Strike Eagle pics

[DLodge]

Courtesy Steve Davies and Animal at www.f-15e.net
http://fjphotography.com/albums/album13/6F8T1359_RT8.jpg

http://fjphotography.com/albums/album13/6F8T1348_RT8.jpg

http://fjphotography.com/albums/album13/6F8T1316_RT8.jpg

http://fjphotography.com/albums/album13/6F8T1297_RT8.jpg

http://fjphotography.com/albums/album14/6F8T1253_RT8.jpg

http://fjphotography.com/albums/album14/6F8T1266_RT8.sized.jpg

http://fjphotography.com/albums/album14/6F8T1267_RT8.jpg

http://fjphotography.com/albums/album14/6F8T1270_RT8.jpg
Anyone notice something different about the targeting pods on these jets? They're carrying Litening IIs.

And this one cause it's ridiculously cool...
http://212.67.202.161/~steved/boardlinks/Windamere.JPG[/img]

[venture160]

man I would love to go for a ride in one of those things

[Jack Mehoff]

Pilot jocky has the best job in the world

[venture160]

http://fjphotography.com/albums/album14/6F8T1253_RT8.jpg
wow this guy has seens some action, check out all the bombs.

[Midav]

That's the aircraft itself. Most likely various pilots. 120 missions if my count is correct is a lot for one crew!

In any case, it's seen alot of ****!!

Gonna have a beer to that Strike Eagle!

[Groove]

F-15 E is my absolute Fav in the AF. Russians could use some in Chechnya!

[HumanShield]

http://fjphotography.com/albums/album14/6F8T1253_RT8.jpg
hell top row is from one strafing run ;)

[Argyll]

Are these not LANTIRN pods?

Nice pics,and a magnificent Aircraft,I see them fairly regular flying up the West coast of Scotland

[Kingpin]

F-15 E is my absolute Fav in the AF. Russians could use some in Chechnya!

For what purpose?

[UoUo]

Are these not LANTIRN pods?

Nice pics,and a magnificent Aircraft,I see them fairly regular flying up the West coast of Scotland

The LANTIRN pods are made by "refael" as well?

[cold0]

Yes, the 2 pods under the belly of the F-15E are, combined, the LANTIRN system (one navigation pod, targenting pod the other).

No, the Rafael doesn't product the LARTIRN but the LITENING pod, used on USAF F-16 and on Marines Harriers.

Regards,

[UoUo]

Yes, the 2 pods under the belly of the F-15E are, combined, the LANTIRN system (one navigation pod, targenting pod the other).

No, the Rafael doesn't product the LARTIRN but the LITENING pod, used on USAF F-16 and on Marines Harriers.

Regards,

Oh thank you...and another thing...(if you know)
Those F16U that U.S sold to United amritis...did the U.S supply them the
LITENING pod ?

[Groove]

Groove wrote:
F-15 E is my absolute Fav in the AF. Russians could use some in Chechnya!


For what purpose?
For clearing some "wood areas" for example:

http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ac/f15_04-load.jpg

Greetings

Groove

[cold0]

No UoUo, there's nothing made, of course, on Israel on the new F-16s for UAE.

They have a new integrated system without pods. If you see a photo of F-16s UAE you will see two "sensors" before the cockpits; these are the newcombined nav/targeting systems.

[DLodge]

Yes, the 2 pods under the belly of the F-15E are, combined, the LANTIRN system (one navigation pod, targenting pod the other).

No, the Rafael doesn't product the LARTIRN but the LITENING pod, used on USAF F-16 and on Marines Harriers.

Regards,

The LANTIRN system is comprised of the AAQ-13 navigation pod and the AAQ-14 targeting pod. However, these Seymour Johnson Strike Eagles are carrying Rafael AAQ-28 Litening II targeting pods. They were acquired as a quick-reaction measure to improve the effectiveness of the F-15E force during OIF, and are intended to act as an interim measure until the much more capable Sniper XL pod is fielded.

[Argyll]

Yes, the 2 pods under the belly of the F-15E are, combined, the LANTIRN system (one navigation pod, targenting pod the other).

No, the Rafael doesn't product the LARTIRN but the LITENING pod, used on USAF F-16 and on Marines Harriers.

Regards,

The LANTIRN system is comprised of the AAQ-13 navigation pod and the AAQ-14 targeting pod. However, these Seymour Johnson Strike Eagles are carrying Rafael AAQ-28 Litening II targeting pods. They were acquired as a quick-reaction measure to improve the effectiveness of the F-15E force during OIF, and are intended to act as an interim measure until the much more capable Sniper XL pod is fielded.

That's interesting!So the LITENING Pods look identical to the LANTIRN Pods then?also interesting is the Rafael are a "French" Company are they not?

[cold0]

Rafael is isdreal company!!! see the site http://www.rafael.co.il/web/rafnew/ and I have only aswered the UoUo question about the LANTIRN/LITENING differences and the F-16 UAE suite.

Regards,

[cold0]

Anyway the 2 pods are very similar in apparence...

See the analisy of LANTIRN at fas. org:


http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/smart/lantirn.htm

[Argyll]

Ah ok my bad :oops: Even more interesting then?
I wonder if the US agreed to test the LITENING in a combat situation for the IAF? ;)

http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/munitions/litening.htm

Interesting indeed !

[cold0]

I think that the USAF bought the LITENING for its lowest cost compared with the LANTIRN.
So the more sophisticated jets (F-15E, F-14 Bombcat for Navy) use the LANTIRN and the less expenciVe the LITENING (F-16 C/D, AV-8 for Marines).

The future for the USAF nav/targenting pod is the SNIPER XL. I have read a article on italian magazine (RID) last year about the SNIPER XL and I'm quite impressed by this system.

[flickme]

where were these pictures taken???

[Argyll]

Looks like the Keys in one of the pics,tho not certain,SJ is in Noth Carolina is it not?

[Trigger]

'SJ' is Seymour-Johnson AFB. I believe it is in North Carolina Argyll.

[DLodge]

I think that the USAF bought the LITENING for its lowest cost compared with the LANTIRN.
So the more sophisticated jets (F-15E, F-14 Bombcat for Navy) use the LANTIRN and the less expenciVe the LITENING (F-16 C/D, AV-8 for Marines).

The future for the USAF nav/targenting pod is the SNIPER XL. I have read a article on italian magazine (RID) last year about the SNIPER XL and I'm quite impressed by this system.

Ummm, the very sophistocated F-15E does use the Litening II because it is an improvement over the AAQ-14. That's why the Strike Eagles in those pictures are carrying Litenings. And, as I said before, they are being bought as an interim measure until the Sniper XL comes online sometime around 2005. The purchase has nothing to do with the cost compared to the LANTIRN nor with testing anything for the Israelis.

[cold0]

Sorry DLodge, but I'm referring to the LITENING I pods and not to the LITENING II and why the USAF bought them during the '90 before the LITENING II became operative.

[IDFM203]

Nice pics in general :D

http://fjphotography.com/albums/album14/6F8T1253_RT8.jpg

Ok what am I seeing here exactly?

Is this representing air to air kills like with what you have on Israeli jets like this one for example ;) :D

http://www.f-16.net/f-16_photos_album08-photoaar.html

Though to be honest I highly doubt it represents that (though I ask as to not discount any possibility), then if so then what?

Someone before mentioned bombs, I mean what? Every time a jet drops a bomb in combat or goes on a combat mission, it gets one of these bomb symbols on the jet??

Just curious to know how the markings work in the USAF.

Thanks in advance for any answers that I might get.

Shalom :D

[Argyll]

Nice pics in general :D

http://fjphotography.com/albums/album14/6F8T1253_RT8.jpg

Ok what am I seeing here exactly?

Is this representing air to air kills like with what you have on Israeli jets like this one for example ;) :D

http://www.f-16.net/f-16_photos_album08-photoaar.html

Though to be honest I highly doubt it represents that (though I ask as to not discount any possibility), then if so then what?

Someone before mentioned bombs, I mean what? Every time a jet drops a bomb in combat or goes on a combat mission, it gets one of these bomb symbols on the jet??

Just curious to know how the markings work in the USAF.

Thanks in advance for any answers that I might get.

Shalom :D


I think they are Mission markings,and not the ordinance dropped,I seem to recall that the USAF lads used to paint the specific types of weapons dropped,but as these are plain markings I'm inclined to go with Mission markings........besides I think this was posted already! ;)

[IDFM203]

Nice pics in general :D

http://fjphotography.com/albums/album14/6F8T1253_RT8.jpg

Ok what am I seeing here exactly?

Is this representing air to air kills like with what you have on Israeli jets like this one for example ;) :D

http://www.f-16.net/f-16_photos_album08-photoaar.html

Though to be honest I highly doubt it represents that (though I ask as to not discount any possibility), then if so then what?

Someone before mentioned bombs, I mean what? Every time a jet drops a bomb in combat or goes on a combat mission, it gets one of these bomb symbols on the jet??

Just curious to know how the markings work in the USAF.

Thanks in advance for any answers that I might get.

Shalom :D


I think they are Mission markings,and not the ordinance dropped,I seem to recall that the USAF lads used to paint the specific types of weapons dropped,but as these are plain markings I'm inclined to go with Mission markings........besides I think this was posted already! ;) If you read my post you will see that I wrote "or goes on a combat mission" so I addressed that as well and there too my question stands.

I saw someone post that, though I was hoping for a more "professional" confirmation then just a guess.

Also if it is indeed that (markings for missions), that all I can say is that seems a bit strange to do. I mean markings are supposed to be a ultimate and somewhat unique or special accomplishment, and while yes combat missions are indeed something to be proud of, it is not on the unique level of air to air kills.

Its like some infantry man put markings on their rifles after they killed a terrorist or a enemy combatant, and that is understandable, though imagine if that person would mark up every time he went on a combat mission.

Anyways just some thoughts mate ;)

Shalom :D

[Argyll]

Its been common practice to do this since GW1 in 91.
I've seen RAF/USAF mission markings for every conflict since then.
Some of these F15E's had fantastic Nose Art from OEF


http://www.f-15estrikeeagle.com/reference/nosearts/oef/pics/13b.jpg

http://www.f-15estrikeeagle.com/navigation/index_referencephotos.htm

[IDFM203]

Its been common practice to do this since GW1 in 91.
I've seen RAF/USAF mission markings for every conflict since then.
Some of these F15E's had fantastic Nose Art from OEF


Listen nose art and what we are talking about are different things. I mean I am not saying that the nose is some holy part where no markings can go on it and I certainly understand why some planes might have some nose art onto it (After 911 and all).

To me (and this is not a flame at all) combat missions markings seems rather weak to put on for its not some ultimate or unique marking as air to air kill markings are, that should be the only markings on these jets for while combat missions are indeed something to be proud of, they are not any special merit that deserves special markings and placements on a jet.

Like I said before, “Its like some infantry man put markings on their rifles after they killed a terrorist or a enemy combatant, and that is understandable, though imagine if that person would mark up every time he went on a combat mission” I bring this here to show more on level where most of us can understand (those of us that were not pilots in the air force) what I mean with having combat mission markers on and how that’s not any special and unique merit that deserves special markings and placements.

Anyways thats just the way I see things ;)

Shalom :D

[Argyll]

Actually come to think of it placing mission markings on Aircraft was done during WW2, and back then it was a sign of courage,given the mission's that they flew,I personaly cannot see the difference between Mission markings and Air to Air Kills..........combat is combat,they had to endure SAM's and AAA, a sky full of ordinance in my book is a hell of a lot more hostile than going 1 v 1 with another Fighter aircraft!


The picture of the Nose Art also depicted Mission markings,Nose Art/Mission markings is not common on a/c in non hostile times.

I wonder how the Fighter/bomber Jocks would feel regarding the non worthiness of placing a Mission achievement symbol on their a/c?During GW 1 and no doubt 2,these F15E's flew NOE into Iraq in Pitch black,sometimes as low as 50' at 500 mph,then popped up into a maelstorm ,and drop their ordinance......then repeat it throughout the campaign.......I think that warrants some appreciation.

Also most of the Mission markings are done by crew chiefs,who are responsible for these airframes,and it gives them a sense of pride seeing their babies return from a mission......so adding another tally is their way of saying look what I have done!

[IDFM203]

Hehe :D and this was unexpected ;) , a response from you that still and persistently see’s things differently then the way I do ;) :roll: ….at least it wasn’t the usual third response from you with added color as you like to do in recent times ;) (Though I am sure to expect to see some color added in your follow up post on what’s sure to come ;) )

Anyways listen mate I hear you and I want to stress in no way, I repeat in no way, am I diminishing what they did or the pride and the sincerity of combat missions. Hell it is something to be proud of and indeed acknowledged, again I simply think though that markings should be done for a unique and truly special thing and nothing can come close to air to air kills (or infantry man's enemy kills).

For combat missions there are other types of recognition that a pilot receives (as well as my example with the infantry man) though for special and unique merit (which combat missions while deserving of much respect and acknowledgement, don’t however hold that Unique status of what a air to air kill does), I think that kills hold that description and should be especially acknowledged especially with the unique and very infrequent occurrence of a air to air kill as opposed to what is a much more occurring occurrence (the combat mission)

I guess as usual, we will just have to agree to disagree ;)

Shalom :D

[Argyll]

Why should you disagree with something that has been in practice by the USAAF/and the USAF/USN for over 60 years?
I has nothing to do with me,ask the ones who place them there,perhaps there is something in the USAF SOP's that explains this reason?

I don't see things differently from you IDF,you see things differently from every single Airforce that carries out this practice,yet when I point this out you make it sound like it's a personal thing?

[IDFM203]

Why should you disagree with something that has been in practice by the USAAF/and the USAF/USN for over 60 years?
I has nothing to do with me,ask the ones who place them there,perhaps there is something in the USAF SOP's that explains this reason?

I don't see things differently from you IDF,you see things differently from every single Airforce that carries out this practice,yet when I point this out you make it sound like it's a personal thing?

Sorry if you took it this way, I was just having a little fun (with my initial comments) and did not mean for you to take it personally or that I meant it personally to you.

Its not personal, I am simply disagreeing with what you wrote ;) That is all :D


First of all, does every single air force do that?? Can you please give me a little idea (don’t have to name all if it is indeed a big amount, just a decent amount would suffice) of how many and which air forces do it?

Also they have been doing this since ww2? I am not doubting it outright though I haven’t seen any pics of this, I mean hell if they were doing that in ww2, I suspect we would see pics of the planes covered all over with those types of markings.



Secondly I was not in the air force and as such I am not familiar with all the practices that goes on there (hell perhaps even the IAF does this though I haven’t seen any pics of it), however its just my personal opinion (as all of us have theirs ;) ) and the way I see it, is that there are all sorts of different recognitions for all sorts of things that happen in combat and there are recognitions for combat missions as well, though on the jet, I always thought that markings are reserved for combat kills, which are the ultimate and unique occurrence and not for the more occurring and frequent occurrence of combat missions.

Again in a level that is more applicable to us, in some nations or some soldiers prefrence, it is tradition to put markings on the rifle after a enemy kill, though it would be absurd to see markings of every time a soldier went out on a combat mission.

Shalom :D

[Argyll]

I know fine it's your way of saying "hello did you miss me?"

The USAAF Bombers during WW2 had mission markings and it's possible that individual gun stations had Air to air gun kills under their turrets,I can't be sure about that.

The RAF also placed mission markings on some Lancastersand other heavy bombers.

It used to be the case ,and someone can correct me with the correct info,that after 25 missions the crews were rotated back to the States,and their war was over....as it was thought that to survive 25 missions peicularily in daylight raids,was almost impossible,so by way of showing mission symbols was a way of showing the achievments of the crews.

[IDFM203]

I know fine it's your way of saying "hello did you miss me?"
ahh? :roll: , while I am sure that you do miss me alot while I am gone ;) , I am not that haughty to write a post for that type of hidden insinuations.

Nice try though ;)


Anyways you said your piece on this and I said mine, your last post is just repetition of your earlier statements as a further post by me would also be a repetition of my responses to it. (agin nothing personal, I am merley talking about the posts and not about you)

However you before said all air forces use mission markings and you really got me curious if indeed it was more then the USAF and a few brit planes…Again is it more and if so who??

As for the USAF and markings, I did not realize that it was their SOP to put mission markings on and that they did that since ww2, it would be nice to see some pics of planes on ww2 and since with mission markings.

Even though I disagree with that practice as I explained before, I am nonetheless curious to know and see more about it.

Shalom :D

[Argyll]

http://www.303rdbga.com/art.html

http://www.usaaf-noseart.co.uk/starcer-tony.htm

http://www.bombsqd323rd.com/airplanes.html

[Argyll]

http://www.fightingcolors.com/Companypageimages/belle_page.htm

http://home.online.no/~alfjoha/ww2_b26_noseart_12thAF_319thBG_1.htm

http://www.303rdbga.com/photo-aircraft.html

http://www.raf.mod.uk/telic/telic_images_18.html

http://www.wvi.com/~lelandh/kadena2.html

[IDFM203]

Great links there on mostly those U.S. WW2 planes (and some brit ones as well).

Thanks for bringing them here :D (Intrusting how some of the pics from your links had it exactly the way I thought it would be if indeed mission markings would be on it, for they were almost covered all around with those markings)

I still would like to know if it’s SOP for other nations Air forces (and if so which ones) to do this practice and even if it’s SOP for the U.S. to do so after WW2.


Also I would like to hear some opinion from some air force personal on what I said or at least from someone who has extensive knowledge on the SOP of air forces as to this practice of what I thought is only limited to air to air kill markings (as I explained before) and what their thoughts are on what I said before.

To you Argyll, I am curious to hear your thoughts on my infantry example of where some put kill markings on their rifles and never any combat mission markings.

Thanks in advance for any responses I might get.

Shalom :D

[Argyll]

Start another topic for that one IDF as we've taken this one off topic!!

[IDFM203]

How are we off topic? we are talking specifically with what’s on the F15E pic (well at least that was my original statement) and broadening it to SOP of mission markings in air forces (and if others do it….though I am not sure that any others do) and why they do it in general.

While perhaps it is not strictly on F15E anymore, it is most certainly in the confines of the topic and it is certainly a military discussion with a continence of the theme of the topic of this thread, a lot better then how others always take it to a off topic political discussion as these threads on this forum usually disintegrates into, which we have not done here at all.

As for my last question to you, well I am not going to start another topic for it, I was hoping to hear your thoughts on it………..oh well. (If you feel like its off topic and as such you wont answer it then you can PM me or not, your choice, but starting another topic with just that question is not something I am going to do)

Shalom :D

[Argyll]

To be honest I've never heard much of Western Soldiers putting notches on their rifles for kills,as these weapons are not their property as such and defacing the weapon is the same as defacing any other property that belongs to the Military!
As for Mission marks,in NI we used to do 3 day cycles where you would be out for 2 hours in for 4,for the whole 3 days,2 on 4 off,and every patrol was classed as a Mission,so after a Months deployment there wouldn't be much room for any further Missions!!
Snipers register kills I believe in their handbooks,but regular guys not so sure.
All I can say is that I can only speak about UK/MOD Ops,other countries maybe different.

Hell it took me all my time to get permission to put bipod legs on my SLR never mind putting Mission "nicks" on it,besides the CQMS would throw you in jail for defacing/damaging MOD property!! ;)

[Trigger]

Silly Argyll, that's why you're supposed to take ears or scalps. p-)

[IDFM203]

To be honest I've never heard much of Western Soldiers putting notches on their rifles for kills, To be honest its not our SOP either, though I know of it happening (And not only in our military).

I mean I have seen some markings on some of our weapons and remember where we first get some of those weapons ;) (hell some of the car 15’s and M16's we have are Vietnam ere and well… ;) )

As for my unit and what we did, well I try to keep out personal info due to our OPSEC rules…. lets leave it at that ;)



As for Mission marks,in NI we used to do 3 day cycles where you would be out for 2 hours in for 4,for the whole 3 days,2 on 4 off,and every patrol was classed as a Mission,so after a Months deployment there wouldn't be much room for any further Missions!! Yes and believe me we are also on missions all the time.

My point is that with us, so too do air force jets go on missions all the time and having special markings on it when in fact it’s a frequent occurrence (much more so then enemy kills) to me is a bit overdoing it.(again my personal opinion…..of which I don’t think the IAF or many other air forces do it as well, though on the latter I could be wrong)




Hell it took me all my time to get permission to put bipod legs on my SLR never mind putting Mission "nicks" on it,besides the CQMS would throw you in jail for defacing/damaging MOD property!! ;) well with us lets just say we aren’t as restricted to make our own personal add ons as say some other militaries. There is a culture of allowing individual soldiers to constantly make improvements. (I mean all you have to do is look at any two pics of an IDF soldier and you can see all sorts of differences between both soldier’s weapons and the way both have added on different things to them or different materials to it)

(Though you do need permission to make any personal hardware add ons that you might want to make)

Shalom :D

[lvlai]

beauty