February 6, 1978

February 6, 1978

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Special Report: Tactical Air Command Modernization and Management

Dual Challenges Confront TAC

Special Report: Tactical Air Command Modernization and Management

Future Threat Guides F-15 Advances

By Clarence A. Robinson

Special Report: Tactical Air Command Modernization and Management

F-lll Fighter Role Being Expanded

By Craig Covault

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Special Report: Tactical Air Command Modernization and Management

Dual Challenges Confront TAC

Langley AFB, Va.—U. S. emphasis on general-purpose forces to meet the growing. Soviet threat in Europe is confronting the Tactical Air Command here with unprecedented management challenges. Not only must TAC absorb five new major weapon systems simultaneously, but it also must provide realistic combat training to ensure that maximum effectiveness is achieved by the new weapons in an era of increasing budget constraints.
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Special Report: Tactical Air Command Modernization and Management

Future Threat Guides F-15 Advances

Phoenix — U. S. Air Force is modifying the McDonnell Douglas F-15 air-superiority fighter to insure that the aircraft will meet any potential threat over the next 20 years. The changes will be incorporated in production aircraft coming off the line and will be retrofitted in operational F-15s in tactical squadrons.

By Clarence A. Robinson

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Special Report: Tactical Air Command Modernization and Management

F-lll Fighter Role Being Expanded

Mountain Home, Idaho—Tactical air forces are expanding greatly the fighter-bomber role assigned to their 363 General Dynamics F-lll fighters and are in the early stages of training F-lll aircrews in wide-ranging new tactics with the variable-sweep-wing aircraft.

By Craig Covault

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Special Report: Tactical Air Command Modernization and Management

First A-10 Squadron Operational Ahead of Schedule Despite Transition Difficulties

Myrtle Beach AFB, S.C.—Continuing transition here of the U. S. Air Forces 354th Tactical Fighter Wing from the Vought A-7D to the Fairchild A-10 is progressing smoothly and ahead of schedule, although not without some difficulties. The first operational Air Force squadron of A-10s—the 356th Tactical Fighter Sqdn.—achieved initial operational capability (IOC) on Oct. 15, 1977, more than three months ahead of its Jan. 31, 1978, deadline.
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Special Report: Tactical Air Command Modernization and Management

Guard, Reserve Bolster TAC Capability

Washington—Units of the U. S. Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard, graduating from the obsolescent equipment inherited from the active service, are pacing unit activities for conversion to new aircraft to meet Tactical Air Command deadlines.

By Herbert J. Coleman

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Special Report: Tactical Air Command Modernization and Management

F-4G Boosts Wild Weasel Capabilities

Victorville, Calif.—U. S. Air Force’s Wild Weasel squadrons assigned suppression/destruction of Soviet-built surface-to-air missile systems are scheduled to begin receiving next month McDonnell Douglas F-4G aircraft configured specifically for the mission.

By Clarence A. Robinson

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Special Report: Tactical Air Command Modernization and Management

TAC Readies for Deployment of E-3A

Tinker AFB, Okla.—Tactical Air Command is planning to place its largest, most complex aircraft system, the USAF/Boeing E-3A, on operational status this spring and deploy it in the U. S. and overseas before next winter. The E-3A airborne warning and control system (AWACS) program now is in a training phase leading to the transition.

By Benjamin M. Elson

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Special Report: Tactical Air Command Modernization and Management

Eastern Bloc Augments Attack Force

Langley AFB, Va.—Modernization of Soviet and Warsaw Pact forces with a shift in emphasis to an offensive air capability is expected to peak in 1979, and continue in a steady growth trend through 1984. Over the next six years, U. S. analysts believe that Soviet growth in aircraft production will provide an increase from today’s 4,200 baseline to more than 10,000 units.
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Special Report: Tactical Air Command Modernization and Management

Electronic Warfare Keyed to Minimizing Engagement, Boosting Enemy Disruption

Langley AFB, Va.—Tactical Air Command s electronic warfare programs are designed for the dual goal of protecting the command’s aircraft from engagement by an enemy and increasing their ability to disrupt an enemy’s command and control communications system.
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Special Report: Tactical Air Command Modernization and Management

Red Flag Stresses Realism in Training

Nellis AFB, Nev.—Red Flag combat exercises staged here by the Tactical Fighter Weapons Center’s 4440th Tactical Fighter Training Group have more than quadrupled in size since the first was conducted in late 1975. Realism of the training also has been enhanced significantly through a continuing Red Flag range improvement program.
January 301978 February 131978