Fast jets return

By Andrew Stackpool

TWO weeks of precision and non-precision strike missions by No. 3 Squadron have reintroduced fast jet departure and recovery procedures to RAAF Base Darwin after many years’ absence.

These procedures allow for the efficient employment of fast jets to and from the airfield and will allow large-scale exercises – such as Pitch Black and Aces North – of the future to operate more effectively from the base.

They were part of the annual Arnhem Thunder exercise, the first deployment of the year for 3SQN where the unit has been able to focus on areas it wants to improve within the squadron.

It is the main squadron-level strike exercise for 2004 and the fourth squadron-sized deployment for the year.

3SQN’s CO, Wing Commander Mike Kitcher, said it was a successful exercise, with all weapons “delivered” to their targets.

Targets included simulated command and control facilities, military airfield infrastructure and groundbased air defence assets.

3SQN personnel delivered a mixture of Mk82 and Mk84 general purpose bombs and GBU12 and laser- guided training round precision munitions.

“Arnhem Thunder has given 3SQN the opportunity to test itself end-to-end from comprehensive mission planning, through aircraft and weapon preparation, to weapon delivery on a variety of targets,” WGCDR Kitcher said.

“The target sets have provided challenges, including acquisition, compounding weapons effects, collateral damage concerns and layered air defences.”

The first live strike wave of the exercises involved four jets and 16 Mk82s.

3SQN gunnies had to prepare more than 60 weapons within the first three days of the exercise. The precision and non-precision strike missions were made against an opposing force equipped with air and surface threats.

The air threats were generated by 3SQN F/A-18s and Pelair Learjets. The surface threats were developed by the Squadron’s intelligence officers and were promulgated within the Tindal and Delamere Ranges.

 

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