ELMENDORF AFB ASSIGNED AIRCRAFT

F-15C EAGLE, F-15E STRIKE EAGLE

The F-15C is the USAF’s primary all-weather air-superiority fighter.  The F-15E Strike Eagle is a two-seat, dual role fighter for all-weather air-to-air and deep interdiction missions.  Training Areas include:  R-2202, R-2205, R-2211, Stony, Yukon, and Naknek MOAs.  With their gray camouflage color, they can be very hard to see.  In training areas, expect them at all altitudes and airspeeds.  In the traffic pattern, they maintain 150-300 knots.

C-130H/HC-130H HERCULES

The C-130 is the primary airlift aircraft at Elmendorf AFB and Kulis ANG Base (ANC).  The C-130H performs airdrop and air/land re-supply, while the HC-130H primarily performs in-flight refueling and search and rescue missions.  These aircraft frequently fly in the Mat-Su Valley as low as 300’ AGL, between 130-250 knots.  They are often hard to see because of their gray camouflage paint scheme and relatively slow airspeeds.

BOEING E-3B SENTRY (AWACS)

The E-3 AWACS is a mobile, flexible, survivable, and jam resistant command and control system capable of all-weather, long range surveillance.  Due to their specialized mission, they don’t fly locally as often as other airplanes at Elmendorf AFB.  Usually seen flying in the Elmendorf traffic pattern.  Very visible due to white paint scheme and large radome attached to fuselage.

C-12 F/J

The C-12 is the military version of the Beechcraft Super King Air 200 and 1900C.  Performs airlift support of VIP’s and Long Range Radar Sites.  The C-12 is difficult to see due to small size and white paint scheme. Flies at 270 KTAS at altitude, between 130 and 180 knots in the pattern.

SIKORSKY HH-60G PAVEHAWK

The HH-60G is the USAF’s primary combat rescue helicopter stationed at Kulis ANG Base (ANC).  Performs 24-hour alert search and rescue.

Flies at very low altitudes from the surface to 1,000' MSL between 120 and 150 knots.

ELMENDORF AFB VISITING AIRCRAFT 

Elmendorf AFB serves as a frequent refueling stop for large USAF cargo aircraft.  The most common transient aircraft are the C-5, C-141, and C-17.  They are most often seen on final approach and departure to/from Runway 05, at airspeeds from 150 to 250 knots.