The U.S. Navy adversary squadron VFC-12 “Fighting Omars” is upgraded from “Legacy” Hornets to Block I F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, as The War Zone was first to report in this in-depth exclusive feature. The squadron will receive its new fleet of adversary jets next year as part of a major effort to improve adversary red air threat replication training, whilst also marking the last throes of the 1980s-era Hornet in Navy service.
VFC-12’s migration to the Super Hornet is a big increase in capability for the squadron, but it means that most Navy fleet pilots will be going head-to-head with the same type as they fly. The benefit of Dissimilar Air Combat Training (DACT) — flying against a different aircraft type — will be lost, at least to some degree. Therefore, making VFC-12’s jets look different—like threats fleet pilots could face on deployment—as well as the adversary pilots flying them differently, will be more important than ever before.
Grant Little, on behalf of VFC-12, has drawn-up options for a range of new adversary paint schemes for its new aircraft, some based on generic camouflages, and others specifically designed to replicate Chinese, Iranian, North Korean, and Russian fighters. It represents an exotic mix of schemes that will make VFC-12’s Super Hornets unlike any others.
We omitted the same Russian schemes the squadron already has adorned some of its Legacy Hornets with and a couple of standard schemes already found in the aggressor community. Aside from those omissions, here are the options that the elite squadron is considering:
So there they are, some of the most remarkable adversary red air schemes we’ve ever seen. Grant Little did an amazing job putting this together for the squadron. Also of note is how large a presence Chinese schemes have in the selection. It will be fascinating to see which are selected for the dozen Super Hornets heading for VFC-12 next year.
Which is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below.
Editor’s note: Updated text to reflect that Grant Little was behind the new aggressor schemes that VFC-12 is applying to its jets. Hat tip to José “Fuji” Ramos for the heads up!
Contact the editor: Tyler@thedrive.com