David Padgett的动态

The Air Force will put the Next Generation Air Dominance program on hold for a few months in order to see whether it is “on the right course” with the fighter that was intended to replace the F-22, Secretary Frank Kendall said July 30. However, all other aspects of air superiority modernization are moving ahead as fast as possible, he said. Kendall, speaking at the annual Life Cycle Industry Days in Dayton, Ohio, assured listeners at his keynote speech that NGAD will go forward in some form, expressing confidence that “we’re still going to do a sixth-generation, crewed aircraft.” The Air Force is asking itself some tough questions, however. Does the service have “the right process? … The right operational concept?” Kendall said of the Air Force’s examination. “Before we commit to moving forward on a single design [and a] single supplier, we’re going to take a hard look at that.” Kendall also held open the option that the NGAD could be uncrewed, though he said he doesn’t think the technology is quite “there yet” to move fully in that direction. The NGAD could be “optionally crewed,” he said, as the B-21 Raider stealth bomber was intended to be. The NGAD is a “family of systems” which comprises a formation or aircraft. The center of the formation is the crewed fighter, controlling up to six Collaborative Combat Aircraft. The CCA is so closely linked to NGAD that they are funded in the same budget line. Although Kendall has said that the goal is to frequently upgrade the NGAD with new systems, weapons and technologies, senior Air Force leaders have privately questioned whether that approach will work, given the accelerating rate of technology change. The NGAD may have to be updated on a pace comparable to that of the CCA, with its technology and even design turning over every three years or so. Kendall noted that USAF must accommodate to China’s rapid advances in air combat technology and its ability to rain ballistic missiles down on air bases. If the Air Force is compelled to operate only from bases with long runways, that’s “a problem for us,” Kendall said. #USAF #NGAD #CCA A Northrop Grumman sixth-generation fighter concept in action. (Northrop Grumman)

The Manned aircraft will be worthless in future wars. In fact, it is obsolete right now. There HAS NOT BEEN a strategic dogfight-a sky battle that helped decide a war-since the KOREAN WAR, so why are more fighter jets needed #NGAD ? People want cool stuff, rather than weapons that work. This is technological utopianism, and it is part of the Western way of war worship. Investing in people and programs not Contracts is what we need in this recruitment crisis. Five defense contractors.. when before Gulf War 1 we had 50. Do not agree, and actively say so. People first, amount of investment for these systems could fix TRICARE and base housing and specialized care for Soldiers and Airmen.

While the F-22 Raptor successor Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) crewed fighter development is paused, Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) work is steaming ahead. When viewed in conjunction with other defense-wide developments such as the B-21 Raider, AIM-174B (air-launched SM-2), AIM-260 JATM, and uncrewed naval (drone) systems, we can see that DoD and the services are very focused on thoughtfully confronting the dual challenges of distance and technology in the Indo-Pacific region using a layered and networked approach incorporating autonomous systems. Crewed systems like NGAD may change, but they are not going away anytime soon. The big questions are how US military planners account for the cost imbalance of threats like the continued proliferation of relatively cheap and unmanned systems, as we have seen in Yemen and Ukraine, and how to build cost-effective unmanned mass for both peer and low-intensity conflict in our high-tech, long-range, and highly networked military environment.

Thoughtful (as usual) op-ed by Mackenzie Eaglen advocating for more innovative use of legacy systems. Using the AIM-174B -- Air launched SM-6 from F/A-18 -- as an example, she argues that "repurposing older technology creates a crucial bridge from the present to the future..." Other examples of repurposing in the article include the USAF BLK20/30 RQ-4 Global Hawk and the A-10C, Army MC-1C Grey Eagle drones, and USN Littoral Combat Ship in innovative ways. Blending old and new systems, and creatively repurposing existing systems is an easy idea to support. However, one must bear in mind that the actual decisions to do so at the Pentagon are complicated by steadily increasing life-cycle costs of legacy systems within an unchanging topline defense budget. #BalancingAct #Choices

Saw this today at Military Times... Nice piece by Rep Jackson: "The Marine Corps variant of the Osprey, the MV-22, has become a cornerstone of U.S. military operations, consistently proving its reliability in challenging environments. Despite its extensive use, the MV-22's mishap rate per 100,000 flight hours is "equal to or less than any airframe flown," according to the commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Eric M. Smith. He also recently said, "They're completely safe. They have a better safety record than most aircraft." When compared to conventional helicopters, like the H-60 Black Hawk or the H-47 Chinook, the V-22's safety record remains well within acceptable industry standards. Beyond its favorable safety record, the Osprey offers significant advantages and capabilities that conventional helicopters cannot match. Its unique tilt-rotor design enables it to take off and land in confined spaces while flying faster and farther than traditional helicopters. These advantages provide critical support in combat, medical evacuation operations, and disaster relief efforts, often meaning the difference between life and death." #V22Osprey #Tiltrotor #Aerospace #MilitaryTech #DefenseInnovation #Aviation #MilitaryAviation

The United States Air Force's F-22 Raptor fleet has recently achieved a significant milestone, reaching 500,000 flight hours. This accomplishment highlights the aircraft's enduring role in maintaining air superiority and the continued dedication of the teams responsible for its operation and support. ?Since its introduction over 25 years ago, the F-22 Raptor has been a key asset in the U.S. Air Force’s arsenal. Known for its advanced stealth, speed, maneuverability, and integrated avionics, the F-22 has proven its capabilities in various missions worldwide, solidifying its position as a leading air dominance fighter. As the F-22 Raptor reaches this milestone, focus remains on its future potential. Modernization efforts and strategic upgrades are ongoing, aimed at enhancing the aircraft's capabilities and preparing it for future challenges. These efforts are crucial for maintaining the F-22's status as a premier air dominance fighter. Lockheed Martin, the manufacturer of the F-22, emphasized the importance of these upgrades. "The ongoing modernization efforts are crucial to keeping the F-22 at the forefront of air superiority and preparing for future combat scenarios," the company said. Find out more: https://lnkd.in/di-rGr2n #USAF #airforce #F22 #Raptor #fighter #aircraft #defence #aerospace #stealth #LockheedMartin #technology #industry #military #armedforces #nationaldefence

While not a focus of my day-to-day despite two posts in a row on the topic, Soup’s article here presents a great perspective on the warfighting potential inherent to the F-15EX platform if the USAF looks a little deeper at its future application. I recognize the potential for bias, with my Combat System Officer background (albeit on another platform, for a different mission), but we’re expecting tremendous performance from aircrew in a combat environment expected to be incredibly complex. We need to fully utilize the resources of this aircraft and others in our fleet that can leverage multiple crew positions, regardless of the Air Force speciality we assign to it. Excellent human factors design and artificial intelligence can only take us so far. For now, and maybe even more than ever, we need decision makers capable of air mission command forward in the fight. https://lnkd.in/e2jqDtq4

L3Harris Technologies has officially commenced production of its AN/ALQ-254(V)1 Viper Shield electronic warfare (EW) system, specifically designed for the new F-16 Block 70/72 fighter jets intended for international customers. This announcement was made on September 17, 2024, during the Air, Space, and Cyber Conference hosted by the U.S. Air and Space Forces Association at National Harbor, Maryland. The Viper Shield integrates seamlessly with the F-16's APG-83 AESA radar, significantly enhancing the aircraft's threat detection and jamming capabilities. This state-of-the-art EW system, developed in collaboration with Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Air Force, provides comprehensive protection against evolving electronic threats. As modern battlefields become increasingly complex, the Viper Shield equips F-16 pilots with essential tools to detect, jam, and neutralize hostile signals, making it a vital component of the aircraft's defensive suite. #military #defense #defence #aerospace #aviation #aircraft #aircrafts #airplane #airplanes #aviationlovers #militaryaviation #militaryaircraft #fighterjet #engineering #technology #militarytechnology #defensetechnology #defenseinnovation #defenseindustry #airforce #pilots #EWsystem #EW

# Only put off until tomorrow what you are willing to die having left undone # ## Boeing Secures a Contract to Support F/A-18 E/F Aircraft ## Boeing, the renowned aerospace company, has recently landed a significant deal to provide support for its F/A-18 E/F aircraft. This contract, awarded by the Naval Supply Systems Command Weapon Systems Support in Philadelphia, PA, is valued at an impressive $44.7 million. The agreed-upon timeline for completion is set for March 2029. This deal not only solidifies Boeing's position as a leader in the aerospace industry but also underscores the confidence placed in their aircraft by the U.S. Navy. The F/A-18 E/F aircraft plays a crucial role in military operations, and Boeing's ongoing support will ensure its continued excellence and reliability. As an investor, it is important to consider the impact of such contracts on companies' financial performance. Deals like these can indicate stability and future growth potential. This presents an opportunity for investors to explore the potential benefits of investing in Boeing. \*\*Don't miss out on this investment opportunity! Act today to grow your Health Savings Account \(HSA\) and secure your financial future. #hsa #investing #healthcare #health #family #wellness ????\*\* Remember, investments in companies like Boeing should always be approached with a comprehensive understanding of your financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon. If you need assistance or have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out to me for personalized advice tailored to your unique financial situation.