David
Thu January 16, 2003 12:31am
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C-5 Galaxy
Function: With its tremendous payload capability, the gigantic C-5 Galaxy, an outsized-cargo transport, provides the Air Mobility Command intertheater airlift in support of United States national defense.
History: Lockheed-Georgia Co. delivered the first operational Galaxy to the 437th Airlift Wing, Charleston Air Force Base, SC. in June l970. C-5s are stationed now at Altus AFB, OK; Dover AFB, DE; Travis AFB, CA and Kelly AFB, TX. AMC transferred some C-5s to the Air Reserve starting with Kelly AFB, in 1985; followed by Stewart Air National Guard Base, N.Y. and Westover Air Reserve Base, MA.
In March 1989, the last of 50 C-5B aircraft were added to the 76 C-5A's in the Air Force's airlift force structure. The C-5B includes all C-5A improvements as well as more than 100 additional system modifications to improve reliability and maintainability. All 50 C-5B's are scheduled to remain in the active-duty force, shared by comparably sized and collocated Air Force Reserve associate units.
The C-5, C-17 Globemaster III and C-141 Starlifter are partners of AMC's strategic airlift concept. The aircraft carry fully equipped, combat-ready military units to any point in the world on short notice then provide field support required to help sustain the fighting force.
Description: The C-5 is one of the largest aircraft in the world. It can carry outsized cargo intercontinental ranges and can take off or land in relatively short distances. Ground crews can load and off load the C-5 simultaneously at the front and rear cargo openings since the nose and aft doors open the full width and height of the cargo compartment. It can also "kneel down" to facilitate loading directly from truck bed levels. Other features of the C-5 are:
1. High flotation landing gear with 28 wheels sharing the weight.
2. Full width drive-on ramps at each end for loading double rows of vehicles.
3. An automatic trouble-shooting system that records and analyzes information and detects malfunctions in more than 800 test points.
4. Able to take off fully loaded within 8,300 feet (2,530 meters) and land within 4,900 feet (1,493 meters).
The C-5 is similar in appearance to the smaller transport aircraft, the C-141 Starlifter, although the C-5 is much larger. Both aircraft have the distinctive high T-tail, 25-degree wing sweep and four turbofan engines mounted on pylons beneath the wings.
The Galaxy carries nearly all of the Army's combat equipment, including such heavy oversized items such as its 74-ton mobile scissors bridge, from the United States to any theater of combat on the globe.
Four TF-39 turbofan engines power the big C-5. They are pylon-mounted and rated at 41,000 pounds thrust each. They weigh 7,900 pounds (3,555 kilograms ) each and have an air intake diameter of more than 8.5 feet (2.6 meters). Each engine pod is nearly 27 feet long (8.2 meters).
The Galaxy has 12 internal wing tanks with a total capacity of 51,150 gallons (194,370 liters) of fuel -- enough to fill more than six regular size railroad tank cars. The fuel load weighs 332,500 pounds (150,820 kilograms) allowing the C-5 with a load of 204,904 pounds (92,207 kilograms) to fly 2,150 nautical miles, offload, and fly to a second base 500 nautical miles away from the original destination -- all without aerial refueling. With aerial refueling, crew endurance is the only limit to the aircraft's range.
General Characteristics, C-5 Galaxy
Contractor:
Lockheed Georgia Co.
Thrust:
41,000 pounds, each engine
Wingspan:
222.9 feet (67.93 meters)
Length:
247.1 feet (75.3 meters)
Height:
65.1 feet (19.84 meters) (at tail)
Cargo Compartment:
Height, - 13.5 feet (4.11 meters)
Width - 19 feet (5.79 meters)
Length - 143 feet, 9 inches (43.8 meters)
Takeoff/Landing Distances:
8,300 feet (2,530 meters) takeoff fully loaded
4,900 feet (1,493 meters) landing fully loaded
Pallet Positions:
36
Speed:
518 mph (.68 Mach)
Range:
6,320 nautical miles (empty)
Crew:
Seven (pilot, co-pilot, two flight engineers and three loadmasters)
Unit Cost:
C-5B, $184.2 million (FY96 constant dollars)
Date Deployed:
June 1970 (operational)
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David
Thu January 16, 2003 10:39am
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OH-58 Kiowa Warrior
History: The first Kiowa Warrior was delivered to the Army in May 1991. It is replacing selected AH-1 Cobra attack helicopters (those that function as scouts in air cavalry troops and light attack companies), and OH-58A and C Kiowas in air cavalry troops. Initially a Full Material Release decision was scheduled for Q4FY94. However, the aircraft has been able to attain only a "conditional" material release from the Army Materiel Command due to the autorotation issue described below and other safety concerns. The Kiowa Warrior was placed on the OSD oversight list in 1990 for DT, OT, and as a LFT candidate. There is no B-LRIP report or acquisition decision required for this system, however a LFT&E report will be submitted to Congress.
Since the last OA conducted in 1994, the Army has determined that modifications in mission and equipment over time have created a deficiency in the Kiowa Warrior autorotation capability. In general terms, the cumulative addition of new equipment caused the weight of the aircraft to increase dramatically, meaning that in the event of an engine failure or other similar occurrence, the aircraft lost some of its original autorotative capability, causing the aircraft to descend faster and experience an extended ground slide upon touchdown. As a result, the Army developed a two-phase Safety Enhancement Program (SEP) to reduce the safety risk to Kiowa Warrior aviators. The SEP consists of both training and material changes.
An improved version of the T-703 (R-3) engine will be installed which provides higher reliability and double the current overhaul interval, greater hot day power, and a Full Authority Digital Electronic Control (FADEC). The FADEC provides automatic rotor speed control, inflight restart, and performance recording, as well as more precise fuel metering capabilities. Additionally, an integrated body and head restraint system, a cockpit air bag system, and energy absorbing seats will be installed to enhance survivability in any crash situation.
Beginning in March 1997, a number of improvements were introduced into new production OH-58Ds resulting from Task Force XXI exercises that took place at Fort Irwin, CA in March 1997, to demonstrate the Army's concept of the "digital battlefield". These improvements include an improved Allison 250-C30R/3 650 shp engine equipped with an upgraded hot section to improve high-altitude/hot-day performance. The C30R/3 will be fitted with a full authority digital electronic control system that will replace the hydromechanical fuel control unit. The improved production Kiowa Warrior will have an integrated cockpit control and display system, master control processor with digital map and video crosslink, along with an improved data modem, secure radio communications, and a GPS embedded in the inertial navigation system. Additional improvements include an infrared jammer, infrared suppressor, radar warning receivers, and a laser warning detector to improve aircraft survivability.
Description: The OH-58D Kiowa Warrior is a two-place single engine armed reconnaissance helicopter. The OH-58D's highly accurate navigation system permits precise target location that can be handed-off to other engagement systems. The OH-58D has an infrared thermal imaging capability and can display night vision goggle flight reference symbology. It's laser designator/laser rangefinder can provide autonomous designation for laser-guided precision weapons. Air-to-Air Stinger (ATAS) issiles provide the Kiowa Warrior with protection against threat aircraft.
The primary mission of the Kiowa Warrior is armed reconnaissance in air cavalry troops and light attack companies. In addition, the Kiowa Warrior may be called upon to participate in the following missions or tasks:
- Joint Air Attack (JAAT) operations
- Air combat
- Limited attack operations
- Artillery target designation
The Kiowa Warrior is an armed version of the earlier OH-58D Kiowa Advanced Helicopter Improvement Program (AHIP) aircraft, which itself was a highly modified version of the OH-58A/C Kiowa. A hostile gunboat presence at night in the Persian Gulf in 1987 created the need for a small armed scout helicopter for interdiction. Close team work between the U.S. Armed Forces and Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. developed the OH-58D Kiowa Warrior in less than 100 days, to counter this threat.
The Kiowa Warrior procurement plan is to acquire, through modification or retrofit of existing OH-58A and D aircraft, approximately 401 Kiowa Warriors. There are two concurrent programs which produce Kiowa Warriors: a program which modifies OH-58A aircraft, and a retrofit program that will eventually re-configure all 185 OH-58D Army Helicopter Improvement Program models. The Department of the Army has specified an acquisition objective of 507 Kiowa Warriors even though the current procurement authorization is for only 401 of them.
The Mast Mounted Sight (MMS) is one of the key elements of the Kiowa Warrior. Its unique day/night capabilities allow the crew to scan the battlefield with the ability to acquire, identify, and derive the coordinate locations of potential targets.
The U.S. Navy selected the Kiowa Warrior Mast Mounted Sight for use on their ships. They were so pleased with its performance that they entered into a program to update the technology in the existing platform. Their current Mast Mounted Sight II sight is smaller, lighter in weight, and half the cost of the US Army MMS. In addition, the optics have been upgraded through the application of technology insertion. The dollar cost avoidance in acquisition, operations and support cost, and spare components to support this system on the Kiowa Warrior is potentially significant.
The AIM-1 MLR (and DLR), a class IIIb infrared (IR) laser, provides a beam of light invisible to the naked eye. Its beam is said to be effective for aiming at ranges up to 3km. It is designed to operate in conjunction with standard night vision devices (its beam's impact point visible). The AIM-1 laser is boresighted to a point 2.8 inches vertically above the .50 Cal machine gun barrel bore center line of sight at a distance of 500 inches. This provides the proper offset for firing at a range of 1000 meters.
The principal difference between the Kiowa Warrior and its immediate OH-58D predecessor is a universal weapons pylon on both sides of the aircraft capable of accepting combinations of the semi-active laser Hellfire missile, the Air-to-Air Stinger (ATAS) missile, 2.75" Folding Fin Aerial Rocket (FFAR) pods, and a 0.50 caliber machine gun. In addition to these weapons, the Kiowa Warrior upgrade includes changes designed to provide improvements in air-to-air and air-to-ground communications, mission planning and management, available power, survivability, night flying, and reductions in crew workload through the use of on-board automation and cockpit integration.
The robust sensor capabilities of the KW in its mission as an armed reconnaissance aircraft, would be greatly enhanced by more effective communications within today?s digitized battlefield. By using the highly integrated avionics already on the aircraft, this capability can be added with only minor hardware and software changes. Video Image Crosslink (VIXL) provides the KW with the capability to send and receive still frame images over one of the FM radios. The VIXL consists of a circuit card installed in the IMCPU. In 1996 the KW Product Manager?s Office (PMO) developed four VIXL ground stations, which consist of an Aviation Mission Planning Station (AMPS) with a Tactical Communication Interface Modules (TCIM) and a SINCGARS radio. The ground stations will be used to transfer VIXL images on the ground.
The Improved Mast Mounted Sight System Processor (IMSP) will replace the current configuration MMS System Processor (MSP). The product improved aircraft will include a new high-speed digital signal processor that will provide improved tracking capabilities by split-screen in both TV and Thermal Imaging Sight (TIS) modes, low contrast target tracking, simultaneous multi-target tracking of up to six targets, moving target indicator, aided target recognition, and automatic reaquiring of targets lost due to obstruction. The operator video display will reflect real time TV zoom and still frame capabilities. The IMSP enhancements consist of the use of high-speed Gallium Arsenide based digital signal processor integrated circuits in the MMS signal processor. The Circuit Card Assembly count in the processor will be reduced from 30 to 16. This reduction and use of state-of-the-art component technology enhances reliability, maintainability, and supportability. The IMSP will provide for enhanced growth and will not require substantial aircraft hardware changes. An update to the aircraft software, however, is required to execute the enhanced functions of the upgraded processor. This provides for future insertion of neural net automatic target recognition, identification of friend or foe, passive ranging, and real-time image enhancements. Form and fit of the existing MMS system processor is maintained, and is backwards compatible with the MMS System Processor (MSP). As of July 1997, all aircraft delivered from the Bell Helicopter production lots will have the IMSP installed. All retrofit aircraft will be equipped MSPs. As the MSPs are removed through attrition, they are replaced with IMSPs.
The addition of weapons, improved cockpit integration, and better navigational capability have resulted in an aircraft that is much more capable than its predecessor. Furthermore, the potential enhancements to mission planning and management provided by the aviation mission planning system (AMPS) and data transfer system (DTS) were very apparent during the DSUFTP. All of these improvements were achieved without any noticeable impact on readiness, as indicated by the aircraft's operational availability.
General Characteristics, OH-58D Kiowa Warrior
Contractor:
Bell Helicopter Textron
Power Plant:
485 kilowatt (650 skip) Allison turbine
Survivability Equipment:
Infrared seeker jammer
Pulse and CW radar warning receivers
Laser warning detector
Inherent infrared suppression
Maximum Speed:
125 knots (232 kph)
Range:
268 nautical miles (497 kilometers), sea level
Weapons:
Two pylons can be armed with any of the following:
Two Hellfire missiles
Seven Hydra 70 rockets
Two air-to-air Stinger missiles
.50 caliber machine guns
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David
Thu January 16, 2003 5:41pm
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B-2 Spirit
Function: The B-2 Spirit is a multi-role bomber capable of delivering both conventional and nuclear munitions. A dramatic leap forward in technology, the bomber represents a major milestone in the U.S. bomber modernization program. The B-2 brings massive firepower to bear, in a short time, anywhere on the globe through previously impenetrable defenses.
History: The first B-2 was publicly displayed on Nov. 22, 1988, when it was rolled out of its hangar at Air Force Plant 42, Palmdale, CA. Its first flight was July 17, 1989. The B-2 Combined Test Force, Air Force Flight Test Center, Edwards Air Force Base, CA, is responsible for flight testing the engineering, manufacturing and development aircraft as they are produced.
Whiteman AFB, MO, is the B-2's only operational base. The first aircraft, Spirit of Missouri, was delivered Dec. 17, 1993. Depot maintenance responsibility for the B-2 is performed by Air Force contractor support and is managed at the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center at Tinker AFB, Okla.
The prime contractor responsible for overall system design and integration,is Northrop Grumman's Military Aircraft Systems Division. Boeing Military Airplanes Co., Hughes Radar Systems Group and General Electric Aircraft Engine Group are key members of the aircraft contractor team. Another major contractor, responsible for aircrew training devices (weapon system trainer and mission trainer) is Hughes Training Inc. (HTI) - Link Division, formerly known as CAE - Link Flight Simulation Corp. Northrop Grumman and its major subcontractor HTI, are responsible for developing and integrating all aircrew and maintenance training programs.
Description: Along with the B-52 and B-1B, the B-2 provides the penetrating flexibility and effectiveness inherent in manned bombers. Its low-observable, or "stealth," characteristics give it the unique ability to penetrate an enemy's most sophisticated defenses and threaten its most valued, and heavily defended, targets. Its capability to penetrate air defenses and threaten effective retaliation provide a strong, effective deterrent and combat force well into the 21st century.
The revolutionary blending of low-observable technologies with high aerodynamic efficiency and large payload gives the B-2 important advantages over existing bombers. Its low-observability provides it greater freedom of action at high altitudes, thus increasing its range and a better field of view for the aircraft's sensors. Its unrefueled range is approximately 6,000 nautical miles (9,600 kilometers).
The B-2's low observability is derived from a combination of reduced infrared, acoustic, electromagnetic, visual and radar signatures. These signatures make it difficult for the sophisticated defensive systems to detect, track and engage the B-2. Many aspects of the low-observability process remain classified; however, the B-2's composite materials, special coatings and flying-wing design all contribute to its "stealthiness."
The B-2 has a crew of two pilots, a pilot in the left seat and mission commander in the right, compared to the B-1B's crew of four and the B-52's crew of five.
?General Characteristics, B-2 Spirit
Prime Contractor:
Northrop Grumman Corporation
Contractor Team:
Boeing Military Airplanes Co., General Electric Aircraft Engine Group and Hughes Training Inc., Link Division
Unit Cost:
Approximately $1.3 billion
Power Plant:
Four General Electric F-118-GE-100 engines
Thrust:
17,300 pounds each engine
Length:
69 feet (20.9 meters)
Height:
17 feet (5.1 meters)
Wingspan:
172 feet (52.12 meters)
Weight:
Empty, approximately 190,000 pounds (86,183 kilograms)
Typical Take-off Weight:
336,500 pounds (152,635 kilograms)
Speed:
High subsonic
Ceiling:
50,000 feet (15,152 meters)
Range:
Intercontinental, unrefueled
Crew:
Two pilots
Armament:
Conventional or nuclear weapons
Payload:
40,000 pounds (18,144 kilograms)
Inventory:
Active force: 21 (planned operational aircraft)
ANG: 0
Reserve: 0
Date Deployed:
December 1993
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David
Thu January 16, 2003 6:05pm
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AC-130 H/U Gunship
Function: The AC-130 gunship's primary missions are close air support, air interdiction and force protection. Missions in close air support are troops in contact, convoy escort and urban operations. Air interdiction missions are conducted against preplanned targets or targets of opportunity. Force protection missions include air base defense and facilities defense.
History: The AC-130H's call sign is "Spectre." The AC-130U's call sign is "Spooky," and traces its history to the first operational gunship, the AC-47. The U-model is the third generation of C-130 gunships. The AC-130 gunship has a combat history dating to Vietnam. Gunships destroyed more than 10,000 trucks and were credited with many life-saving close air support missions. During Operation Urgent Fury in Grenada in 1983, AC-130s suppressed enemy air defense systems and attacked ground forces enabling the successful assault of the Point Salines Airfield via airdrop and air land of friendly forces. The AC-130 aircrew earned the Lt. Gen. William H. Tunner Award for the mission. AC-130s also had a primary role during Operation Just Cause in Panama in 1989 when they destroyed Panamanian Defense Force Headquarters and numerous command and control facilities. Aircrews earned the Mackay Trophy for the most meritorious flight of the year and the Tunner Award for their efforts. During Operation Desert Storm, AC-130s provided close air support and force protection (air base defense) for ground forces. Gunships also were used during operations Continue Hope and United Shield in Somalia, providing close air support for United Nations ground forces. More recently, gunships played a pivotal role in supporting the NATO mission in Bosnia-Herzegovina. The AC-130H provided air interdiction against key targets in the Sarajevo area. In 1997, gunships were diverted from Italy to provide combat air support for U.S. and allied ground troops during the evacuation of American noncombatants in Albania. Gunships also were part of the buildup of US forces in 1998 to convince Iraq to comply with U.N. weapons inspections.
Description: These heavily armed aircraft incorporate side-firing weapons integrated with sophisticated sensor, navigation and fire control systems to provide surgical firepower or area saturation during extended loiter periods, at night and in adverse weather. The sensor suite consists of a television sensor, infrared sensor and radar. These sensors allow the gunship to visually or electronically identify friendly ground forces and targets any place, any time. The AC-130U employs synthetic apertures strike radar for long-range target detection and identification. Navigational devices include the inertial navigation systems and global positioning system. The AC-130U employs the latest technologies and can attack two targets simultaneously.
?General Characteristics, AC-130H/U Gunship
Contractor:
Boeing North American (AC-130U)
Builder:
Lockheed Aircraft Company
Unit Cost:
AC-130H, $52.29 million
AC-130U, $81.1 million (fiscal 1998 constant dollars)
Power Plant:
Four Allison T56-A-15 turboprop engines
Thrust:
4,910 shaft horsepower each engine
Length:
97 feet, 9 inches (29.8 meters)
Height:
38 feet, 6 inches (11.7 meters)
Wingspan:
132 feet, 7 inches (40.4 meters)
Maximum Take-off Weight:
155,000 pounds (69,750 kilograms)
Speed:
300 mph (Mach .4) (at sea level)
Ceiling:
25,000 feet (7,576 meters)
Range:
Approximately 1,300 nautical miles; unlimited with air refueling
Armament:
AC-130H/U: 40mm cannon and 105mm cannon
AC-130H: two 20mm guns
AC-130U: 25mm gun
Crew:
AC-130H - Five officers (pilot, co-pilot, navigator, fire control officer, electronic warfare officer) and nine enlisted (flight engineer, TV operator, infrared detection set operator, loadmaster, five aerial gunners)
AC-130U - Five officers (pilot, copilot, navigator, fire control officer, electronic warfare officer) and eight enlisted (flight engineer, TV operator, infrared detection set operator, loadmaster, four aerial gunners)
Inventory:
Active duty: AC-130H, 8
AC-130U, 13
Reserve, 0
ANG, 0
Date Deployed:
AC-130H, 1972
AC-130U, 1995
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David
Thu January 16, 2003 6:24pm
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T-45A Goshawk
Function: Training platform for Navy/Marine Corps pilots.
Description: The T-45A aircraft, the Navy version of the British Aerospace Hawk aircraft, is used for intermediate and advanced portions of the Navy/Marine Corps pilot training program for jet carrier aviation and tactical strike missions. The T-45A will replace the T-2 Buckeye trainer and the TA-4 trainer with an integrated training system that includes the T-45A Goshawk aircraft, operations and instrument fighter simulators, academics, and training integration system. There are two versions of T-45 aircraft currently in operational use at this time, the T-45A and T-45C derivatives. The T-45A, which became operational in 1991, contains an analog design cockpit while the new T-45C (began delivery in December 1997) is built around a new digital "glass cockpit" design.
General Characteristics, T-45A Goshawk
Builder:
Boeing Company
Unit Cost:
$17.2 million
Power Plant:
Rolls Royce F405-RR-401 turbofan engine with 5,527 pounds (2,512 kilograms) thrust
Length:
39 feet, 4 inches (11.98 meters)
Height:
13 feet, 6 inches (4.11 meters)
Wingspan:
30 feet, 10 inches (9.39 meters)
Weight:
Take-off maximum gross, 13,500 pounds (6,075 kilograms); empty 9,394 pounds (4,261 kilograms)
Speed:
645 mph (1,038 kmh)
Ceiling:
42,500 feet
Range:
700 nautical miles (805 statute miles, 1288 kilometers)
Crew:
Two (instructor and student)
Date Deployed:
First flight, December 1988
Operational, 1991
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David
Thu January 16, 2003 6:40pm
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RQ-1 Predator Medium Alti
Function: Medium altitude endurance unmanned aerial vehicle.
History: Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are either remotely or autonomous pilotless drones typically used for reconnaissance. UAVs can trace their roots back to the AQM-34N Firebee. Derived from the Ryan Aeronautical Company Firebee sub-sonic target drone, the AQM-34N had a range of more than 2,400 miles, could fly above 65,000 feet, and had a top speed of 420 miles per hour. During the Vietnam war the Firebee recon drones were made more maneuverable and equipped with electronic countermeasures and jamming equipment to defend them from surface to air missiles and air interception.
UAVs are generally equipped with a payload bay which can house a variety of sensor packages, allowing mission planners to tailor the UAV's sensors for a specific mission requirement.
UAVs are generally divided into two categories: Tactical and Endurance. Tactical UAVs typically have a range of at least 200km while Endurance UAVs have a range beyond 200km.
Background: The RQ-1 Predator Medium Altitude Endurance (MAE) UAV was introduced in May 1995 as a proof of concept demonstrator. The RQ-1A/B Predator is a system, not just an aircraft. The fully operational system consists of four air vehicles (with sensors), a ground control station (GCS), a Predator primary satellite link communication suite and 55 people.
The Predator air vehicle and sensors are commanded and controlled by its GCS via a C-band line-of-sight data link or a Ku-band satellite data link for beyond-line-of-sight operations. During flight operations the crew in the GCS is an air vehicle operator and three sensor operators. The aircraft is equipped with a color nose camera (generally used by the air vehicle operator for flight control), a day variable aperture TV camera, a variable aperture infrared camera (for low light/night) and a synthetic aperture radar for looking through smoke, clouds or haze. The cameras produce full motion video and the synthetic aperture radar produces still frame radar images. On the RQ-1B, either the daylight variable aperture or the infrared electro-optical sensor may be operated simultaneously with the synthetic aperture radar.
Since introduction, the Predator has performed over 600 missions in support of peacekeeping operations in Bosnia. The Predator was deployed to Kosovo in 1999 as part of the air war. During this deployment the Predator performed intelligence gathering, target acquisition and tracking, and battlefield coordination.
Based on lessons learned in the Kosovo air war, where the lapse of time between target acquisition and the arrival of aircraft to destroy the target was so great that many targets were able to evade destruction, the Predator was armed with AGM-114 Hellfire laser guided missiles. In a February 2001 test, a Hellfire armed Predator successfully engaged and destroyed a target tank at Indian Springs auxiliary airfield in Nevada.
In October 2001 Hellfire capable Predators were deployed to Afghanistan to perform intelligence gathering, target acquisition, tracking, and, when armed, attack missions.
Description: The Predator air vehicle is a single wing, single engine platform. The fuselage is slender, except for the bulbous nose which houses most of the vehicles sensors. The single wing is centrally mounted low on the body and is of a high aspect ratio design. The motor is a Rotax 912 four-cylinder engine, which runs on 100-octane gasoline, produces 81 horsepower and is mounted in the tail section of the aircraft in a pusher configuration. The two rear "tailerons" are mounted in an inverted configuration on the fuselage just forward of the engine.
?General Characteristics, RQ-1 Predator MAE UAV
Prime Contractor:
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Incorporated
Power Plant:
Rotax 912 four cylinder 100 octane aviation gasoline engine; 81 horsepower
Wingspan:
48.7 feet (14.8 meters)
Length:
27 feet (8.22 meters)
Height:
6.9 feet (2.1 meters)
Service Ceiling:
25,000 feet (7,620 meters)
Speed:
Cruising: 84 mph (70 knots)
Maximum: 140 mph (120 knots)
Range:
454 miles (726 km)
Endurance:
16 hours on station at maximum range
Sensors:
Versatron Skyball Model 18 electro-optic/infrared with a zoom lens and a spotter lens.
Westinghouse 783R234 synthetic aperture radar
Weight:
Empty: 950 lbs.(431kg)
Gross: 2,250 lbs.(1,020.6 kg)
Load:
450 pounds (204.1 kilograms)
Unit Cost:
$25 million
Date Deployed:
May 1995
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David
Thu January 16, 2003 6:40pm
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RQ-1 Predator B Medium Al
Function: Medium to high altitude endurance UAV using a jet powered propeller powerplant to expand the mission performance and capability of the original Predator.
History: Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are either remotely or autonomous pilotless drones typically used for reconnaissance. UAVs can trace their roots back to the AQM-34N Firebee. Derived from the Ryan Aeronautical Company Firebee sub-sonic target drone, the AQM-34N had a range of more than 2,400 miles, could fly above 65,000 feet, and had a top speed of 420 miles per hour. During the Vietnam war the Firebee recon drones were made more maneuverable and equipped with electronic countermeasures and jamming equipment to defend them from surface to air missiles and air interception.
UAVs are generally equipped with a payload bay which can house a variety of sensor packages, allowing mission planners to tailor the UAV's sensors for a specific mission requirement.
UAVs are generally divided into two categories: Tactical and Endurance. Tactical UAVs typically have a range of at least 200km while Endurance UAVs have a range beyond 200km.
Background: The RQ-1 Predator Medium Altitude Endurance (MAE) UAV was introduced in May 1995 as a proof of concept demonstrator. The RQ-1A/B Predator is a system, not just an aircraft. The fully operational system consists of four air vehicles (with sensors), a ground control station (GCS), a Predator primary satellite link communication suite and 55 people.
The Predator air vehicle and sensors are commanded and controlled by its GCS via a C-band line-of-sight data link or a Ku-band satellite data link for beyond-line-of-sight operations. During flight operations the crew in the GCS is an air vehicle operator and three sensor operators. The aircraft is equipped with a color nose camera (generally used by the air vehicle operator for flight control), a day variable aperture TV camera, a variable aperture infrared camera (for low light/night) and a synthetic aperture radar for looking through smoke, clouds or haze. The cameras produce full motion video and the synthetic aperture radar produces still frame radar images. On the RQ-1B, either the daylight variable aperture or the infrared electro-optical sensor may be operated simultaneously with the synthetic aperture radar.
Predator B is based on the Predator airframe, avionics, mechanical systems, data link and flight control technology.
Description: The Predator air vehicle is a single wing, single engine platform. The fuselage is slender, except for the bulbous nose which houses most of the vehicles sensors. The single wing is centrally mounted low on the body and is of a high aspect ratio design. The motor is a Rotax 912 four-cylinder engine, which runs on 100-octane gasoline, produces 81 horsepower and is mounted in the tail section of the aircraft in a pusher configuration. The two rear "tailerons" are mounted in an inverted configuration on the fuselage just forward of the engine.
?General Characteristics, Predator B UAV
Prime Contractor:
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Incorporated
Control:
Mission pre-programmed/manual; manual launch and recovery
Wingspan:
64 feet
Length:
34 feet
Service Ceiling:
45,000 feet
Speed:
Maximum: 220 mph
Range:
400 nautical miles
Endurance:
24 hours on station at maximum range
Payloads:
EO, IR, SAR, laser designator
Weight:
Gross: 3,000 lbs.
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David
Thu January 16, 2003 11:24pm
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AIM-54 Phoenix
Function: Long-range air-to-air missile, carried in clusters of up to six missiles on the F-14 Tomcat.
Description: The Phoenix missile is the Navy's only long-range air-to-air missile. It is an airborne weapons control system with multiple-target handling capabilities, used to kill multiple air targets with conventional warheads. Near simultaneous launch is possible against up to six targets in all weather and heavy jamming environments. The improved Phoenix, the AIM-54C, can better counter projected threats from tactical aircraft and cruise missiles.
General Characteristics, AIM-54 Phoenix Missile
Contractors:
Hughes Aircraft Corporation and Raytheon Corporation
Power Plant:
Solid propellant rocket motor built by Hercules
Length:
13 feet (3.9 meters)
Weight:
1,024 pounds (460.8 kilograms)
Diameter:
15 inches (38.1 centimeters)
Wingspan:
3 feet (.9 meter)
Range:
In excess of 100 nautical miles (115 statute miles, 184 kilometers)
Speed:
In excess of 3,000 mph (4,800 kmh)
Warhead:
Proximity fuse, high explosive
Warhead Weight:
135 pounds (60.75 kilograms)
Guidance System:
Semi-active and active radar homing
Date Deployed:
1974
Unit Cost:
$477,131
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David
Thu January 16, 2003 11:24pm
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AIM-120 AMRAAM
Function: The AIM-120 advanced medium-range air-to-air missile (AMRAAM) is a new generation air-to-air missile. It has an all-weather, beyond-visual-range capability and is scheduled to be operational beyond 2000. The AMRAAM is being procured for the Air Force, U.S. Navy and America's allies.
Description: The AMRAAM program improves the aerial combat capabilities of U.S. and allied aircraft to meet current and future threat of enemy air-to-air weapons. AMRAAM is compatible with the Air Force F-15, F-16 and developmental F-22; Navy F-14 D/D (R) and F/A-18 C/D; German F-4 and the British Sea Harrier aircraft.
AMRAAM is a follow-on to the AIM-7 Sparrow missile series. The missile is faster, smaller and lighter, and has improved capabilities against low-altitude targets. It incorporates active radar with an inertial reference unit and micro-computer system, which makes the missile less dependent upon the fire-control system of the aircraft. Once the missile closes on a target, its active radar guides it to intercept. This enables the pilot to aim and fire several missiles simultaneously at multiple targets. The pilot may then perform evasive maneuvers while the missiles guide themselves to their targets.
AMRAAM has three variants - AIM-120A/B/C -- operational on U.S. Air Force F-15 and F-16 aircraft.
History: The AMRAAM program completed its conceptual phase in February 1979 when the U.S. Air Force selected two of five competing contractors, Hughes Aircraft Co. and Raytheon Co., to continue into the validation phase.
During the 33-month validation phase the contractors continued missile development by building actual hardware to demonstrate their technological concepts. The program phase concluded in December 1981 after both contractors demonstrated that their flight-test missiles could satisfy Air Force and Navy requirements. The Air Force competitively selected Hughes Aircraft Co.'s Missile System Group, Canoga Park, CA, as the full-scale developer.
During the full-scale development phase, Hughes Aircraft Co. completed missile development and Raytheon was selected as a follower producer. A production contract to both vendors was awarded in 1987. More than 200 of the test missiles were launched during flight tests at Eglin AFB, FL; White Sands Missile Range, NM; and Point Mugu, CA. AMRAAM is combat tested, scoring two kills during Operation Southern Watch, and one kill in Bosnia.
General Characteristics, AIM-120 AMRAAM
Contractors:
Hughes Aircraft Corporation and Raytheon Corporation
Power Plant:
High performance
Length:
143.9 inches (366 centimeters)
Launch Weight:
335 pounds (150.75 kilograms)
Diameter:
7 inches (17.78 centimeters)
Wingspan:
20.7 inches (52.58 centimeters)
Range:
20+ miles (17.38+ nautical miles)
Speed:
Supersonic
Warheads:
Blast fragmentation
Guidance System:
Active radar terminal/inertial midcourse
Date Deployed:
September 1991
Unit Cost:
$386,000
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David
Fri January 17, 2003 6:38pm
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Updated modeling and simu
Updated modeling and simulation tools, such as the Advanced Flight Propulsion Data Validation/Analysis System, will allow the F-22 Combined Test Force here to make further predictions when the Raptor begins to step out of the flight envelope during future testing.
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David
Sat January 18, 2003 8:34am
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Adversary aircraft Mi-24
Adversary aircraft Mi-24 Hind helicopter attempts to locate a simulated downed airman for capture. This provids a realistic hostile threat to Search and Rescue (SAR) operations during the Desert Rescue exercise. This is the premiere joint services SAR training conducted on the ranges of Fallon Naval Air Station, Nevada.
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David
Sat January 18, 2003 12:16pm
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A Charleston Air Force Ba
A Charleston Air Force Base C-17 practices evasive maneuvers during a simulated missile attack during Light Package Week.
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David
Sat January 18, 2003 12:17pm
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A C-5 Galaxy from the 439
A C-5 Galaxy from the 439th Airlift Wing Westover ARB, Mass., arrives at McChord AFB, Wash. With its tremendous payload capability, the gigantic C-5, an outsized-cargo transport, provides the Air Mobility Command intertheater airlift in support of United States national defense. The C-5 is one of the largest aircraft in the world. It can carry outsized cargo intercontinental ranges and can take off or land in relatively short distances. Ground crews can load and off load the C-5 simultaneously at the front and rear cargo openings since the nose and aft doors open the full width and height of the cargo compartment. It can also "kneel down" to facilitate loading directly from truck bed levels.
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David
Tue February 11, 2003 12:53pm
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LG-118A Peacekeeper
Function: The Peacekeeper missile is America's newest intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). Its deployment fulfilled a key goal of the strategic modernization program and increased strength and credibility to the ground-based leg of the U.S. strategic triad. Since the end of the Cold War, the United States has been revising its strategic policy and has agreed to eliminate the multiple re-entry vehicle Peacekeeper ICBMs when Russia ratifies the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty II.
Description: The Peacekeeper is capable of delivering 10 independently targeted warheads with great accuracy. It is a four-stage rocket ICBM system consisting of two major sections: the boost system and the post-boost vehicle system that includes the re-entry system.
The boost system consists of four rocket stages that launch the missile into space. These rocket stages are mounted atop one another and fire successively. Each of the first three stages exhausts its solid propellant materials through a single movable nozzle that guides the missile along its flight path.
Following the burnout and separation of the boost system's third rocket stage, the fourth stage post-boost vehicle system, in space, maneuvers to deploy the re-entry vehicles in sequence.
The post-boost vehicle system is the Peacekeeper Stage IV that has a guidance and control system and re-entry system. The post-boost vehicle rides atop the boost system. Stage IV weighs about 2,500 pounds (1,333 kilograms) and is 3.5 feet (1.07 meters) long.
The top section of the Peacekeeper post-boost vehicle is the re-entry system. It consists of the deployment module, up to 10 cone-shaped re-entry vehicles and a protective shroud. The shroud protects the re-entry vehicles during ascent. It is topped with a nose cap, containing a rocket motor to separate it from the deployment module.
The deployment module provides structural support for the re-entry vehicles and carries the electronics needed to activate and deploy them. The vehicles are covered with material to protect them during re-entry through the atmosphere to their targets and are mechanically attached to the deployment module. The attachments are unlatched by gas pressure from an explosive cartridge broken by small, exploding bolts, which free the re-entry vehicles, allowing them to separate from the deployment module with little disturbance. Each deployed re-entry vehicle follows a ballistic path to its target.
History: The Air Force successfully conducted the first test flight of the Peacekeeper June 17, 1983, from Vandenberg Air Force Base, CA. The missile traveled 4,190 miles (6,704 kilometers) before dropping six unarmed test reentry vehicles to planned target sites in the Kwajalein Missile Test Range in the Pacific Ocean.
The first two test phases consisted of 12 test flights to ensure the Peacekeeper's subsystems performed as planned, and to make final assessments of its range and payload capability. The missile was fired from aboveground canisters in its first eight tests. Thereafter, test flights were conducted from test launch facilities reconfigured to simulate operational Peacekeeper sites.
The Air Force achieved initial operational capability of 10 deployed Peacekeepers at F.E. Warren AFB, WY, in December 1986. Full operational capability was achieved in December 1988 with the establishment of a squadron of 50 missiles.
The former Ballistic Missile Office began full-scale development of the Peacekeeper in 1979. This organization, formerly located at San Bernardino, CA, integrated the activities of more than 27 civilian contractors and numerous subcontractors to develop and build the Peacekeeper system.
General Characteristics, LG-118A Peacekeeper
Contractor:
Boeing Aerospace and Electronics
Assembly and Test:
Lockheed Martin and Denver Aerospace
Power Plant:
First three stages - solid propellant; fourth stage - storable liquid (by Thiokol, Aerojet, Hercules and Rocketdyne)
Thrust:
First stage, 500,000 pounds
Length:
71 feet (21.8 meters)
Weight:
195,000 pounds (87,750 kilograms) including re-entry vehicles
Diameter:
7 feet, 8 inches (2.3 meters)
Range:
Greater than 6,000 miles (5,217 nautical miles)
Speed:
Approximately 15,000 miles per hour at burnout (Mach 20 at sea level)
Warheads:
10 Avco MK21 re-entry vehicles
Guidance System:
Inertial; integration by Boeing North American
IMU: Northrop and Boeing North American
Inventory:
Active force, 50
ANG, 0
Reserve, 0
Date Deployed:
December 1986
Unit Cost:
$70 million
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David
Tue February 11, 2003 1:00pm
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Mark 56 Mine
Description: The Mk 56 mine is an explosive-loaded (HBX-3) moored mine operationally planted by B-52H Stratofortress, F/A-18A/D Hornet, and P-3C Orion aircraft.
This 2,000-pound mine consists of an anchor, mechanism section, explosive section, and flight gear. Although intended primarily as an anti-submarine weapon, it can also be used effectively against surface craft. The mine employs a magnetic firing mechanism, which uses a total-field magnetometer as its influence detector. Unlike earlier search coils which responded to changes in only one component of a ship's magnetic field, the Mine Mk 56's magnetometer responds to changes in magnitude of the total background field. The mechanism/explosive sections are painted brick red and the anchor is painted black.
The Mk 56 training mine is a recoverable, inert-loaded mine identical in size and weight to its Service mine counterpart. It is designed solely for training aviation personnel flying B-52H, F/A-18A/D, and P-3C aircraft in the techniques of carrying mines and planting minefields.
This mine consists of a non-functional anchor since it does not separate and moor the mine's mechanism section. It also has an inert-loaded explosive section, an arming device simulator, and functional flight gear. The mechanism and inert-loaded explosive sections are painted either white with orange stripes or orange with white stripes and the anchor remains black.
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