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17 décembre 2013 2 17 /12 /décembre /2013 21:50

New Typhoon squadron announced

New Typhoon squadron announced

An RAF Typhoon jet accelerates and climbs rapidly during a training sortie (library image) [Picture: Senior Aircraftman Andrew Seaward, Crown copyright]

 

13 December 2013 Ministry of Defence

 

One of the oldest squadrons in the Royal Air Force is to be re-equipped with the latest Typhoon jets.


 

The move is part of a transformation of the RAF’s combat air capability which will see battle-proven Tornado GR4 aircraft replaced by advanced Typhoon and F-35B Lightning II fighters.

Number 2 (Army Co-operation) Squadron, based at RAF Marham, celebrated 100 years of service in 2012 and its personnel are currently training for their next tour of duty early next year flying Tornado jets in Afghanistan.

After that, the unit will begin the process of swapping its Tornados for Eurofighter Typhoons and transfer to its new base at RAF Lossiemouth.

The move was announced by the Minister of State for the Armed Forces, Mark Francois, who said the change was part of the planned realignment of the RAF’s long-serving Tornado Force, under which all GR4s will leave the service by 2019.

Tornado during operations in southern Afghanistan
An RAF Number 2 (Army Co-operation) Squadron Tornado during operations in southern Afghanistan (library image) [Picture: Corporal Neil Bryden RAF, Crown copyright]

Mr Francois said:

Number 2 (AC) Squadron has the distinction of being one of the oldest fixed-wing flying squadrons in the world, having formed in 1912.

Since being equipped with Tornado aircraft in 1989 it has served with distinction on operations in Libya, the Balkans and Iraq and will complete its final tour of duty in Afghanistan in early 2014.

I can announce that it will formally disband as a Tornado squadron on 31 March 2015 and will re-equip to form a new front line Typhoon squadron based at RAF Lossiemouth the next day on 1 April 2015.

I am sure that Number 2 (AC) Squadron’s valuable contribution to operations throughout its long and distinguished history will continue as it helps maintain the strong traditions of RAF Lossiemouth as a main operating base for the RAF into the future.

The newly-reformed Number 2 (AC) Squadron will be the fifth front line RAF Typhoon squadron.

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23 avril 2013 2 23 /04 /avril /2013 07:20

CVN 77 Successfully Completes Fleet Replacement Squadron Carrier Qualifications

photo US Navy

photo US Navy

Apr 22, 2013 ASDNews Source : US Navy

 

USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) concluded its five-day Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) carrier qualifications (CQ) in the Atlantic Ocean, April 20.

 

Fleet Replacement Squadron CQ consists of both day and night operations.

 

The ship and its crew of more than 3,000 Sailors worked in unison with Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 106, Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 120, and Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 40 around the clock to help pilots successfully complete the final stages of their training.

 

"We flew every day from approximately 1 p.m. until 1 a.m., and met our mark of around 600 traps," said Lt. Kent Davis, flight deck officer. "It's tougher than regular flight operations."

 

Regular flight operations can involve launching 2-3 aircraft at a time with 1-2 hours between launches. Pilots would then fly their missions for several hours before returning to the ship. Fleet Replacement Squadron CQ, on the other hand, is a 12-hour continuous flight evolution demanding more from the crew and pilots.

 

"Normal flight operations are a timed evolution," said Chief Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) Derrick W. Foster, flight deck chief. "Fleet Replacement Squadron CQ is harder; it is extremely fast paced and nonstop not only for the ship's crew but the pilots as well."

 

In order for FRS pilots to qualify and advance into a fleet squadron the pilot must successfully complete six landings during the day and four landings during the night aboard an aircraft carrier.

 

"These Fleet Replacement Squadron pilots have completed daytime carrier operations in the past, but this week's evolution marked the first arrested night landings of their careers," said Davis.

 

Forty-one pilots qualified on their squadron specific aircraft, consisting of either F/A-18 Hornets and Super Hornets, E-2C Hawkeye, or C-2A Greyhounds during the FRS CQ.

 

"This was one of the biggest CQ periods I've done on the Bush," said Davis. "With everyone working together it was completed safely and efficiently."

 

The Bush is currently conducting training operations in the Atlantic Ocean, strengthening the Navy's forward operating and war fighting ability.

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