A primer of the United States Air Force aircraft/missile Technical Coordination Program

DISAM Journal, Winter, 2003 by Forrest Smith

There are also other unique systems on the aircraft which depend on which countries choose to participate in various modifications or upgrades offered by the USAF. Also, countries may modify their aircraft independently of USAF participation. So there will be different equipment, different mission requirements, and totally different configurations. This is certainly true of the eleven unique C-135FR aircraft supported by the TCG.

Some of the member countries fly the KC-135 aircraft many more hours than a USAF unit due to the smaller fleet size. This can generate new issues or problems which may not yet be seen by the USAF. There are also circumstances where the USAF is experiencing a problem, but our customers are not. Discussions into operations generally reveal a difference in procedures or possibly support equipment developed by the country for a specific task. Results of these can be shared with the USAF to help solve problems the USAF may have as well.

Sustainment membership in the KC-135 TCG is normally fulfilled using follow-on 'G' or 'Q' cases with three lines that cover the following:

* Internal services;

* Contractor services, and;

* Studies and surveys, and overseas travel.

Costs of the program are based on number of aircraft in the member's inventory.

Warner Robins (WR-ALC)at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, Alabama is the home of the F-15, C-130, Tactical Missile and LANTIRN TCGs as well as the ECISAP.

F-15 Technical Coordination Group

The first F-15A flight was made in July 1972, and the first flight of the two-seat F-15B trainer was made in July 1973. The first Eagle (F-15B) was delivered in November 1974. In January 1976, the first Eagle destined for a combat squadron was delivered.

As a result of sales of the F-15 to international customers, Major Dan Copeland from SAF/IA started development of the F-15 TCG in 1982 and the F-15 TCG was formally established in 1983. Wade Carter. Chief, and James McCown, Equipment Specialist formed the initial cadre. The first F-15 World Wide Review as held at the Ramada Inn, Warner Robins, Georgia in 1985.

The current acting TCG Chief is George Kalebaugh who leads a staff of twenty-two. The original charter and current membership consists of three international customers: Japan, Saudi Arabia, and Israel. The Republic of Korea may join in the future when they enter the sustainment stage for their new F-15K aircraft. The F-15 TCG currently supports upwards of 437 F-15 (C, D, I, J, S) aircraft. International users make up about 30 percent of the worldwide fleet.

Initial membership in the F-15 TCG is normally established as a line on the original systems sale LOA. The line covers internal services, studies and surveys, and travel. Sustainment is accomplished using follow-on "G" or "Q" cases with lines for the following:

* Internal services,

* Contracted services, and;

* Studies and surveys, and overseas travel.

Costs of the program are based on number of aircraft in the member's inventory.

F-15 Technical Coordination Group in Action