AIR FORCE SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMANDAir Commandos – Quiet Professionals

FY 14-16 1206 Counter Terrorism Aviation Proposal

Discussion Overview

6 Special Operations Squadron (6 SOS) Capabilities

Engagement History with Yemen

Combat Aviation Advisor (CAA) PGM/ISR/Light Mobility Experiences

FY 2014 Proposal for YAF 1206 Case

6 SOS Capabilites

DOD’s only Aviation Foreign Internal Defense (AvFID) unit OAD construct that comprises various AFSCs to fulfill the needs of the mission (Modeled

after the USSF ODA structure) Completely Self-Sufficient Only unit in DOD with authorities to pilot PN aircraft

BY, THROUGH and WITH… ASSESS TRAIN ADVISE ASSIST

Politically Astute, Culturally Aware, Language Enabled CAA’s 12+ months of Initial Skills Training Squadron organized by COCOM regions Continuation Training Pre-Deployment Planning/Training Cycle

Engagement History with Yemen

2008 Planning Conference/PDSS with 8 BDE Mi-17 unit First YAF unit to engage with 6 SOS since 2002 CT Effort focus on RW aviation capability in 11 SQD

2009-2010 Persistent engagement with 11 SQD Successfully fostered relationships in unit, unsuccessful in gaining YAF leadership

support for mission Brigade CC unwilling to make necessary changes for long-term sustainment and training Necessitated shift to 2 BDE 3 SQD (Huey II)

2010-2011 Acquisition of 4 x Huey II aircraft and SOF tactical skills training Jan 11 aircraft delivery Jan-Jun 11 Ground and Flying Training with 3 SQD

Jan-Sep 2013 Acquisition of 2 x C208 aircraft and SOF tactical skills training CONUS based training due to in-country BOG limitations Limited pre-mission planning (NO ASSESSMENT)

30 Jun-2 Jul Site Visit Received SDO Vision for YAF capacity building effort Assessed current YAF 2 BDE flying /maintenance capes Advised OMC on future capacity building lines of effort that meet objectives of SDO

SDO Vision for YAF

“YAF is the only branch of the ROYG MoD that can effect the battle space for the foreseeable future…”

BORDER PATROL AIRCRAFT Coast Guard need for BPA to provide over watch of ROYG coastline

Sought/purchased 14 x Seabird Seeker platforms

6 SOS ADVISED against this platform for multiple reasons: Added another completely different aircraft/mx supply line to the YAF “Frankenfleet” that is already under-

trained in maintenance practices Reconnaissance aircraft for YAF pilots need to be “crew-flown” with an onboard observers

HEAVY-LIFT TRANSPORT Expressed need for repair/acquisition of C-130 aircraft for YAF to move large troop masses to Forward Edge of

Battle Area

6 SOS ADVISED against this platform for multiple reasons: YAF do not need a C-130 to transport troops (CN-235 can provide the lift) YAF can not sustain C-130 operations

Crashed 1 aircraft in 2010 Only other aircraft has been grounded for over 2 years (aircrew training is sub-standard)

PRECISION GUIDED MUNITIONS DELIVERY CAPABILITY Expressed need for YAF to be able to strike HUMINT driven targets with PGM either on exisiting F-5 Fleet or

through acquisition of new aircraft

6 SOS ADVISED against the F-5 investment and PREPARED 1206 case proposal that addressed BPA and PGM/ISR requirements

6 SOS Expertise

Maj Russell Underwood

PAF LCE PGM Program

UAE Aviation Integration

Partner NationOV-10 PGM Program

Apply lessons learned from this program to possible modification of F-5 or other PN legacy system for use with Precision Guided Munitions

Issues: 3+ years from initial concept in 2009 to Operational use in Feb 12 Required modification of 50 year old aircraft with no advanced data bus Exceeded weight limitations of external stores pods: Max weight was 500lbs, PGM bomb

weight of 650lbs(with nose & tail kit installed) Mounted laptop inside cockpit: this served as the fire control computer w/secure

Bluetooth connectivity to talk with the bomb Aircraft modifications-antennas/power source for laptop Testing phase took just over 1 year (integration, bomb mods, airworthiness…) Required training of aircrew & TTP development Required development of kill chain, approval process, authorities, target

selection/validation process, concur protocols, from all PN/USEMB/COCOM Total cost of $23M for 6 aircraft mods/bomb mods: no aircraft refurbishment strictly

modification for weapons use (3 aircraft still flying following MX and crash) inherent risk of using older legacy aircraft

Purpose

Present layout for FY 14/15/16 1206 engagement plan that is focused, scalable, and sustainable:

This proposal looked at the country team stated whole of government and security objectives and developed a plan based on past in country experience with PN(1206 case) rotary wing assets, current interaction with PN officers taking part in the C208 training, 6 SOS unit experience with various “strike” & light transport aircraft, and in an country site visit conducted July 13.

A priority for this proposal is that it be scalable with built in yearly reviews and benchmarks. The recent Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction report on the Afghan Special Mission Wing provides a case study in the questions that should be answered prior to executing any aircraft centric force build up.

Facts and Assumptions

Facts: 2 purchased C-208s with parts and spares arrive in country NLT 30 Sept 13 1 CN-235 arrive in country NLT 30 Sept 13 PN C-130 is unsustainable and provides minimal utility other than as PN host

country status symbol, National Flag airline flies to the same places as the C-130(Non-airworthy status for 2+ years/Requires ~$12M depot MX)

Training and logistics tail is the most critical aspect to any aircraft, without it any purchased aircraft will fail

PN CT force mobility is a priority PN CT Air support capability is a priority

Assumptions: 1206/FMF will be a player for the next 3 years Continued engagement is cheaper than later direct involvement Platforms that enable the PN country to execute Whole of Government

operations and CT operations are preferred

Light Lift

FY 14: Continue procurement of 3 C-208EX along with training and MX packages-Include airdrop and medevac package on each aircraft Training with commercial vendor/Follow up training as

required In country training top off

FY 15: Additional procurement of 3 C-208EX(transition to FMF for parts at end of FY15 to coincide with FY13 aircraft Logistics Package expiration)

FY 16: Additional procurement of 2 C-208EX(transition to FMF for parts at end of FY16 to coincide with FY14 aircraft Logistics Package expiration)

Final aircraft fleet total of 10 aircraft

10

C208 Airdrop/Medevac

Airdrop door Floor rollers Static Line Medical Evac Kit

Border Patrol Aircraft

Requirement for inexpensive, sustainable, rugged, airborne Reconnaissance capable, weaponized aircraft: Border Patrol Internal Infrastructure Patrol Requirements:

Fixed Gear, Non-ejection seat, PT6 engine, Loiter time>7 hrs, two pilot capable, ballistic protection, existing factory pilot and MX training program, worldwide parts/MX support, available factory Field Service Rep(FSR) in country, Weapons capable(minimum 500lb/250lb/Laser guided rockets/50 Cal/PGM capable), ISR capable(capable of designating own target, FLIR, FMV) Comm suite(line of sight/beyond line of sight), STOL capable, See attached Key Performance Parameters

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Dedicated Border Patrol Aircraft vs. Cessna 208 Conversion

Courses of Action

Modify Cessna 208 with a weapons & airborne reconnaissance package

Utilize a dedicated weapons capable airborne reconnaissance aircraft

Cessna 208 Armed Reconnaissance Conversion

Strengths:• Uses existing platform to transition to Armed

Reconnaissance Minimizes additional aircraft training required for both MX/Pilots

• Concept demonstrated in 1989• Cessna worldwide logistics support chain

Weaknesses: No MX/Pilot mission training pipeline Limited endurance and payload capabilities Additional weight on armed reconnaissance

version limits useful load for cargo and passenger transport

Puts two missions in one squadron(1st Sqdn)

Opportunities: Leverage existing contract agreement with

Cessna for parts and training Qualified C-208 USAF instructors already

available to train with PN on basic aircraft

Comments:An armed reconnaissance C-208 conversion would

give PN over watch and strike capability with minimal additional aircraft training. Identical airframes would also reduce additional maintenance training.

Unfortunately, a conversion would prevent the 208 from effectively carrying passengers and cargo due to additional weight and equipment. Equipment and payload weight would also limit fuel capacity—leading to a reduction in endurance.

IOMAX Archangel Border Patrol Aircraft

Strengths:• Dedicated Armed Recon platform• 4.2 – 7.5 hour endurance with weapons• 9+ hour endurance with only EO/IR sensor• Same engine type as C-208• Mission simulator exists• Vendor support aims for customer self-

sufficiency• Integrated cockpit ballistic protection• Leverage experience in PN F-5 squadron

Weaknesses:• Additional tail-wheel aircraft training

required• Cannot carry cargo or personnel

Opportunities: Regional partners operate same aircraft

United Arab Emirates Jordan (CY2013)

UAE already conducts basic pilot training for PN

Turkey produces laser-guided munitions

Comments:

A dedicated ISR/Armed Recon aircraft with long endurance is useful for CT/Natural Disaster/Infrastructure protection roles. Higher payload, higher endurance, familiar engines, and integrated aircrew protection

Through this aircraft, regional Arab partnerships can be strengthened to provide a regional solution for a regional problem using existing training relationships.

6 SOS Recommendation

Continue procurement of airdrop & medevac modified C-208s as dedicated light lift assets for PN 1st SQDN.

Purchase dedicated armed reconnaissance to replace PN F-5 SQDN. Initial versions should be recce only with hard points. Phased approach: PN pilots/MX learn to operate &

maintain aircraft along with basic airborne reconnaissance training.

Additional capabilities (weapons) as skills develop.

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Future Aircraft Inventory

Fiscal Year CN-235 Cessna 208(total) BPA (total)

2013(Funded) 1 2 0

2014 0 3(5) 2

2015 0 3(8) 4(6)

2016 0 2(10) 4(10)

Total 1 10 10

Basic

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Future CT Air Support

FY 13:

FY 14:

FY 15:

FY 16:

Estimated Total Cost

FY14: 3 C208s @ ~$3.0M per copy=$9.0M

2 Border Patrol Aircraft @ ~$7.0M per copy=$14M

Logistics/Sustainment cost~$3.0M(estimated)

Total FY14:~$26.0M FY15: 3 C208s @ ~$3.0M per copy=$9.0M

4 Border Patrol Aircraft @ ~$7.0M per copy=~$28M

Logistics/Sustainment cost~$4.0M(estimated)

Total FY15:~$41.0M

FY16: 2 C208s @ ~$3.0M per copy=$6.0M

4 Border Patrol Aircraft @ ~$7.0M per copy=~$28M

Logistics/Sustainment cost~$6.0M(estimated)

Total FY15:~$40.0M

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Aircraft Delivery/MX Logistics Layout

FY14Q1 FY16Q1FY15Q1Q2 Q3 Q4 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q2 Q3 Q4

A/C Delivery FY13Q4

2x208/1xCN235

208/235FMF Parts Block

1

x2x2

x3x3

208/CTA FMF Parts

Block 2

X3X3

FY20Q1 FY17Q1FY19Q1Q4 Q3 Q2 Q3 Q2 FY18Q1 Q4 Q3 Q2Q4

x1x1

x2x2

10x

2 Yr Parts/Mx sustainment

x2x2

x4x4

x4x4

10x

208/CTA FMF Parts

Block 3

208/CTA FMF Parts

Block 4

=Full program review/Site visit

FY17Q4

Vignette #1

PN CT ground team is cut off at a base and requires re-supply of water, food, ammunition. Roads have multiple hostile checkpoints. 1 Armed reconnaissance aircraft is launched to provide an over watch of 3 inbound C-208s with supplies on board. Archangel aircraft visually clears the landing area and surrounding terrain and serves as airborne relay between inbound C-208 aircraft, ground team, and via Sat radio back to partner nation Air Force HQ. C-208 aircraft arrive, drop off supplies, and medevac injured PN ground forces out. C-208s depart while Archangel aircraft provides continued over watch and relays enemy combatant positions to ground force until end of station time.

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Vignette #2

Report received of possible tribal sabotage of vital oil pipeline. Armed reconnaissance aircraft begins continuous patrols along pipeline in order to detect any activity or spot possible damage.

1 Cessna 208 is dispatched with representatives from the government to the tribal region to meet with local elders to discuss local issues.

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Vignette #3

Priority HVT intel is received at PN C2 headquarters. Armed reconnaissance aircraft are dispatched to provide airborne recce for ground team infil. Armed Reconnaissance finds, fixes, and finishes HVT. Cessna 208s infil PN CT team to conduct post-strike BDA and SSE.

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