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?

 

[Gorilla]

This thread reminds me of a sortie into Nellis restricted airspace. Something happened to the red air, and my wingman and I were stuck doing BFM. Before we could get going, the controller broke in and said "We have an errant light aircraft wandering into our airspace... can you run an intercept on him and get an "N" number?

:nuts: Uhh, yeah, we can do that!

We locked the guy up and proceeded on a textbook "low and slow" intercept, like on an AN-2 Colt. The target was doing maybe 140 knots; it turned out to be a Mooney. With flaps down, we still had some overtake, so we slid in behind and began to creep forward. As we got closer, I could see the dude heads down looking at a map!!

We made sure we had sufficient lateral spacing so if the guy freaked, there'd be no danger. Well, he did freak when he finally looked up. The Mooney had to be on autopilot, because the guy levitated from his seat a bit - the maps went flying - but the Mooney trucked right along. We pointed him in the direction of the closest border.

I can only imagine what he saw. The F-15 is a big platform, and when we are close, it looks even bigger.

I told the controllers I couldn't read the N-number because it was too small. Hopefully he made a clean getaway.

 

[Doug Parker]

I told the controllers I couldn't read the N-number because it was too small. Hopefully he made a clean getaway.

That was mighy nice of you Gorilla ! Most dudes wouldn't be so kind...............





.

 

[BoilerUP]

That was mighy nice of you Gorilla ! Most dudes wouldn't be so kind................

No doubt! I'd say the heart attack and browned shorts the pilot got ensure he'll NEVER make that mistake again!

 

[SIG600]

No doubt! I'd say the heart attack and browned shorts the pilot got ensure he'll NEVER make that mistake again!

Ya no kidding... very cool of you. I'm surprised he couldn't hear you.