One remarkable display of firepower and coordination has raised the bar for air-to-air missile deployment by the 94th Fighter Squadron of the U.S. Air Force at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia. During the Weapons System Evaluation Program (WSEP) at Tyndall Air Force Base this September, the squadron successfully loaded and fired 28 air-to-air missiles from a non-paired F-22 Raptor unit, surpassing the previous record of twenty-two missiles set in 2014 by the ninetieth FS from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska.
The exercise, which concerned personnel from the 94th FS and the 94th Fighter Generation Squadron (FGS), tested the unit’s operational readiness and exceptional teamwork. Staff Sgt. Edgar Baez-Lopez, an aircraft armament structures craftsman with the 94th FGS, emphasized that it demonstrates the squadron’s preparedness for deployment and their performance relative to other squadrons.
The F-22 Raptor was equipped with a combination of Sidewinder and AMRAAM missiles, valued at over $14 million. This configuration required using both inner gun bays and external hardpoints, effectively transforming the aircraft into a formidable missile platform. The exercise also included firing the F-22’s M61A2 Vulcan, a six-barrel, 20mm rotary cannon, showcasing the plane’s comprehensive combat capabilities.
Senior Master Sgt. Jared Robinson highlighted the importance of teamwork and communication between the operations and defense sides of the squadron. The exercise not only assessed the unit’s ability to load and fire a wide range of missiles but also their capacity to maintain high levels of coordination under pressure.
One challenge faced during the exercise was the increase in radar cross-section due to the external hardpoints, potentially compromising the F-22’s stealth capabilities. However, in “Day Three” war scenarios where enemy anti-air systems are neutralized, the need for maximum stealth is reduced. In such situations, the F-22 can leverage its superior dogfighting skills and substantial missile loadout to dominate the skies.
The 94th FS’s success at WSEP 22-12 underscores their preparedness for real-world combat situations. These exercises are crucial for honing the skills of both pilots and ground crews, ensuring they can perform effectively under the most demanding conditions. As Staff Sgt. Baez-Lopez noted, firing 28 missiles from a single F-22 unit is “unprecedented,” demonstrating the squadron’s ability to push boundaries and excel.
The Air Force’s commitment to maintaining and enhancing the capabilities of its premier air-to-air combat platform is evident in these rigorous training activities. As the F-22 Raptor continues to evolve, its role in ensuring air superiority remains vital.