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| U.S. Marine Corp Maj. C.R. Clift flies F-35C test aircraft CF-2 for its 41st flight. (Lockheed Martin photo by Michael D. Jackson) |
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| U.S. Marine Corp Maj. C.R. Clift flies F-35C test aircraft CF-2 for its 41st flight. (Lockheed Martin photo by Michael D. Jackson) |
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| U.S. Marine Corp Maj. C.R. Clift flies F-35C test aircraft CF-2 for its 41st flight. (Lockheed Martin photo by Michael D. Jackson) |
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| U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Fred Schenk flies F-35B test aircraft BF-5 in short takeoff/vertical landing (STOVL) mode during the aircraft’s 24th flight. (Lockheed Martin photo by Michael D. Jackson) |
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| F-35B test aircraft BF-5 flies in STOVL mode for the first time on Dec. 5, 2011, on its 21st flight. (Lockheed Martin photo by Andy Wolfe) |
ACV program plans seem to be coalescing around an approach outlined, “As approved at the ACV Material Development Decision (MDD), the ACV program has been approved to enter a combined Material Solution Analysis/Technology Development Phase. An In Process Review will be held after the Analysis of Alternatives (AoA), at which time the material solution will be set and the subsequent Milestones will be established. For this RFI, the government is looking for industry input into an incremental acquisition program to deliver a series of incremental capability upgrades in order to inform ongoing affordability analyses. This could be achieved either through delivery of a baseline new vehicle with subsequent planned upgrades, or a set of planned upgrades to the legacy vehicle. The overall intent is to minimize the per vehicle cost of each of the increments without stretching the program over more than three increments, and preferably only two.”Wow.
After negotiating for more than a year, India has firmed up an order with Russia for the purchase of 42 upgraded Sukhoi-30 MKI aircraft to strengthen its aging fleet. An agreement confirming this purchase will be signed during Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s visit to Russia starting Thursday.Read the whole thing but this part has me intrigued...a Sukhoi with 5th gen characteristics???
While the Cabinet Committee on Security had taken a decision on buying 42 additional Sukhoi MKIs last year, negotiations have taken longer because India was also keen to include some of the features found in fifth generation fighter aircraft. Finally, the Russian side agreed to upgrade the SU-30 MKIs to its latest version known as ‘Super Sukhoi’ with additional characteristics.
Most significantly, the aircraft will be able to carry a heavier weapon load, including the airborne version of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, he added.Wow.
Fedorov said the 'Super Sukhoi' will be a potent aircraft similar in features to a fifth generation aircraft. However, he refused to provide specific details of the upgrade, stating that the exact nature of this was still to be decided between the Indian and Russian sides.
Discussions are currently on regarding various aspects of the proposed upgrade, he said.
The Irkut chief did not provide any indication of the cost of the upgrade project. However, going by the general cost trends of similar upgrades, the price could run close to $1 billion.
Meanwhile, HAL is upbeat over its participation in the cutting-edge technology fifth generation fighter aircraft (FGFA) project.
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| The first three-ship F-35A formation flight occurred over the Air Force Flight Test Center at Edwards AFB on 10 December 2011. Flying lead was Maj. Matthew Hayden in AF-2, with Lt. Col. Dwayne Opella in AF-3, and Maj. Steven Spears in AF-4 forming up on his wing. This was Flight 85 for AF-4. |
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| Last F-22 off the assembly line..via Lockheed Martin |
In 2002, Lockheed Martin began studying a modified bomber version of the F-22 Raptor fighter, featuring a delta wing, longer body and greater range and payload.[1] The FB-22 medium bomber is based on existing and planned capabilities of the F-22 fighter, a heritage that would limit development costs and risks should the idea go into production. The FB-22 was planned to serve as a regional bomber, a role previously covered by the General Dynamics F-111 Aardvark.[2]I can tell you one thing. Extended development times is the killing our military.
The FB-22 differs from the original F-22 design significantly. A lengthened fuselage and larger delta wing provide greater fuel capacity for greater range of some 1,600 miles (2,600 km).[2] This also allows room for a larger internal weapons bay, better suiting long range attack missions and improved stealth.[3] Changing to an improved engine such as the F-35 Lightning II's Pratt & Whitney F135, or the General Electric/Rolls-Royce F136 is possible.[4] The FB-22 would have a maximum speed of Mach 1.92.[5]
One early FB-22 concept featured no tailplanes.[5] The FB-22 design incorporated twin tailplanes and likely would have fixed engine nozzles as opposed to the thrust vectoring nozzles on the F-22.[5] The FB-22 design could carry 30 Small Diameter Bombs (SDB), which weigh just 250 pounds (110 kg), compared with the F-22's payload of eight.[1]
Today, four serial Su-34 frontline bombers went up in the sky from the runway airport of the Novosibirsk Aircraft Production Association (NAPO) and off to the place of their deployment at the air base in Voronezh. Two more aircraft will arrive there in the next few days. The aircraft delivery is carried out in the framework of the five-year state contract signed in 2008 to supply 32 Su-34 frontline bombers to the Russian Defense Ministry.Read the whole thing but from my view point (Navy and Marines) the deadliest airplane the Russians currently possess is the SU-34.
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| Marines with Company I, Battalion Landing Team 3/1, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, load a CH-46E Sea Knight aboard USS Makin Island here Dec. 14 to participate in Exercise Kilat Eagle, a bilateral training event between Marines and sailors of MEU and soldiers from the Malaysian Army. The Camp Pendleton, Calif., based 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit deployed from San Diego Nov. 14 aboard USS Makin Island, USS New Orleans and USS Pearl Harbor and arrived in Malaysia Dec. 14 as part of a regularly scheduled deployment to the Western Pacific and Middle East regions. Photo by Capt. Roger Hollenbeck |
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| Marines with Company I, Battalion Landing Team 3/1, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, walk to a CH-53E Super Stallion aboard USS Makin Island here Dec. 14 to participate in Exercise Kilat Eagle, a bilateral training event between Marines and sailors of MEU and soldiers from the Malaysian Army. The Camp Pendleton, Calif., based 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit deployed from San Diego Nov. 14 aboard USS Makin Island, USS New Orleans and USS Pearl Harbor and arrived in Malaysia Dec. 14 as part of a regularly scheduled deployment to the Western Pacific and Middle East regions. Photo by Capt. Roger Hollenbeck |
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| Marines with Company I, Battalion Landing Team 3/1, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, load a CH-53E Super Stallion aboard USS Makin Island here Dec. 14 to participate in Exercise Kilat Eagle, a bilateral training event between Marines and sailors of MEU and soldiers from the Malaysian Army. The Camp Pendleton, Calif., based 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit deployed from San Diego Nov. 14 aboard USS Makin Island, USS New Orleans and USS Pearl Harbor and arrived in Malaysia Dec. 14 as part of a regularly scheduled deployment to the Western Pacific and Middle East regions. Photo by Capt. Roger Hollenbeck |
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| A CH-53E Super Stallion from Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 268 (Reinforced) departs USS Makin Island here Dec. 14 to fly 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit personnel to Kuantan, Malaysia for Exercise Kilat Eagle, a bilateral training event between Marines and sailors of MEU and soldiers from the Malaysian Army. The Camp Pendleton, Calif., based 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit deployed from San Diego Nov. 14 aboard USS Makin Island, USS New Orleans and USS Pearl Harbor and arrived in Malaysia Dec. 14 as part of a regularly scheduled deployment to the Western Pacific and Middle East regions Photo by Capt. Roger Hollenbeck |
I wasn't carrying a gun to stop a school shooter and become some sort of hero. I was carrying a gun to preserve my own life. Just as I always carried a loaded Beretta 9 mm tucked inside my uniform when with Iraqi policemen inside their "station," I didn't trust that anyone else would be looking out for me first. It's not that I didn't think that the University of Arizona Police Department wouldn't do their very best to stop any potential shooting as soon as possible. I simply knew all too well how quickly such situations could play out, and how help nearby could be no help at all.Read the whole thing. It should open up many eyes to the dangers of stumbling into situation where you don't have all the information.
My carry philosophy has not changed much since that first day. My parents taught me to be responsible for myself. Scouting taught me to be prepared. Combat taught me to be aware.
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| KHAN-NESHIN, Afghanistan-U.S. Marine Sgt. Eric Colley, a 23-year-old native of Caldwell, Idaho, posts security during an air interdiction force mission here, Dec. 7. The AIF mission was conducted in support of an Afghan Border Police led clearing operation in Khan-Neshin. During the mission, Marines and sailors from Charlie Co., 1/25, and 2nd Bn., 11th Marines, circled above, searching for suspicious vehicles or personnel. The AIF plays a unique role with Regimental Combat Team 5’s counter-insurgency operations in southern Helmand. , Cpl. Alfred V. Lopez, 12/11/2011 11:49 PM |
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| KHAN-NESHIN, Afghanistan-U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. John Lynch, a 22-year-old Brookfield, Conn. native and motor transport operator with 1st Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, posts security during an air interdiction force mission here, Dec. 7. The AIF mission was conducted in support of an Afghan Border Police led clearing operation in Khan-Neshin. During the mission, Marines and sailors from Charlie Co., 1/25, and 2nd Bn., 11th Marines, circled above, searching for suspicious vehicles or personnel. The AIF plays a unique role with Regimental Combat Team 5’s counter-insurgency operations in southern Helmand., Cpl. Alfred V. Lopez, 12/11/2011 10:44 PM |
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| KHAN-NESHIN, Afghanistan-U.S. Marine Sgt. Alston Hays, an air interdiction force team member with Regimental Combat Team 5, searches a local man during an air interdiction force mission here, Dec. 7. The AIF mission was conducted in support of an Afghan Border Police led clearing operation in Khan-Neshin. During the mission, Marines and sailors from Charlie Co., 1/25, and 2nd Bn., 11th Marines, circled above, searching for suspicious vehicles or personnel. The AIF plays a unique role with Regimental Combat Team 5’s counter-insurgency operations in southern Helmand., 2nd Lt. Chris Harper, 12/11/2011 10:43 PM |
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| KHAN-NESHIN, Afghanistan-U.S. Marines with the air interdiction force composed of 1st Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, and 2nd Bn., 11th Marines, pause for a break as a CH-53 Sea Stallion refuels during an Afghan Border Police led clearing operation here, Dec. 7. The AIF circles high in sky above, searching for suspicious vehicles or personnel, and plays a unique role in counter-insurgency operations in southern Helmand. , Cpl. Alfred V. Lopez, 12/12/2011 12:23 AM |
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| KHAN-NESHIN, Afghanistan-U.S. Marine Sgt. Ryan McDowell, a 24-year-old rifleman from Kent, Ohio, moves toward a target during an air interdiction force mission here, Dec. 7. The AIF mission was conducted in support of an Afghan Border Police led clearing operation in Khan-Neshin. During the mission, Marines and sailors from Charlie Co., 1/25, and 2nd Bn., 11th Marines, circled above, searching for suspicious vehicles or personnel. The AIF plays a unique role with Regimental Combat Team 5’s counter-insurgency operations in southern Helmand., Cpl. Alfred V. Lopez, 12/11/2011 11:10 PM |
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| KHAN-NESHIN, Afghanistan-KHAN NESHIN, Helmand province, Afghanistan – U.S. Marines with the air interdiction force composed of 1st Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, and 2nd Bn., 11th Marines, search a vehicle during an air interdiction force mission here, Dec. 7. The AIF mission was conducted in support of an Afghan Border Police led clearing operation in Khan-Neshin. During the mission, Marines and sailors from Charlie Co., 1/25, and 2nd Bn., 11th Marines, circled above, searching for suspicious vehicles or personnel. The AIF plays a unique role with Regimental Combat Team 5’s counter-insurgency operations in southern Helmand., Cpl. Alfred V. Lopez, 12/11/2011 10:42 PM |
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| KHAN-NESHIN, Afghanistan-U.S. Marine Capt. Stephen Bartoszak, Charlie Company, 1/25 executive officer and 27-year-old native of Centereach, N.Y., posts security during an air interdiction force mission here, Dec. 7. The AIF mission was conducted in support of an Afghan Border Police led clearing operation in Khan-Neshin. During the mission Marines and sailors from Charlie Co., 1/25, and 2nd Bn., 11th Marines, circled above, searching for suspicious vehicles or personnel. The AIF plays a unique role with Regimental Combat Team 5’s counter-insurgency operations in southern Helmand., Cpl. Alfred V. Lopez, 12/11/2011 11:39 PM |
Australia aims to buy up to 1,300 of the high-mobility Hawkei, to be built in Bendigo where Thales Australia also produces the larger Bushmaster infantry vehicle, used by Australian, British and Dutch troops in Afghanistan.
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| Apache helicopters of the Israeli
and Hellenic Air Forces fly together in a joint aerial exercise. These
types of exercises are a central aspect of the Israel-Greece military
cooperation.Photo by Israel Air Force.
A couple of things about this photo that the IDF is highlighting as its pic of the day. First this photo was taken in July of this year. Is this part of the propaganda effort against Iran? Second, its hard to miss the Israeli Apache's operating with fuel tanks in the pic. Lastly what's with all the training with European countries? They practically have a base in Romania and they're drilling their asses off with the Greeks, but nothing with the French, Germans or UK. Is there a split in the EU with regards to Israel or is it simply a military issue? I don't know but will be asking.
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Another topic of discussion was how the Army would maintain its presence in strategic areas of the world, such as Asia, when it will have fewer foreign bases and most of its forces will be stateside.A few points just jump out at me.
This concern harkens back to the late 1990s, when the Army feared for its relevance as its forces were deemed to slow and heavy to deploy to urgent crises. For a U.S.-based force, the ability to rapidly move troops is “going to be a problem for the Army,” said Steven Metz, a strategist at the Army War College.
Another theme that emerged from the seminar is the notion that, barring a major war, the Army might not be needed, or even wanted, in many parts the world. In Africa, for instance, foreign allies typically need help building roads, hospitals or assistance in humanitarian relief, but they do not always welcome U.S. military presence. “How to you work with someone who needs you but doesn't want you?” asked Lt. Col. Thomas Talley, an advisor at U.S. Africa Command.
