Kraków 2008-01-01
Lockheed Martin F-16 C, D Block 52 + Jastrząb.
315 Section 2006-12-14 Poland.
Operation of Polish F-16 Jastrząb aircraft.
First year of operation, from November 8, 2006 to December 31, 2007.
November 8, 2006, Krzesiny.
On November 8, 2006, at 3:02 PM, the first two Polish multi-role F-16 C aircraft, nb 4043 and 4044, landed at the airfield of the 31st Air Base in Krzesiny, Poznań. The new Polish aircraft, with their identification markings obscured, flew over the airport, accompanied by two Polish MiG-29s. The aircraft were escorted by American pilots. “The flight was very successful, I’m glad I landed safely,” Col. Mike Meyer of the USAF, who piloted F-16 No. 4044, told reporters. The second F-16 No. 4043 was piloted by Col. Rickie Yoder. The American pilots told reporters that there were problems with the in-flight refueling system and that they would be fixed locally in Poland. “These are not serious problems,” Col. Mike Meyer added. Journalists gathered at the airport wanted to know why the aircraft arrived later than expected and whether the Krzesiny base was fully ready to handle the F-16s. “The planes landed as planned. We agreed with the manufacturer that they would be in Poland for a ceremonial handover on Thursday (November 9, 2006), and they did. As for the second question, if the base had not been ready, these planes would not have landed here,” said Maj. Stanisław Grzegorzewski, spokesman for the Air Force Commander. The first two F-16 planes were scheduled to arrive in Poland on Monday (November 6, 2006), but they returned to the US due to a defect. Piotr Łukaszewicz, the Minister of Defence’s representative for F-16 implementation, has asked the US side for an explanation of the defects that delayed the arrival of the first planes of this type in Poland, Ministry of National Defence spokesman Piotr Paszkowski announced on Wednesday (November 8, 2006).
November 9, 2006, Krzesiny.
The next two aircraft arrived from the base in Spangdahlem, Germany, to Krzesiny on Thursday, November 9, 2006. These were F-16 C Block 52 + No. 4042 and F-16 D Block 52 + No. 4077. For that day, November 9, 2006, at noon, an official and ceremonial reception of the first Polish F-16s was planned for the authorities and journalists, including their dedication, christening, and naming them Jastrząb. The ceremony was attended by Polish President Lech Kaczyński, his wife Maria Kaczyńska, Minister of National Defense Radosław Sikorski, and others. Radosław Sikorski did not hide his satisfaction. He said, among other things, that the F-16 is a fighter that has shot down 70 enemy aircraft, yet has never been shot down in air combat. The ceremony took place near F-16 C aircraft, number 4043. The aircraft received the inscription “Jastrząb” (Jastrząb) on the rear left side of the fuselage. The rear fuselage, with its vertical tail, was covered with a blue curtain, pulled down during the ceremony. The event was hampered by gusty winds. “Fly safely, and bring glory to Polish aviation. I give you the name Jastrząb,” said the First Lady. F-16 C aircraft, number 4044, was displayed in the hangar. F-16 C aircraft, number 4042, which had arrived from Germany a few hours earlier, was demonstrated in the air.
Earlier, Air Force Commander General Stanisław Targosz reported to President Lech Kaczyński that the first F-16 aircraft had been accepted into the army’s inventory. President Lech Kaczyński said that the decision made years ago to purchase F-16s was the right one. He emphasized that the Polish Army requires transformation, and that the Polish Armed Forces must be commensurate with the size of our country, its place in Europe, and the existing – albeit potential – threats. “I assure you that we will make every effort to fully introduce this aircraft into the Air Force, so that it can guard the Polish skies, as well as the skies of our allies, for the glory of our Most Serene Republic,” said General Targosz at the airport in Krzesiny. “Mr. President, you have ordered us to transform the Polish Army. Today we receive a proven aircraft that has already completed 100,000 combat missions, which serves in the air forces of seven NATO countries. This is proof that we are fulfilling our mission,” said Minister of National Defense Radosław Sikorski, addressing President Lech Kaczyński.
How were F-16 aircraft delivered from the US to Poland?
The method most mastered by the Americans was chosen: a flight from the US to an American base in Germany. During the flight, the aircraft were refueled in mid-air. This was followed by a flight to Poland, to Krzesiny. The aircraft were equipped with three additional fuel tanks. During the flight, the Polish insignia were covered with a black film that could be easily peeled off. The aircraft also had American insignia, also in black, which could be easily removed.
The first pair delivered to Poland were F-16 Cs, numbers 4043 and 4044. They were originally scheduled to arrive on November 6, 2006. However, they were unlucky. Initially, a radar problem with one of them delayed the departure. The cause was likely a blown fuse. After takeoff, over the Atlantic Ocean, it became apparent that one of the aircraft was unable to draw fuel from the air tanker. The decision was made to change the route and land at an airport in the northeast of the USA. After analysis, it was determined that the defect could be repaired in Poland. Therefore, the decision was made to continue the flight directly to Poland with a stopover in Iceland. Thus, on November 8, 2006, at approximately 3:02 PM, the first Polish F-16 C, No. 4044, piloted by Mike Mayer, landed at the Krzesiny airbase. Following him was No. 4043. These were exemplary landings in very good weather conditions.
The second pair of aircraft arrived in Poland as planned, in the early morning hours of November 9, 2006, consisting of F-16 C, No. 4042, and the first F-16 D, No. 4077, piloted, among others, by the first Polish instructor pilot, Lieutenant Colonel Rozdzisław Stepaniuk. The Polish pilot landed on the fourth, but the wind was very strong and gusty that day.
W dniu 11 listopada 2006 roku, w dniu Święta Narodowego Polski, w 31. Bazie lotniczej w Krzesinach, zorganizowano Dzień Otwartych Koszar. Podczas tej imprezy społeczeństwo miało możliwość po raz pierwszy zobaczyć Polskie F-16. Samoloty nie demonstrowano w locie. Na publiczny pokaz Polskich Jastrzębi w locie trzeba zaczekać do 26 czerwca 2007 roku.
Four more aircraft. December 14, 2006.
On December 14, 2006, in the afternoon, after 2:00 PM, after a nearly 5-hour flight, four more F-16 aircraft landed in Krzesiny. The first one touched down at 2:19 PM, and the others landed regularly every 30-40 seconds. The flight proceeded without any surprises. As usual, the aircraft cleared customs, and then underwent several weeks of labor-intensive “inspections” designed to identify any defects. The press reported that during the flight to Poland, one of the aircraft had a minor malfunction in one of its four control channels. The aircraft landed in the Azores. It was estimated that the malfunction would be repaired in Poland.
Training. December 15, 2006.
December 15, 2006, can be considered the beginning of Polish pilot training at Polskie Jastrzębie. On that day, Lieutenant Colonel (Director) Pilot Rościsław Stepaniuk, flying F-16D, No. 4077, together with an American pilot, took off for a training flight. The main focus was on approaching and landing. The flight lasted over an hour. The aircraft, crew, and personnel all passed the exam with a “6.” Regular training began in the new year. January 10, 2007, became a test for the aircraft, flight crew, and other maintenance services. Experts say that the takeoff of a single aircraft is a team effort. A delegation of aviation specialists from the United States observed the Polish team’s work. The delegation was led by Lt. Gen. Jefrev B. Kohler, director of the Defense Cooperation Agency. On behalf of the Polish Air Force, Lieutenant General Pilot Lech Majewski, Brigadier General Pilot Andrzej Błasik (commander of the 2nd Tactical Air Brigade), Piotr Łukaszewicz (director of the F-16 office) and, of course, the commander of the 31st Air Base, Colonel Pilot Cezary Wasser, were present.
On January 15, 2007, after a lavish ceremony attended by the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Brigadier General Pilot Leszek Cwojdziński, the Commander of the 31st Air Base, Col. Pilot Cezary Wasser, and others, training began for the pilots of the 6th and 10th ELTs on F-16 aircraft. The pilots who began training at Polskie Jastrzębie were Lt. Col. Pilot Zbigniew Zawada of the 6th ELT and Lt. Col. Pilot Dariusz Malinowski of the 10th ELT. Both returned to Poland from the USA in 2006 and honed their skills in a simulator in Poland. As of January 15, 2007, the pilots had two F-16C and two F-16D aircraft at their disposal. Three more were undergoing final ground checks before being allowed to fly, and one was undergoing a “revision inspection.” On January 10, 2007, a delegation of aviation specialists from the USA, led by Lieutenant General Jeffrey B. Kohler, Director of the Defense Corporation Agency, visited the airfield of the 31st Air Base. The purpose of the visit was to assess the state of preparations for regular training on the F-16 Jaqstrząb aircraft, effective January 15, 2007. The Air Force Command was represented by Lieutenant General Lech Majewski, Commander of the 2nd Tactical Air Brigade, Brigadier General Andrzej Błasik, Director of the F-16 Office Piotr Łukaszewicz, and Commander of the 31st Air Base, Colonel Cezary Wasser. The state of preparations was assessed positively.
Information from the Ministry of National Defense on the implementation of the F-16 program. January 30, 2007.
On January 30, 2007, the Ministry of National Defense released information on the progress of F-16 implementation through the end of 2006. The program is being implemented pursuant to the Act of the Sejm of 22 June 2001 on “Equipping the Polish Armed Forces with Multi-Role Aircraft and Ensuring Conditions for Its Implementation.” 2006 was a breakthrough year and entered the implementation phase. In addition to the eight aircraft, a significant portion of equipment, spare parts, and ancillary items were delivered. The equipment value amounted to PLN 1.29 billion, including PLN 1.05 billion for aircraft and PLN 239 million for other equipment. This represents 12.5% of the total contract. In 2007, we will take over 23 aircraft and other equipment, representing 42% of the contract value. Flight Crew Training: Of the planned 48 pilots, 6 pilots have returned to Poland. Thirty pilots are in the US, and the final 12 will depart in 2007. As planned, 21 pilots will return to Poland in 2007, 22 pilots in 2008, and 2 pilots in 2009. Ground crew – Of the 174 specialists, 154 have completed their training, and the remainder will return to Poland by April 2007.
Construction investments – by 2005, 41 investments had been completed, and by 2006, another 15. Work was underway on 10 facilities, and documentation was being prepared for another 20. Investments between 2001 and 2008 totaled PLN 1.29 billion. Financial shortfalls amounted to PLN 190 million. Investments were made from a designated budget reserve, not from a loan granted by the U.S. government. Based on the progress of the F-16 program, it could be concluded that its implementation was proceeding satisfactorily. The difficulties encountered – inevitable in such a large undertaking – did not pose a significant threat to the program. F-16 Overhauls – Furthermore, in 2006, the Ministry of National Defense, in cooperation with the Ministry of Economy, began work on establishing an F-16 aircraft maintenance center at Wojskowe Zakłady Lotnicze No. 2 in Bydgoszcz. These actions assumed the use of offset funds obtained from defense contracts. In 2007, negotiations were conducted with the US government regarding obtaining approval for the transfer of repair technology and with companies interested in collaborating on the planned project. Work was also undertaken to acquire the capacity to service F-16 weapon systems in Poland. The work involved the involvement of other defense sector companies. The issue was difficult, as this issue was omitted during the negotiations for the purchase of F-16s.
Another 3 aircraft. February 3, 2007.
On February 3, 2007, another 3 Polish F-16s landed in Krzesiny. These were F-16 C aircraft no. 4047, 4048, and F-16 D aircraft no. 4080. The aircraft landed at 1:20 PM.
Another 4 aircraft. March 2007.
In March 2007, F-16s no. 4049, 4050, 4051, 4081 arrived in Poland.
Four more aircraft. May 24, 2007.
On May 24, 2007, at 4:20 PM, four more Jastrzębie-type fighters, numbered 4052, 4053, 4076, and 4082, landed. A total of 19 F-16 C/Ds arrived in Krzesiny.
Festival – Krzesiny. June 26, 2007.
A festival was planned for the beginning of the summer holidays, the main attraction of which was to be a flypast by the Polish Jastrzębie-type fighters. However, the situation changed slightly, as the American Thunderbirds USAF band, flying F-16s, was in Europe at the time, performing. They decided to take advantage of the opportunity and invite the Americans to perform in Krzesiny. This band is undoubtedly a major attraction wherever it appears. The pilots demonstrate extraordinary flying skills, and their display is a pure pleasure to watch. Unfortunately, this team has certain, legitimate requirements. One of them is reserving the “sky” exclusively for itself, which means there will be no Polish F-16s in the air that day. Furthermore, the only available date was June 26, 2007, a Tuesday, a weekday, which automatically limits the number of potential spectators. And one more thing: the weather that day was not cooperating. Although the team demonstrated its drill and took off, the shortened program was forced to be interrupted. It’s a shame. Returning to our fighters, this day became the second opportunity for the Polish “taxpayer” to see the Polish Hawks in the nest, literally, in the hangar.
Another 3 aircraft. July 26, 2007.
On July 26, 2007, three F-16 C aircraft, nb 4054, 4055, 4056, and one F-16 D aircraft, nb 4083, landed at the Krzesiny airport.
Another 3 aircraft. August 23, 2007.
On August 23, 2007, three F-16 C aircraft, nb 4057, 4059, 4060, and one F-16 D aircraft, nb 4084, landed at the Krzesiny airport. A total of 18 F-16 C aircraft and 9 F-16 D aircraft were now stationed at Krzesiny, for a total of 27 aircraft. Only 5 aircraft were left before the Krzesiny base, which will be home to 32 aircraft, reached its full capacity. The upcoming arrival of the last aircraft will coincide with the 31st Air Base changing its name to the 31st Tactical Air Base. At the same time, the 3rd and 6th ELTs will be subordinated directly to the 31st Tactical Air Base, instead of being separate units subordinated to the 2nd Tactical Air Brigade, as they were previously.
Air Show in Radom. September 1, 2007.
A major aviation event, Air Show 2007, was planned in Radom for September 1 and 2, 2007. Aviation enthusiasts once again had the opportunity to see our Jastrzębie-Zdrój fighters. Both on static display, where F-16C no. 4048 was on display, and in the air, during a flyover by the “Grot” formation, the same one demonstrated over Warsaw. Unfortunately, due to the Żelazny air crash on September 2, 2007, the event was canceled.
Conformal Tanks. October 9, 2007.
The internal capacity of the F-16 Jastrząb fighter jets is 3,986 liters. This fuel is stored in five internal tanks. Additional fuel tanks can be suspended under the fuselage and wings as standard. Polish aircraft have also been given the ability to carry additional fuel in two so-called conformal tanks, mounted on the fuselage near the wing-fuselage transition. They have a total capacity of 1,865 liters. This fuel supply increases the aircraft’s range by approximately 25%, but most importantly, it only slightly increases aerodynamic drag without significantly reducing maneuverability. Initially, three Jastrząb aircraft received these tanks. These were aircraft with registration numbers 4077, 4079, and 4081. Some believe these aircraft will be more aggressive. Flights with these tanks began on October 9, 2007.
October 22, 2007.
On October 22, 2007, the next stage of training began at the 31st Air Base, with Polish pilots beginning night flights over Jastrzębie. That day, around 7:00 PM, the first aircraft commenced night flights. To minimize disruption to local residents, night flights are conducted on the 4th or 5th day of the month, lasting from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Additionally, there are no morning flights on the day of the flights. On that night, October 22, 2007, the following pilots took control of the aircraft: Nb 4047 – Lt. Col. Zbigniew Zawada, Nb 4042 – Maj. Mariusz Pawelec, Nb 4044 – Lt. Col. Mattew Parker, Nb 4048 – Capt. Norbert Chojnowski, Nb 4050 – Lt. Col. Cevin Mccrum, Nb 4049 – Capt. Paweł Marcinkowski, Nb 4046 – Capt. Jerzy Marut, Nb 4078 – Capt. Krystian Zięć and Lt. Col. Eric Salamanson. After completing the task, the last aircraft landed at 20:26.
AIM-120 C training missile. October 31, 2007.
Due to numerous inquiries regarding the armament of the F-16 aircraft stationed at the air base, it has been announced that Krzesiny currently has training AIM-120 C missiles and Mk series bombs. The AIM-120 C is a medium-range, air-to-air training missile, of the latest generation, “Fire & Forget” type. Both the missiles and the bombs contain no explosives and are used solely for training purposes. During the training, ground personnel primarily practice assembling and suspending the missiles from the aircraft, as well as mounting them on specialized transport carts. This is one of the training elements that must be mastered by the personnel responsible for aircraft preparation.
The first woman to pilot a Polish F-16 Jastrząb. November 15, 2007.
On November 15, 2007, Agnieszka Rylik became the first Polish woman to complete a nearly 1.5-hour flight in an F-16 at the 31st Air Base in Krzesiny. She flew the Polish Hawk after receiving clearance from the Commander-in-Chief of the Air Force and undergoing nearly a week of specialized testing at the Military Institute of Aviation Medicine in Warsaw. Agnieszka began her first flight at approximately 1:00 PM, alongside Lt. Col. Dariusz Malinowski, who was flying in the lead cabin of aircraft number 4077. Lt. Col. Dariusz Malinowski is an experienced pilot, one of the first to fly to Poland after training from the USA in 2006, and has logged hundreds of hours in the F-16. This is a historic event. As the first woman to pilot a Polish Hawk, she proved she could fly at 2,000 km/h, perform a turn and a barrel roll in a combat aircraft, and withstand g-forces of up to 9G. A report from this event was broadcast on one of the commercial television stations where Agnieszka works. For the State Fire Service, the goal of this promotion was to change the image of the Polish Hawks in some media outlets. Was this goal achieved? It’s hard to say. The F-16 has certainly moved away from the forefront of unjustified attacks.
The 31st Air Base is complete. November 22, 2007.
On Thursday, November 22, 2007, at 10:00 AM, four more F-16 aircraft landed. Their arrival was special because one of the aircraft was flown by a Pole – the deputy commander of the 6th ELT, Major Cezary Wiśniewski. This was the first time in the history of F-16 aircraft deliveries. Major Cezary Wiśniewski was the first Polish pilot to cross the Atlantic Ocean in an F-16 D aircraft, No. 4085. Sharing his impressions after the flight, he stated that the flight was no different from any other. The exceptions were training in the use of high-altitude rescue equipment used during ocean flights, as well as the complex procedures involved in organizing the flight: diplomatic approvals related to overflight and refueling over the territory of the countries being flown, and the ordering of refueling aircraft with calculations to ensure that each phase of the flight could be completed on the aircraft’s fuel and safely landed at the airport providing the flight. Furthermore, Major Wiśniewski considered the physical preparation for the flight to be of particular importance. The first stage lasted 7.5 hours. Proper physical exercises, stretching, and undoubtedly the presence of a co-pilot in the first cabin ensured comfortable flight.
The aircraft, numbered 4059, 4062, 4063, and 4085, are three single-seat versions and one two-seat aircraft. After a thorough acceptance procedure, they will begin service in Krzesiny. In 2007, 31 F-16 aircraft are stationed at the 31st Air Base. Major Cezary WIŚNIEWSKI is the deputy commander of the 6th ELT. He is a fully trained F-16 instructor with 403 hours of flight time. Major Wiśniewski’s personal flight time is 1,450 hours in TS-11 Iskra, MiG-21, and F-16 aircraft. The aircraft were accepted at the Krzesiny airport by the Commander of the 2nd Tactical Air Brigade, Brig. Gen. Włodzimierz Usarek; the Commander of the 31st Air Base, Lt. Col. Sławomir Smuktonowicz; and the Commander of the 3rd ELT, Lt. Col. Rościsław Stepaniuk.
The last F-16s arrived for the Krzesiny Air Base. December 12, 2007.
On December 12, 2007, at 4:25 PM, the last two F-16s of the year landed at the airfield at the 31st Air Base in Krzesiny. Aircraft numbers 4041 and 4061, which arrived at Krzesiny, are single-seat versions. Currently, 33 F-16s are stationed at the 31st Air Base. Of the delivered aircraft, 23 are single-seat versions, while 10 are two-seat versions. One aircraft, delivered on November 22, 2007, number 4085, is destined for the 10th ELT in Łask. These are the last aircraft to arrive at Krzesiny and, in fact, some of the last flights conducted in 2007.
The first Polish F-16, No. 4040, and the second, No. 4041, were held for an extended period at the U.S. Air Force Base in Edwards, where onboard systems were being integrated into the aircraft in accordance with the Polish order until the end of September 2007. The tests included software, equipment, and armament. The tests included testing the integrated ITT AIDEWS electronic warfare system, integration of Raytheon AGM-158C JSOW-C missiles, and analyzing the performance of the Goodrich DB-110 reconnaissance pod, the Lockheed Martin Sniper XR observation and targeting pod, the air combat recording system, and the integrated JHMCS (Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing Systems) helmet. As part of the tests, GBU-31 bombs were also dropped from the Polish F-16s.
F-16s have already participated in the monthly “Fruit Fly” exercise involving AWACS, as well as in the largest exercise of 2007, “Orzeł 07.” As part of current training, pilots complete Mission Qualification Training (MQT) and Continuation Training (Continuation Training). MQT consists of 10 sorties, the first four of which are performed in the two-seat version, and include, among other things, circuit flights, departure from the airfield, and flight to the area. Continuation Training includes dogfights, interception sorties, and air defense breaching. The training also included—and this fired the imagination of military aviation enthusiasts—a test of strength between the F-16 and the MiG-29. The result, however, was predictable—the MiG-29s were detected from a distance before they could even see the F-16s on their radar screens and were “eliminated.” Pilots intensively utilize the flight simulator (mission simulator and squadron simulator) located at Krzesiny. They also have an ejection seat trainer at their disposal.
In 2007, 18 pilots flew F-16s in Poland. On average, two sorties were conducted per day, involving approximately 16 F-16 aircraft – this translates to 32 operations per day. For comparison, Poznań-Ławica Airport performed approximately 60 air operations per day during the autumn period. According to data from mid-December 2007, the Polish F-16s logged 2,223 flight hours during 1,760 sorties. The Aviation Engineering Service personnel required to maintain F-16 aircraft are grouped in three organizational units stationed at Poznań-Krzesiny Airport. The planned reorganization will not significantly alter the full-time technical staff, but it will result in significant organizational changes – all SIL personnel will be located within the Maintenance Group and subordinated to its Commander. Over 700 specialists are required to maintain the 32 F-16 aircraft and their supporting equipment within the 31st Airlift Battalion. The current (November 2007) staffing level is an average of 78%. The start of F-16 aircraft service poses a challenge for SIL personnel. The first innovation is the disappearance of four typical maintenance specialties: airframe and engine, accessories, electronics, and armament. In their place, 20 new, much narrower and more specialized specialties have emerged. Some are typical of the “O” maintenance level, performed directly on the aircraft. Others, in turn, are associated with the maintenance of blocks and assemblies removed from the aircraft and inspected in workshops, known as the “I” or intermediate level. The first representatives of each specialty were trained by Lockheed Martin or USAF instructors in the United States. Furthermore, some of the trainees in each group earned instructor certifications.
The 31st Airlift Battalion maintains F-16 aircraft with 128 technicians trained in domestic courses. Throughout the year, technicians performed 1,822 scheduled maintenance and 130 hourly maintenance on F-16 aircraft. Depending on the type, these maintenance operations last from 0.5 hour to 3 days. Hourly maintenance is performed every 50, 75, 100, 200, 400, 600, 800, 1,200, 1,600, 2,100, and 2,400 hours, while scheduled maintenance is performed every 30, 45, 60, 180 days, 12 months, 3, and 5 years. For example: A periodic aircraft inspection is performed after 200 (+/- 20) hours of flight time – two such inspections have been completed so far. An engine inspection is performed after 50 and 100 hours of engine operation. To date, 37 50-hour inspections and 13 100-hour inspections have been performed, lasting an average of 2-3 days and culminating in an engine test run on the test stand. Standard periodic hourly and calendar-based maintenance covers inspections of individual aircraft systems and systems. Their labor intensity varies, ranging from several dozen to several hundred man-hours. In addition, routine maintenance is performed as part of immediate flight preparation: Combined Preflight/Flight, Thruflight (TH), and Launch/Recovery.
According to the summary for the first half of 2007, of the 576 flights completed during that period, 179 defects were detected – 98 in flight and 81 on the ground. The most common defects were found in the aircraft’s avionics (68 cases), the engine (24), and accessories (22). In two cases, the engine had to be dismantled for a checkup after exceeding the permissible overload limits. A case of delamination of the cabin glazing was also reported. A large percentage of the total number of defects reported by the control systems are so-called apparent malfunctions and malfunctions typical of “infant age.” At the beginning of November 2007, 24 of the 27 aircraft delivered to Poland were in service. The remaining three were not flying, awaiting spare parts. The aircraft’s availability level is estimated at 80-90%, but the short time of operation to date does not yet allow for final conclusions. It is worth emphasizing, however, that initially, considering the anticipated but inevitable “infant age diseases,” it was assumed that the aircraft’s serviceability would remain at 60-70%.
The Air Force Command has decided to specialize the squadrons: Squadron 3 will primarily perform strike missions and train new pilots, Squadron 6 will focus on fighter and strike missions, and Squadron 10 will focus on fighter and reconnaissance. Preparations, in addition to ground infrastructure, munitions supplies, and so on, also included designating areas where Polish F-16s can conduct effective training.
Flight training is ongoing. Both pilots and ground personnel have already gained extensive experience operating the F-16 in Polish conditions, thanks to which most current issues are resolved daily. As pilots unanimously emphasize, the Polish F-16 is a magnificent aircraft, modern, well-equipped, and highly capable. The Jastrząb is therefore familiar and poses no major problems. However, there are others. Implementing a more effective pilot and technician training system and recruiting new specialists for Krzesiny and Łask is one of the most urgent tasks. Another issue is the lack of an IT support system for operations (the tender is currently underway). Time-consuming customs and acceptance procedures adversely affect the supply system and the number of necessary spare parts and specialized maintenance equipment. Due to the prolonged work and acceptance procedures for the aviation munitions warehouse, deliveries of the weapons themselves had to be postponed. Construction of the engine test stand and NOSP workshop facilities in Krzesiny is delayed, and construction of the fuel service station in Łask is delayed. However, it should be emphasized that these backlogs are being addressed. A very serious problem is the lack of sufficient housing and dormitories for personnel in Poznań.
F-16 deliveries completed by December 31, 2007.
On 8.11.2006, nb 4044. On 9.11.2006, nb 4042, 4077. On 14.12.2006, nb 4045, 4046, 4078, 4079. On 3.02.2007, nb 4047, 4048, 4080. On 29.03.2007, nb 4049, 4050, 4051, 4081. On 24.05.2007, nb 4052, 4053, 4076, 4082. On 26.07.2007, nb 4054, 4055, 4056, 4083. On August 23, 2007, nb 4057, 4059, 4060, 4084. On August 23, 2007, nb 4059, 4062, 4063, 4085. On December 12, 2007, nb 4041, 4061.
The delivery plan assumed the arrival of the following aircraft with numbers: February 2008, nb 4063, 4064, 4065, 4085, 4086. April 2008, nb 4040, 4066, 4067, 4087. August 2008, nb 4068, 4069. 4070, 4071. December 2008, nb 4072, 4073, 4074, 4075.
Delivery Procedure for Equipment and Technical Supplies.
Ordered equipment is shipped directly from manufacturers throughout the United States to the supply aggregation point at RED RIVER in TEXARKAN. This is where preparation for shipment takes place: packaging, issuing transport documents and delivery notes, and then loading containers. By sea, containers with equipment are first transported to a major port in the European Union (e.g., Hamburg), where they are transhipped to another, smaller seagoing vessel, and then transported to the Port of Gdynia. After unloading the containers, customs clearance is carried out at the Port of Gdynia. The containers are then loaded onto trucks and transported directly to the 31st Air Base. In Krzesiny, final customs clearance takes place and the applicable VAT is paid (only at this point are the goods released for “free circulation” by the Customs Service, and the commissioned acceptance of the delivery’s contents into the 31st Blot records can begin). As part of the main deliveries of equipment and supplies, 264 containers of equipment and spare parts have been delivered to Krzesiny to date (204 containers in 2006, 59 containers in 2007). As part of emergency parts deliveries (MICAP), the shortest waiting time is 2 days, with an average of approximately 30 days.
Weapons Delivery.
The weapons delivery procedure is identical to that described above. Currently, the 31st Air Base is equipped with air-to-air munitions intended for basic pilot training using weapons, including 20 mm aircraft ammunition, BDU-33D/B training bombs, AIM-120C ATM air-to-air training missiles, and jamming rounds. By the end of 2007, delivery of AGM-65 MAVERICK air-to-surface missiles, AIM-120C AMRAAM air-to-air missiles, Mk. 82 bombs, guidance systems for the GBU-12 Paveway, and guidance systems for the JDAM was planned. Training of weapons specialists in preparing air-to-air munitions (AMUs) for use is taking place in Poland with the assistance of American MTT personnel and will continue until the end of 2008.
Written by Karol Placha Hetman