David
Thu January 16, 2003 12:31am
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C-26 Metroliner
Description: The C-26 is operated exclusively by the Air and Army National Guard and was first delivered in 1989. They have quick change passenger, medevac, or cargo interiors. The C-26A is the civilian equivalent of the Fairchild Metro III with the C-26B being equivalent to the Fairchild Metro 23. The C-26B(CD) [Counter Drug] and the UC-26 are National Guard Bureau aircraft used to support the Air National Guard in drug control operations. The UC-26C is a derivative of the Fairchild Merlin IVC. The C-26B provides time-sensitive movement of personnel and cargo, as well as limited medical evacuation. The UC-26C provides support to counter drug (CD) operations. Additionally, up to ten ANG C-26Bs are being modified to carry specialized electronic equipment used to support CD operations.
The C-26 aircraft, manufactured by Fairchild Aircraft Incorporated, is a high performance, fixed wing, pressurized, twin engine turboprop that has accomodations for a pilot and a co-pilot and 19 passengers and/or cargo or a combination of both. It is powered by two Garrett TPE331-12URH engines, rated at 1100 shaft horsepower (820 kw) takeoff power and 1000 shaft horsepower (746 kw) maximum continuous power and equipped with 106 inch (269 cm) diameter McCauly full feathering, reversible, constant speed four bladed propellers.
The aircraft represents an on-call, rapid response, modern air transport for high priority resupply and movement of key personnel to remote, unserviced or feeder sites. Specifically, the aircraft is used to deliver repair parts, equipment, technical teams, crash and accident investigation teams. In its role, such functions as range clearance, Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC), administrative movement of personnel, transportation connections and courier flights are accomplished.
The C-26 Contractor Logistics Support (CLS) Follow-On Acquisition effort in 1997 focused on providing full CLS for 32 Air National Guard (ANG) and Army National Guard (ARNG) C-26B aircraft and 1 ANG UC-26C aircraft. The C-26 Program Office used acquisition streamlining initiatives to remove all Military Standards & Specifications (MIL STDs/SPECs) from the RFP. The RFP Support Office was employed to support the C-26 program. The team also reduced government-mandated Contract Data Requirements Lists (CDRLs) from 22 to 4, and substituted a performance-based Statement of Objectives (SOO) for a Statement of Work (SOW). The requirement was designed to conform to Federal Aviation Administration certifications and standards, creating a high level of interest and competition within the commercial industry. These efforts resulted in program cost avoidance of approximately $33.4M.
On 23 January 1998 the US Air Force Aeronautical Systems Center Reconnaissance Systems Program Office (ASC/RAKBL) awarded a $5,489,211 contract to Versatron Corp. for a replacement Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) System for the Air National Guard C-26B Aircraft. The system is a third generation detector technology, non developmental item consisting of eleven installed and fully integrated systems and two complete spares. The FLIR system includes a Thermal Imaging System (TIS), color TV and Laser Range Finder all co-located in a single gimbal turret, plus any separate associated electronic units. The turret fits in the existing pod and weighs less than 145 pounds. The total system including the turret, electronic units and cabling weighs less than 285 pounds. The turret rotates a full 360 degree in azimuth field of regard and elevation coverage above 0 degree level elevation and beyond -90 degrees (NADIR). The FLIR is able to receive azimuth and elevation cue commands. The Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) and Noise Equivalent Temperature Difference (NETD) combined must result in a Minimum Resolvable Temperature Difference (MRTD) that provides thermal sensitivity and spatial resolution to detect and recognize a .5m x 2m man size target from other thermal sources or the background at 30,000 feet slant range under clear visibility weather conditions.
General Characteristics, C-26 Metroliner
Builder:
Fairchild Aircraft Corporation
Power Plant:
Two Garrett TPE331-11U-612G engines
Thrust:
1,100 horspower each shaft
Length:
42.17 feet
Height:
16.83 feet
Wingspan:
46.25 feet
Maximum Takeoff Weight:
16,500 pounds
Maximum Speed:
248 knots
Service Ceiling:
25,000 feet
Range:
2,040 nautical miles
Crew:
Two pilots, maximum of 19 passengers
Cargo Capacity:
Rear compartment: 850 pounds
Nose compartment: 800 pounds
Date Deployed:
1989
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David
Thu January 16, 2003 10:14am
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AH-1W Super Cobra
Function: Fire support and security for forward and rear area forces, point target/anti-armor, anti-helicopter, armed escort, supporting arms control and coordination, point and limited area air defense from enemy fixed-wing aircraft, armed and visual reconnaissance.
History: The Marine Corps deployed four of six active force squadrons (48 AH-1Ws) to Southwest Asia during Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm. These helicopters destroyed 97 tanks, 104 armored personnel carriers and vehicles, 16 bunkers and two antiaircraft artillery sites without the loss of any aircraft. The deployment required no additional augmentation to squadron support personnel and only one Bell Helicopter technical representative.
Description: The AH-1W Super Cobra is a day/night marginal weather Marine Corps attack helicopter that provides enroute escort for our assault helicopters and their embarked forces. The AH-1W is a two-place, tandem-seat, twin-engine helicopter capable of land- or sea-based operations. The AH-1W provides fire support and fire support coordination to the landing force during amphibious assaults and subsequent operations ashore. The AH-1W is operated in eight composite HMLA squadrons composed of 18 AH-1 and 9 UH-1 aircraft. The AH-1W is curretnly being outfitted with a Night Targeting System/Forward Looking Infrared Radar that provides laser rangefinding/designating and camera capabilities.
?General Characteristics, AH-1W Super Cobra
Manufacturer:
Bell Helicopter Textron
Unit Cost:
$10.7 million
Power Plant:
Two General Electric T700-GE-401 engines
Thrust:
Full: 2082 shaft horsepower for 30 minutes (transmission limited)
Continuous: 1775 shaft horsepower
Length:
58 feet (17.67 meters)
Height:
13.7 feet (4.17 meters)
Rotor Diameter:
48 feet (14.62 meters)
Maximum Take-off Weight:
14,750 pounds (6,696.50 kilograms)
Maximum Speed:
180 knots
Ceiling:
18,700 feet (5703.5 meters) in basic combat attack configuration (limited to 10,000 feet (3050 kilometers) by oxygen requirements)
Range:
256 nautical miles (294.4 miles) in basic combat attack configuration
Crew:
Two officers
Armament:
One 20MM turreted cannon with 750 rounds
Four external wing stations that can fire 2.75"/5.0" rockets and a wide variety of precision guided missiles, including TOW/Hellfire (point target/anti-armor), Sidewinder (anti-air), Sidearm (anti-radar)
Introduction Date:
1986
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David
Thu January 16, 2003 10:39am
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AH-64 Apache
Function: Fire support and security for forward and rear area forces, point target/anti-armor, anti-helicopter, armed escort, supporting arms control and coordination, point and limited area air defense from enemy fixed-wing aircraft, armed and visual reconnaissance.
History: Apache production began in 1982 and the first unit was deployed in 1986. As of November 1993, 807 Apaches were delivered to the Army. The last Army Apache delivery is scheduled for December 1995. Thirty-three attack battalions are deployed and ready for combat. The Army is procuring a total of 824 Apaches to support a new force structure of 25 battalions with 24 Apaches for each unit (16 Active; two Reserve; seven National Guard) under the Aviation Restructure Initiative. The Apache has been sold to Israel, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Greece.
Description: The Boeing (McDonnell Douglas) (formerly Hughes) AH-64A Apache is the Army's primary attack helicopter. It is a quick-reacting, airborne weapon system that can fight close and deep to destroy, disrupt, or delay enemy forces. The Apache is designed to fight and survive during the day, night, and in adverse weather throughout the world. The principal mission of the Apache is the destruction of high-value targets with the HELLFIRE missile. It is also capable of employing a 30MM M230 chain gun and Hydra 70 (2.75 inch) rockets that are lethal against a wide variety of targets. The Apache has a full range of aircraft survivability equipment and has the ability to withstand hits from rounds up to 23MM in critical areas.
The AH-64 Apache is a twin-engine, four bladed, multi-mission attack helicopter designed as a highly stable aerial weapons-delivery platform. It is designed to fight and survive during the day, night, and in adverse weather throughout the world. With a tandem-seated crew consisting of the pilot, located in the rear cockpit position and the co-pilot gunner (CPG), located in the front position, the Apache is self-deployable, highly survivable and delivers a lethal array of battlefield armaments. The Apache features a Target Acquisition Designation Sight (TADS) and a Pilot Night Vision Sensor (PNVS) which enables the crew to navigate and conduct precision attacks in day, night and adverse weather conditions. The Apache can carry up to 16 Hellfire laser designated missiles. With a range of over 8000 meters, the Hellfire is used primarily for the destruction of tanks, armored vehicles and other hard material targets. The Apache can also deliver 76, 2.75" folding fin aerial rockets for use against enemy personnel, light armor vehicles and other soft-skinned targets. Rounding out the Apache?s deadly punch are 1,200 rounds of ammunition for its Area Weapons System (AWS), 30MM Automatic Gun.
Powered by two General Electric gas turbine engines rated at 1890 shaft horsepower each, the Apache?s maximum gross weight is 17,650 pounds which allows for a cruise airspeed of 145 miles per hour and a flight endurance of over three hours. The AH-64 can be configured with an external 230-gallon fuel tank to extend its range on attack missions, or it can be configured with up to four 230-gallon fuel tanks for ferrying/self-deployment missions. The combat radius of the AH-64 is approximately 150 kilometers. The combat radius with one external 230-gallon fuel tank installed is approximately 300 kilometers [radii are temperature, PA, fuel burn rate and airspeed dependent]. The AH-64 is air transportable in the C-5, C-141 and C-17.
An on-board video recorder has the capability of recording up to 72 minutes of either the pilot or CPG selected video. It is an invaluable tool for damage assessment and reconnaissance. The Apache's navigation equipment consists of a doppler navigation system, and most aircraft are equipped with a GPS receiver.
The Apache has state-of-the-art optics that provide the capability to select from three different target acquisition sensors. These sensors are
- Day TV. Views images during day and low light levels, black and white.
- TADS FLIR. Views thermal images, real world and magnified, during day, night and adverse weather.
- DVO. Views real world, full color, and magnified images during daylight and dusk conditions.
The Apache has four articulating weapons pylons, two on either side of the aircraft, on which weapons or external fuel tanks can be mounted. The aircraft has a LRF/D. This is used to designate for the Hellfire missile system as well as provide range to target information for the fire control computer's calculations of ballistic solutions.
Threat identification through the FLIR system is extremely difficult. Although the AH-64 crew can easily find the heat signature of a vehicle, it may not be able to determine friend or foe. Forward looking infrared detects the difference in the emission of heat in objects. On a hot day, the ground may reflect or emit more heat than the suspected target. In this case, the environment will be "hot" and the target will be "cool." As the air cools at night, the target may lose or emit heat at a lower rate than the surrounding environment. At some point the emission of heat from both the target and the surrounding environment may be equal. This is IR crossover and makes target acquisition/detection difficult to impossible. IR crossover occurs most often when the environment is wet. This is because the water in the air creates a buffer in the emissivity of objects. This limitation is present in all systems that use FLIR for target acquisition.
Low cloud ceilings may not allow the Hellfire seeker enough time to lock onto its target or may cause it to break lock after acquisition. At extended ranges, the pilot may have to consider the ceiling to allow time for the seeker to steer the weapon onto the target. Pilot night vision sensor cannot detect wires or other small obstacles.
Overwater operations severely degrade navigation systems not upgraded with embedded GPS. Although fully capable of operating in marginal weather, attack helicopter capabilities are seriously degraded in conditions below a 500-foot ceiling and visibility less than 3 km. Because of the Hellfire missile's trajectory, ceilings below 500 feet require the attack aircraft to get too close to the intended target to avoid missile loss. Below 3 km visibility, the attack aircraft is vulnerable to enemy ADA systems. Some obscurants can prevent the laser energy from reaching the target; they can also hide the target from the incoming munitions seeker. Dust, haze, rain, snow and other particulate matter may limit visibility and affect sensors. The Hellfire remote designating crew may offset a maximum of 60 degrees from the gun to target line and must not position their aircraft within a +30-degree safety fan from the firing aircraft.
The Apache fully exploits the vertical dimension of the battlefield. Aggressive terrain flight techniques allow the commander to rapidly place the ATKHB at the decisive place at the optimum time. Typically, the area of operations for Apache is the entire corps or divisional sector. Attack helicopters move across the battlefield at speeds in excess of 3 kilometers per minute. Typical planning airspeeds are 100 to 120 knots during daylight and 80 to 100 knots at night. Speeds during marginal weather are reduced commensurate with prevailing conditions. The Apache can attack targets up to 150 km across the FLOT. If greater depth is required, the addition of ERFS tanks can further extend the AH-64's range with a corresponding reduction in Hellfire missile carrying capacity (four fewer Hellfire missiles for each ERFS tank installed).
The Russian-developed Mi-24 HIND is the Apache's closest couterpart. The Russians have deployed significant numbers of HINDs in Europe and have exported the HIND to many third world countries. The Russians have also developed the KA-50 HOKUM as their next generation attack helicopter. The Italian A-129 Mangusta is the nearest NATO counterpart to the Apache. The Germans and French are co-developing the PAH-2 Tiger attack helicopter, which has many of the capabilities of the Apache.
The AH-64A: The AH-64 fleet consists of two aircraft models, the AH-64A and the newer Longbow Apache (LBA), AH-64D. AH-64A model full-scale production began in 1983 and now over 800 aircraft have been delivered to the U.S. Army and other NATO Allies. The U.S. Army plans to remanufacture its entire AH-64A Apache fleet to the AH-64D configuration over the next decade. The AH-64A fleet exceeded one million flight hours in 1997, and the median age of today's fleet is 9 years and 1,300 flight hours.
The AH-64A proved its capabilities in action during both Operation Restore Hope and Operation Desert Storm. Apache helicopters played a key role in the 1989 action in Panama, where much of its activity was at night, when the AH-64's advanced sensors and sighting systems were effective against Panamanian government forces.
Apache helicopters also played a major role in the liberation of Kuwait. On 20 November 1990, the 11th Aviation Brigade was alerted for deployment to Southwest Asia from Storck Barracks in Illesheim Germany. The first elements arrived in theater 24 November 1990. By 15 January 1991 the unit had moved 147 helicopters, 325 vehicles and 1,476 soldiers to the region. The Apache helicopters of the Brigade destroyed more than 245 enemy vehicles with no losses.
During Operation Desert Storm, AH-64s were credited with destroying more than 500 tanks plus hundreds of additional armored personnel carriers, trucks and other vehicles. They also were used to destroy vital early warning radar sites, an action that opened the U.N. coalition's battle plan. Apaches also demonstrated the ability to perform when called upon, logging thousands of combat hours at readiness rates in excess of 85 percent during the Gulf War.
While recovery was ongoing, additional elements of the 11th Aviation Brigade began the next chapter of involvement in the region. On 24 April 1991 the 6th Squadron, 6th Cavalry?s 18 AH-64 helicopters began a self-deployment to Southwest Asia. The Squadron provided aerial security to a 3,000 square kilometer region in Northern Iraq as part of the Combined Task Force of Operation Provide Comfort.
And the AH-64A Apache helped to keep the peace in Bosnia. April of 1996 saw the beginning of the 11th Regiment?s involvement in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Elements of 6-6 Cavalry served as a part of Task Force Eagle under 1st Armored Division for 7 months. In October of 1996, Task Force 11, consisting of the Regimental Headquarters, 2-6 Cavalry, 2-1 Aviation and 7-159 Aviation (AVIM) deployed to Bosnia-Herzegovina in support of Operation Joint Endeavor/Operation Joint Guard for eight months. In June of 1998 the Regimental Headquarters, 6-6 Cav and elements of 5-158 Aviation were again deployed to Bosnia-Herzegovina in support of Operations Joint Guard and Joint Forge for 5 months. The AH-64A?s advanced sensors and sighting systems proved effective in removing the cover of darkness from anti-government forces.
Army National Guard units in North and South Carolina, Florida, Texas, Arizona, Utah and Idaho also fly Apache helicopters. The Army has fielded combat-ready AH-64A units in the United States, West Germany and in Korea, where they play a major role in achieving the US Army's security missions.
By late 1996, McDonnell Douglas Helicopters delivered 937 AH-64A Apaches -- 821 to the U.S. Army and 116 to international customers, including Egypt, Greece, Israel, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
The Apache is clearly one of the most dynamic and important programs in aviation and the Army, but it is not without limitations. Due to the possibility of surging the engines, pilots have been instructed not to fire rockets from in-board stations. According to current doctrine, they are to fire no more than pairs with two outboard launchers every three seconds, or fire with only one outboard launcher installed without restrictions (ripples permitted). These are the only conditions permitted. Other firing conditions will be required to be approved via a System Safety Risk Assessment (SSRA).
The improvement of aircraft systems troubleshooting is a high priority issue for O&S Cost reduction. Because of funding cuts, the level of contractor support to the field has been reduced. This results in higher costs in no fault found removals, maintenance man hours, and aircraft down time. The Apache PM, US Army Aviation Logistics School, and Boeing are currently undertaking several initiatives. Upgrading and improving the soldier's ability to quickly and accurately fault isolate the Apache weapons system is and will continue to be an O&S priority until all issues are resolved.
Prime Vendor Support (PVS) for the entire fleet of AH-64s is a pilot program for the Army, and may become a pilot program for the Department of Defense. PVS will place virtually all of Apache's wholesale logistic responsibility under a single contract. The Apache flying hour program will provide upfront funding for spares, repairables, contractor technical experts, and reliability improvements. Starting at the flight line there will be contractor expert technicians with advanced troubleshooting capability assigned to each Apache Battalion. At the highest level, PVS represents a single contractor focal point for spares and repairs. The intent is to break the current budget and requirements cycle that has Apache at 67% supply availability with several thousand lines at zero balance.
Modernization Through Spares (MTS) is a spares/component improvement strategy applied throughout the acquisition life cycle and is based on technology insertion to enhance systems and extend useful life while reducing costs. The MTS initiative seeks to leverage current procurement funds and modernize individual system spares thereby incrementally improving these systems. MTS is accomplished via the "spares" acquisition process. MTS, a subset of acquisition reform, seeks to improve an end item's spare components. The emphasis is on form, fit and function, allowing a supplier greater design and manufacturing flexibility to exploit technology used in the commercial marketplace.
Apache MTS focuses on the insertion of the latest technology into the design and manufacture of select spares. This is to be accomplished without government research and development (R&D) funds, but rather, uses industry investment. Industry, in turn, recoups this investment through the sale of improved hardware via long term contracts.
Modernization efforts continue to improve the performance envelope of the AH-64A while reducing the cost of ownership. Major modernization efforts within the AH-64A fleet are funded and on schedule. GG Rotor modifications were finished in April 1998,, and future improvements such as a Second Generation FLIR, a High Frequency Non-Line of Sight NOE radio, and an internal fully crashworthy auxiliary fuel tank are all on the verge of becoming a reality for the Apache.
The Aviation Mission Planning System (AMPS) and the Data Transfer Cartridge (DTC) are tools for the Embedded Global Positioning Inertial Navigation Unit (EGI) equipped AH-64A aircraft that allow aircrews to plan missions and download the information to a DTC installed in the Data Transfer Receptacle (DTR). This saves the pilots a lot of "fat fingering" and eliminates the worry of everyone being on the same "sheet of music". Other features of the DTC include; saving waypoints and targets and troubleshooting. The EGI program is a Tri-service program with the Army, Air Force and Navy.
??General Characteristics, AH-64 Apache
Manufacturers:
Boeing McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Systems (Mesa, AZ)
General Electric (Lynn, MA)
Martin Marietta (Orlando, FL)
Power Plant:
Two T700-GE-701Cs
Length:
58.17 feet (17.73 meters)
Height:
15.24 feet (4.64 meters)
Wingspan:
17.15 feet (5.227 meters)
Weight:
11,800 pounds empty
15,075 pounds (6838 kilograms) loaded
Maximum Speed:
153 knots (284 kph)
Range:
1,900 kilometers
Crew:
Two: pilot and copilot/gunner
Armament:
M230 33mm gun
70mm (2.75 inch) Hydra-70 folding-fin aerial rockets
AGM-114 Hellfire anti-tank missiles
AGM-122 Sidearm anti-radar missile
AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles
Introduction Date:
1986
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David
Thu January 16, 2003 10:39am
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CH-47 Chinook
Function: Fire support and security for forward and rear area forces, point target/anti-armor, anti-helicopter, armed escort, supporting arms control and coordination, point and limited area air defense from enemy fixed-wing aircraft, armed and visual reconnaissance.
History: Development of the medium lift Boeing Vertol (models 114 and 414) CH-47 Series Chinook began in 1956. Since then the effectiveness of the Chinook has been continually upgraded by successive product improvements, the CH-47A, CH-47B, CH-47C, and CH-47D. The amount of load a cargo helicopter can carry depends on the model, the fuel on board, the distance to be flown, and atmospheric conditions.
The CH-47B was introduced by Boeing after a production run of over 350 CH-47A?s . The B model introduced the Lycoming T55-L7C engine, a beefed up airframe. Nonsymmetrical rotor blades, and the blunted aft pylon for better stability. Boeing began delivering the CH-47B in May of 1967 and eventually produced a total of 108 B models before production shifted to the CH-47C.
During Desert Storm the CH-47D was often the only mode of transportation to shift large numbers of personnel, equipment, and supplies rapidly over the vast area in which US forces operated. The cargo capacity and speed provided commanders and logisticians a capability unequalled by any Army in the world." (Army Aviation in Operation Desert Storm, 1991) During the ground phase, the flanking maneuver executed by the XVIII Airborne Corps was planned with the CH-47D as the keystone. Forward Operating Base Cobra was deliberately positioned to accommodate the combat radius of a fully loaded CH-47D. Cobra was initially secured by an air assault of the 101st's 2nd Infantry Brigade. This air assault, consisting of 5000 soldiers, was accomplished by a total of 126 Blackhawks and 60 Chinooks. By the end of the first day the CH-47Ds had lifted 131,000 gallons of fuel along with pallets of combat-configured ammunition for the next day's fight. Forty separate refueling and rearming points were active in FOB Cobra in less than two hours.
During peacekeeping operations in Bosnia, a Chinook company (A company, 5th Battalion, 159th Aviation Regiment) of 16 aircraft flew 2,222 hours, carried 3,348 passengers, and transported over 3.2 million pounds of cargo over a six month period. These numbers equate to carrying 112 infantry platoons, 545 HMMWVs, or 201 M198 Howitzers. The most publicized mission was assisting the 502d Engineer Company build a float bridge across the flooded Sava River allowing the 1st Armored Division to cross into Bosnia. On 29 and 30 December 1995, Big Windy lifted bridge bays and dropped them into the Sava River so the engineers could quickly assemble the bridge. When the Sava River flood washed away the engineer's tentage and personal equipment, Big Windy quickly resupplied the engineers so they could continue their vital mission. Additionally, a key early mission in support of NATO was the recovery of Admiral Smith's aircraft. The Blackhawk had performed a precautionary landing for what was later found to be a transmission seizure. A CH-47D sling-loaded the Blackhawk back to the Intermediate Staging Base (ISB). Big Windy began redeploying to Giebelstadt on 14 June 1996. One platoon of six CH-47Ds remained in Hungary throughout 1997.
Description: The CH-47 is a twin-engine, tandem rotor helicopter designed for transportation of cargo, troops, and weapons during day, night, visual, and instrument conditions. The aircraft fuselage is approximately 50 feet long. With a 60-foot rotor span, on each rotor system, the effective length of a CH-47 (with blades turning) is approximately 100 feet from the most forward point of the forward rotor to the most rearward point on the aft rotor. Maximum airspeed is 170 knots with a normal cruise speed of 130 knots. However, speed for any mission will vary greatly depending on load configuration (internal or external), time of day, or weather conditions. The minimum crew for tactical operations is four, two pilots, one flight engineer, and one crew chief. For more complex missions, such as NVG operations and air assaults, commanders may consider using five crew members and add one additional crew chief.
The CH-47A, first delivered for use in Vietnam in 1962, is a tandem-rotor medium transport helicopter. The Chinook's primary mission is moving artillery, ammunition, personnel, amd supplies on the battlefield. It also performs rescue, aeromedical, parachuting, aircraft recovery and special operations missions. On June 25, 1958 the Army issued an invitation for a General Management Proposal for the US Army Medium Transport Helicopter. Five aircraft selected Vertol to produce the YCH-1B as the Army?s new medium transport helicopter. In July 1962 DoD redesignated all U.S. military aircraft and the HC-1B was redesignated the as the CH-47A. Early production CH-47A?s operated with the 11th Air Assault Division during 1963 and in October of that year the aircraft was formally designated as the Army?s standard medium transport helicopter. In June 1965 the 11th Air Assault Division was redesignated as the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) and readied for deployment to Viet Nam. Chinooks from the 11th Air Assault formed the nucleus of the 228th Assault Helicopter Battalion which began operations in Viet Nam in September, 1965. CH-47A?s deployed to Viet Nam were equipped with Lycoming T55-L7 engines generating 2650 shp. The aircraft had a maximum gross weight of 33,000 pounds allowing for a maximum payload of approximately 10,000 pounds. The hot mountainous conditions of Viet Nam limited the A models performance capabilities and generated a requirement for increased payload and better performance.
The CH-47C Chinook model has a maximum cargo hook capacity of 20,000 pounds. The CH-47C has only a single cargo hook below the center of the aircraft. When hooking a single load, soldiers use the main hook. They must coordinate closely with the aircrew as to which hooks to use when carrying multiple loads. The planning figure for the fore and aft hooks is 10,000 pounds each. The Army?s continued need for further performance improvements lead to the development of the CH-47C. Designed to meet an Army requirement to transport a 15,000 pound sling load over a 30 mile radius, the C model boasted an increased gross weight to 46,000 pounds, increased fuel capacity, the Lycoming T55-L11 engine developing 3750 shp, and addition structural improvements. The first C model flew in late 1967 and became the mainstay of the Chinook fleet until the advent of the CH-47D. Production of the C model continued until 1980 with improvements such as the crash worthy fuel system and fiberglass rotor blades being incorporated into the fleet.
The CH-47D was the result of June 1976 contract for a modernized Chinook. The Army recognized that that the Chinook fleet was rapidly reaching the end of its useful life and signed a contract with Boeing to significantly improve and update the CH-47. Three airframes, CH-47A, CH-47B, and a CH-47C, were stripped down to their basic airframes and then rebuilt with improved systems to provide three CH-47D prototypes. Improvements included upgraded power plants, rotor transmissions, integral lubrication and cooling for the transmission systems, and fiberglass rotor blades. Other improvements included a redesigned cockpit to reduce pilot workload, redundant and improved electrical systems, modularized hydraulic systems, an advanced flight control system, and improved avionics. The Chinook has two tandem three-bladed counter-rotating fiberglass rotors. The CH-47D is powered by two Allied Signal Engines T55-L-712 3750 shp turboshaft engines and has a maximun speed of 163 mph (142 knots). The CH-47D was rolled-out in March 1979. The CH-47D carrys twice the load of a CH-47A and has improved performance. The CH-47D can operate at night and in nearly all weather conditions. The CH-47D is equipped with an air-to-air refueling probe. The Chinook can accommodate a wide variety of internal payloads, including vehicles, artillery pieces, 33 to 44 troops, or 24 litters plus two medical attendants. The Chinook can be equipped with two door mounting M60D 7.62mm machine guns on the M24 armament subsystem and a ramp mounting M60D using the M41 armament subsystem. The "D" model can carry up to 26,000 pounds externally. The CH-47D has three cargo hooks: a center (main) hook and two additional hooks fore and aft of the main hook.
The Fatcow is a CH-47 with the Extended Range Fuel System [ERFS] II system located in the cargo bay. The configuration consists of three or four fuel tanks attached to a refueling system. The system contains 2400 gallons of JP4/8 excluding the CH-47 internal fuel load of 1050 gals. The Fatcow can set up a 1,2,3,or 4 point system using HTARS. The fuel cells must be crash-worthy and self sealing up to 50 caliber hits.
The Improved Cargo Helicopter (ICH) is a remanufactured version of the CH-47D Chinook cargo helicopter with the new T55-GA-714A engines. The ICH program is intended to restore CH-47D airframes to their original condition and extend the aircraft's life expectancy another 20 years (total life of 60 years) until the 2025-2030 timeframe. The program will remanufacture CH-47 aircraft, reduce the aircraft's vibration, thereby reducing Operations and Support costs, and allow the aircraft to operate on the digitized battlefield by incorporating a 1553 data bus. The ICH will also acquire the capability to carry 16,000 pounds of external/internal cargo for a 50 NM combat radius at 4000 feet pressure altitude and 95 degrees fahrenheit. In addition, the following improvements will be incorporated into the aircraft:
- Fuselage stiffening and possible active systems for vibration reduction (this is expected to lead to improved reliability and therefore reduced operating and support costs)
- Integrated cockpit
- Digital architecture for Force XXI compatibility
Additional improvements may be incorporated into the aircraft if funding permits. The ICH will transport weapons, ammunition, equipment, troops, and other cargo in general support of combat units and operations other than war. The ICH is a dominant maneuver platform that provides focused logistics to the force. The ICH program was built as a "bare bones" program to satisfy the battlefield requirements of operations on the 21st century digital battlefield by replacing the existing 1970s technology cockpit with a new cockpit.
The 101st Air Assault Division is scheduled to receive the first ICH in FY03. The First Unit Equipped (FUE) date to the 101st, a company of sixteen aircraft, is FY04. The 101st, 18th Airborne Corps, Korea, and USAREUR will complete fielding through FY09. ICH completes the fielding of 300 aircraft in 2015. Only 300 of the 431 CH-47Ds convert to ICHs based on the fielding of JTR. As the Army fields JTR to Force Package One units, the ICH aircraft will cascade to units that retained CH-47Ds. Those CH-47Ds would retire.
Separate programmatically from the ICH program, the 714 engine program is an Engineering Change Proposal (ECP) to convert the present T-55-712 engines to a T-55-714 engine. This buys back performance on high/hot days lost over time by the addition of weight through modification work order enhancements. Specifically, it will provide an increased lift capability allowing the CH-47 to transport 16,000 pounds for an unrefueled combat radius of 50 nautical miles at 4,000 feet PA and 95 degrees F. The ICH Operational Requirements Document (ORD) requires the CH-47F(ICH) to carry 16,000lbs at 4000ft/95? for a 50nm combat radius (50nm with load, return empty). The CH-47D -714A engine program achieves this requirement. The -714A engine program converts current CH-47D -712 engines to -714A engines. The engine program converts the engines on all 431 CH-47D aircraft. The -714A engine begins fielding in FY99 and, because of recent budget cuts, completes in FY09. 160th (Hunter), 101st, 18th AB Corps, Korea, and Germany are scheduled to be fielded through FY05. The -714A budget constantly fluctuates because of plus-ups and decrements. For this reason, the fielding dates may change.
The MH-47E Special Operations Aircraft (SOA) is a derivative of the Boeing CH-47 Chinook. Included with other modifications is a significantly increased fuel capacity with modified main and auxiliary fuel tanks. The aircraft has modified integrated avionics suites and multi-mode radars and is intended to provide adverse-weather infiltration/exfiltration and support to US Military Forces, country teams, other agencies and special activities. The CH-47D Chinook has been specially modified to perform the special operations mission and has been tested in combat. The three versions of the CH-47 in the Army inventory are the CH-47D, the MH-47D, and the MH-47E. The MH-47D and the MH-47E are air refuelable. It provides long-range penetration, medium assault helicopter support to special operations forces. Depending on the version, it can be ferried 1,100 to 2,000 nautical miles unrefueled. During Operation Just Cause, CH-47s conducted H-hour assaults to support other elements who were air-landing SOF to disrupt enemy responses and seize key facilities. During Operation Desert Storm, the CH-47 conducted infiltration and exfiltration of SOF and CSAR of downed pilots. MH-47E testing was limited to the major change to the aircraft which affects vulnerability. In the case of the MH-47E, this was the addition of an 800 gallon Robertson Auxiliary Fuel Tank in the cabin and Boeing designed sponson tanks with expanded capacity and honeycomb shell construction. Analyses conducted during the test planning phase revealed that the largest potential vulnerability was associated with projectiles entering the fuel tanks in the volume above the liquid fuel. Such impacts could ignite the fuel vapors and cause explosions and/or fires with serious consequences. During test planning, USSOCOM decided to add an inerting system to the fuel tanks to avoid such fires/explosions. This will be a lead-the-fleet system that will be available for similar helicopter variants in other fleets as well.
General Characteristics, CH-47 Chinook
Manufacturer:
Boeing Company
Power Plant:
Two Textron Lycoming T55-L712 engines
Length:
99 feet (30.18 meters), including rotor lengths
Height:
19 feet (5.79 meters)
Rotor Diameter:
60 feet (18.29 meters)
Weight:
Empty: 10,578 kilograms
Maximum: 24,494 kilograms
Useful load: 13,916 kilograms
Forward and aft cargo hooks: 9,072 kilograms
Centre cargo hook 12,701 kilograms
Speed:
Sea level cruise speed: 265 kmh
Speed at maximum continuous power: 269 kmh
Ceiling:
8,448 feet (2,575 meters)
Range:
230 nautical miles
Crew:
Two
Sensors:
Raytheon AN/APQ-174A for terrain following flight, air-to-ground ranging and ground mapping
Raytheon AN/AAQ-16 forward looking infrared (FLIR)
Introduction Date:
1963
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David
Thu January 16, 2003 10:39am
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HH-60H Seahawk
Function: Twin-engine, medium lift, Combat Search and Rescue and Special Operations Support helicopter.
Description: The HH-60H Seahawk is a twin-engine helicopter used by the Navy in a CSAR/SOS role. Based on the SH-60 airframe (The Naval variant of the basic S-60 Blackhawk utility helicopter) the HH-60H has been optimized for low level insertions and extractions, self defense, enemy small arms fire suppression, and bulk cargo and troop transport. The H variant is also equipped with an externally mounted hoist and is configured for low level night operations with Night Vision Goggle (NVG) compatible instruments and anti-collision aircraft running lights. The HH-60H is capable of transporting a 6,000 pound load externally, and it's gross carrying capacity is rated at 7,400 pounds.
General Characteristics, HH-60H Seahawk
Contractors:
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (airframe); General Electric Company (engines); IBM Corporation (avionics components)
Power Plant:
Two General Electric T700-GE-401C engines producing 1,700 shaft horse power each
Length:
64 feet 10 inches (19.6 meters)
Height:
17 feet 2 inches (5.1 meters)
Rotor Diameter:
17 feet 2 inches (5.1 meters)
Maximum Takeoff Weight:
21,884 pounds (9,927 kilograms)
Speed:
180 knots maximum
Ceiling:
14,700 feet (4,410 meters)
Range:
380 nautical miles (600 km) maximum
Crew:
Four plus up to eight passengers
Navigation Sensors:
VHF/UHF DF
TACAN
TACNAV
Doppler Radar
Radar Altimeter
GPS (Provisions)
Forward Looking Infra Red (FLIR) system
Armament:
Variable, but may include any combination of the following:
GCAL-50 machine gun
GAU-17A 7.62mm minigun
2.75" Hydra 70 Folding Fin Aerial Rocket pods
FIM-92A Stinger Surface to Air Missiles
AGM-65 Maverick Air to Ground Missiles
AGM-114 Hellfire Air to Ground Missiles
Countermeasures:
Infrared (IR) Jamming System
Chaff and Flare Dispensers (2)
Radar Warning Receiver
Hover IR Suppressor System
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David
Thu January 16, 2003 10:39am
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HH/MH-60G Pave Hawk
Function: Twin-engine, medium lift, Combat Search and Rescue and Special Operations Support helicopter.
Description: The HH/MH-60G Pave Hawk is a twin-engine helicopter used by the Airforce in a CSAR/SOS role. Based on the basic S-60 Blackhawk utility helicopter airframe, the Pave Hawk has been optimized for low level insertions and extractions, self defense, enemy small arms fire suppression, and bulk cargo and troop transport. To extend their range, Pave Hawks are equipped with a retractable in-flight refueling probe and internal auxiliary fuel tanks. The HH/MH-60G variant is also equipped with an externally mounted 600 pound capacity hoist and sliding doors on each side of the troop and cargo compartment to allow rapid loading and unloading. The HH/MH-60G is capable of transporting a 8,000 pound load externally and can be equipped with the external stores support system.
General Characteristics, HH/MH-60G Pave Hawk
Contractors:
United Technologies/Sikorsky Aircraft Company
Power Plant:
Two General Electric T700-GE-700 or T700-GE-701C engines producing 1,560-1,630 shaft horsepower
Length:
64 feet, 8 inches (17.1 meters)
Height:
16 feet, 8 inches (4.4 meters)
Rotor Diameter:
53 feet 8 inches (16.4 meters)
Maximum Take-off Weight:
22,000 pounds (9,900 kilograms)
Speed:
180 knots maximum
Range:
504 nautical miles (unlimited with air refueling)
Crew:
Two pilots, one flight engineer, one gunner and up to 10 troops
Navigation Sensors:
VHF/UHF DF
TACAN
TACNAV
Doppler Radar
Radar Altimeter
GPS (Provisions)
Forward Looking Infra Red (FLIR) system
Armament:
Variable, but may include any combination of the following:
Two GCAL-50 machine guns
Two GAU-17A 7.62mm miniguns
2.75" Hydra 70 Folding Fin Aerial Rocket pods
FIM-92A Stinger Surface to Air Missiles
AGM-65 Maverick Air to Ground Missiles
AGM-114 Hellfire Air to Ground Missiles
Countermeasures:
Infrared (IR) Jamming System
Chaff and Flare Dispensers (2)
Radar Warning Receiver
Hover IR Suppressor System
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David
Thu January 16, 2003 10:39am
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MH-53J Pave Low IIIE
Function: Low-level, long-range, all weather Combat Search and Rescue, Special Operations Support, and heavy equipment transport.
Description: The MH-53J Pave Low IIIE heavy-lift helicopter is the largest, most technologically advanced, and most powerful helicopter in the Airforce. Based on the basic Vietnam era HH-53 Super Jolly Green Giant airframe, the Pave Low IIIE has been optimized for low level insertions and extractions, self defense, enemy small arms fire suppression, and bulk cargo and troop transport. The 53J's terrain-following and terrain-avoidance radar, forward-looking infrared sensor, inertial navigation system with global positioning system, along with a projected map display enable the crew to follow terrain contours and avoid obstacles, making low-level penetration possible. Additionally, the MH-53J is equipped with a aerial refueling probe and is capable of lifting 20,000 pounds of cargo using its external cargo hook.
General Characteristics, MH-53J Pave Low IIIE
Contractor:
Sikorsky Aircraft Company
Power Plant:
Two General Electric T64-GE/-100 engines producing 4,330 shaft horsepower per engine
Length:
92 feet (28 meters)
Height:
25 feet (7.6 meters)
Rotor Diameter:
72 feet (21.9 meters)
Maximum Take-off Weight:
46,000 pounds
Speed:
165 mph (at sea level)
Range:
600 nautical miles (unlimited with air refueling)
Crew:
Two pilots, two flight engineers, two gunners, and up to 38 troops
Navigation Sensors:
VHF/UHF DF
TACAN
TACNAV
Doppler Radar
Radar Altimeter
GPS (Provisions)
Forward Looking Infra Red (FLIR) system
Armament:
Any combination of three GCAL-50 machine guns or GAU-2B/A 7.62mm miniguns
Countermeasures:
Infrared (IR) Jamming System
Chaff and Flare Dispensers (2)
Radar Warning Receiver
Date Deployed:
1981
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David
Thu January 16, 2003 10:39am
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AH/MH-6 "Little Bird
Function: Special Operations Attack/Transport helicopter.
Background: The A/MH-6 Little Bird can trace its roots to the McDonnell Douglas OH-6 Cayuse light observation helicopter introduced during the Vietnam War. There are currently two versions of the Little Bird. The AH-6J attack version is configured as a light attack helicopter while the MH-6J variant is configured as an insertion / extraction / transport platform. Both versions are based on the Boeing MD-530F Defender helicopter.
Both versions of the Little Bird are equipped with a Forward Looking Infra-Red (FLIR) system for day/night, all weather operations as well as an inertial/GPS navigational system and radar altimeter for precision, nap of the earth flying. Both are also equipped with secure satellite capable communications. For self-defense both are equipped with a radar warning receiver (RWR) as well as an IR jamming system and chaff/flare dispenser.
The armed variant is equipped with a lightweight universal mounting platform which can accommodate two M134 7.62mm miniguns, two M260 7-shot Hydra 70 2.75" folding-fin aerial rockets. Alternately, the AH-6 can be armed with Hellfire anti-tank missiles, air-to-air stingers, Mk-19 40mm automatic grenade launchers, or .50 caliber heavy machine guns.
The transport variant can accommodate six passengers, seated externally on detachable "planks" to facilitate the rapid debarkation of the aircraft on arrival. In addition, the transport is equipped with a hoist to insert and extract personnel without landing.
Description: The Little Bird is based on the Boeing MD-530 Defender. The fuselage body is large teardrop design with the pilot and co-pilot seated side by side. Visibility out of the aircraft is excellent as the forward portion of the cabin is glass enclosed and there are large oval windows in each of the four cabin doors. During combat operations the doors may be removed. The single engine is mounted in the rear of the fuselage, below the high mounted tail boom, with the six-bladed main rotor mounted on the forward portion of the transmission housing. The tail assembly is a "T" type with the horizontal stabilizer mounted on top of the vertical stabilizer. The tail rotor is 4 bladed and mounted on the left side of the vertical stabilizer.
?General Characteristics, AH/MH-6 "Little Bird"
Prime Contractor:
Boeing
Power Plant:
Allison 250 C30 gas turbine, 650 shaft horsepower
Rotor Diameter:
26 feet (8 meters)
Length:
29 ft 10 in (9.2 meters)
Height:
8 ft 6 in (2.6 meters)
Width:
6 ft 2 in (1.9 meters)
Speed:
175 mph (280 kph)
Maximum Take-off Weight:
5,207 lbs (2,367 kg)
Max. Infiltration Range:
324 miles (518 km)
Crew:
Two (pilot, co-pilot) up to six passengers (two internal or six external)
Date Deployed:
1975
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David
Thu January 16, 2003 5:31pm
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MC-130P Combat Shadow
Function: The Combat Shadow flies clandestine or low visibility, single or multi-ship low-level missions intruding politically sensitive or hostile territory to provide air refueling for special operations helicopters. The MC-130P primarily flies missions at night to reduce probability of visual acquisition and intercept by airborne threats.
Secondary mission capabilities may include airdrop of small special operations teams, bundles and combat rubber raiding craft, as well as night vision goggles, takeoff and landing procedures and in-flight refueling as a receiver.
History: MC-130Ps were previously designated HC-130N/P. However, the "H" designation is a rescue and recovery mission code and not representative of the aircraft's special operations role. In February 1996, AFSOC's tanker fleet was redesignated MC-130Ps, aligning the Combat Shadow with other M-series special operations mission aircraft. MC-130Ps have been a part of the special operations mission since the mid-80s. They provided critical air refueling to Army and Air Force helicopters during Operation Just Cause in Panama in 1989. In 1990, the aircraft deployed to Saudi Arabia and Turkey for Operation Desert Storm and provided air refueling of special operations helicopters over friendly and hostile territory.
Since Desert Storm, the MC-130P has been involved in operations Northern and Southern Watch, supporting efforts to keep Iraqi aircraft out of the no-fly zones. Although MC-130Ps left Southern Watch in 1993, they have returned periodically to relieve Air Combat Command rescue forces. The aircraft also took part in Operation Deny Flight in Yugoslavia in 1993, and Operations Restore Democracy and Uphold Democracy in Haiti in 1994. The MC-130P has been involved in operations Deliberate Force and Joint Endeavor in Bosnia since 1995.
Additionally, the MC-130P took part in Operation Assured Response in 1996, providing air refueling for the MH-53s shuttling evacuees between Liberia and the rear staging area.
In March 1997, the MC-130P was diverted from Italy to provide combat search and rescue during the evacuation of non-combatant Americans from Albania. Also in 1997, the MC-130P provided command and control and refueling support during Operation Guardian Retrieval, the evacuation of Americans from Zaire. In July 1997, the aircraft provided aerial refueling for MH-53J's when U.S. forces prepared for possible evacuations of noncombatants from Cambodia. The aircraft also was part of Operation High Flight, the search to locate an American C-141 involved in a mid-air collision with another aircraft off the coast of Angola in September 1997.
Description: Special operations forces improvements are being made to the fleet of MC-130Ps. When modifications are completed in Fiscal 2000, all MC-130Ps will feature improved navigation, communications, threat detection and countermeasures systems. When fully modified, the Combat Shadow fleet will have a fully-integrated inertial navigation and global positioning system, and night vision goggle compatible interior and exterior lighting. It will also have forward looking infrared, radar and missile warning receivers, chaff and flare dispensers, night vision goggle compatible heads-up display, satellite and data-burst communications, as well as in-flight refueling capability as a receiver (on 15 aircraft).
The Combat Shadow can fly in the day against a reduced threat. The crews fly night low-level, air refueling and formation operations using night vision goggles. To enhance the probability of mission success and survivability near populated areas, employment tactics incorporate no external lighting and no communications to avoid radar and weapons detection.
General Characteristics, MC-130P Combat Shadow
Builder:
Lockheed
Unit Flyaway Cost:
$18.6 million (Fiscal Year 1998 constant dollars)
Power Plant:
Four Allison T56-A-15 turboprop engines
Thrust:
4,910 shaft horsepower each engine
Length:
98 feet, 9 inches (30.09 meters)
Height:
38 feet, 6 inches (11.7 meters)
Wingspan:
132 feet, 7 inches (40.4 meters)
Speed:
289 mph (at sea level)
Ceiling:
33,000 feet (10,000 meters)
Maximum Take-off Weight:
155,000 pounds (69,750 kilograms)
Range:
Beyond 4,000 miles
Crew:
Officers - pilot, co-pilot, right navigator and left navigator
Enlisted - flight engineer, communications systems operator and two loadmasters
Inventory:
Active force, 19
Reserve, 0
ANG, 0
Date Deployed:
1986
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David
Thu January 16, 2003 6:05pm
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F/A-18A Hornet
Function: Specific F/A-18A/C tasks include:
- Intercept and destroy enemy aircraft in conjunction with ground or airborne fighter control under all-weather conditions.
- Conduct day and night close air support under the weather.
- Conduct day and night deep air support, under the weather. Deep air support consists of radar search and attack, interdiction, and strikes against enemy installations using all types of weapons compatible with assigned aircraft.
- Conduct armed escort of friendly aircraft.
- Be able to operate from aircraft carriers, advanced bases, and expeditionary airfields.
- Be able to deploy or conduct extended range operations employing aerial refueling.
History: Operation Desert Storm in 1991 was the operational proving ground for the F/A-18A/C. Six single-seat F/A-18A/C squadrons deployed to SWA to participate in combat operations. These squadrons flew in excess of 4600 sorties for a total of 8864 hours while experiencing no combat losses.
Description: The Marine Corps F/A-18A/C/CN strike fighter multi-mission aircraft was designed to replace the F-4 Phantom. The F/A-18A/C/CN Hornet is missionized for traditional fighter, attack, and close air support roles through selection of external pods/equipment to accomplish specific mission objectives. Any aircraft can quickly be configured to perform either fighter or attack missions, or both, thus providing the Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) commander more flexibility in employing his tactical aircraft in a rapidly changing scenario. Marine F/A18s may be land-based from prepared airfields, or they can operate from expeditionary airfields (EAF). They may also be sea-based, operating from the decks of Navy aircraft carriers.
?General Characteristics, F/A-18A/C Hornet
Builder:
McDonnell Douglas
Unit Cost:
$28.1 million
Power Plant:
Two General Electric F404-GE-400 afterburning, low bypass turbofan engines
Thrust:
16,000 lbs per engine
Length:
56 feet (17.06 meters)
Wingspan:
37.5 feet (11.43 meters)
Cruise Speed:
High subsonic to supersonic
Ferry Range:
Over 2,000 nautical miles (2,300 miles)
Combat Radius:
Fighter mission: 400 nautical miles (460 miles)
Attack mission: 575 nautical miles (661.25 miles)
Crew:
One
Armament:
Nine external wing stations, comprising two wingtip stations for an assortment of air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons, including AIM-7 Sparrows, AIM-9 Sidewinders, AMRAAMs, AGM-84 Harpoons and AGM-65 Maverick missiles
Two inboard wing stations for external fuel tanks or air-to-ground stations
Two nacelle fuselage stations for Sparrows or AN/AAS-38 Forward Looking Infrared Radar (FLIR) pods
Center station for fuel tank or air-to-ground weapons
Air-to-ground weapons include GBU-10 and -12 laser guided bombs, Mk 80 series general purpose bombs, and CBU-59 cluster bombs
AN M61 20mm six-barrel gun mounted in the nose, with McDonnell Douglas director gunsight
Inventory:
10 active and four reserve squadrons with 12 planes each, for a total of 168 planes
Introduction Date:
March 1983
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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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GBU-24 Paveway III
Description: The GBU-24 Paveway III represents the next step beyond the GBU-10 series of Laser Guided Bomb. Reacting to increased air defense lethality, which force attack aircraft to penetrate the target area in a nap of the earth (NOE) profile, as well as provide a low level LGB option in the event of poor battlefield visibility or low ceiling, the GBU-24 was specifically designed for low altitude deliveries. Utilizing the same principles as the GBU-10, the GBU-24 uses either the Mk. 84 2,000 pound bomb or the BLU-109 penetration bomb with an improved seeker head optimized for low-level release. To increase standoff range and improve low level glide characteristics, the GBU-24 is equipped with significantly larger guidance fins. As with the Paveway I and II, targets may be designated by either the launching aircraft or another aircraft in the area, by an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), or by personnel on the ground. In addition, since the GBU-24 orients itself on the reflected laser, rather than the target, it can be directed towards a different target after launch simply by pointing the designator at a different target.
The Guided Bomb Unit-24 (GBU-24) Low Level Laser Guided Bomb [LLLGB] consists of either a 2,000-pound MK-84 general purpose or BLU-109 penetrator bomb modified with a Paveway III low-level laser-guided bomb kit to add the proportional guidance in place of the bang-bang type used in the Paveway II. The LLLGB was developed in response to Sophisticated enemy air defenses, poor visibility, and to counter limitations in low ceilings. The weapon is designed for low altitude delivery and with a capability for improved standoff ranges to reduce exposure. The GBU-24 LLLGB/Paveway III has low-level, standoff capability of more than 10 nautical miles. Performance envelopes for all modes of delivery are improved because the larger wings of the GBU-24 increases maneuverability. Paveway III also has increased seeker sensitivity and a larger field of regard.
The operator illuminates a target with a laser designator and then the munition guides to a spot of laser energy reflected from the target. One way to deliver LGBs from low altitude is a loft attack. In this maneuver, the aircraft pulls up sharply at a predetermined point some miles from the target and the LGB is lofted upward and toward the target. However, if the LGB guidance system detects reflected laser energy from the target designator too soon after release, it tends to pull the LGW down below its required trajectory and the bomb will impact well short of the target.
This bomb is not nearly as delivery parameter sensitive as is the Paveway II LGB, nor is it affected by early laser designation. After a proper low altitude delivery, the LLLGB will maintain level flight while looking for reflected laser energy. If it does not detect reflected laser energy, it will maintain level flight to continue beyond the designated target, overflying friendly positions, to impact long, rather than short of the target.
Unlike the Paveway II LGB, the LLLGB can correct for relatively large deviations from planned release parameters in the primary delivery mode (low-altitude level delivery). It also has a larger delivery envelope for the dive, glide and loft modes than does the earlier LGB. The wide field of view and midcourse guidance modes programmed in the LLLGB allow for a "Point Shoot" delivery capability. This capability allows the pilot to attack the target by pointing the aircraft at the target and releasing the weapon after obtaining appropriate sight indications. The primary advantage of this capability is that accurate dive/tracking is not required to solve wind drift problems.
The Multi-Segment Hard Target Penetrator (MSHTP) concept has been designed to use the penetration capability of a BLU-113 or BLU-109 linked to the void counting hard target smart fuse. This weapon detonates a copper cutter charge upon entering the target and cuts the rear portion of the bomb off, which then detonates. The rest of the weapon continues down to the next level.
BLU-116 Advanced Unitary Penetrator [AUP] GBU-24 C/B (USAF) / GBU-24 D/B (Navy)
Air Force Research Laboratory Munitions Directorate engineers have completed development of a new warhead known as the Advanced Unitary Penetrator, or AUP. The warhead was successfully transitioned to the Precision Strike System Program Office at Eglin AFB, Fla. for Engineering Manufacturing Development (EMD) and production. The AUP was developed in less than three years at a cost of less than $8M. AFRL's emphasis on operational suitability as part of AUP weapon design will allow the EMD program to be completed in less than half the time of a normal EMD program.
The Advanced Unitary Penetrator [AUP] hard target penetrator features an elongated narrow diameter case made of a tough nickel-cobalt steel alloy called Air Force 1410. With the official designation of BLU-116, and designated the GBU-24 C/B (USAF) and GBU-24 D/B (Navy), is designed to provide at least twice the penetration capability of existing BLU-109 2000-pound bombs. The AUP is being demonstrated with Boeing as prime and Lockheed-Martin as subcontractor. Penetration capability is directly proportional to the warhead's sectional density--its weight divided by its cross section. The AUP maximizes sectional density by reducing the explosive payload and using heavy metals in the warhead case. Lower explosive payload will diminish dispersion of NBC agents to help reduce collateral effects. The AUP will retain the carriage and flight characteristics of the BLU-109, and it will be compatible with the GBU-24, GBU-27, and GBU-15/AGM-130 series of precision-guided bombs. Thus, the AUP will be capable of delivery from a wider inventory of aircraft, including stealth platforms, than the BLU-113/GBU-28. A proposal to replace the current CALCM warhead with an AUP warhead provides 2.5 times BLU-109 penetration capability.
The AUP development effort was conducted in support of the Counterproliferation Initiative (CPI) Advanced Concept Technology Demonstration (ACTD). The program objective was to develop and demonstrate a weapon that could be rapidly transitioned for Air Force and Navy use against hardened targets associated with the production, storage, and weaponization of chemical or biological agents. Normally, the introduction of a new weapon is a very long, expensive, and tedious process - as long as ten years or more. The associated cost may be tens of millions of dollars.
The 1700-pound AUP warhead is tucked inside a lightweight aerodynamic shroud. This "outer skin" gives the AUP the exact physical and aerodynamic characteristics of the BLU-109. The shroud strips away from the internal penetrator when the weapon impacts the target. Compared to the BLU-109, the AUP has thicker case walls, a tougher case material, an improved nose shape, and a smaller explosive charge. The cross-sectional area of the AUP penetrator, however, is only half as great as the cross-sectional area of the BLU-109. A smaller explosive charge reduces collateral damage potential by reducing blast overpressure that could expel chemical or biological agents from the target. A long testing series demonstrated AUP's compatibility with the Munitions Directorate-developed Hard Target Smart Fuze (HTSF). The HTSF allows the AUP to be detonated at the optimal point within a target to inflict maximum damage. That ability compensates for the reduction in explosive charge.
Because it is a "twin" to the BLU-109, the AUP can utilize a proven system of hardbacks, guidance units, and tail fin kits. The costs associated with developing new kits is eliminated. The operational users - pilots, weapon handlers and load crews - will gain the improved war fighting capabilities of the AUP without the costs associated with retraining support personnel or the acquisition of new delivery systems and support equipment. Battle commanders will also have increased ability to neutralize deeply buried hardened targets.
GBU-24E/B
GBU-24E/B, an Enhanced Paveway Laser Guided Bomb, is a precision-guided hardened target penetrator used to destroy hardened aircraft hangers and underground bunkers. It integrates a Global Positioning System and a ring laser gyro inertial measuring unit (IMU) to the already fielded GBU-24B/B "Paveway III" with the existing laser guidance. A new guidance and control unit has been modified to incorporate GPS electronics, GPS antenna, IMU and software for precision GPS/INS guidance. Testing of this system began in late 1999.
Background: Precision-guided munitions (PGM) can trace their origins back to World War Two. These early weapons, such as the QB-17G "Aphrodite" were essentially airframes packed with explosives and guided via radio direction signals to their target, where they would crash and explode. While guidance was extremely crude by today's standards, these weapons were more accurate than conventional dropped munitions, and did not expose aircrews to deadly enemy anti-aircraft fire. Unfortunately, such weapons were unwieldy, unsuitable for small targets, and were themselves subject to defensive fire. The first truly precision-guided munitions did not appear until the Vietnam War. Serving as a major supply conduit for North Vietnam, the mile long Paul Doumer Bridge over the Red River was the most important ground target of the war. Unfortunately, it was also one of the most heavily defended, its approaches ringed with anti-aircraft guns and surface to air missile emplacements. While American pilots were able to attack the bridge using conventional munitions, such missions were extremely hazardous and casualties were high. In 1967 the Rockwell International Corporation was tasked with producing a precision munition using electro-optical guidance technology. The end result was the GBU (Guided Bomb Unit) 8 or Homing Bomb System (HOBOS), a conventional Mk. 84 2,000 pound bomb with a TV like electro-optical guidance package in the nose to provide direction and a modified tail fin assembly in the rear to provide lift. To launch the GBU-8 the pilot aligned the TV camera sight in the bomb with the target and the weapons officer locked the bomb's seeker onto the target. Once aligned, the bomb could be released well away from the target area and it would guide itself into the target with a high degree of accuracy.
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David
Thu January 16, 2003 11:24pm
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Joint Direct Attack Munit
Description: The Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) GBU-31 is a tailkit under development to meet both USAF and Navy needs, with the Air Force as the lead service. The program will produce a weapon with high accuracy, all-weather, autonomous, conventional bombing capability. JDAM will upgrade the existing inventory of general purpose and penetrator unitary bombs, and a product improvement may add a terminal seeker to improve accuracy. JDAM can be launched from approximately 15 miles from the target and each is independently targeted.
JDAM is not intended to replace any existing weapon system; rather, it is to provide accurate delivery of general purpose bombs in adverse weather conditions. The JDAM will upgrade the existing inventory of Mk-83 1,000- and Mk-84 2,000-pound general purpose unitary bombs and the 2,000-pound hard target penetrator bomb by integrating a guidance kit consisting of an inertial navigation system/global positioning system guidance kit. The 1,000-pound variant of JDAM is designated the GBU-31, and the 2,000-pound version of the JDAM is designated the GBU-32. JDAM variants for the Mk-80 250-pound and Mk-81 500-pound bombs are designated GBU-29 and GBU-30, respectively. Hard Target penetrators being changed into low-cost JDAMs included the 2,000 pound BLU-109 and 1,000 pound BLU-110.
The JDAM will be continuously updated by aircraft avionics systems prior to release. Once released, the bomb's INS/GPS will take over and guide the bomb to its target regardless of weather. Guidance is accomplished via the tight coupling of an accurate GPS with a 3-axis INS. The Guidance Control Unit provides accurate guidance in both GPS-aided INS modes of operation and INS-only modes of operation. This inherent JDAM capability will counter the threat from near-term technological advances in GPS jamming. The weapon system allows launch from very low to very high altitude and can be launched in a dive, toss, loft or in straight and level flight with an on-axis or off-axis delivery. JDAM also allows multiple target engagements on a single pass delivery. JDAM provides the user with a variety of targeting schemes, such as preplanned and inflight captive carriage retargeting.
Potential Upgrades
The JDAM product improvement program may add a terminal seeker for precision guidance and other system improvements to existing JDAMs to provide the Air Force with 3-meter precision and improved anti-jamming capability. The Air Force is evaluating several alternatives and estimates that the seeker could be available for operations by 2004. The seeker kit could be used by both the 2,000-pound blast fragmentation and penetrator JDAMs.
The Advanced Unitary Penetrator (AUP), a candidate to be integrated with a GBU-31 guidance kit, is a 2000 lb. class penetrator warhead intended as an upgrade/replacement for the BLU-109 warhead in applications requiring increased penetration. The AUP is designed to provide increased penetration capability over the BLU-109 warhead while maintaining the same overall weight, mass properties, dimensions, and physical interfaces associated with the BLU-109 warhead. This concept integrates the AUP warhead with the GBU-31, the JDAM tail kit for 2,000 lb class warheads. This concept uses the Hard Target Smart Fuze (HTSF), an accelerometer based electronic fuze which allows control of the detonation point by layer counting, distance or time. The accelerometer senses G loads on the bomb due to deceleration as it penetrates through to the target. The fuze can distinguish between earth, concrete, rock and air.
The boosted penetrator concept is based on achieving maximum penetration without sacrificing operational flexibility. Total system weight will be less than 2,250 pounds so that it can be carried by all AF tactical aircraft and bombers as well as the Navy?s F/A-18. The goal is to achieve greater penetration than the GBU-28 with a near term, affordable design. A dense metal warhead will be used with a wraparound rocket motor to allow internal carriage in the F-117. Advanced explosives will be used to compensate for the reduced charge weight. This concept integrates the boosted penetrator warhead with a JDAM guidance kit with an adverse weather Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR).
The Ballasted Penetrator in GBU-32 concept is a 1000 pound dense or ballasted penetrator integrated with a GBU-32 guidance kit using compressed carriage for internal carriage in advanced fighters (F-22, JSF) or carriage in cruise missiles (JASSM, CALCM, ACM, ATACMS, Tomahawk.) The warhead would either be designed with a dense metal case or contain dense metal ballast for maximum penetration. The warhead will be filled with an advanced insensitive explosive to compensate for the reduced charge weight. The warhead will be integrated with the GBU-32, the JDAM tail kit for 1,000 lb class warheads.
The Boosted Unitary Penetrator concept is based on achieving maximum penetration in a weapon that will fit internally in the F-22. Total system weight will be less than 1300 pounds. A dense metal warhead will be used with a wraparound rocket motor. Use of next generation compressed seekers and aero-control designs along with reaction jet control will allow the size to shrink sufficiently to fit inside F-22 and JSF. Advanced explosives will be used to compensate for the reduced charge weight. This concept integrates the boosted penetrator warhead with a JDAM guidance kit with an adverse weather Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR).
The JDAM/BLU-113 concept improves the GBU-28 by enhancing the nose design of the BLU-113 warhead for improved penetration. The warhead nose reshape will improve BLU-113 penetration by more than 25%. The penetration could potentially be further improved by replacing the traditional HE fill with a dense explosive. The design involves integrating the improved BLU-113 warhead with a JDAM tail kit.
The Compressed Carriage GBU-32, J1K, enhanced fill concept is a JAST-1000 warhead with enhanced fill integrated with a GBU-32 guidance kit using compressed carriage for internal carriage in advanced fighters (F-22, JSF) or carriage in cruise missiles (JASSM, CALCM, ACM, ATACMS, Tomahawk.) The warhead is a combined penetrator and blast/fray warhead. The warhead shape is optimized for penetration and the enhanced fill and internal liner provide blast and controlled fragmentation capability. The warhead is shrouded to match the MK-83 mass properties and interfaces. The warhead will be integrated with the GBU-32, the JDAM tail kit for 1,000 lb class warheads. Use of aero-control designs along with reaction jet control will allow the size to shrink sufficiently to fit inside F-22 and JSF. This concept uses the Hard Target Smart Fuze (HTSF).
The Direct Attack Munitions Affordable Seeker (DAMASK) Fleet Advanced Demonstration (FAD) accuracy enhancement kit is a seeker of the lowest possible cost that will improve JDAM accuracy to three-meter circular error probability (CEP). The three-year FAD began in FY 98 and continued through FY 00. DAMASK includes a very low-cost sensor mounted to the front of a JDAM and an off-the-shelf signal processor mounted in the existing JDAM tail kit. It uses an uncooled imaging-infrared focal plane array (UIIFPA) sensor and low-cost optics, both developed for the consumer automobile market. An off-the-shelf, commercially available signal processor is the final component of the accuracy upgrade kit, estimated to cost less than $12.7 thousand per seeker in quantity. During the final stages of weapon flight, DAMASK's unique guidance system will image the target area, locate a mission-planned aimpoint and update the JDAM target location. The mission-planning image can come from satellite, uninhabited air vehicles or reconnaissance aircraft. A template is then automatically produced from the mission-planning image and loaded on board the aircraft with the baseline JDAM mission plan. Organic targeting is possible because the target area can be imaged with onboard synthetic aperture radar (SAR) or forward looking infrared (FLIR) sensors, and the pilot can then select the desired impact point using a heads-down display.
History: JDAM is being developed by Lockheed Martin and Boeing [McDonald Douglas]. In October 1995, the Air Force awarded a contract for EMD and for the first 4,635 JDAM kits at an average unit cost of $18,000, less than half the original $40,000 estimate. As a result of JDAM's pilot program status, low-rate initial production was accelerated nine months, to the latter half of FY 1997. On April 30, 1997, the Air Force announced the decision to initiate low-rate initial production (LRIP) of JDAM, with the first production lot of 937 JDAM kits. The JDAM Integrated Product Team achieved a phenomenal 53 guided JDAM weapon releases in the six months prior to the LRIP decision. JDAM demonstrated high reliability and outstanding accuracy. Twenty-two of the weapon releases were accomplished during an early Air Force operational assessment. Over a four-week period operational crews put JDAM through an operationally representative evaluation, including targets shrouded by clouds and obscured by snow. All 22 weapons successfully performed up to their operational requirements including overall accuracy of 10.3 meters, significantly better than the 13 meter requirement. Early operational capability JDAMs have been delivered to Whiteman Air Force Base, MO, and low-rate, initial production JDAM deliveries begin on 02 May 1998. McDonnell Douglas Corporation of Berkeley, MO, was awarded on 02 April 1999, a $50,521,788 face value increase to a firm-fixed-price contract to provide for low rate initial production of 2,527 Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) kits. The work is expected to be completed by January 2001.
The JDAM program is nearing the end of its development phase. More than 250 flight tests involved five Air Force and Navy aircraft. JDAM will be carried on virtually all Air Force fighters and bombers, including the B-1, B-2, B-52, F-15E, F-16, F-22, F-117, and F/A-18.
JDAM was certified as operational capable on the B-2 in July 1997. Limited Initial Operational Capability was achieved on the B-52 in December 1998.
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David
Sat January 18, 2003 8:53am
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The E-8C Joint Surveillan
The E-8C Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (Joint STARS)is the only airborne platform in operation that can maintain realtime surveillance over a corps-sized area of the battlefield. A joint Air Force - Army program, the Joint STARS uses a multi-mode side looking radar to detect, track, and classify moving ground vehicles in all conditions deep behind enemy lines.
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