Recently, reports surfaced of the F/A-18F Super Hornet, a carrier-based multirole fighter, being spotted with an unprecedented “air-to-air” weapon loadout. This configuration included four CATM-174B missiles, three CATM-120 missiles, two CATM-9X missiles, as well as a targeting pod and an IRST (Infrared Search and Track) system mounted on an external fuel tank. Notably, the jet in question was Vandy 1, the flagship of VX-9 “The Vampires” squadron, distinguished by a unique black livery commemorating the squadron’s 30th anniversary.
Interestingly, this setup wasn’t a one-time occurrence. In late September, Vandy 1, equipped with the same air-to-air missile configuration, joined F-35C fighters from VX-9 and F-15E jets from the 422nd squadron for a photoshoot over the Point Mugu range, marking the conclusion of the “Gray Flag 2024” exercises.
The “Gray Flag 2024” exercises brought together U.S. armed forces, allied forces, and representatives from academic and industrial sectors for large-scale joint trials. This year, over 3,000 personnel from the Navy, Marine Corps, Army, and Air Force participated, completing more than 60 tests. The exercises involved around 600 aircraft sorties, and over 26 different systems were tested on the ground, showcasing a comprehensive range of multi-domain capabilities. Held at the 36,000-square-mile Point Mugu Sea Range, “Gray Flag 2024” utilized a mix of live, virtual, and constructive testing elements to simulate advanced, multi-domain combat scenarios within a controlled, realistic environment.
“Gray Flag 2024 offers an unprecedented opportunity to unite various branches of the military, academic institutions, technical experts, and allied forces,” stated Captain David Halpern, Commodore of the U.S. Navy’s Pacific Test Wing.
The broad range of participants allowed for a realistic assessment of system interoperability, identification of future requirements, and evaluation of tactics across various domains. The involvement of Alliance members was especially important, reflecting a coalition-based approach critical for real-world operations. For the United States, integration and cooperation with allies remain a strategic priority.
“The U.S. Navy operates within a global combat ecosystem. To deter aggression and safeguard freedom at sea, we must conduct testing alongside our partners, just as we operate with them in real-world scenarios,” stated Rear Admiral Keith Hash.
Source: theaviationist
