cruzex 2013

ISSUE 21 - DEC 2013 / JAN 2014

CRUZEX 2013

Exercício Cruzeiro do Sul or CRUZEX is South America’s largest multi-national military exercise, organised and hosted by the FORÇA AÉREA BRASILEIRA.

CRUZEX 2013 ran from 4 to 15 November at Natal Air Base located a few kilometres from the Atlantic Ocean on the north-west coast of Brazil. Steve Comber reports for GAM.

Three nations brought the F-16 to CRUZEX 2013 with examples from Chile and Venezuela seen resting under sun shelters in this shot.

Emphasising the point that CRUZEX is hosted at an active civilian airport, a TAM Airbus A320 taxies out past part of the exercise flightline.

With favourable climatic conditions, Natal offers excellent access to extensive areas of the Atlantic Ocean, combined with areas of low population and ranges in the Rio Grande do Norte, Paraiba, Ceara and Pernambuco states of Brazil making it a favoured location for such a large-scale exercise.

SharingSharing civilian airspace with Natal Airport does, however, present quite a challenge for operations. Air traffic management is handled by the Third Integrated Centre for Air Defence and Air Traffic Control based on the coast at Recife some 450 kilometres south of Natal.

Three nations brought the F-16 to CRUZEX 2013 with examples from Chile and Venezuela seen resting under sun shelters in this shot.

Emphasising the point that CRUZEX is hosted at an active civilian airport, a TAM Airbus A320 taxies out past part of the exercise flightline.

For the European journalists present, the Colombian and Uruguayan participants were arguably of most interest, like this Cessna A-37 Dragonfly. All images this spread Steve Comber

The United States Air Force’s fast jet contribution to CRUZEX 2013 came in the shape of F-16s from the 121st FS, 113th Wg, District of Columbia ANG (Steve Comber)

The earlier CRUZEX 2012 was a purely ground-based exercise and featured 13 countries participating in complex command and control simulations similar in structure to NATO. For 2013 these simulations werewere put into practice with the involvement of flying assets.

Interestingly no ‘Red’ (aggressor) or ‘Blue’ (friendly) threats were defined with the exercise being focussed entirely on unilateral co-operation between different countries rather than pitting forces against one another.

TheThe primary objectives for the exercise included offensive and defensive missions, interfacing with airborne detection assets. These missions allowed for a valuable tactical aerial mission experience and operational knowledgeknowledge exchange to take place between combat units.

Interoperability of the combined forces offered 'real-time' experience for air traffic controllers in a combat environment together with multi-force co-operation for CSAR operations within the same threat situation.situation.

One new feature for CRUZEX 2013 was the inclusion of 'shot validation'.

Aerial combat missions within sectors were orchestrated by a team of fighter pilots operating from the Centre of Air Defence and Air Traffic Control based at Recife Air Base where they monitored aircraft movements within a radar network. within a radar network.

The United States Air Force’s fast jet contribution to CRUZEX 2013 came in the shape of F-16s from the 121st FS, 113th Wg, District of Columbia ANG (Steve Comber)

Above - One of two Canadian Air Force CC-130Js taking part in the exercise rotates away from the Natal runway.

Below - The highly-modified Embraer EMB-145 known by the FAB as the E-99. Both images Steve Comber

After each mission, all pilots who flew met to debrief and evaluate the success of the sortie with the use of data from the ground, on-board aircraft systems and GPS. Tactical analysis of the combat missions on a minute-by-minute basis allowed pilots to understand simulated missile launch success rates. success rates.

In contrast to earlier editions of CRUZEX, this year’s missions mixed fixed wing, propeller and rotary assets. They were not only pitched against one another but also offered protection against mixed assets operating at different altitudes and air speeds. These complex operations offered eacheach squadron an opportunity to understand how different units operate, including when working with helicopters and transport aircraft performing paratroop drops.

C-130 Hercules from Canada and Brazil performed live drops with fighter escort being provided by mixed forces and included simulated anti-aircraft flak threats, with both chaff and flare utilised to avoid such threats. The modernised C-130s, featuring RWR (Radar Warning Receivers) & MAWSMAWS (Missile Approach Warning System), performed sharp manoeuvres to evade simulated ground and air-launched missile threats.

Key to CRUZEX 2013, two Brazilian Air Force E-99s (a modified Embraer EMB-145), of the 2nd Guardian Squadron of the 6th Aviation Group - and operating from Recife - provided surveillance, command and control communications via datalink with the Center for Military Operations in particularparticular detecting air traffic threats at low altitude.

Mass launches took place every morning from Natal, together with tanker assets, which were based at Recife for joint multi-lateral operations. Afternoon missions

Above - One of two Canadian Air Force CC-130Js taking part in the exercise rotates away from the Natal runway.

Below - The highly-modified Embraer EMB-145 known by the FAB as the E-99. Both images Steve Comber

focused exclusively on air-to-air interception missions.

RecifeRecife Air Base (BARF) came into being in July 1941 in response to the threat of invasion from northern Africa. As with BANT (Natal), BARF shares facilities with a very modern international airport, which has been updated ahead of the World Cup in 2014!

AnAn interesting mix of aircraft has operated with the 6th Aviation Regiment down the years including V-65B Corsairs, NA-72s, B-18s, A-28A Hudsons and Curtiss P-36As. PC-1 Venturas joined BARF in 1944 with the 1st Medium Bomber Group operating convoy escort and anti-submarine patrol duties. FollowingFollowing some FAB restructuring, Recife saw the arrival of B-17Gs by 1951. By 1953 these aircraft had been transferred from the Four-Engine Training Centre to the 1st/6th Aviation Group, latterly performing search and rescue missions; a fine, beautiful and rare example can be found outside the main entrance to Recife Air Base.entrance to Recife Air Base.

Today BARF hosts the 2nd Airlift Squadron with C-95 Bandeirante, C-97 Brasilia & C-98 Cessna Grand Caravan types as well as R-95 Bandeirante and the rare and elusive R-35 Learjets, which perform clandestine duties.

As with previous CRUZEX exercises, Recife hosted the air-refuelling assets for 2013 with a Chilean KC-135, US KC-135, Colombian KC-767 and two FAB KC-130s present.

FABFAB KC-130 pilot Lt Joyce de Souza Conceicao became the first female pilot to participate in CRUZEX, having already become the first woman to fly the C-130 in the Brazilian Air Force in 2012.

ColombianColombian Air Force A-37 Dragonflies performed the first in-flight refuelling of CRUZEX 2013 with two FAB KC-130s of the 1st Squadron, 1st Transport Group.

Above - The old and the new. On the left, the Colombian Air Force’s KC-767 prepares to taxi out, while the Chilean Air Force’s KC-135E takes a rest on the Recife ramp.

RightRight - B17-5402, the beautiful ex-FAB B-17G Flying Fortress, preserved on base at Recife in a striking SAR colour scheme. It carries the markings of 1º/6 GAv, which operated the type from 1953.

LeftLeft - The 161st ARW, Arizona ANG, was present with a KC-135R bearing the Arizona Cardinals logo.

Top left - Flags of the USA, Chile, Brazil and Colombia fly side-by-side at Recife as a pair of KC-130s prepare to depart for a mission.

All images this spread All images this spread Steve Comber

With the Brazilian Air Force's intention to replace its KC-130s with KC-767s in the near future, the exercise presented the perfect opportunity for FAB pilots to gain some experience of KC-767 operations. Crew members from the 2nd Squadron of the 2nd Transport Group flew in the Colombian tanker on every mission in which it participated.

SequestrationSequestration did not stop the US sending an immaculate – both inside and out - KC-135 from the Arizona ANG to participate in the exercise. Both Chilean and USAF F-16s took on fuel each day from rotating USAF crew members, operating outside the usual theatres of operations and exchanging knowledge with members from other participating air forces who were on board.

Above - The old and the new. On the left, the Colombian Air Force’s KC-767 prepares to taxi out, while the Chilean Air Force’s KC-135E takes a rest on the Recife ramp.

RightRight - B17-5402, the beautiful ex-FAB B-17G Flying Fortress, preserved on base at Recife in a striking SAR colour scheme. It carries the markings of 1º/6 GAv, which operated the type from 1953.

LeftLeft - The 161st ARW, Arizona ANG, was present with a KC-135R bearing the Arizona Cardinals logo.

Top left - Flags of the USA, Chile, Brazil and Colombia fly side-by-side at Recife as a pair of KC-130s prepare to depart for a mission.


Above - The slender lines of the F-5 are very evident as this F-5EM gets airborne.

Above - The military tower provided a wonderful elevated view of participants heading out to the Natal runway.

Above - Following an update programme, the F-5s are set to stay in service with the Brazilian Air Force for the foreseeable future.

CRUZEX 2013 Participants

Força Aérea Brasileira F-5EM/F-5FM

AA total of 14 Força Aérea Brasileira F-5EMs/F-5FMs took part in CRUZEX 2013 and it is believed they were from 1°GAvCa based at Santa Cruz-Bartolomeu de Gusmão (SBSC).

Above - Sun shelters provide a little respite for some of the CRUZEX 2013 ground crews.

Above - The sheer number of aircraft present for the exercise meant that not all participants could be given their own sun shelters.

Above - Brake chute billowing, this F-5EM slows down on the Natal runway after a CRUZEX 2013 mission.

All images this spread Steve Comber

Above - The sun sets on another day of CRUZEX 2013 acivities. The civilian tower can be seen in this shot.

The AMX was developed as a joint venture between Italy’s Aeritalia and Aermacchi and Brazil’s Embraer.

AA range of fits mean that this versatile platform can operate in ground-attack, air-to-air, reconnaissance and electronic-counter-measures roles.

ManufacturedManufactured between 1986 and 1999, around 200 were built, with approximately 115 remaining in active service - 60 with the FAB and 55 with the Italian Air Force.


Força Aérea BrasileiraAMX International A-1

The FAB had seven A-1A/A-1Bs, two A-1Ms and three AMX-R (RA-1s) present at CRUZEX 2013. The M-models are recently upgraded airframes that are expected to see service until 2032.

ItIt is believed that the aircraft were from 10°GAv based at Santa Maria (SBSM).

The AMX was developed as a joint venture between Italy’s Aeritalia and Aermacchi and Brazil’s Embraer.

AA range of fits mean that this versatile platform can operate in ground-attack, air-to-air, reconnaissance and electronic-counter-measures roles.

ManufacturedManufactured between 1986 and 1999, around 200 were built, with approximately 115 remaining in active service - 60 with the FAB and 55 with the Italian Air Force.


The F-2000 has served FAB primarily in the air-defence role during its rather short career with the service.

One of just two F-2000Bs to serve with the FAB recovers to Natal AB in amazing late-afternoon light.

Força Aérea BrasileiraDassault Mirage F-2000B/C

Based at Anápolis (SBAN) with 1º Grupo de Defesa Aérea (1°GDA) ‘Jaguars’, CRUZEX 2013 represented the last exercise for the type with the Brazilian Air Force.

TheThe first of 12 ex-French Air Force aircraft (ten single-seat ‘C’ and two twin-stick ‘B’ models) were delivered in September 2006, but the maintenance contract to support the type will end on 26 December of this year.


An F-2000C takes a taxiway exit as an F-2000B rolls out on the runway. Four of FAB’s 12 F-2000s were present at CRUZEX 2013.

The F-2000 has served FAB primarily in the air-defence role during its rather short career with the service.

The FAB has a dozen AH-2 Sabre helicopters at its disposal and uses them for air policing, border security and counter-narcotics operations.

The Blackhawk has always struck me as being a good-looking helicopter but even more so in this superb camouflage scheme.

Força Aérea BrasileiraMil AH-2 Sabre (Mi-35M)

Three examples of FAB’s AH-2 Sabre took part in CRUZEX 2013 from 2°/8°GAv ‘Poti’ based at Porto Velho-Gov. Jorge Teixerade Oliveira (SBPV).

Força Aérea BrasileiraSikorsky H-60L

TheThe H-60L only joined the FAB ranks in 2011 and it is not clear from which unit the three aircraft present here hailed.

The AH-2 really is an imposing machine, particularly so when the pylons are fully loaded.

The FAB has a dozen AH-2 Sabre helicopters at its disposal and uses them for air policing, border security and counter-narcotics operations.

Far less interesting colours on this FAB H-60L.


The Blackhawk has always struck me as being a good-looking helicopter but even more so in this superb camouflage scheme.

A wide array of FAB transport aircraft were seen during CRUZEX 2013, a selection of images of which can be found here.

Each base has at least one C-98 assigned to it, and many bases are home to additional types too.

Above - A C-95A Bandeirante carrying the old style camo. The aircraft is assigned to 2°ETA at Recife Air Base.

Above - Another C-130H, this time belonging to 1°/1°GTT, also based at Dos Afonsos (SBAF).

Above - A bright orange dust cloud is cast skywards by this C-130H belonging to 2°/1°GTT from Dos Afonsos-Campo delio Jardim de Mattos (SBAF).

Main - A C-105A of 1°/15°GAv ‘Onça’ from Campo Grande (SBCG) is seen on the Natal runway. All images this spread Steve Comber

Above - This C-95CM Bandeirante hails from 1°/5°GAv based at Fortaleza-Pinto Martins Intl (SBFZ). Seen here landing at Natal.

Above - This C-105A carries the markings of 1°/9°GAv ‘Arara’ based at Manaus-Ponta Pelada (SBMN).

Above - The Cessna C208 Caravan serves the FAB as the C-98, and this example is based at Natal, to where it is seen recovering.

Above - One of the two-seat A-29Bs prepares to touch down on the Natal runway after a CRUZEX 2013 mission.

Top right - An enthusiastic wave from the back-seater of this A-29B.

RightRight - The FAB sent five A-29s to CRUZEX 2013. They are thought to have come from 3°/3°GAv based at Campo Grande (SBCG).

Left - A single-seat A-29A; note the substantial piece of equipment filling the rear cockpit.


Above - One of the two-seat A-29Bs prepares to touch down on the Natal runway after a CRUZEX 2013 mission.

Top right - An enthusiastic wave from the back-seater of this A-29B.

RightRight - The FAB sent five A-29s to CRUZEX 2013. They are thought to have come from 3°/3°GAv based at Campo Grande (SBCG).

Left - A single-seat A-29A; note the substantial piece of equipment filling the rear cockpit.


Força Aérea BrasileiraEmbraer A-29 Super Tucano

The FAB operates some 99 A-29s, 66 of which are of the two-seat A-29B variant.

Like many of the aircraft in South American military service, the A-29 is often employed in border patrol and counter-narcotic missions.

Above - A huge reheat flame shoots out of this back of the F-16BM.

Above - Beautiful light as this F-16AM recovers to Natal with its brake chute fully inflated.

Above - F-16AM 748 served with the RNLAF as J-867.

Fuerza Aérea de ChileLockheed Martin F-16AM

The FACh operates a total of 34 F-16AM and F-16BM aircraft, and six of these from Grupo de Aviación Nº7 from Antofagasta/Cerro Moreno (SCFA) were present at CRUZEX 2013.


Above - The FACh’s legacy F-16s were procured from the Royal Netherlands Air Force.

Above - Air brakes deployed, this F-16AM is seen on final approach to Natal AB.

Above - Ground crew members put the F-16s to bed after the afternoon wave of CRUZEX mission recoveries.

Above - The blue rudder and white star really set off the FACh F-16s.

Above - Significant amounts of fuel vent from the starboard tip-tank of this A-37B. ESCOM 311 sent six aircraft to Natal AB for CRUZEX 2013 from its Malambo / Barranquilla, Atlántico home base.

RightRight - The FAC A-37s look very smart with the four external tanks fitted beneath the wings.

Left - Looking down on this Dragonfly as it taxies out at the start of a mission.

TopTop left - Moments from touchdown for this Dragones aircraft.


Interestingly, the A-37s all carried mission marks for anti-drug-smuggling operations. Each had shot at least three aircraft down. Pilots not wishing to be identified said the aircraft are intercepted, contacted several times by radio, then close visual contact is made, manoeuvres are then made to push the non-compliant aircraft to land. If the pilot fails to act, warning rounds will be fired, the target is warned that it will be shot down, and, ultimately, if there is no compliance, that is precisely what happens. The LGB markings indicate missions against ground based drugs cartel targets.LGB markings indicate missions against ground based drugs cartel targets.

Fuerza Aérea ColombianaCessna A-37 Dragonfly

ESCOM 311 ‘Dragones’

Above - Significant amounts of fuel vent from the starboard tip-tank of this A-37B. ESCOM 311 sent six aircraft to Natal AB for CRUZEX 2013 from its Malambo / Barranquilla, Atlántico home base.

RightRight - The FAC A-37s look very smart with the four external tanks fitted beneath the wings.

Left - Looking down on this Dragonfly as it taxies out at the start of a mission.

TopTop left - Moments from touchdown for this Dragones aircraft.


Fuerza Aérea ColombianaCessna A-37 Dragonfly

ESCOM 311 ‘Dragones’

Above - 87-0304 slows down on the Natal AB runway after the completion of a CRUZEX 2013 mission.

Top right - A smoky touch down for the same aircraft on a rather greyer day in Brazil.

RightRight - With light fading, the 121st FS ground crew members put their jet to bed for the night.

Left - Beautiful conditions as 86-0342 climbs away from Natal at the start of another exercise mission.


Above - 87-0304 slows down on the Natal AB runway after the completion of a CRUZEX 2013 mission.

Top right - A smoky touch down for the same aircraft on a rather greyer day in Brazil.

RightRight - With light fading, the 121st FS ground crew members put their jet to bed for the night.

Left - Beautiful conditions as 86-0342 climbs away from Natal at the start of another exercise mission.


United States Air ForceLockheed Martin F-16C/D

121st FS, 113th Wg, District of Columbia ANG

The ‘Capital Guardians’ deployed six F-16s from Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, to Natal AB for CRUZEX 2013.

A total of 18 Super Tucanos serve with the FAE, split between Esc. de combate 2311 "Dragones" and Esc. de combate 2313 "Halcones"; the latter being the unit present at CRUZEX.

While no national insignias are carried, the FAE Super Tucanos look very smart thanks in no small part to their three-tone digital camouflage colourschemes.

A total of 18 Super Tucanos serve with the FAE, split between Esc. de combate 2311 "Dragones" and Esc. de combate 2313 "Halcones"; the latter being the unit present at CRUZEX.

While no national insignias are carried, the FAE Super Tucanos look very smart thanks in no small part to their three-tone digital camouflage colourschemes.

Fuerza Aérea EcuatorianaEmbraer 314 Super Tucano

Esc. de combate 2313 "Halcones"

The Ecuadorian Air Force attended CRUZEX 2013 with three Super Tucanos from Manta Air Base (Eloy Alfaro Air Base). The type has recently replaced the A-37 Dragonfly and the Strikemaster in FAE service.

Fuerza Aérea UruguayaCessna OA-37B Dragonfly

Escuadrón Aéreo N°2 Caza

Two of the three aircraft present at Natal for the exercise prepare to pull out of their parking spots. The FAU retains 12 examples of the A-37 in service from 16 delivered. The first batch of eight, received in 1976, were A-37B variants, while eight OA-37Bs followed in 1988/89.

The OA-37’s range is extended by the use of no less than six external fuel tanks. In this fit there doesn’t appear to be a huge amount of ground clearance for those placed on the inboard pylons. It does make for quite a menacing look, however!

Uruguay was the only nation other than Brazil to send two different attack aircraft types to CRUZEX 2013.

The three OA-37Bs hailed from EA2C based at Durazno (SUDU).

Above - 227 passes in front of the CRUZEX 2013 flightline as it prepares to land on the Natal AB runway at the conclusion of another exercise mission.

TopTop right - This shot incredibly represents three fifths of the current FAU Pucara complement! A total of six aircraft were delivered, but only five remain active.

RightRight - The Pucara makes a nice shape in the flare and a small puff of white smoke emanates from the port main undercarriage as the tyres meet terra firma.

Left - The Pucara is both ugly and quite pretty at the same time.


Above - 227 passes in front of the CRUZEX 2013 flightline as it prepares to land on the Natal AB runway at the conclusion of another exercise mission.

TopTop right - This shot incredibly represents three fifths of the current FAU Pucara complement! A total of six aircraft were delivered, but only five remain active.

RightRight - The Pucara makes a nice shape in the flare and a small puff of white smoke emanates from the port main undercarriage as the tyres meet terra firma.

Left - The Pucara is both ugly and quite pretty at the same time.

Fuerza Aérea UruguayaFMA IA 58 Pucará

Escuadrón Aéreo N°1 Ataque

For many readers it is quite plausible that your only previous encounter with the Pucara will have been in connection with the Falklands War, but the FAU still operates the type and sent three aircraft to Natal for the exercise.


CRUZEX 2013 was loaded with unusual aircraft types but few looked better than the more common-or-garden F-16s of the AMBV, carrying a wonderful three-tone camo scheme. Operated by Grupo Aéreo de Caza 16 at Maracay - Palo Negro (SVBL) El Libertador AB, the air arm was represented by five examples of the type.

Aviación Militar Bolivariana VenezolanaLockheed Martin F-16A/B Fighting Falcon

Grupo Aéreo de Caza 16 “Dragones”

Above - The AMBV’s (or FAV as it was then) F-16s are Block 15 aircraft and were delivered new between 1983 and 1985.

Above - Overall star of the exercise for many was this superbly-painted, special-schemed example marking 30 years of F-16 operations for the “Dragones”.

Above - 18 of the 24 aircraft delivered remain in service with the AMBV some 30 years on.

CRUZEX 2013 was loaded with unusual aircraft types but few looked better than the more common-or-garden F-16s of the AMBV, carrying a wonderful three-tone camo scheme. Operated by Grupo Aéreo de Caza 16 at Maracay - Palo Negro (SVBL) El Libertador AB, the air arm was represented by five examples of the type.

Aviación Militar Bolivariana VenezolanaLockheed Martin F-16A/B Fighting Falcon

Grupo Aéreo de Caza 16 “Dragones”


Above - A pair of F-5EMs hold station off the port wing of the tanker during an exercise mission (Steve Comber); Bottom left - An A-1 and F-2000C sit behind the open ramp of a C-130 Hercules during a media flight (Paul Mulligan); Top left - Up close and personal with this 121st FS DC ANG F-16C pilot as he takes on fuel (Steve Comber)

CRUZEX’s open-door policy encourages new countries to participate. This year saw the Portuguese Air Force send representatives to observe operations over a three-day period during the second week to assess the possibility of attending a future event.

SpeakingSpeaking the native language, Portuguese, the Brazilian exercise would provide valuable simulated offensive and defensive operational experience for the Força Aérea Portuguesa (FAP). Perhaps the next iteration (not until 2016) will see FAP assets airborne with South American air forces for the first time.

MilestonesMilestones set this year included a record number of military personnel (3,000) and aircraft in attendance (92 from eight countries), using in excess of three million litres of Avgas each day.

Additionally,Additionally, CRUZEX 2013 saw the first involvement of Canadian forces and FAB AH-2 attack helicopters, which were conducting Special Ops missions, and bore witness to the last involvement of FAB Mirage 2000s before their retirement from service; incredibly they will be replaced by upgraded F-5s.

FABFAB Commander Lt General of the Air Juniti Saito said: 'CRUZEX 2013 leaves a legacy of training for all participants. This year has changed the way the Brazilian Air Force faces the modern air war.'

cruzex 2013

Documents

natal air base

air traffic controllers

air traffic management

based exercise

centre of air defence

recife air base

exercise flightline

largescale exercise