Figher aircraft have VHF radios

[Fins Up]

In training we were talking about a plane being intercepted by military fighters (due to possible highjack, whatever). Can F-16s, 18s, or other fighters talk to aircraft on victor-guard or are they UHF only?

 

[Gorilla]

When I flew Eagles, it was a UHF-only airplane, but that was a while ago. Maybe they've retrofitted them. F-16's have VHF, as do A-10's. Don't know about Hornets.

I'm guessing post 9-11 the guys in the interceptor role have VHF onboard.

 

[AlbieF15]

Still no VHF on Eagles...at least the ones I know about.

 

[LeadSolo]

Hornets have both.

 

[Fins Up]

Thanks fellas.

 

[AdlerDriver]

In training we were talking about a plane being intercepted by military fighters (due to possible highjack, whatever). Can F-16s, 18s, or other fighters talk to aircraft on victor-guard or are they UHF only?

F-16s have one of each, VHF/UHF. F-18s have 2 that can do both (I think). F-15s only have 2 UHF radios - some also have HF (not that HF would do much good). Perhaps some of the Air Defense F-15s have been modded since 9-11? - not sure.

 

[SIG600]

Hornets have both.

Ya.. both hornet radio's are VHF, UHF, Maritime, and more.

 

[stonewall]

When I left OT, we had F-15E's and C's fitted with VHF radios. I think there are some in the CAF know with a VHF. However, it was routed through the UHF control panel somehow and used the UHF antenna. Reception was often limited and spotty. Might be better now.

 

[jaxgus]

ANG Eagles

Still no VHF on Eagles...at least the ones I know about.

The ANG F-15's were fitted with one VHF radio about 1 year ago.

 

[AlbieF15]

Cool. Wish ours had them so I could say "hey" when flying near the MOAs. Trying to cross the Carrabelle and CDE MOA complex in a GA plane when 2 guys are doing BFM with a 5 k floor is tough. ATC doesn't distinguish between a 2 ship low level training mission and 2 guys who won't be going below 5k--its all "active" or "cold". The ability to call up on discrete VHF and say "dude--what are you REALLY doing..." might be nice.

Oh yeah--and for you guys doing the real world air defense, I am sure having victor guard is huge. Glad to hear they got you the radio. Where is it? Does it replace comm 2, or is the same control case with a VHF capability included?