The 472nd Fighter Squadron flies the F-16C Viper for Joint Task Force Heavy. It is a multirole unit in the Air Combat Group, handling suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD), precision strike, and air-to-air work.
Role in the fight
The 472nd usually goes in first. We clear enemy radars and SAMs ahead of the strike package, then put our own bombs on target. Being multirole means the same jet can look after itself in the air if the fight comes to us.
Flying the F-16C in DCS
The Viper carries a bit of everything. For SEAD we run the HARM and the HTS pod. For strike we use GBU-12s, JDAM, JSOW, and Mavericks. For air-to-air we carry the AIM-120 and AIM-9. The datalink ties it together and helps the flight share one picture.
What you'll fly
Most sorties are hunter-killer SEAD, strike escort, or offensive counter-air. New pilots get trained from cold start through weapons employment. More experienced pilots work on SEAD timing and flying as a section or larger.
At a glance
- Primary role
- SEAD and combat air patrol
- Missions flown
- SEAD/DEADCASStrikeCAPInterceptEscortRecon
- Recurring training
- Squadron training — A/A refueling, CAP, SEAD, group flights, and search and destroy — Sundays, 4:00 PM Mountain
- Qualifications
- Flight instructor
- Planner
- Active members
- 2–4
- Nickname
- Pit Vipers
Flying with the 472nd FS
A relaxed, light-hearted squadron that takes skill development seriously.
The 472nd welcomes questions from pilots at any experience level and puts a strong emphasis on learning. Recruits are asked to attend two trainings or missions each month, and to complete BCF training within their first two months.
Fly with 472nd FS
Joint Task Force Heavy is an 18+ DCS World community that welcomes new pilots. Join our Discord to start your application and fly the F-16C Viper.
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