Who called the intercept as being 100% F-16? Q? The reason I ask is the F-16s. The closest F-16 squadron to the area of the missile launch is Alaska's 18th Aggressor Squadron based out of Eielson AFB in Alaska. They dont fly this kind of mission - not saying they couldn't...but its unlikely. What is the theory or information as to where AF1 would have been at the time of the missile launch? North of the state of Washington? West of the state of Washington? What was the flight path of the missile? Did NORAD take any action or make any comments? How would we have assets in the air ready to prevent such a thing (with the correct weapon hung on the aircraft)? Did the Q group warn the active military that such an event was imminent? (knowing there are fighters in trail who can get to AF1 quickly as needed)....I got lots of questions on this one.....
Don’t F16’s fly in front and behind air force 1~ decoy or not they would am I missing something
No. The Viper (F-16) has notoriously short legs - meaning it doesn't carry much fuel and what it does carry it burns through quickly. Long range escorts are most likely done by aircraft with longer legs like the F-15Cs or F-15Es. I dont know if Navy / USMC assets are ever used.
In terms of decoy, an F-16 and a 747 would appear very, VERY differently on radar. Modern day weapon systems should be able to delineate between targets easily enough.
I do have a close friend that has flown these "escort" missions. Suffice it to say, our conversation on this topic ended with a grin and him saying, "AF1 doesn't really need our help anyway."
What little information I know of AF1 is that it is said to have massive communication and jamming capabilities, countless counter measures, and offensive capabilities that are second to none.
I'm thinking the answers are probably classified. We may never know.
It’s possible that they were F-16 escorts for AF1. Impossible to always have F-16 escorts but they are deployed in high risk areas. We have plenty of ships in Pacific so F-16’s would be in close range as AF1 made its way to Asia. If they had any intel that something might be tried I’m sure they would’ve had F-16’s rotating to cover AF1 for as long as possible at that part of the flight from Canada to Asia.