F-22 Raptor Maj. Joshua Gunderson discusses what it's like to be pilot
Maj. Joshua Gunderson speaks about the day to day of being a pilot for the F-22 Raptor.
Olivia Falcigno, Portsmouth Herald
While the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds flying overhead this week have gained much of the attention, many other planes are part of the Thunder Over New Hampshire Air Show, either performing in the air or as part of the on-ground demonstrations.
Up to 40,000 people or more are expected each day of the air show on Sept. 11 and 12 at the Portsmouth International Airport at Pease.
We spoke to other pilots to learn more about their planes and what its like to fly them. Two of them are Seacoast residents.
Two of the New Hampshire Air National Guard KC-46A Pegasus pilots say that being in the cockpit of the refueling jets is a thrilling experience.
As part of the the 157th Air Refueling Wing based at Pease, Capt. Jordan Gauvin and Master Sgt. Brett Peterson fly the KC-46A tankers to refuel planes mid-air and medevac missions.
Gauvin, a lifelong Stratham resident, had no prior military experience, and was hired to learn to become a pilot 10 years ago and graduated from his training in 2014.
Peterson, a Wells, Maine, resident, was part of Security Forces, which is part of the Military Police. He used to see KC-135 refueling tankers, and recalls always thinking to himself, "I want to fly one of those." Peterson was picked up when a job opened, and he has been flying for more than 10 years.
Its a very capable and versatile aircraft, and were continuing to evolve what we can do currently and what it will do in the future, Gauvin said. We can hold over 200,000 pounds of gas for our aircraft and gas to refuel others.
The KC-46A Pegasus is the Air Force's new multi-role tanker and Pease is one of the first locations in the country where the plane is based. Peases fleet of 12 jets represents 25% of the current KC-46 inventory. The 157th Air Refueling Wing is actively involved in current operations, including the first-ever F/A-18 coronet refueling in early 2021, and the U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africas Operation Copper Arrow in July.
More: Pride of Portsmouth, Sprit of Newington: 157th Air Refueling Wing naming 12 KC-46A aircraft
Unlike the KC-135, we can refuel Air Force Fighters, and aircraft from the Navy or Marines, in addition to being able to carry more cargo, Peterson said. With the 135 we could only do one or the other.
The two men say the KC-46A is a huge step up from its predecessor, the KC-135 Stratotanker. Besides updated tech, the biggest perk these pilots are most thankful for is having AC and comfortable pilot seats.
When its 100-plus-degrees out, having air conditioning makes the flight a lot more comfortable, Gauvin said.
F-22 Raptor Pilot Maj. Joshua Gunderson said that his aircraft is the most capable fighter jet the military has yet produced.
In terms of capabilities and stealthy airplanes, it makes it very difficult for people to see on radar. In terms of maneuverability, speed, power, and agility, which are all the cool things you think about in terms of performance by aircrafts, this airplane is better than anything else we have across all branches, Gunderson said.
To be a demo pilot of an F-22, Gunderson said it takes many years, starting as an undergraduate pilot training program, and moving up into more specialized programs and training. Similar to the Thunderbirds, this aircraft can travel as fast as Mach 2.
Gunderson said hes wanted to be a pilot for as long as he can remember.
I remember being an 11-year-old kid going to air shows, and we saw the F-15 demo team, which is the predecessor for this airplane, and met the pilot at the time. Twelve years later, he was one of my instructor pilots, helping me learn how to fly the F-15, which I flew for several years. Gunderson said. Crossing paths with him again after meeting him as a young kid was really impactful in terms of whatthis job allows you to do in terms of, helping the next generation of people who are going to fill our shoes."
Gunderson said that is what he finds most rewarding about his job.