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An RTAF F-5E jet launches from Korat RTAFB during COPE TIGER 2003.
Photo by SSgt. Jeffrey A. Wolfe, USAF |
Flying events included basic fighter maneuvers and dissimilar air combat tactics, close air support, air refueling, and large force employment training. Forces also exercised airborne and land-based control of mission packages and combat search and rescue. USAF F-15s and USMC F/A-18s comprised the U.S. fighter aircraft for the exercise.
The USMC EA-6B Prowlers provided unique electronic warfare capabilities during phase two. “Our planes are designed to disrupt enemy radar and communications in a war time environment, allowing other planes to fly through enemy lines and accomplish their mission,” said USMC Capt. Tim Davis.
The USAF E-3s provided the fighter aircraft in the battle space with close to real-time information about emerging targets, the location of friendly troops on ground, the location of enemy aircraft, and other mission-critical information, said USAF Capt. Trevor Kimbal. “We act as a radio relay between the Combined Air Operations Center on the ground and the fighters in the air. They consider us an information hub. With our radar we can see farther than [the fighters] can, and we can see in a 360-degree circle. We basically give them information about where the [simulated] enemy is.”
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An RTAF pilot is assisted by his crew chief before flight during COPE TIGER 2003.
Photo by SSgt. Jeffrey A. Wolfe, USAF |
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RSAF Capt. Jerome Sim, an air traffic control officer, looks over exercise flight information.
Photo by SSgt. Jeffrey A. Wolfe, USAF |
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