UPDATED
the missile looks photoshopped in my opinion...
Friday, December 31, 2010
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
US Army Moves Ahead with V-Hull Strykers
$92M to design & produce required components. (Dec 3/10)
The 8×8 wheeled Stryker armored vehicle is the backbone of the US Army’s 7 medium armored brigades, with an 8th on the way.
The 5th Stryker Brigade from Fort Lewis, WA was the first Stryker unit sent to Afghanistan, deployed in the summer of 2009 as part of a troop level increase. The brigade was equipped with 350 Stryker vehicles. In the first few months of deployment, the Stryker brigade lost 21 soldiers, with 40 more wounded, to IED land mines. The losses prompted the Army to examine modifications to the Stryker vehicles, in order to make them more resistant to land mines. One result is the Stryker hull redesign…
In truth, this is not a new idea. The US military has been considering a LAV-III/Stryker upgrade for some time, and General Dynamics Land Systems has responded with concepts of a heavier “LAV-H” system. What the Afghan experience did, is change the urgency of one aspect for the proposed new design.
The Strykers have come under criticism for their performance in Afghanistan since the first Stryker brigade was deployed there in the summer of 2009. The Stryker vehicles have been faulted for their lack of maneuverability on rough terrain, a problem that Canada’s similar LAV-IIIs have also experienced. That creates an associated vulnerability to IED land mines planted in the road.
Unsurprisingly, related up-armoring efforts are underway for Australia’s ASLAVs, and in Canada via the near-term LAV LORIT program, and their longer-term LAV-III upgrade. Since they’re based on a common core platform, American Stryker modifications could affect that longer-term Canadian project.
Contracts & Key Events
Under the contract, the GM General Dynamics Land Systems Defense Group partnership in Sterling Heights, MI will provide design and integration engineering services, test articles/prototypes, and procurement of materials, including long-lead materials, to support the modified hull design with related integrated system changes. The US Army says the contract objectives are an integrated solution that will provide improved protection levels to support operations in Afghanistan.
The Army’s Tank-automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM) in Warren, MI manages these contracts. So far, announced contracts will produce 450 Strykers with a double-v hull.
The 8×8 wheeled Stryker armored vehicle is the backbone of the US Army’s 7 medium armored brigades, with an 8th on the way.
The 5th Stryker Brigade from Fort Lewis, WA was the first Stryker unit sent to Afghanistan, deployed in the summer of 2009 as part of a troop level increase. The brigade was equipped with 350 Stryker vehicles. In the first few months of deployment, the Stryker brigade lost 21 soldiers, with 40 more wounded, to IED land mines. The losses prompted the Army to examine modifications to the Stryker vehicles, in order to make them more resistant to land mines. One result is the Stryker hull redesign…
Struck Stryker
(click to view larger)
In truth, this is not a new idea. The US military has been considering a LAV-III/Stryker upgrade for some time, and General Dynamics Land Systems has responded with concepts of a heavier “LAV-H” system. What the Afghan experience did, is change the urgency of one aspect for the proposed new design.
The Strykers have come under criticism for their performance in Afghanistan since the first Stryker brigade was deployed there in the summer of 2009. The Stryker vehicles have been faulted for their lack of maneuverability on rough terrain, a problem that Canada’s similar LAV-IIIs have also experienced. That creates an associated vulnerability to IED land mines planted in the road.
Unsurprisingly, related up-armoring efforts are underway for Australia’s ASLAVs, and in Canada via the near-term LAV LORIT program, and their longer-term LAV-III upgrade. Since they’re based on a common core platform, American Stryker modifications could affect that longer-term Canadian project.
Contracts & Key Events
M1126 Stryker ICV
(click to view full)
Under the contract, the GM General Dynamics Land Systems Defense Group partnership in Sterling Heights, MI will provide design and integration engineering services, test articles/prototypes, and procurement of materials, including long-lead materials, to support the modified hull design with related integrated system changes. The US Army says the contract objectives are an integrated solution that will provide improved protection levels to support operations in Afghanistan.
The Army’s Tank-automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM) in Warren, MI manages these contracts. So far, announced contracts will produce 450 Strykers with a double-v hull.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
IDF to deploy super-armored tanks along Gaza border
The Israel Defense Forces decided on Sunday that it will begin deploying tanks equipped with an active armor protection system known as Windbreaker to the border area along the Gaza Strip.
The deployment will begin next month following intelligence assessments that the threat of anti-tank missile attacks in the area is on the rise.
Two weeks ago an IDF tank was hit in the northern portion of the border with the Gaza Strip by an anti-tank missile. The tank was damaged but the crew was not injured.
Security sources had said at the time that there are strong indications that the Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip have upgraded their anti-tank missile capabilities.
Discussions were held with the Southern Command, the General Staff operations department and the Ground Forces Command about making changes to IDF forces in the area.
Originally a battalion from the 401st Brigade was to have deployed its armored units in the area. However, a different battalion from the same brigade, the 9th, will now be deployed with its Windbreaker-equipped tanks.
The Rafael produced system, which is marketed abroad as Trophy, is capable of neutralizing advanced anti-tank missiles at different ranges. Following the Second Lebanon War, the IDF decided to procure the system because of the many incidents in which anti-tank missiles fired by Hezbollah guerrillas managed to damage IDF tanks.
Four years after the war, only a single battalion has been equipped with the system - the 9th. The battalion is also equipped with the most modern type of Merkava battle tank, the Mark IV. At the current rate of procurement it will be several years before significant numbers of battalions are equipped with the system.
A number of Palestinian groups in the Gaza Strip hold hundreds of anti-tank missiles, of different types and sophistication - from the relatively simply RPG to advanced anti-tank missiles.
The IDF may be forced to react to Gazans' upgrading of anti-tank missiles by changing tactics along the border and limiting exposure of tanks.
The main focus of IDF ground activity in the Gaza Strip is the buffer zone of several hundred meters inside the Strip from the fence along the border. During the past two years Gazans have avoided engaging IDF forces entering the area - operations mainly aiming to identify mines laid by militants.
However, there have also been cases of sniper fire, anti-tank missile fire and the detonation of improvised explosive devices against the IDF patrols. Even though there have been low key altercations, there is concern that a Palestinian strike against an Israeli armored vehicle will spark a greater conflagration which will expand and end with massive rocket fire against civilian communities in Israel.
Two rockets fired from the northern Gaza Strip hit southern Ashkelon last night. There were no reports of injuries or damage.
It is believed that the rocket fire came in response to an air strike on Saturday night against a cell of militants preparing to launch rockets into Israel.
Five Palestinians were killed in the attack, members of the Islamic Jihad and the Popular Resistance groups.
The deployment will begin next month following intelligence assessments that the threat of anti-tank missile attacks in the area is on the rise.
Two weeks ago an IDF tank was hit in the northern portion of the border with the Gaza Strip by an anti-tank missile. The tank was damaged but the crew was not injured.
Security sources had said at the time that there are strong indications that the Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip have upgraded their anti-tank missile capabilities.
Discussions were held with the Southern Command, the General Staff operations department and the Ground Forces Command about making changes to IDF forces in the area.
Originally a battalion from the 401st Brigade was to have deployed its armored units in the area. However, a different battalion from the same brigade, the 9th, will now be deployed with its Windbreaker-equipped tanks.
The Rafael produced system, which is marketed abroad as Trophy, is capable of neutralizing advanced anti-tank missiles at different ranges. Following the Second Lebanon War, the IDF decided to procure the system because of the many incidents in which anti-tank missiles fired by Hezbollah guerrillas managed to damage IDF tanks.
Four years after the war, only a single battalion has been equipped with the system - the 9th. The battalion is also equipped with the most modern type of Merkava battle tank, the Mark IV. At the current rate of procurement it will be several years before significant numbers of battalions are equipped with the system.
A number of Palestinian groups in the Gaza Strip hold hundreds of anti-tank missiles, of different types and sophistication - from the relatively simply RPG to advanced anti-tank missiles.
The IDF may be forced to react to Gazans' upgrading of anti-tank missiles by changing tactics along the border and limiting exposure of tanks.
The main focus of IDF ground activity in the Gaza Strip is the buffer zone of several hundred meters inside the Strip from the fence along the border. During the past two years Gazans have avoided engaging IDF forces entering the area - operations mainly aiming to identify mines laid by militants.
However, there have also been cases of sniper fire, anti-tank missile fire and the detonation of improvised explosive devices against the IDF patrols. Even though there have been low key altercations, there is concern that a Palestinian strike against an Israeli armored vehicle will spark a greater conflagration which will expand and end with massive rocket fire against civilian communities in Israel.
Two rockets fired from the northern Gaza Strip hit southern Ashkelon last night. There were no reports of injuries or damage.
It is believed that the rocket fire came in response to an air strike on Saturday night against a cell of militants preparing to launch rockets into Israel.
Five Palestinians were killed in the attack, members of the Islamic Jihad and the Popular Resistance groups.
US Navy's Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System
Navy launches first aircraft using EMALS
NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND PATUXENT RIVER, Md. – The Navy made history Saturday when it launched the first aircraft from the Naval Air Systems Command, Lakehurst, N.J., test site using the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System, or EMALS, technology.
The Navy has been using steam for more than 50 years to launch aircraft from carriers. Saturday, the Aircraft Launch and Recovery Equipment (ALRE) program launched an F/A-18E Super Hornet using the EMALS technology that will replace steam catapults on future aircraft carriers.
"This is a tremendous achievement not just for the ALRE team, but for the entire Navy," said Capt. James Donnelly, ALRE program manager. "Saturday's EMALS launch demonstrates an evolution in carrier flight deck operations using advanced computer control, system monitoring and automation for tomorrow's carrier air wings."
EMALS is a complete carrier-based launch system designed for Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) and future Ford-class carriers.
"I thought the launch went great," said Lt. Daniel Radocaj, the test pilot from Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 23 (VX-23) who made the first EMALS manned launch. "I got excited once I was on the catapult but I went through the same procedures as on a steam catapult. The catapult stroke felt similar to a steam catapult and EMALS met all of the expectations I had."
The current aircraft launch system for Navy aircraft carriers is the steam catapult. Newer, heavier and faster aircraft will result in launch energy requirements approaching the limits of the steam catapult system.
The mission and function of EMALS remain the same as the steam catapult; however, EMALS employs entirely different technologies. EMALS will deliver the necessary higher launch energy capacity as well as substantial improvements in system weight, maintenance, increased efficiency, and more accurate end-speed control.
"I felt honored to be chosen as the Shooter to help launch the first live aircraft tested on the new EMALS track at Lakehurst," said Chief Petty Officer Brandon Barr, Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division Test Department, Lakehurst. "It was very exciting to knowingly be a part of naval aviation history. Petty Officers 1st Class Hunsaker and Robinson, Petty Officers 2nd Class Williams, Wong, and Simmons, were the sailors on my team who worked together to help make this test a success. We all look forward to seeing this cutting edge technology deployed on the Gerald R. Ford."
"I'm excited about the improvement EMALS will bring to the fleet from a capability and reliability perspective," said Cmdr. Russ McCormack, ALRE, PMA-251, deputy program manager for future systems. "EMALS was designed for just that purpose, and the team is delivering that requirement."
The system's technology allows for a smooth acceleration at both high and low speeds, increasing the carrier's ability to launch aircraft in support of the warfighter.
The system will provide the capability for launching all current and future carrier air wing platforms – lightweight unmanned to heavy strike fighters.
Engineers will continue system functional demonstration testing at NAVAIR Lakehurst. The team will expand aircraft launches with the addition of T-45 and C-2 aircraft next year.
NAVAIR Lakehurst
NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND PATUXENT RIVER, Md. – The Navy made history Saturday when it launched the first aircraft from the Naval Air Systems Command, Lakehurst, N.J., test site using the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System, or EMALS, technology.
The Navy has been using steam for more than 50 years to launch aircraft from carriers. Saturday, the Aircraft Launch and Recovery Equipment (ALRE) program launched an F/A-18E Super Hornet using the EMALS technology that will replace steam catapults on future aircraft carriers.
"This is a tremendous achievement not just for the ALRE team, but for the entire Navy," said Capt. James Donnelly, ALRE program manager. "Saturday's EMALS launch demonstrates an evolution in carrier flight deck operations using advanced computer control, system monitoring and automation for tomorrow's carrier air wings."
EMALS is a complete carrier-based launch system designed for Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) and future Ford-class carriers.
"I thought the launch went great," said Lt. Daniel Radocaj, the test pilot from Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 23 (VX-23) who made the first EMALS manned launch. "I got excited once I was on the catapult but I went through the same procedures as on a steam catapult. The catapult stroke felt similar to a steam catapult and EMALS met all of the expectations I had."
The current aircraft launch system for Navy aircraft carriers is the steam catapult. Newer, heavier and faster aircraft will result in launch energy requirements approaching the limits of the steam catapult system.
The mission and function of EMALS remain the same as the steam catapult; however, EMALS employs entirely different technologies. EMALS will deliver the necessary higher launch energy capacity as well as substantial improvements in system weight, maintenance, increased efficiency, and more accurate end-speed control.
"I felt honored to be chosen as the Shooter to help launch the first live aircraft tested on the new EMALS track at Lakehurst," said Chief Petty Officer Brandon Barr, Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division Test Department, Lakehurst. "It was very exciting to knowingly be a part of naval aviation history. Petty Officers 1st Class Hunsaker and Robinson, Petty Officers 2nd Class Williams, Wong, and Simmons, were the sailors on my team who worked together to help make this test a success. We all look forward to seeing this cutting edge technology deployed on the Gerald R. Ford."
"I'm excited about the improvement EMALS will bring to the fleet from a capability and reliability perspective," said Cmdr. Russ McCormack, ALRE, PMA-251, deputy program manager for future systems. "EMALS was designed for just that purpose, and the team is delivering that requirement."
The system's technology allows for a smooth acceleration at both high and low speeds, increasing the carrier's ability to launch aircraft in support of the warfighter.
The system will provide the capability for launching all current and future carrier air wing platforms – lightweight unmanned to heavy strike fighters.
Engineers will continue system functional demonstration testing at NAVAIR Lakehurst. The team will expand aircraft launches with the addition of T-45 and C-2 aircraft next year.
NAVAIR Lakehurst
Monday, December 20, 2010
The second PAK FA prototype to fly early 2011.
The second PAK FA prototype (T-50) will join the flying program in early 2011. This is according to the president of the United Aircraft Corporation, Alexei Fedorov. Previously planned to go up in the air at the end of 2011. According to Fedorov, "the new aircraft will not be the same as, but will complement the work on the first prototype."
Currently, the second prototype of T-50 going through intense ground testing, after which the aircraft will start flying. What date exactly the new T-50 will rise into the air is unknown. According to Fedorov, after the second prototype will begin flight tests preparations of the flight of third prototype are to commence.
"The third flight prototype is currently in production. It will be more advanced than the first two, in terms of saturation of the systems and the types of challenges that it will be tested for" - the UAC president said.
Source lenta.ru
Saturday, December 18, 2010
A-10 Refueling South West Asia
A U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt aircraft peels off after receiving fuel from a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft, assigned to the 340th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron in support of Operation Enduring Freedom on Dec. 11, 2010. The 340th EARS is deployed to an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia.
A U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt aircraft peels off after receiving fuel from a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft assigned to the 340th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron in support of Operation Enduring Freedom on Dec. 11, 2010. The 340th EARS is deployed to an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia.
A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft, assigned to the 340th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, brings in two U.S. Air Force A-1O Thunderbolt aircrafts during air refueling operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom on Dec. 11, 2010. The 340th EARS is deployed to an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia.
A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft, assigned to the 340th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, brings in two U.S. Air Force A-1O Thunderbolt aircrafts during air refueling operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom on Dec. 11, 2010. The 340th EARS is deployed to an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia.
Two U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt aircrafts form up in a "Hog Line" formation behind a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft, assigned to the 340th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron on Dec. 11, 2010. The 340th EARS is deployed to an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia.
U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt aircraft maneuvers into position behind a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft, assigned to the 340th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, while taking on fuel over Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom on Dec. 11, 2010. The 340th EARS is deployed to an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia.
U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt aircraft maneuvers into position behind a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft, assigned to the 340th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, while taking on fuel over Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom on Dec. 11, 2010. The 340th EARS is deployed to an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Naval Surface Warfare Center Electromagnetic Railgun
DAHLGREN, Va. (Dec. 10, 2010) The Office of Naval Research Electromagnetic Railgun located at the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division, fired a world-record setting 33 mega-joule shot, breaking the previous record established Jan. 31, 2008. The railgun is a long-range, high-energy gun launch system that uses electricity rather than gunpowder or rocket motors to launch projectiles capable of striking a target at a range of more than 200 nautical miles with Mach 7 velocity. A future tactical railgun will hit targets at ranges almost 20 times farther than conventional surface ship combat systems. (U.S. Navy photo by John F. Williams/Released)
DAHLGREN, Va. (Dec. 10, 2010) High-speed camera image of the Office of Naval Research Electromagnetic Railgun located at the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division, firing a world-record setting 33 mega-joule shot, breaking the previous record established Jan. 31, 2008. (U.S. Navy photo/Released)
Afghanistan War Operations
A German Bundeswehr army soldier with the Delta platoon of the 2nd paratroop company 373 prepares his weapons for the unit group picture in the army camp in Kunduz, northern Afghanistan, December 17, 2010.
U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Dylan Nordell with 3rd Platoon, Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines provides security during a patrol in Sangin District, Afghanistan Nov. 26, 2010. Marines conduct security patrols to decrease the insurgency and gain the trust of the local population. The battalion is one of the combat elements of Regimental Combat Team 2 whose mission is to conduct counterinsurgency operations in partnership with the International Security Assistance Forces. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jorge A. Ortiz/ Released)
German Bundeswehr army soldiers from Charlie platoon of the 2nd Paratroop Company 373 keep watch in an area during a mission in the city of Iman Sahib, north of Kunduz, northern Afghanistan, December 15, 2010.
An Afghan boy points to the equipment of a German Bundeswehr army soldier from Charlie platoon of the 2nd Paratroop Company 373 during a mission in the city of Iman Sahib, north of Kunduz, northern Afghanistan, December 15, 2010.
An AH-1W Super Cobra with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 169, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) departs from Forward Operating Base Dwyer, Afghanistan to provide close air support on a joint Tactical Airstrike Request. The Cobra is one of several stationed at FOB Dwyer as part of a HMLA-169 detachment, which provides quick-response close air support for coalition and Afghan forces within the area.
An AH-1W Super Cobra with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 169, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) rests staged next to a UH-60A Black Hawk at Forward Operating Base Dwyer, Afghanistan. The Cobra is one of several stationed at FOB Dwyer as part of a HMLA-169 detachment, which provides quick-response close air support for coalition and Afghan forces within the area. Marines of the squadron frequently lend maintenance support as well as armed escorts for the Black Hawk crew and pilots of the Charlie Company 214th Aviation Regiment "Dustoff."
A Banshee Troop, Task Force Eagle Assault, scout weapons team departs Forward Operating Base Wolverine, Afghanistan for a reconnaissance and security mission to protect coalition forces and Afghan civilians from insurgent threats in Zabul province Nov. 6.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Russia And India Fix T-50 FGFA
Russia And India Fix T-50 Fighter Design Contract
The first Russian prototype T-50 made its maiden flight in January 2010.
New Delhi, India (RIA Novosti) Dec 17, 2010
Russia and India have agreed the estimated cost of a design contract for their joint fifth-generation fighter project at $295 million, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Chairman Ashok Nayak said in an interview with RIA Novosti.
"The cost of preliminary design is estimated at $295 million. The work is expected to be complete within 18 months," Nayak said.
Russia's Sukhoi holding and India's Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) agreed in early 2010 to jointly develop a fifth-generation fighter jet based on the prototype T-50 design. India confirmed that it had finalized a draft contract at a meeting with Russia in early October.
Nayak said the contract could be signed by the representatives of India's HAL and Russia's United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) during a visit by Russian President Dmitry Medvedev to India on December 20-22.
The two sides agreed to develop both a single-seat and a two-seat version of the aircraft by 2016, focusing on the single-seat version in the initial stages of development. The costs will be shared equally between Russia and India.
The new fighter aircraft is expected to enter service with the Indian Air Force by 2020.
The first Russian prototype T-50 made its maiden flight in January 2010.
New Delhi, India (RIA Novosti) Dec 17, 2010
Russia and India have agreed the estimated cost of a design contract for their joint fifth-generation fighter project at $295 million, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Chairman Ashok Nayak said in an interview with RIA Novosti.
"The cost of preliminary design is estimated at $295 million. The work is expected to be complete within 18 months," Nayak said.
Russia's Sukhoi holding and India's Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) agreed in early 2010 to jointly develop a fifth-generation fighter jet based on the prototype T-50 design. India confirmed that it had finalized a draft contract at a meeting with Russia in early October.
Nayak said the contract could be signed by the representatives of India's HAL and Russia's United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) during a visit by Russian President Dmitry Medvedev to India on December 20-22.
The two sides agreed to develop both a single-seat and a two-seat version of the aircraft by 2016, focusing on the single-seat version in the initial stages of development. The costs will be shared equally between Russia and India.
The new fighter aircraft is expected to enter service with the Indian Air Force by 2020.
X47b News
The first unmanned aircraft designed as a carrier-based strike jet is almost ready to take to the air for the first time, U.S. Navy officials have confirmed
Northrop Grumman's X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System Demonstration (UCAS-D) drone has been performing taxi tests for several weeks at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., as engineers run the aircraft through a long series of pre-flight tests and checks.
Program officials had hoped for a flight by mid-December, but weather and other factors have delayed the event. Officials were reluctant to specify an exact date, but are hopeful the flight will take place before the end of the year.
Two X-47Bs have been built by Northrop's Integrated Systems sector under a 2007 development contract. The stealthy aircraft, which resembles a miniature B-2 bomber - also built by Northrop - is intended to test the concept of operating a small, unmanned, combat jet from aircraft carriers.
Although numerous technical and command-and-control issues need to be addressed to bring the concept to maturity, war planners have routinely been using X-47s in war games as part of a carrier strike group. In some cases, they have even swapped out the manned air wing for an all-UCAS wing, with, reportedly, great success.
Northrop's work on the program includes the design and development of airborne precision-guided positioning system algorithms to help navigate the aircraft, and autonomous aerial refueling technology to keep the planes aloft - perhaps for several days at a time.
The first plane was to have taken to the air in late 2009 under the original contract, with the first at-sea tests on a carrier to have been in 2011, but those dates have been pushed back. Initial seagoing tests now are scheduled for early 2013.
The single-engine, tailless X-47B has a wingspan of 62 feet and is 38 feet long. It is designed to carry 4,500 pounds of weapons in its payload bay, reach high subsonic speeds, and fly to altitudes of about 40,000 feet. Without refueling, it should be able to operate at ranges up to 2,100 nautical miles and stay in the air for more than six hours.
Lockheed Martin, Pratt & Whitney and GKN Aerospace are teamed with prime contractor Northrop on the UCAS-D program.
Northrop Grumman's X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System Demonstration (UCAS-D) drone has been performing taxi tests for several weeks at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., as engineers run the aircraft through a long series of pre-flight tests and checks.
Program officials had hoped for a flight by mid-December, but weather and other factors have delayed the event. Officials were reluctant to specify an exact date, but are hopeful the flight will take place before the end of the year.
Two X-47Bs have been built by Northrop's Integrated Systems sector under a 2007 development contract. The stealthy aircraft, which resembles a miniature B-2 bomber - also built by Northrop - is intended to test the concept of operating a small, unmanned, combat jet from aircraft carriers.
Although numerous technical and command-and-control issues need to be addressed to bring the concept to maturity, war planners have routinely been using X-47s in war games as part of a carrier strike group. In some cases, they have even swapped out the manned air wing for an all-UCAS wing, with, reportedly, great success.
Northrop's work on the program includes the design and development of airborne precision-guided positioning system algorithms to help navigate the aircraft, and autonomous aerial refueling technology to keep the planes aloft - perhaps for several days at a time.
The first plane was to have taken to the air in late 2009 under the original contract, with the first at-sea tests on a carrier to have been in 2011, but those dates have been pushed back. Initial seagoing tests now are scheduled for early 2013.
The single-engine, tailless X-47B has a wingspan of 62 feet and is 38 feet long. It is designed to carry 4,500 pounds of weapons in its payload bay, reach high subsonic speeds, and fly to altitudes of about 40,000 feet. Without refueling, it should be able to operate at ranges up to 2,100 nautical miles and stay in the air for more than six hours.
Lockheed Martin, Pratt & Whitney and GKN Aerospace are teamed with prime contractor Northrop on the UCAS-D program.
Vehicle Characteristics
Cruise Speed: 460 Kts
Organic Range: 3,000 NM
MAX Sortie Endurance: 50 Hrs
Fleet Availability Rate: 90%
Turnaround Time: 2 Hrs
Refueling Duration: 30 Min
Fuel Reserve Requirement: 5% (150 NM / 20 Mins)
One Squadron = 12 Total Aircraft
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