USAF AMC to remove tail numbers.

[STN RAMP RAT]

I don’t have access to the full article but it seems to suggest that the AMC have been directed to remove tail markings from their aircraft for “opsec”

https://aviationweek.com/defense-space/ ... kings-tail

I had to check it was the 1st March and not April.

[JLewis_Aviation]

Absolute joke

[NorvilleRogers]

Absolute joke

Why do you think that? Didnt the US Navy do something similar with their P-3 fleet in the 1990's?

[davedubya]

What's the joke?

[STN RAMP RAT]

Indeed, the Spec. Ops Casa in Mildenhall last month was unmarked and only its mode S gave away its identity.

Sadly unlikely to be a joke. What’s probably more of a joke is a KC135 crew at Fairchild trying to find their aircraft in amongst the other 50 that are there.

[Supra]

What's the joke?

Don't think it's said in the literal vein? One of numerous euphemisms in the English language. 'Translated' to plain English the phrase 'Absolute Joke' equates to "This is so pathetic it can't be true, it's not April1st, must be somebodies idea of a joke to tease the Spotters?"
But as stated previously, the USN P3 fleet lost their readable serials along with their colourful tails. To become those tiny numbers (80mm??) below the tail-plane.

[JLewis_Aviation]

What's the joke?

Don't think it's said in the literal vein? One of numerous euphemisms in the English language. 'Translated' to plain English the phrase 'Absolute Joke' equates to "This is so pathetic it can't be true, it's not April1st, must be somebodies idea of a joke to tease the Spotters?"
But as stated previously, the USN P3 fleet lost their readable serials along with their colourful tails. To become those tiny numbers (80mm??) below the tail-plane.

Glad someone got it, in a hobby based on (at least for me) ticking off numbers, not having the numbers clearly on the tail is very frustrating. Now I remember why I hardly cooment on here

[TonyO]

Full story here:

For decades, airlift and tanker aircraft of the U.S. military have flown with a proud “U.S. AIR FORCE” painted on the side of the fuselage, along with markings indicating home units, tail numbers and oftentimes a tail flash showing the unit’s heritage.

But that is no more for much of Air Mobility Command (AMC).

AMC recently directed a change to its fleet, removing the large “U.S. AIR FORCE,” unit markings, tail numbers and other identifying markings. Recent photographs of KC-135s and C-130s operating show just a small U.S. flag on the tail and a light gray Air Force roundel.

AMC says the change was directed for operational security.

“We operate across the globe every day, often supporting sensitive movements of people and cargo. Understandably, we have concerns about the operational security impacts to these missions in the modern era of on-demand, real-time information,” AMC says in a statement. “Subdued paint schemes that limit identifiable information is one way we are taking a hard look at how we operate to ensure our ability to continue to deliver for America and our allies and partners around the world.

“Because of operational security concerns, we cannot provide specifics, though our aircraft will maintain markings as required by law.”

The command would not elaborate on the change beyond this statement.

The changes mean some of the most common aircraft in the U.S. Air Force fleet, such as the KC-135 tanker, will have less markings than some combat and special operations aircraft.

AMC has recently removed tail flashes for its active-duty tankers, starting with the new Boeing KC-46. The decision was made to make it easier for aircraft to move between units without having to be repainted. But that change was specifically for what AMC calls fleet management and not related to limiting public knowledge of aircraft movements.

It also comes as AMC has worked to overhaul itself into a warfighting command instead of one focusing on support for combat aircraft. The command is working to make its aircraft directly contribute to a fight, through steps such as launching cruise missiles from a pallet on a C-130 and UAVs from KC-135s.

“Woven through our culture is a foundational knowledge of the business we are in, the war business,” AMC Commander Gen. Mike Minihan wrote in a “manifesto” to the command in October. “The tactics, techniques, and procedures we refine daily and those that have been refined from the long line of Mobility Airmen before us. Lethality is what we will deliver.”

This is the new look: https://www.flickr.com/photos/sjuap74/5 ... 1658345741

[POL]

"Lethality is what we will deliver"

Drones from a KC-135...how are they managing that; out of the pilot's window?!

[STN RAMP RAT]

"Lethality is what we will deliver"

Drones from a KC-135...how are they managing that; out of the pilot's window?!

I suspect he “misspoke” and that it’s refuelling UAV’s

[davedubya]

It's a sad state of affairs when the USAF doesn't take the feelings of the spotter community into account when making operational decisions.

[a321]

I think they might change their minds after a few incidents of maintainers taking the wrong aircraft apart

[smart2004]

So the USAF plans to go from openness and proud tradition,to an entity like Russia and China using dubious identities of its assets to hide what their upto

[StuBie]

I think they might change their minds after a few incidents of maintainers taking the wrong aircraft apart

Aircraft will still have serial plates and log books, you'd hope they'll know what they are doing.

Last year I recall seeing photos of both an MRTT & C-17 of the UAE also operating with all titles removed.

Stu

[BOLLO]

Wonder if 100ARW may go the same at some point ???

[STN RAMP RAT]

I imagine the serial will be at the entry door, at the fuelling panel and also on the boom and AAR receptacle, just not big enough to read off. Let’s hope they don’t go for tactical hex’s or that’s they end of the hobby.

[pg1610]

How long before markings are removed from combat aircraft ?

[smart2004]

Better remove’land of the brave’of the national anthem then to land of the hidden

[DanBeeden]

Fingers crossed the 100th ARW as well as ANG and AFRC units don't follow suit. Sadly a world of mostly grey just got that bit greyer

[James Cutting]

Glad someone got it, in a hobby based on (at least for me) ticking off numbers, not having the numbers clearly on the tail is very frustrating. Now I remember why I hardly cooment on here

Suppose you'll have to write to them to complain how it makes your job of ticking off serials extremely difficult then After all, they're not there for us, they're there to serve a purpose, and we're very lucky to see what we can see. Yes it's difficult, but it's just a case of that's the way the world is, life goes on.