We aim to be flexible
In the seventh article in a series on the characteristics of aerospace power, WGCDR David Thiele looks at versatility and responsiveness

An Australian F/A-18 and two US Navy Hornets await to refuel from a USAF tanker during a combat mission over Iraq in April. Photo by WO2 Al Green

When the Air Force’s F/A-18s first began flying in support of the Coalition in the Persian Gulf, the aircraft were employed in defence of allied airfields and high-value assets such as tankers.

As the war progressed, they began to conduct attacks on land targets of opportunity that required them to be quickly redirected from their defensive role.

Later still, the F/A-18s were involved in the bombing of ground targets well within Iraqi territory.

A cornerstone of Australia’s Air Force has been the versatility of our people and systems to adapt to whatever role or mission they may be tasked with.

By its very nature, the aircraft can be quickly redirected in flight from one task to another or even one target to another.

As long as the aircraft carries the necessary weapons, then generally the new task can be successfully carried out.
Modern aircraft are often tagged with terms such as “multi-mission” or “multi-role”, both of which are examples of the versatility of aerospace power. Yet, what do these terms mean?

When a system is referred to as being “multi-mission” then it means that the aircraft and crew can undertake more than one specialist task during a single sortie. For example, the F/A-18s were able to carry out defensive counter air missions while being subsequently redirected in flight to carry out land strikes.

In contrast, “multi-role” means that the system can be quickly reconfigured on the ground to undertake alternative roles. Usually, this will mean that the weapons on board the aircraft need to be changed.

As an example, a P-3 carrying only torpedoes and sonobouys can conduct anti-submarine warfare, surface surveillance and strike direction (multi-mission), but would need to land and be loaded with Harpoon to conduct a maritime strike task.

Complementary to the characteristic of versatility is that of responsiveness.

The speed and reach of the aircraft means that the assets are able to be deployed quickly to a theatre, to move quickly within a theatre and begin operations almost as soon as they arrive.

This responsiveness provides flexibility in planning by allowing a military commander the ability to react swiftly and effectively to any changes in the local situation.

This combination of responsiveness and versatility provides the government with the most rapid and credible form of combat power to distant theatres.

The next issue will look at the characteristics of operating bases and fragility.

• WGCDR David Thiele is Deputy Director Aerospace Concepts at AeC.

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