A little more info on the JDAM weapons I load on my squadron’s Hornets. 1) As ELP states the INS provides guidance commands and the GPS aids the INS. Using just GPS the JDAM GPS CEP (circular error of probability) is 13 meters, INS only the CEP is 30 meters and combned is classified. 2) Release evelope for the F/A-18 is any where between .2 Mach to .9 Mach at altitudes up to 40,000 feet. 3) On missions where GPS aiding is not available the CEP is effected, this happens when SAT (safe air travel) time is less than 30 seconds and where GPS aiding is denied. During OIF the JDAM was weapon of choice we dropped over 100 on targets in Iraq, one of the targets was an Iraqi GPS jamming station intended that our GPS guided weapon took out. The GBU-31 and GBU-32 were the only weapons available but now with the 500lb GBU-38 out in the fleet this is becoming the weapon of choice to reduce the collateral damage in the urban warfare environment our troops are fighting in.

Thank you all for the wealth of information and details on the paint scheme for the HAF F-4E. It is very much appreciated.

My collegues across the pond, just an observation here in the states but I am amazed at how an accident can spark so much talk about Greek/Turkish nationalism. I must admit I am a layman to the long standing differences between Greece and Turkey but I have to ask why would one NATO member allegedly launch an armed reconnissance mission over another NATO members territory? If what I am reading in these threads are correct the mission was to photograph a Greek S-300 SAM battery in eastern Crete? What threat is a SAM battery on sovriegn Greek territory to Turkey when they are allies. When my airwing made a port call to Souda Bay, Crete in March 2003 moored aft of our carrier was a Turkish frigate (I thought these two countries were one good terms with one another?) Sad that such brinkmanship has cost the life of a pilot, father and husband how many more pilots will die?

Here in the U.S. we use the MK80 series familiy GP (General Purpose) bombs. These bombs can be delivered in HD (High Drag) or LD (Low Drag) configuration. This configuration depends on this mission. If my squadron is coming in low and hot the MK.82 (500lb) would have a MK.15 Snakeye fin or BSU-86 installed. In this configuration the bomb can be dropped (pilot option) retarded or not. MK. 83 (1000lbs) is delivered with a BSU-85 Para-pack fin an air inflatable ballon deployes retarding delivery as with the MK15/BSU-86 this can be delivered non-retarded as well. Hope this helps with your question.

Troy

F/A-18A+ Ordnanceman