Showing posts with label bombers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bombers. Show all posts
Sunday, July 05, 2020
Friday, January 31, 2020
Saturday, December 28, 2019
Stealth Saga #56
6th Generation Fighters:
Leonardo has developed new radar tech for the Tempest.
Airbus wants to absorb the British Tempest project into FCAS.
The US Navy is still mulling over the 6th gen planes. It is unsure if the next gen fighter will actually fly from its carrier decks.
The USAF NGAD received almost $1B.
The Navy's FA-XX/Next Gen Fighter had its funding slashed.
The Japanese unveiled its latest version of the Next Generation Fighter. It is far, far bigger than the F-22.
KF-X:
(again) the KF-X will get the Meteor missile.
TFX:
Turkey says Britain has agreed to accelerate the TFX program.
J-XY:
The Chinese are developing a 5th gen fighter for the new carrier decks, probably derived from the FC-31/J-31.
Su-57:
Is this missile intended for the side bay of the Su-57?
An Su-57 has flown 16 times with the new engine. Testing continues.
The Su-57 supposedly was redeployed to Syria for testing.
An Su-57 crashed. It was the first serial production aircraft. This is a serious blow to the Russian efforts.
A report claims the Algerians are buying 14 Su-57s. Or not.
B-21:
Leonardo has developed new radar tech for the Tempest.
Airbus wants to absorb the British Tempest project into FCAS.
The US Navy is still mulling over the 6th gen planes. It is unsure if the next gen fighter will actually fly from its carrier decks.
The USAF NGAD received almost $1B.
The Navy's FA-XX/Next Gen Fighter had its funding slashed.
The Japanese unveiled its latest version of the Next Generation Fighter. It is far, far bigger than the F-22.
KF-X:
(again) the KF-X will get the Meteor missile.
TFX:
Turkey says Britain has agreed to accelerate the TFX program.
J-XY:
The Chinese are developing a 5th gen fighter for the new carrier decks, probably derived from the FC-31/J-31.
Su-57:
Is this missile intended for the side bay of the Su-57?
An Su-57 has flown 16 times with the new engine. Testing continues.
The Su-57 supposedly was redeployed to Syria for testing.
An Su-57 crashed. It was the first serial production aircraft. This is a serious blow to the Russian efforts.
A report claims the Algerians are buying 14 Su-57s. Or not.
B-21:
The contract for the B-21 has been structured to allow for buying more B-21s, faster, should the need arise without renegotiating.
An Australian think tank proposed buying B-21 bombers from the US. There is little chance of that.
F-117:
A video of an F-117 at the Reagan library makes for interesting observations.
An F-117 has been spotted acting as a stealthy aggressor against F-15s and F-22s at Nellis AFB.
AGM-129:
The saga of the first stealth cruise missile.
LRSO:
Congress may have just cancelled the conventionally armed stealthy LRSO cruise missile.
F-22:
Lockheed got a $7B contract for F-22 sustainment.
F-35:
Congress has blocked the creation of an F-35A aggressor squadron.
Congress approved the buy of 62 F-35As, 16 F-35Bs and
JSOW integration was days away.
F-35 deliveries were halted for quality control issues.
F-35s can call for artillery fire to suppress air defenses if necessary.
The 588th FW's F-35s are headed back to the Middle East for another combat deployment.
Outgoing F-35A demo pilot "Dojo" gets interviewed.
Hill AFB is getting its last F-35As.
The F-35B sporting USS America reaches Japan.
Congress has told the USN to get the USS Kennedy, the newest carrier, ready for the F-35C immediately.
Lockheed has been given contract to deliver 15 F-35As to Australia.
Australia has approved procuring 24 more F-35.
British F-35Bs have launched from the HMS Queen Elizabeth.
Denmark wants more F-35s.
Lockheed is pressing for 75 F-35Is to be sold to Israel.
Lockheed is working on an Israel F-35I specific upgrade.
South Korea has declared IOC for its F-35As.
Lockheed has been given the first contracts for long lead items for the full rate production of the F-35A and for special tooling for the F-35.
Pratt & Whitney just got a $500M contract mod for the F135 engine for the F-35 and another, smaller $50-odd million contract for the engine as well.
An Australian think tank proposed buying B-21 bombers from the US. There is little chance of that.
F-117:
A video of an F-117 at the Reagan library makes for interesting observations.
An F-117 has been spotted acting as a stealthy aggressor against F-15s and F-22s at Nellis AFB.
AGM-129:
The saga of the first stealth cruise missile.
LRSO:
Congress may have just cancelled the conventionally armed stealthy LRSO cruise missile.
F-22:
Lockheed got a $7B contract for F-22 sustainment.
F-35:
Congress has blocked the creation of an F-35A aggressor squadron.
Congress approved the buy of 62 F-35As, 16 F-35Bs and
JSOW integration was days away.
F-35 deliveries were halted for quality control issues.
F-35s can call for artillery fire to suppress air defenses if necessary.
The 588th FW's F-35s are headed back to the Middle East for another combat deployment.
Outgoing F-35A demo pilot "Dojo" gets interviewed.
Hill AFB is getting its last F-35As.
The F-35B sporting USS America reaches Japan.
Congress has told the USN to get the USS Kennedy, the newest carrier, ready for the F-35C immediately.
Lockheed has been given contract to deliver 15 F-35As to Australia.
Australia has approved procuring 24 more F-35.
British F-35Bs have launched from the HMS Queen Elizabeth.
Denmark wants more F-35s.
Lockheed is pressing for 75 F-35Is to be sold to Israel.
Lockheed is working on an Israel F-35I specific upgrade.
South Korea has declared IOC for its F-35As.
Lockheed has been given the first contracts for long lead items for the full rate production of the F-35A and for special tooling for the F-35.
Pratt & Whitney just got a $500M contract mod for the F135 engine for the F-35 and another, smaller $50-odd million contract for the engine as well.
Saturday, November 23, 2019
Stealth Saga #55
6th Generation Fighter:
The USAF thinks it has a 5 year window to reinvent the fighter industry in the US.
The FCAS team reports good progress on the concept study phase. They will be defining the requirements before the demos start.
LOUT:
Airbus unveiled its stealthy UAV test article paid for by Germany.
XQ-58A Valkyrie:
The USAF is testing the Valkyrie as a comm link between the F-22 and F-35.
Loyal Wingman:
Australia's Loyal Wingman program has surrogate UAVs flying.
KFX:
South Korea's KF-X will use the meteor missile.
Su-57:
The Su-57 has been given the awesome NATO code name of 'Felon.'
And there are some stunning photos from MAKS'19.
The first production Su-57 is supposedly ready to deliver to the Russian aerospace forces and supposedly will be delivered before the end of the year.
Russia will not sell the Su-57 to Turkey until demand from the Russian aerospace forces is met.
Russia claims the UAE may help produce the SU-57.
B-21:
Even on schedule, the B-21 is under pressure.
A report to congress on the B-21.
B-2:
China has been testing a wind tunnel model of the B-2.
F-117:
The Reagan Library is getting an F-117 for display. Here are some pictures and videos of its preparation for display. And more pix.
F-117s continue to fly over Nevada.
F-35:
The Pentagon has made an agreement with Lockheed for Lots 12, 13 and 14 for the F-35 that puts the price for the F-35A lower than $80M each.
The Pentagon is in a bun fight with Lockheed over ALIS, the logistics system. The bun fight is a legacy of how the contract was awarded,
The Pentagon has found replacement manufacturers for all but a dozen parts as part of removing Turkey from the F-35 program.
The recent problems with the F-35 have been tied to the scaling up of production.
The Pentagon is in a bun fight with Lockheed over ALIS, the logistics system. The bun fight is a legacy of how the contract was awarded,
The Pentagon has found replacement manufacturers for all but a dozen parts as part of removing Turkey from the F-35 program.
The recent problems with the F-35 have been tied to the scaling up of production.
F-35 readiness has increased to 75%.
F-35s can now talk to F-22s.
The USAF 4th Fighter Squadron returned home after combat deployment.
F-35As were flying with MQ-9 Reapers near Area 51.
Two USAF pilots were the first to fly the USMC's F-35B operationally on the USS America.
More on the USMC's test of the Lightning Carrier concept on the USS America.
USMC F-35Bs returning from Afghanistan have interesting bomb markings.
USMC F-35Bs returning from Afghanistan have interesting bomb markings.
The USS America is steaming to its new homeport in Japan.
Brits were qualing their F-35Bs for night ops on the HMS Queen Elizabeth.
The Brits are planning on integrating their new carriers into US Navy carrier ops.
Israeli F-35Is will be participating in Exercise Blue Flag and have.
Japan has ordered more JSM for its F-35s.
Japan is being pitched the next gen amphibious ship, which may carry F-35s.
Netherlands greeted their first F-35A to be based in their country with an accidental foam bath.
Norway declared IOC for its F-35As.
The first sale of the F-35 tot he UAE could be a long way off.
Lockheed won a $25M contract for a new GPS for the F-35.
Lockheed also won a $114M contract for durability testing on the F-35B.
Lockheed won a $184.6 M contract mod for depot work for the F-35.
Lockheed foresees potential sales in Portugal and Spain of the F-35.
Raytheon's JSOW is getting certified for the F-35.
META:
The F-35 and B-21 buys must continue, but where's the money, some ask.
Lockheed won a $25M contract for a new GPS for the F-35.
Lockheed also won a $114M contract for durability testing on the F-35B.
Lockheed won a $184.6 M contract mod for depot work for the F-35.
Lockheed foresees potential sales in Portugal and Spain of the F-35.
Raytheon's JSOW is getting certified for the F-35.
META:
The F-35 and B-21 buys must continue, but where's the money, some ask.
Sunday, November 10, 2019
A Chinese Air Launched Ballistic Missile may be Entering Service Soon (or Already)
An article published in the Chinese bi-monthly magazine Modern Ships illustrating how a Xian H-6N strategic bomber would carry an air-launched ballistic missile (ALBM) may indicate that this capability is in the final stages of development, or may even have entered service.The 1 November issue of the magazine shows on its cover a high-quality computer-generated (CG) image of an H-6N, the latest variant of the H-6 bomber, carrying an underslung missile. The cover features the headline ‘Bombers rule the waves’ and more CG images of the ALBM-carrying bomber are included inside the magazine.
link.
Saturday, September 21, 2019
Stealth Saga #52
6th Generation Fighters:
BAe is exploiting 'syngeries' between the Typhoon and the Tempest.
BAe is imagining what the Tempest factory might be.
BAe is working on advanced cockpit controls that will inform on the Tempest.
MBDA showed off some of its work on Tempest.
Italy has signed a contract to study joining the Tempest project.
Is Italy joining the Tempest project actually a bad thing?
The FCAS vs Tempest: WHO! WILL! WIN! europe's budget.
The USAF may switch over to fast iterations of new fighters every 5 years.
BAe is imagining what the Tempest factory might be.
BAe is working on advanced cockpit controls that will inform on the Tempest.
MBDA showed off some of its work on Tempest.
Italy has signed a contract to study joining the Tempest project.
Is Italy joining the Tempest project actually a bad thing?
The FCAS vs Tempest: WHO! WILL! WIN! europe's budget.
The USAF may switch over to fast iterations of new fighters every 5 years.
F-3 Fighter:
The Japanese MoD is rumored to be placing the start of the F-3 program in the 2020 budget request.
Ohotnik-B:
The Russians are showing a model of the Ohotnik-B with a very different exhaust nozzle than the current aircraft.
Su-57:
Three Su-57s were spotted practicing for the MAKS 2019 airshow.
Development testing is supposed to be complete in 2019 for the Su-57.
The Su-57 was caught doing an interesting deployment of its drag chutes.
Turkey is considering buying Su-57s instead of F-35s.
Sukhoi unveiled the Su-57E, an export version of the Su-57.
An Su-57 was sent to Turkey as part of the airshow.
The impressive aerial display by an Su-57 gets discussed.
Chinese Loyal Wingman:
The Chinese showed off a Loyal Wingman concept at MAKS.
J-20:
A dubious report has come out that the J-20 will be the basis for the J-XY.
B-21:
Northrop is applying lessons learned from the B-2 to the B-21 program.
The B-21's first public flight route has been announced.
The USAF will probably need more than the 100 B-21s currently planned.
The USAF is considering dumping the B-1 to fund the B-21 to completion.
B-2:
A video has emerged of the B-2 dropping practice 500 lbs bombs.
Even as the B-21 is coming, the B-2 is still being upgraded.
The B-2 visited Iceland for the first time.
Watch 3 B-2s land at an RAF airbase.
Take a look at B-2s flying with RAF F-35Bs. They were training together.
A B-2 flew a long duration flight over the Arctic.
Take a look at these close up pictures of the B-2.
The B-2 practiced hot pitting in the Azores.
F-117:
An F-117 fuselage was spotted being hauled on the California highways. It was headed to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library.
The first flight of the F-117 gets discussed.
51 F-117s remain in the inventory.
F-22:
The USAF is working on a plan to fix the maintenance capability of the F-22's stealth tech.
The F-22 has some stunning images from its flights in Chicago.
Upgrades needed to the facilities in Germany so F-22s can be deployed there for long term have been cancelled as part of the funds transferred for Trump's stupid border wall.
The F-22 will not reach the readiness rates ordered by ex SecDef Mattis.
The F-22s from Tyndall are now active and integrated in Alaska.
Even as the B-21 is coming, the B-2 is still being upgraded.
The B-2 visited Iceland for the first time.
Watch 3 B-2s land at an RAF airbase.
Take a look at B-2s flying with RAF F-35Bs. They were training together.
A B-2 flew a long duration flight over the Arctic.
Take a look at these close up pictures of the B-2.
The B-2 practiced hot pitting in the Azores.
F-117:
An F-117 fuselage was spotted being hauled on the California highways. It was headed to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library.
The first flight of the F-117 gets discussed.
51 F-117s remain in the inventory.
F-22:
The USAF is working on a plan to fix the maintenance capability of the F-22's stealth tech.
The F-22 has some stunning images from its flights in Chicago.
Upgrades needed to the facilities in Germany so F-22s can be deployed there for long term have been cancelled as part of the funds transferred for Trump's stupid border wall.
The F-22 will not reach the readiness rates ordered by ex SecDef Mattis.
The F-22s from Tyndall are now active and integrated in Alaska.
F-35:
F-35s struggle with readiness rates. Parts availability and the oldest aircraft are the biggest issues.
Female pilots are involved with the F-35 program.
The F-35A finally gets chaff countermeasures next year.
USAF F-35As deployed to an austere Middle Eastern base.
The USAF plans on deploying F-35As to South Korean next year.
The USAF F-35A demo team is moving to Hill AFB for the 2020 season.
F-35As along with F-15Es bombed an ISIS stronghold.
Check out these Luke AFB F-35s in 'Beast Mode.' Something once called a fiction by F-35 haters.
An F-35 was able to detect a missile launch and could be used in an early warning fashion.
The USMC has been invited to operate its F-35Bs off of the Japanese mini carriers.
A F-35B has fired the first AIM-9X in the Indo-Pacific region.
The Vermont ANG got two F-35s this week.
The British has had problems with ALIS.
Watch an F-35B land on the HMS Queen Elizabeth.
The British will send the HMS Queen Elizabeth to Canada and US with 7 F-35Bs aboard.
The British HMS Prince of Wales aircraft carrier intended to carry F-35Bs set sail for the first time.
The first Dutch F-35 assembled in Italy has made its maiden flight.
Has the Israeli campaign against Iranian backed militias spread to Iraq? (they use F-35s for these attacks)
Israel has received two more F-35Is.
Japan has formally selected the F-35B for its V/STOL aircraft. 42 aircraft will be ordered.
Japan hopes by ordering more F-35s it will get more contract work for the aircraft.
Poland has been approved to buy 32 F-35s.
South Korea is about to get 4 more F-35As.
Taiwan has revealed it has been told it can only buy the F-35 after 2030.
There is a path for Turkey to return to the F-35 program.
BAe has won contracts to upgrade the EW suite of the F-35.
BAe thinks it can reduce costs on F-35 support by applying Typhoon lessons.
Lockheed won a $32M contract to retrofit USAF F-35As.
Lockheed also won a $2.4B contract for spare parts for the F-35.
Lockheed spelled out how Poland will benefit industrially if they buy F-35s.
Lockheed got a $266M contract for F-35 tooling.
Lockheed is preparing to improve the F-35s targeting capabilities.
Raytheon demonstrated JPALS to the F-35 partners.
META:
Who is more impressive? The F-22 or Su-57 demo teams?
Check out these stunning pix from NYC of F-22s, F-35s and more.
The F-35A finally gets chaff countermeasures next year.
USAF F-35As deployed to an austere Middle Eastern base.
The USAF plans on deploying F-35As to South Korean next year.
The USAF F-35A demo team is moving to Hill AFB for the 2020 season.
F-35As along with F-15Es bombed an ISIS stronghold.
Check out these Luke AFB F-35s in 'Beast Mode.' Something once called a fiction by F-35 haters.
An F-35 was able to detect a missile launch and could be used in an early warning fashion.
The USMC has been invited to operate its F-35Bs off of the Japanese mini carriers.
A F-35B has fired the first AIM-9X in the Indo-Pacific region.
The Vermont ANG got two F-35s this week.
The British has had problems with ALIS.
Watch an F-35B land on the HMS Queen Elizabeth.
The British will send the HMS Queen Elizabeth to Canada and US with 7 F-35Bs aboard.
The British HMS Prince of Wales aircraft carrier intended to carry F-35Bs set sail for the first time.
The first Dutch F-35 assembled in Italy has made its maiden flight.
Has the Israeli campaign against Iranian backed militias spread to Iraq? (they use F-35s for these attacks)
Israel has received two more F-35Is.
Japan has formally selected the F-35B for its V/STOL aircraft. 42 aircraft will be ordered.
Japan hopes by ordering more F-35s it will get more contract work for the aircraft.
Poland has been approved to buy 32 F-35s.
South Korea is about to get 4 more F-35As.
Taiwan has revealed it has been told it can only buy the F-35 after 2030.
There is a path for Turkey to return to the F-35 program.
BAe has won contracts to upgrade the EW suite of the F-35.
BAe thinks it can reduce costs on F-35 support by applying Typhoon lessons.
Lockheed won a $32M contract to retrofit USAF F-35As.
Lockheed also won a $2.4B contract for spare parts for the F-35.
Lockheed spelled out how Poland will benefit industrially if they buy F-35s.
Lockheed got a $266M contract for F-35 tooling.
Lockheed is preparing to improve the F-35s targeting capabilities.
Raytheon demonstrated JPALS to the F-35 partners.
META:
Who is more impressive? The F-22 or Su-57 demo teams?
Check out these stunning pix from NYC of F-22s, F-35s and more.
Saturday, August 10, 2019
Stealth Saga #50
6th Generation Fighters:
The sixth gen of fighters gets profiled.
MDBA unveiled its weapons concepts for the European FCAS project.
The fighter component of the FCAS project is now known as the Next Generation Fighter and will be designed to work with carriers in the same way as the Rafale from the get go.
The Swedes have joined the Tempest project.
The Tempest will probably have hypersonic weapons.
Thales and Aeralis have signed an MOU to develop a combat training system for the Tempest.
US experts opine on the NGAD.
The USAF expects to do a lot of modeling and simulation in support of the NGAD effort. This has always worked so well in the past (*cough*Zumwalt*cough*FCS*cough*).
KF-X:
Jakarta is still trying to get concessions on the cost of their participation in the KF-X program.
Jakarta is also exploring trying to send commodities instead of money for their payment of the KF-X program.
Ohotnik-B/Hunter-B:
The Russians have stated the flying wing Ohotnik UCAV has made its first flight.
SU-57:
The SU-57 has supposedly entered serial production. The first production model is supposed to be delivered this year.
The Su-57 will be put on static display at MAKS.
PAK-DA:
Supposedly, the PAK-DA will be tested (if its ever built) in Zhukovsky. Article mostly talks about the other, older bombers Russia has.
Chengdu's Mystery Plane:
A flying pin from the Chengdu Aircraft company doesn't match with any known aircraft. Real? Trolling? What?
J-31/FC-31:
The sixth gen of fighters gets profiled.
MDBA unveiled its weapons concepts for the European FCAS project.
The fighter component of the FCAS project is now known as the Next Generation Fighter and will be designed to work with carriers in the same way as the Rafale from the get go.
The Swedes have joined the Tempest project.
The Tempest will probably have hypersonic weapons.
Thales and Aeralis have signed an MOU to develop a combat training system for the Tempest.
US experts opine on the NGAD.
The USAF expects to do a lot of modeling and simulation in support of the NGAD effort. This has always worked so well in the past (*cough*Zumwalt*cough*FCS*cough*).
KF-X:
Jakarta is still trying to get concessions on the cost of their participation in the KF-X program.
Jakarta is also exploring trying to send commodities instead of money for their payment of the KF-X program.
Ohotnik-B/Hunter-B:
The Russians have stated the flying wing Ohotnik UCAV has made its first flight.
SU-57:
The SU-57 has supposedly entered serial production. The first production model is supposed to be delivered this year.
The Su-57 will be put on static display at MAKS.
PAK-DA:
Supposedly, the PAK-DA will be tested (if its ever built) in Zhukovsky. Article mostly talks about the other, older bombers Russia has.
Chengdu's Mystery Plane:
A flying pin from the Chengdu Aircraft company doesn't match with any known aircraft. Real? Trolling? What?
J-31/FC-31:
AVIC officials are upbeat on the J-31/FC-31 progress and eventual adoption by the PLA.
J-20:
The first J-20 has been assigned to a combat unit in Wuhu.
J-20:
The first J-20 has been assigned to a combat unit in Wuhu.
B-21:
Northrop has started building the first EMD B-21. There are additional test aircraft being built, which implies there were earlier demonstrators were flown. The first flight will be in late 2021.
B-2:
It is the 30th anniversary of the first flight of the B-2 bomber.
F-117:
NASA tested scale models of the F-117 in 1995 to see what would happen if the aircraft carried external weapons.
F-22:
Like the F-35, the F-22 will not reach the required 80% combat readiness.
Some great shots of the F-22 with aggressors were shot over Alaska.
There are some gorgeous videos of the F-22 and F-35.
The F-22 sent to Oshkosh had its RAM skin crumbling.
F-22s (and CF-18s) intercepted Russian bombers.
F-35:
The F-35 won't reach the 80% availability due to parts problems.
There has been a leadership change in the F-35 program.
F-35As are getting the Auto GCAS aircraft early.
4 F-35As landed in Powidz air base as part of a deployment to Poland.
F-35s have landed in Latvia for the first time.
The first permanent base in Europe for US F-35s is being built.
The first F-35A for the Vermont NG has flown from the Lockheed Ft Worth facility.
The F-35A demo team will fly in Canada.
An F-35 went on its first combat training mission 5 hours after being delivered from the factory.
An F-35 sent target data to a US Army missile command.
The USS Tripoli has completed builder's trials.
The newest LHA USS Tripoli (F-35B baby carrier) has been delayed.
Take a look at the shockwaves on the. F-35C
1st Lt Catherine Stark is the first female USMC pilot to be selected to fly the F-35C.
WiB reports the F-35 may have an issue with its canopy. A new canopy glue may fix the readiness problems.
The first locally trained Australian F-35 pilots have flown.
Australia has consolidated its MRO support for the F-35.
Belgium is spending 375 million Euros on F-35 infrastructure.
Britains 2nd F-35B squadron arrived at Marnham.
Israel is going to have to pick between the F-15X and F-35I in their budget since they do not have the resources for both.
Are Israeli F-35Is making strikes in Iraq against Iranian assets?
The Netherlands has plans to order another 8 to 9 F-35s.
Britains 2nd F-35B squadron arrived at Marnham.
Israel is going to have to pick between the F-15X and F-35I in their budget since they do not have the resources for both.
Are Israeli F-35Is making strikes in Iraq against Iranian assets?
The Netherlands has plans to order another 8 to 9 F-35s.
Turkey has taken delivery of the S-400 missiles. Will Trump keep Turkey in the F-35 program? The Pentagon is planning on raiding the spare parts budget - which is already 15 years behind schedule! - to pay for removing Turkey from the program. Turkey is officially out of the F-35 fighter program by March 2020: Turkey cannot have the S-400 and the F-35. The Pentagon has started unwinding Turkey's involvement in the F-35 program. Of course, Trump found a way to blame Obama: fscking man up, Trumpster. Lockheed's CEO is stating the Turkish question is being addressed and is confident other customers will buy the F-35s built for Turkey. A refund and details of how Turkey will be removed are up in the air.
South Korea has had two more F-35As arrive in country: its 3rd and 4th out of 40.
South Korea has started designing a light carrier for the F-35B.
South Korea is moving forward with its F-35B acquisition.
Saturday, March 09, 2019
Stealth Saga #45
Loyal Wingman:
Australia and Boeing announced a new Loyal Wingman aircraft called the BATS. It is designed to be built in Australia without American components so it can be exported pretty much anywhere without American approvals. First flight is expected to be next year.
India's HAL has shown off its concept.
Kratos' XQ-58A Valkyrie was to make its first flight. It did and it was beautiful. The intent is to make the Valkyrie a Loyal Wingman where a flock of them could be managed by an single F-35. In the process, Kratos stole Boeing's thunder.
6th Generation Fighters:
The USAF head of acquisition seems unhappy with the answer the USAF came back with about what its next gen fighter will be and seems to want to derail the effort.
Analysts are stating the US Navy needs its 6th gen fighter and unmanned assets for its carriers to stay relevant.
Is it better for India to order F-16s, ahem F-21s or join the Tempest project?
MTU Aero Engines may join the Franco-German FCAS project.
Dassault is warning against turning the FrancoGerman FCAS into another Eurofighter.
AMCA:
Australia and Boeing announced a new Loyal Wingman aircraft called the BATS. It is designed to be built in Australia without American components so it can be exported pretty much anywhere without American approvals. First flight is expected to be next year.
India's HAL has shown off its concept.
Kratos' XQ-58A Valkyrie was to make its first flight. It did and it was beautiful. The intent is to make the Valkyrie a Loyal Wingman where a flock of them could be managed by an single F-35. In the process, Kratos stole Boeing's thunder.
6th Generation Fighters:
The USAF head of acquisition seems unhappy with the answer the USAF came back with about what its next gen fighter will be and seems to want to derail the effort.
Analysts are stating the US Navy needs its 6th gen fighter and unmanned assets for its carriers to stay relevant.
Is it better for India to order F-16s, ahem F-21s or join the Tempest project?
MTU Aero Engines may join the Franco-German FCAS project.
Dassault is warning against turning the FrancoGerman FCAS into another Eurofighter.
AMCA:
India's indigenous stealth fighter has supposedly begun the detailed design phase.
Su-57:
The Russians will only take delivery of ONE Su-57 in 2019 and ONE in 2020. Not 12 in 2019. More will not be delivered until the improved engine has been perfected.
Russia is trying to convince the Indians to buy the Su-57 again.
J-20:
Russia is trying to convince the Indians to buy the Su-57 again.
J-20:
Chinese J-20s deployed to Cangzhou air base.
F-117:
At least one F-117 is still flying.
A Dutch magazine claimed F-117s conducted airstrikes in Syria. The Drive semi convincingly argues the F-117 returning to combat for strikes in Syria were unnecessary because the US gov has at least 8 stealthy Avenger drones capable of conducting strikes.
F-117:
At least one F-117 is still flying.
A Dutch magazine claimed F-117s conducted airstrikes in Syria. The Drive semi convincingly argues the F-117 returning to combat for strikes in Syria were unnecessary because the US gov has at least 8 stealthy Avenger drones capable of conducting strikes.
B-2:
What a shot! The B-2 gets the full hawaii experience.
F-22:
13 F-22s participated in an elephant walk.
An Australian pilot has been trained on the F-22.
F-22:
13 F-22s participated in an elephant walk.
An Australian pilot has been trained on the F-22.
F-35:
The Pentagon is proposing buying 78 F-35s instead of 84.
Some doubt the F-35 can carry weapons capable of intercepting North Korean missiles.
F-35s were photographed in the Sierra mountains.
US Generals are coming out strongly against the F-15X buy and advocating buying more F-35s.
The USAF's F-35As apparently clobbered the older fighters at the Red Flag exercise pretty handily.
Watch the F-35A demo team at Luke AFB. They debuted new aerobatics.
The USAF isn't worried by the F-35As gun being inaccurate.
The USAF conducted an exercise where they did forward refueling for the F-35A.
The USAF is trying to fix ALIS...by moving it to the cloud: *head desk*
The USAF's F-35As apparently clobbered the older fighters at the Red Flag exercise pretty handily.
Watch the F-35A demo team at Luke AFB. They debuted new aerobatics.
The USAF isn't worried by the F-35As gun being inaccurate.
The USAF conducted an exercise where they did forward refueling for the F-35A.
The USAF is trying to fix ALIS...by moving it to the cloud: *head desk*
USMC's deployment of the F-35B on the USS Essex has ended and hints at new roles for the amphibious group. The F-35Bs conducted over 100 combat missions.
The US Navy has declared IOC for the F-35C finally.
The US Navy is preparing for its first carrier deployment of the F-35C.
The US Navy F-35C commander is focused on the first deployment of the bird and transitioning the first USMC wing.
The US Navy F-35C commander is focused on the first deployment of the bird and transitioning the first USMC wing.
The US Navy ordered repair materials for 7 F-35s.
The US Navy paid a beltway bandit to help with the F-35 program.
The US Navy gave Lockheed a $14M contract mod for improving the ground avoidance system.
One analyst believes the Navy should not develop the 6th gen fighter yet and instead develop an F-35C derived interceptor/bomber escort.
The US Navy gave Lockheed a $14M contract mod for improving the ground avoidance system.
One analyst believes the Navy should not develop the 6th gen fighter yet and instead develop an F-35C derived interceptor/bomber escort.
The Pegasus finally refueled an F-35.
Australia's F-35 repair work by Northrop gets detailed.
Australia signed an agreement with Lockheed to increase local industry participation.
Australia is happy with the F-35 operations so far.
Israeli F-35s may have destroyed a Chinese made antistealth radar in Syria.
Japan is gearing up for supporting the F-35.
Poland might buy 32 F-35s.
The Russian Embassy in DC made some weird threats to the F-35 with Vietnam era footage.
Singapore is buying 4 F-35s with options for 8 more.
US Generals are pushing for Turkey to lose its participation in the F-35 program due to the purchase of the Russian S-400 missiles.
BAe is updating the EW suite on the F-35.
Lockheed is working to reduce F-35 operational costs.
Northrop has finished the 500th center fuselage for the F-35.
Australia's F-35 repair work by Northrop gets detailed.
Australia signed an agreement with Lockheed to increase local industry participation.
Australia is happy with the F-35 operations so far.
Israeli F-35s may have destroyed a Chinese made antistealth radar in Syria.
Japan is gearing up for supporting the F-35.
Poland might buy 32 F-35s.
The Russian Embassy in DC made some weird threats to the F-35 with Vietnam era footage.
Singapore is buying 4 F-35s with options for 8 more.
US Generals are pushing for Turkey to lose its participation in the F-35 program due to the purchase of the Russian S-400 missiles.
BAe is updating the EW suite on the F-35.
Lockheed is working to reduce F-35 operational costs.
Northrop has finished the 500th center fuselage for the F-35.
Saturday, February 16, 2019
Stealth Saga #44
Sixth Generation Fighters:
The USAF PCA effort gets a profile.
The US Navy may postpone the 6th gen procurement.
AvWeek has a slideshow of the next gen fighter efforts. Whether all of them will be 6th gen or not remains to be seen.
China has begun work on its 6th gen fighter.
Avweek discusses Germany's position with the Tornado replacement.
The French and Germans are expected to sign the first contracts in mid 2019. Some seem to have been signed already. Concept studies for manned and unmanned aircraft were contracted. Work gets profiled by AvWeek.
The FrancoGerman FCAS team is working on export controls for the new fighter.
Spain was expected to and then did join the FCAS team.
Italy is attacking the FCAS deal.
Britain may be inviting India to join Team Tempest.
The Tempest will have a carrier capable loyal wingman UCAV.
Saegheh-2:
Iran unveiled an updated version of the Saegheh stealthy UAV. This is a knock off of the captured RQ-170.
KF-X:
Metal has been bent for the first KF-X.
Su-57:
The Russians are stating they will place their second LRIP order for 13 Su-57s in 2020.
Ohotnik-b/Hunter-B:
Russia's Ohotnik-B or Hunter-B appears to have been doing taxi tests (more). Aviation Week is calling it a strike aircraft. Jane's gets into the mix, too. A new picture emerged and, wow, that engine sticks out.
J-20:
Unnamed analysts are stating an upgraded J-20 will be far superior to the F-35.
There are reports the Chinese are building a two seater J-20 for electronic warfare.
Chinese Stealth Bombers:
China is building the acknowledged strategic H-20 bomber, but also a regional medium stealth bomber as well termed the JH-XX or so says the DIA. More info here and here.
KC-Z:
The KC-Z may not be stealthy after all.
B-2:
The B-2 is getting its ejection seats upgraded.
Photos were taken of the B-2 sortieing out of Hawaii.
F-22:
The USAF is 3d printing metal replacement parts for the F-22 to keep costs down.
Meggitt won a large contract for components for the engines of the F-22 and F-35.
The stupid plan to buy the F-15X will not impact the procurement of the F-35.
The DOT&E flames the F-35 program again. Gun accuracy is one of the problems.
Lockheed needs to deliver 130 F-35s in 2019. Can they? By the end of 2019, they will have delivered 488 F-35s.
The Pentagon is starting negotiations for the next 3 LRIPs, encompassing 485 F-35s and bringing the F-35A price down to $80M.
The Pentagon is laying out the Tier II repair sites for the F-35. Team ROK seems to be one.
The F-35A per unit cost will drop below $80M in 2023 according to Lockheed.
Watch the F-35 do some impressive acrobatics.
The Pentagon is considering making the F-35 an interceptor for killing ballistic missiles. While the sensor suite is excellent on the F-35, the realism of this proposal is pretty low: we will not ever have a situation where we will have dominance over the air like in the First Gulf War.
Germany has dropped consideration of the F-35 for its new fighter. The head of the Luftwaffe had preferred that aircraft before and was nearly sacked over it.
The Italians just deployed 6 F-35As to Sardinia for training.
Japan is considering discontinuing local production of the F-35 to save money.
The Netherlands have unveiled their first operational F-35.
Singapore is buying a small number of F-35s to evaluate them as replacements for their F-16s.
The USAF PCA effort gets a profile.
The US Navy may postpone the 6th gen procurement.
AvWeek has a slideshow of the next gen fighter efforts. Whether all of them will be 6th gen or not remains to be seen.
China has begun work on its 6th gen fighter.
Avweek discusses Germany's position with the Tornado replacement.
The French and Germans are expected to sign the first contracts in mid 2019. Some seem to have been signed already. Concept studies for manned and unmanned aircraft were contracted. Work gets profiled by AvWeek.
The FrancoGerman FCAS team is working on export controls for the new fighter.
Spain was expected to and then did join the FCAS team.
Italy is attacking the FCAS deal.
Britain may be inviting India to join Team Tempest.
The Tempest will have a carrier capable loyal wingman UCAV.
Saegheh-2:
Iran unveiled an updated version of the Saegheh stealthy UAV. This is a knock off of the captured RQ-170.
KF-X:
Metal has been bent for the first KF-X.
Su-57:
The Russians are stating they will place their second LRIP order for 13 Su-57s in 2020.
Ohotnik-b/Hunter-B:
Russia's Ohotnik-B or Hunter-B appears to have been doing taxi tests (more). Aviation Week is calling it a strike aircraft. Jane's gets into the mix, too. A new picture emerged and, wow, that engine sticks out.
J-20:
Unnamed analysts are stating an upgraded J-20 will be far superior to the F-35.
There are reports the Chinese are building a two seater J-20 for electronic warfare.
Chinese Stealth Bombers:
China is building the acknowledged strategic H-20 bomber, but also a regional medium stealth bomber as well termed the JH-XX or so says the DIA. More info here and here.
KC-Z:
The KC-Z may not be stealthy after all.
B-2:
The B-2 is getting its ejection seats upgraded.
Photos were taken of the B-2 sortieing out of Hawaii.
F-22:
The USAF is 3d printing metal replacement parts for the F-22 to keep costs down.
Meggitt won a large contract for components for the engines of the F-22 and F-35.
F-35:
The stupid plan to buy the F-15X will not impact the procurement of the F-35.
The DOT&E flames the F-35 program again. Gun accuracy is one of the problems.
Lockheed needs to deliver 130 F-35s in 2019. Can they? By the end of 2019, they will have delivered 488 F-35s.
The Pentagon is starting negotiations for the next 3 LRIPs, encompassing 485 F-35s and bringing the F-35A price down to $80M.
The Pentagon is laying out the Tier II repair sites for the F-35. Team ROK seems to be one.
The F-35A per unit cost will drop below $80M in 2023 according to Lockheed.
Watch the F-35 do some impressive acrobatics.
The Pentagon is considering making the F-35 an interceptor for killing ballistic missiles. While the sensor suite is excellent on the F-35, the realism of this proposal is pretty low: we will not ever have a situation where we will have dominance over the air like in the First Gulf War.
The USAF F-35 Demo team was caught doing some new maneuvers in practice for the new air show season.
The first F-35 female test pilot has completed her first mission at Edwards.
The F-35As over Luke AFB were filmed by a helicopter with a steady cam.
The F-35 demo team does its thing.
The USAF is pressing Lockheed on improving F-35 readiness.
F-35A's conducted dogfights with L-159s.
The oldest F-35B could hit the end of its service life in 2026 due to flaws in the early B models.
The USMC demonstrated refueling and rearming a F-35B from a CH-53E in Japan.
The US Navy awarded Lockheed a half billion dollar contract for the F-35.
The US Navy awarded Lockheed another $31M contract on behalf of the Australian government.
The USS Essex and its F-35Bs are on standby in the Middle East.
The first F-35 female test pilot has completed her first mission at Edwards.
The F-35As over Luke AFB were filmed by a helicopter with a steady cam.
The F-35 demo team does its thing.
The USAF is pressing Lockheed on improving F-35 readiness.
F-35A's conducted dogfights with L-159s.
The oldest F-35B could hit the end of its service life in 2026 due to flaws in the early B models.
The USMC demonstrated refueling and rearming a F-35B from a CH-53E in Japan.
The US Navy awarded Lockheed a half billion dollar contract for the F-35.
The US Navy awarded Lockheed another $31M contract on behalf of the Australian government.
The USS Essex and its F-35Bs are on standby in the Middle East.
Germany has dropped consideration of the F-35 for its new fighter. The head of the Luftwaffe had preferred that aircraft before and was nearly sacked over it.
The Italians just deployed 6 F-35As to Sardinia for training.
Japan is considering discontinuing local production of the F-35 to save money.
The Netherlands have unveiled their first operational F-35.
Singapore is buying a small number of F-35s to evaluate them as replacements for their F-16s.
Saturday, December 01, 2018
Stealth Saga #42
Sixth Generation Fighters:
Germany and France are progressing on their FCAS. They plan to launch demonstrator programs for the FCAS engine and airframe in mid 2019. The Germans expect the next step taken by the end of the year though. There are still a lot of hurdles ahead for the fighter.
Recommendations for the Sixth Generation Fighter for Europe were written up (PDF) by the Royal United Services Institute for Defense and Security Studies.
Hunter-B:
The Russian stealthy Hunter-B cranked kite UCAV has supposedly entered taxi testing.
SU-57:
Germany and France are progressing on their FCAS. They plan to launch demonstrator programs for the FCAS engine and airframe in mid 2019. The Germans expect the next step taken by the end of the year though. There are still a lot of hurdles ahead for the fighter.
Recommendations for the Sixth Generation Fighter for Europe were written up (PDF) by the Royal United Services Institute for Defense and Security Studies.
Hunter-B:
The Russian stealthy Hunter-B cranked kite UCAV has supposedly entered taxi testing.
SU-57:
A Russian analyst has stated despite rhetoric about how good the Su-57 is, the Russians Air Force would lose to the USAF.
The Russians released another video showing the Su-57's capability to conduct aerial refueling.
The Russians also released a video of the SU-57 in Syria. The two aircraft deployed conducted 10 sorties.
Supposedly, the SU-57's avionics have finished testing.
Watch two Su-57s conducting synchronized landings.
The SU-57 will get a new strike missile with "twice" the range.
The Su-57 gets panned by one of the lead F-35 haters.
J-20:
The aerial refueling capability of the J-20 has been confirmed.
B-21:
Robins AFB and Hill AFB will be the maintenance bases for the B-21.
Could the USAF end up with 200 B-21s?
F-22:
Another article about the belly flop by the F-22 pilot due to premature landing gear retraction.
The Russians released another video showing the Su-57's capability to conduct aerial refueling.
The Russians also released a video of the SU-57 in Syria. The two aircraft deployed conducted 10 sorties.
Supposedly, the SU-57's avionics have finished testing.
Watch two Su-57s conducting synchronized landings.
The SU-57 will get a new strike missile with "twice" the range.
The Su-57 gets panned by one of the lead F-35 haters.
J-20:
The aerial refueling capability of the J-20 has been confirmed.
B-21:
Robins AFB and Hill AFB will be the maintenance bases for the B-21.
Could the USAF end up with 200 B-21s?
F-22:
Another article about the belly flop by the F-22 pilot due to premature landing gear retraction.
F-35:
A USAF F-35A dropped a GBU-49 in combat training for the first time.
The USAF has announced a dedicated F-35 demo team for the 2019 airshow circuit.
Hill AFB just has an 'elephant walk' of 35 USAF F-35As.
USMC F-35Bs will start training at Okinawa's Iejima Auxiliary Airfield next month.
The US Navy stood up its F-35C wing to take responsibility for training, manning and operations.
A British F-35B landed backwards onto the HMS Queen Elizabeth.
The British have finished DTS-2 trials for the HMS Queen Elizabeth.
The British have awarded an infrastructure contract for RAF Lakenheath to prepare for the F-35.
British F-35Bs exercised with American F-15Es and French Rafales.
A Dutch F-35A got a spiffy paint job.
One of the contenders for replacing Finland's fighters is the F-35 and Finland has begun early negotiations with all the bidders, including Lockheed.
The Italian AF declared IOC for its first F-35A squadron.
It appears Japan is moving ahead with its plans to buy F-35Bs for its jeep carriers and another 100 F-35As for its air force. Will Japan be able to afford its F-3 next gen fighter then?
Cubic is installing its integrated air combat training system on 500 F-35s.
Lockheed got a contract to mitigate the obsolesce of the F-35's processors.
META:
How China means to deter the USAF.
The Italian AF declared IOC for its first F-35A squadron.
It appears Japan is moving ahead with its plans to buy F-35Bs for its jeep carriers and another 100 F-35As for its air force. Will Japan be able to afford its F-3 next gen fighter then?
Cubic is installing its integrated air combat training system on 500 F-35s.
Lockheed got a contract to mitigate the obsolesce of the F-35's processors.
META:
How China means to deter the USAF.
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