Saturday, July 31, 2010
G3 Magazine.
I was reading the latest from ThinkDefence and he mentioned a magazine that is definitely worth your attention.
Its called G3, the subscription is free and if you want a British perspective on UK, European and US defense policy and a view of different tech, then this is mag for you. I'm still reading it but it appears to be a winner.
Information request on Juniper Stallion 2010.
War News Updates ran a story concerning the crash of the CH-53 in Romania. You can read it here. But a little light digging led me to "Juniper Stallion 2010".
I can find nothing on it.
A Google News Search gave me seven...that's right 7 hits. No photos. No Navy press releases. Nothing.
If you can provide a heads up on the units/ships involved and the type of training that took place, I'd certainly appreciate it. And since this is a named exercise and is the public arena, I assume that its not classified.
Friday, July 30, 2010
A different take on the LCS..
Daniel Goure, PHD of the Lexington Institute is becoming one of my favorite defense thinkers. Not only is his thinking truly out of the box (and in opposition to conventional thinking found on the East and West Coast) but its reasonable, thoughtful and extremely practical.
He also has the gift of not reverting to defense/business/academic speak which I find annoying. In addition to all of the above, he gets the internet...make your point because your readers have lives!
No 18000 word, rambling piles of mush from this guy...THANK GOD! This is a slice of his latest...
Both LCS 1 and LCS 2, the USS Independence, will open up new opportunities for naval collaboration between the U.S. and its allies, particularly in the Pacific region. Its modular design will allow the LCS to rapidly switch between the currently planned set of surface warfare, ASW and mine countermeasure missions. Clearly, the inherent flexibility of the LCS design will allow for other combinations of capabilities to be deployed, such as air and missile defense, shore bombardment, humanitarian assistance and air and sea surveillance.I never considered those points. Maybe the Surface Navy knows what its doing after all? Read it all here.
Equally important, both LCS variants offer the potential to equip foreign navies. In the past, U.S. Navy ships have been too expensive and even too capable for all but the richest and most sophisticated foreign navies to procure. LCS will be relatively less expensive and possesses the virtue of an open architecture that will enable foreign navies to customize the ship to meet their needs. There is a tremendous value also to foreign navies operating the same platforms and weapons systems as the U.S. Navy.
Gibbs High Speed Amphibians.
Do you remember the buzz when Gibbs first unveiled their line of military amphibious vehicles? Excitement was in the air and many predicted that these vehicles would be in the hands of Special Operations Command.
That hasn't happened...and for the life of me I can't figure out why.
That hasn't happened...and for the life of me I can't figure out why.
A160T crashes in Mojave.
via Alert5 and Mercury News.
"The A160T Hummingbird reconnaissance helicopter crashed Wednesday afternoon two miles from a runway at Southern California Logistics Airport, the old George Air Force Base near Victorville where Boeing Advanced Systems has a test facility.Sweetman has been complaining about bandwidth issues with UAVs and now, in addition to the crashes in the war zones and the revelations in the WikiLeaks saga, we have this.
The helicopter, which is 35 feet long and has a 36-foot rotor diameter, was approaching Runway 17 when it crashed. The cause of the crash hasn't been disclosed."
The question remains.
Who has been pushing UAVs? The services in order to fully fund a revolutionary vehicle or the makers of these vehicles in order to keep the gravy train going?
Either way, we've been deceived when it comes to an actual discussion of their utility and their survivability in modern warfare. We're not their yet...not even close.
Is the USAF flying Combat Air Patrols against the Iranians?
I found this photo on the Air Force website. At first glance, nothing to it. An Airman is assisting in a pre-flight inspection of a F-16.
The problem comes with the weapons layout. Sidewinders and AMRAAMs for air support missions? Not bloody likely. Is this an indication that the USAF is flying Combat Air Patrols along the border with Iran? I think it does. And before I get the "that's old news" line, please direct me to the story!
U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Nick Forester performs preflight checks on an F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft preparing to launch for a mission from Joint Base Balad, Iraq, July 24, 2010. Forester is a crew chief with the 169th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron out of McEntire Joint National Guard Base, S.C. (DoD photo by Tech. Sgt. Caycee Cook, U.S. Air Force/Released)
The problem comes with the weapons layout. Sidewinders and AMRAAMs for air support missions? Not bloody likely. Is this an indication that the USAF is flying Combat Air Patrols along the border with Iran? I think it does. And before I get the "that's old news" line, please direct me to the story!
U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Nick Forester performs preflight checks on an F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft preparing to launch for a mission from Joint Base Balad, Iraq, July 24, 2010. Forester is a crew chief with the 169th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron out of McEntire Joint National Guard Base, S.C. (DoD photo by Tech. Sgt. Caycee Cook, U.S. Air Force/Released)
3rd MAW helo pilots killed in Helmand province - MarineCorpsTimes.com
3rd MAW helo pilots killed in Helmand province - MarineCorpsTimes.com
Lejeune Marine dies in Afghanistan
Reserve lance cpl. dies in Helmand province
Why no mention of this USNI Blog???? Surely the courageous actions of these men is worthy of mention...or is it only Sailors and not other members of the Naval Services that are worthy of concern and praise?
But you did have time to comment about the Public Affairs Officer managing the spin on this story...
The PAO’s Nightmare: Or What Keeps CDR Charlie Brown Awake At Night
2/3 conducts NEO training.
MARINE CORPS TRAINING AREA BELLOWS, Hawaii-Canadian soldiers with
Company G, 2nd Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment, Canadian Army, move
toward their next objective during a noncombatant evacuation operation
at Marine Corps Training Area Bellows, Hawaii, July 26. The NEO, an
emergency evacuation involving the use of military forces and
capabilities in order to provide aid, assistance and movement to safety
of American citizens overseas, was conducted as part of interoperability
training between coalition forces during the multi-national Exercise
Rim of the Pacific 2010., Lance Cpl. Reece E. Lodder, 7/26/2010 3:15 AM
MARINE CORPS TRAINING AREA BELLOWS, Hawaii-U.S. Marines assigned to 3rd Marine Regiment utilize amphibious assault vehicles to set up a cordon around a mock U.S. embassy during a noncombatant evacuation operation at Marine Corps Training Area Bellows, Hawaii, July 26. The NEO, an emergency evacuation involving the use of military forces and capabilities in order to provide aid, assistance and movement to safety of American citizens overseas, was conducted as part of interoperability training between coalition forces during the multi-national Exercise Rim of the Pacific 2010., Lance Cpl. Reece E. Lodder, 7/26/2010 3:26 AM
MARINE CORPS TRAINING AREA BELLOWS, Hawaii-Canadian soldiers assigned to Company G, Royal Canadian Regiment, Canadian Army, provide security as a CH-53D Sea Stallion helicopter arrives with Marines from Company F, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, during a noncombatant evacuation operation at Marine Corps Training Area Bellows, Hawaii, July 26. The NEO, an emergency evacuation involving the use of military forces and capabilities in order to provide aid, assistance and movement to safety of American citizens overseas, was conducted as part of interoperability training between coalition forces during the multi-national Exercise Rim of the Pacific 2010., Lance Cpl. Reece E. Lodder, 7/26/2010 4:29 AM
MARINE CORPS TRAINING AREA BELLOWS, Hawaii-Infantrymen with the Indonesian Marine Corps move from U.S. Marine Corps CH-53D Sea Stallion helicopters to amphibious assault vehicles during a noncombatant evacuation operation at Marine Corps Training Area Bellows, Hawaii, July 26. The NEO, an emergency evacuation involving the use of military forces and capabilities in order to provide aid, assistance and movement to safety of American citizens overseas, was conducted as part of interoperability training between coalition forces during the multi-national Exercise Rim of the Pacific 2010., Lance Cpl. Reece E. Lodder, 7/26/2010 4:09 AM
MARINE CORPS TRAINING AREA BELLOWS, Hawaii-U.S. Marines assigned to 3rd Marine Regiment utilize amphibious assault vehicles to set up a cordon around a mock U.S. embassy during a noncombatant evacuation operation at Marine Corps Training Area Bellows, Hawaii, July 26. The NEO, an emergency evacuation involving the use of military forces and capabilities in order to provide aid, assistance and movement to safety of American citizens overseas, was conducted as part of interoperability training between coalition forces during the multi-national Exercise Rim of the Pacific 2010., Lance Cpl. Reece E. Lodder, 7/26/2010 3:50 AM
MARINE CORPS TRAINING AREA BELLOWS, Hawaii-U.S. Marines assigned to 3rd Marine Regiment utilize amphibious assault vehicles to set up a cordon around a mock U.S. embassy during a noncombatant evacuation operation at Marine Corps Training Area Bellows, Hawaii, July 26. The NEO, an emergency evacuation involving the use of military forces and capabilities in order to provide aid, assistance and movement to safety of American citizens overseas, was conducted as part of interoperability training between coalition forces during the multi-national Exercise Rim of the Pacific 2010., Lance Cpl. Reece E. Lodder, 7/26/2010 3:26 AM
MARINE CORPS TRAINING AREA BELLOWS, Hawaii-Canadian soldiers assigned to Company G, Royal Canadian Regiment, Canadian Army, provide security as a CH-53D Sea Stallion helicopter arrives with Marines from Company F, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, during a noncombatant evacuation operation at Marine Corps Training Area Bellows, Hawaii, July 26. The NEO, an emergency evacuation involving the use of military forces and capabilities in order to provide aid, assistance and movement to safety of American citizens overseas, was conducted as part of interoperability training between coalition forces during the multi-national Exercise Rim of the Pacific 2010., Lance Cpl. Reece E. Lodder, 7/26/2010 4:29 AM
MARINE CORPS TRAINING AREA BELLOWS, Hawaii-Infantrymen with the Indonesian Marine Corps move from U.S. Marine Corps CH-53D Sea Stallion helicopters to amphibious assault vehicles during a noncombatant evacuation operation at Marine Corps Training Area Bellows, Hawaii, July 26. The NEO, an emergency evacuation involving the use of military forces and capabilities in order to provide aid, assistance and movement to safety of American citizens overseas, was conducted as part of interoperability training between coalition forces during the multi-national Exercise Rim of the Pacific 2010., Lance Cpl. Reece E. Lodder, 7/26/2010 4:09 AM
MARINE CORPS TRAINING AREA BELLOWS, Hawaii-U.S. Marines assigned to 3rd Marine Regiment utilize amphibious assault vehicles to set up a cordon around a mock U.S. embassy during a noncombatant evacuation operation at Marine Corps Training Area Bellows, Hawaii, July 26. The NEO, an emergency evacuation involving the use of military forces and capabilities in order to provide aid, assistance and movement to safety of American citizens overseas, was conducted as part of interoperability training between coalition forces during the multi-national Exercise Rim of the Pacific 2010., Lance Cpl. Reece E. Lodder, 7/26/2010 3:50 AM
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Idiocy at USNI Blog.
I received an interesting post in the comments section of my post "Pompous-Arrogant-Self Censoring"
I find it even more interesting that this commenter chose to post under "Anonymous"...nevertheless here it is...I'm highlighting certain parts.
Oh yeah, I read both threads before I commented, and here is a rambling explanation of how I see it.Complete utter rubbish.
I do not know you Solomon however I have seen your name on the comment sections of several defense blogs/websites. I think it is safe to assume that you view the wars as something to be studied empirically, to make better decisions that will save lives.
You probably know a lot more about the prosecution of a war than 99% of most people. Your understanding of procurement and technology is undoubtedly sophisticated. From all your study of war you may even make a pretty good commander.
But I think you are clumsily walking into a fight here that does not need to be fought. The guys at USNI are coming from the perspective of possibly losing someone that they know, hell Gauthier even said he part of the funeral detachment in Afghanistan right now.
They see logical and straightforward comments such as yours as diminishing the sacrifices of those that they honor. I think that this is being a little overly sensitive (as I gather you do too). But I can respect that the viewpoint of someone with their noses still pressed in it can be a little skewed. I choose to simply read those kinds of blogs and skip over the sentimental jibberish like in the comments section from the link.
This whole thing to me is like watching someone get into an argument with the family of a dead DUIer. Questioning the fact that they should not have been drinking, is of course right logically. It is a needless loss of life. But you are taking their repudiations and calls for respect for the dead as being a personal attack against you.
Your comments I'm sure have convinced them that they are right, you are just some whacko who is trying to start arguments and not be respectful. I don't see it that way personally, but your petty hate filled comments on your own blog do not do you any favors.
I remember at one time in my life having a ridiculous respect and deference for the flag. It was nearly religious in its fervor. And if someone came up to me dropped it on the ground and said 'what does it matter? it is merely a piece of cloth'. I would probably have acted rudely. And if they took it personally, spewing verbal bile as you have here, I'd be even more convinced that I was right in my initial reaction.
Anyway I read many of the same blogs as you do, and I guess it is in my best interest to be represented by other rational people. That is why I have taken the time to comment here. I am hoping that after you take some time away from this blog, you will see that carrying this tirade even farther is only detrimental to yourself and the reputation of other defense bloggers. Even if yours is a righteous crusade, it is pretty lame to be arguing on the internet.
Oh, yeah and I'll keep reading this blog from time to time, I'll just try to skip over the irrational stuff...
I don't know who this guy is but he's ignoring some pretty glaring facts.
This from the USNI Blog...before my postings here.
The point of all this is simple.
While the USNI blog claims to be concerned only about the Sailors that lost their lives, they are in fact lying.
How many service men lost their lives while this story pre-occupied our friends over at the USNI blog????
I count 10 US servicemen...some of them Marines---a part of the Naval Service and we can count some of the bloggers there as being Marines.
Why no mention of their heroic sacrifice? Why no call for prayers to go out to their families???
Is it because this was the politically correct story of the moment? If it is (and I truly believe that is what propelled the blow back against my reasonable questions which have yet to be answered by the Pentagon...another glaring fact especially when other missing servicemen have had their motives posted within days of their disappearance) then what does that say about the people who post their?????
You be the judge.
But understand this USNI. Your arrogance will not be tolerated. Your mighter than thou attitude will be confronted.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Blogging is light this week...
I'm in Chicago on business. No fear, even though I had to leave the Glock 26 down South because of the insane gun laws here, I still have my Gerber Applegate Fairburn close by...
Another subject though.
Its time to take USNI blog down a notch. The arrogant writers need to be told whats what and I plan to deliver in spades.
So have no fear and be watching these pages for new stuff late Thursday.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Pompous - Arrogant - Self Censoring.
This whole crew is suspect. To not even be able to ask questions????
And this Byron guy????? Oh I would so love to meet that sorry bastard and the Navy Puke? They can both kiss my ass. They're the type of feminist, East and West Coast fairies that make me sick.
The so called discussion is here.
Oh and guess what! The discussion about the why and how have taken place before...follow this link...
http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2009/07/us_soldier_captrured_by_taliban_what_happened.php
U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, Adm. Mike Mullen, told reporters Sunday that he didn't have all the details, but "from what I know right now, this is an unusual circumstance."
Defense Spending is different.
The Telegraph.uk has an article on possible defense cuts that the UK is about to absorb. Interesting but the difference is that in defense spending you can see the result and the spending reverberates throughout communities.
Cut a base and you hurt a local community. Many civilians are employed by those bases and unemployment will result with the closure.
Cut planes, ships and tanks? The logistics tail from those that work to maintain them...all the way back to those that produce them are endangered.
You don't see that type of synergy when it comes to social spending.
War on poverty?
Still not won and its been going on since the '60's.
War on drugs?
Ditto.
Social spending is a bottomless pit that results in improvements that are difficult, if not impossible to measure.
The UK will and the US to a lesser degree will cut defense spending. The problem is that the increased domestic spending will not result in higher qualities of life. Keeping people employed in hi-tech industries, producing gear that can be touched is a more sensible approach.
Cut a base and you hurt a local community. Many civilians are employed by those bases and unemployment will result with the closure.
Cut planes, ships and tanks? The logistics tail from those that work to maintain them...all the way back to those that produce them are endangered.
You don't see that type of synergy when it comes to social spending.
War on poverty?
Still not won and its been going on since the '60's.
War on drugs?
Ditto.
Social spending is a bottomless pit that results in improvements that are difficult, if not impossible to measure.
The UK will and the US to a lesser degree will cut defense spending. The problem is that the increased domestic spending will not result in higher qualities of life. Keeping people employed in hi-tech industries, producing gear that can be touched is a more sensible approach.
F-15SE ... a serious question....
The article on Strategy Page is an interesting read.
I wondered what APA had been up to and now I know. This article is straight out of the playbook.F-15SE Sneaking Up On the F-35
July 25, 2010: For over a year now, F-15 manufacturer Boeing has been offering a "stealthy" aircraft called the F-15SE (Silent Eagle). The target market is nations that want some stealth, but do not want to pay the high price of the F-35. The F-15SE is an F-15E with better electronics (radar and countermeasures) and an airframe tweaked to make the aircraft harder for radar to detect. A CWB (Conformal Weapons Bay) carried beneath the body of the aircraft contains two internal weapons bays. Each bay can carry two missiles or smart bombs. Each of the four hard points in the CWD can carry two smaller SDB (Small Diameter Bombs). While not as stealthy as the F-22, the F-15SE claims to be as stealthy as the F-35, which costs 40 percent more. Another option is to have existing F-15Es rebuilt to F-15SE standards, at less than half the cost of a new F-15SE. Boeing has demonstrated the stealthiness to serious customers, and the F-15SE does indeed make it much more difficult for radars to spot it. Some foreign F-15E users have expressed an interest, especially as the cost of the F-35 keeps going up, with no end in sight for the increases. .
First the F-35's price has been going down and the Air Force and Lockheed Martin have both stated that it will crush CBO's estimate.
Next, I can't find one customer for the F-15SE...a new build F-15 is over 100 million dollars...not exactly cheap.
Canada has just signed on to buy 65, Israel is supposedly on the verge and Turkey has agreed to buy 120, not the 100 originally programed.
Sneaking up on the F-35? Hardly, more like getting run out of the sky is the ticket.
Why are we still in Kosovo???
Sgt. 1st Class Cory R. Schall, of Devils Lake, N.D., is greeted by his
daughter, Alyssa, upon his return to Fargo, N.D., after a one-year
deployment to Kosovo. He was part of a NATO-led peacekeeping mission and
served in Multi-National Battle Group East, which was commanded by
Brig. Gen. Al Dohrmann, of Bismarck, N.D. Photo by Senior Master Sgt. David Lipp
This from the Valley City Times-Online...
Time to put a stop to these type missions. Let other forces handle this type stuff. We are over stretched and this does not help.
This from the Valley City Times-Online...
“It’s a great day in North Dakota when Soldiers return home from a successful mission,” Sprynczynatyk said. “As we prepare to celebrate their return to North Dakota, let’s remember all of the other North Dakota Soldiers and Airmen still serving in countries all across the world. Their ongoing efforts in defense of our nation will always be greatly appreciated.”Geez. Everyone is in an uproar over Afghanistan but how long has this peacekeeping mission in Europe been going on???
About 40 North Dakota Soldiers will remain in Kosovo in order to effectively coordinate mission handover to the succeeding unit, the Puerto Rican National Guard, which will lead KFOR 13. A ceremony to formally assume mission responsibility from the North Dakota National Guard is scheduled for July 24, in Kosovo. These remaining Soldiers are expected home by the end of the month.
Time to put a stop to these type missions. Let other forces handle this type stuff. We are over stretched and this does not help.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
UltimateRatioReg and the missing Sailors.
USNI blog has a story about sailors missing in Afghanistan.
They ask for prayers and I offer them. They ask for patience and I'm trying. But....
UltimateRatioReg made this statement.
Solomon,
Yes, please let’s not assume misbehavior or mistakes prematurely. Some units do operate in small teams for a variety of purposes.
Let us find out the story first.
I ask you this...
What unit operates two man teams and will deploy by vehicle to their area of operation?
Force Recon? Nope...I've seen them drop down to six men but never a two man team...
Marine Corps Snipers? Nope...with the new environment they're starting to look more and more like Force Recon light. They often go out in Platoon strength...but at least squad...just so that they can provide local security.
US Army Rangers? Nope...their mission sets require at least platoon if not company strength.
Green Berets? Nope..they still use their legacy Alpha Team setup.
SEALs? Nope...again, its platoon or at least squad.
So why would two Sailors be go outside the wire in a vehicle?
I don't know. I can't figure this one out. But it must be said that this kind of thing keeps happening. It would seem that sentries would be alert to vehicles entering and leaving the compound.
This one just doesn't make sense. I'll be waiting for the answer to this one quite anxiously. Oh and for those that might mistake me asking these questions with me being disrespectful to these men, then understand that isn't the case.
If a repeat of this is to be prevented then the 'why' must be part of the investigation.
I'm just doing that here.
Sarah Underwood positions herself behind a machinegun.
Not exactly proper form but awesome to see...fast forward to 46 seconds into the video..
Massive hat tip to Soldier Systems.net
Massive hat tip to Soldier Systems.net
Friday, July 23, 2010
Joint Service Small Arms Program makes an ass of Marine Gunners.
The Infantry Automatic Rifle was suppose to solve...
1. SAW Gunners were having difficulty keeping up with the Squad in the attack, necessitating a lighter weapon.
2. Because the lighter weapon was able to put fewer rounds down range, it was to be more accurate to make up for this deficiency.
Well it looks like the engineers at the Joint Service Small Arms Program were working on the issue and have come up with a solution that will not trash the volume of fire found in our small unit.
Hey Gunners...read this article and this one too...Great work Kit-Up! But will someone answer this for me?
Why didn't the Marine Corps have visibility on this project. All the headache, angst and internal bickering could have been avoided if we simply waited for the results of this test. Now we are facing a "test" with a weapon that will more than likely not be procured.
What an amazing amount of waste. What an amazing amount of lost man hours. What a complete cluster.
Lets save the Gouchy gear for SOCOM and just buy stuff that works!
1. SAW Gunners were having difficulty keeping up with the Squad in the attack, necessitating a lighter weapon.
2. Because the lighter weapon was able to put fewer rounds down range, it was to be more accurate to make up for this deficiency.
Well it looks like the engineers at the Joint Service Small Arms Program were working on the issue and have come up with a solution that will not trash the volume of fire found in our small unit.
Hey Gunners...read this article and this one too...Great work Kit-Up! But will someone answer this for me?
Why didn't the Marine Corps have visibility on this project. All the headache, angst and internal bickering could have been avoided if we simply waited for the results of this test. Now we are facing a "test" with a weapon that will more than likely not be procured.
What an amazing amount of waste. What an amazing amount of lost man hours. What a complete cluster.
Lets save the Gouchy gear for SOCOM and just buy stuff that works!
US Marine Corps and Bell Helicopters pushes sells of the H-1...
Interesting story from Defense News. I have mixed feelings on this. The Military helping corporations sell their products at these events is somehow....unseemly. It helps blur the line between the two and I'm sure this helps senior Officers make the transition from the military to civilian positions in these same companies. I feel the same way regarding the military and participation with certain think tanks....read the whole thing but this part caught my eye...
Save me the line about foreign military sales lowering the price of the aircraft for the US military. I realize that but I'm also concerned about a Colonel....A Colonel in the US Marine Corps sounding like a used car salesman.“One of the reasons we’ve come to Farnborough is export opportunities,” said U.S. Marine Corps Col. Harry Hewson... “We’re more than willing to start talking about possible FMS [Foreign Military Sales] cases.”....
Just my two cents.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Let's talk Super-Cruise.
Lets talk Super-Cruise.
First up lets get the definition of super cruise. From Wikipedia...
I find that to be questionable.
I find claims that the Gripen can super cruise laughable.
But more than anything else I question the utility of being able to super cruise.
1. Will it increase range?
2. Does it add anything to the aerial fight?
If the answer to those two basic questions is no ---and I have yet to hear any advantages found in this capability, then the question remains...is it militarily useful or is it the latest buzz?
Oh and before you make the leap that the F-35 is incapable of super cruising, I wouldn't be so quick. Its optimized to perform high subsonic flight but we just don't know yet (and yes I know Burbage has stated that it doesn't but again, we'll have to wait and see).
Your thoughts.
NOTE*
I'm getting rolled in the discussion here. If there is an Engine guy around that can clarify a few issues I'd sure appreciate it. Any bored Aerodynamicists that want to answer a rookies questions would be appreciated too.
First up lets get the definition of super cruise. From Wikipedia...
Supercruise is sustained supersonic flight of an aircraft with a useful cargo, passenger, or weapons load performed efficiently and without the use of afterburners ("reheat").Wiki goes on to state that the Gripen, Typhoon, F-22 and Rafale are all capable of super cruising.
I find that to be questionable.
I find claims that the Gripen can super cruise laughable.
But more than anything else I question the utility of being able to super cruise.
1. Will it increase range?
2. Does it add anything to the aerial fight?
If the answer to those two basic questions is no ---and I have yet to hear any advantages found in this capability, then the question remains...is it militarily useful or is it the latest buzz?
Oh and before you make the leap that the F-35 is incapable of super cruising, I wouldn't be so quick. Its optimized to perform high subsonic flight but we just don't know yet (and yes I know Burbage has stated that it doesn't but again, we'll have to wait and see).
Your thoughts.
NOTE*
I'm getting rolled in the discussion here. If there is an Engine guy around that can clarify a few issues I'd sure appreciate it. Any bored Aerodynamicists that want to answer a rookies questions would be appreciated too.
When have you become old Corps? When morning PT becomes Dynamic Conditioning.
We did beach runs all the time. Our crusty ass old 1stSgt loved to add a little "variation" to it by having us do sit-ups, push-ups etc...with the surf washing into us. Made us 'hard' he would say. This is what being a Marine is all about he would sing.
Now its called Dynamic Conditioning.
Read it and weep, old Corps (and if you're like me you didn't even realize you qualified for that label!).
Amazing!
But lets be real...this isn't Corps wide, this is a Marine Logistics Group! Strike two for you guys (and girls)...first a Cpl's Course in Afghanistan (1st MLG) and now this cluster (2nd MLG). Thank God I never got a whiff of this outfit. Just drop the beans and bullets and be gone!
Now its called Dynamic Conditioning.
Read it and weep, old Corps (and if you're like me you didn't even realize you qualified for that label!).
Amazing!
But lets be real...this isn't Corps wide, this is a Marine Logistics Group! Strike two for you guys (and girls)...first a Cpl's Course in Afghanistan (1st MLG) and now this cluster (2nd MLG). Thank God I never got a whiff of this outfit. Just drop the beans and bullets and be gone!
Marines ‘take’ Onslow beach for dynamic conditioning
7/22/2010 By Lance Cpl. Katherine M. Solano, 2nd Marine Logistics Group Public Affairs , 2nd Marine Logistics Group
CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. — Nearly 100 Marines with Headquarters Company, Combat Logistics Regiment 27 overran Onslow Beach, literally, aboard Camp Lejeune, July 22. The early morning company run, led by acting first sergeant, Gunnery Sgt. Timothy Stovall, and commanding officer, Capt. Amy Upton, was concluded with various squad exercises followed by a cool-down, compliments of the ocean.
C-130 Demonstration Flight at Farnborough.
Let's see if the A400 is this nimble. Oh and for those that think that the C-27 is an answer to anything...Really? Really? Say it out loud and see if it sounds right. The US Army wanted C-27's because they couldn't get C-130's...the C-27 is an answer to a problem that doesn't exist.
F-111's at Pitch Black.
22 July 2010
No. 6 Squadron F-111 Aircraft Taxiing
The Royal Australian Air Force's iconic F-111s are participating in Exercise Pitch Black for the final time before they are decommissioned from service at the end of the year. Four F-111s from RAAF Amberley, Qld are operating from RAAF Darwin, NT during the three-week long exercise.
The venerable F-111 long-range strike aircraft has provided excellent service to Australia for the last 37 years and continues to perform a vital role in maintaining air power in the region in conjunction with the F/A-18 Classic and Super Hornets. The F/A-18F Australian Super Hornets are set to participate in Exercise Pitch Black 2012.
The F-111s will return to Darwin later next month to participate in Exercises Kakadu and Singaroo.
No. 6 Squadron F-111 Aircraft Taxiing
The Royal Australian Air Force's iconic F-111s are participating in Exercise Pitch Black for the final time before they are decommissioned from service at the end of the year. Four F-111s from RAAF Amberley, Qld are operating from RAAF Darwin, NT during the three-week long exercise.
The venerable F-111 long-range strike aircraft has provided excellent service to Australia for the last 37 years and continues to perform a vital role in maintaining air power in the region in conjunction with the F/A-18 Classic and Super Hornets. The F/A-18F Australian Super Hornets are set to participate in Exercise Pitch Black 2012.
The F-111s will return to Darwin later next month to participate in Exercises Kakadu and Singaroo.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
VMM-261 back home.
The unit that first took the MV-22 to Afghanistan is back home....
VMM-261 Raging Bulls complete historic deployment
7/21/2010 By Lance Cpl. Nichole R. Werling , Marine Corps Air Station New River
Another example of a weapon system that has been vilified by many before it even entered into Marine Corps service (strangely people seem to have no problem with US Air Force Special Ops flying this airplane) that has gone on and proven its worth in the war zone.MARINE CORPS AIR STATION NEW RIVER, Jacksonville, N.C. — Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261, “The Raging Bulls,” returned to Marine Corps Air Station New River from Afghanistan July 16. They were stationed at Camp Bastion, Helmand Province, Afghanistan, under the command of Lt. Col. Anthony Bianca, as an assault support unit.
Due to a change of command in May, the Squadron completed their tour under the command of Lt. Col. Ivan Thomas.
The Squadron was the first MV-22 Osprey squadron to operate in Afghanistan, and the unit’s primary mission was to serve as assault support.
“The V-22 was used (in Afghanistan) to exploit its capabilities to the maximum extent,” said Maj. Timothy Miller, executive officer for VMM-261. “We were able to range the entire country. We flew to places that could only be ranged by plane, but only be landed by helicopter.”
This was the squadron’s fourth deployment. Before the recent tour in Afghanistan, the squadron supported Operation Iraqi Freedom during three separate deployments.
Miller said he believes the unit did very well, and performed all missions asked of them to the utmost of their abilities.
“This environment was more challenging (than Iraq),” said Miller. “We performed all missions that were asked us and brought back all aircraft and Marines. Certainly, this was a mission success.”
More than twenty Marines with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 26 were attached to VMM-261 for the return trip.
It was approximately 8 p.m. when the buses carrying the Marines arrived onto the flightline.
One of the Marines who came back was Sgt. Frank Mershon IV. His family was anxiously waiting for him, wearing bright yellow shirts that read “Frank the Tank.”
“We are very excited he’s coming home,” said Terry Mershon, Frank’s mother.
“We are very proud of Frankie, and all the Marines that worked twenty-four-seven,”said Frank Mershon III, Sgt. Mershon’s father.
And now we start hearing from Canadian Aviation Blogs....
More good news and another sign of strong support for the F-35...this from Aviation.ca
“It’s pretty exciting to be part of the change that’s about to occur with the new aircraft coming in,” says Captain Forrest Rock, the fighter pilot who flew in a CF-18 from 425 (Tactical Fighter) Squadron at 3 Wing Bagotville, Que. for the news conference last Friday.Read the whole thing but the Canadian Air Force seems pretty happy with this development.
“I love flying the CF-18, but obviously flying the F-35 one day will be pretty exciting. I love what I do. It’s not every day you can wake up, and go to work and do something you love. Every time you put the throttles in afterburner you get a smile on your face.”
In announcing the $9 billion acquisition, Defence Minister Peter McKay emphasized why the conventional take-off and landing variant of the F-35 Lighting II is the right replacement for the CF-18 Hornet.
“The F-35 Lightning II’s technology in terms of sensors, stealth technology, weapons systems, survivability and the integrated nature of its systems make it a truly fifth generation aircraft,” said Minister McKay. “It is the only fighter to meet the Canadian Forces operational and interpretational requirements and needs.”
Italy cuts Eurofighter buy.
via ASDNews.
Wow.Italy cuts Eurofighter order by 25 units, citing finances
MILAN, July 20, 2010 (AFP) - Italy will slash an order for Eurofighter warplanes by 25 from a planned 121 for savings of about two billion euros (2.6 billion dollars), the defence ministry said on Tuesday.
The reduced order is part of "savings that the ministry must make under the austerity plan" adopted by the centre-right government in May, a press officer told AFP, confirming remarks by Defence Minister Ignazio La Russa at the Farnborough Airshow in Britain.
The two-year austerity package totalling 24.9 billion euros is aimed at cleaning up Italy's finances and reassuring financial markets.
The Eurofighter, a multi-purpose twin-engine fighter jet introduced in 2003, is built by a consortium made up of the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS), Britain's BAE Systems and Alenia/Finmeccanica of Italy.
EADS' share is 46 percent, followed by BAE's 33 percent and Alenia/Finmeccanica's 21 percent.
The Eurofighter programme has been dogged by criticism over costs, notably from Italy and Britain.
Everyone was predicting that the F-35 would fall prey to the financial crisis but it seems like the production schedule will preclude that type of hit.
High tech jobs have a type of political capital that must not be underestimated.
I do wonder what this will do to the planned upgrade of the AESA radar that is being developed. Especially when it can be seen that the F-35 will be a more capable and lower cost airplane.
BAE teases!
I've been watching the BAE micro Farnborough website for news on this tantalizing bit of news on the F-35's defensive avionics suite. Still no word but it appears to be game changing...or it could just be clever marketing. I guess we'll see when we see.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
US Army Air Defense Artillery.
Major Hat Tip to Sgt. C. for the website and pointing me to this video.
More bad news for F-35 haters!
via Reuters...below are the highlights (which I've highlighted!)...
Read it and weep critics! Its over. This program is beyond paring back and its beyond attempts at cancellation. Its truly international in scope and with Turkey buying extra fighters and Israel finally getting off the fence, this program can easily absorb any reduction in buys from wavering partner nations and still deliver on the promise of affordability.The United States and Israel are days away from reaching an agreement on the sale of 19 Lockheed Martin Corp (LMT.N) F-35 fighter jets, which would be the first foreign military sale of the new warplane."The ball is in their court," Vice Admiral Jeffrey Wieringa, who heads the Pentagon's Defense Security Cooperation Agency, told Reuters at the Farnborough Airshow.
"I am waiting for them to make a decision any day," said Wieringa, who is retiring at the end of the month.
Lockheed declined comment on the status of the arms deal, since it will be concluded between the U.S. and Israeli governments, but said the fact that Israel wants to buy the new F-35 fighter underscored global confidence in the jet.
Analysts say the deal is worth about $3 billion.
"When they select F-35, we believe it's a testimony to the capabilities of the jet," Steve O'Bryan, Lockheed's vice president for F-35 business development, told Reuters, noting that Israel faces some formidable security challenges.
Lockheed said it is close to reaching an agreement with the U.S. government on procurement of a fourth batch of 32 F-35 fighters, and a deal could come "any day."
Company officials, speaking in interviews and at a news conference, underscored their commitment to working with the Pentagon to continue driving down the cost of the F-35 program -- at over $300 billion the biggest weapons program in history.
O'Bryan said the contract for the fourth batch of airplanes would be 20 percent lower than that of the previous batch of fighters, and half the price of the first batch.
You've lost F-35 haters.
Pic of the Day. July 20, 2010.
U.S. Marines conduct a beach assault with Peruvian marines in Salinas, Peru, July 11, 2010. The Marines are assigned to Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force 24 aboard the USS New Orleans. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Brian J. Slaght
Wow. Look at all those M4's in that squad! Has the table of equipment changed? Seems like the "Gunners" are making an end run around the Commandant and pushing M4's out to the Marines to justify the acquisition of the Infantry Automatic Rifle! If we have a Company of Marines that can't reach out and touch targets with M-16's then the need for precise automatic fire becomes more important.
A simple picture but I smell a rat!
BP, Lockerbie bomber, the oil spill and our special relationship.
Relationships evolve over time. What was hot and steamy can become cold. Is this what is happening with the US and the UK???? They are part of the EU and the pull of that institution over the UK was bound to alter our relationship. Perhaps we should simply part as friends? Read this from SkyNews and be amazed at the British Prime Minister's defence (yeah I used the British spelling) of British Petroleum (let's use their legacy name not just the new incarnation).
Let's talk range.
One of the major raps against the F-35 is that its a short ranged fighter. But lets compare its combat radius with that of the premier fighter in the world today, the F-22. From Wikipedia.
F-22 Performance Data...
Performance
- Maximum speed:
- At altitude: Mach 2.25 (1,500 mph, 2,410 km/h)[88]
- Supercruise: Mach 1.82 (1,220 mph, 1,963 km/h)[88]
- Range: 1,600 nmi (1,840 mi, 2,960 km) with 2 external fuel tanks
- Combat radius: 410 nmi[189] (471 mi, 759 km)
- Ferry range: 2,000 mi (1,738 nmi, 3,219 km)
- Service ceiling: 65,000 ft (19,812 m)
- Wing loading: 77 lb/ft² (375 kg/m²)
- Thrust/weight: 1.08 (1.26 with loaded weight & 50% fuel)
- Maximum design g-load: -3.0/+9.0 g
Performance
- Maximum speed: Mach 1.67[269] (1,283 mph, 2,065 km/h)
- Range: 1,200 nmi (2,220 km) on internal fuel[270]
- Combat radius: 610 nmi (1,110 km) on internal fuel[270]
- Service ceiling: 60,000 ft[271] (18,288 m)
- Rate of climb: classified (not publicly available)
- Wing loading: 91.4 lb/ft² (446 kg/m²)
- Thrust/weight: **With full
fuel: 0.84;[59]
- With 50% fuel: 1.04 B:[59]
- g-Limits: 9 g[nb 4]
The F-35 is a winner!
Navy Combat Camera get's some!
Wow. Who knew that these guys and girls get the good gear?
DULZURA, Calif. (July 14, 2010) Chief Mass Communication Specialist Paula Ludwick, assigned to Fleet Combat Camera Group Pacific, shoots at a target during a Navy Rifle Qualification Course. The training prepares Sailors for upcoming deployments to hostile environments. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class James Foehl/Released) 100714-N-4965F-174
DULZURA, Calif. (July 14, 2010) Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Anderson Bomjardin, assigned to Fleet Combat Camera Group Pacific, shoots his target during a Navy Rifle Qualification Course. The training prepares Sailors for upcoming deployments to hostile environments. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class James Foehl/Released)100714-N-4965F-100
DULZURA, Calif. (July 14, 2010) Chief Mass Communication Specialist Paula Ludwick, assigned to Fleet Combat Camera Group Pacific, shoots at a target during a Navy Rifle Qualification Course. The training prepares Sailors for upcoming deployments to hostile environments. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class James Foehl/Released) 100714-N-4965F-174
DULZURA, Calif. (July 14, 2010) Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Anderson Bomjardin, assigned to Fleet Combat Camera Group Pacific, shoots his target during a Navy Rifle Qualification Course. The training prepares Sailors for upcoming deployments to hostile environments. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class James Foehl/Released)100714-N-4965F-100
And this...while 1st Marine Logistics Group is running a Cpl's Course, Grunts are doing this....
Marines from Cpl. Joshua Dumaw’s platoon gather for a final prayer in
front of his memorial stand, July 11. Dumaw, a squad leader with the
Police Mentoring Team, was killed while conducting operations against
insurgents in the city of Delaram, June 22. Fellow PMT Marines used
today’s ceremony as an opportunity to reflect on Dumaw’s life and share
personal memories of him with the rest of the unit and other Marines and
sailors in attendance.
Regimental Combat Team-2, 1st Marine Division Public Affairs
Photo by Sgt. Dorian Gardner
If the 1st MLG is over staffed for its mission and is looking for something for its Marines to do then make them Provisional Rifle Companies. Its shameful for some to bear the burden and the pain while others get to act like they're stateside while being in a combat zone.
Regimental Combat Team-2, 1st Marine Division Public Affairs
Photo by Sgt. Dorian Gardner
If the 1st MLG is over staffed for its mission and is looking for something for its Marines to do then make them Provisional Rifle Companies. Its shameful for some to bear the burden and the pain while others get to act like they're stateside while being in a combat zone.
Oh this is BS!!!!
I knew that combat operations in Iraq were over when I first heard of a Cpl's Course being run in theater. Now we have one happening at Camp Leatherneck in Afghanistan?!?!?!??!?!? What the Fuck is going on...seems like the 1st MLG needs to get into the fight!!!!!!
Tip of the Spear: Marines Graduate Corporals Course in Afghanistan
7/17/2010 By Staff Sgt. Jennifer Brofer , 1st Marine Logistics Group (FWD)
CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan — Marines from 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward) graduated a 3-week Corporals Course at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, July 17. As certificates were presented, the Marines lined up in rows waiting for their names to be called. At the front of the line was a small-framed female Marine; her name was called first. Cpl. Chelsey Young, a combat engineer with Engineer Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 5, 1st MLG (FWD), was named the honor graduate of her class of 30 students, consisting of Marines from CLB-5, Combat Logistics Regiment 15, 9th Engineer Support Battalion and 1st MLG (FWD). For her achievement, she received a noncommissioned officer’s sword, which she proudly carried along with her graduation certificate.
It was an “unexpected” accomplishment, said Young after the ceremony. She earned the top score in the class – a 99 average – just .75 points higher than the runner-up, Cpl. Christopher Miller of G-3, 1st MLG (FWD).
Young said one of the most challenging aspects of the course was the grueling physical training, which included a 6-mile hike with full gear, running in the Afghanistan heat, physical fitness tests and field operations.
“At that moment when you’re the most tired,” she said, “you just have to tell yourself to keep going.”
Young, who scored a 300 on her physical fitness test, boasted she was able to shave off 48 seconds from her run time during the course – she now clocks in at 18 minutes, 32 seconds for the 3-mile run.
Although she was the tiniest Marine in the class – weighing in at 95 pounds – her motivation to succeed carried her through the challenging course. She also credits her chief instructor, Gunnery Sgt. Antonio Hairston, to helping keep her motivated.
“Gunny Hairston gave a lot of motivating speeches,” she said of the former drill instructor who now serves as the company gunnery sergeant for Headquarters and Service Company, 1st MLG (FWD).
The course helped her realize “what type of leader I was,” said Young, 20, from Westland, Mich. One of the most important things she learned from the course, she said, is “always look out for your Marines.”
The ceremony ended with the Marines belting out the NCO Creed, their voices echoing off the mess hall walls. Despite her small size, Young stood tall among her peers as they bellowed in unison, “I will never forget that I am responsible to my commanding officer for the morale, discipline, and efficiency of my men. Their performance will reflect an image of me.”
The Flying Kiwi Website.
Ok. You like Naval Aviation? Well I do, and if you do too then you must check out the Flying Kiwi. I don't know this guy but his site is awesome and considering his far flung travels he's either independently wealthy or in hock up to his ears...check it out.
Bitch and Whine.
This from DoDBuzz....
“It’s been three years [since the arms export treaty with Britain was proposed]. At this point we are losing patience,” she says he told her. Pass the treaty, “if you want our soldiers to stand with yours and have the right technology.” Blakey spoke with Fox Sunday night at a dinner for senior U.S. government and industry officials.Read the whole thing but I am struck by the sense of entitlement. Yes you are an ally. Yes you are important. Yes we want your assistance and value our alliance..but WHAT THE FUCK!
If you're losing patience then carry your behind down the road. You're trying to have two lovers...the US and European Defense Industries and Britain is ignoring the fact that theft of intellectual property is a real threat. They wonder why we won't allow access to the source code on the F-35 and then talk about having a joint aircraft carrier with the French...the same French that are famous for industrial espionage and the same French that are selling high tech arms to Russia.
The UK needs an enema...they're seriously losing it.
EADS Chairman is smoking crack.
Wow. This via the BBC.
"The Americans are interested," he told BBC News. "They do not have an aircraft with the same capabilities."This guy is getting some of the "good stuff"...I mean it must be Columbia Pure.
Mr Gallois said he did not expect the US to order the plane immediately.
However, by the middle of the decade the US will need to replace their existing planes, he explained.
By then the A400M programme - which is several billion euros over budget and four years late - should be running smoothly.
"The programme is now on schedule," Mr Gallois said.
Or else he's just plain crazy.
Either way, I can't believe that anyone in his sales department is telling him that the A400 will be considered by the US military in the future.
Talk about capabilities and cost? For a few million dollars more you can buy a C-17 with almost double the lift and speed. I've never seen a company chairman grasping at straws...before now that is...and to be honest its not a pleasant sight.
How any reporter can credibly report this drivel is beyond me but it is fun watching this train wreck better known as Gallois.
Marine Corps Historical Publications.
Sgt. C. hooks us up with the link to the US Marine Corps Historical Division. I honestly had never heard of these guys and simply got historical books etc through the All Marine Messages (ALMARS). This is better. Check them out.
Monday, July 19, 2010
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YN2(SW) H. Lucien Gauthier III Says:
Solomon,Many Sailors go outside the wire. Seabees, Corpsmen, members of the PRT teams, ect. Suffice it to say, we are not allowed out there without tons of training.
Those looking for my Shipmates don’t give a rat’s ass right now why it happened, it is not their question to ask, it is their job to find them. No one cares ‘why’ until it is over. Once it is over, you start asking questions.
July 25th, 2010 at 3:12 pm
Byron Says:
What the YN2 said…In spades. We’ve got two sailors in danger now, and you want to talk crap. It’s not censorship. It’s common decency. Keep all that bilge trash to yourself till they are found, one way or another. Doing otherwise is the same as spitting on them…and their families memories of those who were over there serving. More to the point, open up a box of shut the hell up and start eating.July 25th, 2010 at 5:59 pm
admin Says:
@Solomon:How is your discourse helping this conversation?
“Tragedies happen everyday.” how on earth does that mitigate the situation here.
Does the circumstance of the the rank or particulars of death mitigate one death above another?
We are speaking about two REAL PEOPLE, in peril, possibly dead.
If…as you say..it is unlikely (following your line of logic, for the benefit of the doubt) that two individuals would leave the wire in such a way….for right or wrong reasons…now is not the time for supposition
Wait for hindsight, which I’m sure, for those who consume the spoils, sadly, will be 20/20
In the meantime, let us have hope in humanity and pray for these sailors.
If you prove me wrong, if they are somehow culpable of some heinous crime, then I will pray for them just the same. Because they are sailors, because we are better than our enemy who is unforgiving and close-minded.
July 26th, 2010 at 11:57 pm