Tyson V. Rininger

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  • Demonstrating weapons and technology only a CJ version F-16 can carry, this Falcon shows off a Link 16 SNIPER XR Advanced Targeting Pod (ATP) as seen under the intake on store five-right as well as two AGM-88 HARM II anti-radiation missiles on stores three and seven. On stores one and nine, this F-16 carries two AIM-120 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) while on store two rests an AIM-9 Sidewinder and finally on store eight, the Nellis Air Combat Training System (NACTS) pod.
    redflag06_sp_f16_2947.jpg
  • Demonstrating weapons and technology only a CJ version F-16 can carry, this Falcon shows off a Link 16 SNIPER XR Advanced Targeting Pod (ATP) as seen under the intake on store five-right as well as two AGM-88 HARM II anti-radiation missiles on stores three and seven. On stores one and nine, this F-16 carries two AIM-120 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) while on store two rests an AIM-9 Sidewinder and finally on store eight, the Nellis Air Combat Training System (NACTS) pod.
    redflag06_sp_f16_1701.jpg
  • Two F-16CG's from Hill Air Force Base's 388th Fighter Wing, 421st Fighter Squadron, take a subtle left turn showing off the Low Altitude Navigation and Targeting Infrared for Night (LANTIRN) pod just under the intake. The LANTIRN system allows the F-16 to fly low altitudes at night and under-the-weather to successfully attack ground targets with precision-guided and unguided weapons. Block 50 F-16CG's are the only night and all-weather navigation and precision-attack capable F-16 models flown.
    redflag06_hill_f16_0850.jpg
  • nellis08_flag_redbull_2865.jpg
  • On the Southern side of Nellis Air Force Base reside some of the heavier aircraft including these B-1B Lancer bombers. Making up their own flightline, it's not uncommon for B-1's, B-2's E-3's as well as the larger allied aircraft such as C-130's and R1's to be parked away from the congested flightline to the North. Also located on this side of the base are the reventments used to shield aircraft being equipped with live weapons.
    jrf05_b1_7948.jpg
  • Based out of Tinker AFB in Oklahoma, this AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) E-3 Sentry heads NorthWest towards the Nellis Range Complex. In the background are just some of the many components of Red Flag, A B-52H, Nimrod R-1 and another E-3 Sentry. The dome is 30 feet in diameter, six feet thick, and is held 11 feet above the fuselage by two struts. It contains a radar subsystem that permits surveillance from the Earth's surface up into the stratosphere, over land or water with a range of over 200 miles.
    jrf05_awacs_7847.jpg
  • Eyes peering through his Head's Up Display (HUD), Major Derek "Tazz" Routt gives the "All Clear" signal prior to taxiing. The F-16's advanced Head's Up Display allows the pilot to acquire the aircraft's most important flight characteristic information at a glance rather than looking down into the cockpit losing sight of forward view. As callsign 'MiG-6', "Tazz" will join up with five other F-16C's from the 64th Aggressor Squadron as they engage the Blue Team over the Nellis Range Complex.
    jrf05_f16_7516.jpg
  • Just one of dozens of aircraft to launch at night, this F-15 takes off from Nellis Air Force Base on its way to the Nellis Range Complex (NRC) for a few hours of nighttime combat. Compared to the Nellis Red Flag Exercise, Red Flag Alaska will provide five and a half times the amount of airspace with 66,000 square miles compared to the current 12,000 square miles offered by the NRC.
    redflag06_57th_f15_1030.jpg
  • Climbing aboard his F-16C Viper, "Tazz" will begin his in-cockpit preflight checks. Each sortie will last between two to three hours with multiple engagements of Blue Force aircraft. MiG-6, as he will be known for this flight, has the ability to regenerate after each time being 'shot down'. Besides "Tazz", Blue Air will also be forced to watch for SAM's, AAA fire and remote radar facilities.
    jrf05_f16_7502.jpg
  • The 64th Aggressor Squadron along with the newly reestablished 65th Aggressor Squadron portray the enemy either defending or invading imaginary countries over the Nellis Test and Training Range. While the mass pre-brief involving all participants from the Blue Team is taking place at Sutter Hall, Red Air holds their pre-brief seperately at their squadron building prior to taking flight.
    jrf05_brief_7476.jpg
  • Zipping up the right leg portion of his G-suit, Major Derek "Tazz" Routt prepares to head out to his F-16C Falcon as part of the 64th Aggressor Squadron. "Tazz" is just one of the many players that makes up the Red Air portion of Red Flag. It will be his goal to either protect assets obtained by the enemy or invade Blue Force territory and acquire new ground. Either goal will require engaging or becoming engaged by opposing forces.
    jrf05_brief_7478.jpg
  • Taking on the callsign, MiG-3, Col Michael 'Muff' McKinney looks over to Major Derek "Tazz" Routt flying MiG-6 as they prepare to taxi. During the first few days of Red Flag, Red Air will assume a less aggressive approach towards Blue Team aircraft. As the exercise progresses, so do the levels of aggression and complexity of tactics. Six F-16C Vipers took part in this particular sortie representing the Red Team.
    jrf05_f16_7537.jpg
  • Taking on the callsign, MiG-3, Col Michael 'Muff' McKinney climbs into his F-16C Fighting Falcon in Aggressor colors. During the first few days of Red Flag, Red Air will assume a less aggressive approach towards Blue Team aircraft. As the exercise progresses, so do the levels of aggression and complexity of tactics. Six F-16C Vipers took part in this particular sortie representing the Red Team.
    jrf05_f16_7511.jpg
  • Turning to final approach, an Eglin Air Force Base stationed F-15C Eagle from the 33rd Fighter Wing, 58th Fighter Squadron returns from the Nellis Range. Aircraft from the 33rd in Florida and the 57th at Nellis typically work together as their roles both involve weapons testing and aircraft development. Red Flag exercises provide both squadrons with the ability to witness as well as try out new aerial tactics and maneuvers in a real world combat environment. Seen here is F-15C 85-0102, nicknamed 'Gulf Spirit' which shot down two IrAF Su-22s when flown by Capt Anthony R. Murphy of the 36th FW, 53rd FS on 7 Feb, 1991, during Operation Desert Storm and an IrAF MiG-23 on 29 Jan, 1994 with an AIM-7M.
    redflag06_eglin_f15_2574.jpg
  • Following the afternoon sortie, Red Air retires to the casual confines of the in-house bar. With images of Stalin along with the cold war icons displaying the sicle and star, Red Air casually debriefs their flights against the Blue Team. Unlike the Blue Team, Red Air has the ability to regenerate their aircraft after being targeted along with other attributes allowing for the more 'relaxed' approach to individual sorties. Regarldess, training of Blue Air and more specifically, the Blue Four is priority.
    jrf05_brief_7562.jpg
  • Prior to flight, pilots from the 64th Aggressor Squadron run down their individual checklists in the ready room. This pre-brief entails the discussion of the participant level training while the Blue Team holds their mass pre-brief held at Sutter Hall in the Red Flag Building. From here, pilots suit up and take to their aircraft to join the 80 to 100 others taking to the sky for one of two daily missions.
    jrf05_brief_7475.jpg
  • An F-15C Eagle from the 58th Fighter Squadron based at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida flies alongside a KC-135 Stratotanker flown by the 141st ARW from Fairchild, Washington. The 58th Fighter Squadron as part of the 33rd Fighter Wing is the East Coast based unit designated for test and evaluation operations and work frequently with the 57th Wing based at Nellis Air Force Base.
    redflag06_58fs_f15_2858.jpg
  • Just as the United States Navy has done for over 200 years, the air force began commissioning certain aircraft by giving them individual names. Here the B-2A 'Spirit' stealth bomber named 'Spirit of Kitty Hawk', lifts off from runway 3R at Nellis Air Force Base. For this particular exercise held in early 2006, four B-2A bombers from the 509th Bombing Wing, normally stationed at Whiteman AFB, attended providing ground support to advancing warfighters.
    redflag06_b2_1547.jpg
  • Visiting from Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma, an AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) E-3 Sentry from the 552 Air Combat Wing takes off from runway 3R on its way out to the Nellis Range Complex. During Red Flag exercises, most of the larger aircraft such as the heavy bombers, tankers and those providing electronic support head to the range first in order to best direct the front line fighters. The E-3 Sentry, with its enormous radome, can scan a 250 square mile radius providing up to the minute information on allied and enemy locations.
    redflag06_awacs_1441.jpg
  • A Pittsburgh KC-135 from the 171st Aerial Refueling Wing shows off its nose art with a tanker from the 141st ARW based at Fairchild, Washington quietly sitting on the ramp. For each Red Flag sortie, a tanker is assigned to either Red Air or Blue Air to replenish fighters out on the Nellis Range. Typically, two tankers are provided for Blue Air due to the size of the force and one tanker for Red Air.
    redflag06_171_kc135_2767.jpg
  • Two F-16C's from Hill Air Force Base fly tight formation during a shallow banking turn. Noticeable on the nearest pylon is a long dart-like probe called the Nellis Air Combat Training System (NACTS). The NACTS pod can track up to 100 individual aircraft denoting their altitude, air speed, range positioning and more for a complete assessment of actions to be reviewed in detail at the mass debrief following the mission.
    redflag06_hill_f16_0494.jpg
  • Blasting off from RWY 3L, an Eglin Air Force Base stationed F-15C Eagle from the 33rd Fighter Wing, 58th Fighter Squadron heads out to the range. Aircraft from the 33rd in Florida and the 57th at Nellis typically work together as their roles both involve weapons testing and aircraft development. Red Flag exercises provide both squadrons with the ability to witness as well as try out new aerial tactics and maneuvers in a real world combat environment. Seen here is F-15C 85-0102, nicknamed 'Gulf Spirit' which shot down two IrAF Su-22s when flown by Capt Anthony R. Murphy of the 36th FW, 53rd FS on 7 Feb, 1991, during Operation Desert Storm and an IrAF MiG-23 on 29 Jan, 1994 with an AIM-7M.
    redflag06_eglin_f15_1656.jpg
  • Blasting off with the usual crowded ramp in the background, an Eglin Air Force Base stationed F-15C Eagle from the 33rd Fighter Wing, 58th Fighter Squadron heads out to the range. Aircraft from the 33rd in Florida and the 57th at Nellis typically work together as their roles both involve weapons testing and aircraft development. Red Flag exercises provide both squadrons with the ability to witness as well as try out new aerial tactics and maneuvers in a real world combat environment. Seen here is F-15C 85-0102, nicknamed 'Gulf Spirit' which shot down two IrAF Su-22s when flown by Capt Anthony R. Murphy of the 36th FW, 53rd FS on 7 Feb, 1991, during Operation Desert Storm and an IrAF MiG-23 on 29 Jan, 1994 with an AIM-7M.
    redflag06_eglin_f15_1654.jpg
  • Two F-16C's from Hill Air Force Base fly tight formation during a shallow banking turn. Noticeable on the nearest pylon is a long dart-like probe called the Nellis Air Combat Training System (NACTS). The NACTS pod can track up to 100 individual aircraft denoting their altitude, air speed, range positioning and more for a complete assessment of actions to be reviewed in detail at the mass debrief following the mission.
    redflag06_hill_f16_0492.jpg
  • Launching from Runway Two-One Right, an E-3 Sentry Airborne Warning And Control System (AWACS) provides the eyes and ears to the Blue Force. In support of air-to-ground operations, the Sentry can provide direct information needed for interdiction, reconnaissance, airlift and close-air support for friendly ground forces.
    jrf05_awacs_7724.jpg
  • A head on view of an F-16C with subtle vortices flowing over the wings from a gentle banking turn. Towards the end of a successful mission, this F-16C from Hill Air Force Base begins its approach to the tanker to fill up before heading back to Nellis AFB. A closer look at the aircraft shows that it's carrying a NACTS pod on store eight, an LAU 5003 Rocket Launcher on store seven, extended range fuel tanks on stores six and four and an AIM-9 Sidewinder on store two.
    redflag06_hill_f16_0557.jpg
  • O/A-10A Warthogs return to Nellis Air Force Base just after sundown.
    redflag06_a10_1056.jpg
  • An F-16CJ from Cannon Air Force Base blasts off from runway 3L on its way to the Nellis Range Complex. F-16CJ's from the 53rd Wing at Cannon have implemented the Link 16 SNIPER XR Advanced Targeting Pod ATP and Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS).
    redflag06_27th_f16_1489.jpg
  • F-15E from the 90th Fighter Squadron stationed at Elmendorf AFB, Alaska blasts off from runway 3L. Encompassing a 66,000 square mile area, Red Flag Alaska will provide an immense geographical change for those accustomed to the typical Red Flag exercises held at Nellis AFB. Just as the Nellis Range Complex offers a diversely hostile desert environment, the Alaskan wilderness offers much of the same on the opposite end of the weather scale.
    redflag06_sj_f15_1711.jpg
  • In support of air-to-ground operations, the AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) E-3 Sentry can provide necessary information needed for reconnaissance, interdiction, airlift and close-air support for Blue Team ground forces. It can also provide information for commanders of air operations to gain and maintain control of the air battle. The E-3 can also be used as a surveillance asset in support of other government agencies and NATO countries.
    jrf05_awacs_7729.jpg
  • An O/A-10A Warthog from the 57th Wing sets up for short final on Runway 3L. The responsibility of the A-10 at Red Flag is to take out enemy tanks scattered throughout the Nellis Range and to provide support to ground troops. Besides participating in Red Flag exercises, Nellis-based Warthogs are tasked with targeting and gunnery exercises like Hawgsmoke which challanges squadrons and their pilots in a sort of "A-10 Olympics".
    redflag06_57th_a10_3113.jpg
  • MSgt Sheri Shaw rests her chin while cautiously guiding the refueling probe into an F-16's recepticle high over the Nellis Range. Located in the rear belly of the KC-135, the boomer lies flat while 'flying' the boom into the receptacle controlling two wings half way up the refueling probe. Without the support aircraft assisting red and blue air, Red Flag would be nowhere near as successful a program as it is today.
    redflag06_141_kc135_0507.jpg
  • Based at Key Field, Mississippi, the 186th Air Refueling Wing took part alongside the 141st ARW of Washington State. This KC-135 took on the call sign of 'Anchor Two-One' as it awaits F-16's from the 'Blue Team' over the Nellis Range.
    redflag06_tanker21_kc135_0382.jpg
  • A KC-135, call sign 'Tanker Two-One' from the 186th ARW based at Key Field, Mississippi takes on four F-16's from the 421st Fighter Squadron over the Nellis Range. Tankers 'Anchor Two-One' and 'Anchor Two-Five' fly an oval pattern above a predesignated area awaiting aircraft from the 'Blue Team' in need of refueling.
    redflag06_tanker21_kc135_0414.jpg
  • Captain Molly Marshall taps the throttles to stay within the predetermined oval flightpath above the Nellis Range Complex. During the exercise, KC-135 tankers fly predetermined routes awaiting fighters from the 'Red Team' and 'Blue Team' in need of fuel. The KC-135R tankers flying with various Air National Guard units throughout the US are amongst some of the oldest aircraft still in service.
    redflag06_141_kc135_0279.jpg
  • Polished brass knobs help make up some of the controls of this KC-135. Serving the military since 1956, these aircraft are some of the oldest airframes flying today. While the Red Team and the Blue Team fight it out in the skies above the Nellis Range Complex, the support crews of the countless other aircraft including this KC-135 insure the exercise can continue.
    redflag06_141_kc135_3017.jpg
  • Taking on the callsign 'Anchor Two-Five', LtCol Patricia Morales reaches for the communications panel prior to landing at Nellis AFB concluding the day's mission. Without reverse thrust capabilities of newer aircraft, landing the heavy KC-135 can prove to be a daunting challenge.
    redflag06_141_kc135_0626.jpg
  • Captain Molly Marshall adjust knobs on the overhead console while maintaining a heading to stay within the predetermined oval flightpath above the Nellis Range Complex. During the exercise, KC-135 tankers fly predetermined routes awaiting fighters from the 'Red Team' and 'Blue Team' in need of fuel. KC-135 tankers flying with various Air National Guard units throught the US are amongst some of the oldest aircraft still in service.
    redflag06_141_kc135_0265.jpg
  • A group of four F-16C's return from the Nellis Range after completing a sortie. The objective of Red Flag is not only to familiarize pilots with a combat environment, but to introduce 'Blue Four' to these challenging conditions. Seen here flying in left echelon formation, 'Blue four' is so named for being the least experienced pilot typically flying in the fourth trailing position.
    redflag06_422nd_f16_2474.jpg
  • An adversary F-16 representing the Red Team blasts off from Runway 3L at Nellis AFB. In the background is just a small sample of the aircraft present during Red Flag Exercises.
    redflag06_64th_f16_1594.jpg
  • This F-15E is from the 90th Fighter Squadron operating under the 3rd Wing stationed at Elmendorf AFB in Alaska. Although seen here taking off from runway 3L at Nellis AFB, fighter pilots from Alaska are beginning to feel right at home with the newly developed Red Flag Alaska replacing the already successful Cope Thunder exercises. Many aspects of Cope Thunder will remain unchanged despite the new name however, the name change will provide for a more integrated training environment.
    redflag06_alaska_f15_1797.jpg
  • Kicking off one of the many intense nighttime missions, an RC-135 V/W 'Rivet Joint' electronic surveillance aircraft takes to the skies. Typically, the larger aircraft such as the refuelers, electronic reconnaissance and bombers head to the Nellis Range Complex prior to the fighters due to increased loiter times. The RC-135 specializes in the gathering of enemy information and relates that knowledge to friendly forces.
    redflag06_e8c_2693.jpg
  • Flying at extremely high altitudes, the B-2 Stealth bomber has been at the forefront of setting great expectations. Part of the 509th Bombing Wing at Whitman AFB Missouri, these bombers are tasked with flying extreme distances. During bombing runs over Afghanistan, B-2's were flying halfway across the world and back incurring 36-hour long missions between a crew of two. High over the Nellis Range Complex, two B-2A 'Spirit' stealth bombers await clearance to drop precision guided weaponry.
    redflag06_b2_0376.jpg
  • As the sun sets, an F-15C from the 57th Wing turns final to land at Nellis AFB.
    redflag06_57th_f15_0738.jpg
  • Starting out as a group of four, the second F-15 climbs to altitude silhouetted against the late evening sky with the Las Vegas skyline below. Following closely behind, the third F-15 is at rotation and a fourth can be seen at the far end of the runway with afterburners lit. Because the Nellis Range Complex is mostly uninhabited, nighttime missions can be extremely difficult with the majority of concentration focused on night vision technology.
    redflag06_f15_night_2250.jpg
  • A Nellis-based F-16C from the 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron flies loose formation showing off a LANTIRN infrared navigation and targeting system used in conjunction with an integrated holographic display. Not only does the 422nd test new equipment for use in wartime scenarios, but occasionally the unit will also fly sorties during Red Flag exercises to view and make improvements on tactical maneuvers.
    redflag06_422nd_f16_2875.jpg
  • A 'Blue Team' F-16 from the 388th Wing, 421st Fighter Squadron, the "Black Widows", flies high above the Nevada desert during a training exercise. Taking a break from the action below the clouds, this F-16 from Hill Air Force Base prepares to take on fuel from an awaiting KC-135 Tanker from the Washington State Air National Guard.
    redflag06_hill_f16_0453.jpg
  • A 'Blue Team' F-16 from the 388th Wing, 421st Fighter Squadron, the "Black Widows", flies high above the Nevada desert during a training exercise. Taking a break from the action below the clouds, this F-16 from Hill Air Force Base prepares to take on fuel from an awaiting KC-135 Tanker from the Washington State Air National Guard.
    redflag06_hill_f16_0478.jpg
  • A 'Blue Team' F-16 from the 388th Wing, 421st Fighter Squadron, the "Black Widows", flies high above the Nevada desert during a training exercise. Taking a break from the action below the clouds, this F-16 from Hill Air Force Base prepares to take on fuel from an awaiting KC-135 Tanker from the Washington State Air National Guard.
    redflag06_hill_f16_0895.jpg
  • A 'Blue Team' F-16 from the 388th Wing, 421st Fighter Squadron, the "Black Widows", flies high above the Nevada desert during a training exercise. Taking a break from the action below the clouds, this F-16 from Hill Air Force Base prepares to take on fuel from an awaiting KC-135 Tanker from the Washington State Air National Guard.
    redflag06_hill_f16_0816.jpg
  • A 'Blue Team' F-16 from the 388th Wing, 421st Fighter Squadron, the "Black Widows", flies high above the Nevada desert during a training exercise. Taking a break from the action below the clouds, this F-16 from Hill Air Force Base prepares to take on fuel from an awaiting KC-135 Tanker from the Washington State Air National Guard.
    redflag06_hill_f16_0544.jpg
  • A 'Blue Team' F-16 from the 388th Wing, 421st Fighter Squadron, the "Black Widows", flies high above the Nevada desert during a training exercise. Taking a break from the action below the clouds, this F-16 from Hill Air Force Base prepares to take on fuel from an awaiting KC-135 Tanker from the Washington State Air National Guard.
    redflag06_hill_f16_0506.jpg
  • A 'Blue Team' F-16 from the 388th Wing, 421st Fighter Squadron, the "Black Widows", flies high above the Nevada desert during a training exercise. Taking a break from the action below the clouds, this F-16 from Hill Air Force Base prepares to take on fuel from an awaiting KC-135 Tanker from the Washington State Air National Guard.
    redflag06_hill_f16_0923.jpg
  • Flying loose formation is this F-15C Eagle of the 33rd Fighter Wing, 58th Fighter Squadron based at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida. The two green stars located on the nose in front of the cockpit indicate that this F-15C was the airframe used to shoot down two MiG-29's during the first Gulf War. Just one of the many successes of past Red Flag training exercises.
    redflag06_58fs_f15_2918.jpg
  • Stationed at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska, this RC-135V/W 'Rivet Joint' electronic surveillance aircraft is from the 55th Wing, 38th Reconnaissance Squadron. Sometimes referred to as 'hogs' due to the extended nose and prominent 'cheeks', the RC-135 is capable of providing indications about the location and intentions of enemy forces as well as warning friendly forces of threatening activity. There are currently 15 RC-135's in service and all are based at Offutt AFB.
    redflag06_rj_rc-135_0757.jpg
  • LtCol Patricia Morales, Capt Molly Marshall and MSgt Sheri Shaw made up the first all-female KC-135R flight crew for the Washington ANG 141ARW on 30 January 2006. Jokingly called the squadron's first 'Unmanned' refueling mission, the crew made up Anchor Two-Five tending to F-16's from the 388th Wing's 427th Squadron from Hill Air Force Base.
    redflag06_141_kc135_0682.jpg
  • Approaching the boom, an F-16CG from Hill Air Force Base in Utah prepares to take on fuel. As a member of the Blue Team, F-16's such as these typically arrive on station in groups of four. Two aircraft on each side of the KC-135R rotate through in attempt to make the transfer as quick as possible in order to get back to the fight. This particular F-16 is from the388th Fighter Wing, 421st Fighter Squadron receiving fuel from KC-135R from the 141st Aerial Refueling Wing stationed in Fairchild, Washington.
    redflag06_hill_f16_0455.jpg
  • LtCol Patty Morales, Capt Molly Marshall and MSgt Sheri Shaw made up the first all-female KC-135 flight crew for the Washington ANG 141ARW on 01/30/06. Jokingly called the squadron's first 'Unmanned' refueling mission, the crew made up Anchor Two-Five tending to F-16's from the 388th Wing's 427th Squadron from Hill Air Force Base.
    redflag06_141_kc135_0688.jpg
  • Silhouetted against the Las Vegas skyline in a surreal irony of events, the normally invisible black F-117A Nighthawk can be seen resting atop it's very own heat plume just beneath the Rio Hotel in the background. Able to carry two 2000-pound bombs in an enclosed bay, the F-117 is able to remain undetected for almost the entire duration of the mission. Currently there are 54 F-117's in service stationed at Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico.
    redflag06_f117_2730.jpg
  • Utilizing sharply angled faceted edges, the F-117A Nighthawk introduced the world to the reality of a new kind of technology, stealth. Stationed at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, these aircraft remained a mystery until their unveiling in the late 1980's. Today the technology brought to light by the F-117 is becoming outdated and faceted edges are no longer needed to obtain stealth characteristics.
    redflag06_f117_1664.jpg
  • At an average cost of $2 billion dollars by 1998 standards, the Northrop Grumman B-2A stealth bomber is more costly than a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier and just under double its weight in gold. Only twenty-one B-2A's were built, all stationed at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri under the command of the 509th Bombing Wing. Despite the limited production of the YB-49 Flying Wing in the late 1940's, the B-2A is the first flying wing designed aircraft to enter service.
    redflag06_b2_1040.jpg
  • The Royal Air Force participated in the Red Flag exercises with their aerial electronic platform, the Nimrod R-1.
    redflag06_r1_770.jpg
  • A KC-135 from the 141st Air National Guard Aerial Refueling Wing based at Fairchild, Washington takes to the sky to begin the nighttime Red Flag exercise. Typically there are two sorties each day with the first concluding shortly after noontime and the second beginning just before sunset for nighttime training.
    redflag06_141_kc135_2203.jpg
  • MSgt Larry Stockton prepares to acknowledge aircraft entering the range should 'Challiss', the awaiting E-3 Sentry AWACS aircraft, have unforseen communication problems. Besides the typical challenges Blue Air faces against Red Air, working together and providing redundant resources is just one of the many aspects for which the US Forces train.
    redflag06_141_kc135_2818.jpg
  • Utilizing a KC-135 from the 186th Mississippi ANG Refueling Wing, the aircrew of the 141st from Fairchild, Washington take enjoyment from a pair of fuzzy dice iconic of the Las Vegas area. Although 'Sin City' is located nearby and proves quite tempting for pilots and aircrew to visit, the grueling Red Flag schedule prohibits most from making a habit of throwing the dice.
    redflag06_141_kc135_1168.jpg
  • Two groups of four F-15C Eagles prepare to depart runway 3L with the ever growing Las Vegas skyline in the background. A typical mission during Red Flag can consist of more than 70 aircraft including fighters, bombers, aerial refuelers, electronic countermeasures, aggressors, airborne command and control and others. Though the majority of aircraft occupying the range are fighters, it takes all of these various support aircraft to insure a successful and realistic mission.
    redflag06_f15_1631.jpg
  • A unique camouflage scheme adorns the F-16C's from the 64th Aggressor Squadron. These aircraft make up the 'Red Team' and are use to intercept aircraft from the opposing 'Blue Team' as imaginary countries are either protected or invaded depending on the scenario. Pilot's belonging to the 64th AGRS are trained to replicate tactics flown by enemy forces.
    redflag06_57th_f16_1147.jpg
  • The unmistakable silhouette of the Batman-like B-2A stealth bomber takes to the evening skies to begin the second round of the day's Red Flag exercises. Even during nighttime missions, nothing is held back. Aircraft numbers remain the same, missions and goals are increased in intensity and pilots are still expected to meet their respective objectives.
    redflag06_b2_2211.jpg
  • A unique camoflouge scheme adorns the F-16C's from the 64th Aggressor Squadron. These aircraft make up the 'Red Team' and are use to intercept aircraft from the opposing 'Blue Team' as imaginary countries are either protected or invaded depending on the scenario.
    redflag06_64th_f16_1150.jpg
  • One of four different camouflage paint schemes adopted by the 64th Aggressor Squadron adorn this F-16C Viper. Maintaining a relatively low operating cost and providing extreme maneuverability and targeting tactics, the F-16 is the perfect aircraft to assume the aggressor role of the Red Team. To combat similar aircraft from the Blue Team, the 65th Aggressor Squadron composed of F-15C's has been reestablished and will be flying similar camouflage schemes.
    redflag06_64th_f16_1153.jpg
  • Utilizing a 1960's Boeing 707 airframe, describing the E-3 Sentry AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) aircraft as being a slightly modified variant would be a gross understatement. At an individual cost of about $270 million, the Sentry consists of a flight crew of four plus a mission crew of 13-19 specialists depending on the mission. As an Airborne surveillance, command, control and communications aircraft, the E-3 can scan from the Earth's surface up into the stratosphere, over land or water for both friendly and enemy forces.
    redflag06_awacs_2119.jpg
  • An F-15E Strike Eagle from the 57th Wing launches past the endless flightline of participating aircraft leaving the Las Vegas skyline in the background. The darker grey Strike Eagle boasts larger fuel tanks and all-weather strike capability as well as adding air-to-ground targeting options unlike the F-15C which is primarily for air-to-air combat.
    redflag06_57th_f15e_1504.jpg
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