International Aerospace Discussion

Gerard · Post by **Gerard** » 02 Apr 2010 01:05

Craig Alpert · Post by **Craig Alpert** » 02 Apr 2010 04:12

Raytheon’s MALD Decoys Gaining Versatility

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MALD has changed over its program lifespan. One big change was required range, which forced the Air Force to move to a larger decoy, and led to a re-compete that Raytheon won from original incumbent Northrop Grumman in 2003. Prices have increased accordingly, from $30,000 to $120,000 per decoy. Range for the 300 pound system has also increased, to 500 nm/ 575 miles, with the ability to loiter over targets.

MALD flight testing of the Raytheon design was completed in January 2008, and the system has now passed required tests. In March 2009, the USAF accepted delivery of the 1st MALD low-rate initial production unit.

With its range and loiter time, however, MALD lends itself to other uses as well. One obvious use is to install radar jamming equipment, instead of radar reflecting equipment. The resulting system can add realism to an incoming wave of MALD decoys while neutralizing specific threats, or fly ahead on a mission of its own. The “MALD-J” electronics will have to be powerful enough to be useful, however, while remaining small and light enough to fit into a 300 pound MALD decoy.

The USAF wants to explore those possibilities. Raytheon received a 2-year, $80 million US Air Force contract for MALD-J Phase II risk reduction in April 2008. The firm is in the process of developing, integrating and testing the new MALD-J variant. The company conducted a free-flight test in December 2009 to ensure that MALD-J performs under conditions that resemble operational missions. A system Critical Design Review milestone was completed in February 2010, setting the stage for final system design and development, whose end-point will be free-flight testing and, ultimately, low rate initial production. MALD-J’s milestone C go/no-go decision re: production is expected in early 2011.
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Austin · Post by **Austin** » 04 Apr 2010 00:17

The adequate Air Force; Grappling with F-35 problems ....

The content, though, is going to be scaled back to live within the service’s limited means. The new long-range strike system, postponed from 2018 to “the mid-2020s,” Schwartz said, won’t be survivable against the toughest air defenses, because the Air Force can’t afford to make it so. New satellites will be smaller and cheaper, with less capability.

Speaking a few days after the first flight of Russia’s fifth generation PAK FA fighter, which bears a close resemblance to USAF’s F-22, Schwartz said the event “clearly reinforces the notion that we need to press on with the F-35 ... in sufficient numbers,” and that maintaining “a force of 4.5 generation fighters is not where the Air Force wants to be in the medium term.”

Schwartz declined to answer directly whether the progress of the PAK FA demands reconsideration of the F-22—curtailed last year at 187 aircraft—reiterating that USAF should concentrate on the F-35, which has less power and agility. Asked if the F-35 will be sufficient to maintain air dominance, he said, “Not forever. But ... for the near term, yes.”

Samay · Post by **Samay** » 04 Apr 2010 10:52

Austin sir
I think that amercans should not be believed when it comes to 5th gen or next gen capability..

Gerard · Post by **Gerard** » 05 Apr 2010 04:45

US Air Force to launch robotic winged space plane

VinayG · Post by **VinayG** » 08 Apr 2010 03:14

US Air Force Eyes Service-Life Extensions for Older Fighters

Gerard · Post by **Gerard** » 08 Apr 2010 19:16

Russian Dnepr rocket launches with CryoSat-2

Craig Alpert · Post by **Craig Alpert** » 08 Apr 2010 19:24

An airplane powered by the sun

At the pace of a fast bicycle, a solar-powered plane took to the skies for its maiden flight on Wednesday, passing an important test on the way to a historic voyage around the world â€” a journey that would not use a drop of fuel.

During Wednesday's 90-minute flight, the plane completed a series of turns by gently tilting its black-and-white wings, which are as wide as those of a 747 jumbo jet. It climbed nearly a mile above the Swiss countryside.

Test pilot Markus Scherdel said Wednesday's flight proved that the plane could take off and land safely and handles like a passenger jet. Aviation experts said they see a future for renewable fuels in commercial aviation, but they predicted that biofuels from plants, algae or other sources were more likely to succeed than solar power.(AP Image)

Gerard · Post by **Gerard** » 08 Apr 2010 23:37

Nuclear heartland anxious about missile cuts

Here in America's nuclear heartland, where underground missile silos dot the landscape, a possible U.S.-Russia treaty to reduce nuclear weapons is nothing short of alarming.

The military workers who maintain those missiles support cities as large as Great Falls, where 40 percent of the economy depends upon Malmstrom Air Force Base, and businesses as small as the Judith Gap Mercantile, where passing airmen buy milkshakes by the dozen. If they follow the missiles out of town, the economies here could be crippled.

Gerard · Post by **Gerard** » 09 Apr 2010 00:41

2008 launch of German satellites by Dnepr rocket (converted SS-18)
clear view as the gas generator is kicked sideways

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 09 Apr 2010 01:17

holy cow - SS18s launching satellites is like a 8000lb gorilla being a kindergarten school teacher - the suit is ill-fitting...the beast cannot be hidden.

Gerard · Post by **Gerard** » 09 Apr 2010 01:25

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dnepr-1

The launch vehicles used for satellite launches are withdrawn from service with the Russian Strategic Rocket Forces and stored for commercial use. A group of 150 ICBMs can be converted for use and are available until 2020
The Dnepr can be launched from Baikonur in Kazakhstan and a newly created Cosmodrome at the Dombarovsky launch base, near Yasny, in the Orenburg region of Russia.

8 April, 2010 Cryosat-2 Polar Baikonur
13 April, 2010 Prisma, Picard Planned Yasny

dorai · Post by **dorai** » 10 Apr 2010 05:57

Flumes Flies a Demonstrator of a Generic Future Fighter Aircraft

The division of Fluid and Mechatronic Systems, FluMeS at the department of Management and Engineering, have been rewarded a contract from SAAB and FMV to realise and build a scaled demonstrator of a generic fighter concept.

The concept constitutes a goal and common study object for the defence long term research and development strategy within aeronautics. The concept is a common development between SAAB and FOI with focus on stealth capability, internal load bays and “super cruise” capability.

The goal of the demonstrator is to:

* Show a cost effective way, with short lead time, to design and manufacture a flying demonstrator of a concept
* Evaluate the usage of scaled demonstrator as a tool for aircraft development, including as “flying wind tunnel”

The demonstrator is in scale 1:13 and is jet powered with the following characteristics:

* Length 2,4 m
* Wing span 1,5 m
* Take off weight 15 kg
* Thrust 160 N

Maiden flight took place in November 2009 and was a success. During the winter the demonstrator is equipped with flight test equipment in order to prepare the coming flight campaign, planed under the spring/summer 2010. This work is the result of a project realised within the framework of NFFP4, Swedish National Aeronautics Research Programme.

http://www.iei.liu.se/flumes/aero/gff?l=en

putnanja · Post by **putnanja** » 10 Apr 2010 11:14

F-35 Costs Set to Soar, Says Pentagon

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Based on figures in the document, the average cost of one F-35 -- $62 million when the program was launched in 2002 -- could rise to $115.5 million, not counting inflation, by the time all 2,457 planes that the U.S. plans to buy are built.

Including inflation, the government now expects each F-35 to cost an average of $133.6 million. But even that figure could swell to more than $150 million when revised estimates are completed in June.

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In the report submitted to Congress, the average cost of an F-35 was estimated at $97.1 million before inflation, a 57 percent increase over the original estimate.

The total cost of the program was originally estimated at $178 billion. The latest estimate puts that figure at $328.25 billion, including inflation projections. That number was made public last week.

But language in the full report indicates that figure could rise by $40 billion to $50 billion
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putnanja · Post by **putnanja** » 10 Apr 2010 11:16

US loses first Osprey in Afghanistan, 4 dead

KABUL – A U.S. Air Force Osprey went down in southeastern Afghanistan, killing three service members and one civilian contractor in the first crash of the costly tilt-rotor aircraft in a combat zone, the U.S. military said.

It's unclear what caused the crash of the U.S. military's latest generation transport aircraft — beset for years by cost overruns and design flaws.

A NATO statement Friday said "numerous other service members" were injured when the aircraft crashed late Thursday seven miles (11 kilometers) from Qalat, capital of Zabul province about 200 miles (300 kilometers) southwest of Kabul.
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rohitvats · Post by **rohitvats** » 10 Apr 2010 23:31

Singha wrote: holy cow - SS18s launching satellites is like a 8000lb gorilla being a kindergarten school teacher - the suit is ill-fitting...the beast cannot be hidden.

What method is used to propel the ICBM out of silo and the container on the mobile launcher? Same as SLBM?

negi · Post by **negi** » 11 Apr 2010 03:22

Russians use gas generators for both ICBMs as well as their SLBMs (their old ones like R39 had a bubble generator on the tip which is discarded once missile breaks the water surface ) , Unkil uses a steam generator to lob their latest ICBM 'Peacekeeper' before the first stage motor kicks in , SLBMs are launched by steam generator only (old ones by compressed air) . Silo based ICBMs like Minuteman series are hot launched (first stage fires inside the silo itself the gas generator is only used to blast the silo hatch open ).

Having said that while I appreciate the use of a bubble generator plate on the tip of the missile to shroud the SLBM in a cloud of gas and steam so that the heavy missile breaks the water surface with relative ease , I don't know how do modern SLBMs achieve this without the top plate .

Speaking of SLBMs , Austin saar when is Bulava gonna be operational ? Looks like its time to send the programme director and his boys to Siberia.

Austin · Post by **Austin** » 11 Apr 2010 21:43

negi wrote:Speaking of SLBMs , Austin saar when is Bulava gonna be operational ? Looks like its time to send the programme director and his boys to Siberia.

OT , but June is make or break month for Bulava SLBM 4 test planned 2 from Typhoon and 2 from Borei if the first 2 fails , the project is closed for good , Borei gets converted to SSGN/Cruise missile carrier.

rohitvats · Post by **rohitvats** » 11 Apr 2010 22:18

negi wrote:Russians use gas generators for both ICBMs as well as their SLBMs (their old ones like R39 had a bubble generator on the tip which is discarded once missile breaks the water surface ).....<SNIP>

negi, thanx.

negi · Post by **negi** » 11 Apr 2010 23:52

Project closed ? Austin what are the outstanding issues with Bulava (feeling a bit lazy to google up ) ? It is wierd to see someone like great Bear facing issues in an area where it has been pretty strong.

Gerard · Post by **Gerard** » 12 Apr 2010 01:55

Having said that while I appreciate the use of a bubble generator plate on the tip of the missile to shroud the SLBM in a cloud of gas and steam so that the heavy missile breaks the water surface with relative ease , I don't know how do modern SLBMs achieve this without the top plate .

In the second pix (left bottom) in the montage, the missile cap can be seen as it breaks through the canister cap, right before the expanding bubbles envelop it.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/c ... ontage.jpg

The missiles are ejected from their tubes by gas pressure created by a "gas generator", a solid-fuel rocket motor attached to the bottom of the missile tube which heats a pool of water creating steam. After the missile leaves the tube and rises through the water over the submarine, the first stage motor ignites, the aerospike extends, and the boost phase begins. Ideally, the missile is "sheathed" in gas bubbles for its entire time in the water, so liquid never touches the missile

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TmgeHlCe ... re=related

as opposed to the ARSS (cavitator)

The ARSS ensures the amortization of rocket, hermetic sealing the cavity of mine and safety of rocket for the submarine, it allows the submerged submarine rocket carrier from the tube to the significant depth opened by cover. All load-bearing elements of rocket, necessary with its operation on the ground environment and aboard the ship, with exception of middle supporting skirt, are placed on the ARSS and housing of rear compartment, jettisoned in the initial phase of flight after the output of rocket from the water.

At the moment of launch a special solid-propellant grain, located on the ARSS, create the gas current protection in the form of cavity, which decreases the hydrodynamic loads on the rocket. Command to the starting of first-stage engine will be given at the moment of the output of rocket from the tube. Ignition of the first stage engine occurs after leaving the tube. With start of the first-stage engine after exiting from the water the rocket for the purpose of providing safety of submarine takes away to the side. Starting system in flight is removed by special engines from the rocket and also it takes away to the side.

http://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/world/russia/r39.htm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSn6_p8D ... re=related

JTull · Post by **JTull** » 13 Apr 2010 23:17

China shows off its fighter jets to the world

PratikDas · Post by **PratikDas** » 14 Apr 2010 04:32

Never seen one of these before....
A Nuclear Cockpit Shield on a A-4 Skyhawk: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:A-4E_ ... AN8-73.jpg

Austin · Post by **Austin** » 14 Apr 2010 08:59

negi wrote: Project closed ? Austin what are the outstanding issues with Bulava (feeling a bit lazy to google up ) ? It is wierd to see someone like great Bear facing issues in an area where it has been pretty strong.

Yuri Solomonov the chief designer of Bulava , complains of Russian industry not being able to deliver 50 critical components , quality control and lack of testing at the ground stage.

If you are indeed keen to learn why the project faced many problems check out the latest interview by Solomonov.

Interview: Yuri Solomonov-Do not demolish the Bulava

negi · Post by **negi** » 14 Apr 2010 09:08

Bro do you have a better grip over Russian ? Can you highlight the major points for benefit of all ? The translation tool does not do justice to the interview .

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 14 Apr 2010 09:49

from videos it does look like topol-M is cold launched from TEL using some gas generator?

how does the 200t SS18 rise from its silo ?

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/c ... -off_1.jpg

does the part falling off indicate a solid booster that pushes it out of silo
before liquid engines ignite?

Gerard · Post by **Gerard** » 14 Apr 2010 20:41

Mortar launch. The missile sits on top of the powder charge mortar, which acts like a piston to push the missile into the air. In the video above you can see it being kicked sideways after it leaves the silo.

http://www.esa.int/esaMI/Cryosat/SEMM65908BE_0.html

Juggi G · Post by **Juggi G** » 16 Apr 2010 03:26

Docs Say F-35B Too Hot, Noisy

Craig Alpert · Post by **Craig Alpert** » 16 Apr 2010 06:01

Northrop Grumman Demonstrates a Fiber-Ready Laser Interface for U.S. Army's Common Infrared Countermeasures (CIRCM) Program

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"The fiber coupling of laser jamming energy into our jam head demonstrates how this CIRCM system approach supports both direct coupled and remote laser sources," said Carl Smith, vice president of Infrared Countermeasures for Northrop Grumman's Land and Self Protection Systems Division. "As new threats evolve, our CIRCM system is ready to take advantage of advancing laser technology to counter emerging threats. While the direct coupled laser architecture is more mature, efficient and provides higher jamming energy today, the fiber-coupled approach enables larger and more complex laser components that cannot be mounted on the jam head to be used. Our CIRCM jam head interface supports both architectures offering the best growth options for our warfighters in the future."

"The company's multi-band, Viper™ laser, currently in full rate production, and a small jam head were used during this demonstration with positive results," Smith said.
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shukla · Post by **shukla** » 16 Apr 2010 09:13

Barack Obama aims to send astronauts to Mars orbit in 2030s

"As president, I believe that space exploration is not a luxury, it's not an afterthought in America's quest for a brighter future. It is an essential part of that quest," he said at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The US president was making a whirlwind trip to the heart of the US space industry after stinging criticism of his decision to drop the costly Constellation project which had aimed to put Americans back on the moon.

Obama, who was accompanied by astronaut Buzz Aldrin, the second man to set foot on the moon, said his administration would pump six billion more dollars into the NASA budget over the next five years. But he had specific ideas how it should be spent. "We should attempt a return to the surface of the moon first, as previously planned. But I just have to say, pretty bluntly here, we've been there before. Buzz has been there," Obama said. "There's a lot more of space to explore and a lot more to learn when we do," he said, to loud applause. "By 2025 we expect new spacecraft designed for long journeys to allow us to begin the first ever crew missions beyond the moon into deep space. "So, we'll start by sending astronauts to an asteroid for the first time in history. By the mid-2030s, I believe we can send humans to orbit Mars and return them safely to earth, and a landing on Mars will follow."

In a nod to critics who say the new approach will costs jobs and undermine American leadership in space exploration, Obama said he was retaining part of the Constellation project, the Orion capsule. Obama said he had instructed NASA administrator Charles Bolden to immediately begin the design of a rescue vehicle using technology already developed for the Orion capsule. And the United States would also invest some three billion dollars in research on a heavy-lift rocket to send crew capsules and supplies into deep space, with the design to be finalized by 2015. His plan includes ramping up "robotic exploration of the solar system, including a probe of the sun's atmosphere, new scouting missions to Mars and other destinations, and an advanced telescope to follow Hubble," he said.

Obama also pledged the new plan would create some 2,500 jobs along the so-called space coast in the next two years -- aiming to bring new hope to a region blighted by high unemployment. Critics, including the first man on the moon Neil Armstrong, were angered by Obama's decision earlier this year to scrap the bloated and behind-schedule Constellation program. The aging US space shuttle fleet, which carries astronauts to the International Space Station, is due to be grounded at the end of the year, leaving the United States to hitch rides on Russian spacecraft to the International Space Station until a replacement is developed.

"Without the skill and experience that actual spacecraft operation provides, the USA is far too likely to be on a long downhill slide to mediocrity," Armstrong wrote in a letter, co-signed by two other astronauts. Another powerful critic was Senator Richard Shelby, the top Republican on the subcommittee that has oversight of NASA spending. "This new plan does not represent an advancement in policy or an improvement upon the Constellation program, but a continued abdication of America's leadership in space," Shelby said in a statement Wednesday. But Obama hit back on Thursday saying: "We will actually reach space faster and more often under this new plan in ways that will help us improve our technological capacity and lower our costs.

"The bottom line is, nobody is more committed to manned space flight, to human exploration of space, than I am. But we've got to do it in a smart way. "And we can't just keep on doing the same old things we've been doing and thinking that somehow it's going to get us to where we want to go."

Wouldn't bet against it..

svinayak · Post by **svinayak** » 16 Apr 2010 12:59

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWz2Al0LcfI

Lockheed new video F22
April 14, 2010 — New Video from Lockheed Martin.

The Lockheed Martin/Boeing F-22 Raptor is the new main fighter jet of the U.S Airforce. It's going to replace the duty of the F-15 in the modernized USAF.
The F-22 is being developed to counter the increasing sophistication and threat of hostile air forces and integrated air defense systems in use around the world. This fighter will provide air dominance and a precision ground attack capability for U.S. forces for the next 40 years.

Air and ground threats that the F-15 can no longer counter will be defeated by the lethal and survivable F-22, with its balance of increased speed and range, enhanced offensive and defensive avionics and low observability or stealth. The F-22s design also emphasizes reliability and maintainability of systems.

The F-22 provides a first-look, first-shot, first-kill capability through the use of stealth, advanced sensors and a lethal mix of advanced air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons. The F-22 also requires shorter takeoff and landing distances as compared to current frontline fighters. F-22 pilots will be able to engage the enemy over its own territory and support long-range air-to-ground assets. The F-22 also brings its own precision ground attack capability to the battlefield.

shukla · Post by **shukla** » 17 Apr 2010 16:21

Russia's MiG gets air under its wings again

Russia's aircraft manufacturer MiG is on the way to recovery from the financial crisis...

Austin · Post by **Austin** » 17 Apr 2010 17:41

negi wrote:Bro do you have a better grip over Russian ? Can you highlight the major points for benefit of all ? The translation tool does not do justice to the interview .

Sorry for the delay , but this is something from the horses mouth

Bulava mishaps come from technological problems – Solomonov

"The problem may have two reasons: constructive and production-technological. I can state authoritatively that none of design elements was changed during test process. All problems emerge at the joints of chain "design-technology-production", said Mr. Solomonov

In one case they use defective materials, in second – there is no necessary equipment eliminating human factor at the stage of production, in third – quality control is improper. At the same time it would be unfair to lay burden of responsibility only on production and technological "shoulders", designers are involved as well", explained Solomonov.

In his view, however, one should realize that none designer even working 24 hours a day could replace a functioning system.Solomonov connects misfortune of Bulava with technological problems at the stage of production.

"Specific character of Soviet and especially Russian industry lies in insufficient technological facilities and, consequently, huge portion of "handwork". To a large extend, this disadvantage was compensated by Soviet institution of acceptance boards which significance can't be overestimated. Unfortunately, current trends in Russia systematically leads to degeneration; all claims to military leaders and even prime minister are useless", said the chief designer.

Production technology of some high-quality materials essential for missilery and aircraft engineering has been lost, pointed out Solomonov."In aircraft industry they use the same materials as we do. Perhaps, missilery use higher grade materials due to extreme operational conditions. But the past is dead. Those materials are history. Aviation doesn't have them either", said the chief designer.

"We commercially produce Topol-M and Bulava lacking about 50 components in the country. We convulsively look for surrogates, but to introduce them, the whole range of trials is required. Including bench-scale firing trials for engines. It's about money. And money is not appropriated", pointed out Solomonov.

Gerard · Post by **Gerard** » 18 Apr 2010 04:42

PICTURES: Finnish F-18 engine check reveals effects of volcanic dust

Gerard · Post by **Gerard** » 19 Apr 2010 07:40

Air Force Space Officials Prepare To Launch First Minotaur IV

The Minotaur IV is the newest variant in the Minotaur family of rockets built by Orbital Sciences Corporation. It is a four-stage solid rocket vehicle consisting of three decommissioned Peacekeeper missile stages and a fourth commercially built stage developed by OSC.

The payload for this first launch is the Hypersonic Technology Vehicle, or HTV, built by Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency scientists.

Sanjay M · Post by **Sanjay M** » 23 Apr 2010 07:21

US Air Force Launched X-37B Shuttle Orbiter Drone

So I'm thinking that RLV-TD could end up fulfilling a similarly useful role as X-37B.

Gerard · Post by **Gerard** » 23 Apr 2010 17:23

Star Wars 2010? U.S. military launch space plane on maiden voyage... but its mission is top secret

JimmyD · Post by **JimmyD** » 23 Apr 2010 22:19

The X-37 looks similar to ISRO's Avatar:

from here.

Philip · Post by **Philip** » 24 Apr 2010 12:40

More on the ultra-secret X-37.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/w ... 106714.ece

Launch of secret US space ship masks even more secret launch of new weapon

naren · Post by **naren** » 25 Apr 2010 01:12

More on X-37:

Air Force Launches Top Secret X-37 Space Plane

The X-37B is described in the mission overview as the United States' "newest and most advanced" spacecraft, with objectives for the launch listed as risk reduction, space experimentation and development for long duration and reusable spacecraft technology.

"Key objectives of the first flight include demonstration and validation of guidance, navigation and control systems to include fault tolerant, autonomous re-entry and landing as well as lightweight high-temperature structures and landing gear," the mission overview explained. "On-orbit tests of the thermal management, power control and distribution, and attitude control subsystems are also planned objectives."

The mission was launched aboard an Atlas V 501 5.4m fairing configuration. ULA said this entailed using a single common core booster powered by the RD-180 engine and a single RL-10A upper stage engine. ULA’s next launch, currently scheduled for May 20, is the Air Force’s first Block II-F navigation satellite for the Global Positioning System (GPS) aboard a Delta IV rocket.