CCAs and Operation Sun Run
CCAs and Operation Sun Run
How AI powered can enhance the F-35 Lighting and when recon Voodoos broke records.
Our warfighting concept has to take account of the fact that almost nothing ever works right. As with the game of golf, our only real hope is to make smaller mistakes.
-Gen Merrill McPeak
Mission Briefing
Imagine this: the F-35 Lightning, often viewed as the pinnacle of expensive and controversial defense projects, stands at a crossroads. This aircraft, burdened with the massive task of succeeding various legendary airframes, has navigated a tumultuous journey marked by cost overruns, delays, and evolving requirements since its inception in the '90s as the Joint Strike Fighter. But what if an innovative twist could redefine the F-35's narrative, transforming it from a symbol of lavish ambition to a paragon of military might and efficiency?
Enter the realm of Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCAs) - a game-changing concept poised to revolutionize the role of the Lightning, potentially elevating it to an unparalleled force multiplier and a vital component in the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program.
The U.S. Air Force is currently eyeing the integration of at least a thousand CCAs into its fleet. These highly autonomous, drone-like aircraft are designed to synergize seamlessly with manned combat jets such as the F-35 Lightning, the B-21 Raider, and NGAD fighters. Remember, NGAD is not just about creating a 6th generation fighter; it's also about embracing autonomous drones like the CCAs as a critical element of this initiative.
From a financial perspective, the reasoning behind this strategic shift is clear. While a single F-35A Lightning stands at approximately $80 million, the forthcoming NGAD fighter and B-21 Raider are expected to surpass this, coupled with the substantial costs and time invested in pilot training. Here, the CCA approach emerges as a solution to cultivate what the Air Force terms as "affordable mass." It's important to understand that this doesn't imply that the drones are disposable. Rather, it means they could endure acceptable losses while still allowing the Air Force to accomplish its missions, with each drone costing about a quarter of an F-35 Lightning.
Diving into the specifics, the CCA program aims to introduce over 1000 advanced drones capable of autonomously executing missions against formidable adversaries, such as China. These drones, designed to operate alongside or ahead of manned fighters, boast impressive range and payload capacities. They can be tailored as mission specialists: some configured as flying munition depots to enhance the strike power of accompanying crewed aircraft, while others might carry advanced sensors or jamming gear, supporting stealthy operations.
The development timeline for these modular drones is notably shorter than that for manned fighters, given the absence of requirements for life support systems or limitations on G-force tolerances. Furthermore, the training advantage drones hold over manned aircraft is stark. A pilot's expertise is built over years and is limited to personal and shared experiences. In contrast, drones, through artificially trained neural networks, can rapidly assimilate every lesson learned by their predecessors, effectively flying complex missions millions of times in simulations within a day.
A prime example of this learning process in action is the VISTA, a highly modified F-16. This aircraft, equipped with AI systems akin to those in drones, is piloted by humans to the mission area, where the AI then takes over. Operating alongside 5th generation F-22 Raptors and F-35 Lightnings, the VISTA is instrumental in refining these AI algorithms.
The integration of CCA drones promises a substantial strategic advantage. Given the F-35's role as a flying combat information hub, augmenting its capabilities with these drones will amplify its effectiveness, achieving greater operational impact at a fraction of the cost and risk associated with a fleet composed solely of manned aircraft.
The request for an initial fleet of 1000 drones by the Air Force sends a strong signal to the defense industry: the future is a blend of AI and drone technology. This is likely just the beginning, with sophisticated, cost-efficient drones expected to be operational within the next five years, potentially reshaping the balance between manned and unmanned fighters in the U.S. Air Force. This development marks a pivotal moment, not only for the F-35 program but for the future of aerial combat.
This week in aviation history
27 November 1957: The late 1950s were time of innovation and speed records. The U.S. Air Force's 363rd Tactical Reconnaissance Wing is at the forefront of this thrilling era. They launched Operation Sun Run, a mission that was about to etch its name in the history books with its extraordinary achievements.
At the heart of this operation were the pilots of the 17th and 18th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadrons. Six skilled airmen, not knowing their exact roles until days before the event, were selected for a mission that demanded precision and daring. Their challenge? To pilot the formidable McDonnell RF-101C, a marvel of engineering that represented a leap forward from its predecessor, the RF-101A. This aircraft wasn't just another machine; it was the first supersonic photo reconnaissance jet, a symbol of technological prowess.
Operation Sun Run was meticulously planned. Six RF-101Cs were at the ready - two for a round-trip blitz from Los Angeles to New York and back, two for a one-way sprint, and another two as backups. This wasn't just a show of speed; it was a symphony of coordination, involving radar and weather stations across the nation.
But the pilots weren't the only stars of this operation. Enter the KC-135 Stratotanker, the Air Force's first jet tanker. This beast of a machine was crucial for mid-air refueling, allowing the RF-101Cs to maintain high speeds at 35,000 feet. It was a dance in the sky, with 26 refuelings meticulously planned and executed.
Now, let's zoom in on the day of glory - 27 November 1957. At 6:59 a.m., Captain Ray Schrecengost took off from Ontario International Airport, heralding the start of Operation Sun Run. Following him were Captain Robert Kilpatrick and Captain Donald Hawkins, each playing their part in this aerial symphony. By 7:50 a.m., Captain Robert Sweet and Lieutenant Gustav Klatt were airborne, with Captain Robert Burkhart ready as backup.
What followed was nothing short of extraordinary. These pilots didn't just fly; they shattered existing speed records. Lieutenant Klatt blazed from Los Angeles to New York in just over 3 hours. Captain Sweet completed the round-trip in under 7 hours, also setting a record from New York to Los Angeles.
This mission was more than a display of speed and skill. It was a testament to the spirit of innovation and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Operation Sun Run remains a shining example of what can be achieved when humans and machines work together in perfect harmony.
In case you missed it
First in a two part series on the BUFF:
Photo Outlet
If you ever get a chance to the Tora! Tora! Tora! group fly at an airshow, you should! They put on an incredible show with pyrotechnics:
Post Flight Debrief
That’s all for this week, thanks for reading! If you know a fellow aviation enthusiast that would enjoy these weekly newsletters, then please forward this along. Now you know!
-Tog