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Tag: United States Air Force | USAF

With the mission of flying, fighting and winning “in air, space and cyberspace” United States Air Force is the world’s largest Air Force both in terms of technology and resources. It is one of the seven uniformed forces of the U.S. and is operated following a strict chain of command. Its organizational structure is one of the most complex military structures within the world military organizations. It functions within the Department of the Air Force and takes pride in 332,854 active personnel, 185,522 civilian personnel, 71,400 reserve personnel, 106,700 air guard personnel, 5,638+ aircraft, 450 ICBMs, 63 satellites with the budget of $140 billion.

With the Honorable President at its official head it was activated under the Security Act of 1947 on 18 September 1947. It is the most recent branch of the U.S. Department of Defense headquartered in the Pentagon. Its stated capabilities which proves their competencies include air and space superiority, Global reach, Rapid global mobility, precision engagement, information superiority, agile combat support. With the core values of integrity first, service before self and excellence it has been serving the United States from its inception in many vital wars and military operations like Korean War, Vietnam War, Iranian hostage rescue, Invasion of Grenada, Bombing of Libya, Invasion of Panama, Gulf War, Iraq War, Operation Odyssey Dawn, 2014 Intervention against the IS and many other.

  • Tinker Federal Credit Union (TFCU) – a Credit Union for the Military

    Tinker Federal Credit Union (TFCU) – a Credit Union for the Military

    One of the best things about being in the armed forces is that you get to be a member of several beneficial financial institutions, and the Tinker Federal Credit Union is one such organization. Based in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, this financial organization was started by a group of employees of the Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma 68 years ago. Today it has operations at 31 locations in and around the state of Oklahoma. There are 27 branches and an additional four “Express Electronic Service Centers”. The Tinker Federal Credit Union is regulated and authorized by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). The company’s net worth was estimated to be $3.2 billion as of October 2014.

    How to Join the TFCU

    To become a member of the Tinker Federal Credit Union, usually, you or one of your family members should be a member of the US Armed Forces. However, there is also a provision for non-service people to become members, such as, if you are an employee of one of the business partners of the TFCU. If a member of your family is already a member of the TFCU, then you are automatically eligible to become a member.

    On being eligible, you will be required to submit documents for establishing and verifying your identity and will have to fill the form with all your details. Once this is done, you can become a member by opening a share (savings) account with a minimum deposit of $5.00. For further clarifications regarding membership, you can call the Member Service Center at (405) 319-2255 or 1-800-456-4828, ext. 2255.

    Services offered by the TFCU

    There is a wide range of financial services offered by the TFCU. Here are some of the major facilities available to its members:

    The range of checking accounts by TCFU is asunder:

    Click Checking

    Heritage Club Checking

    Classic Checking

    MoneyPlus™ Card

    Savings accounts come under the following heads:

    Loans by TFCU

    A seemingly endless list of categories of loans is available to members:

     

    Not to miss out on an important aspect of the financial market, the TFCU has also some attractive insurance options:

     

    To augment these services, TFCI also offers free insurance consultation.

    Other Facilities

    There are many general facilities offered by the TFCU such as Automatic Transfer Options, insurance of funds held on various accounts. Credit cards are also offered and at an interest rate of 9.11% APY. A “Line of Credit” account can be requested, which is like a revolving account with monthly payments. This is a convenient means of covering for unprecedented emergencies. Overdraft protection is another attractive feature offered by the Tinker Federal Credit Union. You can also opt for the “Direct Deposit” option, to have your paycheck credited directly to a TFCU account of your choice.

    TFCU has well-developed online services. Internet banking can be done in the form of various transactions such as checking balance, setting up electronic account alerts making online payments, transferring money and paying bills online. Mobile banking is also possible. This enables you to do certain transactions from your mobile device, whether it is a cell phone, tablet or laptop.

    You can also avoid paper statements by opting to receive e-statements and e-notices which will be sent securely to your registered email ID.

    Savings Interest Rates

    The Tinker Federal Credit Union offers better savings interest rates than several other financial institutions in the market. The rates can be found on the website and may fluctuate in line with changes in the market conditions. The rates range from .05%-1.49%.  There is Premium Plus, Rate Booster, Term Share, Command Fund, and Click Checking. We talk about Click Checking below in more detail, which seems to be their best interest rate account.

    Click Checking

    The best interest rate comes from the Click Checking, which gets you a 1.49% interest when you do a bunch of transactions through their system. You have to have pay one bill through TFCU online bill pay, make 10 debit card transactions a month, sign up for E statements, and sign up for direct deposit for your paycheck. The interest rate is only good up to $30,000, then it drops down to .10%.

    Tinker Federal Credit Union – What Customers have to say

    Due to its moderate size, the TFCU has managed to impart a personal touch to the way it operates. Bearing testimony to this fact, here’s what a few satisfied customers have to say:

    Rebecka M from Spencer, Oklahoma says, “They always have the nicest employees no matter which location I go to. They have free checking with mobile deposit which I love.”

    Another customer who goes with the online name of “Sixpack Y” says that although the Tinker Federal Credit Union is just like any other bank, this one has much more reasonable charges and is not as pushy as other banks, and he/she says that they even get interest on their checking account. However, “Sixpack Y” goes on to say the best feature of the TFCU is the online bill paying facility which drafts the money much faster that other banks which sometimes incur overdraft fees due to delayed transactions.

    The positive feedback of the Tinker Federal Credit Union is best summed up by Robynn D of Oklahoma City, who makes the following statement, “Always friendly and extremely helpful. They go the extra mile.”

    Final Analysis of the Tinker Federal Credit Union

    In retrospect, it would be fair to consider the TFCU as one of the premier regional financial institutions in the United States. There are several big, national financial organizations which cater to the financial needs of military personnel. However, there is always a need for some companies that operate at a local level, to cater to the specific needs of a particular region.

  • The Boeing X-51A WaveRider: Unheard of Hypersonic Flight

    The Boeing X-51A WaveRider: Unheard of Hypersonic Flight

    This video talks about scramjet engine and its capability of travelling in hypersonic speed (meaning greater than Mach 5). Joseph Vogel, the Director of Hypersonics of Boeing Defense, Space & Security talks about X-51A WaveRider, an unmanned scramjet powered demonstration aircraft for hypersonic flight testing. The aim of the aircraft is to travel at Mach 6 or 4000 miles per hour. As this aircraft uses its shock wave for adding lift it has been named WaveRider. The X-51A WaveRider has the capability of travelling across the United States in less than one hour.  This aircraft is a result of the Waverider program which is run jointly by Boeing, the Air Force Research Laboratory, DARPA and Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne. This X-51 technology is going to be used in a Mach 5+ missile named High Speed Strike Weapon (HSSW) which is planned to be launched in 2020.

    The X-51A WaveRider is chiefly designed to demonstrate various aspects of hypersonic flight. It completed its first ever flight on 26 May 2010 and in June the second test flight took place. With a goal of achieving Mach 6 for 300 seconds, a test flight was conducted in August 2012. But the aircraft crushed after 16 seconds due to some troubles in the control fin. After all these failed attempts, X-51A completed its first successful flight on May 1 2013.  In that flight X-51A achieved hypersonic speed above Mach 5 for 210 seconds.

  • Crowd in Awe After F-22 Air Show Display

    Crowd in Awe After F-22 Air Show Display

    This video shows a demonstration by F-22 Raptor fighter aircraft on the third and last day of MCAS Miramar Air Show, 2012 held at Miramar, CA from 12-14 October.

    MACAS Air Show is an air show that Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS), the home of Third Marine Aircraft Wing puts every year with a view to showcasing the air power of US Marine Corps.  F-22 Raptor is a double-engine, single seat and all weather stealth mode enabled fighter aircraft primarily designed for the United States Air Force.

    In this video, the F-22 Raptor demonstration has been shown with the whole process. The demonstration has been performed by Major Henry “Schadow” Schantz. The process of the demonstration starts with the starting up of the engine. Then after completing the control surface test the aircraft taxies and with the take- off, the demonstration starts. Major Henry ”Schadow” Schantz performs a solo demonstration which showcases the supersonic speed and other features of F-22 Raptor. After completing the solo demonstration, the F-22 joins a P-51 Mustang for the United States Air Force (USAF) Heritage Flight. In the Heritage Flight the two fighter aircrafts represent separate eras of operations. The fly-past is accompanied by the heritage flight song “We Remember” by Dwayne O’Brien.

  • ALE-50 Towed Decoy System – The “Little Buddy” of the Skies

    ALE-50 Towed Decoy System – The “Little Buddy” of the Skies

    The ALE-50 Towed Decoy system, also known as “little Buddy,” is a state-of-the-art defense system designed by Raytheon. The main objective of the system is to create an effective countermeasure to defend American aircraft against radar-directed missiles.  This anti-missile countermeasure decoy system is currently used for different U.S. Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps aircraft, in addition to some other air forces.

    The system has been used in various combats, where the ALE-50 Towed Decoy System successfully demonstrated its effectiveness in thwarting enemy missile attacks. Thus, there is now very little skepticism about what the “Little Buddy” can do.

    Development of the ALE-50 Towed Decoy System

    The ALE-50 Towed Decoy System is the fruit of collaboration of an integrated product team containing experts from Raytheon, the U.S. Air Force, and the U.S. Navy. The team worked on this groundbreaking concept at a Goleta, California facility.

    The first deployment of the system dates back to 1995. Nonetheless, the system is currently used on multiple aircraft that include the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and the B-1B Lancer. Further, The system has also been incorporated into the innovative ALQ-184(V)9 ECM pod. This integration has helped the system become more vigilant towards threats, and it has also enabled it to be ready to be used on numerous platforms.

    An F/A-18F Super Hornet aircraft assigned to S...
    An F/A-18F Super Hornet aircraft assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron One Zero Two fuels an F/A-18E Super Hornet aircraft from Strike Fighter Squadron Two Seven during exercise Malabar 07-2 while over the Bay of Bengal Sept. 7, 2007. More than 20,000 personnel from five different countries are participating in the multinational exercise that includes naval forces from India, Australia, Japan, Singapore and the United States. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

    Capabilities

    If the ALE-50 Towed Decoy System has been in service for more than ten years, now, it’s because it has efficaciously demonstrated its wide range of capabilities. When employed, the system shields the aircraft and crew against guided missiles (surface-to-air and air-to-air missiles). The system lures the missile toward a more attractive target and away from the intended one. The decoy that the system utilizes is used when required and cut free before landing. The “Little Buddy” offers the possibility of being operated manually as an independent device. However, it can also be incorporated and controlled by the ALE-47 Airborne Countermeasures Dispenser System (made by BAE Systems).

    In 1999, the ALE-50 Towed Decoy System was tested in Yugoslavia. The results were reportedly very encouraging. Hence, Air Force Officials reported that the system locked down and diverted 10 of 30 surface-to-air missiles that had been fired at B-1 bombers in different parts of Yugoslavia.

    United States Government Accountability Office (GAO) confirmed that planes that have the ALE-50 Towed Decoy System installed in them are more likely to escape fatal enemy attacks. In a report to Congressional Committees in 1997, the GAO expressed its satisfaction regarding how this system improves survivability, and stated that test results indicate the ALE-50 Towed Decoy System, “offers improved effectiveness against radar-controlled threats.” Based on these results, the GAO recommended further use of the system on other platforms such as the F/A-18C/D that the Navy uses.

    As far as the specifications of the ALE-50 Towed Decoy System are concerned, the system is equipped with a launch controller, as well as a launcher that is usually installed on the plane’s wing pylon, in addition to one or more expandable towed decoys, which has a shelf-life of ten years.

    When speaking about the ALE-50 Towed Decoy System, Pat Hurley, vice president and general manager of Raytheon Electronic Warfare Systems, reiterated that, throughout its 50 years of existence, the company has always been concerned with developing its systems in order to provide the military with high-performing products.  In this regard, Hurley added that the permanence of the company’s business and of the ALE-50 Towed Decoy System is a valid testimony to the company’s “high-performing products,” as well as its “laser-like focus on serving the customer.”

    ALE-50 Towed Decoy System – Pricing

    Many experts consider Raytheon to be a leading provider of systems that offer pilots with the most precise information available. With its $22 billion of sales in 2005, the company is also regarded as a leader in defense systems, information technology as well as business and special mission aircraft. The company has a workforce of about 80,000 deployed throughout the world.

    Raytheon manufactures and sells the ALE-50 expendable decoy at $22,000 per unit. In October 2010, the company made a delivery of its latest production run (1,048 units). The total number of units that Raytheon has produced is estimated at 35,000 units, increasing the company’s sales to more than $500 million.

    Soaring OVER THE PACIFIC OCEAN -- A B-1B Lance...
    Soaring OVER THE PACIFIC OCEAN — A B-1B Lancer drops back after air refueling training Sept. 30. The B-1B is deployed to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, as part of the Pacific Command’s continuous bomber presence in the Asia-Pacific region, enhancing regional security and the United States commitment to the Western Pacific. The B-1 is from the 28th Bomb Wing, Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota.http://www.af.mil/photos/index.asp?galleryID=12&page=2 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

    Issuance to the Military (Quantities)

    Raytheon has now produced 25,682 units of the system. All of the units have been purchased by the US Department of Defense at a cost of $500 million ($22,000 per unit). The system was initially installed on F-16s only with plans of implementation on other platforms. Therefore, these plans have been carried out systematically and have now been completed successfully. Thus, the “Little Buddy” is currently installed on the B-1B bombers and F/A-18 aircraft.

    In 2005, Raytheon received a production contract from the US Navy and the US Air Force.  In late 2006, The US Air Force granted the manufacturing company a production contract for 862 decoys worth $21 million.

    Use in War:

    The system’s adaptability and reasonable cost enables it to be installed on a variety of aircraft. Thus, the ALE-50 Towed Decoy system now functions on many aircraft such as the F-16, F/A-18E/F, and B-1B aircraft.

    The usefulness of the system has been proven in many situations. ALE-50 Towed Decoy System has shown its capabilities in every major war in which it was deployed. For instance, it considerably helped improve the survivability of aircraft and their crews in places like Kosovo, Afghanistan and Iraq.

    In this regard, Col. Art Huber, commander of the 542nd Combat Sustainment Group at Warner Robins Air Logistics Center, which is in charge of the ALE-50 praised the ALE-50 Towed Decoy System by saying that it is “credited with numerous aircraft saves,” and that “our pilots depend on it.”

    Final Analysis of the ALE-50 Towed Decoy System

    The “Little Buddy” is probably the best countermeasure in use, right now. Tests and actual use in wars have proven its efficacy. The ALE-50’s suitability and interoperability with other B-1B systems when installed in the B-1B bombers have been quite a success. Furthermore, the pricing is very encouraging, and the quality/price ratio has been a determining factor in making the system a must for every aircraft in service. This is why, many pilots who have been to war in different parts of the world have communicated that the ALE-50 Towed Decoy System has been critical in saving them and their aircraft from the dangers of guided missiles.

  • F-35B Fighter Jet Hovers over Fort Worth for the First Time

    F-35B Fighter Jet Hovers over Fort Worth for the First Time

    The video captured the first ever hover performance of a B-model aircraft at the Fort Worth, Texas. The aircraft was named F-35B, which aside from having the capability to hover like a helicopter – as demonstrated in the video – also features a short takeoff/vertical landing (STOVL) ability. The aircraft’s predecessor models were modified to better satisfy more modern security needs, and in order to allow it to operate on other landscapes, on or off land.

    The STOVL operation of the aircraft works on the Rolls-Royce patented shaft-driven LiftFan system, paired with an engine with a 90 degree swivel feature during short takeoff/vertical landing mode. The said Rolls-Royce LiftSystem is the first ever to facilitate Short Take Off and Vertical Landing operations for fighter jets. The aircraft is able to be propelled vertically by a 3BSM which can easily swivel ninety-five degrees in two and a half seconds, managed to direct up to 18,000 pounds of engine exhaust towards the ground, sending the vehicle upwards.

    All mechanisms come together in this jet and work together like a perfectly oiled machine. It allows for easy piloting and a quick response time, all with easy controls like switching to STOVL mode with a simple press of a button.

  • Long Range Strike Bomber – USAF Plays Close to the Chest

    Long Range Strike Bomber – USAF Plays Close to the Chest

    There is a new long range strike bomber being developed by the US Air Force. The aircraft program is under wraps to the extent that the Pentagon did not even admit that there is a program at all until recently, let alone giving out details about the project. A spokeswoman with the US Air Force was quoted as saying, “Specific LRS programmatic details are protected with enhanced security measures.”

    Known Facts

    Not much is known about the new long range strike bomber, except that there is an aircraft program called the “LRS-B” program, and it is highly classified. What is also known, is that money to the tune of $300 million has been allocated for the defense project for the fiscal year 2013-14, and the total money allocated so far from 2013 to 2017 is estimated to be about $6.3 billion. The B-3 bomber as it has come to be called will be long range, optionally-manned, and it will have stealth properties. This bomber aircraft will have a price tag of about $550 million apiece. The entire fleet of about 80 to 100 stealth bombers is expected to be commissioned by 2020.

    The B-3 bomber is a replacement of the B-2 bomber, which in turn was a replacement for the B-1. So, let us take a look at the previous versions of the ‘B’ series of strike bombers.

    A B-1B Lancer with wings swept full forward
    A B-1B Lancer with wings swept full forward (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

    The B-1 Bomber

    The B-1 Bomber was introduced in 1986 as a replacement of the B-52 Stratofortress. This bomber aircraft was built by Rockwell International, and there were two versions. An initial version was actually in existence since 1974, called the B-1A. It was capable of carrying nuclear bombs, flew at twice the speed of sound at high altitudes and could also carry short-range attack missiles. It also had stealth features, meaning that it had the ability to lower its visibility on radar to 1/100th of the B52, but this also had an adverse effect on the speed of the aircraft. During the period of 1984 to 1988, the US Air Force built its B-1 Bomber aircraft fleet up to 100.

    A U.S. Air Force Boeing B-52H Stratofortress s...
    A U.S. Air Force Boeing B-52H Stratofortress static display with weapons, at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana (USA), in 2006. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

    The second version, the B1-B is also supersonic, but its normal cruising speed is subsonic – about Mach 0.9 which is 670 miles per hour. It can fly at an altitude of as low as 200 feet above the ground. It can carry up to 24 nuclear bombs and has a flying range of 4,600 miles (7,400 kilometers) without having to refuel.

    B-2A Block 10 (upgraded to Block 30) Spirit, 8...
    B-2A Block 10 (upgraded to Block 30) Spirit, 82-1069, “Spirit of Indiana”, of the Eighth Air Force 509th Bomb Wing (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

    The B-2 Stealth Bomber

    The specialty of the B-2 Stealth Bomber is that its development marked the integration of aerospace technologies with conventional aviation technology. It is a versatile aircraft, capable of delivering nuclear as well as conventional weapons.

    The B-2 Bomber was developed by Northrop, Boeing in the late eighties, the first successful flight of the B-2 Bomber took place in July 1989. This bomber aircraft is built on the lines of the B-35 of the 1940s. The bodywork mostly consists of resin-impregnated graphite fiber.

    More on the LRS-B Long Range Strike Bomber

    Due to the utmost secrecy being maintained by the Pentagon, Northrop Grumman also seems to have been sidetracked and is non-committal on the matter (of the B-3 Bomber). Even though Northrop has not put in a bid yet, it is unknown whether they will now or will compete for the LRS-B contract at a later stage. It has been speculated that maybe it is just waiting for better terms, or a more defined scope of work on the project. Boeing and Lockheed Martin have joined hands in a bid to win the high-budget project and have been approached by the Pentagon. Boeing will be the main contractor and an announcement to this effect was made in October 2013.

    The Downside of Secrecy

    It has been said that excessive security can have a negative effect on development. In a recent article published in The Daily Beast, Bill Sweetman says this about the B-3 Stealth Bomber, “… almost everything about it is secret, and that’s not necessarily a good thing.” Sweetman goes on to point out that the secrecy associated with the Long Range Strike Bomber is the highest in the history of all similar projects since the 1980s. He says that while developing the B-2, certain features were developed, but never used and will never be used. Due to this reason, there were people working within a “security bubble”, who had a free hand in doing just as they pleased, as they were shielded from public scrutiny. The above reason is why some projects overrun their budgets.

    Secrecy, to a point is acceptable, especially when a military weapon is being developed. But secrecy beyond reasonable limits can result in impractical technical development with a series of budget overruns, which could ultimately threaten the very existence of the project. An official announcement is expected sometime in 2015 regarding the confirmation of this aircraft program. Until then, the world will just have to rely on snippets about this much-needed, futuristic Long Range Strike bomber.

  • High Energy Laser Mobile Demonstrator Wields its Power

    High Energy Laser Mobile Demonstrator Wields its Power

    The US Army’s New Defense System “High Energy Laser Mobile Demonstrator” Wields its Power

    The High Energy Laser Mobile Demonstrator (HEL-MD) is a top-notch laser-based defense weapon being developed by the American Army’s Space and Missile Defense Command, in collaboration with Boeing.

    The HEL-MD’s role is to display the potential of directed-energy technology for shielding US Army troops against rockets, artillery and mortars. The first successful trials took place between November 18th and December 10th, 2013 in the White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico. However, the complete integration with a Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck (HEMTT) was during the summer of 2011, and the first low-power tests of this laser weapon took place during the fall and winter of the same year.

    Historical Overview of the HEL-MD

    In 1980, US President Ronald Raegan advanced the most prominent propositions for the use of laser guns to destroy flying targets before they could land. The project was called the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI), which people also referred to as “Star Wars.” However, most of the laser weapon projects were overlooked regardless of the fact that the strategic missile defense concept has never ceased to exist.

    Boeing, on the other hand, continued working on the concept, and in February 2010, the company successfully tested one of its Directed-Energy weapons.

    YAL-1A Airborne Laser in flight with the mirro...
    YAL-1A Airborne Laser in flight with the mirror unstowed (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

    How Does the HEL MD Compare to Other Defense Systems?

    The HEL MD is not the first defensive system that the US army devised in order to defend the American operating bases with laser weapons in Iraq and Afghanistan. Similar systems include the Boeing YAL-1 Airborne Laser Testbed and the Phalanx-based Counter Rocket, Artillery and Mortar (C-RAM).

    Unlike the HEL MD, the defense system known as the Boeing YAL-1 Airborne Laser Testbed was mounted inside a modified Boeing 747-400F and was, therefore, not mounted on a ground vehicle. However, due to some test failures, the funding for this system was cut in 2010, before the US Army decided to cancel the whole system in 2011.

    C-RAM, on the other hand, proved efficient to some extent. The system successfully detected and destroyed rockets, artillery and mortars. Nonetheless, some attacks in both Iraq and Afghanistan still succeeded to get through, which is not the case with the HEL MD system as proved during testing in 2012 and 2014.

    Another area where HEL MD outperforms C-RAM is the number of rounds in the magazine. The HEL MD system has a “near-infinite magazine” because it is a laser, unlike C-RAM that has a finite number of rounds.

    Blaine Beardsley, HEL MD program manager at Boeing, explained, “Even while you’re utilizing the magazine and engaging targets, you’re charging that magazine.” Therefore, unlike its counterparts, the HEL MD laser gun uses electrical power to produce lethal effects. Mark Gunzinger, a Senior Fellow at the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments (CSBA), further illustrated this when he said, “As long as they have a source of electricity and cooling, they can keep firing.”

    Furthermore, this laser weapon enjoys the very useful attribution of mobility, hence the name “MOBILE Demonstrator.” In this regard Beardsley added, “You can drive it out to any location and emplace it quickly and be able to set it up with full 360-degree coverage.”

    HEMTT wrecker (M984, front) and cargo (M977). ...
    HEMTT wrecker (M984, front) and cargo (M977). Photo taken at Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

    Capabilities and Specifications of the HEL MD

    The latest tests of this laser weapon by the US Army in New Mexico are considered to be the first successful demonstration of the capabilities of the HEL-MD mounted on a Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck (HEMTT). The current system uses a 10-kilowatt laser. However, the system’s power is expected to be upgraded to 50 or 60-kilowatt laser. Later, the laser will be increased to 100-Kilowatts.

    In addition to the tests in New Mexico, the system was tested again on 4 September 2014 at the Eglin Air Force Base in Florida. The HEL MD proved very successful even in maritime conditions. The defense system successfully managed to target a variety of aerial targets, even under windy, rainy and foggy weather conditions.

    When commenting on this success, Dave DeYoung, Boeing Directed Energy Systems director, said, “As proven at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico in 2013 and at Eglin Air Force Base this spring, HEL MD is reliable and capable of consistently acquiring, tracking and engaging a variety of targets in different environments, demonstrating the potential military utility of directed energy systems”.

    Although other systems such as C-RAM have proven their reliability, the latest trials of the HEL MD laser weapon system by the US Army in Florida helped the system gain a considerable margin over all of its competitors.

    What follows is a brief summary of some of the specifications of the current HEL MD defense system:

    Current System’s Specifications

    HEMTT – 500 hp Caterpillar C-15 engine, Allison 4500 SP/5-speed automatic transmission, 8X8 axle, 16ton payload capacity

    Laser – 10 kW tailored commercial laser

    BCS – 50 cm aperture retracting telescope, 300 W target illuminator, low jitter precise pointing tracking system

    Acquisition & Track Sensors – IR based WFOV for target acquisition coupled with NFOV for engagement

    WMI – For a control of the entire system-based on a standard air defense and Avenger C4I interface

    BMC4I – Modular design to enable the interface with current and future fielded BMC4I systems

    Electrical Power – One set of lithium ion batteries to provide extremely stable power to the laser. Battery charging and another subsystem power from single 60 kW diesel generator, mounted on HEMTT

    Thermal Management – Two-loop chilled water system for the laser and standard air conditioner for all other subsystems

    Future Plans

    Though the current primary use for the HEL MD laser gun system is for the US Army, plans include using this laser defense system to protect the planet from asteroids. There has been a drastic rise in the interest of using this technology since an asteroid hit Central Russia on February 15, 2013. The incident injured more than 1,000 people, which experts regarded as a serious warning about the need for a defensive system that would protect the Earth from any similar asteroid attacks.

    Final Analysis

    The (HEL MD) laser weapon system has gained fame as a revolutionary defense system for the US Army. It is the only system that proved successful even under foggy, rainy and in maritime conditions. Hence, although other systems like C-RAM will not cease to exist, it is doubtless that the US Army’s New Defense System, the High Energy Laser Mobile Demonstrator  HEL MD, will constitute a threshold for more sophisticated directed-energy weapons, especially that those future plans also include saving the planet from asteroids.

  • RQ-170 Sentinel Drone – The US Air Force’s Stealth Drone

    RQ-170 Sentinel Drone – The US Air Force’s Stealth Drone

    History

    The US Air Force and the Pentagon have been pursuing their drone development program since 1995, the most prominent drone series being the Predator series (A, B & C). Today, it is a full-fledged operation. One of the latest projects now being pursued is the US Air Force’s RQ-170 Sentinel Drone, manufactured by Lockheed Martin. The US Air Force has not released much information about this drone. However, this US drone is known to be a stealth aircraft, fitted with reconnaissance equipment for the purpose of gathering data from non-cooperative countries such as Iran, Iraq and Afghanistan. It is being used since 2011, when it was launched during the ongoing war in Afghanistan, called “Operation Enduring Freedom”.

    It is also worthwhile to note that this US drone was used quite effectively for tracking down Osama Bin Laden, the mastermind of the 9/11 attacks. The system is believed to have been set up in the Pakistani town of Abbottabad where the terrorist was believed to have been hiding, in a heavily guarded compound, with the full knowledge of the Pakistani authorities. It was through the data fed to the Navy SEALs from the Sentinel system that they were able to penetrate the compound and terminate this dreaded terrorist on the spot.

    The RQ-170 Sentinel has also been used in South Korean airspace, which would have been obviously for the purpose of spying on activities in North Korea.

    Lockheed Martin RQ-170 Sentinel
    Lockheed Martin RQ-170 Sentinel (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

    Duplication of the Sentinel

    In December 2011, an RQ-170 Sentinel was sent into Iran on a reconnaissance mission. The Iranian armed forces intercepted the drone and hacked into its navigation systems, managing to capture it. They claimed that they had been able to duplicate it by decoding the software and using reverse engineering. Although, the claims were stated as being fake by a former Pentagon official, the Iranians stuck to their story and showed video footage of the drone.

    The landing gear, however, was covered by a banner stating, “We’ll trample America underfoot” and “the US cannot do a damn thing.”

    The RQ-170 Sentinel has also been copied by the Chinese who released pictures of the copied drone along with some other aircraft.

    Specifications

    The specifications the US drone described here are not official, as there are no official documents available, due to the highly classified nature of the RQ-170 Sentinel project, as it is being kept under wraps by the CIA and the Pentagon. However, what has been reproduced here, are as accurately-possible facts, which should give a fair picture about the Sentinel and its capabilities.

    The RQ-170 Sentinel by Lockheed Martin is a rather new addition to the United States Air Force’s fleet of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). It is a stealth vehicle, which is supposed to be a cost-effective drone with added qualities put on to existing design features. The purpose of the Sentinel is for surveillance and reconnaissance of enemy territories from a high altitude. The drone is mostly connected to CIA missions, which is the reason most of the information on it remains classified by the Pentagon and unavailable to the general public.

    A B-2 Spirit soars after a refueling mission o...
    A B-2 Spirit soars after a refueling mission over the Pacific Ocean on Tuesday, May 30, 2006. The B-2, from the 509th Bomb Wing at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., is part of a continuous bomber presence in the Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Bennie J. Davis III) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

    Looks-wise, the Sentinel is more of wing, with less of vertical tail surfaces. The wing structures are swept towards the rear of the aircraft, giving it the appearance of the B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber. It is powered by a single General Electric TF34 series turbofan engine. The payload region is also located in the central area. The abundant wings serve the purpose of offering extra fuel storage. The undercarriage is in a regular tricycle configuration with two main landing wheels and a single landing gear in the nose section.

    The aircraft is equipped with a full suite of cameras and sensors. There are full motion real-time cameras and radioactive isotope-detecting sensors for locating nuclear material. It is assumed that the drone is also armed with missiles, in the same way that the Predator is. It is also understood to have the latest infra-red and other optical devices fitted.

    The maximum altitude observed by this drone is at least 50,000 feet. The wingspan is estimated at 26 meters, with a height of 1.84 meters and a length of 4.5 meters.

    Future Prospects of the Sentinel

    It would seem that the Sentinel has had a rather big setback with the copying of its design by the Iranians. Although there is no information forthcoming from the Department of Defense, the Pentagon, US Air Force or the CIA, there is no dearth of information emanating from Iran regarding the Sentinel and future plans. RT.com News published an article in May 2014 quotes a statement made by Iranian leaders who said that their engineers have managed to decode the drone’s technology and copy it. There will soon be a test flight, they promised.

    From what we see, the RQ-170 Sentinel is definitely here to stay, but if the US military is to keep the technology to itself, it is going to have to figure out how to keep its classified secrets from falling into enemy hands, as has been the case in the recent past.

     

  • PAK FA T-50 – High Performance Fifth-Generation Russian Stealth Aircraft

    PAK FA T-50 – High Performance Fifth-Generation Russian Stealth Aircraft

    The PAK FA T-50 is in an entirely new league of fighter aircraft. PAK FA is short for Perspektivny Aviatsionny Kompleks Frontovoy Aviatsii.  When translated into English, it means “Prospective Airborne Complex of Frontline Aviation” or “Future Air Complex – Tactical Air Forces”.  It is being developed by Russia to be a fifth generation stealth fighter with capabilities rivaling and even exceeding in some areas those of the American Lockheed F-22A, the first fifth generation fighter in the world. The finished prototype belonging to the Russian Air Force possesses advanced features like supercruise and extreme maneuverability and is expected to enter into service by 2015.

    English: Sukhoi T-50, b/n 51.
    English: Sukhoi T-50, b/n 51. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

    Here are some of the specifications of the PAK T-50 fighter aircraft.

    Length: 19.8 m (65.0 ft)
    Wingspan: 13.95 m (45.8 ft)
    Height: 4.74 m (15.6 ft)
    Maximum Take Off Weight: 35,000 kg (77,160 lb)
    Powerplant: 2 × NPO Saturn izdeliye 117 (AL-41F1) initially; turbofan engines, each developing 35,000lbs of thrust
    Max Speed at Altitude: Mach 2.3
    Max Speed at Supercruise: Mach 1.6
    Fuel capacity: 10,300 kg (22,700 lb)
    Mikoyan Project 1.44
    Mikoyan Project 1.44 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

    Origin of the PAK FA T-50

    In the 1980s, Russia sought to develop a multirole fighter that could serve as a replacement for the MiG-29s as well as for the, then recently deployed, Su-27s.  The MiG 1.44 was created through the MFI program.  The program encountered repeated delays.  Its first flight was behind schedule by nine years.  By then, Sukhoi had already started developing the technology required for the next generation aircraft even though it was not a part of the MFI program.  The development of MiG 1.44 was officially scrapped due to the lack of funds ensuing from the collapse of Soviet Union.  At that point, Sukhoi was, after winning the PAK FA competition, chosen to lead the designing of a new fifth generation aircraft.

    T-50 ПАК-ФА
    T-50 ПАК-ФА (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

    Since 2007, Russia and India have collaborated to jointly develop an Indian prototype of the T-50 stealth fighter.  The program, initially known as FGFA (Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft) is now jointly called the PMF (Perspective Multirole Fighter).  India has agreed to bear half the cost of the projected $12 billion.  Two separate prototypes are expected to be developed in the process – one each by India and Russia.  India is expected to buy over 144 single seater PAK FAs while Russia is expected to order over 150.

    Timeline for the PAK FA T-50

    • The initial design for PAK FA was completed in 2004.
    • The first public flight was in January 2010 and lasted 47 minutes.
    • In August 2012, flight testing of the AESA radar suite was started.
    • In June 2014, a prototype T-50 caught fire during landing.  However, Sukhoi has stated that this incident “will not affect the timing of the T-50 test program”.

     

    Sukhoi T-50
    Sukhoi T-50 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

    PAK FA T-50 Design

    Due to the secrecy surrounding PAK FA project, there is not much substantiated information available regarding the design and development of the T-50 prototype.  However, it is clear that it will be the first aircraft in the Russian Air Force that is stealthy.  Besides stealth, this fighter aircraft will also possess other advanced features.  Among them is a highly advanced radar system called the advanced phase array radar that adds the capacity for both, forward looking as well as side scanning.  Its sensor fusion capability will allow it to track and engage with multiple targets at the same time.  The current PAK FA prototypes that are scheduled to go into service will use the izdeliye 117 engine.  These powerful engines will allow the aircraft to supercruise; that is, sustain a supersonic flight without the use of afterburners.

    The armament details of the PAK FA have been kept largely under wraps.  However, it is believed that the current T50 prototype could be equipped with air to surface missiles, air to air missiles, anti ship missiles, anti radiation missiles, and guided bombs.  When the prototype comes into service, it may use the in-service missiles.  However, it is expected that over time special munitions will be developed specifically to be used in the PAK FA family.

    In certain aspects of design, the PAK FA does resemble the existing American fifth generation F-22s, notably in its broad shape and long lines.  Its advanced aerodynamic system gives it extreme agility, a trait that is somewhat lacking in the F-22s.  The 25,000 lb internal fuel load gives it another edge over the F-22s when it comes to combat persistence.

    The Political and Strategic Impact of the PAK FA

    A technical analysis of the PAK FA shows that is clearly more advanced in agility and aerodynamic performance than any aircraft built by the USA, whether in service currently or in planning.  Given the configuration of the PAK FA and its stealth parameters, it is believed that it will change the nature of missile combat.  The missile will come into the combat at a closer range than before, and the timeline of actual engagement will be shorter as well.  This means that stealth will be one of the most important features for fighter aircrafts in the time to come.  The other factor most likely to affect the outcome of the air combat would be the ability of the fighters to supercruise for longer periods of time.  As such, the advent of the mature production PAK FA could mean the end of line for the teen series generation aircrafts such as F-15 / F-16 / F/A-18.

    Even when it comes to the current fifth generation American fighter F-22A, the United States will not have a clear and certain advantage when it comes to air strikes and will immediately lose the ability to impose air superiority rapidly.  According to the tactical analysis, “Fights between the F-22A and the PAK FA will be close, high, fast and lethal …The outcome will be difficult to predict as it will depend a lot on the combat skills of the pilots and the capabilities of the missiles for end-game kills. There is no guarantee that the F-22 will prevail every time.”

    Summary

    PAK FA T-50 is believed to be the one of the foremost “game changers” in the field of fighter technology since T-10 & Su-27s.  Its impact is not just limited to technology and politics, but rather it could have fundamental ramifications tactically, strategically, as well as operationally.   Most importantly, it challenges the aerial advantage that the United States has held for many decades.  Unless their planning for future air power tactics changes immediately and drastically, United States will have fewer strategic options going forward that are nonnuclear in nature. The PAK FA T-50 is certainly a counter punch that will cause the US to innovate an even better fighter than the F-35 and F-22.

    Featured photo credit: GDE-Fon.com