mode 5 IFF
install (as an airspace compliance bridge to DRAGON), Communication
Network Upgrade (CNU) to add high-speed jam-resistant Link 16, and
sensors, remote SIGINT, and advanced navigation systems. The primary high-bandwidth internet to quickly prosecute time-sensitive targets. FY23
Multispectral Targeting System includes FMV, EO-IR, IR real-time video, begins AWACS Communications Integration Program (ACIP) which will
and coaligned laser designator. Recent upgrades include U-28 EQ+ mods include BLOS SATCOM/second-generation NATO UHF, and anti-jam GPS.
that add high-definition FMV to EQ/PC-12 configured aircraft for extended An E-3G demonstrated the ability to receive in-flight EW updates to counter
standoff “find, fix, finish” capabilities in support of counter-ISIS ops. Ad- emergent threats during a proof-of-concept demo in 2022. USAF aims to
ditional improvements include Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning to replace AWACS with a space-based capability. Due to a lack of mature
prevent flight-into-terrain accidents, updated BLOS SATCOM connectivity, space-based system and difficulty sustaining Sentry, the service issued
and navigation mods to enable ops in GPS-degraded environments. Two Boeing a $1.2 billion contract to replace a portion of the AWACS fleet with
aircraft were lost to fatal mishaps in Djibouti in 2012 and at Cannon in 2017, the E-7A Wedgetail. USAF curtailed E-3 modernization starting in FY23 to
and FY21 funds were allocated to replace an airframe lost in an airfield fund E-7A, fielding two prototypes for testing by 2027. The service plans
attack at a forward location. AFSOC surpassed 600,000 flying hours includ- to retire 15 Sentrys in FY23, freeing resources to improve the remaining
ing 328,000 in direct support of combat operations in early 2021. SOCOM fleet’s availability until retirement in FY29.
announced it is procuring a fleet of 75 AT-802U Sky Warden light attack/
armed reconnaissance aircraft to replace the U-28A as well as the MC-12W. Contractors: Boeing, Northrop Grumman (radar); Lockheed Martin (com-
AFSOC plans to complete transition from the U-28 by 2029. puter); Collins Aerospace (DRAGON cockpit upgrade).
First Flight: Oct. 31, 1975 (full mission equipment).
Contractor: Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Delivered: March 1977-1984.
First Flight: May 31, 1991 (PC-12). IOC: 1977; July 28, 2014 (Block 40/45).
Delivered: 2006-present. Production: 31.
IOC: June 2006. Inventory: Eight (E-3B); 23 (E-3G).
Production: 36. Operator: ACC, PACAF, AFRC (associate).
Inventory: 30 (U-28A); five (PC-12) (USSOCOM-owned). Aircraft Location: JB Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska; Kadena AB, Japan;
Operator: AFSOC, AFRC. Tinker AFB, Okla.
Aircraft Location: Cannon AFB, N.M.; Hurlburt Field, Fla. Active Variants:
Active Variant: •E-3B. Block 30/35 upgraded aircraft.
•U-28A. Special operations tactical ISR aircraft based on the Pilatus PC-12. •E-3G. Block 40/45 upgraded aircraft.
•PC-12. Converted civilian Pilatus PC-12 equipped for SOF support/training. Dimensions: Span 145.8 ft, length 152.9 ft, height 41.8 ft.
Dimensions: Span 53.3 ft, length 47.3 ft, height 14 ft. Weight: Max T-O 335,000 lb.
Weight: Max T-O 10,935 lb. Power Plant: Four Pratt & Whitney TF33-PW-100A turbofans, each 21,000
Power Plant: Single Pratt & Whitney PT6A-67B, 1,200 shp. lb thrust.
Performance: Speed 253 mph, range 1,725 miles. Performance: Speed 360 mph, range 5,000+ miles (air refuelable).
Ceiling: 30,000 ft. Ceiling: Above 35,000 ft.
Accommodation: Two pilots, CSO, tactical systems officer; up to nine Accommodation: Two pilots, navigator, flight engineer, 13-19 mission
passengers or 3,000 lb cargo (configuration dependent). specialists.
COMMAND, CONTROL, COMMUNICATIONS/BATTLE E-4 NATIONAL AIRBORNE OPERATIONS CENTER

MANAGEMENT AIRCRAFT Nuclear command and control
Brief: The E-4B is a highly survivable flying C3 center enabling national

leaders to direct nuclear and conventional forces, execute emergency war
orders, and coordinate civil response actions in support of the National
Military Command System (NMCS). It is hardened against the effects of
nuclear detonations, including electromagnetic pulse (EMP). Comms and
data processing capabilities include EHF Milstar SATCOM, six-channel
Tech. Sgt. Curt Beach
International Maritime Satellite, and a tri-band radome that houses the

SHF communications antenna. All aircraft underwent Block 1 upgrades,
enhancing electronic and communications infrastructure with commercial
off-the-shelf (COTS) systems. Ongoing upgrades include replacing Milstar
data links with AEHF-compatible FAB-T, replacing the VLF/LF transmitter,
and replacing legacy SHF with Survivable Super High Frequency (SSHF),
enabling uninterrupted, jam-resistant nuclear C2 fleetwide by 2023. E-4B
E-3 SENTRY airframes are viable to approximately 2033, but phaseout of commercial
Battle management/early warning/C2 747-200s hampers continued sustainment. USAF plans to replace the
Brief: The E-3 Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) is a heav-
ily modified Boeing 707-320B tasked with all-weather, air and maritime
surveillance, command and control, battle management, target, threat,
and emitter detection, classification, and tracking. The aircraft is capable
of surveilling airspace in excess of a 250-mile radius from surface to strato-
Karen Abeyasekere/USAF
sphere. AWACS coordinates theater air operations in direct subordination

to joint/combined air and space operations centers. It can simultaneously
conduct C2, BM, and target detection/tracking. E-3Bs were upgraded
to Block 30/35 standards in 2001. Block 40/45 aircraft are redesignated
E-3G. The upgrade is the most comprehensive enhancement to date and
improves tracking/identification, system reliability, and life-cycle cost.
Mods include open-architecture computing, operator workload reduction,

E-4B with the Survivable Airborne Operations Center (SAOC) and issued Inventory: 12 (E-8C); one (TE-8).
a request to industry for development of up to four, potentially used, but Operator: ANG.
similarly sized commercial-derivative airframes in December 2020. Changes Aircraft Location: Robins AFB, Ga.
to acquisition strategy delayed initial solicitations but the service is aiming Active Variants:
to conclude technology maturation in FY23 and take delivery of the initial •E-8C. Block 20 upgraded JSTARS platform based on the Boeing 707-300.
aircraft by the early 2030s. •TE-8A. Crew training aircraft based on the E-8.
Contractors: Boeing; Raytheon (FAB-T); L3Harris (SSHF); Boeing/Collins Weight: Max T-O 336,000 lb.
Aerospace (Low-Frequency Transmit System). Power Plant: Four Pratt & Whitney TF33-102C turbojets, each 19,200 lb thrust.
First Flight: June 13, 1973 (E-4A); June 10, 1978 (E-4B). Performance: Speed 584 mph (optimal orbit), range 11 hr normal endur-
Delivered: December 1974-1985. ance (longer with air refueling).
IOC: December 1974 (E-4A); January 1980 (E-4B). Ceiling: 42,000 ft.
Production: Four. Accommodation: Two pilots, navigator, flight engineer, 15 Air Force/three
Inventory: Four. Army mission crew (mission dependent).
Operator: AFGSC.
Aircraft Location: Offutt AFB, Neb.
Active Variant:
•E-4B. Modified Boeing 747-200 equipped as a NAOC.
Staff Sgt. Bennie Davis III

Power Plant: Four General Electric CF6-50E2 turbofans, each 52,500 lb thrust.
Performance: Speed 602 mph, range 7,130 miles, 12-hr normal endurance,
72-hr with air refueling.
Ceiling: Above 30,000 ft.
Accommodation: Two pilots, navigator, flight engineer, up to 110 battle
staff/mission crew.
E-9A WIDGET
Range control
Brief: The E-9A is a modified DHC-8 commuter aircraft that provides

air-to-air telemetry support for weapons testing, target drone operations,
and range clearance. The aircraft supports operations at the Eglin Test
and Training Range over the Gulf of Mexico and provides telemetry for
weapons system evaluation at Holloman and the Utah Test and Training
Range. Mission modifications include AN/APS-143(V-1) airborne sea
surveillance radar, UHF telemetry, and signal relay systems. The E-9 is
able to track flying and surface targets. It can detect small watercraft
Barry Bena/USAF
at ranges up to 25 miles. The fleet operates in concert with three drone

recovery vessels and two patrol boats to clear waterways and airspace
of civil traffic before live-fire testing or hazardous military activities com-
mence. It also provides tracking and assistance with recovering targets.
The aircraft can remotely initiate destruction of damaged or malfunctioning
aerial target drones. FY23 funds are limited to low-cost sustainment and
E-8 JSTARS development upgrades.
Command and control/ISR
Contractors: Bombardier (formerly De Havilland Canada); Sierra Nevada
Brief: E-8C is a ground moving target indication (GMTI), airborne battle- Corp. (conversion).
field management/command and control platform. Its primary mission is First Flight: June 1983 (DHC-8).
providing theater commanders with ground surveillance data to support Delivered: 1988.
tactical operations. E-8 evolved from the Army/Air Force Joint Surveillance IOC: June 1988.
Target Attack Radar System (JSTARS) program. The aircraft made its first Production: Two.
radar-equipped test flight in December 1988, and the first two aircraft Inventory: Two.
deployed for Desert Storm while the system was still under development. Operator: ACC.
Early airframes were eventually retrofitted to Block 20 production standards Aircraft Location: Tyndall AFB, Fla.
featuring more powerful computers, an internet protocol local area network, Active Variant:
and BLOS connectivity. JSTARS is equipped with a canoe-shaped radome •E-9A. Military surveillance version of the DHC-8 commuter airliner.
under the forward fuselage housing a 24-ft-long, side-looking phased ar- Dimensions: Span 85 ft, length 73 ft, height 24.5 ft.
ray radar antenna. It can locate, classify, and track vehicles and ships at Weight: Max T-O 34,500 lb.
distances exceeding 124 miles, and more recent refinements added human- Power Plant: Two Pratt & Whitney PW-120A turboprop engines, each
target tracking. Target data is transmitted via data link to ground stations 1,800 shp.
or other aircraft. USAF dropped plans to replace JSTARS with a modern, Performance: Speed 280 mph, range 1,000 miles.
business-class aircraft pursuing the Advanced Battle Management System Ceiling: 30,000 ft.
(ABMS) instead. ABMS notionally disaggregated JSTARS functions among Accommodation: Two pilots, two mission operators.
several platforms but was drastically cut in FY21, refocusing on technology
development. USAF now plans to shift future GMTI efforts to a space-based
approach to overcome anti-access/area denial threats. Ongoing upgrades E-11A BATTLEFIELD AIRBORNE COMMUNICATIONS NODE
include secure Common Data Link (CDL) for LOS networking to Common Communications relay
Ground Stations and UHF/VHF SATCOM modernization. Congress ap-
proved divestiture of JSTARS starting with four airframes in FY22. USAF will Brief: The E-11 is a modified, Bombardier Global 6000/ BD-700-1A10 or
retire an additional eight aircraft in FY23 and complete phaseout in FY24. Global 6500 business jet equipped with specialized communications
relay equipment to translate between tactical comm and data links. It
Contractors: Northrop Grumman; Raytheon. provides joint range extension, BLOS C2, and internet protocol-based
First Flight: April 1, 1988. data transfer between dissimilar systems. E-11A was fielded to meet an
Delivered: March 22, 1996-March 23, 2005. urgent operational need for BLOS air-to-ground relay and enables troops to
IOC: Dec. 18, 1997. overcome comm limitations in rugged terrain. The system entered combat
Production: 18. in Afghanistan in 2008, and a single E-11 crashed near Kandahar Airfield

Airman 1st Class Vaughn Weber
Senior Airman Jacob Wrightsman
against A2/AD targets. The first aircraft was purchased in FY17, followed
by a second in FY18. Congress accelerated the program by funding two
airframes in FY19, and USAF plans to procure and modify one aircraft a year
through FY25. The first five aircraft will receive the EC-130H’s upgraded
Baseline 3 package, including Advanced Radar Countermeasure System
(ARCS) and other significant capability enhancements. The EC-37 will
not receive comparable low-band capability until Baseline 4, which will
debut on the sixth airframe. Baseline 4 will debut the System-Wide Open
on Jan. 27, 2020, killing both aircrew members. The fleet was designated Reconfigurable Dynamic Architecture (SWORD-A) to enable rapid future
E-11A after USAF purchased the first (previously leased) aircraft in 2011. upgrades. USAF postponed buying a seventh airframe in FY22 to focus on
The Battlefield Airborne Communications Node (BACN) payload was ini- Baseline 4 development, installation of equipment on the sixth airframe,
tially integrated on a mixed fleet of manned E-11As and unmanned EQ-4B and implementing technical changes. Congress approved the service’s
Global Hawks. ACC retired the EQ-4B in July 2021 and began procuring FY23 unfunded request for four aircraft, restoring the planned fleet to 10
six additional airframes to expand the E-11 fleet to nine aircraft. USAF aircraft. USAF plans to begin testing the Baseline 3 EC-37B in early 2023
began procuring a single airframe each year in FY21 to complete the fleet prior to starting crew training in 2024 with IOC now planned for 2026.
by 2026. The first E-11 based on the newer Global 6500 was delivered
to 430th Expeditionary Electronic Combat Squadron at Prince Sultan Contractors: Gulfstream Aerospace (airframe); BAE Systems; L3 Harris
AB, Saudi Arabia, Dec. 16, 2022. The fifth and sixth airframes are slated (mission equipment).
for delivery in 2023, and FY23 funds will purchase and modify one E-11. First Flight: Aug. 25, 2021.
Northrop Grumman was awarded a $3.6 billion five-year support contract Delivered: 2023 (planned).
in early 2021, which also includes funding for research, development and IOC: 2026 (planned).
testing, as well as the integration of future payloads. Ongoing upgrades Production: 10 (planned).
include adding military GPS to operate in higher-end threat environments, Inventory: Zero.
advanced navigation, along with flight safety, reliability, performance, and Operator: ACC (planned).
self-defensive improvements. ACC and the Georgia ANG at Robins are Aircraft Location: Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz. (planned).
transitioning from JSTARS to operating BACN. Robins expects to receive Active Variant:
its first E-11A in early 2023 and reach full operational capability by 2027. •EC-37B. Military Electronic Attack special-mission variant of the Gulf-
stream G550.
Contractors: Bombardier; Northrop Grumman (integration and support). Dimensions: Span 93.5 ft, length 96.4 ft, height 25.8 ft.
First Flight: August 2007. Weight: Max T-O 90,500 lb.
Delivered: December 2008-present. Power Plant: Two BR710C4-11 turbofans, each 15,385 lb thrust.
IOC: Circa 2011. Performance: Speed 600 mph, range 6,300 miles.
Production: Four (nine planned). Ceiling: 51,000 ft.
Inventory: Three. Accommodation: Two pilots; TBD.
Operator: ACC. Planned: ANG (associate).
Aircraft Location: Al Dhafra AB, UAE; Prince Sultan AB, Saudi Arabia.
Planned: Robins AFB, Ga.
Active Variant:
•E-11A. Modified Bombardier Global 6000, BD-700, or Global 6500 equipped
Senior Airman Alex Miller

with the BACN payload.
Dimensions: Span 94 ft, length 99 ft 5 in, height 25 ft 6 in.
Power Plant: Two Rolls-Royce BR710A2-20 turbofans, each 14,750 lb
thrust (Global 6000/BD-700); two BR700-710D5-21 turbofans, each 15,125
lb thrust (Global 6500).
Performance: Speed Mach 0.88, range 6,900 miles (Global 6000); speed
Mach 0.9, range, 7,595 miles (Global 6500).
Ceiling: 51,000 ft.
Accommodation: Two pilots. EC-130H COMPASS CALL
Electronic warfare/electronic attack
EC-37B COMPASS CALL Brief: The EC-130H is a modified C-130H designed to disrupt enemy C3 and
Electronic warfare/electronic attack limit adversary coordination and force management. Tasks include tactical
jamming/disruption of communications, radar, and navigation, offensive
Brief: The EC-37B is a next-generation, tactical jamming platform tasked counterinformation, EA, and SEAD support. The fleet has been deployed
with disruption of enemy C3, radar, and navigation. It will also offer offensive near-constantly since the beginning of combat operations in Afghanistan
counterinformation, EA, and SEAD support. The aircraft is based on the in 2001. The aircraft was designed to be easily updated and modified. All
ultra-long-range Gulfstream G550 business aircraft and adapted from the aircraft have been retrofitted to Block 35 standards and are air refuelable.
Navy’s special mission configuration. USAF awarded L3 Technologies a Mission equipment upgrades occur approximately every three years to
contract on Sept. 7, 2017, to replace the EC-130H in the tactical EA role ensure continued protection and effectiveness against evolving threats.
and transport its “Compass Call” systems to a more modern aircraft. The Baseline 2 mods are ongoing, and the Baseline 3 configuration, including
program, originally dubbed “EC-X” is “re-hosting” upgraded EC-130H the Advanced Radar Countermeasure System (ARCS) and other significant
mission equipment directly to the EC-37 with nearly 70 percent remaining capability enhancements, is slated for fielding in 2023. Baseline 4 will
unchanged. EC-37B is faster, more economical, capable of higher altitude be fielded on the next-generation EC-37B in 2026, and some 70 percent
operations, and is more survivable than the EC-130H. Upgrades will allow of the EC-130H’s mission equipment will be directly cross-decked to its
it to conduct standoff jamming/EA from greater distances for attacks successor platform. Funding delays required extending the EC-130H with

center wing box replacement/structural mods (in common with the C-130H Active Variant:
fleet) and upgrades include digital glass cockpits, Mode 5 IFF/airspace •P-9A. Maritime patrol, detection and monitoring aircraft converted from
compliant CNS/ATM, and color weather radar. AFCENT inactivated the the Bombardier Q202 commuter airliner.
41st Expeditionary Electronic Combat Squadron at Al Dhafra on Sept. 28, Dimensions: Span 85 ft, length 73 ft, height 24.6 ft.
2021. The unit logged 14,753 sorties in-theater totaling 90,000 hours since Weight: Max T-O 36,300 lb.
initially deploying to Afghanistan in 2001. The first aircraft retired to the Power Plant: Two Pratt & Whitney PW-123C/D turboprop engines, each
boneyard at Davis-Monthan on Aug. 31, 2021, followed by two additional 2,150 shp.
airframes on Nov. 8, 2021, and March 2, 2022. EC-130Hs were grounded Performance: Speed 333 mph, range approx. 1,300 miles.
pending propeller inspections in September 2022, following discovery of Ceiling: 25,000 ft.
widespread cracks affecting legacy C-130 fleets. ACC plans to divest two Accommodation: Two pilots, unknown mission crew.
airframes in late FY23-early FY24, reducing the fleet to five and freeing
mission equipment for use on the EC-37B.
Contractors: Lockheed Martin; BAE Systems (mission equipment);

L3Harris (integration and sustainment).
First Flight: 1981.
Delivered: March 19, 1982-unknown.
IOC: 1983; Block 35 from 2011.
Production: (Converted).
Inventory: Seven (EC-130H).
Tech. Sgt. Kayleigh Phillips

Operator: ACC.
Aircraft Location: Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz.
Active Variant:
•EC-130H. Electronic attack variant of the C-130H.
Dimensions: Span 132.6 ft, length 99 ft, height 38 ft.
Power Plant: Four Allison T56-A-15 turboprops, each 4,910 shp.
Performance: Speed 300 mph at 20,000 ft, unrefueled range 2,295 miles,
seven-hour normal endurance (air refuelable). RC-26 CONDOR
Ceiling: 25,000 ft. Tactical ISR
Accommodation: Two pilots, navigator, flight engineer; mission crew: two
EWOs; mission crew supervisor (cryptologic), four cryptologic linguists, Brief: The RC-26 is a modified Fairchild Metro 23 tasked with counter-
acquisition operator, and airborne maintenance technician. narcotics, manned tactical ISR, disaster response, and civil support mis-
sions. USAF selected the C-26 to fulfill a joint ANG and Army National
Guard airlift requirement in 1988, subsequently modifying the airframes to
INTELLIGENCE, SURVEILLANCE, RECONNAISSANCE the RC-26 configuration. The aircraft is equipped with specialized digital
AIRCRAFT cameras, IR video, and communications equipment to enable domestic and
international anti-trafficking. The aircraft has a secondary role providing
real-time video streaming to responders following hurricanes, wildfires,
and other disasters. In the fire-support role, aircraft sensors can detect
fires at up to 80 miles and accurately map them from up to 3 miles away.
An extensive comm suite allows communications from 29 to 960 MHz
including provisions for plugged-in 800 MHz handheld radio and airphones.
Congress barred Air Force efforts to retire the increasingly outdated fleet
in 2020 and 2021 before approving retirement in FY23. The ANG completed
Tomas Acevedos/V1images
accelerated retirement of the fleet in January 2023, with a final aircraft

departing Ellington Field for preservation in the Hagerstown Aviation
Museum at Fairchild’s former production facilities in Maryland, Feb. 15.
Contractors: Fairchild (airframe); Elbit Systems (avionics upgrade).

First Flight: 1990.
Delivered: March 1989-1996 (delivered as C-26A/B).
IOC: N/A.
P-9A PALE ALE Production: 10 (C-26A); 33 (C-26B); 11 (RC-26).
Maritime patrol, detection, and monitoring Inventory: 11.
Operator: ANG.
Brief: The P-9A is a heavily modified Bombardier Q202 (DHC-8) commuter Aircraft Location: Des Moines Aprt., Iowa; Ellington Field, Texas; Fairchild
aircraft equipped for maritime patrol as well as advanced Detection and AFB, Wash.; Fresno Yosemite Arpt., Calif.; Key Field, Miss.; Kirtland AFB,
Monitoring (D&M) missions. The three-aircraft fleet is owned by ACC and N.M.; Montgomery Regional Arpt., Ala.; Truax Field, Wis.; Tucson Arpt.,
primarily tasked to USSOUTHCOM to detect and monitor narcotic and Ariz.; Yeager Arpt., W.Va.
illicit trafficking from South and Central America, as well as the Carib- Active Variants:
bean and Eastern Pacific. The P-9A is a Government Owned Contractor •RC-26B. Surveillance version of the Fairchild C-26.
Operated (GOCO) fleet and conducts more than 7,200 flying hours per Dimensions: Span 57 ft, length 59.5 ft, height 16.6 ft.
year, primarily based from the Navy’s Counterdrug Cooperative Security Weight: Max T-O 16,500 lb.
Location in Comalapa, El Salvador. Aircraft also conduct forward-deployed Power Plant: Two Garrett TPE331-12UAR-701 turboprops, each 1,100 shp.
operations from airfields throughout the Caribbean as well as South and Performance: Speed 334 mph, range 2,070 miles.
Central America, lasting approximately 730 days. Ceiling: 25,000 ft.
Accommodation: Two pilots, navigator/mission systems operator.
Contractors: Bombardier (formerly De Havilland Canada); Sierra Nevada
Corp. (operator).
First Flight: N/A. RC-135S COBRA BALL
Delivered: N/A. Electronic reconnaissance
IOC: N/A.
Production: Three. Brief: The RC-135S gathers measurement and signature intelligence
Inventory: Three (Contractor operated). (MASINT) on missile-associated signatures and tracks during boost and
Operator: ACC. reentry. Cobra Ball superseded Rivet Ball and Rivet Amber, receiving
Aircraft Location: Comalapa, El Salvador; forward operating locations the current designation on Oct. 24, 1969, and collects both optical and
across USSOUTHCOM. electronic data on ballistic missile activity. An aircraft was lost in a crash

(radar warning receivers), jammers, decoys, anti-radiation missiles, and
threat simulators. Combat Sent additionally enables strategic analysis
for National Command Authorities and combatant forces. The aircraft
utilizes radar/ solid-state doppler, INS, celestial, and GPS for navigation,
and is capable of both operator, automated, and blended signal gathering
and analysis. Continuous baseline upgrades are now projected to keep
the fleet viable through 2050, and flexible funding permits rapid variant-
specific mods in response to emerging/evolving threats. FY23 focuses
on sustaining and completing upgrades to Baseline 6 (similar to Rivet
Joint Baseline 12). Baseline 6 includes wideband SATCOM reachback,
integrating Rivet Joint’s Baseline 13 COMINT suite, improving operator
interface, enhancing antennas and processors, and capability upgrades
Tech. Sgt. Daniel Asselta

for dense signal environments.
Contractors: Boeing (airframe); L3Harris, Textron (mission systems).

First Flight: N/A.
Delivered: May-December 1971 (RC-135U).
IOC: 1971.
Production: Three converted.
during inclement weather at Shemya AFB, Alaska, on March 15, 1981. The Inventory: Two.
variant’s specialized equipment includes the long-range Medium Wave Operator: ACC.
Infrared Array (MIRA) EO/IR sensor suite, all-weather tracking radar, and Aircraft Location: Offutt AFB, Neb.; forward operating locations: Al
an advanced communications suite. Reconnaissance data is used to as- Udeid AB, Qatar; NSF Diego Garcia, U.K.; Eielson AFB, Alaska; Kadena
sess missile threats, evaluate missile performance, characterize adversary AB, Japan; RAF Mildenhall, U.K.; NSA Souda Bay, Greece.
missiles, and analyze weapons testing and technology. Data also supports Active Variant:
treaty verification and theater ballistic missile nonproliferation. It can deploy •RC-135U Combat Sent. Modified C-135 equipped for radar/emitter analysis.
anywhere in the world in 24 hours and provide on-scene EO reconnaissance. Dimensions: Span 135 ft, length 140 ft, height 42 ft.
Continuous baseline upgrades are now projected to keep the fleet viable Weight: Max T-O 299,000 lb.
through 2050, and flexible funding permits rapid, variant-specific mods in Power Plant: Four CFM International F108-CF-201 turbofans, each 21,600
response to emerging/evolving threats. Aircraft are currently undergoing lb thrust.
integration and testing of Baseline 7 mods (similar to Rivet Joint Baseline Performance: Cruise speed 517 mph, range 4,140 miles, 8-hr normal
12). Baseline 7 includes integrating Rivet Joint’s COMINT suite, digital elec- endurance, 24-hr crew endurance (farther with air refueling).
tromagnetic signature direction finding, digital search, and SATCOM-aided Ceiling: 42,000 ft.
target discrimination. Two RC-135Ss notably monitored reentry vehicles Accommodation: Two pilots, one navigator, two airborne systems en-
from the test launch of Russia’s newest RS-28 Sarmat ICBM on Apr. 22, gineers; Mission crew: 10 EW officers, six or more electronic, technical,
2022, operating from the Western Pacific. mission-area specialists.
Contractors: Boeing (airframe); L3Harris, Textron Systems (mission systems).

First Flight: Circa 1969.
Delivered: Jan. 11, 1970-November 2000 (redelivery as RC-135S).
IOC: March 1972 (Cobra Ball II).
2nd Lt. Hailey Malay

Production: Four converted.
Inventory: Three.
Operator: ACC.
Aircraft Location: Offutt AFB, Neb.
Active Variant:
•RC-135S Cobra Ball. Modified C-135 equipped for MASINT/treaty verification.
Dimensions: Span 131 ft, length 135 ft, height 42 ft.
Weight: Max T-O 297,000 lb. RC-135V/W RIVET JOINT
Power Plant: Four CFM International F108-CF-201 turbofans, each 21,600 Electronic reconnaissance
lb thrust.
Performance: Speed 517+ mph, range 3,900 miles (farther with air refueling). Brief: The RC-135V/W is tasked with real-time electronic and signals
Ceiling: 45,000 ft. intelligence-gathering, analysis, and dissemination in support of theater
Accommodation: Two pilots, navigator, three EWOs, two airborne systems and strategic-level commanders. The extensively modified C-135s detect,
engineers, two airborne mission specialists. identify, and geolocate signals throughout the electromagnetic spectrum.
Rivet Joint is mostly used to exploit electronic battlefield intelligence and
deliver near-real-time ISR information to tactical forces, combatant com-
manders, and National Command Authorities. The British Royal Air Force
also operates three RC-135W Airseeker aircraft, which are co-crewed by
USAF/RAF personnel. Onboard capabilities encompass rapid search, detec-
tion, measurement, identification, demodulation, geolocation, and fusion of
data from potentially thousands of electronic emitters. Continuous baseline
SuneKuma
upgrades keep the fleet viable and drive standards for Combat Sent/Cobra
Ball. Flexible funds permit rapid, variant-specific mods in response to emerg-
ing/evolving threats. The current Baseline 11/12 modernized cockpit and
operator interface, added new direction finding COMINT, precision ELINT/
RC-135U COMBAT SENT SIGINT, improved collection in dense-signal environments, enhanced near
Electronic reconnaissance real-time data dissemination, and integrated RC-135 with the Distributed
Common Ground Station (DCGS). USAF is currently upgrading the remaining
Brief: The RC-135U is tasked with strategic reconnaissance and techni- 10 Baseline 11 aircraft to future Baseline 13 standards. Baseline 13 focuses
cal intelligence (TECHINT) gathering on radar/emitter systems. Three on signal search and geolocation improvements, wideband signal record-
Combat Sent aircraft were converted from RC-135Cs in 1970-71 to fill a ing, jam-resistant search, moving emitter target location and tracking, and
critical need for data collection on adversary radar threats and defenses. wideband datalink improvement. FY23 also supports continued Baseline
Combat Sent’s distinctive chin and wingtip antenna arrays, large cheek 12 enhancement, and upgrading the aircraft’s autopilot as well as ground
fairings, and extended tail contain specialized sensor suites to collect systems. Development includes Baseline 14 planning, automated search
data and analyze airborne, land, and naval radar/emitter systems. Each and detection, employment of artificial intelligence, and collaboration to
airframe incorporates a different, tailored sensor suite, and the data speed collection, analysis, and distribution. The RAF extended its agreement
gathered is critical to the effective design and programming of RWR with USAF to continue jointly operating the type through at least 2035.

Contractors: Boeing (airframe); L3Harris (mission systems). Active Variants:
First Flight: N/A. •U-2S. Current variant of the U-2/TR-1.
Delivered: Circa 1973-99 (continuous equipment updates). •TU-2S. A two-seat trainer aircraft originally designated U-2ST.
IOC: Circa 1973. Dimensions: Span 105 ft, length 63 ft, height 16 ft.
Production: Converted. Weight: Max T-O 40,000 lb.
Inventory: Eight (RC-135V); nine (RC-135W); three (TC-135W); one (NC- Power Plant: GE Aviation F118-GE-101A turbofan, 17,000 lb thrust.
135W). Performance: Speed 410 mph, range 7,000+ miles.
Operator: ACC, AFMC. Ceiling: Above 70,000 ft.
Aircraft Location: Offutt AFB, Neb.; Kadena AB, Japan; RAF Mildenhall, Accommodation: Pilot (U-2S); two pilots (TU-2S) on RQ201 zero/zero
U.K.; RAF Waddington, U.K. (USAF co-manned). ejection seats.
Active Variants:
•RC-135V/W Rivet Joint. Standoff airborne SIGINT variant of the C-135.
•TC-135W. Training version of the operational aircraft.
•NC-135W. Rivet Joint systems integration testbed operated by AFMC.
Dimensions: Span 131 ft, length 135 ft, height 42 ft.
Power Plant: Four CFM International F108-CF-201 turbofans, each 21,600
lb thrust.
Performance: Speed 500+ mph, range 3,900 miles (farther with air refueling).
Ceiling: 50,000 ft.
Accommodation: Three pilots, two navigators, three EWO, 14 intelligence
operators, four airborne maintenance technicians (six additional, if required).
USAF
WC-130J
William Lewis/USAF
Weather reconnaissance
Brief: The WC-130J “Weatherbird” is a modularly configurable C-130J

equipped with specialized systems to penetrate tropical and winter storms,
capture meteorological data, and aid severe weather forecasting. Early
WC-130Bs entered service in 1959, followed by the WC-130E in 1962, and
U-2S DRAGON LADY WC-130H in 1964. The WC-130J began replacing legacy variants in 1999,
High-altitude reconnaissance though several H models remained in service with the Puerto Rico ANG
until a fatal crash resulted in the fleet’s retirement in 2019. All WC-130Js are
Brief: U-2S is the Air Force’s only manned, strategic, high-altitude, long- operated by AFRC’s 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron “Hurricane
endurance ISR platform and is capable of SIGINT, IMINT, and MASINT Hunters” at Keesler. Mission equipment includes a pod-mounted Stepped-
collection. The aircraft’s modular payload systems allow it to carry a wide Frequency Microwave Radiometer (SFMR) for monitoring surface winds and
variety of advanced optical, multispectral, EO/IR, SAR, SIGINT, and other precipitation rates, parachute-deployed GPS dropsondes to gather vertical
payloads simultaneously. Its open system architecture also permits rapid atmospheric profiles, and palletized operator stations/equipment running
fielding of new sensors to counter emerging threats and requirements. The specialized software. WC-130Js are optionally equipped with two external
original U-2A first flew on Aug. 4, 1955. The type was further developed into wing tanks, as well as an internal auxiliary fuel tank to increase range
the larger, more capable U-2R, which first took flight on Aug. 28, 1967, and and endurance. Crews include an added aerial weather reconnaissance
was delivered between 1967 and 1968. Current U-2s date to the 1980s when officer/flight director and weather system specialist/loadmaster. Aircraft
U-2R production was reopened under the designation TR-1 (later returned are capable of penetrating tropical cyclones from up to 10,000 ft to as low
to U-2R designation in 1992). The TR-1A first flew on Aug. 1, 1981, and was as 500 ft. The fleet primarily monitors oceanic weather over the Atlantic,
re-engined and modernized starting in 1994, emerging as the U-2S. Current Central Pacific, Caribbean, and Gulf of Mexico. Airframes are modernized
Block 20 U-2S feature glass cockpits, digital autopilot, modernized EW alongside the baseline C-130J fleet, including Block 8.1 upgrades (slated for
system, and updated data links. Its major sensors are the ASARS-2A SAR, trial install in 2023), airspace compliance mods, and enhanced service-life
SYERS-2A multispectral EO/IR imagery system, and enhanced Airborne center wing sections. WC-130Js recently tested a new SATCOM that would
Signals Intelligence Payload (ASIP). The aircraft is also capable of mount- enable continuous real-time streaming of radar and storm data from the
ing the legacy optical bar camera for broad-area synoptic imagery, though aircraft to forecasters on the ground. The modular X-band antenna tested
operations from Beale concluded in 2022. Modification and upgrades are during the 2021 hurricane season was mounted in a dome fairing in place
focused on sustaining U-2 capability through its currently planned retire- of the flight deck escape hatch. AFRC is returning the fleet to the more
ment in FY26, while meeting current and emerging requirements. Current weather-resistant and durable gloss-grey paint scheme worn by WC-130s
development and mods support Block 20.1 upgrades. Major efforts include prior to 2007. The fleet notably flew missions collecting data on hurricanes
ASARS-2B/C integration, avionics and navigation refresh, (Link-16/ IFDL, Fiona and Ian, which pummeled the U.S. East Coast in 2022, before shifting
MADL) modernization, next-generation SIGINT, and quick-response ca- to atmospheric river research, probing systems that brought torrential rain
pabilities to meet emergent ISR requirements. ASARS-2B/C significantly and flooding to California in early 2023.
improves the U-2’s high-altitude, deep-look radar ground mapping, moving
target, and maritime capabilities and moves to an open, easily upgradable Contractor: Lockheed Martin.
architecture. ASARS-2B/C will continue flight-testing through expected First Flight: April 5, 1996 (C-130J).
IOC in 2024. Other ongoing efforts include GPS refresh, quick-change Delivered: Sept. 30, 1999-September 2005.
modular mission systems and unmanned-system interoperability, EW IOC: October 2006.
system upgrades, and a helmet and pressure suit refresh. The program Production: 10.
continues to prioritize experimental sensors, systems, and software to Inventory: 10.
meet emerging threats and develop networked, next-generation BM/C2. Operator: AFRC.
Aircraft Location: Keesler AFB, Miss.
Contractors: Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman (ASIP); Raytheon Active Variant:
(ASARS); UTC Aerospace (SYERS/Optical Bar Camera). •WC-130J. Weather reconnaissance version of the C-130J.
First Flight: October 1994 (U-2S). Dimensions: Span 132.6 ft, length 97.8 ft, height 38.8 ft.
Delivered: September 1981-October 1989 (TR-1/U-2R). Weight: Max T-O 155,000 lb; max payload 42,000 lb.
IOC: Circa 1981 (U-2R). Power Plant: Four Rolls-Royce AE2100D3 turboprops, each 4,700 shp.
Production: 35 (T/U-2S). Performance: Speed 417 mph; range with 35,000 lb payload 1,841 miles
Inventory: 27 (U-2); four (TU-2). (3,000+ miles with external/auxiliary tanks).
Operator: ACC. Ceiling: With max payload, 26,000 ft.
Aircraft Location: Beale AFB, Calif.; permanent forward operating loca- Accommodation: Two pilots, aerial reconnaissance weather officer, load-
tions worldwide. master/dropsonde operator. Load: palletized weather systems.

Nicholas Harnack/USAF
Senior Airman Jacob Stephens

WC-135 CONSTANT PHOENIX
Air sampling and collection
refueling receptacle, EO/IR sensor, flight deck CSO console, and dual
Brief: WC-135’s mission is nuclear test monitoring, airborne radiological SATCOM. Features include integrated INS/GPS, NVG-compatible lighting,
sampling, and arms control treaty verification. The previous fleet of modi- FLIR, and integrated situational awareness. Recently added Advanced
fied C-135Bs is being replaced by KC-135R-based aircraft equipped with air Threat Warning and RF countermeasures, as well as chaff/flares give the
sampling and collection equipment. The aircraft primarily support monitoring HC-130 the latest self-defensive capability for recovery operations in con-
under the 1963 Limited Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. Air sampling WB-29s detected tested environments. USAF plans to standardize HC/AC/MC-130J block
debris from the Soviet Union’s first atomic test in 1949, and subsequent upgrades, and current efforts bring all HC-130Js to a common standard.
aircraft have monitored recent weapons tests in North Korea, as well as the Ongoing development and upgrades include avionics Block 8.1 (in com-
Chernobyl and Fukushima nuclear disasters. The WC-135’s sampling and mon with the C-130J fleet), Lightweight Airborne Radio System (LARS),
collection suite allows mission crew to detect radioactive “clouds” in real Situational Awareness Capabilities Upgrade (SACU), and radio frequency
time. The collection system uses external flow-through devices to collect countermeasures (RFCM) to detect, locate, and respond to threats. ACC
particles on filter paper for later analysis. The podded particulate sampler/ is completing fleetwide LARS upgrades transitioning to the new 406 MHz
Radiation Monitoring and Analysis System (RMAS) detects radiation contact, distress frequency and improving timely location of aircraft, vessels, and
and the Directional Gamma Sensor System (DGSS) guides the crew toward personnel. SACU is replacing the legacy data link with Link 16, Blue Force
the plume for collection. The Whole Air Collection System (WACS) captures tracking, advanced mission planning, and new displays to enhance secure
and stores radioactive samples from the aircraft’s bleed-air system. An networking/comms fleetwide. Aft troop door mods add improved visibility
integrated control system permits real-time mission system interface and scanning windows and armor as well as improve durability. ACC reached
monitors internal and external radiation levels for safety and analysis. The its planned fleet size of 39 aircraft in 2022, completing recapitalization of
C-130J-mounted Harvester WACS/Particulate Airborne Collection Systems the fixed-wing rescue fleet.
(PACS) augments Constant Phoenix, and a modular system deployable on
the KC-46 or RPA platform is under development. USAF deemed replac- Contractor: Lockheed Martin.
ing the aging fleet to be more cost-effective than re-engining the legacy First Flight: July 29, 2010.
WC-135C/W. Conversion of three KC-135R tankers to WC-135R standards Delivered: Sept. 24, 2010-present.
began in 2019 utilizing the same sensor suite. L3 Technologies completed IOC: April 25, 2013.
retrofit and redelivered the first modernized WC-135R Constant Phoenix Production: 39 (planned).
to the 55th Wing, temporarily operating at Lincoln Airport, on July 11, 2022. Inventory: 39.
The WC-135R features modernized glass cockpits and uprated CFM-56 Operator: ACC, AETC, AFRC, ANG.
turbofans (common with the KC-135 fleet) which significantly improves Aircraft Location: Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz.; Francis S. Gabreski Arpt.,
the aircraft’s range, service ceiling, performance, and maintainability. The N.Y.; JB Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska; Kirtland AFB, N.M.; Moffett Field,
final legacy WC-135C—serial 62-3582—retired on Nov. 16, 2020, followed by Calif.; Moody AFB, Ga.; Patrick SFB, Fla.
the last WC-135W—serial 61-2667—on Sept. 7, 2022. ACC plans to receive Active Variants:
two additional modernized aircraft by mid-2023, enlarging the operational •HC-130J. KC-130J modified for CSAR and aerial refueling.
Constant Phoenix fleet to three aircraft. Dimensions: Span 132.6 ft, length 97.8 ft, height 38.8 ft.
Contractors: Boeing; L3 Technologies (WC-135R conversion). Power Plant: Four Rolls-Royce AE2100D3 turboprops, each 4,591 shp.
First Flight: 1965; June 2022 (WC-135R). Performance: Speed 363.4 mph at S-L, range 4,000+ miles (farther with
Delivered: 1965-96; 2021 (WC-135R). air refueling).
IOC: December 1965; 2022 (WC-135R). Ceiling: 33,000 ft.
Production: Two (WC-135C/W); three (WC-135R). Fuel Capacity: 61,360 lb at 150-300 gpm (100 gpm dual, simultaneous
Inventory: Three (WC-135R). refueling).
Operator: ACC. Accommodation: Two pilots, CSO, two loadmasters, three PJs.
Aircraft Location: Lincoln Airport, Neb. (temporary operating location).
Planned: Offutt AFB, Neb. KC-10 EXTENDER
Active Variants: Aerial refueling/airlift
•WC-135R. Modified KC-135R tankers, replacing the aging WC- 135C/W fleet.
Dimensions: Span 130.8 ft, length 136.3 ft, height 41.7 ft. Brief: The KC-10 is a multirole tanker/transport capable of aeromedical evacu-
Weight: Max T-O 322,500 lb. (WC-135R). ation, based on the McDonnell Douglas DC-10-30CF. The aircraft is USAF’s
Power Plant: Four CFM International CFM56-2 turbofans, each 21,634 lb largest air-refueling aircraft. It is simultaneously capable of tanker and cargo
thrust (WC-135R). roles, enabling it to support worldwide fighter deployments. The aircraft em-
Performance: Speed 530 mph, range approx. 3,900 miles (farther with ploys an advanced aerial refueling boom and hose/drogue system allowing it
air refueling) (WC-135R). to refuel a wide variety of U.S. and allied aircraft, including the CV-22 tilt-rotor,
Ceiling: 50,000 ft. (WC-135R). within the same mission. The aircraft has three large fuel tanks under the cargo
Accommodation: Two pilots, navigator, up to 31 special equipment opera- floor and an air-refueling operator’s station recessed into the aft fuselage. It is
tors/observers as required. also refuelable by boom-equipped tankers. Ongoing mods include modern-
ized navigation, surveillance, and air traffic management (CNS/ATM) to bring
TANKER AIRCRAFT the fleet into compliance with FAA mandates, and advanced Mode 5 IFF. The
fleet amassed more than 2.3 million flying hours before the first three tankers
HC-130J COMBAT KING II retired in 2020. Congress prevented USAF from making drastic KC-10 cuts in
Aerial refueling/airlift 2021 citing capacity concerns with delays to the KC-46 program, but removed
limitations starting in FY22. AMC shed 12 airframes last year and aims to ac-
Brief: The HC-130J is tasked with helicopter in-flight refueling support for celerate retiring 14 aircraft this year, proposing a new “roadmap” to reinvest
CSAR/personnel recovery, tactical C2, and pararescue (PJ) deployment. It in KC-46 and future capabilities through the planned divestiture of the fleet
replaces legacy HC-130N/Ps and is based on the USMC’s KC-130J tanker. in 2024. McGuire completed its final KC-10 deployment in May 2022, having
It adds an enhanced service-life wing, improved cargo handling system, operated from RAF Mildenhall in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

the system on the KC-46 in 2025. AMC began employing KC-46 for non-
combat refueling of a limited number of types starting in 2021 and cleared
the type for worldwide combat support to 85 percent of receiver types in
September 2022. USAF aims to test the first element of its Advanced Battle
Airman 1st Class Sean Hetz

Management System (ABMS), a C2 pod to networking fifth-generation
aircraft in high-threat environments, on the KC-46 as early as 2024. KC-46
set an endurance record of 24.2 hours aloft as well as experimenting with
reduced crew, flying with a single pilot and boom operator in 2022. USAF
is considering an upgraded KC-46 as one option for a possible 75-aircraft
“bridge” to a next-generation, possibly stealthy, tanker. March was selected
as the next preferred alternative base to host KC-46s.
Contractor: Boeing.
Contractors: McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing); Collins Aerospace (CNS/ First Flight: Sept. 25, 2015 (KC-46A).
ATM). Delivered: December 2018-present.
First Flight: April 1980. IOC: FY24 (planned).
Delivered: March 1981-April 1990. Production: 179 (planned).
IOC: August 1982. Inventory: 48 (KC-46A).
Production: 60. Operator: AETC, AFMC, AFRC, AMC, ANG.
Inventory: 36. Aircraft Location: Altus AFB, Okla.; Edwards AFB, Calif.; JB McGuire-
Operator: AMC, AFRC (associate). Dix- Lakehurst, N.J.; McConnell AFB, Kan.; Pease ANGB, N.H.; Seymour-
Aircraft Location: JB McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J.; Travis AFB, Calif. Johnson AFB, N.C. Planned: MacDill AFB, Fla.; March ARB, Calif.; Travis
Active Variant: AFB, Calif.; others TBD.
•KC-10A. Modified McDonnell Douglas DC-10 designed as a multirole Active Variant:
cargo-tanker. •KC-46A. Modified Boeing 767 designed as a multirole cargo tanker.
Dimensions: Span 165.4 ft, length 181.6 ft, height 58 ft. Dimensions: Span 156 ft, length 165.5 ft, height 52.8 ft.
Weight: Max T-O 590,000 lb. Weight: Max T-O 415,000 lb.
Power Plant: Three GE Aviation CF6-50C2 turbofans, each 52,500 lb thrust. Power Plant: Two Pratt & Whitney PW4062, each 62,000 lb thrust.
Performance: Speed 619 mph, range 11,500 miles, or 4,400 miles with max Performance: Speed 650 mph, range 7,350 miles (farther with air refueling).
cargo (air refuelable). Ceiling: 43,000 ft.
Ceiling: 42,000 ft. Fuel Capacity: 212,299 lb., max transfer load 207,672 lb at 1,200 gpm
Fuel Capacity: 356,000+ lb. at 1,100 gpm (boom), 470 gpm (drogue). (boom), 400 gpm (drogue).
Accommodation: Two pilots, flight engineer, boom operator; AE crew: two Accommodation: Two pilots, boom operator, and up to 12 additional crew;
flight nurses, three medical technicians; other crew depending on mission. 15 crew seats, incl AE crew. Passenger Load: 58 or up to 114 for contingency
Load: Up to 75 people and 17 pallets or 27 pallets up to approx. 170,000 lb. operations. AE load: 58 patients (24 litters and 34 ambulatory).
Cargo Load: 18 pallet positions, max 65,000 lb.
KC-135 STRATOTANKER
Senior Airman Kimberly Barrera
Aerial refueling/airlift
Brief: The KC-135 is an aerial tanker capable of simultaneous cargo and

AE missions and has been the mainstay of the USAF tanker fleet for more
than 60 years. The C-135 family is similar in appearance to the commer-
cial 707 but designed to unique military specifications and first flew on
Aug. 31, 1956. The KC-135A fleet was delivered between June 1957 and
January 1965, reaching IOC at Castle AFB, Calif., in 1957. KC-135s were
re-engined under two separate but concurrent programs and redelivered
as the KC-135E and the current KC-135R beginning in July 1984. Twenty
KC-46 PEGASUS KC-135Rs received Multipoint Refueling System (MPRS) hose/drogue
Aerial refueling/airlift pods on each wing to simultaneously refuel two NATO or Navy aircraft.
(Standard KC-135s can use a single drogue adapter attached to the boom).
Brief: The KC-46A is a heavily modified Boeing 767-200ER multirole
Airman 1st Class Megan Estrada

passenger/cargo-tanker equipped with flying boom and probe/drogue
refueling capability using the Wing Air Refueling Pod (WARP) system. It is
also equipped for aeromedical evacuation. KC-46 incorporates the 787’s
state-of-the-art cockpit, a fly-by-wire boom, remote boom-operator’s station,
advanced self-defensive suite including Large Aircraft IR Countermeasures
(LAIRCM), RWR, tactical situational awareness, comms relay hosting, and
nuclear/chem/bio hardening. In 2011 Boeing was awarded a contract for
179 KC-46A tankers, the first increment (KC-X), to replace about half of
USAF’s KC-135R fleet. Compared to the 50-year-old KC-135, the KC-46A
has more fuel capacity, improved efficiency, and enhanced cargo and AE
capability. Like the KC-10, it employs an advanced refueling boom and A small number of McConnell-based aircraft are also receiver-capable,
independently operating hose/drogue system. The program’s provisioned incorporating a forward-fuselage receptacle. KC-135s can be equipped
767-2C prototype (minus refueling boom) flew on Dec. 28, 2014, and re- with a podded Large-Aircraft IR Countermeasures (LAIRCM) system to
ceived FAA type certification in December 2017. USAF accepted its first track/jam IR missiles for high-threat missions. The fleet is undergoing
production KC-46 from Boeing on Jan. 10, 2019. The service awarded LRIP Block 45 cockpit upgrades at a rate of 38 aircraft a year through 2027.
contracts for 19 aircraft in 2016, a follow-on Lot 3 contract for 15 aircraft Block 45 cockpit mods enhance the modernized PACER CRAG flight
in 2017, 18 aircraft in 2018, 15 in 2019, and 27 in 2021. USAF awarded the deck with an additional glass cockpit display for engine instrumentation,
most recent Lot 6 and Lot 7 contracts for a combined 30 aircraft in August a radar altimeter, advanced autopilot, and modern flight director. Other
2022 and January 2023, raising the quantity on contract to 124 airframes. ongoing upgrades include Aero-I long-distance oceanic satellite tracking/
Full-rate production was initially planned for Lot 3 but has been pushed C2 replacement, and rudder position indicator retrofit. Iridium SATCOM
to Lot 10 due to program delays. FY23 funds support purchase of 15 tank- will replace Aero-I fleetwide by 2026, while rudder instrumentation aims
ers. The KC-46 completed developmental testing and entered operational to prevent accidents like the fatal 2013 Kyrgyzstan crash. FY23 launches
testing in 2019, though planned IOC and full-rate production has slipped Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) secure, jam-resistant BLOS and
to FY24 or later due to remaining deficiencies with the boom and remote NATO-interoperable LOS SATURN. Two KC-135s were converted to WC-
vision system (RVS). USAF accepted Boeing’s revised 3-dimensional RVS 135R standards to replace Constant Phoenix in 2022. Congress barred
design comprised of six color/IR cameras in April 2022, and aims to field KC-135 cuts to prevent a tanker shortage due to KC-46 delays in FY21 but

allowed 18 KC-135s to retire in FY22 followed by 13 in FY23. Retirements color weather radar, Large Aircraft IR Countermeasures (LAIRCM) im-
make room for KC-46 beddown at March and McGuire. USAF plans to provements, and a lavatory redesign to address corrosion. Development
retain the fleet until at least 2050, but announced plans to possibly pursue to replace the aircraft’s flight deck displays to support future upgrades
a “bridge tanker” to augment KC-46 until a notional Next-Generation and modernization begins in FY23.
Air-Refueling System (NGAS) emerges.
Contractors: Lockheed Martin; Collins Aerospace and Honeywell (CNS/
Contractors: Boeing; Collins Aerospace (Block 45/Iridium SATCOM). ATM, weather radar/mission computer).
First Flight: Aug. 4, 1982 (KC-135R). First Flight: June 6, 2006 (C-5M).
Delivered: July 1984-June 9, 2005 (KC-135R). Delivered: Feb. 9, 2009-Aug. 2, 2018 (C-5M).
IOC: June 1957. IOC: Feb. 21, 2014 (C-5M).
Production: 732 (420 converted to KC-135R). Production: 131 (52 converted to C-5M).
Inventory: 330 (KC-135R); 45 (KC-135T). Inventory: 50 (C-5M); two (C-5M-SCM).
Operator: AETC, AFMC, AMC, PACAF, USAFE, ANG, AFRC. Operator: AMC, AFRC.
Aircraft Location: Altus AFB, Okla.; Beale AFB, Calif.; Fairchild AFB, Aircraft Location: Dover AFB, Del.; JBSA-Lackland, Texas; Travis AFB,
Wash.; Grissom ARB, Ind.; JB Andrews, Md.; Kadena AB, Japan; MacDill Calif.; Westover ARB, Mass.
AFB, Fla.; March ARB, Calif.; McConnell AFB, Kan.; RAF Mildenhall, U.K.; Active Variants:
Seymour-Johnson AFB, N.C.; Tinker AFB, Okla.; and ANG in Alabama, •C-5M. Super Galaxy converted from C-5A/B, incorporating AMP and RERP.
Alaska (active associate), Arizona, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, •C-5M-SCM. Super Galaxy converted from C-5C to carry large NASA/
Michigan, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsyl- space cargo.
vania, Tennessee, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin. Dimensions: Span 222.8 ft, length 247.8 ft, height 65.1 ft.
Active Variants: Weight: Max T-O 840,000 lb.
•KC-135R. Re-engined KC-135A fitted with CFM turbofan engines. Power Plant: Four GE Aviation F138-GE-100 (CF6-80C2) turbofans, each
•KC-135T. Reengined former KC-135Qs, able to carry different fuels in 50,580 lb thrust.
wing and fuselage tanks. Performance: Speed 518 mph, range 5,524 miles with 120,000 lb of cargo.
Dimensions: Span 130.8 ft, length 136.3 ft, height 41.7 ft. Ceiling: 45,000 ft.
Weight: Max T-O 322,500 lb. Accommodation: Two pilots, two flight engineers, three loadmasters.
Power Plant: Four CFM International CFM56-2 (USAF designation F108) Load: 81 troops and 36 standard pallets, max 285,000 lb; incl seven MRAP
turbofans, each 21,634 lb thrust. vehicles, six AH-64 Apache helicopters, four M2 Bradley fighting vehicles,
Performance: Speed 530 mph at 30,000 ft, range 1,500 miles with 150,000 or two M1 Abrams main battle tanks.
lb transfer fuel, up to 11,015 miles for ferry missions.
Ceiling: 50,000 ft.
Fuel Capacity: Max transfer load 200,000 lb at 1,100 gpm (boom), 450
Joshua McClanahan/USAF
gpm (MPRS pods).
Accommodation: Two pilots, navigator, boom operator, AE crew: two C
flight nurses, three medical technicians (adjusted as needed).

M
Load: 37 passengers, six cargo pallets, max 83,000 lb.
Y
AIRLIFT AIRCRAFT
CM
MY
C-12 HURON CY
Light airlift
Airman 1st Class Zachary Foster
CMY
Brief: C-12 is tasked with multimission passenger and priority light-cargo

K
airlift, medevac, as well as diplomatic and flight-test support. The fam-
ily of aircraft includes military versions of the Beechcraft King Air and
1900C (C-12J). Flight decks and cabins are pressurized for high-altitude
flight. The C-12D incorporates a cargo door with an integral airstair, high-
flotation landing gear, structural improvements, and optional external
wingtip tanks. Both C-12C and C-12D are deployed to U.S. embassies
worldwide and incorporate earlier three-bladed propellers. The C-12F
incorporated uprated engines, four-bladed propellers, and an increased
C-5 GALAXY service ceiling. The C-12J is a completely different aircraft based on the
Strategic airlift Beechcraft 1900C commuter airliner with a large, aft cargo door. C-12Js
are operated by AFMC for testing and PACAF in support of U.S. Forces
Brief: The C-5 is USAF’s largest airlifter and one of the world’s largest Japan with provision for two litters or 10 ambulatory patients in the AE
aircraft, capable of lifting unusually large/heavy cargo over intercontinental role. C-12Js incorporate extensive avionics upgrades, including three
ranges. It can also take off and land in relatively short distances, and taxi MFDs, integrated GPS, flight management systems, autopilot, VHF/UHF
on substandard surfaces if required. The Galaxy’s front and rear cargo radios, and weather radar.
doors permit simultaneous drive-through loading/unloading. The aircraft’s
unique upper deck is split between the flight deck—with galley and crew Contractor: Beechcraft.
rest area forward of the wing—and a troop compartment seating 75 pas- First Flight: Oct. 27, 1972 (Super King Air 200), March 1, 1990 (1900C).
sengers and a second gallery/lavatory aft of the wing. The C-5A first flew Delivered: 1974-mid 1990s.
on June 30, 1968, and a total of 81 were delivered between 1969 and 1973, IOC: Circa 1974.
reaching IOC in September 1970. C-5As underwent major wing modifica- Production: 30 (C-12A/C); six (C-12D); 46 (C-12F): four (C-12J).
tions to extend their service lives and all but one (converted to C-5M) were Inventory: 16 (C-12C); six (C-12D); three (C-12F); four (C-12J).
retired. The C-5B first flew in 1985 and was delivered between 1986 and Operator: AFMC, PACAF.
1989. C-5Bs incorporated all C-5A improvements including strengthened Aircraft Location: Edwards AFB, Calif.; Holloman AFB, N.M. (J); JB
wings, uprated turbofans, color weather radar, triple INS, and defensive Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska; Yokota AB, Japan (J); various U.S. embassies.
systems (on some aircraft). Two C-5As were modified for outsize space Active Variants:
cargo and redelivered as C-5Cs in 1989 and 1990. The combined Avionics •C-12C. C-12As retrofit with PT6A-41 engines.
Modernization Program (AMP) and Reliability Enhancement and Re- •C-12D. C-12 with an enlarged cargo door and strengthened wings.
engining Program (RERP) resulted in the C-5M Super Galaxy. Upgraded •C-12F. C-12 with uprated PT6A-42 engines, eight-passenger seating,
aircraft incorporate new engines with 20 percent increase in thrust, as and AE capability.
well as avionics, structural, and reliability fixes. A total of 49 B models, •C-12J. Military version of the Beechcraft Model 1900C commuter airliner.
two C models, and a single C-5A were converted. Ongoing modifications Dimensions: Span 54.5 ft, length 43.8 ft, height 15 ft (C/D/F); span 54.5
include CNS/ATM upgrades, new mission computers and off-the-shelf ft, length 57 ft, height 15 ft (J).

Weight: Max T-O 15,000 lb (F); 16,710 lb (J).
Power Plant: Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-41 (C/D) or PT6A-42 (F)
turboprops, each 850 shp; PT6A-65B turboprops, each 1,173 shp (J).
Performance: Speed 300 mph (C/D), 336 mph (F), range 2,271 miles;
284 mph, range 1,669 miles (J).
1st Lt. Sam Eckholm

Ceiling: 31,000 ft (C/D); 35,000 ft (F); 25,000 ft (J).
Accommodation: Two pilots.
Load: Eight passengers (C/D/F), 19 passengers or 3,500 lb cargo (C-12J).
C-21
Light airlift
Brief: The C-21 “Cougar” is a militarized Learjet 35 used for passenger

and priority light-cargo airlift and aeromedical transport. It is equipped
with color weather radar, TACAN, and HF/VHF/UHF radios. It provides
medium-range operational support for time-sensitive movement of people
and cargo throughout the U.S. and the European theater, including AE
Chase Kohler/USAF
missions if required. Recent efforts include the C-21 Avionics Upgrade
Program (AUP), which added a modern glass cockpit, digital weather
radar, GPS, flight management system, satellite-updating real-time flight
information, digital black boxes, and ADS-B/Mode 5 transponder. USAF
added BLOS comms concurrently with AUP to save costs. The fleet
was also retrofitted with enlarged aft-fuselage “delta fins” to improve
C-17 GLOBEMASTER III low-speed stability and control, eliminating previous approach/landing
Tactical/strategic airlift flight restrictions. Ongoing modifications are limited to required low-cost
airworthiness and safety upgrades.
Brief: C-17 is a heavy-lift, strategic transport capable of direct tactical
delivery of all classes of military cargo. It is the U.S. military’s core airlift Contractor: Bombardier (previously Gates Learjet).
asset, capable of operating on small, austere airfields (3,500 ft by 90 ft) First Flight: January 1973.
previously limited to C-130s. It is the only aircraft able to directly deliver or Delivered: April 1984-October 1985.
airdrop outsize cargo into a tactical environment and it is the first military IOC: April 1984.
transport to feature fully digital, fly-by-wire control. Boeing delivered the Production: 84.
223rd and final USAF aircraft on Sept. 12, 2013, and the final international Inventory: 19.
aircraft on Nov. 29, 2015. Block 16 avionics and weather radar mods were Operator: AMC, USAFE.
completed in 2015. Block 20 upgrades included some 60 programs to Aircraft Location: Ramstein AB, Germany; Scott AFB, Ill.
bring early production aircraft to a common configuration, and Block 21 Active Variant:
including Mode 5 IFF and airspace compliance were completed fleetwide •C-21A. Military version of the Learjet 35A.
in 2020. FY23 continues fleetwide HUD replacement through FY28, and Dimensions: Span 39.5 ft, length 48.6 ft, height 12.2 ft.
funds enhanced high-bandwidth BLOS voice/data SATCOMS. Ongoing Weight: Max T-O 18,300 lb.
upgrades also include next-generation Large Aircraft Infrared Counter- Power Plant: Two AlliedSignal TFE731-2-B2 turbofans, each 3,500 lb thrust.
measures (LAIRCM) to combat man-portable air defenses, as well as Performance: Speed 530 mph at 41,000 ft, range 2,306 miles.
safety and sustainment mods. The Roll-on/Roll-off Conference Capsule to Ceiling: 45,000 ft.
replace the “Silver Bullet” for in-flight conferencing is currently finishing Accommodation: Two pilots; AE crew: Flight nurse, two medical techni-
testing and integration. The C-17 fleet was heavily tasked evacuating U.S. cians (mission dependent).
and allied personnel from Afghanistan during Operation Allies Refuge, Load: Eight passengers, 3,153 lb cargo; one litter or five ambulatory
including carrying a record-breaking 823 passengers on a single flight on patients (AE role).
Aug. 15, 2021. The C-17 fleet is currently the largest consumer of jet fuel
in the inventory. AMC launched trial efforts at Charleston and Travis in C-32
2022 to test commercial best-practices aimed at reducing consumption. VIP transport
Contractor: Boeing (previously McDonnell Douglas). Brief: The C-32A provides dedicated vice presidential and DV airlift while
First Flight: Sept. 15, 1991. the C-32B is tasked with politically sensitive crisis-mobility. Both types
Delivered: June 1993-September 2013. were acquired as commercial Boeing 757s. Aircraft assigned to the 89th
IOC: Jan. 17, 1995. Airlift Wing at JB Andrews fly under the call sign “Air Force Two” during vice
Production: 257. presidential missions, but additionally serve the First Lady, Congress, and
Inventory: 222. Cabinet officials. The cabin is divided into sections, including a worldwide
Operator: AETC, AMC, PACAF, ANG, AFRC. clear and secure voice and data communications suite, first-class cabin,
Aircraft Location: Altus AFB, Okla.; Dover AFB, Del.; JB Charleston, two business-class cabins, center galley, lavatories, fully enclosed state-
S.C.; JB Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska; JB Lewis-McChord, Wash.; JB room, and a conference and staff area. The C-32B provides DOD discreet,
McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J.; JB Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii; March rapid, global airlift in support of government crisis response efforts. The
ARB, Calif.; Pittsburgh Arpt., Pa.; Travis AFB, Calif.; Wright-Patterson AFB, C-32’s modern flight deck is designed to be easily upgraded. The C-32A
Ohio; and ANG in Hawaii (associate), Mississippi, North Carolina, West fleet recently underwent a full cabin refurbishment to match the VC-25
Virginia, and New York. as well as installation of fully reclining crew rest seats to enable long-
Active Variant: endurance missions without pre-positioned relief crews. FY22 launched
•C-17A. Long-range tactical/strategic airlifter. Senior Leader Communication Modernization across the executive fleets
Dimensions: Span 169.8 ft, length 174 ft, height 55.1 ft. including Wideband SATCOM, secure air-to-air/ground comms, commer-
Weight: Max T-O 585,000 lb. cial WiFi, in-flight information, and enhanced airborne executive phones.
Power Plant: Four Pratt & Whitney F117-PW-100 turbofans, each 40,440 Two C-32s will undergo Senior Leader comm installation in FY23 with
lb thrust. modification fleetwide planned for by 2027. DOD completed analysis to
Performance: Speed 518 mph at 25,000 ft, range 2,760 miles with 169,000 replace the C-32, E-4B, and Navy E-6B Mercury with a common airframe
lb payload (farther with air refueling). but opted to retain the fleet potentially through 2040, shifting funds to
Ceiling: 45,000 ft. explore future supersonic transport technology.
Accommodation: Two pilots, loadmaster; AE crew: Two flight nurses,
three medical technicians (mission dependent). Contractors: Boeing; L3 Harris (Senior Leader Communications Mod-
Load: 102 troops/paratroopers; 36 litter and 54 ambulatory patients; 18 ernization).
pallets up to max payload 170,900 lb. First Flight: Feb. 11, 1998 (C-32A).

IOC: Dec. 9, 1998.
Production: 16 (planned).
Inventory: Nine (C-37A); seven (C-37B).
Operator: AMC, PACAF, USAFE.
Aircraft Location: JB Andrews, Md.; JB Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii;
Ramstein AB, Germany.
Active Variants:
•C-37A. Military version of the Gulfstream V.
Tech. Sgt. Benjamin Mota

•C-37B. Military version of the Gulfstream G550.
Weight: Max T-O 90,500 lb. (A); 91,000 lb. (B).
Power Plant: Two BMW/Rolls-Royce BR710A14-10 turbofans, each 14,750
lb thrust (A); two BMW/Rolls-Royce BR710C4-11 turbofans, each 15,385
lb thrust (B).
Performance: Speed 600 mph (cruise 345 mph); range 6,300 miles (A),
6,700 miles (B).
Delivered: June-December 1998. Ceiling: 51,000 ft.
IOC: 1998. Accommodation: Two pilots, flight attendant, crew chief.
Production: Six. Load: Up to 12 passengers (A); 14 passengers (B).
Inventory: Four (C-32A); two (C-32B).
Operator: AMC, ANG.
Aircraft Location: JB Andrews, Md. (A); JB McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J. (B).
Active Variants:
•C-32A. Presidential support-configured commercial Boeing 757-200
airliner.
•C-32B. Commercial Boeing 757-200 tasked with global crisis response airlift.
Power Plant: Two Pratt & Whitney PW2040 turbofans, each 41,700 lb thrust.
Maj. Stanley Paregien

Performance: Speed 530 mph, range 6,325 miles.
Ceiling: 42,000 ft.
Accommodation: Two pilots, up to 14 cabin and maintenance crew
(varies with mission).
Load: Up to 45 passengers.
C-40 CLIPPER
VIP transport
Airman 1st Class Emily Farnsworth
Brief: The C-40 is a medium-range DV airlift aircraft based on the com-

mercial Boeing 737-700. It is used to transport senior military command-
ers, Cabinet officials, and members of Congress, as well as performing
other support missions. C-40Bs are equipped with an office-in-the-sky
arrangement, including clear and secure voice/data communication and
broadband data/video. C-40Cs lack the advanced communications suite,
are VIP configured with sleep accommodations, and are reconfigurable to
carry 42 to 111 passengers. Both versions have modern avionics, integrated
GPS and flight-management system/electronic flight instrument system,
and HUD. Each aircraft has auxiliary fuel tanks and managed passenger
C-37 communications. Recent mods add fully reclining crew rest seats to enable
VIP transport long endurance missions without pre-positioned relief crews. FY23 con-
tinues Senior Leader Communication Modernization across the executive
Brief: The C-37 family provides worldwide special air mission and DV fleets, including Wideband SATCOM, secure air-to-air/ground comms,
support, consisting of military versions of the ultra-long-range Gulf- commercial WiFi, in-flight information, and enhanced airborne execu-
stream business aircraft. The C-37A is based on the Gulfstream V and is tive phones. Two aircraft will be upgraded in FY23 to ensure redundant,
equipped with separate VIP and passenger areas, secure global voice survivable and secure/top-secret voice, data, and video conferencing for
and data communications suites, enhanced weather radar, autopilot, uninterrupted worldwide C2.
and advanced HUD. The C-37B, first delivered in 2004, is based on the
G550 and adds directional IR countermeasures for self-defense and the Contractors: Boeing; L3Harris (Wideband SATCOM/Senior Leader Com-
advanced Honeywell Plane-View flight deck. Ongoing mods include communication Modernization).
mercial wideband SATCOM, to ensure leaders’ access to secure data and First Flight: April 14, 1999 (C-40A).
voice networks, and FAA-required CNS/ATM updates. FY23 continues Delivered: 2002-2007.
Wideband SATCOM upgrades as part of the Senior Leader Communication IOC: Feb. 28, 2003.
Modernization effort across USAF’s executive fleets. A total of 16 aircraft Production: 11.
will be modified, including four in FY23, to ensure redundant, survivable Inventory: Four (C-40B); seven (C-40C).
and secure/top-secret voice, data, and video conferencing for uninter- Operator: AMC, ANG, AFRC.
rupted worldwide C2. Existing aircraft will receive modernized en route Aircraft Location: JB Andrews, Md.; Scott AFB, Ill.
air traffic SATCOMS, which will be standard on future airframes. USAF Active Variants:
aims to expand the fleet by as many as 40 additional aircraft to backfill the •C-40B. VIP military-configured Boeing 737-700 with advanced comms.
now-retired C-20, leading to delivery of a fourth and fifth C-37B in 2019 •C-40C. Passenger-configured Boeing 737-700, lacking advanced comms.
and 2020 respectively. The service awarded Gulfstream a $127.4 million Dimensions: Span 117.4 ft, length 110.3 ft, height 41.2 ft.
fleet expansion contract for another two aircraft, which were delivered Weight: Max T-O 171,000 lb.
to JB Andrews on Nov. 3, 2021, and Feb. 15, 2022. Power Plant: Two GE Aviation CFM56-7 turbofans, each 27,000 lb thrust.
Contractors: Gulfstream Aerospace; Honeywell (commercial SATCOM Ceiling: 41,000 ft.
replacement); L3 Harris (Senior Leader Communications Modernization). Accommodation: Two pilots, up to eight cabin and maintenance crew
First Flight: October 1998 (C-37A). (varies by model/mission).
Delivered: Oct. 14, 1998-February 2022. Load: Up to 89 passengers (B); up to 111 passengers (C).

Hercules features three-crew flight operations, more powerful engines,
Master Sgt. Tamara Dabney/ANG

composite six-blade propellers, and digital avionics and mission comput-
ers. The C-130J can fly faster, higher, and farther than the C-130H. The
C-130J-30 variant features a 15-foot-longer “stretched” fuselage. The
combined fleet is sustained via block upgrades. USAF combined Block
7/8.1 upgrades to reduce modification downtime. Block 7 includes Link 16,
new flight management systems, civil GPS, and a special mission proces-
sor. Ongoing Block 8.1 upgrades add improved LOS data link and BLOS
comms, improved precision navigational aids, enhanced covert lighting,
replaces UHF comms with SATCOMS, and updates mission planning
systems. Block 8.1’s Mode 5 IFF and air traffic management upgrades
C-130H HERCULES were successfully fielded ahead of cycle to meet FAA and global airspace
Tactical airlift requirements. Airframes delivered since 2009 incorporate enhanced service
life center wings, and four early production airframes will be retrofitted in
Brief: The C-130H is an all-purpose theater transport that performs diverse 2023. Major development focuses on modernized secure, jam-resistant
roles, including tactical and intertheater airlift and airdrop, AE, aerial HF/UHF/SATCOM voice and data (MUOS and NATO Saturn) as well as
spraying, aerial firefighting, and humanitarian support. The developmental
YC-130A first flew in August 1954 with the C-130A entering USAF service in
1956. The H model improved on the later C-130E and was delivered start-
ing in 1965, with delivery of the current, more advanced models starting
Staff Sgt. Kristen Pittman

in 1974. Improvements included uprated engines, redesigned outer wing,
improved pneumatic systems, new avionics, improved radar, and NVG
lighting. USAF intends to partially recapitalize the C-130H fleet with the
C-130J and modernize the remaining fleet with new avionics, safety, and
performance improvements. Ongoing upgrades include critical center
wing box replacement, electronic propeller controls/engine efficiency
mods, C-130H Avionics Modernization Program (previously Viability and
Airspace Access Program), and NP2000 propellers. AMP Increment 1 was data links to keep pace with newer satellites and networking. Congress
completed fleetwide in April 2021, adding new CNS/ATM and bringing added funds beyond the current multiyear C-130J contract, including 16
legacy C-130s into compliance with international airspace rules. L3Harris C-130Js for the ANG units and four for AFRC, bringing planned C-130J
completed the first Increment 2-upgraded aircraft in April 2022. A total of procurement to 202 aircraft. ANG units in Kentucky and West Virginia
124 C-130Hs will receive Increment 2 mods, which add terrain awareness completed transition from the C-130H to C-130J in 2022, and Georgia is
and warning, new flight management, and modern glass cockpit displays slated to receive J models as they become available.
through 2027. UHF Satcom modernization was added to Increment 2 in
FY23, rolling in Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) secure, jam-resistant Contractor: Lockheed Martin.
BLOS, and NATO-interoperable LOS SATURN. The fleet also began eight- First Flight: April 5, 1996.
bladed NP2000 propellor retrofits, which enhance performance up to 20 Delivered: February 1999-present.
percent. USAF currently has 83 aircraft on-contract for NP2000 and will IOC: October 2006.
likely accelerate retrofits following a fleetwide grounding in 2022 due to Production: 2,600+ worldwide, 202 (USAF).
cracks in the current four-bladed units. Both AFRC’s 908th AW at Maxwell Inventory: 151.
and the Ohio ANG’s 179th AW at Mansfield-Lahm ended C-130H opera- Operator: AETC, AMC, PACAF, USAFE, ANG, AFRC.
tions in April 2022. USAF plans to retire eight C-130Hs in FY23, cutting Aircraft Location: Dyess AFB, Texas; Keesler AFB, Miss.; Little Rock AFB,
the total tactical airlift fleet to 271 aircraft. Ark.; Ramstein AB, Germany; Yokota AB, Japan; and ANG in California,
Kentucky, Rhode Island, Kentucky, Texas, and West Virginia. Planned:
Contractors: Lockheed Martin (airframe); L3Harris (AMP Increment 2); ANG in Georgia.
Collins Aerospace (NP2000). Active Variants:
First Flight: 1965 (C-130H). •C-130J Super Hercules. Current production version.
Delivered: April 1975-96 (current C-130H2/H3). •C-130J-30 Super Hercules. Stretched version capable of accommodat-
IOC: Circa 1974. ing larger loads.
Production: 1,202 (C-130H). Dimensions: Span 132.6 ft, length 97.8 ft, height 38.8 ft.; (J-30 length) 112.8 ft.
Inventory: 128. Weight: Max T-O 155,000 lb (J), 164,000 lb (J-30); max payload 42,000
Operator: ANG, AFRC. lb (J), 44,000 lb (J-30).
Aircraft Location: Dobbins ARB, Ga.; Little Rock AFB, Ark.; Minneapolis- Power Plant: Four Rolls-Royce AE2100D3 turboprops, each 4,700 shp.
St. Paul Arpt./ARS, Minn.; Peterson SFB, Colo. (MAFFS); Youngstown ARS Performance: Speed 417 mph (J), 410 mph (J-30); range with 35,000 lb
(Modular Aerial Spray System (MASS), and ANG in Arkansas, Connecti- payload 1,841 miles (J), 2,417 miles (J-30).
cut, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nevada Ceiling: With max payload, 26,000 ft (J), 28,000 ft (J-30).
(MAFFS), Texas, Wyoming (MAFFS). Accommodation: Two pilots, loadmaster.
Active Variant: Load: Up to 92 combat troops or 64 paratroopers or 74 litters or six cargo
•C-130H Hercules. Updated late-production version of the legacy C-130. pallets or 16 Container Delivery System (CDS) bundles or any combination
Dimensions: Span 132.6 ft, length 97.8 ft, height 38.8 ft. of these up to max weight (J); 128 combat troops or 92 paratroopers or
Weight: Max T-O 155,000 lb; max payload 42,000 lb. 97 litters or eight pallets or 24 CDS bundles or any combination of these
Power Plant: Four Allison T56-A-15, or Rolls-Royce T56 3.5 turboprops, each up to max weight (J-30).
4,591 shp (approx. 20 percent increased thrust with NP2000 propellers).
Performance: Speed 366 mph; range with 35,000 lb payload 1,496 miles. LC-130H SKIBIRD
Ceiling: With max payload, 23,000 ft. Arctic support/tactical airlift
Accommodation: Two pilots, navigator, flight engineer, loadmaster. Load:
Up to 92 combat troops or 64 paratroopers or 74 litters or six cargo pal- Brief: The LC-130H is a ski-equipped, Arctic-support derivative of the
lets or 16 Container Delivery System (CDS) bundles or any combination C-130H. It is capable of direct resupply of Antarctic research stations and
of these up to max weight. high-arctic radar sites with ice and snowpack runways. The LC-130H fleet
supports the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Antarctic research, ferry-
C-130J/C-130-J-30 SUPER HERCULES ing much of the material, provisions, and personnel between Christchurch,
Tactical airlift New Zealand, and McMurdo Station, Antarctica. The aircraft also provide
ongoing support to the remote Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station. USAF
Brief: The C-130J is the redesigned, current production version of the began augmenting the Navy’s “Operation Deep Freeze” with the C-124 in
C-130 all-purpose theater transport. Missions include tactical and inter- 1956. C-130s began Antarctic support in 1959, operating without skis until
theater airlift, airdrop, AE, and wildfire suppression using the Modular the initial ski-borne deployment of the C-130D in January 1960. By 1975,
Airborne Fire Fighting System (MAFFS), and humanitarian relief. The the New York ANG’s 109th AW operated USAF’s only ski-equipped LC-130
aircraft first deployed to combat in Southwest Asia in 2004. The Super supporting Distant Early Warning sites in the high Arctic. The unit began

communications and a full suite of strategic C2 comm/data links. The
aircraft also has a full self-defensive suite. The fleet is operated by the
Presidential Airlift Group of the 89th Airlift Wing at JB Andrews. Congress
directed retirement of the VC-25A by the end of 2025 and FY20 funded
the fleet’s final block upgrade, which included protected satcom, weather
Maj. David Price/ANG

radar, digital voice/data comms, and networking. The modifications aim
to maintain fleet viability until the VC-25B (based on Boeing’s modern-
ized 747-8 Intercontinental) enters service. Significant ongoing upgrades
comprise mission comms, notably the Senior Leader Communication
Modernization effort across the executive fleets. USAF issued Boeing a
$3.9 billion presidential aircraft replacement contract to modify two un-
delivered commercial 747-8s to VC-25B standards in 2018. Boeing began
augmenting Navy LC-130s during Deep Freeze in 1988, before taking over modifications in 2020, to add mission comms, DV interior, self-defensive
primary responsibility in 1999. Three aircraft were converted from ex-Navy systems, integral airstairs/ground-level boarding, autonomous baggage
LC-130Rs, and the NSF funded an additional three new-build aircraft in handling, a second auxiliary power unit, and uprated electrical systems.
1995-96. LC-130s have been upgraded with eight-bladed NP-2000 propel- Specifications exclude aerial refueling capability to reduce program
lers to increase takeoff performance, digital cockpit displays and flight cost. Delivery of the first aircraft has slipped three years to 2027 due to
management systems, multifunction radar, modernized comms, and a manufacturing delays, jeopardizing the VC-25A’s planned out-of-service
single air data computer. LC-130s are upgraded along with the baseline date. Delivery of the second and final aircraft is now planned for 2028.
C-130H fleet, including center wing box replacement, Mode 5 IFF, and The White House announced VC-25B will retain a modernized version of
the Avionics Modernization Program that launched Increment 2 in 2022. its traditional livery, reversing previous administration plans to radically
Required upgrades include NVG-compatible flight deck, secure BLOS data change the scheme.
link, increased reliability commercial SATCOM, and self-defensive/missile
warning capability. The ANG test-flew an LC-130 with upgraded T56 3.5 Contractor: Boeing.
engine enhancements for the first time in October 2022. Paired with the First Flight: Sept. 6, 1990 (VC-25A).
NP2000 propellers, the upgrade improves payload, range, high-altitude Delivered: August-December 1990.
performance, and reliability. The ANG plans to retrofit all 10 aircraft by IOC: Dec. 8, 1990; planned 2027 (VC-25B).
early 2024. LC-130s flew a total of 40 Operation Deep Freeze missions Production: Two VC-25A; two VC-25B (undergoing modification).
supporting NSF research during the 2022-23 season, carrying a total of Inventory: Two (VC-25A).
204 passengers and 357,962 pounds of cargo. Crews additionally logged Operator: AMC.
24 long-range flights between Christchurch, New Zealand, and Antarctica, Aircraft Location: JB Andrews, Md.
including four medical evacuations. Congress renewed pressure on USAF Active Variants:
to recapitalize the LC-130 (likely with C-130J) fleets citing increased Rus- •VC-25A. Specially configured presidential support version of the Boe-
sian and Chinese activity in the Arctic. ing 747-200B.
•VC-25B. Next-generation presidential aircraft based on the Boeing 747-8
Contractor: Lockheed Martin. Intercontinental.
First Flight: 1957 (ski-equipped C-130D). Dimensions: Span 195.8 ft, length 231.8 ft, height 63.4 ft (A); span 224.5
Delivered: 1974-96. ft, length 250.2 ft, height 63.4 ft (B).
IOC: Circa October 1984. Weight: Max T-O 833,000 lb (A); max T-O 987,000 lb (B).
Production: 10. Power Plant: Four GE Aviation CF6-80C2B1 turbofans, each 56,700 lb
Inventory: 10. thrust (A); four GE Aviation GEnx-2B turbofans, each 66,500 lb thrust (B).
Operator: ANG. Performance: Speed 630 mph, range 7,800 miles (farther with air refuel-
Aircraft Location: Stratton ANGB, N.Y. ing) (A); speed 660 mph, range 8,900 miles (B).
Active Variants: Ceiling: 45,100 ft.
•LC-130H Skibird. Arctic support variant with wheel-ski gear and eight- Accommodation: Two pilots, navigator, flight engineer, up to 22 cabin
bladed propellers. and maintenance crew; Load: Up to 102 passengers (A); TBD (B).
Dimensions: Span 132.6 ft, length 97.8 ft, height 38.8 ft.; Nose Ski 10 ft
by six ft wide, main gear skis 12 ft by six ft wide. HELICOPTERS
Weight: Max T-O 155,000 lb; max payload 45,000 lb.
Power Plant: Four Rolls-Royce T56 3.5 turboprops, each 4,591 shp.
Performance: Speed 366 mph; range with 35,000 lb payload 1,636 miles
(with engine upgrades).
Staff Sgt. Darius SostreMiroir

Ceiling: With max payload, 23,000 ft.
Accommodation: Two pilots, navigator, flight engineer, loadmaster.
Load: Up to 92 passengers or 74 litters; six cargo pallets, 16 Container
Delivery System (CDS) bundles, or any combination up to max weight.
HH-60 PAVE HAWK

Adam Schultz/White House
Personnel recovery/medium lift
Brief: The HH-60G Pave Hawk is an armed, all-weather day/night CSAR

helicopter derived from the UH-60 Black Hawk. Additional missions in-
clude casualty/medical evacuation, disaster and humanitarian response,
firefighting, and combat/utility support. The HH-60G is equipped with
advanced INS/GPS/Doppler navigation systems, SATCOM, and secure/
anti-jam communications, and personnel locating system (PLS) that aids
VC-25 AIR FORCE ONE location of a survivor’s radio. It includes automatic flight control, NVG
Presidential airlift lighting, FLIR, an engine/rotor blade anti-ice system, in-flight refueling
probe, additional fuel tanks, and an integral rescue hoist. Combat enhance-
Brief: The VC-25 is a specially configured Boeing 747-200B equipped for ments include a full, self-defensive suite and two miniguns (or .50-caliber
airlifting the President and his entourage. VC-25s operate under the call guns). Major upgrades include Block 162, which encompasses Avionics
sign “Air Force One” when the President is aboard, and SAM (Special Air Communications Suite Upgrade and replaces obsolete systems with color
Mission) during non-presidential flights. Aircraft are equipped with staff weather radar, improved TACAN, new RWR, auto direction finding, and
work areas, a conference room, a general seating area, and an executive digital intercoms. HH-60U are modified UH-60Ms operated by AFMC
office. Communications capability includes worldwide secure and clear for testing and support. USAF initially pursued new-build UH-60Ms as

loss replacements for the HH-60G, ultimately modifying Army surplus 2022, clearing the type for its first operational deployment to AFRICOM
UH-60Ls instead. The first of 21 UH-60L combat loss replacements was shortly thereafter. A full-rate production decision is expected in 2023.
delivered in 2016 with the final aircraft entering service in 2022. Ongo-
ing mods include color cockpit displays, Mode 5 IFF, loss-replacement Contractor: Lockheed Martin Sikorsky.
mission systems, and defensive system support. Davis-Monthan’s 55th First Flight: May 17, 2019.
Rescue Squadron completed its final HH-60G deployment in October Delivered: 2019-present.
2022, ahead of transition to the next-generation HH-60W. USAF retired IOC: Sept. 7, 2022.
the first 34 airframes in 2022 year and intends to completely recapitalize Production: 85 (planned).
the fleet with the HH-60W by FY26. Inventory: 24 (HH-60W).
Operator: ACC, AETC. Planned: PACAF, USAFE, ANG, AFRC.
Contractor: Lockheed Martin Sikorsky. Aircraft Location: Duke Field, Fla.; Kirtland AFB, N.M.; Moody AFB, Ga.
First Flight: October 1974. Planned: Aviano AB, Italy; Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz.; Francis S. Gabreski
Delivered: 1982-1998 (HH-60G). Arpt., N.Y.; JB Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska; Kadena AB, Japan; Moffett
IOC: 1982. Field, Calif.; Nellis AFB, Nev.; Patrick SFB, Fla.
Production: 112 (HH-60G); three (HH-60U). Active Variants:
Inventory: 74 (HH-60G); three (HH-60U). •HH-60W. Developmental next-generation Combat Rescue Helicopter
Operator: ACC, AETC, AFMC (HH-60U), PACAF, USAFE, ANG, AFRC. based on the UH-60M.
Aircraft Location: Aviano AB, Italy; Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz.; Eglin AFB, Dimensions: Rotor diameter 53.6 ft, overall length 64.7 ft, height 16.7 ft.
Fla.; Francis S. Gabreski Arpt., N.Y.; JB Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska; Weight: Max T-O 22,500 lb.
Kadena AB, Japan; Kirtland AFB, N.M.; Moffett Field, Calif.; Nellis AFB, Power Plant: Two GE Aviation T700-GE-701D turboshafts, each 1,857 shp.
Nev.; Patrick SFB, Fla. Performance: Speed 176 mph; range 690 miles (air refuelable).
Active Variants: Ceiling: 20,000 ft.
•HH-60G. Modified UH-60 helicopter equipped for CSAR. Armament: Two 7.62 mm miniguns or two .50-caliber machine guns.
•HH-60U. Modified UH-60M helicopters utilized by AFMC for utility and Accommodation: two pilots, flight engineer, gunner, two PJs.
test support. Load: TBD.
Dimensions: Rotor diameter 53.6 ft, overall length 64.7 ft, height 16.7 ft.
Power Plant: Two GE Aviation T700-GE-700/701C turboshafts, each
1,560-1,940 shp.
Performance: Speed 184 mph; range 580 miles (farther with air refueling).
Ceiling: 14,000 ft.
Airman 1st Class Bridgitte Taylor

Armament: Two 7.62 mm miniguns or two .50-caliber machine guns.
Accommodation: Two pilots, flight engineer, gunner.
Load: Up to three PJs and four non-ambulatory patients.
Airman 1st Class Karissa Dick
MH-139 GREY WOLF

Missile field security/light lift
Brief: The MH-139 is based on the Leonardo AW139 and is modified with
mission-specific equipment, systems, and armament by prime contractor
HH-60 JOLLY GREEN II Boeing. Features include an open-architecture glass cockpit, weather
Personnel recovery/medium lift radar, enhanced ground proximity warning, radar altimeter, engine IR
signature reduction, and military UHF/SATCOMS. The helicopter also
Brief: The HH-60W is an armed, all-weather day/night CSAR helicopter features defensive systems such as chaff/flares and missile warning,
meant to replace the HH-60G. The type is derived from the UH-60M cockpit and cabin ballistic protection, and crashworthy, self-sealing fuel
Black Hawk and dubbed “Jolly Green II” in honor of the Vietnam-era tanks. AFGSC aircraft will be optionally armed with cabin-mounted 7.62
HH-3 and HH-53. Additional missions include casualty/medical evacua- mm M240 machine guns. USAF awarded Boeing the $2.4 billion UH-1N
tion, disaster and humanitarian response, firefighting, and combat/utility replacement contract on Sept. 24, 2018, following cancellation of the
support. The HH-60W features a fully digital glass cockpit, improved hot earlier Common Vertical Lift Support Program (CVLSP). Requirements
weather/high-altitude performance, onboard self-defenses capable of were driven by the MH-139’s primary ICBM-field security and support role,
defeating higher-end threats, an enlarged cabin, and double the internal but it will eventually replace UH-1Ns in the DV lift and aircrew survival
fuel capacity of the HH-60G. Features include digital RWR, laser/missile/ training roles as well. The service plans to procure up to 80 MH-139s
hostile fire warning, integrated chaff/flares, cabin and cockpit armor, (reduced from 84) through FY27, basing aircraft at JB Andrews, F. E.
externally mounted 7.62 mm and .50-cal weapons, LINK 16, SADL, inte- Warren, Maxwell (schoolhouse), Malmstrom (first operational location),
grated cockpit/cabin displays, advanced comms, ADSB, tactical moving and Minot. Two helicopters will remain at Eglin for systems integration
map displays, upturned IR-masking exhausts, and efficient wide-chord work. Since the commercial AW139 is a mature system, USAF streamlined
rotor blades. USAF awarded Sikorsky Aircraft the $1.28 billion Combat developmental testing to focus on mission requirements. Six engineering
Rescue Helicopter contract to replace the HH-60G on June 26, 2014. USAF development airframes supported initial contractor-led developmental
revised its accelerated procurement plans to buy a total of 75 HH-60Ws flight and ground testing. Test flights at Duke Field in February 2020,
over five lots (decreased from a planned 113 aircraft). A total of 55 LRIP however, uncovered performance-limiting deficiencies in crosswinds,
helicopters would be procured in four lots from FY19 to FY22, with the degraded visual conditions, and austere operating conditions, delaying
final two lots procured through 2024. USAF accepted the first production FAA certification to 2022. The MH-139 received military certification on
aircraft from Sikorsky on May 18, 2021, and requested funds to procure 10 Aug. 12, 2022, and USAF received four helicopters from Boeing to continue
aircraft completing its planned buy in FY23. Congress, however, doubled military-specific developmental testing. AFMC and AFGSC plan to conduct
the FY23 request boosting the overall program to 85 airframes. Planned 15 months of testing on flight envelop expansion and safety, validating
capability improvements include adding Distributed Aperture IR Counter mission suitability, and developing tactics and procedures before launch-
Measure (DAIRCM), jam-resistant GPS, Degraded Visual Environment (DVE) ing operational testing in mid-2024. IOC was initially pegged for 2021
system, Video Data Link (VDL), improved Blue Force Tracker, integrated but slipped due to certification delays. FY23 funds procure five low-rate
system diagnostics, wideband-UHF and narrowband SATCOMS, and production aircraft and a decision to ramp up to full rate production of 15
airspace compliance updates. The HH-60W completed developmental helicopters per year is expected in 2023. USAF officially announced plans
testing and established the helicopter’s baseline configuration ahead of to base 25 MH-139s at JB Andrews, but has yet to solidify early plans to
operational testing starting in April 2022. ACC declared IOC in September replace Hueys at Fairchild and Yokota.

Contractors: Boeing (prime contractor); Leonardo (formerly Agusta- Weight: Max gross 10,500 lb.
Westland) (airframe); Honeywell (avionics). Power Plant: One Honeywell T53-L-703 turboshaft, 1,800 shp (TH-1H);
First Flight: 2019. two Pratt & Whitney Canada T400-CP-400 turboshafts, 1,290 shp (UH-1N).
Delivered: August 2022-present; (USAF/contractor-operated test aircraft Performance: Speed 149 mph, range 300+ miles (UH-1N).
delivered Dec. 19, 2019). Ceiling: 15,000 ft (10,000 ft with 10,000+ lb).
IOC: 2023 (planned). Armament: (Optional) two General Electric 7.62 mm miniguns or two 40
Production: 80 (planned). mm grenade launchers; two seven-tube 2.75-in rocket launchers.
Inventory: Four. Accommodation: Two pilots, flight engineer.
Operator: AFMC. Planned: AETC, Air Force District of Washington, Load: Six to 13 passengers (depending on fuel, equipment, and atmo-
AFGSC, AFRC. spheric conditions) or up to six litters or, without seats, bulky, oversize
Aircraft Location: Duke Field, Fla. Planned: F. E. Warren AFB, Wyo.; JB cargo (UH-1N).
Andrews, Md.; Malmstrom AFB, Mont.; Maxwell AFB, Ala.; Minot AFB,
N.D.; TBD. TRAINER AIRCRAFT
Active Variants:
•MH-139A. Military version of the Agusta Westland AW139 for utility
Senior Airman Tyler McQuiston

support and light lift.
Dimensions: Rotor diameter 45.2 ft, length 54.7 ft, height 16.3 ft.
Weight: Max gross 14,110 lb.
Power Plant: Two Pratt & Whitney PT6C-67C turboshaft, each 1,100 shp.
Performance: Speed 167 mph, range 890 miles.
Ceiling: 20,000 ft.
Armament: Two M240 7.62 mm machine guns (mission dependent).
Accommodation: Two pilots, flight engineer.
Load: 15 passengers (depending on fuel, equipment, and atmospheric
conditions) or up to four litters and five medical personnel.
T-1 JAYHAWK
Advanced trainer
Brief: The T-1A is a military version of the Beechcraft 400A business

jet used in the advanced phase of JSUPT for tanker/transport pilot and
CSO training pipelines. The cockpit seats an instructor and two students.
Militarization includes UHF/VHF radios, INS, TACAN, airborne direction
Airman 1st Class Stassney Davis
finder, increased bird-strike resistance, and an additional fuselage fuel

tank. CSO training aircraft also incorporate GPS-driven synthetic aper-
ture radar (SAR) and simulated RWR, as well as a second student and
instructor station. Upgrade efforts are focused on avionics modernization
and include new MFD and terrain collision avoidance systems. USAF
awarded a $156 million Avionics Modernization Program (AMP) contract
to replace the type’s obsolescent flight deck with a commercial glass
cockpit in 2018, and the first modified aircraft flew in March 2019. A total
of 55 aircraft (including all CSO-training aircraft) were upgraded through
October 2021. USAF announced plans to divest the majority of the fleet
UH-1 HUEY/IROQUOIS starting in FY23 citing cost-prohibitive obsolescence issues. The service
Light lift/training plans to retain only the 21 CSO-configured trainers at Pensacola, relying
instead on simulators to conduct mobility pilot qualifications.
Brief: The UH-1N aircraft initially provided search and rescue capabili-
ties before replacing earlier Huey variants in the ICBM field security and Contractors: Beechcraft (airframe); Field Aerospace/Collins Aerospace
support role. UH-1Ns also provide administrative/DV lift to U.S. National (AMP).
Capital Region at JB Andrews and U.S. Forces-Japan at Yokota, as well Operator: AETC.
as supporting aircrew survival training at Fairchild. The TH-1H fleet First Flight: July 5, 1991.
provides Air Force helicopter pilot training at Fort Novosel (formerly Delivered: Jan. 17, 1992-July 1997.
Fort Rucker). USAF converted all single-engine UH-1H models to TH-1H IOC: January 1993.
variants, extending their service lives by at least 20 years. USAF awarded Production: 180.
Boeing the $2.4 billion UH-1N replacement contract for up to 84 MH-139s Inventory: 177.
in 2018, but contract delays pushed initial fielding to 2023 or beyond. Aircraft Location: Columbus AFB, Miss.; Laughlin AFB and JBSA-Randolph,
The fleet recently received NVG-compatible cockpits, upgraded sensors, Texas; Vance AFB, Okla.; NAS Pensacola, Fla.
and safety and sustainment improvements. The ongoing SLEP of up to Active Variant:
63 airframes aims to bridge the gap until the MH-139A is fielded. USAF •T-1A. Military trainer version of Beechcraft 400A.
planned to begin retiring the fleet in 2022 with full retirement by 2032, Dimensions: Span 43.5 ft, length 48.4 ft, height 13.9 ft.
though no airframes have yet been divested. The UH-1N is the only DOD Weight: Max T-O 16,100 lb.
aircraft fleet to consistently achieve its target mission capable rate over Power Plant: Two Pratt & Whitney Canada JT15D-5B turbofans, each
the past decade. 2,900 lb thrust.
Contractors: Bell Helicopter; Lockheed Martin (TH-1H prime). Ceiling: 41,000 ft.
First Flight: April 1969 (UH-1N). Accommodation: Three pilots (two students side-by-side, instructor
Delivered: September 1970-1974; November 2005-2013 (TH-1H). in jump-seat); one pilot, one CSO trainee side-by side, instructor in
IOC: October 1970 (UH-1N); circa 2009 (TH-1H). jump-seat, one radar/system student and one instructor at aft-consoles
Production: 28 (TH-1H); 79 (USAF UH-1Ns). (CSO-training configured aircraft).
Inventory: 28 (TH-1H); 63 (UH-1N).
Operator: AETC, Air Force District of Washington, AFGSC, AFMC, PACAF. T-6 TEXAN II
Aircraft Location: Eglin AFB, Fla.; Fairchild AFB, Wash.; F. E. Warren AFB, Primary trainer
Wyo.; Fort Novosel, Ala.; JB Andrews, Md.; Kirtland AFB, N.M.; Malmstrom
AFB, Mont.; Minot AFB, N.D.; Yokota AB, Japan. Brief: The T-6 is a joint Air Force/Navy undergraduate pilot trainer
Active Variants: developed under the Joint Primary Aircraft Training System program.
•TH-1H. Modified twin-engine version of UH-1H used for flight training. The aircraft is based on the Swiss-designed Pilatus PC-9, and the Navy
•UH-1N. Military version of the Bell 212 used for utility support and light lift. version is designated T-6B. Mods include a strengthened fuselage, zero/
Dimensions: Rotor diameter 48 ft, length 57 ft, height 13 ft. (TH-1H); rotor zero ejection seats, upgraded engine, increased fuel capacity, pressurized
diameter 48 ft, length 57.1 ft, height 12.8 ft. (UH-1N). cockpit, bird-resistant canopy, and digital avionics with sunlight-readable

downtime and life cycle cost. T-7A is being developed in tandem with
the Ground-Based Training System simulator and courseware to provide
AETC with a seamless, comprehensive flight training program. The first of
two “production ready” airframes flew from Boeing’s facility at St. Louis
Jet Fabra/USAF
on Dec. 21, 2016, launching initial flight testing. Boeing rolled out the first
of five Engineering and Manufacturing Development aircraft on April 28,
2022, which will begin flight-envelope expansion at Edwards.
USAF reduced funding in FY22 due to supply chain delays and additional
testing required to assess the instability at high angles of attack noted in
LCDs. The tandem student and instructor positions are interchangeable, early trials. Software fixes were implemented to cure the stability problems
including single-pilot operation from either seat. The T-6 is fully aerobatic but ejection seat issues are now delaying the low-rate production deci-
and features an anti-G system. USAF production was completed in 2010, sion by more than a year to late 2025. Initial operational testing should
with an expected service life of 21 years. Ongoing mods include a crash- begin in late 2023, with delivery of five additional test assets by FY24.
survivable flight data recorder, updated training aids and Next-Generation USAF plans to procure an initial 351 aircraft with the first production T-7A
Onboard Oxygen Generation System (OBOGS) to combat hypoxia-like slated for delivery to Randolph.
incidents. Improved maintenance and inspections have resulted in an 82
percent reduction in hypoxic incidents and will continue until fleetwide Contractors: Boeing-SAAB; General Electric (engine); Collins Aerospace
retrofit is completed in mid-2024. USAF recently sought information (cockpit/ejection seats).
from industry to replace the T-6A’s aging HUD cockpit displays and First Flight: Dec. 20, 2016 (T-X).
interface, integrate simulated air-to-air/air-to-ground weapons and EW, Delivered: 2023 onward (planned).
and modernize debriefing aids. Future development includes controlled IOC: 2026 (planned).
flight into terrain avoidance systems. A total of 76 T-6s and 203 T-38s Production: 351 (planned).
were temporarily grounded for ejection seat inspections in July 2022, due Inventory: Three (contractor-owned test airframes).
to initiator defect concerns. Operator: Boeing, AFMC; Planned: AETC.
Aircraft Location: Edwards AFB, Calif. Planned: Columbus AFB, Miss.;
Contractor: Beechcraft/Textron Aviation Defense (formerly Raytheon). Laughlin AFB, JBSA- Randolph, and Sheppard AFB, Texas; Vance AFB, Okla.
First Flight: July 15, 1998. Active Variants:
Delivered: May 2000-May 2010. •T-7A. Developmental next-generation advanced trainer.
IOC: May 2000. Dimensions: Span 30.6 ft, length 46.9 ft, height 13.5 ft.
Production: 452 (USAF); 328 (USN). Weight: Max T-O 12,125 lb.
Inventory: 442 (USAF). Power Plant: General Electric F404-GE-103 augmented turbofan, 17,200
Operator: AETC, USN. lb thrust.
Aircraft Location: USAF: Columbus AFB, Miss.; Laughlin AFB, JBSA- Performance: Speed Mach 1+, range approx. 1,140 miles.
Randolph, and Sheppard AFB, Texas; Vance AFB, Okla.; NAS Pensacola, Fla. Ceiling: 50,000 ft+.
Active Variants: Accommodation: Two pilots on ACES 5 zero/zero ejection seats.
•T-6A. Joint service primary training aircraft, based on the Pilatus PC-9.
Weight: Max T-O 8,300 lb (T-6).
Power Plant: One Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-68 turboprop, 1,100 shp.
Ceiling: 31,000 ft.
Accommodation: Two pilots on Martin Baker MK16LA zero/zero ejec-
tion seats.
Staff Sgt. Joseph Pick

T-38 TALON
Advanced trainer
Brief: The T-38 was the first supersonic trainer aircraft and primarily
Boeing
serves AETC’s advanced JSUPT fighter/bomber tracks and Introduction to

Fighter Fundamentals. The aircraft is used to teach supersonic techniques,
aerobatics, formation, night and instrument flying, and cross-country/
T-7A RED HAWK low-level navigation. The T-38 is also used by the USAF Test Pilot School
Advanced trainer to train test pilots and flight-test engineers and by ACC and AFGSC as a
companion trainer to maintain pilot proficiency. ACC uses regenerated
Brief: The T-7A Red Hawk is the Air Force’s developmental next-generation, T-38s as dedicated Aggressor aircraft for F-22 training and companion
supersonic advanced jet trainer. The service selected the joint-venture trainers for the B-2 and U-2 programs. T-38Bs are equipped with a gunsight
Boeing-SAAB aircraft as the winner of its $9.2 billion “T-X” competition and centerline station for mounting external stores including ECM pod/
to replace the T-38 on Sept. 20, 2018. The Air Force dubbed the type practice bomb dispensers. Aircraft were redesignated T-38Cs after avionics
“Red Hawk” in honor of the WWII Tuskegee Airmen. The T-7A was rap- modernization that added a glass cockpit and HUD, color MFDs, mission
idly developed in fewer than three years using digital design techniques computer, integrated INS/GPS, and reshaped engine inlets. T-38s were
earning USAF’s initial “e” prefix designating it part of the “Digital Cen- designed for 7,000 flying hours but many have surpassed 20,000 hours,
tury Series” to quickly field new, low-cost designs. eT-7A was designed requiring life-extension to bridge the gap to replacement by the T-7A.
from the outset to replicate the systems and performance of advanced Pacer Classic III is the type’s third structural renewal effort and the most
fourth- and fifth-generation aircraft including high-G/high angle of attack intensive in its history. It replaces major longerons, bulkheads/formers,
performance and a blend of synthetic and onboard systems, including intakes, internal skins, and structural floors on 180 high-risk T-38Cs. The
simulated radar, defensive systems, data links, and smart weapons. It first airframe was redelivered in 2015 and a total of 18 aircraft will undergo
incorporates fly-by-wire controls, a fully digital glass cockpit, “stadium rework in FY23. An additional 161 T-38s will receive selected structural
seating” to improve backseat visibility, next-gen ACES 5 ejection seats, improvements to address longeron and bulkhead fatigue due to extended
modular systems architecture, and maintainer-friendly design to cut use. Other key efforts also include digital cockpit display replacement, HUD

and flight data-transfer refresh, and navigation system fixes to prevent FalconSat-8 as well as conduct a demonstration converting solar to RF
spatial disorientation. A total of 203 T-38s and 76 T-6s were temporarily microwave energy and transmitting it back to Earth.
grounded for ejection seat inspections in July 2022 due to initiator defect
concerns. T-38s were involved in two significant mishaps at Columbus Contractor: Boeing.
in 2022, an ejection due to controllability problems on departure Nov. 7, Operator: USSF SPoC, Delta 9 Detachment 1, (DEL 9 Det 1).
and a gear-up landing 12 days later. First Launch: April 22, 2010.
IOC: N/A.
Contractors: Northrop Grumman; Boeing (sustainment); CPI Aerostruc- Launch Vehicle: Atlas V, Falcon 9.
tures (Pacer Classic III kits). Production: Two.
First Flight: April 1959 (T-38A); July 8, 1998 (T-38C). Inventory: Two.
Delivered: 1961-72 (T-38A); 2002-07 (T-38C). Operational Location: Cape Canaveral SFS, Fla. (launch/landing); Van-
IOC: March 1961. denberg SFB, Calif., Kennedy Space Center, Fla. (landing).
Production: 1,187. Active Variant:
Inventory: 53 (T-38A); six (AT-38B); 438 (T-38C). •X-37B. DARPA/USAF-developed Orbital Test Vehicles.
Operator: ACC, AETC, AFGSC, AFMC. Dimensions: Span 14 ft, length 29.25 ft (without service module), height 9.5 ft.
Aircraft Location: Beale AFB and Edwards AFB, Calif.; Columbus AFB, Weight: 11,000 lb at launch.
Miss.; Holloman AFB, N.M.; JB Langley-Eustis, Va.; JBSA-Randolph and Propulsion: Single liquid-propellant rocket motor.
Sheppard AFB, Texas; Eglin AFB (temporarily relocated from Tyndall AFB), Endurance: 908+ days on orbit.
Fla., Vance AFB, Okla.; Whiteman AFB, Mo. Orbit Altitude: Low-Earth orbit (LEO) at 110-500 miles.
Active Variants: Power: Gallium arsenide solar cells with lithium-ion batteries.
•T-38A. Upgraded version with Pacer Classic I and II mods.
•AT-38B. Armed weapons training version.
•T-38C. Modernized airframes incorporating glass cockpits and upgraded
engines.
Power Plant: Two General Electric J85-GE-5 augmented turbojets, each
Kyle Brasier/USAF
2,900 lb thrust.
Ceiling: 55,000 ft+.
Accommodation: Two pilots on Martin Baker US16T zero/zero ejection seats.
EXPERIMENTAL AND TEST VEHICLES

X-62 VARIABLE-STABILITY IN-FLIGHT TEST AIRCRAFT
In-flight simulator
Brief: The X-62 Variable-stability In-flight Simulator Test Aircraft (VISTA)

is a highly modified F-16D Block 30 capable of replicating the flight
characteristics of a wide array of aircraft. VISTA was initially modified
to support the Multi-Axis Thrust-Vectoring (MATV) program that tested
the combat potential of high-angle-of-attack maneuver starting in July
1993. VISTA completed 95 test flights with the Axisymmetric Vectoring
Exhaust Nozzle (AVEN) and General Electric F110-GE-100 engine before
USAF
the program terminated in 1994. The aircraft subsequently became a

mainstay of the USAF Test Pilot School, training test pilots and flight-
X-37B ORBITAL TEST VEHICLE test engineers to evaluate unstable or unpredictable aircraft with relative
Orbital test safety. The VISTA aircraft recently aided in the development and testing
of Automatic Integrated Collision Avoidance Systems (ICAS), enhancing
Brief: X-37B is an unmanned experimental Orbital Test Vehicle (OTV) the safety of the F-16 and other fighter fleets. Originally designated NF-
aimed at developing and maturing a reusable space-launch capability 16D, the aircraft was equipped with the VISTA Simulation System (VSS)
and conducting classified, extended, on-orbit missions/experiments and/ which could generate differing flight dynamics for the pilot, linked to a
or launching small satellites. NASA began the X-37 program in 1999, with second control stick in the cockpit. VISTA incorporates an enlarged dorsal
the intention of building two demonstrators to validate technologies for spine for additional equipment as well as a drag chute in common with
both launch/on-orbit flight, and reentry/landing. Only the Approach and some export variants of the F-16. It was redesignated X-62 in 2021 as
Landing Test Vehicle (ALTV) was built before NASA handed over the part of a radical modernization effort that included upgrading VSS and
program to DARPA, which completed ALTV captive-carry/drop testing integrating the new System for Autonomous Control of Simulation (SACS)
with the subscale X-40A in 2006. The X-37B is based on NASA’s notional and Model Following Algorithm (MFA). The X-62 flew a series of tests
OTV and is boosted into low-Earth orbit atop a standard Atlas V or SpaceX with the new systems, including a 17-hour flight controlled by artificial
Falcon 9 launch vehicle for long-endurance space missions. The craft intelligence in December 2022. Open-architecture upgrades now permit
has an internal payload bay similar to the Space Shuttle orbiter’s and rapid reprogramming to replicate a broader variety of aircraft including
can deploy satellites or conduct on-orbit experimentation. The vehicle uncrewed platforms. Air Force Research Laboratory plans to employ the
autonomously re-enters the atmosphere upon command from a ground upgraded X-62 supporting its Skyborg paired, autonomous aircraft test
control station (GCS), and it lands conventionally on the runway. Devel- program starting in 2024. The X-62 is operated in partnership with Calspan
opment includes advanced guidance, navigation and controls, avionics, Aviation and continues to support the Air Force Test Pilot School syllabus
thermal-resistant materials, propulsion, and autonomous control systems. in addition to test work.
The program’s two test vehicles have successfully completed six orbital
missions. The first mission (OTV-1) launched in 2010 and remained on Contractors: Lockheed Martin; Calspan Aviation (VISTA VSS).
orbit 224 days. The OTV-2 and OTV-3 missions launched in 2011 and 2012, First Flight: April 1992 (NF-16D VISTA).
and remained on orbit 468 days and 674 days, respectively. The OTV-4 Delivered: January 1995.
mission remained aloft for 718 days and landed at Cape Canaveral for IOC: 1992.
the first time on March 25, 2017. The OTV-5 mission marked the type’s Production: One.
first launch atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 on Sept. 7, 2017, setting a new record Inventory: One.
of 780 days on orbit, returning to Earth on Oct. 27, 2019. USSF launched Operator: AFMC (AFRL, AFTPS).
its inaugural X-37B mission, OTV-6 (USSF-7), on May 17, 2020, which Aircraft Location: Edwards AFB, Calif.
surpassed all previous flights, logging 908 days on orbit before landing Active Variants:
at Kennedy Space Center on Nov. 12, 2022. OTV-6 was equipped with an •X-62A. Highly modified F-16D Variable stability In-Flight Simulator
aft-mounted service module enabling it to carry a larger research payload. Aircraft (VISTA).
The craft successfully deployed the U.S. Air Force Academy’s experimental Dimensions: Span 32.8 ft, length 49.3 ft, height 16.7 ft.

Power Plant: F100-PW-229 augmented turbofan, 29,000 lb thrust.
Performance: Speed Mach 2+, range 3,200 miles.
Ceiling: 50,000 ft.
Accommodation: Two pilots on ACES II zero/zero ejection seats.
UNCREWED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS
Tech. Sgt. Emerson Nuñez

JDAM targeting and dismounted target tracking. A Reaper system comprises
three aircraft, GCS, LOS/BLOS satellite and terrestrial data links, support
Sara Vidoni/USAF
equipment/personnel, and crews for deployed 24-hour operations. MQ-9B
debuted in combat in Afghanistan in 2007. The fleet is split between earlier
Block 1 and later Block 5 aircraft that are retrofitted to meet operational
needs. Extended Range (ER) mods add external fuel tanks, a four-bladed
propeller, engine alcohol/water injection, heavyweight landing gear, longer
wings and tail surfaces, and other enhancements. A total of 106 Block 1
BMQ-167 SUBSCALE AERIAL TARGET aircraft were upgraded to ER standards through 2020, and the Block 5
Full-scale aerial target fleet is currently undergoing mods. General Atomics successfully flew the
future MQ-9 Multi-Domain Operations (M2DO) configuration for the first
Brief: BQM-167A is a subscale, unmanned aerial target and threat simulator time Nov. 10, 2022. M2DO offers enhanced data link and control robust-
serving missile/weapons development, testing, validation, and training ness, plug-and-play system integration, and double the power to integrate
over the Eglin Test and Training Range. The 82nd Aerial Targets Squad- future advanced sensors, systems, and algorithms. M2DO enhancements
ron employs the cheaper subscale targets to complement its QF-16 full include anti-jam GPS, Link 16, internet-protocol and modular mission system
scale aerial target fleet operating from Tyndall. The BQM-167 is boosted architecture, enhanced C2 resiliency, and greater flight autonomy/automa-
to flying speed from a launch rail via a solid-fuel Rocket-Assisted Take tion. Ongoing mods include ER conversions, DAS-4 high-definition EO/IR
Off (RATO) motor that is then jettisoned. BQM-167 is capable of repre- sensor, data link, GPS, and Gorgon Stare improvements, reliability mods,
senting air targets maneuvering at up to 9 Gs at speeds up to Mach 0.91 and capability enhancements. The service is transitioning the fleet from
and altitudes between 50 and 50,000 feet. The drone is constructed of counterinsurgency to future roles in or near contested airspace. Reapers
durable, lightweight composites, equipped with a recovery parachute, demonstrated a maritime support, C2, and ISR role flying from forward
and depending on its condition capable of being refurbished and reused. operating locations in the Pacific as well as conducting tactical SATCOM
BQM-167s incorporate a scoring system and a range of threat-simulating Automatic Take-Off and Land Capability (ATLC) operations in 2022. ATLC
systems/stores, including IFF, EA pods, IR/radar countermeasures as well enables MQ-9 to operate from any airfield in the world without a line-of-
as IR/radar signature augmentation to simulate a variety of threats. The sight ground station vastly increasing its flexibility. USAF plans to retire
Air Force competitively awarded the first BQM-167 production contract Block 1s by 2024 followed by the highest-time Block 5 airframes through
in 2002 and most recently awarded a $338 million contract for Lot 17 2027. Plans call for retaining 140 Reapers through 2035, until a more surviv-
through 21 covering 79 targets in September 2021. FY23 funds support able, flexible, and advanced platform can be fielded. An MQ-9 was lost in
production of 17 subscale targets. An F-15EX successfully shot down a a high-profile mid-air collision with a Russian Su-27 following a botched
BMQ-167 on its first live-fire shot using an AIM-120D missile over the intercept in international airspace over the Black Sea on March 14, 2023.
Eglin range in January 2022.
Contractors: General Atomics Aeronautical Systems; L3Harris; Raytheon
Contractors: Kratos Unmanned Aerial Systems. (sensors).
First Flight: Dec. 8, 2004. First Flight: February 2001.
Delivered: 2004-present. Delivered: November 2003-present.
IOC: 2008. IOC: October 2007; 2015 (ER).
Production: 800+ (planned). Production: 338.
Inventory: Approx. 37. Inventory: 338.
Operator: ACC. Operator: ACC, AFMC, AFRC (associate), AFSOC, ANG.
Aircraft Location: Tyndall AFB, Fla. Aircraft Location: Cannon AFB, N.M.; Creech AFB, Nev.; Eglin AFB, Fla.;
Active Variants: Ellington Field, Texas; Fort Drum, N.Y.; Fort Huachuca, Ariz.; Hancock Field,
•BQM-167A. Subscale aerial target. N.Y.; Hector Arpt., N.D.; Holloman AFB, N.M.; March ARB, Calif.; Nellis
Dimensions: Span 10.5 ft, length 20 ft, height 4 ft. AFB, Nev., and deployed locations worldwide. Planned: Tyndall AFB, Fla.;
Weight: Max T-O 2,050 lb. Whiteman AFB, Mo.
Power Plant: MicroTurbo (Safran) Tri 60-5 turbofan, 1,000 lb thrust. GCS Location: Cannon AFB, N.M.; Creech AFB, Nev.; Battle Creek ANGB,
Performance: Speed Mach 0.91, range unknown. Mich.; Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz.; Des Moines Arpt., Iowa; Ellington Field,
Ceiling: 50,000 ft. Texas; Ellsworth AFB, S.D.; Fort Smith Arpt., Ark.; Hancock Field, N.Y.; Hector
Defensive Systems: Chaff/flares, EA pods, IR/RF wing pods (augmentation). Arpt., N.D.; Holloman AFB, N.M.; Horsham AGS, Pa.; Hurlburt Field, Fla.;
Accommodation: Preprogramed, unmanned. March ARB, Calif.; Springfield-Beckley Arpt., Ohio. Planned: Niagara Falls
Arpt., N.Y.; Shaw AFB, S.C.; Tyndall AFB, Fla.; Whiteman AFB, Mo.
Active Variants:
MQ-9 REAPER •MQ-9B Reaper Block 1. Air Force version of the General Atomics Predator B.
Attack/armed reconnaissance •MQ-9B Reaper Block 5. Improved, current production Reaper.
•MQ-9B Reaper ER. Extended-range MQ-9 with external fuel tanks, longer
Brief: The MQ-9B is a medium- to high-altitude, long-endurance hunter- wings, and other enhancements.
killer RPA, primarily tasked with eliminating time-critical and high-value Dimensions: Span 66 ft (79 ft, ER), length 36 ft, height 12.5 ft.
targets in permissive environments. Additional roles include CAS, CSAR, Weight: Max T-O 10,500 lb.
precision strike, armed overwatch, target development/designation, and Power Plant: One Honeywell TPE331-10GD turboprop, max 900 shp.
terminal weapon guidance. The MQ-9 fulfills a secondary tactical ISR role Performance: Cruise speed 230 mph, range 1,150 miles, endurance 27
utilizing its Multispectral Targeting System-B (MTS-B), upgraded Lynx SAR, hr; 34 hr (ER).
and/or Gorgon Stare wide-area surveillance (fielded on seven modified Ceiling: 50,000 ft.
aircraft). MTS-B integrates EO/ IR, color/ monochrome daylight TV, image- Armament: Combination of AGM-114 Hellfire (up to eight), GBU-12/49
intensified TV, and a laser designator/ illuminator. MTS-B provides FMV Paveway II, and GBU-38 JDAMs.
as separate video streams or fused together. The MQ-9 employs SAR for Accommodation: Pilot, sensor operator (operating from GCS).

the Block 40, which declared initial operating capability with the Allied
Ground Surveillance fleet in 2021. FY23 funds support Block 40 and
Airman 1st Class Emily Kenney

Ground Station sustainment through planned retirement in 2027. The
Ground Station Modernization Program is currently fielding a completely
redesigned “cockpit” that incorporates aircraft control, system and ISR
sensor monitoring, data dissemination, and adds automated sensor
operations and mission planning.
Contractors: Northrop Grumman; Raytheon; L3Harris.

First Flight: Feb. 28, 1998.
Delivered: August 2003-present.
IOC: August 2011 (Block 30); August 2016 (Block 40).
QF-16 FULL-SCALE AERIAL TARGET Production: 45 (USAF).
Full-scale aerial target Inventory: Nine (Block 40); two (Block 30).
Operator: ACC, AFMC.
Brief: QF-16 is a manned/unmanned aerial target and threat simulator Aircraft Location: Edwards AFB, Calif.; Grand Forks AFB, N.D. (Block
serving missile/weapons development, testing, validation, and training.
QF-16s began replacing the dwindling and obsolescent QF-4 Full-Scale
Aerial Target (FSAT) starting in 2015, through the type’s retirement in
December 2017. QF-16s are capable of manned or “not under live local
operator” (NULLO) control operations. The first of 13 LRIP QF-16s was
delivered to Tyndall in early 2015. Boeing is under contract to deliver
converted airframes in six production lots through April 2025. FY23 funds
will procure 10 conversions under a follow-on contract. Recent upgrades
include EA pod and software modernization to more accurately replicate
adversary capabilities and tactics, ground-control modernization, and
threat realism/countermeasure improvements. Boeing and USAF opened
Senior Airman Ashley Richards

a second QF-16 conversion line at Davis-Monthan to augment production
at Cecil Field in Jacksonville, Fla., in 2020, which delivered approximately
75 conversions before closing in July 2022. Conversions will continue at
Davis-Monthan through the life of the program. USAF is seeking a follow-
on supersonic Next Generation Aerial Target (NGAT) to better replicate
advanced adversary platforms’ performance, radar, IR, and system sig-
natures. The service plans to fund the final QF-16 conversions in FY24.
Contractors: Lockheed Martin; Boeing (drone conversion).

First Flight: May 4, 2012. 40); forward operating locations: Andersen AFB, Guam; NAS Sigonella,
Delivered: February 2015-present. Italy; Yokota AB, Japan.
IOC: Sept. 23, 2016. Active Variants:
Production: 126 (planned). •RQ-4B Block 30. Multi-intelligence platform equipped with EO/IR, SAR
Inventory: 14 (QF-16A); 60 (QF-16C). and SIGINT sensors.
Operator: ACC. •RQ-4B Block 40. AESA and SAR equipped ground moving target indica-
Aircraft Location: Holloman AFB, N.M.; Tyndall AFB, Fla. tion (GMTI) and battlefield ISR platform.
Active Variants: Dimensions: Span 130.9 ft, length 47.6 ft, height 15.3 ft.
•QF-16A. Converted from retired F-16A Block 15. Weight: Max T-O 32,250 lb; max payload 3,000 lb.
•QF-16C. Converted from retired F-16C Block 25 and Block 30. Power Plant: One Rolls-Royce North American F137-RR-100 turbofan,
Dimensions: Span 32.8 ft, length 49.3 ft, height 16.7 ft. 7,600 lb thrust.
Weight: Max T-O 37,500 lb. Performance: Speed 356.5 mph, range 14,150 miles, endurance 32+ hrs
Power Plant: Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-200 augmented turbofan, 23,830 (24 hrs on-station loiter at 1,200 miles).
lb thrust (Block 15); Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-220 augmented turbofan, Ceiling: 60,000 ft.
23,830 lb thrust (Block 25); GE Aviation F110-GE-100 augmented turbofan, Accommodation: LRE Pilot, MCE pilot, MCE sensor operator (operat-
29,000 lb thrust (Block 30). ing from LRE/MCE) and/or maintainer at four work-stations (in GSMP-
Performance: Speed Mach 2, ferry range 2,000+ miles. upgraded ground segments).
Ceiling: 50,000 ft.
Defensive Systems/stores: Chaff/flares; EA pods: ALQ-188, ALQ-167;
Towed Aerial Target Gunnery System.
Accommodation: Safety pilot (optional) on ACES II zero/zero ejection seat.
RQ-4 GLOBAL HAWK

High-altitude reconnaissance
Brief: The Global Hawk is a strategic, long-endurance, high-altitude “deep

look” ISR platform complementing satellite and manned ISR. The system
consists of the aircraft and sensors, launch and recovery element (LRE),
mission control element (MCE), and comms/mission planning cell. The
preproduction Block 10 debuted in combat in 2001 and retired in 2011.
Block 20 was initially equipped with the Enhanced Integrated Sensor Suite
USAF
(EISS) for imagery intelligence (IMINT). Five were eventually converted as

EQ-4B Battlefield Airborne Communications Node (BACN) relays before
being retired in 2021. Block 30 was a multi-intelligence fleet equipped RQ-170 SENTINEL
with EO/IR, SAR, and SIGINT sensors. ACC’s final Block 30 departed Unmanned surveillance and reconnaissance
Beale on July 7, 2022, destined for conversion by Northrop Grumman
as a telemetry platform to support hypersonic weapons testing. Block Brief: RQ-170 is an unmanned, stealthy, penetrating, day/night tactical ISR
40 is a ground-moving target surveillance platform equipped with the platform. Although the RQ-170 was still under development and testing,
Multiplatform Radar Technology Insertion Program (MP-RTIP) and the USAF employed it in Southwest Asia during Enduring Freedom. The RPA
last USAF variant remaining in service. Its AESA and SAR simultaneously was developed in response to DOD’s call for additional RPA support for
conduct moving target and cruise missile tracking, as well as stationary combatant commanders. USAF publicly acknowledged the aircraft after
imagery collection. NATO operates a pooled fleet of RQ-4Ds based on photos appeared in foreign news media of operations over Afghanistan

in 2009. The type is operated by the 432nd Wing at Creech and the 30th
Reconnaissance Squadron at Tonopah Test Range. In 2011, an RQ-170 was
captured almost intact by Iranian forces. Iran allegedly reverse-engineered
Giancarlo Casem/USAF
a copy of the aircraft, which the Israeli Air Force reported shooting down
during an engagement inside Israeli territory on Feb. 10, 2018. The RQ-170
took part in a joint exercise at Nellis in August 2020, testing its ability
to accompany a B-2 on penetrating operations aided by SEAD F-35s.
Contractor: Lockheed Martin.

Operator: ACC.
GCS Location: Creech AFB, Nev.; Tonopah Test Range, Nev.
Aircraft Location: Tonopah Test Range, Nev.; deployed worldwide. AGM-183 AIR-LAUNCHED RAPID RESPONSE WEAPON (ARRW)
Known Active Variant: Hypersonic air-to-surface weapon
•RQ-170. No data available.
Dimensions: Span 65.6 ft, length 14.75 ft. Brief: The AGM-183A is a developmental boost-glide hypersonic missile to
provide future, nonnuclear strike against time-sensitive, heavily defended,
STRATEGIC WEAPONS high-value targets from standoff range. The missile is designed to acceler-
ate to speeds well in excess of Mach 5 before releasing a non-powered
glide vehicle that maneuvers a warhead to the intended target. USAF
completed a series of seven captive flight-tests utilizing an instrumented
test article on a B-52H at Edwards, culminating in an aborted boost-test in
December 2020. An attempted boost test over the Point Mugu Test Range
on April 5, 2021, failed to leave the aircraft. A third attempt on July 28, 2021,
Airman 1st Class Jacob Wrightsman

proved safe separation and targeting acquisition but the booster failed to
ignite. USAF conducted a series of six ground detonations quantifying the
characteristics of the weapon’s warhead in early FY22. ARRW achieved
safe separation and booster ignition for the first time on May 14, 2022,
attaining Mach 5 after release from a B-52. A second successful launch
on July 12 concluded booster testing, paving the way for operational test-
ing. An AGM-183 completed the first live-fire test of a full-up weapon on
Dec. 9, 2022, successfully flying its planned route before impacting the
predetermined target. The second all-up weapon test on March 13, 2023,
however, failed to meet all test objectives. USAF plans two additional all-
up weapons tests in FY23, and the weapon’s currently being evaluated for
AGM-86 AIR-LAUNCHED CRUISE MISSILE (ALCM) lethality against intended targets and survivability in an advanced threat
Strategic air-to-surface cruise missile environment. Transition to an early operational capability was postponed
due to early test setbacks, and USAF now plans to end testing with the
Brief: The AGM-86 is a low-level, penetrating nuclear strike weapon for final two shots in FY23. ARRW still requires cyber and EW vulnerability
use against strategic surface targets. ALCM’s small radar signature and assessment, and previously planned operational deployment on the B-52
low-level flight capability enhance the missile’s effectiveness. The nuclear and B-1, and possibly F-15E/EX are uncertain.
AGM-86B was the first production version with a total of 1,715 delivered
through 1986. USAF plans to cut the inventory from its current level to Contractor: Lockheed Martin.
an eventual 528 ALCM. Some ALCMs were modified for conventional First Flight: May 14, 2022.
use with INS/GPS-guidance and a blast fragmentation warhead and Delivered: TBD.
redelivered in 1987 as the AGM-86C CALCM. CALCM was operationally IOC: 2022 (planned).
employed for the first time in Desert Storm and widely used in subse- Production: TBD.
quent operations. CALCM was capable of adverse weather, day/night, Inventory: N/A.
air-to-surface, accurate, standoff strike at ranges greater than 500 miles. Operator: AFMC, Planned: AFGSC.
The AGM-86D was CALCM’s Block II penetrator version with AUP-3(M) Unit Location: Edwards AFB, Calif.
warhead used for standoff strikes on hardened, deeply buried targets in Active Variants:
Afghanistan. CALCM was retired in early 2019 and the remaining AGM- •AGM-183A. Developmental prototype hypersonic boost-glide weapon.
186C/D were sent to Barksdale for storage awaiting disposal. ALCM is Dimensions: Unknown.
undergoing SLEP/component remanufacture to stretch its service life to Weight: Unknown.
2030, pending replacement by the Long-Range Standoff (LRSO) missile. Propulsion: Solid fuel rocket.
USAF awarded technology-maturation and risk-reduction contracts for Performance: Mach 5+, range approx. 1,000 miles.
the LRSO in 2017, resulting in the selection and continued development Guidance: Unk.
of Raytheon’s AGM-181 Long-Range Standoff Weapon in April 2020. Plans Warhead: Boost-glide vehicle with explosive warhead.
call for fielding the nuclear AGM-181 by the late 2020s, possibly followed Integration: Planned: B-1B, B-52H, F-15E, F-15EX.
by a conventional derivative thereafter.
Contractor: Boeing.
Airman 1st Class Devan Halstead
First Flight: June 1979 (full-scale development).

Delivered: 1981-1986.
IOC: December 1982 (B); January 1991 (C); November 2001 (D).
Production: 1,715.
Inventory: Approx. 536 (B).
Operator: AFGSC.
Unit Location: Barksdale AFB, La.; Minot AFB, N.D.
Active Variants:
•AGM-86B. Nuclear ALCM variant.
Dimensions: Span 12 ft, length 20.8 ft, body diameter 2 ft.
Weight: 3,150 lb. B61 THERMONUCLEAR BOMB
Power Plant: Williams/Teledyne CAE F107-WR-10 turbofan, 600 lb thrust. Air-to-surface thermonuclear bomb
Performance: Speed 550 mph, range 1,500+ miles (B).
Guidance: Inertial plus Terrain Contour Matching (B). Brief: B61 is an air-dropped battlefield/tactical nuclear weapon equipping
Warhead: W80-1 nuclear warhead (B). the F-16 and F-15E in the forward-deployed, allied extended deterrent role.
Estimated Yield: W80-1 warhead: five-150 kilotons (preselectable). It is also the B-2’s primary strategic weapon. B61 was first delivered in
Integration: B-52H. 1966, and the B61 Mod 11 introduced in 1997 adds a ground-penetrating

capability, enhancing its effect against buried and hardened targets. The development contract in 2019, resulting in the future LGM-35A Sentinel.
weapon incorporates several preselectable yield options tailored to mis- AFGSC plans to begin replacing Minuteman III in 2027, with Sentinel
sion requirements. The B61 Mod 12 Life Extension Program (LEP) begun in fully replacing legacy ICBMs by 2036. Current Minuteman III efforts are
2016 is consolidating the B61-3, -4, -7, and -10 into a single, standardized focused on sustaining the ICBM’s critical deterrent capability through the
configuration. The LEP refurbishes the warhead to improve the safety, full fielding of Sentinel. Upgrades to guidance and propulsion will extend
security, and reliability through 2040. B61-12 also adds a guided tail kit, key systems to 2030, while modernized reentry vehicle and fuzes will serve
making it the first precision guided weapon of its type, thus permitting both Minuteman and Sentinel. Flight-testing of the replacement fuse will
higher effectiveness at lower yields. USAF and the National Nuclear Se- culminate with the last of four test launches in 2024. FY23 additionally funds
curity Administration finished B61-12 qualification flight-testing on June sustainment including Minuteman Essential Emergency Communication
9, 2018. The 31 inert test drops greatly exceeded performance require- Network (MEECN) mods, arm/disarm switch replacement, cryptography
ments, validating nonnuclear components such as arming/fire control, updates, generator reliability improvement, security situational awareness
guidance, spin-rocket motors, and software. B61-12 was approved for upgrades, and access denial system life extension.
production and completed operational flight-testing on the F-15E and
B-2A in 2019. Operational testing included 15 drops, certifying the F-15E Contractors: Boeing; General Electric; Lockheed Martin; Northrop Grum-
on June 8, 2020, as the first aircraft capable of delivering the B61-12. The man (formerly Orbital ATK).
Department of Energy conducted nine additional drops, culminating in a First Flight: February 1961.
full-weapon system demo on the B-2A in July 2020. The B-2A conducted Delivered: 1962-1978.
a test drop using the Radar Aided Targeting System (RATS) in July 2022, IOC: December 1962, Malmstrom AFB, Mont.
which was a major milestone for full integration on the aircraft. The F- Production: 1,800.
35A dropped an inert B61-12 for the first time in 2020 and completed the Inventory: Approx. 400 deployed.
final full weapon system drops required toward certification on Sept. 21, Operator: AFGSC.
2021. Full integration is planned as part of ongoing Block 4 development. Unit Location: F. E. Warren AFB, Wyo.; Malmstrom AFB, Mont.; Minot
The first production B61-12 emerged in November 2021 ahead of full-rate AFB, N.D.; Vandenberg SFB, Calif. (test location).
production ramp-up in October 2022. The full B61 inventory is slated for Active Variant:
upgrade to B61-12 through FY26. •LGM-30G. Current Minuteman III variant.
Dimensions: Length 59.9 ft, diameter 5.5 ft.
Contractors: Los Alamos National Laboratory, Sandia National Labora- Weight: 79,432 lb.
tory (weapon); Boeing (B61-12 tail kit). Propulsion: Stage 1: Orbital ATK refurbished M55 solid-propellant motor,
Delivered: 1966; 2022-present (B61-12 mod). 202,600 lb thrust; stage 2: Orbital ATK refurbished SR19 solid-propellant
IOC: 1968. motor, 60,721 lb thrust; stage 3: Orbital ATK refurbished SR73 solid- pro-
Production: N/A. pellant motor, 34,400 lb thrust.
Inventory: Approx. 500. Performance: Speed at burnout approx 15,000 mph, range 6,000+ miles.
Operator: AFMC, USAFE. Guidance: Inertial guidance system.
Deployed locations: Aviano AB, Italy; Büchel AB, Germany; Ghedi AB, Reentry Vehicle: One Mk 21 RV; one to three Mk 12/12A MIRVs. Warhead:
Italy; Incirlik AB, Turkey; Kleine Brogel AB, Belgium; Volkel AB, Netherlands. One W87 or up to three W78 enriched uranium thermonuclear weapons.
Active Variant:
•B61. Supersonic-droppable free-fall thermonuclear weapon.
Dimensions: Length 11 ft 8 in., diameter 1 ft 1 in.
Weight: 700 lb; 825 lb (B61-12).
Performance: N/A.
Guidance: None (B61 Mod 1 to 11); unknown, likely INS (B61 Mod 12).
Warhead: One B61 -3, -4, -7, -10, or -11.
Estimated Yield: 0.3 kilotons, 1.5 kilotons, 10 kilotons, 50 kilotons (pre-
selectable).
Integration: B-2A, F-15E, and F-16C/D; NATO: F-16A/B Mid-Life Upgrade
(MLU), and Panavia Tornado IDS. Planned: B-21, F-35A.
USAF Illustration
LGM-35 SENTINEL
Senior Airman Abbigayle Williams
Strategic surface-to-surface ballistic missile
Brief: The LGM-35A Sentinel is a developmental three-stage, solid-

propellant, silo-based nuclear ICBM designed to replace the Minuteman
III as the land-based element of USSTRATCOM’s nuclear triad. Nuclear
deterrent modernization is the Defense Department’s top priority and
USAF exhaustively studied further extending the 50-year-old Minuteman
III before determining full replacement would be the most cost-effective
investment. USAF awarded Boeing and Northrop Grumman technology
maturation and risk-reduction contracts for a future Ground-Based Strategic
LGM-30 MINUTEMAN III Deterrent (GBSD) in 2017. Boeing declined to bid on full development in
Strategic surface-to-surface ballistic missile 2019, leaving Northrop Grumman to develop GBSD, which was officially
designated LGM-35A Sentinel in April 2022. AFGSC plans to modernize
Brief: Minuteman is a three-stage, solid-propellant nuclear deterrent and/or replace existing Minuteman III launch control, alert, and C2 facilities
ICBM housed in a survivable underground silo. Minuteman III became at Malmstrom, Minot, and F.E. Warren to accommodate Sentinel, which
operational in 1970, providing improved range, rapid retargeting, and the is targeted to reach IOC with nine alert missiles by 2029. The overall
capability to place up to three reentry vehicles on three targets with high program will replace the 400 deployed Minuteman IIIs and 450 silos on
accuracy. It is currently the sole operational U.S. land-based ICBM. AFGSC a one-for-one basis, with the addition of 242 missiles to support develop-
initially deployed 550 missiles, later reducing that number to 400 based at mental testing as well as reliability validation over the life of the program.
Malmstrom, Minot, and F.E. Warren. Deployed ICBMs were also reduced Sentinel will incorporate modular design and open system architecture
to a single-warhead configuration in 2014 under limits imposed by the New to ease both maintenance and future modernization. The service plans
START agreement. Minuteman III is already more than 40 years beyond to initially deploy Sentinel with a single thermonuclear warhead aligning
its initially planned service life, and USAF expects the system will begin it to New START treaty limits, though the ICBM’s increased performance
falling below readiness standards as early as 2026 if not replaced. USAF could permit a multiple-warhead configuration. Sentinel will utilize both
awarded Northrop Grumman the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent (GBSD) the Mk21 reentry vehicle and ICBM fuse, which are already undergoing

modernization and replacement for the Minuteman III. AFGSC projects •ADM-160B. MALD base decoy variant.
the LGM-35A will reach full operational capability by 2036, providing •ADM-160C. MALD-J jammer/decoy variant.
land-based strategic deterrence capability through at least 2075. Northrop Dimensions: Span 5.6 ft (extended), length 9.3 ft.
Grumman conducted the first test firing of the LGM-35A’s first stage solid Weight: Less than 300 lb.
rocket motor at its static-test facility at Promontory, Utah, on March 2, Power Plant: Hamilton Sundstrand TJ-150 turbojet, 337 lb thrust.
2023. The successful engine test along with wind-tunnel testing completed Performance: Range up to 575 miles, endurance 90 minutes (50 minutes
in February pave the way for a planned test flight in 2024. on-station loiter).
Guidance: GPS/INS.
Contractors: Northrop Grumman (prime contractor); Aerojet Rocketdyne Integration: A-10, B-52H, F-16C. Planned: B-1B.
(third-stage solid fuel rocket); Bechtel, Clark Construction (launch infra-
structure); CAE (training system); Collins Aerospace (training system/
C2); General Dynamics (C2, digital engineering, aerospace equipment);
Honeywell (guidance and control); Textron (reentry system); Lockheed
Martin (payload support); Kratos, HDT Global (transport systems).
First Flight: 2024 (planned).
Delivered: N/A.
IOC: 2029 (planned).
Production: 642 (planned).
Inventory: Zero.
Operator: Planned: AFGSC.
Unit Location: Planned: F. E. Warren AFB, Wyo.; Malmstrom AFB, Mont.;
Minot AFB, N.D.; Vandenberg SFB, Calif. (test location).
USAF
Variant:
•LGM-35A. Developmental Minuteman III replacement.
Dimensions: Unknown.
Weight: Unknown. AGM-154 JOINT STANDOFF WEAPON (JSOW)
Propulsion: Stage 1: Northrop Grumman solid-propellant motor, thrust Guided air-to-surface glide bomb
TBD; Stage 2: Northrop Grumman solid-propellant motor, thrust TBD;
Stage 3: Aerojet Rocketdyne solid-propellant motor, thrust TBD. Brief: JSOW is a joint USAF-Navy family of medium-range, GPS/INS
Performance: Speed hypersonic, range 6,000+ miles. guided, standoff air-to-ground glide weapons. It is used to attack a va-
Guidance: Unknown. riety of soft and armored area targets during day and night and adverse
Reentry Vehicle: Mk 21 or Mk 21A RV. weather conditions. The baseline BLU-97 CEM variant is used against soft
Warhead: W87-0 or W87-1 enriched uranium thermonuclear weapons. and area targets. The BLU-108 variant provides anti-armor capability. The
AGM-154C incorporates an additional imaging IR seeker and is intended
LONG-RANGE STANDOFF WEAPONS for use against hardened, stationary targets. The new AGM-154C-1 variant
adds moving, maritime strike capability to the baseline C variant, which
reached IOC with the Navy in 2016. The weapon completed operational
flight testing on the F-35C in 2019, clearing the way for ongoing internal
Airman 1st Class Celeste Zuniga
integration and testing on the F-35A.
Contractor: Raytheon.
First Flight: December 1994.
Delivered: 2000-2005 (USAF).
IOC: 2000.
Active Variants:
•AGM-154A. Baseline BLU-97 CEM variant for soft/area targets.
•AGM-154B. The BLU-108 submunition variant for anti-armor.
•AGM-154C. Imaging IR-guided variant for hardened tactical targets.
ADM-160 MINIATURE AIR LAUNCHED DECOY (MALD) Dimensions: Length 13.3 ft, diameter 13 in.
Aircraft decoy; Close-in radar jammer Performance: Range 13.8 miles low altitude, 73 miles high altitude.
Guidance: GPS/INS.
Brief: MALD is a programmable, low-cost, modular, autonomous flight Warhead: See variants above.
vehicle that mimics U.S. or allied aircraft to confuse enemy Integrated Integration: B-1, B-2, B-52, F-15E, and F-16. Planned: F-35A.
Air Defense Systems (IADS). MALD-J adds radar jamming capability to
the basic decoy platform and can operate alone or in concert with other
EW platforms. The jammer version is designed as an expendable, close-
in jammer to degrade and deny an early warning or acquisition radar’s
ability to establish a track on strike aircraft. It also maintains the ability
to fulfill the basic decoy mission. F-16 or B-52 are lead employment
Senior Airman Jonathan Ramos
aircraft for MALD. USAF capped procurement in FY12, converting Lot 4

to the MALD-J variant. Plans call for 3,000, of which 2,400 are the jam-
mer version. USAF demonstrated in-flight retargeting capabilities and is
integrating GPS-Aided Inertial Navigation System (GAINS II) to improve
navigational accuracy in GPS-denied environments. An upgraded Jammer
variant dubbed “MALD-X” successfully demonstrated future, low-level
flight capabilities, improved EW payloads, and enhanced data links in
2018. MALD-X aims to establish USAF’s future baseline and serves as
the basis of the Navy’s developmental MALD-N variant. USAF awarded
a MALD-J contract option for Lot 10 production in 2016 and a follow-on
Lot 11 contract for 250 weapons in 2018. A-10s demonstrated a MALD AGM-158 JOINT AIR-TO-SURFACE STANDOFF MISSILE (JASSM)
stand-off support capability, escorting B-1s during Exercise Iron Thunder Air-to-surface cruise missile
near the Philippines in 2022.
Brief: JASSM is a joint USAF-Navy autonomous, precision cruise missile
Contractor: Raytheon. for use against heavily defended or high-value targets at standoff range.
First Flight: 1999 (MALD); 2009 (MALD-J). It can attack fixed, relocatable, and moderately hardened/buried targets.
Delivered: Sept. 6, 2012 (MALD-J). The base variant is a stealthy, low-cost airframe equipped with GPS/INS
IOC: 2015 (MALD-J). guidance and imaging IR terminal seeker. The JASSM-Extended Range
Active Variants: (JASSM-ER) version uses the same baseline body but a new engine and

fuel system that increase range to more than 500 miles. The ER was cleared procurement of 11,635 Block II/II-plus (nearly double the number originally
for combat on the B-1B in 2015, reached full operational capability on the planned). FY23 funds procure slightly more than FY22 for a combined
F-15E in 2018, and is planned for use on all fighter/bomber platforms. 255 AIM-9X Block II/II+ missiles. An F-22 scored its first kill on Feb. 4,
Full-rate production began in 2018 and production shifted to ER-only 2023, using an AIM-9X to down a Chinese ISR balloon flying at 60,000
in FY16. Further development has resulted in the extended range AGM- feet off the South Carolina coast.
158B and “extreme range” AGM-158D, which is re-targetable via data link
after launch. JASSM-ER production will begin shifting from AGM-158B-2 Contractors: Raytheon; Northrop Grumman (propulsion).
to the jam-resistant B-3 starting in FY23 and AGM-158D is currently in First Flight: September 1953; July 1999 (AIM-9X); 2016 (AIM-9X Block II).
development. Lockheed Martin is also developing the Long-Range Anti- Delivered: AIM-9M 1983; AIM-9X from 2002-2011 (Block I); 2011-present
Ship Missile (LRASM), which reached early operational capability on the (Block II); 2017-present (Block II+).
B-1B in December 2018 and is planned for additional fielding on the B-52. IOC: Circa 1983 (9M); November 2003 (9X); September 2016 (9X Block II).
USAF conducted a proof-of-concept employing palletized JASSM from Production: 1,289 (Block I); 11,635 (Block II/Block II+) (planned).
mobility aircraft in 2020 for massed standoff attack. JASSM and LRASM Active Variants:
are USAF’s premiere weapons for attacks against advanced targets in •AIM-9M. Early variant.
a high-end threat scenario. The service increased its JASSM stockpile •AIM-9M-9. Expanded anti-countermeasure capability variant.
objective by 47 percent and FY23 funds support maximum-rate procure- •AIM-9X. Newest, highly maneuverable, JHMCS compatible variant.
ment of 550 JASSM-ER as well as resuming LRASM procurement with Dimensions: Span 2.1 ft (M), 1.4 ft (X); length 9.4 ft (M), 9.9 ft (X); diameter 5 in.
28 weapons. A B-2A successfully launched JASSM-ER for the first time Propulsion: Mk 36 Mod 11 (9M); Orbital ATK Mk 139 solid-propellant
during an integration test flight in 2022. rocket motor (9X).
Performance: Speed Mach 2+, range 10+ miles.
Contractors: Lockheed Martin; Raytheon; Honeywell. Guidance: Passive IR homing guidance.
First Flight: April 8, 1999. Warhead: HE annular blast fragmentation.
Delivered: 2001-present. Integration: F-15C/D/E, F-16C/D, F-22A (AIM-9X). Planned: F-15EX, F-35A.
IOC: September 2003; December 2014 (ER variant); 2018 (LRASM).
Production: 10,000 JASSM (planned); 400 LRASM (planned).
Active Variants:
•AGM-158A JASSM. Base-variant.
Staff Sgt. Tristan Truesdell

•AGM-158B JASSM-ER. Extended-Range variant.
•AGM-158C LRASM. Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile, based on JASSM.
•AGM-158D JASSM-ER. Developmental extreme-range variant of JASSM-
ER (previously XR).
Dimensions: Length 14 ft., diameter approx. 2 ft., wingspan 7.8 ft.
Power Plant: Teledyne Technologies J402 turbojet (JASSM); Williams Intl.
F107-WR-105 turbofan (JASSM-ER).
Performance: Speed subsonic, range 200+ miles (baseline), 500+ miles
(ER), approx. 1000 miles (XR). AIM-120 ADVANCED MEDIUM-RANGE AIR-TO-AIR MISSILE
Guidance: GPS/INS and imaging IR terminal seeker. (AMRAAM)
Warhead: 1,000-lb class penetrator (JASSM); 1,000-lb blast fragmenta- Air-to-air guided missile
tion (LRASM).
Integration: B-1B, B-2, B-52H, F-15E, and F-16 Block 40-52; planned: Brief: AMRAAM is an active, radar-guided, medium-range, supersonic
F-35A (JASSM). B-1B, B-52H, F-15E F-16 Block 40-52; planned: F-35A, air-to-air missile. It is a joint USAF-Navy follow-on to the AIM-7 Sparrow
B-2A (JASSM-ER). Planned: B-52 (LRASM). with launch-and-leave capability. The AIM-120B is an upgraded, re-
programmable variant of the original missile. The AIM-120C incorporates
AIR-TO-AIR MISSILES smaller control surfaces for internal carriage on F-22 and F-35 and a high-
angle off-boresight (HOBS) launch capability. AIM-120D offers improved
range, GPS-assisted guidance, updated data links, and jam resistance
in addition to greater lethality. Ongoing upgrades will further enhance
weapon performance and electronic protection. The second phase of the
AIM-120D System Improvement Program (SIP II) completed operational
testing and was fielded in 2020. SIP III completed operational testing
in 2022 and is planned for timely fielding to keep pace with emerging
threats. Ongoing development also includes Form, Fit, and Function (F3R)
mods and replacing obsolete electronic elements. An F-15E conducted
the first of five live-fire tests of the resulting AIM-120D3 on June 30, 2022,
2nd Lt. Kayla Fitzgerald
paving the way for production and fielding. In 2019, USAF announced
it is developing the AIM-260 Joint Air Tactical Missile (JATM) with the
Navy to replace AMRAAM with a longer-range, more capable weapon to
counter high-end threats. USAF successfully demonstrated an AIM-120
using passive infrared search and track (IRST) in lieu of radar against an
airborne target in 2021, and an F-15E fired the first updated F3R AIM-120D3
in a live-shot against a QF-16 on June 30, 2022. FY23 funds procure 271
AIM-9 SIDEWINDER AIM-120D missiles.
Air-to-air missile
Contractors: Raytheon; Northrop Grumman; Nammo Group (propulsion).
Brief: Sidewinder is an IR-guided short-range, supersonic air-to-air mis- First Flight: December 1984.
sile. It was developed by the Navy for fleet air defense and adapted for Delivered: 1988-present.
USAF fighters. Early versions were used extensively in the Vietnam War. IOC: September 1991; July 2015 (120D).
The AIM-9M is a joint Navy-USAF, all-altitude, all-aspect intercept mis- Active Variants:
sile. It has improved defense against IR countermeasures, background •AIM-120B. Upgraded, reprogrammable variant of AIM-120A.
discrimination, and reduced-smoke rocket motor. AIM-9X is the newest •AIM-120C. Production variant optimized for the F-22/F-35.
jointly funded variant. It employs passive IR tracking, jet-vane steering •AIM-120D. Latest variant with GPS guidance, improved range, lethality,
for increased maneuverability and Joint Helmet-Mounted Cueing System and jam-resistance.
(JHMCS) compatibility for high-angle, off-boresight targeting. The enhanced Dimensions: Span 1.7 ft (A/B), 1.5 ft (C/D); length 12 ft; diameter 7 in.
AIM-9X Block II was cleared for full-rate production in September 2015 Propulsion: Boost-sustain solid-propellant rocket motor.
and adds improved lock-after-launch and maneuverability, new data link Performance: Supersonic, range 20+ miles.
for beyond-visual range engagement, enhanced anti-countermeasures, a Guidance: Active radar terminal/inertial midcourse.
new fuse, and safer ground-handling characteristics. AIM-9X production Warhead: HE blast-fragmentation.
includes 67 converted AIM-9Ms, 1,289 Block I, and planned joint-service Integration: F-15C/D/E/, F-16C/D, F-22A, F-35A. Planned: F-15EX.

AIR-TO-GROUND MISSILES/ROCKETS allowing acquisition of small/distant targets. Fielded in 1986, AGM-65D
employs an imaging IR seeker for all-weather day/night use. The AGM-65E
is laser guided with a heavyweight penetrator warhead. The AGM-65G
fielded in 1989 combines an imaging IR seeker, software to track larger
targets, with a heavyweight penetrator warhead, digital autopilot, and
a pneumatic actuation system. The AGM-65H is an upgraded B variant
that recently completed tracker upgrades. The AGM-65K is a modified
G variant that replaces IR guidance with EO TV and is also undergoing
a tracker upgrade. The AGM-65L is the newest EO TV/semiactive-laser
seeker equipped “Laser Maverick” designed to strike high-speed moving
targets. USAF is gradually modifying legacy missiles to Laser Maverick
Courtesy illustration
standards but the FY23 budget does not include additional procurement.
Contractors: Raytheon (missile body); Northrop Grumman (propulsion).

First Flight: August 1969.
Delivered: August 1972.
IOC: February 1973.
WGU-59 ADVANCED PRECISION KILL WEAPON SYSTEM Active Variants:
(APKWS) II •AGM-65B. A launch-and-leave EO TV seeker variant.
Air-to-surface guided rocket •AGM-65D. Adverse weather B variant.
•AGM-65E. Laser-guided version heavyweight penetrator variant.
Brief: APKWS II is a low-cost, semi-active laser-guidance system sized •AGM-65G. Imaging IR seeker heavyweight penetrator variant.
to fit the 2.75-in aerial rocket. It is optimized for precision, low-collateral- •AGM-65H. Upgraded B variant.
damage strike against moving or stationary light vehicle and personnel •AGM-65K. Modified EO TV seeker G variant.
targets. APKWS can be fitted with HE or penetrating warheads as well as •AGM-65L. Laser-guided EO TV seeker variant for fast moving targets.
visual and IR illuminating, or white phosphorous rounds for target marking Dimensions: Span 2.3 ft, length 8.2 ft, diameter 12 in.
by Forward Air Control aircraft. USAF acquired the system as an urgent Propulsion: Two-stage, solid-propellant rocket motor.
operational requirement, and an F-16 employed it in combat for the first Performance: Supersonic, approx. 714 mph, range 20 miles.
time in June 2016. The weapon employs a midbody guidance package to Guidance: EO TV guidance system (B/H/K); imaging IR seeker (D/G);
convert the standard rocket into a guided weapon. APKWS was already in laser seeker (E).
service with the three other services and initial weapons were procured Warhead: 125-lb cone-shaped (B/D/H); 300-lb delayed-fuse penetrator
from Navy stocks. The rockets are launched from multiround reusable (E/G/K).
pods. An F-16 successfully destroyed an airborne target using APKWS as Integration: A-10C, F-15E, F-16C/D.
part of an anti-cruise missile demo in 2019 and an A-10 tested it against
vehicles with advanced reactive armor in 2022. BAE introduced a block
upgrade capable of increasing APKWS’ range as much as 30 percent in
2021. USAF has nearly fulfilled its required inventory and FY23 does not
add additional procurement.
Senior Master Sgt. Edward Snyder

Contractor: BAE Systems.
First Flight: May 2013 (USAF).
Delivered: October 2012-present.
IOC: Circa 2016.
Active Variant:
•WGU-59B. Semi-active, laser-guided 2.75-in rocket, adapted for fixed-
wing use.
Dimensions: Span 9.5 in, length 6.25 ft, diameter 2.75 in.
Propulsion: Solid-propellant rocket motor.
Performance: Subsonic, range 1.2 to 6.8 miles.
Guidance: Semi-active laser. AGM-88 HIGH-SPEED ANTI-RADIATION MISSILE (HARM)
Warhead: HE, armor-penetrating, white phosphorous, or illuminating round. Air-to-surface anti-radiation missile
Integration: AT-6, A-10, A-29, F-16.
Brief: HARM is an anti-radiation, air-to-surface missile highly effective
against enemy ground radar. AGM-88 is a joint USAF-Navy weapon car-
ried by SEAD-dedicated F-16CJs. AGM-88B is equipped with erasable
and electronically programmable read-only memory, permitting in-field
changes to missile memory. The AGM-88C is the current production
model with a more lethal warhead. Raytheon began a HARM Control
Section Mod (HCSM) in 2013 to convert current models to more precise
AGM-88Fs with improved GPS/INS guidance, anti-countermeasure
performance, and reduced risk of collateral damage. The Navy is further
Tech. Sgt. Michael Ammons
retrofitting its missiles with advanced networking, digital homing, and

terminal millimeter-wave radar seeker resulting in the AGM-88E Advanced
Anti-Radiation Guided Missile (AARGM). USAF dropped sole-source
plans to pursue the extended-range AGM-88G AARGM-ER as the basis
for its next-generation Stand-in Attack Weapon (SiAW) issuing a request
to industry in March 2021 for proposals instead. SiAW will give the F-35
the ability to strike advanced threats including theater ballistic missile
and land attack/anti-ship missile sites, GPS jammers, and anti-satellite
systems. USAF is pursuing Navy-led fielding of AARGM-ER as an interim
AGM-65 MAVERICK SEAD capability for the F-35A procuring 42 missiles in FY23 as a bridge
Air-to-surface guided missile to SiAW. AARGM-ER differs significantly from the legacy AGM-88, incor-
porating a new motor, larger diameter, and blended conformal strakes in
Brief: Maverick is a TV, imaging IR, or laser-guided standoff air-to-surface place of forward stabilizing fins. A Navy F-18F successfully test-fired the
missile employed by fighter/attack aircraft against tanks, vehicles, and first AARGM-ER over the Point Mugu test range on July 19, 2021, and the
air defenses. It was first employed during the Vietnam War and was used sea service plans to reach IOC in 2023.
extensively in Desert Storm and Iraqi Freedom. AGM-65B is a launch-
and-leave, EO/TV guided missile, equipped with “scene magnification” Contractors: Raytheon (HARM); Northrop Grumman (AARGM).

First Flight: April 1979 (HARM); July 19, 2021 (AARGM-ER).
Delivered: 1982-98.
IOC: Circa 1984.
Active Variants:
•AGM-88B. Early production variant.
•AGM-88C. Current production variant.
•AGM-88E. Next-generation Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile.
•AGM-88F. Upgraded variant with greater accuracy and precision.
•AGM-88G. Next-generation Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile
Extended-Range variant.
Dimensions: Span 3.7 ft, length 13.7 ft, diameter 10 in.
Propulsion: Thiokol dual-thrust, solid-propellant rocket motor.
Performance: Mach 2+, range 30+ miles.
Guidance: Proportional passive RF broadband via fixed antenna and
seeker head in missile nose.
Warhead: HE fragmentation.
Integration: F-16CJ (Block 50); planned: B-21, F-35A (AARGM-ER).
Raytheon
modification to supply additional Griffin missiles in 2018. FY21 SOCOM-
wide funds supported production of 226 AGM- 176, including data links.
FY22 ended additional procurement as USSOCOM shifts funds to confront
future threats by developing small, Standoff Precision Guided Munitions
(SOPGM) for use in contested environments.
Staff Sgt. Brian Ferguson

First Flight: Feb. 16, 2000 (USAF).
Delivered: September 2001.
IOC: N/A.
Active Variants:
•AGM-176A. Aft-ejecting missile employed as part of the PSP.
•AGM-176B. Forward-firing variant optimized for light aircraft/RPAs.
AGM-114 HELLFIRE Dimensions: Length 43 in, diameter 5.5 in.
Air-to-surface guided missile Propulsion: Solid-propellant rocket motor.
Performance: Subsonic, range 12 + miles.
Brief: Hellfire is a low-collateral damage, precision air-to-ground missile Guidance: GPS/INS/semi-active laser.
with semi-active laser guidance for use against light armor and personnel. Warhead: Blast fragmentation.
Missiles are employed on the MQ-9 Reaper and the AC-130J gunship. Integration: AC-130J (A), MQ-9 (B).
Hellfire is procured through the Army and numerous variants are utilized
based on overseas contingency demands. An MQ-1 Predator employed
Hellfire in combat for the first time in Afghanistan on Oct. 7, 2001. The AREA WEAPONS
latest AGM-114R replaces several types with a single, multitarget weapon
and USAF is also buying variable Height-of-Burst (HOB) kits to enhance
lethality. The next-generation Joint Air-to-Ground Missile (JAGM) is also
procured via the Army and adds a new multimode guidance section to
the AGM-114R. JAGM is used against high-value moving or stationary
targets in all weather. Recent AC-130J block upgrades added a wing-
pylon-mounted Hellfire to the gunship’s arsenal.
Contractors: Lockheed Martin (missile body); Northrop Grumman
Senior Airman Jonathan Ramos

(propulsion).
Delivered: March 2016-present.
IOC: N/A.
Active Variants:
•AGM-114. Numerous subvariants, depending on target and mission
requirements.
•AGM-169. JAGM, incorporating a multimode seeker on the advanced
AGM-114R.
Dimensions: Span 28 in, length 5.33 ft, diameter 17 in. CBU-105 SENSOR FUZED WEAPON (SFW)
Propulsion: Solid-propellant rocket motor. Wide-area munition
Performance: Subsonic, range 5+ miles.
Guidance: EO TV guidance system (B/H/K); IIR seeker (D/G); laser Brief: SFW is a tactical area weapon for use against massed stationary or
seeker (E). moving armor and ground vehicles. The munitions dispenser contains a
Warhead: Shaped charge and blast fragmentation. payload of 10 BLU-108 submunitions each containing four skeet-shaped
Integration: AC-130J, MQ-9. copper disks totaling 40 lethal, target-seeking projectiles. The skeet’s
active laser and passive IR sensors can detect a vehicle’s shape and IR
AGM-176 GRIFFIN signature. If no target is detected, the warhead instead detonates at a
Air-to-surface guided missile preset time. Primary targets are massed tanks, armored personnel car-
riers, and other self-propelled targets. SFWs can be delivered from high
Brief: Griffin is a light, low-cost, multiservice air-launched weapon with altitude and in adverse weather. It debuted in combat in Iraq in 2003. DOD
GPS-aided inertial guidance and semi-active laser seeker. The weapon is ceased cluster munition procurement in 2007 and has only employed the
used for high-precision, low-collateral damage attack against light surface weapons in combat once since 2003. CBU-105 was the only standard
targets. The AGM-176A forms part of the PSP employed on AFSOC’s USAF cluster munition that met the less-than-one-percent failure rate
AC-130J Ghostrider gunship, which employs the aft-firing weapon from previously mandated by DOD for use beyond 2018. DOD has since re-
ramp-mounted common-launch tubes. The forward-firing AGB-176B is versed course, retaining existing weapons for deterrence on the Korean
employable on RPAs. USAF issued Raytheon a $105.2 million contract Peninsula. USAF is now testing the 2,000-lb-class Next Generation Area

Attack Weapons (NGAAW), which replaces explosive submunitions with ordnance. USAF awarded the $60 million NGAAW procurement contract
a high-fragmentation warhead, reducing the risk of unexploded munitions for a compliant family of weapons in 2019. NGAAW is being developed
injuring noncombatants. in two increments, the 500-lb Improved Lethality Warhead (ILW) anti-
personnel/materiel weapon based on the BLU-134B, followed by the more
Contractor: Textron Systems. potent 2,000-lb high-fragmentation warhead. An F-16 conducted initial
First Flight: Circa 1990. live-developmental test drops of the 2,000-lb-class BLU-136 at the Nellis
IOC: 1997. Range in July 2020. The 10-weapon series proved the effectiveness of the
Active Variants: weapon against light vehicles, structures, and personnel in excess of a
•CBU-105. CBU-97 casing with Wind-Corrected Munitions Dispenser 225-ft radius. The 2,000-lb weapon is externally similar to the standard
(WCMD) tail kit. JDAM when fitted with the precision-guided tail kit, requiring little ad-
Dimensions: Length 7.7 ft, diameter 15 in. aptation to existing platforms for operational use. The NGAAW family of
Performance: Delivers 40 lethal projectiles over an area of about 500 weapons will primarily be aimed at replacing the remaining CBU-105/107
ft x 1,200 ft. stockpile, with potential to replace additional area weapons.
Guidance: IR targeting in each warhead; INS (via WCMD tail kit pre-
dispersal) and GPS-data (via aircraft, prerelease). Contractors: Major Tool & Machine; Faxon Machining.
Warhead: Shaped charge and blast fragmentation. First Flight: 2020.
Integration: A-10C, B-1B, B-52H, F-15E; F-16C/D, (tested on MQ-9). IOC: N/A.
Active Variant:
•NGAAW Increment I. Optionally GPS/INS-guided Improved Lethality
Warhead area weapon based on the 500-lb-class BLU-134/B.
•NGAAW Increment II. Optionally GPS/INS-guided 2,000-lb area weapon,
based on the BLU-136/B.
Dimensions: Length approx. 12 ft (2,000-lb class with tail kit), diameter
approx. 14.5 in.; length approx. 7.8 ft, diameter approx. 10.7 in. (500-lb-
class with tail kit).
Performance: Range up to 15 miles (based on JDAM guidance/BLU-136
mass and form factor), 225+ ft effective radius (based on initial testing).
Guidance: GPS/INS.
Warhead: 2,000-lb high-fragmentation area-attack warhead with height-
of-burst sensor (BLU-136/B); 500-lb fragmentation area-attack warhead
(BLU-134/B).
Integration: N/A.
Tech. Sgt. Marvin Lynchard
PRECISION GUIDED WEAPONS
CBU-107 PASSIVE ATTACK WEAPON

Wide-area munition
Brief: Passive Attack Weapon is a nonexplosive, kinetic penetrating area

weapon for use against sensitive targets. The CBU-107’s penetrator rods
limit collateral damage and do not scatter potentially contaminating
debris when used against enemy WMD stockpiles. The weapon glides
toward its target after release. Before impact, its inner chamber begins
to rotate, and projectiles are ejected in rapid succession by centrifugal
force, penetrating targets within a 200-ft radius. The weapon contains
various-sized penetrating projectiles, but no explosive. Full production
was completed in six months. The weapon was used during Iraqi Freedom.
Contractors: General Dynamics (kinetic energy penetrator payload

and canister); Lockheed Martin (WCMD); Textron (tactical munition
dispenser kit).
First Flight: 2002.
IOC: December 2002.
Airman 1st Class Jessi Monte
Active Variant:
•CBU-107A. Centrifugally dispersed, armor-penetrating weapon with
Wind-Corrected Munitions Dispenser (WCMD) tail kit.
Dimensions: Length 7.7 ft, diameter 15 in.
Performance: Delivers a high-speed volley of nearly 4,000 metal projec-
tiles in three sizes from a single canister; projectiles: 15-inch rods (350),
7-inch rods (1,000), and small-nail size (2,400).
Guidance: INS (via WCMD tail kit) and GPS-data (via aircraft) pre-release.
Warhead: Non-explosive projectiles.
Integration: B-52, F-15E, F-16C/D. GBU-10/12/49 PAVEWAY II
Air-to-surface guided munition
NEXT GENERATION AREA ATTACK WEAPON (NGAAW)
Wide-area munition Brief: Paveway II is a laser-guided, free-fall bomb for use against surface
targets at short to standoff range. The kit is a folding-wing version of the
Brief: Next Generation Area Attack Weapon (NGAAW) is a blast-fragmen- earlier fixed-wing Paveway I with seeker and reliability improvements. The
tation area weapon designed as an alternative to cluster bomb munitions recent Paveway II Plus adds a modernized, more precise guidance pack-
banned by DOD mandate beyond 2018. DOD ceased cluster munition age. GBU-10 is the Paveway II seeker and tail kit mounted on a 2,000-lb
procurement in 2007 and implemented a less-than-one-percent failure rate general-purpose bomb and primarily used against nonhardened targets. It
mandate on area weapons to prevent civilian casualties from unexploded is, however, capable of penetration. The GBU-12 uses a 500-lb bomb body

and is primarily used against stationary armored targets. GBU-49 is also
a 500-lb body but adds GPS guidance for all-weather precision delivery
from 2,500 ft up to 40,000 ft. GBU-49 currently provides the F-35A an
interim moving target capability until its Block 3F software is fully fielded.
An F-35 dropped the weapon for the first time in a test at Eglin on Nov.
7, 2018, and operational testing was conducted at Nellis.
Contractors: Lockheed Martin; Raytheon.

First Flight: Early 1970s.
IOC: 1976.
Active Variants:
•GBU-10. Laser/GPS guided 2,000-lb bomb.
•GBU-12. Laser guided 500-lb bomb.
•GBU-16. Laser guided 1,000-lb bomb.
Ilka Cole/USAF
•GBU-49. Laser/GPS guided 500-lb bomb.
Dimensions: Span 5.5 ft, length approx. 14.8 ft, diameter 18 in (GBU-10);
span 4.4 ft, length 10.8 ft, diameter 11-18 in (GBU-12/49).
Performance: CEP 29.7 ft, range 9.2 miles (GBU-10); CEP 29.7 ft, range
about six miles (GBU-12/49).
Guidance: Semi-active laser. GBU-31/32/38 JOINT DIRECT ATTACK MUNITION (JDAM)
Warhead: Mk 84 bomb 2,000 lb (GBU-10); Mk 82 500-lb blast/fragmenta- Air-to-surface guided bomb
tion bomb (GBU-12/49).
Integration: A-10, B-1B, B-52, F-15E, F-16C/D, F-35 (GBU-49), MQ-9. Brief: JDAM is a GPS/INS-guided, autonomous, all-weather surface
attack weapon. The joint USAF-Navy program upgrades the existing
inventory of general-purpose bombs by adding a GPS/INS guidance kit
for accurate all-weather attack from medium/high altitudes. The weapons
acquire targeting information from the aircraft’s avionics. After release, an
inertial guidance kit directs the weapon aided by periodic GPS updates.
JDAM seeker/tail kits can be mounted on general-purpose or penetrating
warheads in each weight class. JDAM can also utilize the 500-lb carbon
fiber-cased Very Low Collateral Damage Weapon (VLCDW) for sensi-
tive targets. A JDAM kit is under development for the 5,000-lb BLU-113
penetrating weapon slated for integration and flight-testing on the F-15E.
The Advanced 2,000-lb (A2K) BLU-137/B weapon is also being developed
for integration onto the F-15E and B-2A. A2K will improve both precision
and penetration to strike a wider variety of targets, eventually replacing
the BLU-109 bunker buster. JDAM-class weapons are the most frequent
Master Sgt. Carl Clegg
air-to-ground munition expended in combat. USAF is working to field an

upgraded tail kit with anti-jam receiver for use in GPS degraded conditions
under an Urgent Operational Requirement. The service is also seeking
to develop a lighter-weight successor class of weapons incorporating
IR/ GPS guidance, maneuver wings, stealth, and EW capabilities. USAF
drastically reduced combat stockpile replenishment in FY22 before slightly
increasing procurement to 4,200 tail kits in FY23.
GBU-24/28 PAVEWAY III
Air-to-surface penetrating glide bomb Contractors: Boeing; Textron; Honeywell.
First Flight: Oct. 22, 1996.
Brief: Paveway III is a laser-guided free-fall bomb for use against surface IOC: 1998.
targets from medium standoff range. The third-generation laser-guided Active Variants:
seeker/tail kit package enables greater precision over Paveway II, and its •GBU-31. GPS/INS-guided 2,000-lb GP, or BLU-109 penetrating weapon.
high-lift airframe enables longer glide slopes for greater standoff employ- •GBU-32. GPS/INS-guided 1,000-lb GP, or BLU-110 penetrating weapon.
ment. It can be dropped from low, medium, or high altitude and is effective •GBU-38. GPS/INS-guided 500-lb GP, or BLU-140 (prev. BLU-111) pen-
against a broad range of high-value targets. GBU-24 is fitted to a 2,000-lb etrating weapon.
bomb body with a BLU-109 penetrating warhead. GBU-28 variants are Dimensions: Span 25 in (GBU-31), 19.6 in (GBU-32), 14 in (GBU-38);
large 5,000-lb-class air-to-ground penetrators initially developed for use length (with JDAM and warhead) approx 12 ft (GBU-31), 10 ft (GBU-32),
against Iraq’s deeply buried, hardened C2 facilities. The GBU-28B adds 7.8 ft (GBU-38).
GPS/INS guidance to the existing laser seeker for all-weather targeting. It Performance: Range up to 15 miles, CEP with GPS 16.4 ft, CEP with INS
entered production in 1999. The GBU-28C adds a more powerful penetrat- only 98 ft.
ing BLU-122 warhead in addition to the enhanced guidance package. It Guidance: GPS/INS.
entered production in 2005 and quantities are purchased as needed to Warhead: 2,000-lb Mk 84/BLU-109 (GBU-31); 1,000-lb Mk 83/BLU-110
replenish and maintain stockpiles. GBU-28 will eventually be replaced by (GBU- 32); 500-lb Mk 82/BLU-111 (GBU-38).
the JDAM-based GBU-72 “A5K” penetrator currently under development. Integration: A-10C, B-52H, B-2A, B-1B, F-15E, F-16, F-22A, F-35A (GBU-
31/32), and MQ-9.
First Flight: Early 1980s (GBU-24); Feb. 24, 1991 (GBU-28).
IOC: 1986 (GBU-24); 1991 (GBU-28). GBU-39 SMALL DIAMETER BOMB I
Active Variants: Guided air-to-surface glide bomb
•GBU-24. Laser-guided 2,000-lb penetrating bomb.
•GBU-28B/B. Laser/GPS/INS-guided 5,000-lb penetrating bomb. Brief: SDB is a low-yield, all-weather precision guided munition designed
•GBU-28C/B. Laser/GPS/INS-guided 5,000-lb improved penetrating bomb. to limit collateral damage and strike targets from up to 46 miles away.
Dimensions: Span 6.7 ft, length 14.4 ft, diameter 18 in (GBU-24); length Experimentation began in 2001 in response to an ACC requirement for
approx. 20 ft, diameter 15 in (GBU-28). a miniaturized precision weapon. Boeing was selected to fully develop
Performance: Range more than 11 miles (GBU-24); range more than 5.75 and produce the weapon in 2003 and low-rate initial production began in
miles (GBU-28). 2005. Its size allows it to be carried in fighter or bomber internal weapons
Guidance: Semi-active laser. bays or to increase overall loadout for more independent strikes per sortie.
Warhead: BLU-109 2,000-lb bomb (GBU-24); BLU-113 or BLU-122 5,000- SDB I employs advanced anti-jam GPS/INS, and target coordinates are
lb bombs (GBU-28). loaded on the ground or received from the aircraft before release. Sev-
Integration: B-52, F-15E, F-16C/D (GBU-24); B-2A, B-52, F-15E (GBU-28). eral SDBs can be simultaneously released against multiple targets. The

35B/C and F-18E/F, which is expected in 2023. FY23 funding supports
production of up to 761 SDB IIs.
First Flight: 2012.
IOC: September 2022.
Production: 21,610 (planned).
Active Variant:
•GBU-53/B SDB II. Tri-mode guided 250-lb low-yield bomb.
Dimensions: Length 5.75 ft, wingspan 5.6 ft, diameter 7 in.
Performance: Near-precision capability at standoff range up to 46 miles.
Guidance: Tri-mode seeker millimeter-wave radar, uncooled IIR, and
digital semi-active laser.
William Lewis/USAF
Warhead: 250-lb-class penetrating blast fragmentation munition.
Integration: F-15E. Planned: A-10, AC-130J, B-1, B-2, B-52, F-16, F-22,
F-35, MQ-9.
weapon was first employed by an F-15E over Iraq in 2006. The Focused
Lethality Munition (FLM) is a low-collateral version employing a carbon
fiber case to limit damage to structures. Laser SDB is capable of self-
targeting as well as GPS-only modes and is equipped with a selectable
height-of-burst fuse to tailor kinetic effects. Current production versions
incorporate Strategic Anti-Jam Beamforming Receiver Y-Code (SABR-Y)
for use in GPS-denied/degraded environments. USAF reduced combat
stockpile replenishment from over 2,000 weapons in FY21 to a total of
356 weapons in FY23, reflecting a shift to advanced standoff weapons
to confront more advanced future threats.
Contractor: Boeing.
First Flight: May 23, 2003.
IOC: Oct. 2, 2006.
Production: 24,000 (planned).
Dynetics
Active Variant:
•GBU-39/B SDB I. GPS/INS-guided 250-lb low-yield bomb.
•GBU-39A/B SDB I. GPS/INS-guided Focused Lethality Munition.
•GBU-39B/B SDB I. Semiactive laser/GPS-guided 250-lb low-yield bomb. GBU-69 SMALL GLIDE MUNITION
Dimensions: Length 6 ft, width 7.5 in; BRU-61/A carriage (four bombs) Guided air-to-surface glide bomb
length 12 ft, width 16 in, height 16 in.
Performance: Near-precision capability at standoff range up to 46 miles. Brief: Small Glide Munition is a standoff precision guided munition specifi-
Guidance: GPS/INS. cally tailored to SOF mission requirements. Internally carried GBU-69/B
Warhead: 250-lb class penetrating and blast fragmentation munition. were integrated onto the next-generation AC-103J gunship as part of Block
Integration: AC-130J, F-15E, F-16, F-22, F-35A. Planned: A-10, B-1, B-52, 20+ upgrades following initial operational testing. USSOCOM is currently
B-21, MQ-9. working to integrate the weapon onto RPA platforms including the MQ-9.
The weapon is deployable from the AC-130J’s ramp-mounted Common
Launch Tubes or dropped conventionally. It is capable of quietly reaching
targets from standoff range using its deployable wings to minimize risk to
delivery platforms. The weapon utilizes semi-active laser and lattice-type
control fins (similar to the GBU-57) for guidance and terminal stability, and
is capable of receiving in-flight targeting updates via two-way data link.
The weapon was jointly developed between Dynetics and USSOCOM.
Raytheon Missile and Defense
The company was awarded two contracts in FY18 totaling $104 million
for delivery of approximately 1,000 weapons through 2022. Procurement
beyond FY21 decreased to align with future priorities such as Stand-Off
Precision Guided Munitions (SOPGM) for use in contested environments.
Contractor: Dynetics.
Delivered: 2020-present.
IOC: 2017 (USSOCOM).
GBU-53 STORMBREAKER (SMALL DIAMETER BOMB II) Active Variants:
Guided air-to-surface glide bomb •GBU-69. Semi-active laser-guided 36-lb low-yield bomb.
Dimensions: Span 28 in, length 3.5 ft, diameter 4.5 in.
Brief: StormBreaker (formerly SDB II) is a joint USAF-Navy program Propulsion: None.
to develop a low-yield, precision guided munition capable of striking Performance: Near-precision capability at standoff range of 20+ miles.
moving targets in all weather from up to 46 miles away. Its size allows it Guidance: Semi-active laser.
to be carried in fighter or bomber internal weapons bays or to increase Warhead: 36-lb blast fragmentation.
overall loadout to enable more independent strikes per sortie. Several Integration: AC-130J; planned: MQ-9.
StormBreakers can be simultaneously released against multiple targets.
SDB II adds a millimeter-wave radar, imaging IR, and semi-active laser
packaged into a tri-mode seeker. The bomb is retargetable after release. GBU-72 ADVANCED 5,000-POUND PENETRATOR
Improvements over SDB-I include reduced susceptibility to countermea- Massive PGM
sures and network-enablement through Link 16/UHF data links. LRIP
production began in 2015, and USAF awarded the current production Brief: A5K is a GPS/INS-guided next-generation penetrating weapon for
Lot 7 on April 30, 2021. SDB II began operational testing in June 2018 striking high-priority hardened and deeply buried targets. The GBU-72
and achieved initial fielding on the F-15E on Sept. 23, 2020, followed by comprises the BLU-138 5,000-lb-class weapon paired with a modified JDAM
IOC in September 2022. Navy testing is underway for fielding on the F- tail kit. The weapon is being developed as a more survivable, lethal, and

First Flight: March 11, 2003.
IOC: April 2003.
Active Variant:
•GBU-43/B. GPS-guided 21,000-lb bomb.
Guidance: GPS/INS.
Warhead: BLU-120/B 18,700-lb HE.
Dimensions: Length 30 ft, diameter 3.3 ft.
Integration: MC-130H.
Samuel King Jr./USAF

affordable replacement to the current Paveway-III-based GBU-28. A5K’s
successful ground detonation test was the largest open-air “Arena” test
ever conducted at Eglin, and an F-15E successfully completed the first
weapon release over the Eglin Range on July 23, 2021. The drop was the
first of a three-flight-test series and demonstrated both safe separation
Tech. Sgt. Alex Fox Echols III

from the aircraft and the JDAM tail kit’s ability to guide the weapon. The
developmental weapon will continue JDAM integration test flights and
proceed to operational testing. Procurement of 125 weapons began FY22,
and FY23 funds 80 BLU-138/A5K weapons.
Contractor: Air Force Armament Directorate.

First Flight: July 23, 2021.
Delivered: N/A.
IOC: N/A.
Active Variants: GBU-54 LASER JOINT DIRECT ATTACK MUNITION (LJDAM)
•GBU-72. GPS/INS guided 5,000-lb BLU-138 penetrating weapon. Air-to-surface guided bomb
Dimensions: N/A.
Propulsion: None. Brief: LJDAM is a GPS/INS guided, autonomous, all-weather attack weapon
Performance: N/A. for use against fixed as well as moving ground and maritime targets. It is
Guidance: Semi-active laser. a joint USAF-Navy development that combines a laser guidance kit with
Warhead: 5,000-lb (BLU-138/GBU-72) penetrating warhead. the GPS/INS-based navigation of the existing GBU-38 JDAM. Laser JDAM
Integration: Planned: F-15E. made its combat debut in Iraq in August 2008. The current LJDAM is a
dual-mode, 500-lb guided weapon capable of attacking moving targets
with precision. It was developed as an urgent operational need, and test-
ing was completed in less than 17 months. It was delivered in May 2008,
and deployed in combat in Iraq three months later. Boeing more recently
developed the GBU-56 (2,000-lb) variant.
Contractor: Boeing.
First Flight: 2005.
IOC: 2008.
Active Variant:
•GBU-54 Laser JDAM. Laser/GPS/INS-guided 500-lb GP, or BLU-111
penetrating weapon.
•GBU-56 Laser JDAM. Laser/GPS/INS-guided 2,000-lb GP, or BLU-109
penetrating weapon.
Dimensions: Length 7.7 ft, diameter 17 in. (GBU-54); length 12.6 ft, diam-
eter 25.3 in (GBU-56).
Performance: Range up to 15 miles (40 + miles with JDAM ER wing set).
Guidance: GPS/INS with laser.
USAF
Warhead: Mk 82/BLU-111/BLU-126/BLU-129 500-lb munition (GBU-54);

Mk 84/BLU-117/BLU-109/BLU-116 2,000-lb munition (GBU-56).
GBU-43 MASSIVE ORDNANCE AIR BLAST (MOAB) BOMB Integration: F-15E, F-16. Planned: F-35, B-1B (GBU-56).
Massive guided bomb
GBU-57 MASSIVE ORDNANCE PENETRATOR
Brief: MOAB is the largest satellite-guided, air-delivered weapon ever Massive PGM
employed. It is designed for use against large area targets, deeply buried
targets, or targets in tunnels or caves. The conventional HE bomb is GPS- Brief: MOP is a GPS-guided, earth-penetrating strike weapon for use
guided, with fins and inertial gyro for pitch and roll. It was developed by against hardened and deeply buried targets. It was developed and tested
the Air Force Research Laboratory Munitions Directorate at Eglin in only through a USAF and Defense Threat Reduction Agency partnership in
nine weeks to be available for the 2003 Iraq campaign. The weapon was 2004 and is now managed by AFGSC. Flight-testing was conducted from
designated Massive Ordnance Air Blast (MOAB) but is unofficially known 2008 to 2010, when the program transitioned to USAF. A B-2 successfully
as “Mother of All Bombs.” The weapon is designed for deployment from test-dropped the GBU-57 in 2014, 2015, and 2016. Several B-2s completed
the ramp of an MC-130H without a parachute. A total of 18,700 lb of the a total of four test drops at White Sands Missile Range in 2017 validating
weapon’s 21,000-lb weight is attributed to the BLU-120/B warhead. It was the effectiveness of mods made under the Enhanced Threat Response IV
used operationally for the first time in April 2017 against an ISIS-occupied upgrade. MOP proved effective, clearing the way for potential early field-
cave complex in Afghanistan. ing, though the Air Force’s recommendation was classified. The service
is currently testing the Large Penetrator Smart Fuse (LPSF) to increase
Contractors: AFRL; Dynetics. precision and lethality, though delays constructing representative test tar-

gets have pushed potential •AEHF SV-5. Launched in 2019, on orbit and operational.
fielding of the upgrade to •AEHF SV-6. Launched in 2020, on orbit and operational.
FY25 or beyond. A B-2 em- Dimensions: Length 31 ft, width 98 ft (with full solar array extension).
ployed an LPSF-equipped Weight: 13,400 lb.
509th Bomb Wing

weapon against a tunnel Performance: 24-hr low, medium, and extended data rate connectivity
test target in 2020 to validate from 65 north to 65 south latitude worldwide.
the design, followed by a Orbit Altitude: Geosynchronous at 22,000+ miles.
series of three performance Power: Solar arrays generating 20,000 watts.
test drops between August
2021 and May 2022. FY23 funds jam-resistant GPS for operations against
advanced A2/AD targets as well as warheads, guidance kits, and fuses.
Contractor: Boeing.
First Flight: Unknown.
IOC: 2011.
Operator: AFGSC.
Active Variant:
•GBU-57B. GPS-guided 30,000-lb penetrating weapon.
Guidance: GPS.
Warhead: 5,740-lb HE.
Dimensions: Length 20.5 ft, diameter 31.5 in.
USAF
Integration: B-2A (tests also conducted on the B-52).
COMMUNICATIONS SATELLITES MILSTAR SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM (MILSTAR)

Communications
Brief: Milstar is the legacy joint-service backbone of strategic/tactical DOD

communications. It provides encrypted, secure, anti-jam communications
around the world and uses cross-linked satellites, eliminating the need
for ground relay stations. Block I satellites incorporate a low-data-rate
payload capable of transmitting 75 to 2,400 bps over 192 EHF channels.
Block II satellites carry both the low-data-rate payload and a medium-
data-rate payload capable of transmitting 4,800 bps to 1.5 Mbps over 32
channels, allowing larger data to be passed more quickly. Interoperable
terminals allow third-party land/sea-based units to upload data in real
time to cruise missiles or other compatible weapons. Milstar provides
continuous coverage between 65 degrees north and 65 degrees south
latitude. The systems utilize multiple-redundant command and control
for high survivability. The last of six satellites launched in 2003 and was
USAF
augmented by the sixth and final AEHF satellite in 2020. AEHF now
ADVANCED EXTREMELY HIGH FREQUENCY (AEHF) SATELLITE supplants Milstar as DOD’s primary system in the combined, fully back-
SYSTEM compatible AEHF-Milstar constellation.
Communications
Contractors: Lockheed Martin; Boeing; Northrop Grumman (formerly TRW).
Brief: AEHF provides global, secure, protected, and jam-resistant military Operator/Location: USSF SpOC, Delta 8 (DEL 8), 4th Space Operations
communications. It enhances the previous Milstar satellites and operates Squadron (4 SOPS), Schriever SFB, Colo.
at a much higher capacity and data rate. It offers secure, anti-jam tactical First Launch: Feb. 7, 1994. IOC: July 1997 (Milstar I).
and strategic communications around the world. AEHF uses cross-linked Design Life: 10 yr.
satellites, eliminating the need for ground relay stations. The program is Launch Vehicle: Titan IV/Centaur.
a collaboration with Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, and the United Constellation: Five: two Milstar I; three Milstar II.
Kingdom. Launch of SV-4 was originally slated for Oct. 17, 2017, but an Active Satellites:
issue with the system’s power regulator prompted USAF to delay launch •Block I. Milstar I satellites launched 1994-95.
a year to enable a hardware fix. SV-4 launched on Oct. 17, 2018, paving •Block II. Milstar II satellites launched 1999-2003.
the way for full operational capability declared when the vehicle joined Dimensions: Length 51 ft, width 116 ft with full solar array extension.
the constellation on May 3, 2019. SV-5 launched Aug. 8, 2019, and SV-6 Weight: 10,000 lb.
launched from Cape Canaveral on March 26, 2020, marking the newly Performance: Milstar I low-data-rate (LDR) payload transmitting 75 to
formed USSF’s first launch. SV-6 became operational after completing 2,500 bps of data over 192 channels of EHF; Milstar II LDR and medium-
on-orbit checks on Aug. 22, 2020, completing the constellation. USSF data-rate (MDR) payloads, transmitting 4,800 bps to 1.5 Mbps over 32
completed the fourth of five planned incremental software upgrades channels. Orbit Altitude: Geosynchronous at 22,000+ miles.
to the mission planning element in May 2021. The final increment was Power: Solar arrays generating 8,000 watts.
planned for late 2022. USSF plans to begin replacing AEHF with the next-
generation Evolved Strategic SATCOM (ESS) for high-end C2 starting in MOBILE USER OBJECTIVE SYSTEM (MUOS)
the early 2030s, while developing Protected Tactical SATCOM (PTS) to Communications
relive AEHF of providing contested battlefield comms.
Brief: MUOS provides next-generation global UHF narrowband and
Contractors: Lockheed Martin; Northrop Grumman. BLOS military SATCOMS. The constellation was originally developed by
Operator/Location: USSF SpOC, Delta 8 (DEL 8), 4th Space Operations Lockheed Martin for the Navy, and is designed to replace the legacy UHF
Squadron (4 SOPS), Schriever SFB, Colo. Follow-On (UFO) system, enabling a 10-fold increase in capacity as well
First Launch: Aug. 14, 2010. as interoperability with legacy terminals. Each satellite is equipped with
IOC: 2015. an advanced SATCOM payload that converts 3G cellular-like service to
Design Life: 14 yrs. military UHF as well as a UHF payload compatible with UFO terminals.
Launch Vehicle: Atlas V. MUOS provides tactical air, land, and sea platforms reliable SATCOMS
Constellation: Six. even in challenging terrain and weather conditions and also extends
Active Satellites: SATCOMS to the high Arctic. The system utilizes both geosynchronous
•AEHF SV-1. Launched in 2010, on orbit and operational. satellites and ground-station relays to provide mobile phone-type, voice,
•AEHF SV-2. Launched in 2012, on orbit and operational. text, and data to users in the field. MUOS can interface with the Defense
•AEHF SV-3. Launched in 2013, on orbit and operational. Switched Network and DOD’s Global Information Grid offering clear voice
•AEHF SV-4. Launched in 2018, on orbit and operational. and videoconferencing over existing networks. The system comprises four

starting in 2022. Congress added funds beyond USAF’s FY18 request to
procure the 11th and 12th satellites, but USSF opted for the single, mod-
ernized WGS-11+ platform. USSF issued Boeing a $20.6 million contract
modification for the design and launch of WGS-11+ on June 21, 2021. The
satellite will offer roughly twice the capability, in addition to stronger,
more reliable coverage and is tentatively slated for completion in 2024.
Congress again added FY23 funds to procure WGS-12 to ensure depth of
coverage, augmenting the future Protected Tactical SATCOM (PTS) which
will provide battlefield coverage in contested spectrum environments.
Contractor: Boeing.
Operator/Location: USSF SpOC, Delta 8 (DEL 8), 4th Space Operations
Squadron (4 SOPS), Schriever SFB, Colo.
First Launch: October 2007.
IOC: April 16, 2008.
USN
Design Life: 14 yr.
Launch Vehicle: Atlas V, Delta IV.
operational satellites, an on-orbit spare, and four ground relay stations in Constellation: 10 satellites.
addition to networking and satellite control. USSF aims to procure two Active Satellites:
additional MUOS satellites targeted for launch by 2030, coinciding with •SV-1. Block I, launched in 2007; active.
the projected end-of-life of the initial vehicles. Service life extension efforts •SV-2. Block I, launched in 2009; active.
initiated by the Navy would procure two additional satellites, equipped only •SV-3. Block I, launched in 2009; active.
with the advanced Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) •SV-4. Block II, launched in 2009; active.
payload to replace the oldest satellites in orbit by 2030. Full exploitation •SV-5. Block II, launched in 2013; active.
of MUOS’ capabilities has been hampered by the slow modernization •SV-6. Block II, launched in 2013; active.
of user platforms to date, and many USAF platforms are currently being •SV-7. Block II follow-on, launched in 2015; active.
upgraded with MUOS terminals. The Naval Satellite Operations Center •SV-8. Block II follow-on, launched in 2016; active.
transferred its remaining UHF satellites, including five legacy UHF Follow- •SV-9. Block II follow-on, launched in 2017; active.
Ons, a single remaining UHF FLTSAT, and two range-extending nanosats •SV-10. Block II follow-on, launched in 2019; active.
to the USSF along with control of MUOS on June 6, 2022. Dimensions: Based on Boeing 702 Bus.
Weight: 13,000 lb at launch.
Contractor: Lockheed Martin. Performance: Approx 10 times the capability of a DSCS satellite.
Operator/Location: USSF SpOC, Space Delta 8 (DEL 8), 10th Space Orbit Altitude: Geosynchronous at 22,000+ miles.
Operations Squadron (10 SOPS), Naval Base Ventura County, Calif. Power: Solar arrays generating 9,934 watts.
First Launch: Feb. 24, 2012.
IOC: N/A; October 2019 (FOC). METEOROLOGICAL SATELLITES
Design Life: 14 yrs. Launch Vehicle: Atlas V.
Launch Vehicle: Atlas V.
Constellation: Four (plus one on-orbit spare).
Active Satellites:
•MUOS-1. Launched in 2012, on orbit and operational (CONUS/Americas).
•MUOS-2. Launched in 2013, on orbit and operational (Pacific).
•MUOS-3. Launched in 2015, on orbit and operational (Atlantic).
•MUOS-4. Launched in 2015, on orbit and operational (Indo-Asia).
•MUOS-5. Launched in 2016, on-orbit spare.
Dimensions: Length 21.9 ft, height 12 ft, width 6 ft (with full solar array
stowed) 90 ft (with solar arrays deployed); two deployable reflector arrays
17.7 ft (legacy UHF), and 45.9 ft (MUOS).
USAF
Weight: 8,405 lb (including 6,450 lb of fuel).
Performance: UHF narrowband/BLOS 3G-equivalent voice, chat, and
data 89.5 north to 65 south latitude worldwide. DEFENSE METEOROLOGICAL SATELLITE PROGRAM (DMSP)
Orbit Altitude: Geosynchronous at 22,236 miles. Space and Earth environmental data collection
Brief: DMSP is tasked with environmental data collection for worldwide,

military weather forecasting. It provides timely and high-quality weather
information to strategic and tactical combat units worldwide. DMSP
uses an operational line-scan sensor to image cloud cover in visible and
thermal IR and analyze cloud patterns. It is equipped with microwave
imagers and sounders and a suite of space environment sensors that
provide critical land, sea, and space data. Block 5D-3 improved spacecraft
bus and sensors for longer and more capable missions. Six operational
Boeing
DMSP satellites now survey the entire Earth four times a day. The oldest
operational satellite, DMSP-13, suffered an apparent electrical short and
WIDEBAND GLOBAL SATCOM (WGS) SATELLITE exploded, creating a cloud of debris in space in 2015. DMSP-19 most re-
Communications cently launched in 2014. The vehicle subsequently suffered a power failure
in early 2016, rendering it uncontrollable. Data from the craft remains us-
Brief: WGS provides worldwide, high-capacity communications for able until its orbit decays. Congress canceled the DMSP program before
deployed air, land, and sea forces. The system is designed to augment the final spacecraft (DMSP-20) could be launched. DMSP-20 was stored,
and then replace DSCS X-band frequency service. It also augments the awaiting a launch decision to replace DMSP-19. DMSP-17 ultimately as-
one-way Global Broadcast Service Joint Program Ka-band frequency ca- sumed the failed satellite’s coverage, and DMSP-20 went on permanent
pabilities and provides a new high-capacity, two-way Ka-band frequency display at Los Angeles AFB, Calif. DMSP-14, the last operational Block
service. Block I includes: SV-1 (Pacific region), SV-2 (Middle East), and 5D-2 satellite, was decommissioned Feb. 11, 2020, after 22 years. USAF
SV-3 (Europe and Africa). Block II satellites are modified to better support awarded Ball Aerospace a $255.4 million development contract for the
the airborne ISR mission and include: SV-4 (Indian Ocean) and SV-5 and Weather System Follow-On-Microwave (WSF-M) in November 2018, to
SV-6, purchased by Australia in 2013. The U.S. is partnering with Canada, partially replace DMSP starting in FY24. WSF-M will measure oceanic
Denmark, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and New Zealand on Block II winds and precipitation and space weather, augmented by the future
follow-on satellites SV-7 to SV-10. The Space and Missile Systems Center Electro-Optical/Infrared Weather System (EWS), monitoring cloud cover
conducted tests to field anti-jamming capability for SV-1 through SV-10 and other conditions. USSF awarded General Atomics Electromagnetic

Systems and Orion Space Solutions demonstrator contracts. Orion launched Performance: Uses IR sensors to sense heat from missile and booster
its experimental cubesat on Jan 3, 2023, and General Atomics is expected plumes against Earth’s background.
to launch its demo in 2024. USSF estimates the DMSP constellation will Orbit Altitude: Geosynchronous at 22,000+ miles.
reach the end of its useful life by 2026. Power: Solar arrays generating 1,485 watts.
Contractors: Lockheed Martin; Northrop Grumman. SPACE-BASED INFRARED SYSTEM (SBIRS)

Operator/Location: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration;
NOAA Operations Facility, Suitland, Md.; Schriever SFB, Colo. (backup).
First Launch: May 23, 1962.
IOC: 1965.
Design Life: Five yrs (Block 5D-3). Launch Vehicle: Delta IV; Atlas V.
Constellation: Four low-Earth orbit (LEO).
Active Satellites:
•Block 5D-3. Improved spacecraft bus and sensors for longer, more
capable missions.
Dimensions: Length 25 ft (with array deployed), width 4 ft.
Weight: 2,545 lb, incl 772-lb sensor; 2,270 lb with 592-lb sensor payload.
Performance: Polar orbits; covers Earth in about 6 hr; primary sensor
scans 1,800-mile-wide area.
Orbit Altitude: Approx 527 miles.
Power: Solar arrays generating 1,200-1,300 watts.
Lockheed Martin
MISSILE WARNING SATELLITES
SPACE-BASED INFRARED SYSTEM (SBIRS)

Space-based surveillance/missile warning
Brief: SBIRS provides advanced space surveillance and missile warning,

battlespace characterization, and technical intelligence gathering. It is the
follow-on to the Defense Support Program satellite. The system includes
IR sensor payloads on host satellites in highly elliptical orbit (HEO), two
IR sensors each on dedicated satellites in geosynchronous Earth orbit
(GEO), and ground assets. The HEO sensor detects launch of submarine-
launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) from the North Pole region and can be
tasked for other IR detection missions. GEO scanning IR sensor performs
the strategic missile warning mission, global technical intelligence, and
initial phase for the strategic missile defense mission, providing two
DOD
times the revisit rate and three times the sensitivity of DSP. GEO-5 and
6 are based on a modernized spacecraft that will begin migration to the
DEFENSE SUPPORT PROGRAM (DSP) next-generation Enterprise Ground Service (EGS), consolidating control
Strategic and tactical launch detection of multiple systems. USSF also awarded Raytheon a contract in 2020 to
modernize ground data processing. The Future Operationally Resilient
Brief: DSP provides ballistic missile early warning and is a key part of Ground Evolution (FORGE) system will serve both SBIRS and the future
North American and theater early warning systems. It is capable of detect- Next-Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) system. OPIR will
ing missile launches and nuclear detonations and was initially meant to comprise three GEO satellites built by Lockheed Martin and two polar
watch the Soviet military. It was used extensively in the 1991 Gulf War to HEO sensors from Northrop Grumman. Delivery of the first OPIR GEO
detect Iraqi theater missile launches against coalition forces and allies in satellite is slated for FY25 followed by the first HEO sensor in FY28. The
the region. The 23rd and final DSP satellite launched in December 2007 final SBIRS GEO satellite (GEO-6) successfully blasted off from Cape
but malfunctioned and began drifting outside its intended orbit in 2008. Canaveral on Aug. 4, 2022, and (along with GEO-5) will replace the old-
Block 5 is the latest variant and is more survivable than predecessors. est satellites on orbit.
It includes a medium wavelength IR sensor for more mission utility and
accommodates 6,000 detectors. Nine Block 5 satellites were deployed Contractors: Lockheed Martin (prime contractor); Northrop Grumman
between 1989 and 2007. Control of the constellation was consolidated to (payload); Raytheon (data processing modernization).
the new Block 10 Mission Control Station at Buckley in early 2016. SBIRS Operator/Location: USSF SpOC, Space Delta 4 (DEL 4); Buckley SFB, Colo.
is integrated with DSP, augments its role, and is designed to eventually First Launch: GEO 1, May 2011.
replace the constellation on orbit. The constellations jointly enabled early IOC: HEO 1, Dec. 5, 2008. (Increment 1, Dec. 8, 2001).
detection of ballistic missiles launched by Iran against U.S. forces at Al Launch Vehicle: Atlas V (GEO).
Asad AB, Iraq, on Jan. 7, 2020, reducing casualties. Constellation: Six GEO sats, two HEO sensors and two HEO on-orbit
reserve (hosted).
Contractors: Northrop Grumman (formerly TRW); Aerojet. Active Satellites/Payloads:
Operator/Location: USSF SpOC, Space Delta 4 (DEL 4); Buckley SFB, Colo. •SBIRS HEO-1. Payload operational in 2008; on-orbit reserve.
First Launch: November 1970. •SBIRS HEO-2. Payload operational in 2009; on-orbit reserve.
IOC: Circa 1972. •SBIRS HEO-3. Payload operational in 2015; active.
Design Life: Three-year requirement and five-year goal. •SBIRS HEO-4. Payload operational in 2017; active.
Launch Vehicle: Titan IV with inertial upper stage; Delta IV Heavy NSSL. •SBIRS GEO-1. Launched in 2011; active.
Constellation: 23 deployed/five operational. •SBIRS GEO-2. Launched in 2013; active.
Active Satellites: •SBIRS GEO-3. Launched in 2017; active.
•DSP-18. Launched in 1997, on orbit and operational. •SBIRS GEO-4. Launched in 2018; active.
•DSP-21. Launched in 2001, on orbit and operational. Dimensions: 49 x 22 x 20 ft (GEO on orbit); 7 x 4 x 3 ft (HEO sensor).
•DSP-22. Launched in 2004, on orbit and operational. Weight: 5,525 lb (GEO on orbit); 530 lb (HEO sensor).
•DSP-23. Launched in 2007, on orbit and non-operational. Orbit Altitude: Geosynchronous (GEO satellites) and highly elliptical
Dimensions: Diameter 22 ft, height 32.8 ft, with paddles deployed. (HEO sensors).
Weight: Approx 5,200 lb. Power: Solar array, 2,435 watts (GEO), batteries.

PRECISION TIMING AND NAVIGATION SATELLITES SPACE DOMAIN AWARENESS SATELLITES
GEOSYNCHRONOUS SPACE SITUATIONAL AWARENESS
PROGRAM (GSSAP)
Situational awareness/orbital tracking
Brief: GSSAP supplies space-based tracking and characterization of

manmade objects in geosynchronous orbit, aiding safety and enabling
avoidance. They are the “neighborhood watch” satellites augmenting the
legacy Space Based Space Surveillance (SBSS) system. SBSS tracks and
classifies manmade objects in low-Earth orbit and GSSAP extends this
coverage to geosynchronous orbit. The satellites themselves operate
in near-geosynchronous orbit to effectively monitor objects and aid in
preventing collisions in space. GSSAP carry EO/IR sensors and are able
to maneuver to observe objects at close range or conduct rendezvous.
They can track objects without the weather and atmospheric disruptions
that affect ground-based systems. Two GSSAP satellites were launched in
2014 and attained IOC in 2015. Two more replenishment satellites launched
Aug. 19, 2016, and became operational Sept. 12, 2017. USSF completed a
Courtesy
significant overhaul and upgrade of the GSSAP ground system software
to enhance the reliability, speed, and security of the system in February
GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS)

Worldwide navigation, timing, and velocity data
Brief: GPS supplies space-based military and civil radio-positioning

for geolocation, navigation, and timing. It is a fundamental enabler of
precision bombing, CSAR, mapping, and rendezvous. It provides ac-
curate and uninterrupted 3D (latitude, longitude, and altitude) position,
velocity, and time data. The last of the GPS Block IIA satellites, launched
between 1990 and 1997 was decommissioned in 2020. GPS Block IIR
and IIR-M (modernized) included 21 vehicles launched between 2005
and 2009. Modernization upgrades included two new signals, enhanced
encryption, anti-jamming capabilities, and a second civil signal. GPS
Block IIF is a follow-on to IIR-M. Upgrades include extended design life,
USAF
faster processors, and improved anti-jam and accuracy, a new military
signal, and a second and third dedicated civil signal. The GPS Block IIIA,
first launched on Dec. 23, 2018, has improved accuracy, availability, and 2020. The upgrades also pave the way for future expansion of the con-
integrity, and incorporates a steerable, high-power, anti-jam capability. stellation. The fifth and sixth sensors successfully launched aboard the
Lockheed Martin completed Block IIIA production at SV-10 in 2022. The USSF-8 mission from Cape Canaveral on Jan. 21, 2022, and were declared
company was awarded a follow-on contract for Block IIIF SV-11 and SV-12 operational several months later.
as well as up to 22 additional vehicles in 2018. USSF executed options
for SV-13 and SV-14 in October 2020, SV-15 to 17 in November 2021, and Contractor: Northrop Grumman Space Systems (formerly Orbital ATK).
SV-18 through 20 in November 2022. Block IIIF will add a hosted search Operator/Location: USSF SpOC, Delta 9 (DEL 9), 1st Space Operations
and rescue payload, as well as geographically targetable high-power Squadron (1 SOPS), Schriever SFB, Colo.
military signal. USSF is working to field the delayed Next Generation First Launch: July 28, 2014.
Operational Control Segment (OCX), which will enable advanced GPS III IOC: Sept. 29, 2015.
features. The launch and on-orbit check segment of OCX went operational Launch Vehicle: Delta IV, Atlas V (USSF-8).
in 2017, but concurrent Blocks 1 and 2 to enable use of modernized civil, Constellation: Four spacecraft.
aviation, military signals, and advanced cyber defenses are not expected Active Satellites:
until late FY23. OCX is currently one of the last key elements to GPS Block •GSSAP 1. Launched in 2014; on orbit, active.
III reaching IOC. USSF most recently launched GPS III SV-6 on Jan. 18, •GSSAP 2. Launched in 2014, on orbit, active.
2023, and vehicles 7 and 8 are awaiting launch. The first IIIF is slated to •GSSAP 3. Launched in 2016, on orbit, active.
be launch-ready by 2026. •GSSAP 4. Launched in 2016, on orbit, active.
•GSSAP 5. Launched in 2022, on orbit, active.
Contractors: Boeing (IIF); Lockheed Martin (IIR, IIR-M, III/IIIF). •GSSAP 6. Launched in 2022, on orbit, active.
Operator/Location: USSF SpOC, Delta 8 (DEL 8), 2nd Space Operations Orbit Altitude: Near-geosynchronous at 22,300 miles.
Squadron (2 SOPS), Schriever SFB, Colo. Power: Solar panels.
First Launch: Feb. 22, 1978.
IOC: Dec. 9, 1993. SPACE-BASED SPACE SURVEILLANCE (SBSS)
Design Life: 7.5 yr (IIR/IIR-M); 12 yr (IIF); 15 yr (IIIA). Orbital surveillance and object identification
Launch Vehicle: Delta II, Delta IV, Falcon 9.
Constellation: 31 spacecraft (not including decommissioned or on-orbit Brief: SBSS is designed to track, characterize, measure, and collect
spares). optical signatures of Earth-orbiting objects, including space vehicles
Active Satellites: and debris. The Missile Defense Agency originally launched SBSS as a
•GPS Block IIR. Launched 1997 to 2004; seven active. technology demonstrator to classify and track ballistic missiles in mid-
•GPS Block IIR-M. Launched 2005 to 2009; seven active. course flight, before handing it over to AFSPC in 2011. SBSS primarily
•GPS Block IIF. Launched 2010 to 2016; 12 active. uses a trainable, ground-controlled Space-Based Visible Sensor to track
•GPS Block IIIA/IIIF. New generation launched in 2018; five active. targets without repositioning. Potential high-end and even kinetic space
Dimensions: (IIR/IIR-M) 5 x 6.3 x 6.25 ft, span incl solar panels 38 ft; (IIF) threats from China and Russia have pushed orbital domain awareness to
9.6 x 6.5 x 12.9 ft, span incl solar panels 43.1 ft. the top of AFSPC’s priority list. AFSPC worked to extend SBSS service
Weight: On orbit, 2,370 lb (IIR/IIR-M); 3,439 lb (IIF). life and tasked one of its experimental Operationally Responsive Space
Performance: Orbits the Earth every 12 hr, emitting continuous signals, satellites to cover a four-year gap in coverage until the newly established
providing time to within one-millionth of a second, velocity within a frac- Space Force can launch a follow-on spacecraft. ORS-5 launched Aug. 26,
tion of a mile per hour, and location to within a few feet. 2017, and is equipped with an optical sensor to provide rapid, continuous
Orbit Altitude: Medium-Earth Orbit (MEO) at between 10,988 and 12,550 scanning to detect movement in geosynchronous orbit. The Space Force
miles. is seeking funds for a follow-on satellite to ORS-5 to enhance surveillance.
Power: Solar panels generating 1,136 watts (IIR/IIR-M); up to 2,900 watts (IIF). SBSS works in concert with an array of networked, ground-based sensors

including the Space Fence wide-area search and surveillance system
recently commissioned on Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands. SBSS
collision-warning data was made openly available to the public in 2020 to
improve domain awareness and orbital safety, and USSF is considering
handing off operations to a contracted service provider.
Contractors: Boeing (system integration, ground segment, operations

and sustainment); Ball Aerospace (satellite); Orbital ATK (ORS-5).
Operator/Location: USSF SpOC, Delta 9 (DEL 9), 1st Space Operations
Squadron (1 SOPS), Schriever SFB, Colo.
First Launch: Sept. 25, 2010.
IOC: Aug. 17, 2012 (SBSS); May 31, 2018 (ORS-5).
Design Life: Seven yr.
Launch Vehicle: Minotaur IV.
Constellation: One LEO satellite; one LEO augmentation satellite.
Active Satellites:
•SBSS Block 10. Launched in 2010; active.
•ORS-5. Experimental satellite launched in 2017 to augment SBSS; active.
Dimensions: Height approx 49 ft; 22 ft x 20 ft (SBSS on-orbit); 5 ft x 2.5
ft (ORS-5).
Weight: Approx 5,525 lb (SBSS on orbit); approx 250 lbs (ORS-5).
Orbit Altitude: 390 miles, sun-synchronous orbit (SBSS); 372 miles,
geosynchronous orbit (ORS-5).
Power: Solar arrays and batteries generating 750 watts (SBSS); solar
array and batteries (ORS-5).
Aaron M. U. Church is a freelance aviation writer and Active-duty officer
Boeing
stationed at Beale Air Force Base, Calif. He is a former Air and Space
Forces Magazine senior editor.
Senior Airman Thomas Sjoberg
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying the GPS III SV06 payload launches from Space Launch Complex-40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force
Station, Fla. GPS III provides positioning, navigation, and timing service to civilian and military users worldwide.

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USAF & USSF ALMANAC 2023

WEAPONS & PLATFORMS By Aaron M. U. Church

Bomber Aircraft 120 Uncrewed Aircraft Systems 148

Master Sgt. Charles Vaughn

118 AIRANDSPACEFORCES.COM 2023 ALMANAC

Brief: The B-2 is a stealthy, long-range, penetrating nuclear and conven-

Tech. Sgt. Chris Hibben

Brief: The B-1B is a conventional, long-range, supersonic, penetrating strike

AIRANDSPACEFORCES.COM 2023 ALMANAC 119

Brief: The B-52H is a long-range nuclear/conventional bomber and USAF’s

120 AIRANDSPACEFORCES.COM 2023 ALMANAC

THE SMART DECISION

AIRANDSPACEFORCES.COM 2023 ALMANAC 121

Staff Sgt. Alex Miller

122 AIRANDSPACEFORCES.COM 2023 ALMANAC

Staff Sgt. Benjamin Raughton

1st Lt. Savanah Bray

Air superiority fighter

AIRANDSPACEFORCES.COM 2023 ALMANAC 123

124 AIRANDSPACEFORCES.COM 2023 ALMANAC

Senior Airman Erica Webster

Brief: The F-35 Lightning II is a multirole, stealthy, penetrating, all-weather

Joint Strike Fighter program. USAF’s conventional F-35A is complemented

AIRANDSPACEFORCES.COM 2023 ALMANAC 125

126 AIRANDSPACEFORCES.COM 2023 ALMANAC

Contractors: Fairchild-Dornier; Sierra Nevada Corp.

Senior Airman Trevor Gordnier

AIRANDSPACEFORCES.COM 2023 ALMANAC 127

128 AIRANDSPACEFORCES.COM 2023 ALMANAC

Staff Sgt. Miranda Mahoney

Staff Sgt. Jake Jacobsen

AIRANDSPACEFORCES.COM 2023 ALMANAC 129

Airman 1st Class Moses Taylor

COMMAND, CONTROL, COMMUNICATIONS/BATTLE E-4 NATIONAL AIRBORNE OPERATIONS CENTER

Brief: The E-4B is a highly survivable flying C3 center enabling national

International Maritime Satellite, and a tri-band radome that houses the

sphere. AWACS coordinates theater air operations in direct subordination

130 AIRANDSPACEFORCES.COM 2023 ALMANAC

Staff Sgt. Bennie Davis III

Brief: The E-9A is a modified DHC-8 commuter aircraft that provides

at ranges up to 25 miles. The fleet operates in concert with three drone

AIRANDSPACEFORCES.COM 2023 ALMANAC 131

Senior Airman Alex Miller

132 AIRANDSPACEFORCES.COM 2023 ALMANAC

Contractors: Lockheed Martin; BAE Systems (mission equipment);

Tech. Sgt. Kayleigh Phillips

accelerated retirement of the fleet in January 2023, with a final aircraft

Contractors: Fairchild (airframe); Elbit Systems (avionics upgrade).

AIRANDSPACEFORCES.COM 2023 ALMANAC 133

Tech. Sgt. Daniel Asselta

Contractors: Boeing (airframe); L3Harris, Textron (mission systems).

Contractors: Boeing (airframe); L3Harris, Textron Systems (mission systems).

2nd Lt. Hailey Malay

134 AIRANDSPACEFORCES.COM 2023 ALMANAC

Brief: The WC-130J “Weatherbird” is a modularly configurable C-130J

AIRANDSPACEFORCES.COM 2023 ALMANAC 135

Senior Airman Jacob Stephens

136 AIRANDSPACEFORCES.COM 2023 ALMANAC