Pilot Tackles Typhoons During Exchange Duty in England

ROYAL AIR FORCE CONINGSBY, England --- When an American F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot was given the opportunity of applying for an exchange posting, he had no hesitation in selecting a tour to fly the F-2 Typhoon with the Royal Air Force.>> "I was attracted by the opportunity to fly a new airplane, to go somewhere different and be part of developing the tactics and procedures on a new aircraft," Maj. Paul Carlton said.>> After 20 hours flying Hawks at RAF Valley to familiarize himself with England's airspace and procedures, the major joined 29 (R) Squadron to fly Typhoons at RAF Coningsby, which is about 130 miles north of London. .>> "My first impression was it had lots of things which make pilots happy -- thrust, speed, altitude and turn capability. It's a lot of fun to fly and Typhoon is certainly going to transform the RAF," he said. "As it moves forward in its development, Typhoon will become a larger and larger player in coalition operations.">> Major Carlton said size is the main difference between a U.S. Air Force flying squadron and one from the RAF: A U.S. squadron has two to three times the aircraft, pilots and members.>> "There's also a very different attitude and culture," he said. "However, it's the people who make or break what you do and the very reason I am here is to engage with people and I've enjoyed the opportunity of integrating into the local culture.">> The major, who is now one of four American pilots at RAF Coningsby, has also enjoyed the opportunity of contributing to development of the F-2 in service.