The B61-12 LEP refurbishes both nuclear and non-nuclear components to extend the bomb’s service life while improving its safety, security and reliability. The LEP will reuse or remanufacture existing components to the maximum extent possible. With the incorporation of an Air Force provided tail-kit assembly, the B61-12 will replace the existing B61-3, -4, -7, and -10 bombs.
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US Air Force: Discussion and News
max steel- Posts : 2930
Points : 2955
Join date : 2015-02-12
Location : South Pole
- Post n°126
Re: US Air Force: Discussion and News
Air Force Complete Successful B61-12 Life Extension Program Development Flight Test at Tonopah Test Range
The B61-12 LEP refurbishes both nuclear and non-nuclear components to extend the bomb’s service life while improving its safety, security and reliability. The LEP will reuse or remanufacture existing components to the maximum extent possible. With the incorporation of an Air Force provided tail-kit assembly, the B61-12 will replace the existing B61-3, -4, -7, and -10 bombs.
The B61-12 LEP refurbishes both nuclear and non-nuclear components to extend the bomb’s service life while improving its safety, security and reliability. The LEP will reuse or remanufacture existing components to the maximum extent possible. With the incorporation of an Air Force provided tail-kit assembly, the B61-12 will replace the existing B61-3, -4, -7, and -10 bombs.
Guest- Guest
- Post n°127
Re: US Air Force: Discussion and News
"The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter might not be produced in sufficient numbers to maintain the U.S. Air Force’s current operational capabilities due to budgetary constraints, according to Aerospace Daily & Defense Report. As a result the service is considering filling the capabilities gap with 72 Boeing F-15s, Lockheed-Martin F-16’s, or even Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornets. “F-15s and F-16s are now expected to serve until 2045, when an all-new aircraft will be ready, and plans to modernize F-16s with active electronically scanned array radars and other improvements are being revived,” the article states.
U.S. Air Force officials and industry officials revealed as much at the Defense IQ International Fighter Conference, which took place November 17-19 in London. The U.S. Air Force “is struggling to afford 48 F-35s a year” for the first years of full-rate production a senior Air Force officer told Aerospace Daily & Defense Report. Full rate-production is slated to begin in 2019 and the U.S. Air Force wants to buy 60 planes in 2020, and 80 F-35 per year after that. This year, the Air Force is to receive 28 F-35s, whereas in 2016 the number is slated to increase to 44. By 2038, the service wants to have 1763 F-35 aircraft in service. However, this procurement schedule might not be financially feasible for the Air Force.
“Consequently, F-15s and F-16s will serve longer and will outnumber F-35s and F-22s through the late 2020s,” Aerospace Daily &Defense Report notes. The article furthermore explains: The service is looking at a three-tier force, with 300 F-16s and some F-15s being modernized “to augment the F-35 and F-22 in a high-end fight” and others assigned to low-end operations, while the contemplated 72-aircraft buy (an Air Force wing) would sustain force numbers and provide additional modern aircraft.
![US Air Force: Discussion and News - Page 6 BoeingmediaSilentEagleMSF09-0028-153_F-15SE](https://2img.net/h/mediad.publicbroadcasting.net/p/kwmu/files/201309/BoeingmediaSilentEagleMSF09-0028-153_F-15SE.jpg)
Interestingly, a senior U.S. Air Force official revealed that “the last time we looked, this was more expensive than buying F-35s in bulk.” However, he confirmed that the option of purchasing 72 aircraft is nevertheless still on the table. The U.S. Air Force has already asked for cost estimates on procuring new F-15s and life-extension/upgrade options. “Also under consideration is a plan to augment U.S. Air Force electronic attack capabilities by fitting some F-15Es with a version of the Raytheon Next Generation Jammer pod,” the article states. Overall, the Pentagon is planning to procure 2,457 aircraft by 2038. Total acquisition costs are estimated at over $400 billion making it the U.S. military’s most expensive acquisition program. Operation and support costs throughout the aircraft’s lifetime are estimated at over a $1 trillion.
The supersonic fifth-generation F-35 Joint Strike Fighter exists in three variants: The F-35A conventional takeoff and landing variant for the U.S. Air Force; the F-35B short takeoff and vertical landing variant for the U.S. Marine Corps, and the F-35C carrier-suitable variant for the U.S. Navy."
Source: http://defence-blog.com/news/us-air-force-might-buy-72-new-f-15-or-f-16-fighter-jets.html
Is it me or i see another chance for F15SE...
U.S. Air Force officials and industry officials revealed as much at the Defense IQ International Fighter Conference, which took place November 17-19 in London. The U.S. Air Force “is struggling to afford 48 F-35s a year” for the first years of full-rate production a senior Air Force officer told Aerospace Daily & Defense Report. Full rate-production is slated to begin in 2019 and the U.S. Air Force wants to buy 60 planes in 2020, and 80 F-35 per year after that. This year, the Air Force is to receive 28 F-35s, whereas in 2016 the number is slated to increase to 44. By 2038, the service wants to have 1763 F-35 aircraft in service. However, this procurement schedule might not be financially feasible for the Air Force.
“Consequently, F-15s and F-16s will serve longer and will outnumber F-35s and F-22s through the late 2020s,” Aerospace Daily &Defense Report notes. The article furthermore explains: The service is looking at a three-tier force, with 300 F-16s and some F-15s being modernized “to augment the F-35 and F-22 in a high-end fight” and others assigned to low-end operations, while the contemplated 72-aircraft buy (an Air Force wing) would sustain force numbers and provide additional modern aircraft.
![US Air Force: Discussion and News - Page 6 BoeingmediaSilentEagleMSF09-0028-153_F-15SE](https://2img.net/h/mediad.publicbroadcasting.net/p/kwmu/files/201309/BoeingmediaSilentEagleMSF09-0028-153_F-15SE.jpg)
Interestingly, a senior U.S. Air Force official revealed that “the last time we looked, this was more expensive than buying F-35s in bulk.” However, he confirmed that the option of purchasing 72 aircraft is nevertheless still on the table. The U.S. Air Force has already asked for cost estimates on procuring new F-15s and life-extension/upgrade options. “Also under consideration is a plan to augment U.S. Air Force electronic attack capabilities by fitting some F-15Es with a version of the Raytheon Next Generation Jammer pod,” the article states. Overall, the Pentagon is planning to procure 2,457 aircraft by 2038. Total acquisition costs are estimated at over $400 billion making it the U.S. military’s most expensive acquisition program. Operation and support costs throughout the aircraft’s lifetime are estimated at over a $1 trillion.
The supersonic fifth-generation F-35 Joint Strike Fighter exists in three variants: The F-35A conventional takeoff and landing variant for the U.S. Air Force; the F-35B short takeoff and vertical landing variant for the U.S. Marine Corps, and the F-35C carrier-suitable variant for the U.S. Navy."
Source: http://defence-blog.com/news/us-air-force-might-buy-72-new-f-15-or-f-16-fighter-jets.html
Is it me or i see another chance for F15SE...
Werewolf- Posts : 5921
Points : 6110
Join date : 2012-10-24
- Post n°128
Re: US Air Force: Discussion and News
Nothing will happen after all just like everyone was already knewing.
max steel- Posts : 2930
Points : 2955
Join date : 2015-02-12
Location : South Pole
- Post n°129
Re: US Air Force: Discussion and News
One of the most sensible news from USAF i've heard in a long Time.The only missing link now is to ink the 72 deal on F-15SA for USAF.
F-15C 2040 upgrades aka F-15C as a MULE to support F-35A and F-22A.
wtf?
USAF denies seeking more F-16 or F-15 combat jets
The US Air Force has denied any plans to purchase another tranche of Lockheed Martin F-16 or Boeing F-15 combat jets following reports it could seek bids for up to 72 new aircraft.
![US Air Force: Discussion and News - Page 6 Yourfi10](https://i.servimg.com/u/f68/19/17/62/16/yourfi10.jpg)
F-15C 2040 upgrades aka F-15C as a MULE to support F-35A and F-22A.
wtf?
![confused](https://2img.net/i/fa/i/smiles/confused.png)
The US Air Force has denied any plans to purchase another tranche of Lockheed Martin F-16 or Boeing F-15 combat jets following reports it could seek bids for up to 72 new aircraft.
![US Air Force: Discussion and News - Page 6 Yourfi10](https://i.servimg.com/u/f68/19/17/62/16/yourfi10.jpg)
Last edited by max steel on Fri Nov 27, 2015 9:55 pm; edited 1 time in total
max steel- Posts : 2930
Points : 2955
Join date : 2015-02-12
Location : South Pole
- Post n°130
Re: US Air Force: Discussion and News
F-16 Fighter Jet Crashes on Training Mission; Pilot Safe
Guest- Guest
- Post n°131
Re: US Air Force: Discussion and News
"The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) and United States Air Force completed the third development flight test of a non-nuclear B61-12 nuclear gravity bomb at Tonopah Test Range in Nevada on October 20, 2015, the NNSA announced on Nov. 16, 2015. “This demonstration of effective end-to-end system performance under representative delivery conditions marks another 2015 achievement in the development of the B61-12 Life Extension Program,” said NNSA Deputy Administrator Madelyn Creedon. “Completing this guided B61-12 flight test provides additional evidence of the nation's continued commitment to our nation’s security and that of our allies and partners.”
![US Air Force: Discussion and News - Page 6 B61_2014_03](https://2img.net/h/nevskii-bastion.ru/VVT/B61_2014_03.jpg)
The flight test asset consisted of hardware designed by Sandia National and Los Alamos National Laboratories, manufactured by the National Security Enterprise Plants, and mated to the tail-kit assembly section, designed by The Boeing Company under contract with Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center. This development flight test asset contained representative non-nuclear components but no highly enriched uranium or plutonium, consistent with test treaty obligations. Although the tail-kit assembly guided the test unit, the B61-12 nuclear weapon will have no additional capabilities from the legacy B61 nuclear weapons and is not GPS-guided. This test is the last of three development flight tests for the B61-12 Life Extension Program (LEP). An F-15E from Nellis AFB released the B61-12 test asset and it demonstrated successful performance in a realistic guided flight environment. Initial indications are that all scheduled activities occurred successfully and that telemetry, tracking and video data were properly collected. This test provides additional confidence in the weapon system and instrumentation designs prior to authorizing Phase 6.4, Production Engineering, in 2016.
![US Air Force: Discussion and News - Page 6 B61spinmotor](https://fas.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/B61spinmotor.jpg)
The B61-12 LEP entered Development Engineering in February 2012 under the oversight of the Nuclear Weapons Council, a joint Department of Defense and Department of Energy/NNSA organization established to facilitate cooperation and coordination between the two departments as they fulfill their complementary agency responsibilities for U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile management. The B61-12 LEP is a joint U.S. Air Force and NNSA program that preserves a critical element of the U.S. Nuclear Triad and demonstrates continued support for extended deterrence and assurance commitments.
![US Air Force: Discussion and News - Page 6 B61-12windtunnel](https://fas.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/B61-12windtunnel.jpg)
The B61-12 LEP refurbishes both nuclear and non-nuclear components to extend the bomb’s service life while improving its safety, security and reliability. The LEP will reuse or remanufacture existing components to the maximum extent possible. With the incorporation of an Air Force provided tail-kit assembly, the B61-12 will replace the existing B61-3, -4, -7, and -10 bombs."
Source: http://www.airrecognition.com/index.php/focus-analysis-photo-report-aviation-defence-industry/aviation-defence-industry-technology/2172-usaf-achieves-final-development-flight-test-of-a-b61-12-nuclear-gravity-bomb.html
![US Air Force: Discussion and News - Page 6 B61_2014_03](https://2img.net/h/nevskii-bastion.ru/VVT/B61_2014_03.jpg)
The flight test asset consisted of hardware designed by Sandia National and Los Alamos National Laboratories, manufactured by the National Security Enterprise Plants, and mated to the tail-kit assembly section, designed by The Boeing Company under contract with Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center. This development flight test asset contained representative non-nuclear components but no highly enriched uranium or plutonium, consistent with test treaty obligations. Although the tail-kit assembly guided the test unit, the B61-12 nuclear weapon will have no additional capabilities from the legacy B61 nuclear weapons and is not GPS-guided. This test is the last of three development flight tests for the B61-12 Life Extension Program (LEP). An F-15E from Nellis AFB released the B61-12 test asset and it demonstrated successful performance in a realistic guided flight environment. Initial indications are that all scheduled activities occurred successfully and that telemetry, tracking and video data were properly collected. This test provides additional confidence in the weapon system and instrumentation designs prior to authorizing Phase 6.4, Production Engineering, in 2016.
![US Air Force: Discussion and News - Page 6 B61spinmotor](https://fas.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/B61spinmotor.jpg)
The B61-12 LEP entered Development Engineering in February 2012 under the oversight of the Nuclear Weapons Council, a joint Department of Defense and Department of Energy/NNSA organization established to facilitate cooperation and coordination between the two departments as they fulfill their complementary agency responsibilities for U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile management. The B61-12 LEP is a joint U.S. Air Force and NNSA program that preserves a critical element of the U.S. Nuclear Triad and demonstrates continued support for extended deterrence and assurance commitments.
![US Air Force: Discussion and News - Page 6 B61-12windtunnel](https://fas.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/B61-12windtunnel.jpg)
The B61-12 LEP refurbishes both nuclear and non-nuclear components to extend the bomb’s service life while improving its safety, security and reliability. The LEP will reuse or remanufacture existing components to the maximum extent possible. With the incorporation of an Air Force provided tail-kit assembly, the B61-12 will replace the existing B61-3, -4, -7, and -10 bombs."
Source: http://www.airrecognition.com/index.php/focus-analysis-photo-report-aviation-defence-industry/aviation-defence-industry-technology/2172-usaf-achieves-final-development-flight-test-of-a-b61-12-nuclear-gravity-bomb.html
Guest- Guest
- Post n°132
Re: US Air Force: Discussion and News
"Orbital ATK conducted a live fire test of the AGM-88E Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile (AARGM) Block 1 Software Upgrade. The test took place on 22 September at China Lake Naval Air Warfare Center and included the use of a Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornet platform for the launch of the missile. The missile was used in a complex scenario, which tested its capabilities against an advanced air defence radar system. Before the launch from the Super Hornet, the missile detected, identified and located the target with the use of its anti-radiation homing receiver. The target data were relayed to the pilot who fired the missile in “Target of Opportunity” mode. The millimeter radar of the AGM-88E located the target and performed terminal guidance, which resulted in a direct hit.
This has been the second live fire test of the AARGM Block 1 Software Upgrade, which is also capable of engaging moving ships as per the previous test, which proved the weapon’s versatility, according to Gordon Turner, Orbital ATK’s VP of Programs, Business Development and Strategy for Defense Electronic Systems.
![US Air Force: Discussion and News - Page 6 Direct_hit_for_the_Orbital_ATK%E2%80%99s_AARGM_640_001](https://2img.net/h/www.airrecognition.com/images/stories/news/2015/november/Direct_hit_for_the_Orbital_ATK%E2%80%99s_AARGM_640_001.jpg)
After these tests, the missile is one step closer before the updated version is delivered to the Air Force, according to Cary Ralston, VP and General Manager of Orbital ATK’s Defense Electronic Systems division. AARGM is the product from the cooperation between the US Navy and the Italian Air Force, with the first as the executive service. AARGM reached the Initial Operational Capability milestone in July 2012 and two months later it received the US Navy’s approval for Full Rate Production. The AGM-88E HARM is a supersonic, tactical missile, launched from aircraft. The AARGM kit can be used to upgrade legacy HARMs. As a modern system, AARGM relays to the pilots, in-cockpit, real-time information on the order of battle and situational awareness against ground-based air defence threats. The missile is capable of engaging land or naval-based radar threats and non-radar, time-sensitive targets. AARGM is already in use by the US Navy and US Marine Corps, with the F/A-18C/D Hornet, F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and E/A-18G Growler aircraft, and is being integrated at the Italian Air Force’s Tornado ECR aircraft."
Source: http://www.airrecognition.com/index.php/archive-world-worldwide-news-air-force-aviation-aerospace-air-military-defence-industry/global-news-2015/november/2177-direct-hit-for-the-orbital-atk-s-agm-88e-aargm-missile.html
This has been the second live fire test of the AARGM Block 1 Software Upgrade, which is also capable of engaging moving ships as per the previous test, which proved the weapon’s versatility, according to Gordon Turner, Orbital ATK’s VP of Programs, Business Development and Strategy for Defense Electronic Systems.
![US Air Force: Discussion and News - Page 6 Direct_hit_for_the_Orbital_ATK%E2%80%99s_AARGM_640_001](https://2img.net/h/www.airrecognition.com/images/stories/news/2015/november/Direct_hit_for_the_Orbital_ATK%E2%80%99s_AARGM_640_001.jpg)
After these tests, the missile is one step closer before the updated version is delivered to the Air Force, according to Cary Ralston, VP and General Manager of Orbital ATK’s Defense Electronic Systems division. AARGM is the product from the cooperation between the US Navy and the Italian Air Force, with the first as the executive service. AARGM reached the Initial Operational Capability milestone in July 2012 and two months later it received the US Navy’s approval for Full Rate Production. The AGM-88E HARM is a supersonic, tactical missile, launched from aircraft. The AARGM kit can be used to upgrade legacy HARMs. As a modern system, AARGM relays to the pilots, in-cockpit, real-time information on the order of battle and situational awareness against ground-based air defence threats. The missile is capable of engaging land or naval-based radar threats and non-radar, time-sensitive targets. AARGM is already in use by the US Navy and US Marine Corps, with the F/A-18C/D Hornet, F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and E/A-18G Growler aircraft, and is being integrated at the Italian Air Force’s Tornado ECR aircraft."
Source: http://www.airrecognition.com/index.php/archive-world-worldwide-news-air-force-aviation-aerospace-air-military-defence-industry/global-news-2015/november/2177-direct-hit-for-the-orbital-atk-s-agm-88e-aargm-missile.html
max steel- Posts : 2930
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Join date : 2015-02-12
Location : South Pole
- Post n°133
Re: US Air Force: Discussion and News
This missile with its advanced anti-radiation homing receiver and sueprsonic speed can pose threat to Russian ADs.
Guest- Guest
- Post n°134
Re: US Air Force: Discussion and News
"Boeing closed out C-17 deliveries and seven decades of aircraft production in Long Beach, California, with the departure of the last airlifter for the Qatar Emiri air force to the company’s San Antonio facility on Nov 29. The final aircraft is one of four C-17s that will be delivered to Qatar in 2016, and together with one aircraft that remains unsold and in storage in Texas, takes the overall production tally to 279. Not including the prototype, structural test airframes and the five undelivered aircraft, Boeing has so far officially delivered 271 C-17s, including 223 to the U.S. Air Force and 48 to international operators.
The Qatar C-17 is one of 10 “white tails” for which Boeing committed to building without having a firm customer in 2013. Of the remaining aircraft, sales finalized this year include a single C-17 for Canada, which accepted its fifth in March, and the United Arab Emirates, which took two more aircraft for a total fleet of eight. Two additional aircraft from the final batch were also acquired by Australia, which formally accepted its eighth and last C-17 at Long Beach on Sept. 4. Other international operators include the U.K., Kuwait, India and the 12-nation Strategic Airlift Capability consortium of NATO.
![US Air Force: Discussion and News - Page 6 1280px-C17_aircraft_alt](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/36/C17_aircraft_alt.jpg/1280px-C17_aircraft_alt.jpg)
While Boeing continues to provide support, maintenance and upgrades to the airlifter fleet under the C-17 Globemaster III Integrated Sustainment Program (GISP) Performance-Based Logistics program, the future of the production site at Long Beach remains undecided. Even though large sections of both the Boeing F/A-18 and Lockheed Martin F-35 are produced in California, the C-17 is the last series-built, fixed-wing aircraft to be completely assembled and delivered in the state. So the last delivery ends more than 70 years of full aircraft production at Long Beach and more than a century of complete fixed-wing aircraft serial manufacturing in California."
Source: http://aviationweek.com/defense/boeing-ends-c-17-production-california
The Qatar C-17 is one of 10 “white tails” for which Boeing committed to building without having a firm customer in 2013. Of the remaining aircraft, sales finalized this year include a single C-17 for Canada, which accepted its fifth in March, and the United Arab Emirates, which took two more aircraft for a total fleet of eight. Two additional aircraft from the final batch were also acquired by Australia, which formally accepted its eighth and last C-17 at Long Beach on Sept. 4. Other international operators include the U.K., Kuwait, India and the 12-nation Strategic Airlift Capability consortium of NATO.
![US Air Force: Discussion and News - Page 6 1280px-C17_aircraft_alt](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/36/C17_aircraft_alt.jpg/1280px-C17_aircraft_alt.jpg)
While Boeing continues to provide support, maintenance and upgrades to the airlifter fleet under the C-17 Globemaster III Integrated Sustainment Program (GISP) Performance-Based Logistics program, the future of the production site at Long Beach remains undecided. Even though large sections of both the Boeing F/A-18 and Lockheed Martin F-35 are produced in California, the C-17 is the last series-built, fixed-wing aircraft to be completely assembled and delivered in the state. So the last delivery ends more than 70 years of full aircraft production at Long Beach and more than a century of complete fixed-wing aircraft serial manufacturing in California."
Source: http://aviationweek.com/defense/boeing-ends-c-17-production-california
max steel- Posts : 2930
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- Post n°135
Re: US Air Force: Discussion and News
US Military Just Ditched Plans to Launch Satellites with F-15s
Guest- Guest
- Post n°136
Re: US Air Force: Discussion and News
"Top U.S. arms makers are straining to meet surging demand for precision missiles and other weapons being used in the U.S.-led fight against Islamic State and other conflicts in the Middle East, according to senior U.S. officials and industry executives. Global demand for U.S.-made missiles and so-called smart bombs has grown steadily since their use in the first Gulf War. But the United States and a host of allies are now rushing to ensure a stable supply of such weapons for what is expected to be a long fight against Islamic State, whose rise has fueled conflict in Syria and across a swathe of the Middle East. U.S. officials say arms makers have added shifts and hired workers, but they are bumping up against capacity constraints and may need to expand plants or even open new ones to keep weapons flowing. That could create further log-jams at a time when U.S. allies are voicing growing concern that Washington's processing of arms sales orders is too slow.
Islamic State's deadly attacks in Paris last month have added urgency to the U.S.-led bombing campaign against the group in Iraq and Syria. The campaign had resulted in 8,605 strikes at an estimated cost of around $5.2 billion as of Dec. 2. Meanwhile, a Saudi-led coalition including Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates and backed by Washington is carrying out a nine-month-old military campaign against Iran-backed rebels in Yemen. Gulf states are also supplying U.S.-made arms to rebels fighting Syria's government in that country's four-year-old war. "It's a huge growth area for us," said one executive with a U.S. weapons maker, who was not authorized to speak publicly. "Everyone in the region is talking about building up supplies for five to ten years. This is going to be a long fight" against Islamic State.
The impact is palpable in Troy, Alabama, where Lockheed Martin Corp builds its 100-pound Hellfire air-to-ground missiles at a 3,863-acre highly secured facility surrounded by woods and horse pastures. Realtors are adding staff in anticipation of new hiring at the plant, and the large grocery chain Publix is opening a store soon. "What's good for Lockheed is good for Troy," said Kathleen Sauer, president of the Pike County Chamber of Commerce, adding that the expansion was helping a local economy where unemployment rates are already among the lowest in the state. "Look at our downtown," she said. "Almost all the stores are open and we have more coming in." Lockheed has added a third shift at its plant, which employed 325 workers as of February, and is now at "maximum capacity," said one executive familiar with the issue. The company announced in February that it will add 240 workers by 2020 and expand the facility, which also produces a 2,000-pound air-to-surface stealthy missile.
Frank Kendall, the Pentagon's chief arms buyer, told Reuters this week there has been particularly strong demand for the Hellfire missiles. At $60,000 to $100,000 apiece they are inexpensive compared to many missiles and can be launched from everything from aircraft and helicopters and ships to destroy armored vehicles or punch into buildings. Kendall and other senior U.S. officials told Reuters they are working with Lockheed, Raytheon Co and Boeing Co. to ramp up production of precision munitions and potentially add new capacity. "We are watching that closely. We are looking at the need to increase capacity," Kendall said.
SALES SURGING
Defense shares have performed strongly in recent months on expectations of better results, and many soared after the attacks in Paris. Total U.S. foreign military sales approvals surged 36 percent to $46.6 billion in the year through September 2015 from around $34 billion a year earlier. Approved sales of missiles, smart bombs and other munitions to U.S. allies jumped to an estimated $6 billion in fiscal 2015 from $3.5 billion a year earlier. This year alone, the U.S. government has approved the sale of Hellfires to South Korea, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, France, Italy and Britain. In June, the U.S. Army said it had asked Lockheed to boost production of the Hellfire from 500 per month to 650 by November. "There are essentially waiting lists for Hellfire. They can't make them fast enough," said one State Department official, who asked not to be identified.
Lockheed declined to provide any details about how it is meeting increased demand for Hellfires and other munitions. In addition to approved foreign military sales, many munitions sales are overseen by the U.S. Commerce Department and negotiated directly between countries and companies. U.S. weapons makers do not routinely report such sales, and do not break down revenues by specific weapons. Also in high demand, Kendall said, are Boeing's Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) kits, which turn unguided munitions into smart bombs and have been used consistently to strike Islamic State targets in Iraq and Syria. Last month, the State Department approved a $1.29 billion deal with Saudi Arabia for more than 22,000 JDAMS and other types of precision-guided bombs. Boeing said it boosted the daily production rate of JDAMs at its facility outside St. Louis by 80 percent in July to meet demand from the U.S. military and more than 25 other countries. Raytheon, one of the largest U.S. munitions makers, declined comment on its missile production work. The company has a large missile production facility in Tucson, Arizona, which could potentially boost production, Kendall said.
REACHING CAPACITY
Kendall said U.S. manufacturers had been "very responsive," but some facilities were already reaching maximum capacity and it would take years for firms to make necessary expansions. He said the U.S. government could potentially chip in to defray the cost of new facilities and tooling, but that would be addressed on a case-by-case basis. It takes time for foreign and U.S. orders to be processed by the U.S. bureaucracy and translate into contracts for companies, but that is now occurring, stretching many facilities to capacity limits, according to industry executives, who were not authorized to speak publicly. Vice Admiral Joe Rixey, director of the Pentagon's Defense Security Cooperation Agency, said industry was keeping up with demand thus far but that pressures were mounting. "We are reacting to get it done," Rixey told Reuters. "We're working on purchasing capacity and shifts."
Defense shares have been buoyed by a two-year congressional budget agreement that ensures stable funding for fiscal 2016 and 2017, share buybacks and growing confidence that a revenue trough is nearly over. Raytheon told analysts in October that its missile sales - which account for about 28 percent of overall revenues - jumped 11 percent in the third quarter and looked set for further growth in the fourth quarter. Lockheed and Boeing do not provide details about their missile sales, but they account for a relatively small - albeit growing - portion of their defense businesses, according to analysts. The long-term increase in demand is also expected to boost revenues for key suppliers such as Orbital ATK and Aerojet Rocketdyne Holdings Inc, which make the propulsion systems for many of the missiles. U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff General Mark Welsh said the U.S. military had increased its orders in recent years to replenish and expand its stockpiles, but more work was needed. He said Washington was encouraging its allies to do the same."
Source and rest of the article: http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-usa-arms-insight-idUSKBN0TN2DA20151204#kwHO54ID7ti4moqR.99
Islamic State's deadly attacks in Paris last month have added urgency to the U.S.-led bombing campaign against the group in Iraq and Syria. The campaign had resulted in 8,605 strikes at an estimated cost of around $5.2 billion as of Dec. 2. Meanwhile, a Saudi-led coalition including Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates and backed by Washington is carrying out a nine-month-old military campaign against Iran-backed rebels in Yemen. Gulf states are also supplying U.S.-made arms to rebels fighting Syria's government in that country's four-year-old war. "It's a huge growth area for us," said one executive with a U.S. weapons maker, who was not authorized to speak publicly. "Everyone in the region is talking about building up supplies for five to ten years. This is going to be a long fight" against Islamic State.
The impact is palpable in Troy, Alabama, where Lockheed Martin Corp builds its 100-pound Hellfire air-to-ground missiles at a 3,863-acre highly secured facility surrounded by woods and horse pastures. Realtors are adding staff in anticipation of new hiring at the plant, and the large grocery chain Publix is opening a store soon. "What's good for Lockheed is good for Troy," said Kathleen Sauer, president of the Pike County Chamber of Commerce, adding that the expansion was helping a local economy where unemployment rates are already among the lowest in the state. "Look at our downtown," she said. "Almost all the stores are open and we have more coming in." Lockheed has added a third shift at its plant, which employed 325 workers as of February, and is now at "maximum capacity," said one executive familiar with the issue. The company announced in February that it will add 240 workers by 2020 and expand the facility, which also produces a 2,000-pound air-to-surface stealthy missile.
Frank Kendall, the Pentagon's chief arms buyer, told Reuters this week there has been particularly strong demand for the Hellfire missiles. At $60,000 to $100,000 apiece they are inexpensive compared to many missiles and can be launched from everything from aircraft and helicopters and ships to destroy armored vehicles or punch into buildings. Kendall and other senior U.S. officials told Reuters they are working with Lockheed, Raytheon Co and Boeing Co. to ramp up production of precision munitions and potentially add new capacity. "We are watching that closely. We are looking at the need to increase capacity," Kendall said.
SALES SURGING
Defense shares have performed strongly in recent months on expectations of better results, and many soared after the attacks in Paris. Total U.S. foreign military sales approvals surged 36 percent to $46.6 billion in the year through September 2015 from around $34 billion a year earlier. Approved sales of missiles, smart bombs and other munitions to U.S. allies jumped to an estimated $6 billion in fiscal 2015 from $3.5 billion a year earlier. This year alone, the U.S. government has approved the sale of Hellfires to South Korea, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, France, Italy and Britain. In June, the U.S. Army said it had asked Lockheed to boost production of the Hellfire from 500 per month to 650 by November. "There are essentially waiting lists for Hellfire. They can't make them fast enough," said one State Department official, who asked not to be identified.
Lockheed declined to provide any details about how it is meeting increased demand for Hellfires and other munitions. In addition to approved foreign military sales, many munitions sales are overseen by the U.S. Commerce Department and negotiated directly between countries and companies. U.S. weapons makers do not routinely report such sales, and do not break down revenues by specific weapons. Also in high demand, Kendall said, are Boeing's Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) kits, which turn unguided munitions into smart bombs and have been used consistently to strike Islamic State targets in Iraq and Syria. Last month, the State Department approved a $1.29 billion deal with Saudi Arabia for more than 22,000 JDAMS and other types of precision-guided bombs. Boeing said it boosted the daily production rate of JDAMs at its facility outside St. Louis by 80 percent in July to meet demand from the U.S. military and more than 25 other countries. Raytheon, one of the largest U.S. munitions makers, declined comment on its missile production work. The company has a large missile production facility in Tucson, Arizona, which could potentially boost production, Kendall said.
REACHING CAPACITY
Kendall said U.S. manufacturers had been "very responsive," but some facilities were already reaching maximum capacity and it would take years for firms to make necessary expansions. He said the U.S. government could potentially chip in to defray the cost of new facilities and tooling, but that would be addressed on a case-by-case basis. It takes time for foreign and U.S. orders to be processed by the U.S. bureaucracy and translate into contracts for companies, but that is now occurring, stretching many facilities to capacity limits, according to industry executives, who were not authorized to speak publicly. Vice Admiral Joe Rixey, director of the Pentagon's Defense Security Cooperation Agency, said industry was keeping up with demand thus far but that pressures were mounting. "We are reacting to get it done," Rixey told Reuters. "We're working on purchasing capacity and shifts."
Defense shares have been buoyed by a two-year congressional budget agreement that ensures stable funding for fiscal 2016 and 2017, share buybacks and growing confidence that a revenue trough is nearly over. Raytheon told analysts in October that its missile sales - which account for about 28 percent of overall revenues - jumped 11 percent in the third quarter and looked set for further growth in the fourth quarter. Lockheed and Boeing do not provide details about their missile sales, but they account for a relatively small - albeit growing - portion of their defense businesses, according to analysts. The long-term increase in demand is also expected to boost revenues for key suppliers such as Orbital ATK and Aerojet Rocketdyne Holdings Inc, which make the propulsion systems for many of the missiles. U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff General Mark Welsh said the U.S. military had increased its orders in recent years to replenish and expand its stockpiles, but more work was needed. He said Washington was encouraging its allies to do the same."
Source and rest of the article: http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-usa-arms-insight-idUSKBN0TN2DA20151204#kwHO54ID7ti4moqR.99
JohninMK- Posts : 15359
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Join date : 2015-06-16
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- Post n°137
Re: US Air Force: Discussion and News
Note the last sentence.
Following a chain of deadly accidents during training exercises since October, the US Army has moved to ground around 1,100 aircraft for security checks. US aviation units were grounded for five days at 11 bases across the country on December 3, US Army Forces Command (FORSCOM) announced.
According to a statement from the US Army Forces Command, the move is aimed at giving army leaders additional time to carry out checks on “aviation training procedures and helicopter safety precautions to manage risk and to avoid accidental loss of aviation personnel and equipment.” Paul Boyce, a FORSCOM spokesman, noted that all bases affected by the grounding are located within the territory of the United States.
The decision was made after a Boeing AH-64D Apache attack helicopter crashed on a training mission on December 2, in the wake of two other fatal accidents in November.
“I have a duty to ensure that we are doing all that we can to prevent loss of life and aviation accidents, and that is why we’re standing down to review our procedures and reaffirm our commitment to operating our aircraft safely and effectively,” General Robert Abrams, commander of US Army Forces Command, said in a statement. General Abrams has sent FORSCOM aviation heads to army bases to review flight-mission briefing processes, unit pre-accident plans, and aircraft maintenance procedures. Moreover, investigations into recent accidents are being carried out, according to FORSCOM.
So far, since the beginning of the fiscal year in October, there have been some 14 accidents involving helicopter crews, according to Army Safety Center statistics.
Read more: http://sputniknews.com/us/20151208/1031390329/US-Army-Grounds-Helicopters-After-Crashes.html#ixzz3tfrlyfo8
Following a chain of deadly accidents during training exercises since October, the US Army has moved to ground around 1,100 aircraft for security checks. US aviation units were grounded for five days at 11 bases across the country on December 3, US Army Forces Command (FORSCOM) announced.
According to a statement from the US Army Forces Command, the move is aimed at giving army leaders additional time to carry out checks on “aviation training procedures and helicopter safety precautions to manage risk and to avoid accidental loss of aviation personnel and equipment.” Paul Boyce, a FORSCOM spokesman, noted that all bases affected by the grounding are located within the territory of the United States.
The decision was made after a Boeing AH-64D Apache attack helicopter crashed on a training mission on December 2, in the wake of two other fatal accidents in November.
“I have a duty to ensure that we are doing all that we can to prevent loss of life and aviation accidents, and that is why we’re standing down to review our procedures and reaffirm our commitment to operating our aircraft safely and effectively,” General Robert Abrams, commander of US Army Forces Command, said in a statement. General Abrams has sent FORSCOM aviation heads to army bases to review flight-mission briefing processes, unit pre-accident plans, and aircraft maintenance procedures. Moreover, investigations into recent accidents are being carried out, according to FORSCOM.
So far, since the beginning of the fiscal year in October, there have been some 14 accidents involving helicopter crews, according to Army Safety Center statistics.
Read more: http://sputniknews.com/us/20151208/1031390329/US-Army-Grounds-Helicopters-After-Crashes.html#ixzz3tfrlyfo8
Guest- Guest
- Post n°138
Re: US Air Force: Discussion and News
"The U.S. Air Force's top space official on Tuesday slammed a new ground control system for GPS satellites being built by Raytheon Co as "a disaster" and said the Pentagon planned "significant" changes with the company to address the issues. General John Hyten, commander of Air Force Space Command, spoke after attending a session on the program last Friday led by the Pentagon's chief arms buyer, Frank Kendall.
Air Force spokeswoman Captain Annmarie Annicelli said the Air Force would develop new cost estimates for the troubled GPS Operational Control System, or OCX, to reflect an additional two-year delay in completing its development. Air Force officials earlier this year said the program had an 80.5 percent cost increase, to $1.6 billion, and a two-year delay due to increased cyber security requirements and issues with the contractor's performance. Hyten, speaking with reporters after an event, said Raytheon had completed an initial system called Block 0 to launch and fly the satellites, but more sophisticated software was needed to take full advantage of all the GPS signals over the longer term.
![US Air Force: Discussion and News - Page 6 ?m=02&d=20151208&t=2&i=1100787236&w=644&fh=&fw=&ll=&pl=&sq=&r=LYNXMPEBB70TJ](http://s3.reutersmedia.net/resources/r/?m=02&d=20151208&t=2&i=1100787236&w=644&fh=&fw=&ll=&pl=&sq=&r=LYNXMPEBB70TJ)
He said the Air Force initially underestimated the challenge of securing the system from cyber attacks and later had to revise its approach. But he said Raytheon also "did a really bad job" of systems engineering before it began developing software code. "The OCX program is a disaster, just a disaster, and it’s embarrassing to have to stand in front of people and try to defend it, so I won't," Hyten told the event. "When you start down a path and you basically can’t deliver and you keep pushing the system out to the right, and you keep pouring money at it, and the contractor does not deliver, you’re in a tough spot."
Matt Gilligan, Raytheon's vice president for navigation and environmental solutions, said the company was focused on continued development of the system. "We are fully committed to delivering, without compromise, the modernized GPS ground controls envisioned and required by the Air Force," Gilligan said in a statement to Reuters. Kendall last week told reporters the department was looking at a range of options for the program, including opening part of the work to a new competition. Neither the Pentagon nor the Air Force had any immediate comment on Tuesday on possible further steps to open part of the work to competition. The OCX system is to allow the Air Force to operate its newest GPS III, or global positioning system, satellites to help the military target weapons strikes, provide critical timing information and deliver critical services for industry. Lockheed Martin Corp's program to build the GPS III satellites also ran into trouble, but is back on track after delays involving a sensor built by Exelis Inc, which is now owned by Harris Corp."
Source: http://www.reuters.com/article/us-raytheon-satellites-idUSKBN0TR1QF20151208#6MfdLvAgv8RowyYq.97
Air Force spokeswoman Captain Annmarie Annicelli said the Air Force would develop new cost estimates for the troubled GPS Operational Control System, or OCX, to reflect an additional two-year delay in completing its development. Air Force officials earlier this year said the program had an 80.5 percent cost increase, to $1.6 billion, and a two-year delay due to increased cyber security requirements and issues with the contractor's performance. Hyten, speaking with reporters after an event, said Raytheon had completed an initial system called Block 0 to launch and fly the satellites, but more sophisticated software was needed to take full advantage of all the GPS signals over the longer term.
Matt Gilligan, Raytheon's vice president for navigation and environmental solutions, said the company was focused on continued development of the system. "We are fully committed to delivering, without compromise, the modernized GPS ground controls envisioned and required by the Air Force," Gilligan said in a statement to Reuters. Kendall last week told reporters the department was looking at a range of options for the program, including opening part of the work to a new competition. Neither the Pentagon nor the Air Force had any immediate comment on Tuesday on possible further steps to open part of the work to competition. The OCX system is to allow the Air Force to operate its newest GPS III, or global positioning system, satellites to help the military target weapons strikes, provide critical timing information and deliver critical services for industry. Lockheed Martin Corp's program to build the GPS III satellites also ran into trouble, but is back on track after delays involving a sensor built by Exelis Inc, which is now owned by Harris Corp."
Source: http://www.reuters.com/article/us-raytheon-satellites-idUSKBN0TR1QF20151208#6MfdLvAgv8RowyYq.97
Guest- Guest
- Post n°139
Re: US Air Force: Discussion and News
"The Pentagon's chief arms buyer has approved the next steps in a long-awaited multibillion-dollar competition to replace the Air Force's aging fleet of E-8 JSTARS spy and battle management planes. Frank Kendall, undersecretary for acquisition, technology and logistics, this week signed a memorandum approving the start of the so-called Milestone A phase of the program, Pentagon spokeswoman Maureen Schumann said on Friday. That paves the way for funding of demonstrations of the new aircraft, said two sources familiar with the decision. Three teams are competing for the work: Northrop Grumman Corp, which built the existing planes and is teaming with General Dynamics Corp; Lockheed Martin Corp, which is working with Canada's Bombardier; and Boeing Co.
Additional details about the memorandum signed by Kendall were not immediately available, but a source familiar with the decision said the Pentagon's fiscal 2017 budget request would include funding for the program. Representative Tom Graves, a Georgia Republican, welcomed the news, calling it a "significant step" toward replacing the aging fleet with next-generation aircraft. "I am confident that the Defense Department understands JSTARS is a major priority for Congress and will complete the process of updating the JSTARS fleet in a timely manner," Graves said. The source, who was not authorized to speak publicly, said the Pentagon had reviewed alternatives and ruled out the possibility of using unmanned aircraft.
![US Air Force: Discussion and News - Page 6 T-3_with_JT8D-219_engines](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f2/T-3_with_JT8D-219_engines.JPG)
Kendall met earlier this week with Graves and other U.S. lawmakers, who have pressed the Pentagon to accelerate work on a replacement for the existing fleet of Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System aircraft, or JSTARS, which has flown well over 100,000 combat hours and is rapidly approaching the end of its service life. Graves and 59 other members of key defense-related committees in Congress told Defense Secretary Ash Carter in a letter dated Nov. 20 that they were concerned about delays in the acquisition program since only half of the current fleet of 16 aircraft were combat ready at any given time because of required maintenance."
Source: http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-airforce-jstars-idUSKBN0TU2AO20151211#Ow2T8xmcwGg3sX41.97
Additional details about the memorandum signed by Kendall were not immediately available, but a source familiar with the decision said the Pentagon's fiscal 2017 budget request would include funding for the program. Representative Tom Graves, a Georgia Republican, welcomed the news, calling it a "significant step" toward replacing the aging fleet with next-generation aircraft. "I am confident that the Defense Department understands JSTARS is a major priority for Congress and will complete the process of updating the JSTARS fleet in a timely manner," Graves said. The source, who was not authorized to speak publicly, said the Pentagon had reviewed alternatives and ruled out the possibility of using unmanned aircraft.
Kendall met earlier this week with Graves and other U.S. lawmakers, who have pressed the Pentagon to accelerate work on a replacement for the existing fleet of Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System aircraft, or JSTARS, which has flown well over 100,000 combat hours and is rapidly approaching the end of its service life. Graves and 59 other members of key defense-related committees in Congress told Defense Secretary Ash Carter in a letter dated Nov. 20 that they were concerned about delays in the acquisition program since only half of the current fleet of 16 aircraft were combat ready at any given time because of required maintenance."
Source: http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-airforce-jstars-idUSKBN0TU2AO20151211#Ow2T8xmcwGg3sX41.97
Guest- Guest
- Post n°140
Re: US Air Force: Discussion and News
"The US Air Force wants to vastly expand its drone program over the next five years by doubling the number of pilots and deploying them to bases in California and elsewhere to give commanders better intelligence and more firepower.
![US Air Force: Discussion and News - Page 6 090127-F-7383P-001](https://2img.net/h/media.dma.mil/2009/Mar/17/2000608254/-1/-1/0/090127-F-7383P-001.JPG)
The $3-billion plan, which must be approved by Congress, was unveiled Thursday after months of study that focused on a drone pilot force that commanders have described as overworked, undermanned and underappreciated. The proposed expansion comes as the Pentagon has intensified airstrikes on Islamic State targets in Iraq and Syria. Pilots and crews who operate the MQ-1 Predators and MQ-9 Reapers have struggled to meet a rising demand for aerial surveillance of war zones and other hot spots. “Right now, 100% of the time, when a MQ-1 or MQ-9 crew goes in, all they do is combat,” said Gen. Herbert “Hawk” Carlisle, head of Air Combat Command, which oversees drone operations. “So we really have to build the capacity.”
Source: http://defence-blog.com/news/us-air-force-proposes-3-billion-plan-to-vastly-expand-its-drone-program.html
The $3-billion plan, which must be approved by Congress, was unveiled Thursday after months of study that focused on a drone pilot force that commanders have described as overworked, undermanned and underappreciated. The proposed expansion comes as the Pentagon has intensified airstrikes on Islamic State targets in Iraq and Syria. Pilots and crews who operate the MQ-1 Predators and MQ-9 Reapers have struggled to meet a rising demand for aerial surveillance of war zones and other hot spots. “Right now, 100% of the time, when a MQ-1 or MQ-9 crew goes in, all they do is combat,” said Gen. Herbert “Hawk” Carlisle, head of Air Combat Command, which oversees drone operations. “So we really have to build the capacity.”
Source: http://defence-blog.com/news/us-air-force-proposes-3-billion-plan-to-vastly-expand-its-drone-program.html
Guest- Guest
- Post n°141
Re: US Air Force: Discussion and News
"Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) delivered the 2,500th C-130 Hercules from its production line here today. This landmark Hercules is an HC-130J Combat King II personnel recovery aircraft assigned to the U.S. Air Force’s 71st Rescue Squadron, which is part of the 347th Rescue Group. A U.S. Air Force crew ferried the HC-130J to its new home at Moody Air Force Base in Valdosta, Georgia.
“This milestone delivery is a source of pride for our team and the global C-130 community,” said George Shultz, vice president and general manager, C-130 Programs at Lockheed Martin. “The Hercules is a global asset and versatile workhorse that is truly without equal. This delivery represents the C-130’s strength in numbers and its ongoing relevancy to operators around the world.” The U.S. Air Force has the distinction of accepting the first delivery of Hercules aircraft on Dec. 9, 1956. The U.S. Air Force is the world’s largest Hercules operator, which includes legacy C-130 and C-130J Super Hercules fleets.
![US Air Force: Discussion and News - Page 6 1449866678874](https://2img.net/h/lockheedmartin.com/content/lockheed/us/news/press-releases/2015/december/lockheed-martin-delivers-2500th-c-130-hercules/_jcr_content/content_image/image.img.jpg/1449866678874.jpg)
C-130s today are operated from 68 nations and the global fleet has collectively logged more than 22 million flight hours. The current production model is the C-130J Super Hercules, the airlifter of choice for 16 nations and 19 different operators. The Super Hercules worldwide fleet has more than 1.3 million flight hours to its credit. C-130J variants currently in production include the C-130J/C-130J-30 combat-ready aircraft; KC-130J aerial refuelers; HC-130J search and rescue aircraft; MC-130J special operations aircraft; and the LM-100J commercial freighter. To date, C-130s have been produced to support 100 different mission requirements. The C-130J is available in 17 different configurations. The C-130 Hercules is the standard for tactical airlifters, providing a unique mix of versatility and performance to complete any mission, anytime, anywhere."
Source: http://lockheedmartin.com/us/news/press-releases/2015/december/lockheed-martin-delivers-2500th-c-130-hercules.html?utm_content=sf16273134&utm_medium=spredfast&utm_source=twitter&utm_campaign=Lockheed+Martin&sf16273134=1
“This milestone delivery is a source of pride for our team and the global C-130 community,” said George Shultz, vice president and general manager, C-130 Programs at Lockheed Martin. “The Hercules is a global asset and versatile workhorse that is truly without equal. This delivery represents the C-130’s strength in numbers and its ongoing relevancy to operators around the world.” The U.S. Air Force has the distinction of accepting the first delivery of Hercules aircraft on Dec. 9, 1956. The U.S. Air Force is the world’s largest Hercules operator, which includes legacy C-130 and C-130J Super Hercules fleets.
![US Air Force: Discussion and News - Page 6 1449866678874](https://2img.net/h/lockheedmartin.com/content/lockheed/us/news/press-releases/2015/december/lockheed-martin-delivers-2500th-c-130-hercules/_jcr_content/content_image/image.img.jpg/1449866678874.jpg)
C-130s today are operated from 68 nations and the global fleet has collectively logged more than 22 million flight hours. The current production model is the C-130J Super Hercules, the airlifter of choice for 16 nations and 19 different operators. The Super Hercules worldwide fleet has more than 1.3 million flight hours to its credit. C-130J variants currently in production include the C-130J/C-130J-30 combat-ready aircraft; KC-130J aerial refuelers; HC-130J search and rescue aircraft; MC-130J special operations aircraft; and the LM-100J commercial freighter. To date, C-130s have been produced to support 100 different mission requirements. The C-130J is available in 17 different configurations. The C-130 Hercules is the standard for tactical airlifters, providing a unique mix of versatility and performance to complete any mission, anytime, anywhere."
Source: http://lockheedmartin.com/us/news/press-releases/2015/december/lockheed-martin-delivers-2500th-c-130-hercules.html?utm_content=sf16273134&utm_medium=spredfast&utm_source=twitter&utm_campaign=Lockheed+Martin&sf16273134=1
max steel- Posts : 2930
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- Post n°142
Re: US Air Force: Discussion and News
US Air Force will have laser weapons on planes by 2020: Claims Star Wars technology is at a 'tipping point' - and there are even plans for a force field protection bubble
AlfaT8- Posts : 2481
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- Post n°143
Re: US Air Force: Discussion and News
max steel wrote:US Air Force will have laser weapons on planes by 2020: Claims Star Wars technology is at a 'tipping point' - and there are even plans for a force field protection bubble
Bhahahahaha...... not this sh#t again, we've been down this road before not long ago even, i still remember the laser systems that were suppose to be installed on the F-35, and not to mention those drones, all in all wishful thinking at best.
![Rolling Eyes](https://2img.net/i/fa/i/smiles/icon_rolleyes.gif)
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- Post n°144
Re: US Air Force: Discussion and News
Sure and in 2050 Lockheed Martin will propose the Death Star project and 2052 the entire country will stop existing.
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- Post n°145
Re: US Air Force: Discussion and News
max steel wrote:US Air Force will have laser weapons on planes by 2020: Claims Star Wars technology is at a 'tipping point' - and there are even plans for a force field protection bubble
Took them literally 50 years of research to place that tiny useless piece of s.hit LaWS on 1 ship and suddenly in 4 they will make "laser weapons" available for aviation? Right.
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- Post n°146
Re: US Air Force: Discussion and News
max steel wrote:US Air Force will have laser weapons on planes by 2020: Claims Star Wars technology is at a 'tipping point' - and there are even plans for a force field protection bubble
US to Begin Testing Powerful Airborne Laser Weapons
01:23 24.12.2015(updated 07:30 24.12.2015)
American defense contractor General Atomics is set to begin testing a 150-kilowatt-class laser next month, and the firm hopes to see Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) install the weapon on a gunship in the near future.
Several other companies are developing laser weapons and 'we're looking at all of them,' Lieutenant General Bradley Heithold, head of AFSOC, said in an interview with Breaking Defense. 'The technology is ripe for application on an AC-130.'
General Atomics, which developed the MQ-1 Predator drone, also envisions equipping the company's new jet-powered Predator C Avenger drone with a laser, derived from their High Energy Liquid Laser Area Defense System (HELLADS).
Live-fire tests will be conducted at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, where the laser will be fired at a variety of airborne targets over the next 18 months.
The weapon produces a silent, invisible, but extremely hot beam by pumping electricity through rare earth minerals to excite their electrons and generate energy, Defense News reported.
'The reason that I want it on an AC-130 is, right now, when an AC-130 starts firing kinetic weaponry, everybody knows you're there,' Heithold said. 'What I want on the airplane is to be able to silently disable something.'
Michael Perry, vice president in charge of the laser program at General Atomics, said providing the electrical power a laser needs aboard an aircraft and cooling the system are the chief integration challenges. But those hurdles are relatively minor compared to the feat of generating a laser able to burn holes in steel from miles away.
'There's very little technical question that you can do this,' Perry said of Heithold's goal. 'The question is how much they want to do how quickly.'
© Sputnik
max steel- Posts : 2930
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- Post n°147
Re: US Air Force: Discussion and News
Militarov wrote:max steel wrote:US Air Force will have laser weapons on planes by 2020: Claims Star Wars technology is at a 'tipping point' - and there are even plans for a force field protection bubble
Took them literally 50 years of research to place that tiny useless piece of s.hit LaWS on 1 ship and suddenly in 4 they will make "laser weapons" available for aviation? Right.
Mainland scientists are developing the world’s most powerful super capacitor that could make Star Wars weapons a reality.
Prototypes of directed-energy weapons such as laser cannons and ray guns have been developed in many countries, but few have made it out of their laboratories due to their size and weight.(http://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy-defence/article/1893973/china-moves-big-step-closer-star-wars-laser-weapons?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=SCMPSocialNewsfeed)
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- Post n°148
Re: US Air Force: Discussion and News
max steel wrote:Militarov wrote:max steel wrote:US Air Force will have laser weapons on planes by 2020: Claims Star Wars technology is at a 'tipping point' - and there are even plans for a force field protection bubble
Took them literally 50 years of research to place that tiny useless piece of s.hit LaWS on 1 ship and suddenly in 4 they will make "laser weapons" available for aviation? Right.
Mainland scientists are developing the world’s most powerful super capacitor that could make Star Wars weapons a reality.
Prototypes of directed-energy weapons such as laser cannons and ray guns have been developed in many countries, but few have made it out of their laboratories due to their size and weight.(http://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy-defence/article/1893973/china-moves-big-step-closer-star-wars-laser-weapons?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=SCMPSocialNewsfeed)
Wont happen for decades. Railguns are one thing, but energy weapons are out of question for any real offensive use. They will enter service in means of blinding enemy optronics, disabling satelites, even defensive systems aganist light UAVs, PGMs etc. But to make it available for strike aviation? Maybe, in 50 years. Energy required is just insane.
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- Post n°149
Re: US Air Force: Discussion and News
Militarov wrote:Wont happen for decades. Railguns are one thing, but energy weapons are out of question for any real offensive use. They will enter service in means of blinding enemy optronics, disabling satelites, even defensive systems aganist light UAVs, PGMs etc. But to make it available for strike aviation? Maybe, in 50 years. Energy required is just insane.
Scattering is another issues. And optical-electronic jamming, for example smoke...
Werewolf- Posts : 5921
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Join date : 2012-10-24
- Post n°150
Re: US Air Force: Discussion and News
We won't see such things in next 100 years. We are at a point where science has come to a hault of progress we have to much troubles to deal with dogmatic laws put down on us that you will not see such a progress of Star Wars or whatever in near to 2 centuries into future.
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