F-22 Plus-Up Environmental Assessment - Joint Base Elmendorf ...

F-22 Plus-Up Environmental Assessment
2.0 Description of the Proposed Action and Alternatives
Table 2.2-4. Current and Projected Annual Training Munitions
Training Munition Class Current F-22 Projected F-22
Ammunition
20 mm 26,659 31,102
Air to Ground
250 pound 200 200
1,000 pound 50-60 60-70
2.2.2 Air-to-Ground Training
The F-22 has an air-to-ground mission. F-22 pilots spend approximately 80 percent of their
training in air-to-air missions and 20 percent of their training in air-to-ground missions.
Most air-to-ground training would be simulated, where no munitions would be released from
the aircraft. The F-22s use avionics to simulate ordnance delivery on a target. This type of
training could be conducted in any of the airspace units and would not require an air-to-ground
range.
Air-to-ground training also includes ordnance delivery training. All ordnance delivery training
would continue to adhere to the requirements and restrictions of the ranges. Table 2.2-4
presents the current and projected F-22 air-to-ground munitions used in training. The primary
air-to-ground ordnance carried by the F-22 is the Guided Bomb Unit (GBU)-32, and will also
include the Small Diameter Bomb (SDB) (GBU-39/B). The GBU-32 is a 1,000 pound equivalent
variant of the Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM). JDAMs are guided to the target by an
attached Global Positioning System receiver. SDBs are guided 250 pound equivalent munitions.
Training with these weapons in Alaskan airspace could include accelerating to launch speed,
altitude, and delivery profile prior to opening the weapons bay. JDAMs or SDBs can only be
deployed at approved air-to-ground ranges.
Actual live ordnance delivery training at approved delivery profiles occurs during the times
when F-22 squadrons are deployed to locations where levels of munitions training are
authorized. Such locations include the Nellis Range Complex in Nevada, the Utah Test and
Training Range, and the approved ranges associated with Eglin AFB. The negligible level of
use of these remote ranges and the current level of use by others suggest that projected F-22 use
does not warrant additional detailed environmental analysis for these ranges.
F-22 training with inert munitions comparable in size to a
JDAM or an SDB could occur on approved Alaskan
Ranges. F-22 flight profiles, altitudes, and speed would
be restricted to ensure that such munitions meet
approved range weapon safety footprints.
2.2.3 Defensive Countermeasures
Chaff and flares are the principal defensive
countermeasures dispensed by military aircraft to avoid
detection or attack by enemy air defense systems.
Ground personnel are trained in handling munitions
and chaff and flares to ensure the F-22 operational
wing is combat ready.
Page 2-14