View allAll Photos Tagged Interoperability
PACIFIC OCEAN (May 29, 2021) Aviation Machinist Mate Airman Dillan Hall, from Janesnille, Wis., assigned to the Archangels of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 25, withdraws a fuel sample from an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter on the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America’s (LHA 6) flight deck. America, lead ship of the America Amphibious Ready Group is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Walter Estrada)
SOUTH CHINA SEA (April 22, 2023) - F/A-18F Super Hornets from the “Mighty Shrikes” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 94, an E/A-18G Growler from the “Cougars” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 139, a B-1B Lancer from the 34th Bomb Squadron, and a B-52 Stratofortress from the 96th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron fly in formation during an all-domain joint exercise, demonstrating unique theater-wide multi-discipline high-end warfighting capability, maritime superiority, power projection, speed of maneuver and readiness. The U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force aircraft traveled from multiple directions to integrate, demonstrating the credibility of forces to address a global security environment that is more diverse and uncertain than at any other time in history. Interoperability of joint forces reassures allies and partners that U.S. Indo-Pacific Command’s commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific is ironclad. (U.S. Navy photo) 230422-N-NO803-2003
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MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan (Nov. 19, 2021) Capt. Ken Ward, commanding officer of the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), leads a tour for local and regional civic and military leadership in the ship’s pilot house during a port visit. America, lead ship of the America Amphibious Ready Group, is operating in U.S. 7th Fleet to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jonathan Berlier)
U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. James McFarland (left), Royal Thai air force Group Capt. Supijjarn Thamwatharsaree (center) and Republic of Singapore air force Col. Chan Ching Hao, exercise directors for "Exercise Cope Tiger 17" (CT17), walk past a row of U.S. Air Force F-15s during CT17 at Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, March 28, 2017. The annual multilateral exercise, which involves a combined total of 76 aircraft and 43 air defense assets, is aimed at improving combined combat readiness and interoperability between the Republic of Singapore air force, Royal Thai air force, and U.S. Air Force, while concurrently enhancing the three nations' military relations.
SOUTH CHINA SEA (Feb. 19, 2022) Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Tulsa (LCS 16) approaches the dry cargo ship USNS Amelia Earhart (T-AKE 6) for a replenishment-at-sea. Tulsa, part of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7, is on a rotational deployment, operating in U.S. 7th Fleet to enhance interoperability with partners and serve as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Devin M. Langer)
1st Battalion Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment Warrior Infantry Fighting Vehicles being re-fuelled from an Oshkosh Wheeled Tanker during NATO Exercise Allied Spirit 8.
Approximately 200 soldiers from 1st Battalion Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment (1PWRR) were among 4,000 soldiers from 10 different NATO countries participating in Exercise Allied Spirit 8 in Southern Germany.
The NATO assurance measurement exercise is designed to develop relationships and promote interoperability and integration with NATO, Allied and Coalition partners.
During the exercise 1PWRR have been under the command of a Polish Mechanised Brigade delivering the Armoured Infantry element along with a company of Danish Armoured Infantry.
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© Crown Copyright 2014
Photographer: Mr Dominic King
Image 45163768.jpg from www.defenceimages.mod.uk
This image is available for high resolution download at www.defenceimagery.mod.uk subject to the terms and conditions of the Open Government License at www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/. Search for image number 45163768.jpg
For latest news visit www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-defence
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McEntire Joint National Guard Base, home of the South Carolina Air National Guard’s 169th Fighter Wing, co-hosts nighttime arming and refueling training during Exercise Agile Lion, Jan. 14, 2020. Multi-functional Airmen and F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets from the 4th Fighter Wing at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., execute integrated combat turns during the exercise. This training simulates mobile command and control which enables joint interoperability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Stephen Hudson, 169th Fighter Wing Public Affairs)
PHILIPPINE SEA (Sept. 27, 2021) A Sailor offloads baggage from a CMV-22B Osprey, assigned to the “Titans” of Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Squadron (VRM) 30, aboard Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet to enhance interoperability through alliances and partnerships while serving as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Erin C. Zorich)
CLARK AIR BASE, Philippines (March 14, 2023) - An F-22A Raptor assigned to the 525th Fighter Squadron flies with Philippine Air Force FA-50PH’s over the South China Sea, March 14, 2023. Integrating and training alongside the Philippine Air Force promotes interoperability, builds upon our strong alliance, and reaffirms the commitment to the Mutual Defense Treaty and maintaining peace and stability throughout the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jessi Roth) 230314-F-PW483-1037
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PACIFIC OCEAN (March 1, 2022) U.S. Marine Capt. Austin Branch, left, from Coronado, California, and U.S. Navy Lt. Dillon Duke, from Edmond, Oklahoma, both assigned to U.S. Marine Corps Fifth Air Naval Gun Liaison Company (5th ANGLICO), conduct Naval Surface Fire Support (NSFS) communication drills with the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) in the Combat Information Center aboard Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Dewey (DDG 105) while participating in bilateral advanced warfare training (BAWT). BAWT is an annual bilateral training exercise that improves the partnership between U.S. and Japanese Forces. This year’s exercise focused on enhancing readiness and interoperability of coalition forces from the U.S. and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Benjamin Lewis)
PHILIPPINE SEA (Jan. 16, 2023) Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Shiloh (CG 67) conducts interoperability exercises with USS Chancellorsville (CG 62), Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Rafael Peralta (DDG 115) and Japanese Asahi-class destroyer JS Ashigara (DDG 178) in the Philippine Sea, Jan. 16. Shiloh is forward-deployed to U.S. 7th Fleet in support of security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Santiago Navarro)
U.S. Soldiers with the 91st Engineer Battalion, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, detonate a mine clearing line charge fired from their M1 assault breacher vehicle at the Camp Aachen training area, Grafenwoehr, Germany, Jan. 23, 2019. Ironhorse conducted Combined Resolve XI Phase II in support of Atlantic Resolve, an enduring exercise to improve the interoperability between U.S. forces, their NATO allies and partner nations. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Jacob Hester-Heard) www.dvidshub.net
A Belgium F-16 moves into position to receive more fuel mid-air from a KC-135 Stratotanker over the Arctic Circle, June 7th, 2023. The 101st ARW is taking part in Arctic Challenge Exercise 2023, a live fly exercise that serves to advance arctic security initiatives and enhance interoperability in the increasingly dynamic and contested region. (Photo by Master Sgt. Andrew Sinclair)
PHILIPPINE SEA (Dec. 23, 2021) Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Benfold (DDG 65) sails alongside Towada-class replenishment oiler JS Towada (AOE-422) as they prepare to conduct a replenishment-at-sea. Benfold is assigned to Commander, Task Force (CTF) 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest forward-deployed DESRON and U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Arthur Rosen)
A Slovakian soldier shoots an M2 .50 Caliber machine gun mounted on an Outlaw Troop, 4th Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment Stryker, an eight wheeled armored fighting vehicle, during Slovak Shield 2016 live-fire training Oct. 4, 2016. Understanding weapons of NATO allies is vital to the interoperability of U.S. and allied troops during training or a NATO mission..
(U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Micah VanDyke, 24th Press Camp/Released) www.dvidshub.net
U.S. Air Force 320th Special Tactics Squadron combat controllers and Marine Corps 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion operators gather together following their extraction July 13, 2017, from Shoalwater Bay Training Area in Queensland, Australia. The tactical level exchanges and realistic scenario-based missions executed during Talisman Saber 2017 increased interoperability and partner capacity with between the U.S Air Force and Marine Corps. (U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Jessica Tait) www.dvidshub.net
MEDITERRANEAN SEA (October 8, 2017) Navy ships participating in NATO Response Force (NRF) exercise Brilliant Mariner 2017 sail in formation in the Mediterranean on October 8, 2017. Brilliant Mariner 17 is designed to exercise the NATO Response Force (Maritime) 2018 interoperability, evaluate their readiness and validate the capabilities of the NRF 2018 MCC by exercising NRF missions and tasks. Brilliant Mariner is focusing on maritime expeditionary operations, enhancing joint collaboration, improving interoperability and implementing the most recent NATO doctrines and concepts. A total of more than 3,500 personnel and involves more than 27 ships and submarines, supported by rotary wing aircraft. Participants are from Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Portagues, Spanish, Turkey and UK. NATO photo by FRAN CPO Christian Valverde/Released.
An AH-64 Apache helicopter flies over Vaziani Training Area, Georgia during combined live-fire exercise, Aug. 15, 2018. The exercise was part of the culmination of Noble Partner 18, a cooperatively-led multinational training exercise in its fourth iteration which supported the training of Georgian Armed Forces' mechanized and Special Operation Forces, U.S. Regionally Aligned Forces, the U.S. Army and Air National Guard from the state of Georgia, and 11 other participating nations. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Kris Bonet)
Latvian Army soldiers move to contact during exercise Saber Junction 15 at the U.S. Army’s Joint Multinational Readiness Center in Hohenfels, Germany, April 23, 2015. Saber Junction 15 prepares NATO and partner nation forces for offensive, defensive, and stability operations and promotes interoperability among participants. Saber Junction 15 has more than 4,700 participants from 17 countries, to include: Albania, Armenia, Belgium, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Great Britain, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Moldova, Poland, Romania, Sweden, Turkey and the U.S. (U.S. Army photo by Visual Information Specialist Markus Rauchenberger/Released)
A Marine with Company B, 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, yells orders at his Marines while attacking an objective during a live-fire range movement at Bradshaw Field Training Area, Northern Territory, Australia Aug. 10, 2016. Koolendong is an amphibious and live-fire exercise designed to increase interoperability between the U.S. Marine Corps and Australian Defense Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Sarah Anderson)
A French sailor directs an E-2C Hawkeye, attached to Squadron 4F of the French navy, aboard the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) in the Atlantic Ocean may 10, 2018. The George H.W. Bush is underway in the Atlantic Ocean conducting carrier air wing exercises with the French navy to strengthen partnerships and deepen interoperability between the two nations' naval forces. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Matt Matlage)
1st Battalion Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment Soldiers, in their Warrior Infantry Fighting Vehicles during NATO Exercise Allied Spirit 8.
Approximately 200 soldiers from 1st Battalion Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment (1PWRR) were among 4,000 soldiers from 10 different NATO countries participating in Exercise Allied Spirit 8 in Southern Germany.
The NATO assurance measurement exercise is designed to develop relationships and promote interoperability and integration with NATO, Allied and Coalition partners.
During the exercise 1PWRR have been under the command of a Polish Mechanised Brigade delivering the Armoured Infantry element along with a company of Danish Armoured Infantry.
-------------------------------------------------------
© Crown Copyright 2014
Photographer: Mr Dominic King
Image 45163769.jpg from www.defenceimages.mod.uk
This image is available for high resolution download at www.defenceimagery.mod.uk subject to the terms and conditions of the Open Government License at www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/. Search for image number 45163769.jpg
For latest news visit www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-defence
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U.S. Soldiers assigned to Battle Group Poland conduct air assault training with 10th Combat Aviation Brigade's CH-47 and UH-60 helicopters at Rostki Helipad near the Bemowo Piskie Training Area during Saber Strike 17 June 6, 2017. Saber Strike 17 is a U.S. Army Europe-led multinational combined forces exercise conducted annually to enhance the NATO alliance throughout the Baltic region and Poland. This year’s exercise includes integrated and synchronized deterrence-oriented training designed to improve interoperability and readiness of the 20 participating nations’ militaries. (U.S. Army photo by Georgios Moumoulidis)
A Luxembourg Army soldier stands guard during exercise Saber Junction 15 at the U.S. Army’s Joint Multinational Readiness Center in Hohenfels, Germany, April 23, 2015. Saber Junction 15 prepares NATO and partner nation forces for offensive, defensive, and stability operations and promotes interoperability among participants. Saber Junction 15 has more than 4,700 participants from 17 countries, to include: Albania, Armenia, Belgium, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Great Britain, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Moldova, Poland, Romania, Sweden, Turkey and the U.S. (U.S. Army photo by Visual Information Specialist Markus Rauchenberger/Released)
A soldier from the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force low crawls his way through vegetation while conducting a stalk exercise with 1st Marine Division Schools during Exercise Iron Fist 2014 aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., Feb. 11, 2014. Iron Fist is an amphibious exercise that brings together Marines and sailors from the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, other I Marine Expeditionary Force units, and soldiers from the JGSDF, to promote military interoperability and hone individual and small-unit skills through challenging, complex and realistic training. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Emmanuel Ramos/Released)
U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. James McFarland (left), Royal Thai air force Group Capt. Supijjarn Thamwatharsaree (center) and Republic of Singapore air force Col. Chan Ching Hao, exercise directors for "Exercise Cope Tiger 17" (CT17) walk along the flightline during CT17 at Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, March 28, 2017. The annual multilateral exercise, which involves a combined total of 76 aircraft and 43 air defense assets, is aimed at improving combined combat readiness and interoperability between the Republic of Singapore air force, Royal Thai air force, and U.S. Air Force, while concurrently enhancing the three nations' military relations.
U.S. Marines with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, Marine Rotational Force-Darwin work as a unit to overtake objectives Aug. 21, 2014, during a live-fire exercise as part of Koolendong 2014 at the Bradshaw Field Training Area in Northern Territory, Australia. Koolendong is an amphibious and live-fire exercise designed to increase interoperability between the U.S. Marine Corps and Australian Defense Force. (DoD photo by Cpl. Scott Reel, U.S. Marine Corps/Released)
This image is excerpted from a U.S. GAO report:
www.gao.gov/products/GAO-17-12
EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS: Improved Procurement of Land Mobile Radios Could Enhance Interoperability and Cut Costs
Note: The dots in the figure represent the 57 agencies that responded to our survey, plus the FBI. The gray lines connect pairs of agencies whereby only one agency within the pair identified the need to be interoperable with the other agency, and the black lines connect pairs of agencies whereby both agencies within the pair mutually and independently identified the need to be interoperable with one another.
McEntire Joint National Guard Base, home of the South Carolina Air National Guard’s 169th Fighter Wing, co-hosts nighttime arming and refueling training during Exercise Agile Lion, Jan. 14, 2020. Multi-functional Airmen and F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets from the 4th Fighter Wing at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., execute integrated combat turns during the exercise. This training simulates mobile command and control which enables joint interoperability. A C-130J Hercules military transport aircraft from the 19th Airlift Wing, Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark., assists in the prepositioning of support personnel, equipment and fuel needed to support the fleet of F-15s participating in the exercise. (U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Stephen Hudson, 169th Fighter Wing Public Affairs)
Pvt. Draven Pancake, infantryman of 3rd Battalion, 69th Armored Regiment, 1st Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division and native of Petersburg, Ind., fires an M320 grenade launcher at a range in the Estonian Army Training Area, Nov. 2. Despite windy conditions, all Soldiers managed to adjust and qualify, hitting targets ranging from 200 to 350 meters away. These activities are part of the U.S. Army Europe-led Operation Atlantic Resolve land force assurance training taking place across Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland to enhance multinational interoperability, strengthen relationships among allied partners, contribute to regional stability and demonstrate U.S. commitment to NATO allies.
EAST CHINA SEA (Sept. 11, 2021) Sailors fold the American flag on the bridge wing aboard amphibious transport dock ship USS Green Bay (LPD 20) during a September 11th Remembrance event. Green Bay, part of Amphibious Squadron 11, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Darcy McAtee)
Forces from U.S. Central Command components and the Israel Defense Forces participate in exercise Juniper Oak 23-2, Jan. 25, 2023, over the USCENTCOM area of responsibility. The bilateral military exercise is designed to enhance interoperability between the U.S. and Israel militaries. (Israel Defense Forces courtesy photo)
YAKIMA TRAINING CENTER, Wash. (Sept. 3, 2014) - Soldiers with 2-2 Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 7th Infantry Division, from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., and their counterparts in the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, came together in a ceremony marking the beginning of a month of interoperability training. Pictured here, a Type 74 tank from the 16th Regimental Combat Team, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force fires on a target during a live-fire exercise. (Photo by Sgt. Bryan Spradlin)
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Fairchild Republic A-10C "Thunderbolt IIs" (s/n's 78-0705, 78-0719, 78-0720, 79-0086) assigned to the 104th Fighter Squadron sit on the flightline after a training mission preparing for the start of 'Saber Strike' at Amari Air Base, Estonia on June 2, 2013. The Maryland Air National Guard pilots will provide training and mentoring to the Estonian Air Force with their close air support aircraft. 'Saber Strike 2013' is a multinational exercise involving approximately 2,000 personnel from 14 countries and is designed to improve NATO interoperability and strengthen the relationships between military forces of the U.S., Estonia and other participating nations.
Marines with Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 311 perform post-flight maintenance checks on McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) AV-8B "Harrier II's" during Exercise Northern Lightning at Volk Field Counterland Training Center, Camp Douglas, Wis., Aug. 13. Exercise Northern Lightning 2018 allows the Air Force, Marine Corps and Navy to strengthen interoperability between services and gives the different branches a greater understanding of aviation capabilities within a joint fighting force.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) AV-8B Harrier II is a single-engine ground-attack aircraft that constitutes the second generation of the Harrier Jump Jet family. Capable of vertical or short takeoff and landing (V/STOL), the aircraft was designed in the late 1970s as an Anglo-American development of the British Hawker Siddeley Harrier, the first operational V/STOL aircraft. The aircraft is primarily employed on light attack or multi-role missions, ranging from close air support of ground troops to armed reconnaissance. The AV-8B is used by the United States Marine Corps (USMC), the Spanish Navy, and the Italian Navy. A variant of the AV-8B, the British Aerospace Harrier II, was developed for the British military, while another, the TAV-8B, is a dedicated two-seat trainer.
The project that eventually led to the AV-8Bs creation started in the early 1970s as a cooperative effort between the United States and United Kingdom (UK), aimed at addressing the operational inadequacies of the first-generation Harrier. Early efforts centered on a larger, more powerful Pegasus engine to dramatically improve the capabilities of the Harrier. Due to budgetary constraints, the UK abandoned the project in 1975.
Following the withdrawal of the UK, McDonnell Douglas extensively redesigned the earlier AV-8A Harrier to create the AV-8B. While retaining the general layout of its predecessor, the aircraft incorporates a new wing, an elevated cockpit, a redesigned fuselage, one extra hardpoint per wing, and other structural and aerodynamic refinements. The aircraft is powered by an upgraded version of the Pegasus, which gives the aircraft its V/STOL ability. The AV-8B made its maiden flight in November 1981 and entered service with the USMC in January 1985. Later upgrades added a night-attack capability and radar, resulting in the AV-8B(NA) and AV-8B Harrier II Plus, respectively. An enlarged version named Harrier III was also studied, but not pursued. The UK, through British Aerospace, re-joined the improved Harrier project as a partner in 1981, giving it a significant work-share in the project. After corporate mergers in the 1990s, Boeing and BAE Systems have jointly supported the program. Approximately 340 aircraft were produced in a 22-year production program that ended in 2003.
Typically operated from small aircraft carriers, large amphibious assault ships and simple forward operating bases, AV-8Bs have participated in numerous military and humanitarian operations, proving themselves versatile assets. U.S. Army General Norman Schwarzkopf named the USMC Harrier II as one of several important weapons in the Gulf War. The aircraft took part in combat during the Iraq War beginning in 2003. The Harrier II has served in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan since 2001, and was used in Operation Odyssey Dawn in Libya in 2011. Italian and Spanish Harrier IIs have taken part in overseas conflicts in conjunction with NATO coalitions. During its service history, the AV-8B has had a high accident rate, related to the percentage of time spent in critical take-off and landing phases. USMC and Italian Navy AV-8Bs are to be replaced by the Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II, with the former expected to operate its Harriers until 2025.
Development
Origins
In the late 1960s and early 1970s, the first-generation Harriers entered service with the Royal Air Force (RAF) and United States Marine Corps (USMC), but were handicapped in range and payload. In short takeoff and landing configuration, the AV-8A (American designation for the Harrier) carried less than half the 4,000 lb (1,800 kg) payload of the smaller Douglas A-4 Skyhawk, over a more limited radius. To address this issue, Hawker Siddeley and McDonnell Douglas began joint development of a more capable version of the Harrier in 1973. Early efforts concentrated on an improved Pegasus engine, designated the Pegasus 15, which was being tested by Bristol Siddeley. Although more powerful, the engine's diameter was too large by 2.75 in (70 mm) to fit into the Harrier easily.
In December 1973, a joint American and British team completed a project document defining an Advanced Harrier powered by the Pegasus 15 engine. The Advanced Harrier was intended to replace the original RAF and USMC Harriers, as well as the USMC's A-4. The aim of the Advanced Harrier was to double the AV-8's payload and range, and was therefore unofficially named AV-16. The British government pulled out of the project in March 1975 owing to decreased defense funding, rising costs, and the RAF's insufficient 60-aircraft requirement. With development costs estimated to be around £180–200 million (1974 British pounds), the United States was unwilling to fund development by itself, and ended the project later that year.
Despite the project's termination, the two companies continued to take different paths toward an enhanced Harrier. Hawker Siddeley focused on a new larger wing that could be retrofitted to existing operational aircraft, while McDonnell Douglas independently pursued a less ambitious, though still expensive, project catering to the needs of the US military. Using knowledge gleaned from the AV-16 effort, though dropping some items—such as the larger Pegasus engine—McDonnell Douglas kept the basic structure and engine for an aircraft tailored for the USMC.
Designing and testing
As the USMC wanted a substantially improved Harrier without the development of a new engine, the plan for Harrier II development was authorized by the United States Department of Defense (DoD) in 1976. The United States Navy (USN), which had traditionally procured military aircraft for the USMC, insisted that the new design be verified with flight testing. McDonnell Douglas modified two AV-8As with new wings, revised intakes, redesigned exhaust nozzles, and other aerodynamic changes; the modified forward fuselage and cockpit found on all subsequent aircraft were not incorporated on these prototypes. Designated YAV-8B, the first converted aircraft flew on 9 November 1978, at the hands of Charles Plummer. The aircraft performed three vertical take-offs and hovered for seven minutes at Lambert–St. Louis International Airport. The second aircraft followed on 19 February 1979, but crashed that November due to engine flameout; the pilot ejected safely. Flight testing of these modified AV-8s continued into 1979. The results showed greater than expected drag, hampering the aircraft's maximum speed. Further refinements to the aerodynamic profile yielded little improvement. Positive test results in other areas, including payload, range, and V/STOL performance, led to the award of a development contract in 1979. The contract stipulated a procurement of 12 aircraft initially, followed by a further 324.
Between 1978 and 1980, the DoD and USN repeatedly attempted to terminate the AV-8B program. There had previously been conflict between the USMC and USN over budgetary issues. At the time, the USN wanted to procure A-18s for its ground attack force and, to cut costs, pressured the USMC to adopt the similarly-designed F-18 fighter instead of the AV-8B to fulfill the role of close air support (both designs were eventually amalgamated to create the multirole F/A-18 Hornet). Despite these bureaucratic obstacles, in 1981, the DoD included the Harrier II in its annual budget and five-year defense plan. The USN declined to participate in the procurement, citing the limited range and payload compared with conventional aircraft.
In August 1981 the program received a boost when British Aerospace (BAe) and McDonnell Douglas signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU), marking the UK's re-entry into the program. The British government was enticed by the lower cost of acquiring Harriers promised by a large production run, and the fact that the US was shouldering the expense of development. Under the agreement BAe was relegated to the position of a subcontractor, instead of the full partner status that would have been the case had the UK not left the program. Consequently, the company received, in man-hours, 40 percent of the airframe work-share. Aircraft production took place at McDonnell Douglas' facilities in suburban St. Louis, Missouri, and manufacturing by BAe at its Kingston and Dunsfold facilities in Surrey, England. Meanwhile, 75 percent work-share for the engine went to Rolls-Royce, which had previously absorbed Bristol Siddeley, with the remaining 25 percent assigned to Pratt & Whitney. The two companies planned to manufacture 400 Harrier IIs, with the USMC expected to procure 336 aircraft and the RAF, 60.
Four full-scale development (FSD) aircraft were constructed. The first of these (BuNo 161396), used mainly for testing performance and handling qualities, made its maiden flight on 5 November 1981, piloted by Plummer. The second and third FSD aircraft, which introduced wing leading-edge root extensions and revised engine intakes, first flew in April the following year; the fourth followed in January 1984. The first production AV-8B was delivered to the Marine Attack Training Squadron 203 (VMAT-203) at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point (MCAS Cherry Point) on 12 December 1983, and officially handed over one month later. The last of the initial batch of 12 was delivered in January 1985 to the front-line Marine Attack Squadron 331 (VMA-331). The engine used for these aircraft was the F402-RR-404A, with 21,450 lb (95.4 kN) of thrust; aircraft from 1990 onwards received upgraded engines.
A German Army Leopard II tank, assigned to 104th Panzer Battalion, moves through the Joint Multinational Readiness Center during Saber Junction 2012 in Hohenfels, Germany, Oct. 25. The U.S. Army Europe's exercise Saber Junction trains U.S. personnel and 1800 multinational partners from 18 nations ensuring multinational interoperability and an agile, ready coalition force.
(U.S. Army Europe photo by Visual Information Specialist Markus Rauchenberger/released)
PHILIPPINE SEA (Nov. 14, 2022) - Ships from the U.S. Navy, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), Royal Navy, Royal Australian Navy and Royal Canadian Navy steam in formation during Keen Sword 23, in the Philippine Sea, Nov. 14. Keen Sword is a biennial, joint and bilateral field-training exercise involving U.S. military and JMSDF personnel, designed to increase readiness and interoperability while strengthening the ironclad Japan-U.S. alliance. USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the United States, and supports alliances, partnerships and collective maritime interests in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Louis Thompson Staats IV) 221114-N-PS962-1231
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A Latvian soldier takes cover during exercise Saber Junction 15 at the U.S. Army’s Joint Multinational Readiness Center in Hohenfels, Germany, April 23, 2015. Saber Junction 15 prepares NATO and partner nation forces for offensive, defensive, and stability operations and promotes interoperability among participants. Saber Junction 15 has more than 4,700 participants from 17 countries, to include: Albania, Armenia, Belgium, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Great Britain, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Moldova, Poland, Romania, Sweden, Turkey and the U.S. (U.S. Army photo by Visual Information Specialist Markus Rauchenberger/Released)
PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 3, 2022) U.S. Marines load supplies onto a CH-53 Super Stallion, assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 262 (Reinforced), on the flight deck aboard amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7). Tripoli is operating in U.S. 7th Fleet to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Malcolm Kelley)
Oregon and Washington National Guard Soldiers of B Company, 1st Battalion, 168th Aviation Regiment, conducted interoperability training exercises with the U.S. Navy in the Persian Gulf, March 13-17, 2016. CH-47 Chinook helicopters from B Company, 1-168th Aviation Battalion, and AH-64 Apache helicopters from 3rd Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment, practiced landing aboard the USS PONCE AFSB 15. (Photos by Staff Sgt. Ian M. Kummer)
WATERS EAST OF THE KOREAN PENINSULA (March 8, 2016) Ships from the U.S. and Republic of Korea transit in formation during a photographic exercise as a part of Exercise Ssang Yong 2016. Boxer is the flagship of the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group and is participating in exercise Ssang Yong 16. Ssang Yong 16 is a biennial combined amphibious exercise conducted by forward-deployed U.S. forces with the Republic of Korea Navy and Marine Corps, Australian Army and Royal New Zealand Army Forces in order to strengthen our interoperability and working relationships across a wide range of military operations - from disaster relief to complex expeditionary operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Craig Z. Rodarte)
Staff Sgt. Travis Surber, a native of Franklin County, VA and a paratrooper with the 173rd Brigade Combat Team’s Battle Company of the 2nd Battalion 503rd Infantry Regiment parachutes out of a C-130 Hercules Transport Aircraft and into the Ukraine sky. This marks the first time the “Sky Soldiers” of the 173rd have jumped in Ukraine and they’ll be training and conducting multinational airborne operations, a situational training exercise and a field training exercise here from through 5 Aug. as part of Rapid Trident 2011.
Rapid Trident 2011 is a U.S. Army Europe led, multi-national exercise taking place at the International Peacekeeping and Security Center in Yavoriv, Ukraine. It is designed to promote regional stability and security, strengthen international military partnering and foster trust while improving interoperability between participating nations.
Rapid Trident 2011 involves approximately 1,600 personnel. In addition to the U.S. Army Europe and Ukraine, participants include: Latvia, Belarus, Moldova, Slovenia, Canada, Poland, Serbia, the UK, Lithuania, Estonia, California and Utah National Guard and U.S. Air Force Europe.
Rapid Trident supports interoperability among Ukraine, the United States, NATO and Partnership for Peace member nations. This exercise will help prepare participants to operate successfully in a joint, multinational, integrated environment with host- nation support from civil and governmental agencies.
Rapid Trident is a part of U.S. European Command’s Joint Training and Exercise Program, designed to enhance joint combined interoperability with allied and partner nations.
The exercise also supports Ukraine’s Annual National Program to achieve interoperability with NATO and commitments made in the annual NATO-Ukraine work plan.
The 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team is one of the U.S. Army’s most highly decorated units having particularly distinguished itself during the Vietnam War and having produced fifteen Congressional Medal of Honor recipients including Staff Sgt. Salvatore Giunta, the first living recipient of the Medal of Honor since the Vietnam War.
U.S. Army Europe soldiers of the 2nd Cavalry Regiment, patrol a road at the Grafenwoehr Training Area at sunrise during Saber Junction 2012, Oct. 13. U.S. Army Europe's exercise Saber Junction trains U.S. personnel and more than 1,800 multinational partners from 18 European nations ensuring multinational interoperability and an agile, ready coalition force.
Training Support Activity Europe
Photo by Markus Rauchenberger
Date Taken:10.13.2012
Location:GRAFENWOEHR, BY, DE
Read more: www.dvidshub.net/image/722455/saber-junction-2012#.UHxHHB...
Oregon and Washington National Guard Soldiers of B Company, 1st Battalion, 168th Aviation Regiment, conducted interoperability training exercises with the U.S. Navy in the Persian Gulf, March 13-17, 2016. CH-47 Chinook helicopters from B Company, 1-168th Aviation Battalion, and AH-64 Apache helicopters from 3rd Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment, practiced landing aboard the USS PONCE AFSB 15. (Photos by Staff Sgt. Ian M. Kummer)
ARTA TRAINING RANGE, Djibouti (Oct. 6, 2015) U.S. Marine Gunnery Sgt. Dragos Coca engages targets during a desert survival and tactics course. Coca is a platoon sergeant with Delta Company, 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Detachment, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit. Elements of the 15th MEU trained with the 5th Overseas Combined Arms Regiment (RIAOM) in Djibouti from Sept. 21 to Oct. 7 in order to improve interoperability between the MEU and the French military. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Steve H. Lopez/Released)
PHILIPPINE SEA (Oct. 31, 2020) The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Akizuki-class destroyer JS Suzutsuki (DD 117) receives fuel from the U.S. Navy Military Sealift Command Henry J. Kaiser-class fleet replenishment oiler USNS Tippecanoe (T-AO 199) during Keen Sword. Keen Sword is a joint, bilateral, biennial field-training exercise involving U.S. military and Japan Self-Defense Force personnel, designed to increase combat readiness and interoperability of the Japan-U.S. alliance. (U.S. Navy photo by Christopher Bosch)
SOUTH CHINA SEA (Oct. 2, 2022) Royal Canadian Navy Halifax-class frigate HMCS Winnipeg (FFH 338) cruises behind Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Higgins (DDG 76) while conducting operations in the South China Sea. Higgins is participating in multilateral exercises in the South China Sea in support of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s Indo-Pacific deployment, along with the Royal Canadian Navy. Routine multilateral exercises like this strengthen interoperability and our mutual commitment to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Donavan K. Patubo)
PHILIPPINE SEA (Mar. 10, 2017) - The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Mustin (DDG 89) leads U.S. Navy and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force ships in formation during MultiSail 17. The bilateral training exercise is designed to improve interoperability between the U.S. and Japanese forces. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Elijah G. Leinaar/Released) 170310-N-GP548-1205
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1st Battalion Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment Soldiers, route planning atop their Warrior Infantry Fighting Vehicle during NATO Exercise Allied Spirit 8.
Approximately 200 soldiers from 1st Battalion Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment (1PWRR) were among 4,000 soldiers from 10 different NATO countries participating in Exercise Allied Spirit 8 in Southern Germany.
The NATO assurance measurement exercise is designed to develop relationships and promote interoperability and integration with NATO, Allied and Coalition partners.
During the exercise 1PWRR have been under the command of a Polish Mechanised Brigade delivering the Armoured Infantry element along with a company of Danish Armoured Infantry.
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Photographer: Mr Dominic King
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SASEBO, Japan (Oct. 27, 2021) Capt. Ken Ward, commanding officer of forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), right, describes the ship's capability to Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Capt. Koji Miyazaki, commanding officer of JMSDF ship JS Ise (DDH 182), during a tour of the ship. America, lead ship of the America Amphibious Ready Group, along with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, is operating in U.S. 7th Fleet to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Theodore C. Lee)