RAAF aircrew have worked alongside international participants for an air combat exercise known as Coalition Virtual Flag 15.
Hosted by the US Air Force over August 22-28, the exercise involved RAAF C-130J Hercules and E-7A Wedgetail aircrews working in real time with counterparts from the US and the UK. Defence stated that for the first time the C-130J full-flight mission simulator operated by 285 Squadron at RAAF Base Richmond was networked into the exercise.
Wing Commander Nicholas Hogan said the actions of the Australian aircrew taking part in Coalition Virtual Flag 15 affected a live exercise.
“Coalition Virtual Flag 15 coincided with Exercise Red Flag 15-4, which incorporated a combination of live, virtual and constructive assets,” WGCDR Hogan said in a statement.
“They could communicate with aircrew flying real aircraft on missions for Exercise Red Flag, and be engaged by constructive or real threats in the exercise area.”
