From F/A to F or A: Training Hornet Aviators to New Levels

摘要

F/A-18 aircrew are currently being asked to maintain proficiency in more mission areas than the current technology allows for. The F/A-18 is a capable dual mission aircraft, however the pilot of the F/A-18 requires significantly more training time than is currently allotted/available to deliver the full capabilities of the platform during combat. As aircrew take on more missions, their success rates, both in air-to-air and air-to-ground combat has continued to fall. The solution to this dilemma is to divide and train aircrew mainly in either the air-to-air or the air-to-ground arena, essentially, turning an average multi-role aviator into an expert single role fighter or attack aircraft pilot. To ensure continued and future success, a considerable portion of the naval aviation community and training pipeline will need to be revamped. Naval Aviation's leaders will have to evaluate the utility of existing doctrine and tactics. Today's enemy combatants (in the air and on the ground) will not necessarily be the combatants F/A-18 Hornet/Super Hornet aircrew will be ordered to face in the future.