Combat Aircraft technology and Evolution
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Air Force Begins Massive B-52 Overhaul
The U.S. Air Force is in the early phases of a massive, fleet-wide technological upgrade of its B-52 bombers, giving the war-tested platform new electronics and an increased ability to carry weapons, service officials said.
Two distinct, yet interwoven B-52 modernization efforts will increase the electronics, communications technology, computing and avionics available in the cockpit while simultaneously configuring the aircraft with the ability to carry up to eight of the newest "J-Series" precision-guided weapons internally – in addition to carrying six weapons on each wing, said Eric Single, Chief of the Global Strike Division, Acquisition.
While most of the current inventory of B-52 bombers, a workhorse aircraft with a distinguished history, were initially fielded in the 1960's, various upgrades over the years have kept the on-board technology current, Single explained.
The Air Force is quick to emphasize its now-in-development next-generation Long Range Strike Bomber, or LRS-B, to be operational sometime during the 2020's. At the same time, the service wants to be sure to maximize the usefulness of its inventory of B-52s for their remaining years.
"Their structure, service life and air frames are good until around 2040. They are built very strong structurally. This is not a structural modification, but upgrades to the capabilities and the avionics," Single explained.
Single added that many of the B-52 air frames may hold up well beyond 2040, depending upon the level of use of the aircraft.
However, the current ongoing electronics and communications upgrade, called Combat Network Communications Technology, or CONECT, will bring a whole new capability to the fleet of B-52s.
"What it does it is it installs a digital architecture in the airplane," Single explained. "Instead of using data that was captured during the mission planning phase prior to your take off 15 to 20 hours ago – you are getting near real time intelligence updates in flight."
In particular, Single explained that the CONECT upgrades include software and hardware such as new servers, modems, radios, data-links, receivers and digital workstations for the crew.
Some of the individual elements include the ARC-210 Warrior, a beyond-line-of-sight software programmable radio able to transmit voice, data and information in real time between the B-52s and ground command and control centers.
"It is a software programmable radio. You can use it for voice but the big advantage is the digital data transfer capability," said Single.
The radio allows for the transmission and receipt of data packets and files with updated intelligence, mapping or targeting information while the aircraft is in flight, Single explained.
"The crew gets the ability to communicate digitally outside the airplane which enables you to import not just voice but data for mission changes, threat notifications, targeting"¦.all those different types of things you would need to get. The biggest capability is machine to machine transfer of that data. In the past, if you had a target change in flight you got it over the radio and you copied down the coordinates," Single said.
Single explained that being able to update key combat-relevant information while in transit will substantially help the aircraft more effectively travel longer distances for missions, as needed.
"The key to this is that this is part of the long-range strike family of systems — so if you take off out of Barksdale Air Force Base and you go to your target area, it could take 15 or 16 hours to get there. By the time you get there, all the threat information has changed," said Single. "Things move, pop up or go away and the targeting data may be different."
Mentioning the vast geographical expanses that characterize the Pacific theater, Single explained that the CONECT upgrades will help the aircraft adjust to the service's broader "re-balance" to the Pacific.
Computer screens in the cockpit will provide digital moving maps of nearby terrain as well as graphics showing the aircraft's flight path. Also, while not part of the CONECT upgrade, the plane's radar, the AN/APQ-166, is able to provide the crew with all-weather capability. The mechanically scanned array can provide a rendering of nearby terrain and also help connect the plane to an air-to-air refueling tanker in bad weather, Single explained.
The upgrades will also improve the ability of the airplane to receive key intelligence information through a data link called the Intelligence Broadcast Receiver. In addition, the B-52s will be able to receive information through LINK-16, a known high-speed digital data link able to transmit targeting and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, or ISR information.
The CONECT effort, slated to cost $1.1 billion overall, will unfold over the next several years, Single explained. Funding for the CONECT upgrades for the first 30 B-52's is currently in place and Air Force plans include subsequent upgrades of 10 B-52 upgrades per year in each of the next several years. Upgrades plans, budgets and timeframes for the remainder of the fleet beyond the initial 30 are still being determined, Single explained. The first eight CONECT upgrades for B-52s were put on contract this past March.
One analyst said the upgraded B-52s could provide essential precision-bombing capabilities over areas where the U.S. has already established air superiority or where there is little or no defenses against high-altitude bombers.
"You have an airframe that is fantastic and a classic for the ages. These upgrades are what the name of the game is – real time targeting information and being able to get a totally different task in flight. That is a break-through," said Richard Aboulafia, Vice President of analysis at the Teal Group, a Virginia-based consultancy.
"High speed data links are the future. Net-centric warfare is all about harnessing off-board sensors, whether it comes from satellites or a [Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System]. There is a constellation of targeting information available today."
Weapons Upgrade
The Air Force is also making progress with a technology-inspired effort to increase the weapons payload for the workhorse bomber, Single added.
The 1760 Internal Weapons Bay Upgrade, or IWBU, will allow the B-52 to internally carry up to eight of the newest "J-Series" bombs in addition to carrying six on pilons under each wing, he explained. The B-52 have previously been able to carry some bombs internally, but with the IWBU the aircraft will be able to internally house some of the most cutting edge precision-guided Joint Direct Attack Munitions and Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles, among others.
"It is about a 66 percent increase in carriage capability for the B-52, which is huge. You can imagine the increased number of targets you can reach, and you can strike the same number of targets with significantly less sorties," said Single.
IWBU, which uses a digital interface and a rotary launcher to increase the weapons payload, is now finishing up the Technology Development phase and poised to move into the next phase of development this summer, he said.
The IWBU effort is expected to cost roughly $313 million, service officials said.
http://www.dodbuzz.com/2013/07/12/air-force-begins-massive-b-52-overhaul/
The U.S. Air Force is in the early phases of a massive, fleet-wide technological upgrade of its B-52 bombers, giving the war-tested platform new electronics and an increased ability to carry weapons, service officials said.
Two distinct, yet interwoven B-52 modernization efforts will increase the electronics, communications technology, computing and avionics available in the cockpit while simultaneously configuring the aircraft with the ability to carry up to eight of the newest "J-Series" precision-guided weapons internally – in addition to carrying six weapons on each wing, said Eric Single, Chief of the Global Strike Division, Acquisition.
While most of the current inventory of B-52 bombers, a workhorse aircraft with a distinguished history, were initially fielded in the 1960's, various upgrades over the years have kept the on-board technology current, Single explained.
The Air Force is quick to emphasize its now-in-development next-generation Long Range Strike Bomber, or LRS-B, to be operational sometime during the 2020's. At the same time, the service wants to be sure to maximize the usefulness of its inventory of B-52s for their remaining years.
"Their structure, service life and air frames are good until around 2040. They are built very strong structurally. This is not a structural modification, but upgrades to the capabilities and the avionics," Single explained.
Single added that many of the B-52 air frames may hold up well beyond 2040, depending upon the level of use of the aircraft.
However, the current ongoing electronics and communications upgrade, called Combat Network Communications Technology, or CONECT, will bring a whole new capability to the fleet of B-52s.
"What it does it is it installs a digital architecture in the airplane," Single explained. "Instead of using data that was captured during the mission planning phase prior to your take off 15 to 20 hours ago – you are getting near real time intelligence updates in flight."
In particular, Single explained that the CONECT upgrades include software and hardware such as new servers, modems, radios, data-links, receivers and digital workstations for the crew.
Some of the individual elements include the ARC-210 Warrior, a beyond-line-of-sight software programmable radio able to transmit voice, data and information in real time between the B-52s and ground command and control centers.
"It is a software programmable radio. You can use it for voice but the big advantage is the digital data transfer capability," said Single.
The radio allows for the transmission and receipt of data packets and files with updated intelligence, mapping or targeting information while the aircraft is in flight, Single explained.
"The crew gets the ability to communicate digitally outside the airplane which enables you to import not just voice but data for mission changes, threat notifications, targeting"¦.all those different types of things you would need to get. The biggest capability is machine to machine transfer of that data. In the past, if you had a target change in flight you got it over the radio and you copied down the coordinates," Single said.
Single explained that being able to update key combat-relevant information while in transit will substantially help the aircraft more effectively travel longer distances for missions, as needed.
"The key to this is that this is part of the long-range strike family of systems — so if you take off out of Barksdale Air Force Base and you go to your target area, it could take 15 or 16 hours to get there. By the time you get there, all the threat information has changed," said Single. "Things move, pop up or go away and the targeting data may be different."
Mentioning the vast geographical expanses that characterize the Pacific theater, Single explained that the CONECT upgrades will help the aircraft adjust to the service's broader "re-balance" to the Pacific.
Computer screens in the cockpit will provide digital moving maps of nearby terrain as well as graphics showing the aircraft's flight path. Also, while not part of the CONECT upgrade, the plane's radar, the AN/APQ-166, is able to provide the crew with all-weather capability. The mechanically scanned array can provide a rendering of nearby terrain and also help connect the plane to an air-to-air refueling tanker in bad weather, Single explained.
The upgrades will also improve the ability of the airplane to receive key intelligence information through a data link called the Intelligence Broadcast Receiver. In addition, the B-52s will be able to receive information through LINK-16, a known high-speed digital data link able to transmit targeting and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, or ISR information.
The CONECT effort, slated to cost $1.1 billion overall, will unfold over the next several years, Single explained. Funding for the CONECT upgrades for the first 30 B-52's is currently in place and Air Force plans include subsequent upgrades of 10 B-52 upgrades per year in each of the next several years. Upgrades plans, budgets and timeframes for the remainder of the fleet beyond the initial 30 are still being determined, Single explained. The first eight CONECT upgrades for B-52s were put on contract this past March.
One analyst said the upgraded B-52s could provide essential precision-bombing capabilities over areas where the U.S. has already established air superiority or where there is little or no defenses against high-altitude bombers.
"You have an airframe that is fantastic and a classic for the ages. These upgrades are what the name of the game is – real time targeting information and being able to get a totally different task in flight. That is a break-through," said Richard Aboulafia, Vice President of analysis at the Teal Group, a Virginia-based consultancy.
"High speed data links are the future. Net-centric warfare is all about harnessing off-board sensors, whether it comes from satellites or a [Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System]. There is a constellation of targeting information available today."
Weapons Upgrade
The Air Force is also making progress with a technology-inspired effort to increase the weapons payload for the workhorse bomber, Single added.
The 1760 Internal Weapons Bay Upgrade, or IWBU, will allow the B-52 to internally carry up to eight of the newest "J-Series" bombs in addition to carrying six on pilons under each wing, he explained. The B-52 have previously been able to carry some bombs internally, but with the IWBU the aircraft will be able to internally house some of the most cutting edge precision-guided Joint Direct Attack Munitions and Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles, among others.
"It is about a 66 percent increase in carriage capability for the B-52, which is huge. You can imagine the increased number of targets you can reach, and you can strike the same number of targets with significantly less sorties," said Single.
IWBU, which uses a digital interface and a rotary launcher to increase the weapons payload, is now finishing up the Technology Development phase and poised to move into the next phase of development this summer, he said.
The IWBU effort is expected to cost roughly $313 million, service officials said.
http://www.dodbuzz.com/2013/07/12/air-force-begins-massive-b-52-overhaul/
gadeshi
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Engine builders from Omsk have mastered a complex full-ceramic parts production.
This is the major step forward to 6-th Gen engine development - a full-ceramic non-cooling single-crystal turbine blade and combustion chamber.
Ceramic allows to produce engines with 2500K after HPT (allows to raise thrust of Al-31 sized engine up to 22500kg), make engine 35% lighter and 30% cheaper.
Omsk scientists and engineers continue to develop 3-D printer to produce the parts described above. It will differ from the all other 3-D printers by physical prinipals. All other printers produce details via high-temperature sublimation, but the new one will perform directed controllable crystallization which allow to print ready-to-use single-crystal turbine blades
On the photo and video below you can see full-ceramic monocrystallic turbine blade foundation rods.
Изготовление деталей из керамики | СибТочМаш
[video]http://www.vesti.ru/only_video.html?vid=525083&asf=1&path2=http%3A%2F%2Fomsk.rfn.ru%2Fv%2F10327307.asf[/video]
http://kvnews.ru/archive/2010/jur26(952)/cast/14491/
This is the major step forward to 6-th Gen engine development - a full-ceramic non-cooling single-crystal turbine blade and combustion chamber.
Ceramic allows to produce engines with 2500K after HPT (allows to raise thrust of Al-31 sized engine up to 22500kg), make engine 35% lighter and 30% cheaper.
Omsk scientists and engineers continue to develop 3-D printer to produce the parts described above. It will differ from the all other 3-D printers by physical prinipals. All other printers produce details via high-temperature sublimation, but the new one will perform directed controllable crystallization which allow to print ready-to-use single-crystal turbine blades
On the photo and video below you can see full-ceramic monocrystallic turbine blade foundation rods.
Изготовление деталей из керамики | СибТочМаш
[video]http://www.vesti.ru/only_video.html?vid=525083&asf=1&path2=http%3A%2F%2Fomsk.rfn.ru%2Fv%2F10327307.asf[/video]
http://kvnews.ru/archive/2010/jur26(952)/cast/14491/
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gadeshi
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This is a legacy tension.
There will only Kh-35/38/58 remain for tactical and Onyx, Caliber and Granat (Kh-55/65/101) for naval / strategic forces.
Kh-31/29/59 are transition products until Kh-38M/58UShK production will reach a mature level.
All the others are in use untill their deposits will be depleted.
There will only Kh-35/38/58 remain for tactical and Onyx, Caliber and Granat (Kh-55/65/101) for naval / strategic forces.
Kh-31/29/59 are transition products until Kh-38M/58UShK production will reach a mature level.
All the others are in use untill their deposits will be depleted.
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Defcon 1
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Hi, I have a two questions:
1. Can anyone discuss the significance of different guidance systems in air to Surface missiles. I understand that most missiles use inertial guidance in the first phase and then switch to active radar homing, satellite guidance using GPS/GLONASS, infared guidance, etc. Why do these guidance systems are used at the same time? I mean isn't there particular one guidance system which is the best?
2. Few months ago there was a news that Brahmos was fitted with satellite guidance, which led to speculations that the missile range has been increased. So does that mean that Brahmos will use three guidance systems, like Tomahawk?
@p2prada @Austin @Kunal Biswas @gadeshi
1. Can anyone discuss the significance of different guidance systems in air to Surface missiles. I understand that most missiles use inertial guidance in the first phase and then switch to active radar homing, satellite guidance using GPS/GLONASS, infared guidance, etc. Why do these guidance systems are used at the same time? I mean isn't there particular one guidance system which is the best?
2. Few months ago there was a news that Brahmos was fitted with satellite guidance, which led to speculations that the missile range has been increased. So does that mean that Brahmos will use three guidance systems, like Tomahawk?
@p2prada @Austin @Kunal Biswas @gadeshi
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Two reasons >>
1. Earth is round..
2. Limited range of Radar and Infra-guided systems.
======>>
1. Missile trajectory had to lay according to the surface with respect to its altitude and course, Radar waves goes straight they do not bend and also restricted.
2. Radar waves and optical infra-guided system have limited range and can only scan little portion of what lays ahead.
GPS guides the missile to the location where it can find its pray, Radar is the eyes which takes it to the target with precision..
@Decklander
1. Earth is round..
2. Limited range of Radar and Infra-guided systems.
======>>
1. Missile trajectory had to lay according to the surface with respect to its altitude and course, Radar waves goes straight they do not bend and also restricted.
2. Radar waves and optical infra-guided system have limited range and can only scan little portion of what lays ahead.
GPS guides the missile to the location where it can find its pray, Radar is the eyes which takes it to the target with precision..
@Decklander
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Defcon 1
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I see. Thats why Tomahawk uses Tercom. Because it is long ranged. Also for the same reason, satellite navigation resulted in increase in range of Brahmos. So for a 500 km range, will Brahmos need more fuel or the quantity of fuel will suffice? Because there are no reports of a heavier version in development.
Sorry for asking so many questions.
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gadeshi
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VIAM institute anniversary interview with chief director - a lot of info about new materials (in Russian):
«ÐÑ€Ñенал». 22 Ð¸ÑŽÐ»Ñ 2013 года - Телеканал «Звезда»
«ÐÑ€Ñенал». 22 Ð¸ÑŽÐ»Ñ 2013 года - Телеканал «Звезда»
p2prada
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There is inertial guidance and then the seeker. Inertial guidance is composed of accelerometers and gyroscopes and a satellite based GPS link (GLONASS in case of Brahmos). Satellite guidance is when the inertial guidance mechanism can accept satellite input. That's about it.
Accelerometers provide linear momentum calculations while the gyroscope provides information on angular momentum. These are compared to a reference point in a different area, say the shooter. So the missile is knowledgeable about its position during flight. A basic INS systems provides short term information. When coupled to GPS, the mean is calculated based on the performance of the INS system with respect to real time information about the actual location of the missile. This helps the missile adjust its course by correcting errors that were generated in the basic INS system allowing the missile an increase in accuracy.
So the answer to your question is, INS and satellite guidance are used together until the seeker (RF, Semi-active, passive, CCD or IR) is ready to take over.
The answer to your second question. The increased range of Brahmos is false story. It is 290 Km as before. The Americans denied the use of GPS during tests. So the new INS system is based on GLONASS now.
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Decklander
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Every missile needs some kind of guidance to the target and than final terminal guidance to identify the target to attack it. This is done by either scene mapping or microwave radars or IIR or target designation by third party. Terminal guidance is most important if the target is moving or has relocated from the time when the last coordinates were fed into the missile before firing.
Defcon 1
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Thanks for the reply. I was studying about cm 400 akg missile and found this paragraph
1. What do they mean by several options seeker? Are they saying that either one IR or active radar homing seeker can be fitted or both can be used at the same time? If only either one can be used, how does the missile acquire its target? By data feeding the time of launch?
2. Also, the reference "the missile can be pre-programmed with digital imagery", what kind of imagery are they talking about? A 3d map used in Tercom system or an infrared image of the sea?
3. Also there is no mention of the system they use for initial guidance? Can we assume it to be inertial? very confused.
4. Also, if it is not not too much to ask, which seeker is better according to you in anti ship role? Active radar homing(can be defeated by ecm) or infrared(can be defeated by decoys)
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gadeshi
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Interview with Igor Demonis, Vice Director of TsIAM - additional info about 6-gen turbine blades and materials:
Ðаука и жизнь
p2prada
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It is not clear if their missile has dual seeker. I suppose the seeker heads can be changed like it is for R-27. So RF seeker for high value targets and IIR for low value targets.
The target profile (pictures) is loaded into the database.
It will be inertial like it is for all missiles.3. Also there is no mention of the system they use for initial guidance? Can we assume it to be inertial? very confused.
RF (active) seekers are the best. Countermeasures exist for both, but RF can cope the best due to its higher threshold against jamming.
gadeshi
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MAKS-2013 trainings photos (photos by Marina Lystseva):
http://fotografersha.livejournal.com/426900.html
http://fotografersha.livejournal.com/426900.html
gadeshi
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Interview with Boris Obnosov (KTRV CEO) - "We have twice encreased a flight envelopes of our missiles":
ХарактериÑтики новых авиационных ракет улучшены вдвое - ВПК.name
ХарактериÑтики новых авиационных ракет улучшены вдвое - ВПК.name
gadeshi
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Some theory for your brains taste 
http://www.wakenet.eu/fileadmin/user_upload/Workshop2013/Presentations/WakeNet2013-22-Peirera.pdf
http://www.wakenet.eu/fileadmin/user_upload/Workshop2013/Presentations/WakeNet2013-22-Peirera.pdf
