F-111s see red

TUNING UP: An F-111 sits on the “piano keys” at Amberley (left) before jetting off for Exercise Red Flag, being held at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada, USA. Photos by LAC Andrew Eddie

F-111s from No. 82 Wing at RAAF Base Amberley have deployed to Nellis Air Force Base Nevada as part of Exercise Red Flag from August 25 to September 20.

Red Flag is a simulated combat training exercise involving air forces of the United States and allies. Conducted with a wide variety of aircraft, Red Flag enables forces to enhance their training in simulated air combat missions against a hostile force.

Most deployed aircraft and personnel, including the F-111s, are part of Blue Force, which uses a variety of tactics to strike various targets. These targets can include airfields, missile sites and tanks.

The enemy, Red Force, electronically simulates anti-aircraft artillery, surface-to-air missiles and electronic jamming equipment to defend the targets. In addition, “aggressor” pilots, flying F-16s, closely imitate known enemy tactics.

No. 82 Wing has so far had a 100 per cent success rate with sorties flown and has also received positive feedback from the USAF.

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