The emerging challenge the USAF will face in the future
The photos in this post show KestrelX JSX-2 microjets during Exercise Northern Strike 2024-2 (NS24-2), at the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Michigan. During the drill the microjets replicate cruise missiles.
Cruise missiles and unmanned aerial systems (UAS) are an emerging challenge the US Air Force (USAF) will face in the future. NS24-2 is replicating this threat with several unique platforms designed to train various skills such as: detection, identification, destruction, and command and control (C2) in a live-fly environment.
Over the course of exercise, Aug. 3-17, Air National Guard (ANG) F-16 Fighting Falcons, from the 113th Wing, District of Columbia ANG, Joint Base Andrews, Md, and the 180th Fighter Wing (FW), Ohio ANG, Toledo Air National Guard Base (ANGB), Ohio will train against these threats. Pilots will fly sorties out of either their home station, the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center (CRTC) or Oscoda–Wurtsmith Airport in Northern Michigan.
As told by Tech. Sgt. Tristan Viglianco, Michigan National Guard, in the article Securing the Homeland: Northern Strike 24-2 replicates aerial threats, the exercise is spending approximately $1 million to replicate various aerial threats, with ANG F-16s from the 122nd FW, Indiana ANG, Fort Wayne ANGB, Ind., and small microjets.
Exercise Northern Strike 2024-2
“In the past, NS has used various electronic warfare capabilities to simulate various surface threats to aircraft,” said Air Force Lt. Col. Nicholas Smith, Michigan National Guard (MING), deputy J7. “For the first time, NS is using a combination of ANG aircraft that replicate cruise missile flight characteristics alongside microjets with small radar cross sections to simulate a wide variety of emerging threats, such as adversaries small UAS platforms.”
The F-16 pilots are tasked with securing the more than 17,000 square miles, the Michigan Airspace Complex, which is a part of the National All-Domain Warfighting Center.
“We don’t get a lot of cruise missile training, so having an entire exercise dedicated to just that is great,” said Air Force Maj Jacob, F-16 pilot with 163rd Fighter Squadron, 122nd FW. “Having the ability to integrate with smaller platforms that are tougher for the radar to see is unique”
In addition to the fighter training, various C2 assets and North American Aerospace Defense Command’s Eastern Air Defense Sector will also be exercised by the replication events.
NS24-2, one of the Department of Defense’s largest reserve component readiness exercises, is scheduled to take place at Michigan’s National All Domain Warfighting Center (NADWC) from Aug. 3-17, 2024. Over 6,300 participants from 32 states and territories and several international participants will converge at the NADWC. Exercise Northern Strike is the premier reserve component training event designed to build readiness with joint and partner forces in all domains of warfare.
SubSonex JSX-2 microjet
The SubSonex is the first personal jet for recreational flying. The first benchmark on the SubSonex ‘reality checklist’ is the fact that the aircraft has become a reality as an affordable Quick Build Kit.
The SubSonex Personal Jet concept was first unveiled at AirVenture in 2009. After successful pairing with the PBS TJ-100 engine, the SubSonex JSX-1 prototype achieved first flight in August 2011 and completed a successful flight test program in 2012. SubSonex JSX-2 prototype achieved first flight in July of 2014.
JSX-2 is a highly refined version of the SubSonex Personal Jet vs. the original proof-of-concept aircraft, JSX-1. Like JSX-1, the new JSX-2 model is powered by the PBS TJ-100 engine, producing approximately 250 lbs of thrust in an advanced, fully integrated package. The new jet features a larger, more comfortable cockpit, a larger instrument panel, fully retractable landing gear, a BRS full-aircraft recovery parachute, higher fuel capacity in a rotationally molded cross-linked polyethylene fuel cell, easily removable wings, and a more sculpted and aesthetically pleasing nose section.
The JSX-2 microjets used during NS24-2 are owned by KestrelX, a defense company specialized in building unmanned aerial vehicles and cruise missile threat replication aircraft.
Photo by Tech. Sgt. Tristan D. Viglianco / U.S. Air National Guard