What does the weapons system officer do?

A weapon systems officer (“WSO”, pronounced “wizzo”) is an air flight officer directly involved in all air operations and weapon systems of an aircraft. In the United States Navy, they are responsible for manning the weapon systems of a fighter.

How do you become a weapons officer?

In order to earn the title of WSO, Airmen go through approximately two years of training to become fully operational. “The first step is going through either Officer Training School, ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corps) or the Air Force Academy to earn your commission,” said Capt. Robert D.

Where is CSO training?

Training. If you do not have a Private Pilot’s license, you will attend Initial Flight Training (non-governmental source, not endorsed by the Air Force) along with pilots and RPA pilots in Pueblo, Colorado.

Is AF 14 Rio a pilot?

The short answer is: no, the F-14 had no flight controls in the RIO cockpit. In contrast, the US Air Force does have flight controls in its two-seat strike fighter, the F-15E Eagle. But Navy leaders decided that the extra weight and maintenance did not warrant flight controls for RIOs.

What does an F-14 Rio do?

His role as radar intercept officer (RIO) – the air flight officer involved in air operations and weapons systems – in the F-14 Tomcat was the same as that of Goose in in the film. In current aircraft, that role is now known as a weapons systems operator (WSO, pronounced wizzo).

Are WSO necessary?

Having a WSO aboard the aircraft allows for the workload to be spread across the crew. The pilot can focus on flying the aircraft and evading threats as necessary while the WSO focuses on identifying targets and threats.

Can a weapons officer fly the plane?

Yes. They can fly the aircraft if required. The F-15E is developed from F-15D , which is used for aircrew training, with the instructing pilot in the rear seat. There is atleast one documented case where the WSO controlled the aircraft, albeit briefly.

How much do Air Force CSO make?

The average salary for a Combat Systems Officer is $76,928 per year in United States, which is 16% lower than the average US Air Force salary of $92,382 per year for this job.

Is a CSO a pilot?

CSOs are trained in piloting, navigation, the use of the electromagnetic spectrum, and are experts in weapon system employment on their specific airframe. Aircrew responsibilities include mission planning, mission timing, weapons targeting and employment, threat reactions, aircraft communications, and hazard avoidance.

What F-14 was in Top Gun?

F-14 Tomcat
The interesting video in this post features F-14 Tomcat (S/N 160694), one of a valiant few that was used in the 1986 Blockbuster Movie, Top Gun, sitting on the deck of the USS Lexington in Corpus Christi, TX.

Can the F-14 Rio fly?

What does a weapon systems officer do in the Air Force?

Weapon systems officer. Roles can be customized, based on experience, expertise, workload, tactics, and weapons being employed. Pilots usually retain the responsibility for flying the aircraft in tactical situations. However, bomber aircraft typically retain more rigidly defined and conventional roles.

What does a combat systems officer do?

Serving as the mission commanders for electronic warfare, weapons systems and navigation, Combat Systems Officers are the eyes of their fellow Airmen.

What are the United States military’s weapons of the future?

Enemies Beware: These Are the U.S. Military’s Weapons of the Future. 1 1. Next-Generation Combat Vehicle: 2 2. Maneuver-Short-Range Air Defense (MSHORAD): 3 3. Robot tanks: 4 4. Future Vertical Lift: 5 5. Long-range artillery and hypersonic missiles:

What is a WSO in the Air Force?

U.S. Air Force. In the U.S. Air Force, “WSO” also refers to a USAF combat systems officer (CSO, formerly USAF navigator) who is the aft crew member in the F-15E Strike Eagle.