70,000lb of thrust from the Pratt & Whitney
engines and thrust vectoring.”
He added: “Any ghter pilot knows that
manoeuvring in relation to the bandit is
essential to survival... in this case the
highest threat ‘bandit’ is the ground. The
USAF has a multitude of instructions,
regulations and training rules that are in
place to keep us safe, especially in the low-
altitude environment.
“As you can imagine, the speeds and
altitudes at which we y may require
‘aggressive’ turns, within our manoeuvre
limitations, to stay on route and ensure
terrain clearance.”Referring to the lessons learned during
the deployment, he said: “While ying the
F-22 is no different here than anywhere
else in the world, the uniqueness of ghter
integration with our NATO allies is what
provides the greatest training value.”
The F-22A Raptor is one of the
most advanced fast jets in the world,
designed with stealth characteristics
and utilising advanced weaponry and
sensors. Even with all these capabilities,
the USAF, like many other air forces,
still sees the value in keeping aircrew
pro cient in low-level ying so they are
prepared for all eventualities.62 Aviation News incorporating Jets December 2018
The information for this article comes from a
new book, Thunder Through the Valleys: Low
Level Flying – Low Level Photography, by the
author of this feature, Philip Stevens. The book’s
main focus is on the skills, reasons, missions,
procedures and challenges from a pilot’s
perspective. The author also discusses how he
achieved the stunning images in the book.
Some of the types featured are the A-7 Corsair
II, F-4 Phantom II, Tornado, Sk60, B-1B Lancer,
F-16 Fighting Falcon, F/A-18 Super Hornet and
F-22A Raptor. Aircrew with years of experience
give fascinating insights into low-level ying
and some of their most memorable sorties.
Published by Fonthill Media
ISBN: 978-1-78155-724-2
Size: 225 x 248 mm
Binding: Paperback
Extent: 128 pages
Illustrations: 187 colour
The book is also available direct from the
author by contacting [email protected] or
visit http://www.targeta.co.uk/bookThe information for this article comes from aAn F-22A in the Mach Loop – one of two that
undertook a low-level training sortie in Wales
along with F-15s from the 48th FW in April- Raptor pilots train to ensure they are
pro cient at all levels.
Greece has a different low-level ying
system to the UK which includes pe-planned
routes known as combat pro le missions.