US MIC News & Discussions

not so dravidian

Senior Member
Joined
Feb 3, 2021
Messages
1,523
Likes
8,062
Country flag
US tested hypersonic missile in mid-March but kept it quiet to avoid escalating tensions with Russia


The Hypersonic Air-breathing Weapon Concept (HAWC) was launched from a B-52 bomber off the west coast, the official said, in the first successful test of the Lockheed Martin version of the system. A booster engine accelerated the missile to high speed, at which point the air-breathing scramjet engine ignited and propelled the missile at hypersonic speeds of Mach 5 and above.

The official offered scant details of the missile test, only noting the missile flew above 65,000 feet and for more than 300 miles. But even at the lower end of hypersonic range -- about 3,800 miles per hour -- a flight of 300 miles is less than 5 minutes.


The US test is the second successful test of a HAWC missile, and it is the first of the Lockheed Martin version of the weapon. Last September, the Air Force tested the Raytheon HAWC, powered by a Northrop Grumman scramjet engine.

The test met all primary objectives, according to a press release from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), including the missile's integration and release, safe separation from the launch aircraft, booster firing, and cruise. Then too officials offered few details about the flight, with no mention of how fast the missile flew or what distance it traveled. The release only stated that the missile traveled at speeds greater than Mach 5.
 

skunk works

Senior Member
Joined
Jul 25, 2022
Messages
1,916
Likes
9,026
Country flag
Lockheed Martin successfully tested a laser based missile defense system against a cruise missile in Feb 22.
Video released today, very interesting. Cruise missile defence, while slower speed than ballistic, usually means ability to hit Manouvering missiles, and can also be used against aircraft and drones.
 

Wisemarko

Senior Member
Joined
Nov 1, 2016
Messages
1,310
Likes
2,554
Country flag
The transition to M-code begins
BAE Systems’ M-Code GPS Receiver Enables Precision Strike Capabilities in Contested Environments - GPS Jamming

Matteo LuccioMay 16, 2022
May 16, 2022 - By Matteo Luccio
Source: GPSWorld

BAE Systems has produced more than one and a half million military GPS receivers. The company is transitioning receiver designs to use the modernized military code (M-code) signal for added resiliency in RF-challenged environments. We asked Luke Bishop, director and product line engineering lead for the company’s Navigation & Sensor Systems, a few questions.

BAE Systems’ MPE-M provide the benefit of M-Code operation in a challenged RF environment. Image: BAE Systems
BAE Systems’ MPE-M provides the benefit of M-Code operation in a challenged RF environment. Image: BAE Systems

Why transition to M-code?
There are three key reasons for users to transition to M-code as supported by Military GPS User Equipment (MGUE). First, MGUE provide U.S. forces and our allies with enhanced PNT capabilities while improving resistance to threats, such as accidental and intentional jamming. Compared to the current P(Y)-code signal specs, M-code signals are stronger. Second, MGUE provides improved resistance to spoofing. Third, MGUE is field programmable, enabling updates to accommodate future enhancements to the GPS enterprise, such as regional military protection (RMP).

Which user equipment is transitioning to M-code?
Successful MGUE Inc 1 prototype development is being leveraged into a full portfolio of weapons, ground and aviation/maritime M-code GPS receivers. Our first production M-code receiver, MPE-M, achieved production deliveries in CY2021, with more than 1,000 delivered. Additional M-code GPS form factors are under development.

We are also underway with the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) M-code program with MPE-M.

How is the transition to M-code proceeding?
As indicated by the January 2021 GAO report (GAO-21-145), M-code-capable user equipment is in the initial stages of Department of Defense (DOD) fielding for select weapon systems. Also noted by the GAO report, the DOD has conducted bulk purchases of the Increment 1 ASICs [application-specific integrated circuits] to ensure that “sufficient supplies of [them] are on hand for future integration into M-code card …based on estimated need through 2028.” We are at the beginning of M-code (MGUE). Time and the market will tell what ultimately happens.

Which of your receivers operate with an anti-jam (AJ) antenna?
BAE Systems’ receivers support both stand-alone AJ and integrated AJ. Receivers with integrated AJ include the NavFire-M, NavStorm-M and SABR-M receivers supporting high-dynamic weapons applications. Receivers directly supporting external AJ via a digital beamforming interface include the MPE-M and AMR. Our external AJ DIGAR offering provides exceptional performance for many stakeholders.

Also check out the new MAPS II System
 
Last edited:

skunk works

Senior Member
Joined
Jul 25, 2022
Messages
1,916
Likes
9,026
Country flag
B-21 RAIDER first opinions?
Watched the unveiling live, few points:
  1. SECDEF said does not need to be based overseas, also implied does not need refueling for long range missions, too.
  2. NG CEO said will soon see it flying.
  3. Nothing about export, although 'interfacing with the allies' was mentioned.
  4. Has reconnaissance capability also, big difference from the B2.
  5. Think it looked smaller than the B2.
  6. No word about capabilities- optionally manned? Wingman drones? Autonomous mission making? Don't know yet.
 

mokoman

Senior Member
Joined
May 31, 2020
Messages
6,194
Likes
33,794
Country flag
product page for b-21 raider.




What is the B-21?
The B-21 Raider is a new high-tech stealth bomber being developed to replace the Air Force’s aging bomber fleet.

Designed to be long-range, highly survivable and capable of carrying a mix of conventional and nuclear ordnance, the B-21 will join the nuclear triad as a visible and flexible nuclear deterrent; supporting national security objectives and assuring our nation’s allies and partners.

Why is the B-21 named Raider?
At the 2016 Air Force Association’s Air, Space and Cyber Conference, then-Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James announced the B-21 would be named “Raider” alongside Lt. Col. Dick Cole, the last surviving airman from the famous Doolittle Raid. According to the Air Force, “the Doolittle Raiders are known for their surprise attack against Japan during World War II on April 18, 1942, which forced the Japanese to recall combat forces for home defense and boosted morale among Americans and U.S. allies abroad. James and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Goldfein selected the name from more than 2,000 naming submissions.”

What role will the aircraft play?
As adversaries continue to invest in and develop advanced weapons, the B-21 Raider will provide the United States with a strategic asset capable of penetrating enemy air defenses and reaching targets anywhere in the world — something approximately 90 percent of the nation’s current bomber fleet is incapable of doing.

Why does America need a new stealth bomber?
Currently only 10 percent of our nation’s bomber force is capable of penetrating advanced adversary air defenses. As our adversaries have continued investing heavily in sophisticated technologies and weapons platforms that leave them free to act maliciously or extend their reach, a new bomber is critical to deterring potential adversaries, reassuring allies and keeping our nation safe. In a War College podcast, combat strategist and retired Air Force Lt. Gen. David Deptula said, “The B-21 will provide the kind of payload, range and penetrability that our current force of B-1s, B-52s and, to a small degree, B-2s, cannot accomplish.”

How many B-21s will be made?
The U.S. Air Force has stated plans to acquire at least 100 aircraft. Some defense analysts believe that the Air Force should plan to purchase at least 200 B-21s.

Which bases will host the B-21 and when?
The U.S. Air Force identified Ellsworth Air Force Base (AFB), South Dakota; Dyess AFB, Texas; and Whiteman AFB, Missouri as potential hosts for the B-21 Raider. Ellsworth AFB has been selected as the preferred basing location for the first B-21 main operating base and formal training unit, and Dyess AFB as the alternate. A final decision is expected in 2021 following compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act and other regulatory and planning processes.

The Air Force has selected Tinker AFB, Oklahoma, to coordinate maintenance and sustainment of the B-21 Raider, and Edwards AFB, California, to lead testing and evaluation of the aircraft.
The Air Force has stated it expects first aircraft deliveries in mid-2020s.

Will the program create jobs?
While we cannot speak to specific job figures due to the classification of the program, it will undoubtedly support thousands of direct and indirect jobs across the country.

When will the B-21 go into production? When will it be fielded?
Due to the program’s classified nature, the U.S. Air Force has not publicly shared a production schedule. The Air Force has stated that the initial test aircraft is currently in production at Northrop Grumman’s manufacturing facility in Palmdale, Calif. The Air Force has stated it expects first aircraft deliveries in mid-2020s.

What experience does Northrop Grumman have that makes it the best candidate to build the B-21?
Northrop Grumman is the world leader in stealth technology and is the only company to ever develop, build, sustain and modernize a stealthy, long-range strike aircraft: the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber.

The company also develops and implements the key, all-aspect stealth components for next-generation aircraft such as the F-35, and we are also behind some of the nation’s most advanced unmanned systems, including the X-47B and Global Hawk.

What does winning the B-21 program mean for Northrop Grumman?
The B-21 is a critical capability to maintain our nation’s security, and we are honored to continue our nearly four-decade partnership with the U.S. Air Force designing, building and maintaining advanced long-range bombers. We are fully committed to executing this program effectively and efficiently, on time and on budget. As the only company to have designed, built, delivered and sustained a stealth bomber, we are honored to build the next one.

When will it go on sale?
B-21 will be available for purchase from all major online retailers.
 

blackjack

Senior Member
Joined
Dec 14, 2021
Messages
2,479
Likes
5,318
Country flag
Impressive.
With this most recent achievement fate has in a single stroke, marked the arising of the West and spelled a new era of democratic prosperity and full spectrum dominance for the American eagle, which promises to firmly stand in sharp contrast to the historically bloody ascent of autocratic powers and the cruel subjugation it brought to the humbler nations of the world. With the blessings of American quantum imaging, tri-stream adaptive engines and joint all-domain command-control will be the instruments with which Americans affirm their noble stewardship of 21st century global politics and offers the non-western world a different option; an humanist alternative to the depredations of oriental leadership and the opportunity for a equitable and dignified American hegemony.
 

Lonewolf

Psychopathic Neighbour
Senior Member
Joined
Jan 26, 2021
Messages
7,300
Likes
27,599
Country flag
Impressive.
With this most recent achievement fate has in a single stroke, marked the arising of the West and spelled a new era of democratic prosperity and full spectrum dominance for the American eagle, which promises to firmly stand in sharp contrast to the historically bloody ascent of autocratic powers and the cruel subjugation it brought to the humbler nations of the world. With the blessings of American quantum imaging, tri-stream adaptive engines and joint all-domain command-control will be the instruments with which Americans affirm their noble stewardship of 21st century global politics and offers the non-western world a different option; an humanist alternative to the depredations of oriental leadership and the opportunity for a equitable and dignified American hegemony.
Please don't sell democracy on your MIC thread atleast , world already knows what American sells
 

skunk works

Senior Member
Joined
Jul 25, 2022
Messages
1,916
Likes
9,026
Country flag
  • Unit cost revealed by NG CEO in an interview: USD 550 million
  • Total 6 aircraft under production.
 

skunk works

Senior Member
Joined
Jul 25, 2022
Messages
1,916
Likes
9,026
Country flag
product page for b-21 raider.




What is the B-21?
The B-21 Raider is a new high-tech stealth bomber being developed to replace the Air Force’s aging bomber fleet.

Designed to be long-range, highly survivable and capable of carrying a mix of conventional and nuclear ordnance, the B-21 will join the nuclear triad as a visible and flexible nuclear deterrent; supporting national security objectives and assuring our nation’s allies and partners.

Why is the B-21 named Raider?
At the 2016 Air Force Association’s Air, Space and Cyber Conference, then-Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James announced the B-21 would be named “Raider” alongside Lt. Col. Dick Cole, the last surviving airman from the famous Doolittle Raid. According to the Air Force, “the Doolittle Raiders are known for their surprise attack against Japan during World War II on April 18, 1942, which forced the Japanese to recall combat forces for home defense and boosted morale among Americans and U.S. allies abroad. James and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Goldfein selected the name from more than 2,000 naming submissions.”

What role will the aircraft play?
As adversaries continue to invest in and develop advanced weapons, the B-21 Raider will provide the United States with a strategic asset capable of penetrating enemy air defenses and reaching targets anywhere in the world — something approximately 90 percent of the nation’s current bomber fleet is incapable of doing.

Why does America need a new stealth bomber?
Currently only 10 percent of our nation’s bomber force is capable of penetrating advanced adversary air defenses. As our adversaries have continued investing heavily in sophisticated technologies and weapons platforms that leave them free to act maliciously or extend their reach, a new bomber is critical to deterring potential adversaries, reassuring allies and keeping our nation safe. In a War College podcast, combat strategist and retired Air Force Lt. Gen. David Deptula said, “The B-21 will provide the kind of payload, range and penetrability that our current force of B-1s, B-52s and, to a small degree, B-2s, cannot accomplish.”

How many B-21s will be made?
The U.S. Air Force has stated plans to acquire at least 100 aircraft. Some defense analysts believe that the Air Force should plan to purchase at least 200 B-21s.

Which bases will host the B-21 and when?
The U.S. Air Force identified Ellsworth Air Force Base (AFB), South Dakota; Dyess AFB, Texas; and Whiteman AFB, Missouri as potential hosts for the B-21 Raider. Ellsworth AFB has been selected as the preferred basing location for the first B-21 main operating base and formal training unit, and Dyess AFB as the alternate. A final decision is expected in 2021 following compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act and other regulatory and planning processes.

The Air Force has selected Tinker AFB, Oklahoma, to coordinate maintenance and sustainment of the B-21 Raider, and Edwards AFB, California, to lead testing and evaluation of the aircraft.
The Air Force has stated it expects first aircraft deliveries in mid-2020s.

Will the program create jobs?
While we cannot speak to specific job figures due to the classification of the program, it will undoubtedly support thousands of direct and indirect jobs across the country.

When will the B-21 go into production? When will it be fielded?
Due to the program’s classified nature, the U.S. Air Force has not publicly shared a production schedule. The Air Force has stated that the initial test aircraft is currently in production at Northrop Grumman’s manufacturing facility in Palmdale, Calif. The Air Force has stated it expects first aircraft deliveries in mid-2020s.

What experience does Northrop Grumman have that makes it the best candidate to build the B-21?
Northrop Grumman is the world leader in stealth technology and is the only company to ever develop, build, sustain and modernize a stealthy, long-range strike aircraft: the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber.

The company also develops and implements the key, all-aspect stealth components for next-generation aircraft such as the F-35, and we are also behind some of the nation’s most advanced unmanned systems, including the X-47B and Global Hawk.

What does winning the B-21 program mean for Northrop Grumman?
The B-21 is a critical capability to maintain our nation’s security, and we are honored to continue our nearly four-decade partnership with the U.S. Air Force designing, building and maintaining advanced long-range bombers. We are fully committed to executing this program effectively and efficiently, on time and on budget. As the only company to have designed, built, delivered and sustained a stealth bomber, we are honored to build the next one.

When will it go on sale?
B-21 will be available for purchase from all major online retailers.
When will it go on sale?
B-21 will be available for purchase from all major online retailers.

IAF be like: i will take your entire stock
 

skunk works

Senior Member
Joined
Jul 25, 2022
Messages
1,916
Likes
9,026
Country flag
Impressive.
With this most recent achievement fate has in a single stroke, marked the arising of the West and spelled a new era of democratic prosperity and full spectrum dominance for the American eagle, which promises to firmly stand in sharp contrast to the historically bloody ascent of autocratic powers and the cruel subjugation it brought to the humbler nations of the world. With the blessings of American quantum imaging, tri-stream adaptive engines and joint all-domain command-control will be the instruments with which Americans affirm their noble stewardship of 21st century global politics and offers the non-western world a different option; an humanist alternative to the depredations of oriental leadership and the opportunity for a equitable and dignified American hegemony.
spelled a new era of democratic prosperity and full spectrum dominance

For like 2 years before the Chinese develop something that can kill it.
 

skunk works

Senior Member
Joined
Jul 25, 2022
Messages
1,916
Likes
9,026
Country flag
Order size is projected to be 100 but take it with a pinch of salt.
Remember the F22 raptor order was going to be 600 aircraft + export options, rather than the 180 the air force finally bought, and congress banned all export.
Ben Rich of Skunk Works wrote later that because of the over-optimistic projections, the RAPTOR program turned out to be the biggest loss to Lockheed in history.
 

Bhartiya Sainik

Regular Member
Joined
Dec 14, 2021
Messages
417
Likes
1,173
Country flag
So the B-21 Raider is being speculated or perhaps confirmed to be 6th gen category aircraft, isn't it? It is being referred to as "Digital Bomber" capable of defeating latest air defences around the world currently. So i guess not only it will have strong ESM, ECM, SPJ, decoy but also retractable DIRCM & DEW perhaps to defeat IR missiles.
1670188843991.png


DEW pods have been tested on AH-64 Apache, small business-jet testbed & also shown in animation for 4th gen jets.

1670188649439.png

1670188724265.png
1670189314195.png

1670188753729.png

1670189374742.png


A stealthy DEW turret was also conceptually speculated for future 5.5 gen upgraded F-35.

1670188904193.png


So the B-21 may have similar system for self-defence like seen below in artist image for NGAD & F/A-XX.

1670188459440.png
 

Global Defence

Articles

Top