Fighter squadron question?

Question

Can a fighter squadron use different planes each instead of the same plane?

Let's say it's a tactical fighter squadron.

Can it be: F-16, F-14, and F-15?

Answer 1

No, a squadron (that is a flying squadron) will have a specific fleet. An aircraft maintenance squadron may handle the wrenches for two or more types of equipment but a flying squadron is made up of say 30 or so of the same type of aircraft and the "experts" (yuk yuk) who know how to deploy and prioritise their unique weapons systems and capabilities.

Answer 2

To your question, "Fighter" squadrons use the same type aircraft. It may be a mixture of models (like Block 30 and Block 40 for the F16), but the aircraft are the same.

This is a matter of training, scheduling, logistics (parts and support) and maintenace.

If there were different aircraft, then there would be separate squadrons in the same wing. That usually isn't the case due to logistics.

There are non-"fighter" squadrons that may have several different airframes, but they are few and far between.

Answer 3

Yes, but it is much more common for flights to be made up of multiple flights from multiple squadrons.
It doesnt matter what service they are from either.
If something has to get done, aircraft are taken from whatever is available, regardless of squadron.
Something that most people dont understand is that there are alot of sqadrons in a wing.
Lets say there is the 1st air wing. it could have the 1st interceptor squadron, the 1st attack squadron, the 1st security squadron, the 1st maintenance squadron, and all kind of other "1st" squadrons, but the main thing is that they are all in the 1st air wing.

Also, when different types of aircraft fly together, they burn different amounts of fuel, and they have different capacities, which makes for some logistic problems.
Even extra drag from something as small as an extra sidewinder can mess up timing and refueling.
They are going to try and keep the aircraft on a mission as standardized and possible.

Answer 4

Sure they can and there are many mixed squadrons. And some squadrons on the transition phase to different aircrafts operates effectively as a mixed squadron.

F-14, F-15 and F-16? Would that be logical? Three different classes and three different purposes, what would they do operating as one squadron? Most squadrons are formed with some specific mission parameters in mind and thats one of the major reasons why squadrons operate similar aircrafts.

Though in "Independence Day" ....

Answer 5

generally a squadron will use the same type of aircraft though they may have several different variants of that same aircraft. I was in a fighter squadron which had two distinctly different types of aircraft but I think this is not common anymore. It makes a lot more sense from every angle to have a common airframe. less Chance of accidents and easier to maintain.

Answer 6

Yes a squadron can be made up of different types of aircraft because people in the same squadron have a different role to play, Eg. rescue need a different aircraft.

Answer 7

hi it is good for entire squadron to fly the same type, because of training sequence, and because of maintenance. when you need to perform different missions, the best is to form a Taskforce, consisting of elements from various squadrons, each having its genuine aircraft.. by this you achieve maximum efectivity. btw, notice that squadrons of a US carriers operate different aircraft, since their tasks are different as well. typically:/ am not a us military/ you have one fighter squadron operating f14/ withdrawn from active duty in USN/ one strike squadron operating f18 and one squadron may operate helicopters, eaw elements etc. got it?

one more hint: multi-prupose squadron operate multipurpose aircraft:) since then they don't need to operate two or more types simultaneously

Answer 8

Yep,

As long as the pilot is rated on the airframe, then they can fly it. Different aircraft have different capabilities, for instance for air/air interdiction F-15/16 are good as well as the F-22. Then there are A-10's for ground support. For forward positioned bases, the COMAFFOR wants many options available.

Answer 9

Theoretically, yes, but maintanence would be a nightmare. And in emergency you can't just swap pilots and planes around easily. Unless there's a particular reason you want it done that way... It's usually avoided.

Answer 10

yes it can help them in many catigories of a dogfight but most of the time they are the same