3rd Marine Aircraft Wing
"Some people wonder all their lives if they have made a difference. The Marines don't have that problem" (ex-President Ronald W. Reagan)
October 2010 and Jetwash Aviation Photo's is on the West coast of the U.S.A once again. Familiar territory, but a place we had not visited since 2005 and so long overdue some exposure. We found ourselves working with the United States Marine Corps' 3rd Marine Air Wing based at Marine Corp Air Station Miramar near San Diego, California. Jetwash Aviation Photo's was given exclusive access to the 3rd MAW's facilities and we would like to offer our sincere thanks to everyone there who assisted us in putting this report together.
The 3rd MAW forms part of Marine Force Pacific (MARFORPAC). Tasked with projecting power from the sea, the USMC combines its air and ground forces to form rapidly deployable Marine Air Ground Task Forces (MAGTF's), capable of operating independantly, or as part of a larger combined joint task force. Task forces are formed within three different sizes, the Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF), with as many as 50,000 personnel assigned, the Marine Expeditionary Brigade (MEB) with 8,000-22,000 personnel and the Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) being the smallest with 1700-2800 personnel. The MEU's are normally deployed on a rotational basis with a US Navy Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) that generally includes a LHA or LHD assault ship, a LSD dock landing ship, and a LPD amphibious transport dock.
History:- The 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing was commissioned on 10th November 1942 at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, with the wing's combat history beginning with deployment of a bomber squadron on 3rd December 1943. When the Japanese surrendered at the end of World War II the 3rd MAW was de-commissioned. The Wing was re-activated at MCAS Cherry Point in time for the Korean War in 1950, later moving to Miami. In September 1955 the Wing left MCAS Miami and moved to the West coast for Marine Corps Air Station El Toro in California. The 3rd MAW was rebuilt with the addition of Marine Aircraft Group 15, followed by Marine Aircraft Group 36 in September 1955, with its helicopter squadrons being based at nearby Marine Corps Air Facility Santa Ana, which was later re-named Marine Corps Air Station Tustin.
During the 1980's the wings squadrons were deployed to Vietnam as combat action in Southeast Asia flared. At the end of the Vietnam War several units were brought back to the United States and de-activated or re-designated, creating 3d Marine Aircraft Wing as it is today
The wing saw action again as part of the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force (1 MEF), conducting operations in Iraq and Kuwait during Operation Desert Storm where it deployed over 40 squadrons of aircraft and flew over 18,000 sorties while operating throughout the theatre. After the end of hostilities the 3rd MAW aircraft provided support in Operation Provide Comfort and Operation Southern Watch over Iraq. The wing was once more called into service in Somalia for Operation Restore Hope. In 1999 the wing relocated to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, where it is still headquartered today.
The end of 2001 saw the beginning of the War on Terrorism, and the 3rd MAW deployed several detachments in support of the ongoing "Operation Enduring Freedom" in Afghanistan.
In the Autumn of 2002, the wing began deploying to Kuwait to prepare for combat operations in Iraq. Ultimately the wing moved 435 aircraft and 15,451 personnel to Southwest Asia prior to the attack, marking the first time the entire wing had deployed since the Gulf War and the largest since the Vietnam War. Their two primary bases in Kuwait were Ali Al Salem Air Base and Ahmed Al Jaber Air Base, while Wing ground units also established 15 Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) or Forward Arming and Refueling Points (FARPs) during the march northwards. During the invasion the 3rd MAW expended over 6 million pounds of ordinance, including over 2,300 general purpose bombs and 2,200 precision guided munitions.
The 3rd Maw's primary aircraft units are organised into four Marine Air Groups (MAG's), these being MAG-11 and MAG-16 at Miramar, MAG-13 at Yuma and MAG-39 at Camp Pendleton. In addition to these there is Marine Air Control Group 38 (MACG-38) at Twenty-Nine Palms and Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 3 (MWHS-3) based at Miramar.
MWHS-3 Operates the Beech UC-12F and the Cessna UC-35D, both of which are based at MCAS Miramar. The aircraft are used for VIP and light transport duties
Marine Aircraft Group 16 is one of two resident MAG's at MCAS Miramar, situated to the North and on the outskirts on San Diego. MAG-16 is made up of two medium tilt-rotor VMM units operating the Bell-Boeing MV-22 Osprey, two medium-lift HMM's with the Boeing-Vertol CH-46E and four-heavy lift HMH units with the Sikorsky CH-53E Sea Stallion. Marine Helicopter Transport Group 16 (MAG(HR)-16), as it was originally known was formed on 1st March1952 at Marine Corps Air Station Santa Ana (later MCAS Tustin), California and was the first helicopter group established in the Marine Corps.
Units currently assigned to MAG-16 are VMM-161 and VMM-166, operating the MV-22 Osprey, HMM-163 and HMM-165, operating the CH-46E Sea Knight (or Phrog) and HMH-361, HMH-462, HMH-465 and HMH-466 operating the CH-53E Sea Stallion.
CH-53E BuNo. 163072 of HMH-465 "Warhorse" basks in glorious sunshine on the Miramar ramps
The Sikorsky CH-53E Sea Stallion is the largest and heaviest helicopter in the United States military today. The CH-53E Super Sea Stallion variant first entered service with the Marine Corps in 1981 with the creation of HMH-464 at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina. Although dimensionally similar to the earlier model CH-53D, the three-engined CH-53E Super Stallion is a much more powerful aircraft than the original twin-engined CH-53D. The CH-53E has a larger main rotor system with a seventh blade and can transport up to 55 troops or 30,000 lb (13,610 kg) of cargo, and can carry external slung loads up to 36,000 lb (16,330 kg). The helicopter has a cruise speed of 173 mph (278 km/h) and a range of 621 miles (1,000 km). It is fitted with a forward extendable in-flight refueling probe for tanking from Marines Corps KC-130 Hercules aircraft and can also hoist-hose re-fuel from a surface ship while in the hover mode. For self protection it can carry three machine guns: one at the starboard side crew door, one at the port window, just behind the co-pilot, and one at the tail ramp, along with chaff/flare dispensers.
Development of a Heavy Lift Replacement (HLR) for the CH-53E began in 2004 and has seen the resulting CH-53K, which has three times the lifting capacity of the CH-53E being chosen. First flight is anticipated in 2013 with service entry planned fopr 2018. Procuement plans being 200 aircraft for nine active and one fleet replenishment squadron.
Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH-466) was commissioned on 30th November 1984, when it became the Marine Corps' third,
and Marine Aircraft Group 16's second CH-53E Super Stallion squadron
An HMH-462 "Heavyhaulers" CH-53E Sea Stallion seen at its home base of MCAS Miramar
VMM-161 became the first HMM squadron on the West coast to convert to the MV-22B Osprey
The first operational Marine Bell-Boeing MV-22 Osprey squadron VMM-263, stood up at MCAS New River, North Carolina on 3rd March 2006, with pilots going through training at VMMT-204. With transition from the CH-46E helicopter scheduled for completion by the end of 2010 on the East coast with MAW-2, transition on the West coast has begun. At present two of Miramar's HMM squadrons have commenced delivery of their MV-22's, HMM-161 being the first, with HMM-166 following close behind. Three hundred and sixty Ospreys are on order for the Corps, with plans to equip 18 active, four reserve and one fleet replenishment squadron by 2017. It is planned that eventually eight squadrons will be based at Miramar and two at Camp Pendleton with MAW-3.
With twice the speed of a helicopter, the Osprey can carry 24 combat troops or up to 20,000 pounds (9,072 kg) of internal cargo, or 15,000 pounds (6,804 kg) of external cargo. Its cargo bay can alternatively accommodate nine litters with medical personnel and equipment for MEDEVAC duties.
VMM-161's "CAG Bird" is seen at the Miramar Airshow in October 2010
The second unit in MAG-16 to transition to the MV-22 Osprey is VMM-166 (formerly HMM-166)
167917 is the first aircraft assigned to the unit and seen at its home base on 3rd October 2010
An MV-22 gets airborne at Miramar showing the helicopter-style take off of this tilt-rotor aircraft
There are two medium-lift HMM squadrons at MCAS Miramar still operating the venerable CH-46E Sea Knight. These being HMM-163 and HMM-165. The Sea Knight is the oldest type helicopter currently flying in front-line U.S. military service, the "Phrog" having served as the Marines' medium-lift assault helicopter since 1964. Used by the USMC to provide all-weather, day-or-night assault transport of combat troops, supplies and equipment, assault Support is its primary function, and the movement of supplies and equipment is secondary. Additional tasks include combat support, search and rescue, support for forward refueling and re-arming points, CASEVAC as well as Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel (TRAP). With replacement by the MV-22 ongoing the Sea Knight's future is coming to an end with the Marine Corps, however, it is unlikely that any future airframe will provide such a long, historic and reliable service life as the 'Phrog' has.
The second resident MAG unit at MCAS Miramar is Marine Aircraft Group 11. This unit comprises the Boeing FA-18 Hornet squadrons that are assigned to Marine Air Wing Three and is made up of VMFAT-101 (The Fleet Replenishment Squadron), two all weather attack squadrons of VMFA(AW)-121 and VMFA(AW)-225 operating the FA-18D and VMFA-232, VMFA-323 with the FA-18C and finally VMFA-314 which operates the FA-18A+. In addition to these units, MAG-11 also incorporates the Lockheed KC-130J Hercules squadron in the shape VMGR-352.
A MAG-11 FA-18A+ Hornet on the Miramar ramps prepares for another mission
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A "Sharpshooters" FA-18C sits on the Miramar ramps in typical California sunshine
As the Fleet Replenishment Squadron VMFAT-101 operates all four versions of the FA-18 utilised by the Marine Corps,
those being the FA-18A, FA-18B, FA-18C and the FA-18D
This VMFAT-101 FA-18B sports a rather unusual camouflage pattern
VMFA-314 "Smoke" operates the FA-18+ version of the Hornet.
Plans are in place to upgrade the F-18A's still in service with digital communications, a tactical data link, Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS),
Multi Function Information Distribution System (MIDS) and the ability to carry the latest version of the AAQ-28 LITENING targeting pod.
The latter features advanced FLIR CCD/TV and laser imaging sensors.
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One of two units operating the FA-18D at Miramar is VMFA(AW)-121 "Green Knights" (above) As well as being tasked with strike and close air support,
the two-seaters are also used for forward air control (FAC) and reconnaissance. The USMC plan to retire the FA-18D's in 2018 but in the meantime
are providing 72 of them with a radar upgrade that will add a synthetic aperture radar capability to the APG-73 system.
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The Hornet's of VMFA-323 "Death Rattlers" operate the FA-18C and are worthy of note as they regularly deploy as part of Carrier Air Wing 14 (CVW-14)
aboard the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76), hence the 'NK' tailcode as in the photograph above
As mentioned earlier, the sole tanker/transport squadron located at MCAS Miramar with Marine Air Wing 3 is VMGR-352 "Raiders". The unit began transitioning to the Lockheed KC-130J from the older KC-130F version of the ubiquitous Hercules back in August 2004, completing conversion to the new type by late 2007. VMGR-352 will be the first squadron to employ the 'Harvest HAWK' roll on/roll off palletized Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) weapons mission kit. The KC-130J will be able to serve as a close air support aircraft and can deliver ground support fire in the form of a 30mm Bushmaster cannon, AGM-114P Hellfire missiles (installed in place of the port refulling pod), and precision-guided bombs used in conjunction with an AAQ-30 targeting sight. Nicknamed the 'Harvest HAWK' (Hercules Airborne Weapons Kit), it can be used in scenarios where precision is not a requisite, such as area denial and three of VMGR-352's twelve aircraft will be installed with the necessary mission fit. Future plans call for the availability of a second Hellfire station, and with Phase 1 testing completed in April this year the aircraft are expected to arrive for use in Afghanistan as of this time.
KC-130J Hercules 165512 of VMGR-352 sits on the Miramar ramps in October 2010
Marine Aircraft Group 39 is the resident aviation unit at Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton and is composed of five subordinate squadrons of AH-1W Super Cobra and UH-1Y helicopters, along with three CH-46E Sea Knight squadrons. The new AH-1Z 'Viper' helo's are at this time currently starting to re-equip the Light Attack Helicopter Squadrons (HMLA's) and will eventually replace all of the earlier model AH-1W's. Current squadrons assigned to MAG-39 are HMLA-169, HMLA-267, HMLA-367, HMLA-369, HMLA-469, HMLAT-303, HMMT-164, HMM-268 and HMM-364.
Camp Pendleton is a huge USMC base, situated between San Diego and Los Angeles just off Interstate 5. Such is the vast size of this facility that the helicopter platforms are some seven miles from the main gate! The base employs around 70,000 people including civilian workers and has every type of facility you could imagine, so much so that it is possible to obtain anything you can think of and in theory means that if you are so inclined need never actually leave the base. The Camp Pendleton base covers an area of 125,000 acres or 506 sq/km and due to the size of the base and ranges within Camp Pendleton a reasonably large amount of flying by the resident squadrons occurs within the confines of the base itself.
The USMC's two new helicopter platforms are the AH-1Z Viper and the UH-1Y Venom (seen in the background)
All the HMLA squadrons at Camp Pendleton currently still operate the AH-1W Super Cobra. 163931 above is from HMLA-169
AH-1W Cobra from HMLAT-303 "Atlas'" sits outside the squadron hanger at MCAS Camp Pendleton on 6th October 2010
HMLAT-303 has trained AH-1W Cobra and UH-1N Huey pilots for the Marine Corps and Navy for more than twenty years and is also tasked with training Navy SAR pilots and newly designated Naval Aviators destined to become AH-1W and UH-1N/HH-1N replacement, refresher, and conversion pilots. Although the training mission assigned to HMLAT-303 requires sustained high tempo operations, the squadron has flown over 250,000 Class A and B mishap free flight hours. The squadron is the only unit remaining at Camp Pendleton that operates both types of the AH-1 and both types of the UH-1. All other HMLA's at Camp Pendleton have converted to the UH-1Y whereas "303" still has some UH-1N's on strength as the type is still operated by some East Coast units and so training on the type still continues. Unlike the other units at Camp Pendleton, the majority of its sorties are flown within the confines of the base. Mind you, as stated above the size of this base is somewhat extreme.
Bell-Textron UH-1Y 166756 from HMLAT-303 is wheeled to the main ramp prior to a mission on 6th October 2010 _edited-1.jpg)
The Bell UH-1Y Venom (above & left) is the latest in the line of the most widely produced helicopters in the Western world today. The new helicopters are used by the United States Marines and are already seeing action in Afghanistan. The UH-1Y can be distinguished from prior models by its four blade main rotor, whilst sharp eyed observers will also notice that the forward fuselage is about two feet longer than its predecessor. Other changes are a stronger airframe, improved maneuverability and hardened fuselage components providing greater protection to its crew and passengers. More powerful engines in the UH-1Y provide greater speed, and additional payload capacity, whilst new avionics include an all glass cockpit, forward looking infra red imaging systems, and electronic counter measure abilities. There are also new, larger fuel tanks which can withstand greater impacts. Along with all of the improvements of the new helicopter comes more reliability. The UH-1Y incorporates a series of sensors to provide its crew with the latest maintenance detection available and major components of the helicopter can be more easily reached through access hatches and doors, allowing easier and faster maintenance when necessary. FLIR Systems 'BRITE STAR' is used on the nose of the aircraft for targeting and Forward Looking Infrared images that are displayed on selected multi-function displays (MFD) inside the cockpit. The "Top Owl" Helmet Mounted Sight and Display (HMSD) system supports improved communication and reduced cockpit workload. Manufactured by THALES Avionics, Top Owl is the most technically advanced helmet available. Upgradeable in-service and as additional requirements develop, it combines both avionics function with the aircrew life support and protection into a single unit.
An HMLAT-303 Bell UH-1N Huey seen during a mission at MCAS Camp Pendleton
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The HMLA ramps seen at Camp Pendleton on 6th October 2010
163945 of HMLA-267 gets towed from the units hanger to the flightline in preperation for a mission
The most noticeable difference externally between the Whiskey model and the new Zulu are the rotor blades and nose configuration
HMLA-267 "Whiskey Cobra" seen over MCAS Camp Pendleton
The difference between the two cockpits on the AH-1W (left) and AH-1Z can be seen above. The AH-1Z being a modern state of the art "glass" variant
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The business end of an AH-1Z Viper attack helicopter 
HMLA-367 "Scarface" is the only frontline unit that currently operates the AH-1Z variant of the Cobra attack helicopter. At present the unit has three 'Vipers' on strength with another two due to enter squadron service this month (October 2010). At this moment in time therefore HMLA-367 operates the AH-1W Super Cobra, the AH-1Z Viper, plus the UH-1Y Venom. As mentioned previously all the frontline units at Camp Pendleton now only operate the 'Y' model of the UH-1, the only UH-1N's still assigned being operated by HMLAT-303 which is the training unit. The current strength of an HMLA is based around a total of 18 AH-1 attack helicopters and 9 UH-1's. Major Sykes, an AH-1 pilot with HMLA-367 told us that the squadron hed recently returned from a tour of duty in Afghanistan (Nov. 2009- May 2010) and was looking forward to going back there next 'Fall' with the new AH-1Z on squadron strength. Major Sykes has flown three combat deployments in the AH-1W with his previous unit (HMLA-169) and also participated in the AH-1Z testing.
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A HMLA-367 AH-1Z prepares to lift off from the Camp Pendleton ramp for a morning mission
Produced to meet the stringent requirements of the USMC today – the AH-1Z design brings together proven AH-1W airframe reliability, a new composite four bladed rotor system and powerful T700-GE-401engines. With virtually identical front and rear cockpits, fully integrated weapons, avionics and communications systems the AH-1Z flies with the most advanced aircraft survivability equipment in the world. Target identification is critical in the complex post-cold war and urban conflict environments. The AH-1Z Target Sight System (TSS) incorporates a third-generation FLIR and currently provides the longest range, lowest jitter and highest weapons' accuracy possible of any helicopter sight in the world. In addition, the completely passive and automatic system scans the battlefield without emitting trackable radar, positively identifying and tracking multiple targets at ranges beyond the maximum range of its weapons system.
As with the UH-1Y the AH-1Z incorporates he "Top Owl" Helmet Mounted Sight and Display (HMS/D) system. Manufactured by THALES Avionics, the TopOwl HMS/D is the most technically advanced helmet available. Upgradeable in-service and as additional requirements develop, it combines both avionics function with the aircrew life support and protection into a single unit. Unlike the AH-1W, the AH-1Z also has identical front and rear cockpits, providing the ability to fly and fight from either cockpit, so there's no need to have separate training programmes for front and back seaters. The Hands on Collective and Stick (HOCAS) side-stick allows pilot function without removing the hands from the flight controls. The Weapons available to the AH-1Z pilot include AGM-114A, B, and C Hellfire, AGM-114F Hellfire, 70mm Rockets, AIM-9 Sidewinder, Mk 77 fire bombs and a 20 mm cannon
A HMLA-367 UH-1Y Venom sits on the ramp awaiting a morning mission at Camp Pendleton on 6th October 2010
MAG-39 at Camp Pendleton also houses three Marine Medium Helicopter squadrons (HMM's). These operate the Boeing-Vertol CH-46E Sea Knight helicopter, known in Marine Corps parlance as the 'Phrog'. HMMT-164 'Knightriders' is the officially designated training squadron for the CH-46 and was designated as such on 23rd February 1999, when it began training all pilots and crew chiefs, replacing HMT-204 as the only CH-46D/E model aircraft training squadron in the Marines. Normal squadron strength of an HMM squadron is based around twelve CH-46's being available at any time.
153382 of HMMT-164 shows the rear loading cargo ramp on the CH-46E
CH-46E Sea Knight 154039 from HMM-364 "Purple Foxes" seen at it's home base of Camp Pendleton under less than familiar dark skies
Al Taqaddum Airbase is located in central Iraq, approximately 74 kilometers West of Baghdad. The plaque to the left is one of many now proudly mounted in and around the HMM-364 squadron facilities at Camp Pendleton. The unit was the last Marine Squadron to leave Iraq when they vacated the country in February of this year. If you are wondering why 'Give a Shit' is sitting proudly on the board, it happens to be the squadron motto! Captain Allissandratos told us that at present the unit is unlikely to deploy to theatre again in the near future and he was therefore looking forward to a period of stability for himself and the unit at Camp Pendleton.
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A CH-46E "Phrog" 154011 of HMM-268 awaits another mission at Camp Pendleton on 6th October 2010
As mentioned before a large number of civilian contractors are employed at Camp Pendleton. Here a CH-46 of HMM-364 undergoes
maintenance in the squadron hanger by PKL Services Inc. of San Diego
"Phrog" 157687 seen above sports an AN/AAQ-24 DIRCM on the fuselage side just below the forward window.
The AN/AAQ-24 Nemesis is a Directional Infra-Red Counter Measure (DIRCM) system designed to protect actively fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft from IR guided missiles. When the Nemesis detects an incoming missile which represents a threat for the aircraft the system's laser is activated and directed to the missile's seeker, subsequently jamming it. The system, produced by Northrop-Grumman is also fitted to USMC CH-53 and MV-22 aircraft. Despite their age the CH-46's currently have the highest operational availablity of any aircraft within the Marine Corps and have done so for some time, currently being somwhere in the region of 90%.
Marine Aircraft Group 13 is based at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma in Arizona. The main hub of activity is provided by the USMC's McDonnell-Douglas AV-8B Harrier's of VMA-211, VMA-214, VMA-311 and VMA-513. Their primary mission is to provide offensive air support, armed reconnaissance, and air defense for Marine Expeditionary Forces.
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165560 from VMA-211 sporting the markings of HMM-163 REIN (Reinforced) is in the new standard colour scheme for the AV-8.
Aircraft from HMH, HMLA and VMA squadrons regularly take on the guise of HMM units when forming part of a Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU)
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A VMA-211 AV-8B+ Harrier II equipped with the APG-65 radar taxies back from a sortie.
The VMA squadrons nominally operate a mix of fourteen AV-8B+ and AV-8B(NA) night attack variants. The Night Attack variant is not equipped with a radar, but is capable of carrying a Northrop-Grumman AAQ-28 LITENING targeting pod. This enables the pilot to exchange information directly with forward air controllers (FAC's) on the ground. The Corps plans to retain the AV-8B until around 2021, by which time the F-35 should be fully operational. The first production AV-8B aircraft was delivered to the US Marine Corps in November 1983, whilst deliveries of the night-attack Harrier IIs began in September 1989. The U.S. Marine Corps received its first Harrier II Plus aircraft in July 1993, and its first re-manufactured Harrier II Plus in January 1996.
The AV-8B was designed with a larger area carbonfibre super-critical wing, a completely revised and raised cockpit, and advanced aerodynamic devices which enhanced lift capabilities over the original AV-8A Harrier. From the 167th airframe on, USMC AV-8B's were fitted with a FLIR, head-down display, a moving map in colour, and an enhanced HUD, all of which made them night-attack capable. The 205th production aircraft, designated the AV-8B Harrier II Plus, is equipped with the Hughes AN/APG-64 radar which gives it the capability to launch AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles and AIM-7 Sparrow AAMs, as well as AGM-84 Harpoon anti-shipping missiles. Recent AV-8 upgrades have provided the Harrier with LITENING target pods with a video downlink to 'ROVER' ground stations, providing a digital close air support capability enabling the exchange of information with forward air controllers on the ground.
AV-8B+ from VMA-311 "Tomcats" is seen sporting a high-viz tail at MCAS Miramar Airshow in 2010
An "Avengers" AV-8B+ in the standard Marine Grey camouflage scheme
Also based at MCAS Yuma is this Bell HH-1N Huey, used in the search & rescue role
The RQ-7B Shadow is operated by MACG-38 at Twenty-Nine Palms and serves with VMU-1 and VMU-3. The aircraft is powered by a small 38 bhp AR741-1101 Wankel. The primary payload for the aircraft is the Israeli Aircraft Industries POP300 Plug-in Optical Payload which consists of a forward-looking Infrared camera, a daytime TV camera with a selectable near-infrared filter and a laser pointer. The aircraft has fixed tricycle landing gear and take-offs are assisted by a trailer-mounted pneumatic launcher which can accelerate the 375 pound aircraft to 60 knots in 15 feet. Landings are guided by a Tactical Automatic Landing System developed by the Sierra Nevada Corporation, which consists of a ground-based micro-millimeter wavelength radar and a transponder carried on the aircraft. Once on the ground, a tailhook mounted on the aircraft catches an arresting wire connected to two disk brake drums which can stop the aircraft in less than 170 feet.
The system also contains two HMMWV-mounted Ground Control Stations (GCS) which control the aircraft in flight. Each GCS has an associated Ground Data Terminal (GDT), which takes commands generated by the GCS and modulates them into radio waves which are received by the aircraft in flight. The GDT also receives video imagery from the payload as well as telemetry from the aircraft and sends them to the GCS.
We would like to thank everyone at the 3rd Marine Air Wing Public Affairs Office and in particular Sgt. Zachary S. Dyer for all his assistance in arranging our access and escorting us during our visits. In addition we would also like to thank Major J.M Sykes of HMLA-367 and Capt. A.J Alissandratos of HMM-365 for their assistance in completing this article.
"Semper Fi"