Combat aircraft

This image: A

section of F-5EMs

eases out to the

main runway at

Anápolis. João

Paulo Moralez

Bottom left to

right: The unit at

Anápolis fl ies a

single two-seat

F-5FM, which is

used for training

and upgrade

purposes. João

Paulo Moralez

F-5EMs of 1° GDA

during an air

refueling exercise

with a Brazilian

Navy AF-1A.

Maj Romanelli

pilots embarked on an F-5EM course,

while detached F-5s again  lled the

local mission.

As economic concerns  attened any

Gripen lease aspirations, the Anápolis

F-5 plan was solidi ed. In February 2016

 ve F-5EMs and an F-5FM two-seater

formally joined 1º GDA there. The arrival

of the two-seater enabled the unit to

train additional pilots, and today it

maintains six jets and 12 pilots on its

strength. It has expanded its mission

sets, not only being an air defense

squadron, but turning its hand to a

secondary ground attack capability.

Despite its superior performance, the

Mirage 2000 is now a distant memory

thanks to the advanced systems and

versatility o ered by the upgraded F-5EM.

These useful light  ghters are able to

employ infra-red-guided Rafael Python

III missiles, which o er a close-in  ghting

range of up to 13.5 miles (22km), plus the

follow-on Python IV, which has similar

range but is tied into the Elbit DASH IV

helmet-mounted sight for o -boresight

engagements. In addition, a beyond

visual range (BVR) capability comes in

the form of the Rafael Derby, which is

used in concert with the Grifo-F multi-

function radar, capable of tracking eight

targets simultaneously at ranges of up

to 50 miles (80km). While the Mirage

2000C’s RDI radar enabled the acquisition

of targets at ranges of up to 62 miles

(100km), it worked only in the air-to-air

mode. The F-5’s Grifo is a useful tool with

its additional ability to generate ground

maps and engage maritime targets. This

air-to-ground focus enables the F-5 to call

upon Mk81, 82, 83 and 84 bombs, plus

70mm rockets, and bombs with Rafael

Lizard laser-guidance kits.

Embraer has done a great job of

upgrading the F-5EM/FM cockpit,

adding a pair of 10.5in color multi-

function displays plus a smaller

7.5in primary  ight display. The

communication system is encrypted,

including the datalink, plus the

obligatory hands on throttle and stick

(HOTAS) controls, compatibility with

night vision goggles and new Martin

Baker MkBR10LF ejection seats.

The advent of the datalink enabled the

upgraded F-5s to work in partnership

with the FAB’s  ve Embraer E-99

airborne early warning and control

aircraft, the R-99 electronic intelligence

platforms and A-29 Super Tucano

aircraft, for example. In addition,

through the mission and debrie ng

ground terminal (MDGT), the pilot is

able to compose a far more complex

mission plan that is then transferred to

the aircraft via a data transfer cartridge.

Meaningful commitment

Typically, the Anápolis squadron  ies

missions as a three-ship. Most sorties

are local training and alert scrambles for

real are rare, although regular training

scrambles are undertaken. The Olympic

Games in 2016 saw four F-5EMs standing

air defense duty for Rio de Janeiro, São

Paulo, Belo Horizonte and Brasilia. During

the period, the Anápolis group  ew more

than 40 hours, often tanking to increase

mission endurance.

Current plans call for the  rst Gripen

Es to arrive at 1º GDA in October 2021.

The F-5EM’s increase in sophistication

has helped to prepare the Brazilian pilots’

mindset for the new Gripen, which will

take things to a new level, for example in

the shape of interconnected simulators

for the air bases and the ability to

train together and share learning and

experiences seamlessly. This is something

completely new for the FAB.

TYPE REPORT // BRAZILIAN F-5S

62 March 2018 //^ http://www.combataircraft.net

58-62 Brazil F-5 C.indd 62 19/01/2018 15:51