Title: Weapon systems officer | Military Wiki | Fandom
Headings: Weapon systems officer
Weapon systems officer
Contents
Overview
Training
Primary
Intermediate
Advanced
Graduate training
See also
References

Content: Non-Commissioned aircrew can serve as a WSOp (Weapon Systems Operator), an umbrella term for the various specialist aircrew responsible for assisting the pilot in operating the mission systems of the aircraft (e.g. linguists, loadmasters, crewman). Contents
1
Overview
2
Training
2.1
Primary
2.2
Intermediate
2.3
Advanced
2.4
Graduate training
3
See also
4
References
Overview
WSO mission duties in fighter aircraft were historically rigid because of the displays and controls in the front and aft seats of fighter cockpits. However modern fighter cockpits using programmable multi-function displays allow assigned roles to be more flexible than previous generation aircraft such as the F-4 Phantom II, A-6 Intruder, or F-14 Tomcat. In the latest fighters either aircrew can be responsible for detecting, targeting and engaging air-to-air targets or ground targets, performing communications, operating data-link or defensive systems based on the tactical situation. This provides the flexibility for pilot and WSO roles to be customized based on experience, expertise, workload, tactics, and weapons being employed. The pilot remains responsible for flying the aircraft in tactical situations. WSOs assigned to bomber aircraft typically have more rigidly defined roles. Training
Currently all USN WSOs are trained at various locations in the country but all SNFOs (Student Naval Flight Officers) start training at NAS Pensacola, Florida. Training begins with Introductory Flight Screening where the WSO flies a Cessna 172 to show he/she is competent enough in aviation to continue the rigorous training ahead. Then the SNFO starts the U.S. Navy indoctrination course called Aviation Preflight Indoctrination (API).