Blast from the recent past. Whatever happened to the aerial missile trucks everyone was jazzed about?

Yesterday DARPA came out with a request for information(?) asking industry if it was feasible to build a "flying rail" that could be carried by a F-15 or F-18, fly out a .9 Mach while carrying at least one missile.  I never did catch the range "ask" but I do know that they said if they could get more missiles they'd be happy.  They also want "rapid production" capability.

My question is why?

Let's assume it can be done.  Does it make sense to do it?

My argument goes a little like this.  If this is part of the US' air arms getting ready for that big fight with China that I keep predicting MUST happen for the survival of the US, then it makes no sense.

Why not move with quickness on the birds we have in hand.

I'm talking about the F-15 2040.  Check out what Tyler over at FoxTrot Alpha wrote.

The annual Air Force Association conference will kick off outside of Washington next week, where Boeing is putting its latest and greatest combat aircraft developments on show for industry and Washington power brokers. This includes new F-15 configurations that allow the 43-year-old design to lug 16 air-to-air missiles into combat instead of the standard eight it carries today.

Story here. 

That article was written on 12 Sep 2015.  Almost to the day, 2 years ago. Yet today we see DARPA putting out this request when that weapon is sitting in the safe going unused?

It gets worse though.

The UAV the Navy is building is being tasked with ISR and tanking duties. With a little engineering work, it could easily be turned into a missile or even bomb truck.

But wait! There's more!

via Breaking Defense

Reporters must stop asking Will Roper about the Arsenal Plane, because he hasn’t picked which aircraft will be rebuilt as a high-tech truck for long-range missiles and other weapons. Speculation has centered on the Air Force B-52, but the Strategic Capabilities Office director made clear that choice is, well, up in the air.

“Everyone is interested in the arsenal plane,” Roper said, smiling, as he demurred time and again to offer details during this morning’s media roundtable here. “We haven’t announced what the plane is…to give ourselves the maximum set of options until we’re ready to pick the one.”

“Learning and discovery is part of the process,” he said. “It’s not until we start doing the engineering of trying to make them an arsenal plane that we (discover) which one can do the best job.”

Story here (note that the Arsenal plane was first openly discussed in Feb 2016 and this article is from Sep 2016)

Face the sad facts gents.

Everything is on hold.  Every project that could help us REGAIN air superiority is on the back burner till they get the F-35 sorted out.

How long has it been?

10 years and counting?

When will it be ready for Full Operational Capability?  After 2022?  Maybe later?

The Dept of Defense is endangering our nation and squandering our combat capability because they've been compromised by Lockheed Martin and their lust for stealth (not even stealth anymore...they've thrown away that tidbit and now try and dazzle with sensor fusion---something ANY PLANE can obtain).

A flying rail?  I said it before and I'll say it again.  DARPA is on crack.  We have weapons in the safe but won't pull them out and get them into the field. We're waiting on that unobtainium wonder weapon known as the F-35 to work right.

Hurricane Irma is promising regional destruction.

Wow.  Don't know if this is just fear mongering from meteorologists but this hurricane is looking like a real life Godzilla on some super strong Tren.

Even worse?  The European and US tracks are meeting and its gonna be bad (if they're right).  This thing is suppose to go straight up the center of Florida from South heading North, crash into Georgia and then give S. Carolina, N. Carolina, Tennessee, West Virginia, Virginia and the rest of the Northeast a undesired kiss.

My worry is Florida and Georgia.

Consider this.  Think about modern houses.  Unless you're a millionaire you aren't buying a house that can withstand 175 mph winds.

The punch in the face those people are about to receive is gonna make the drama from Harvey look like good times (oh and once again the Marine Corps fucked up...they sent the Kearsage to the Virgin Islands when they're gonna be needed big time in the continental US).

Between wind damage, storm surge, flooding and the popup tornado it's gonna be a bad time.

I will never believe that we are victims to fate.  We will always have SOME control over outcomes...no matter how small that might be. This storm gives me pause though.

If we're entering a phase where storms of this intensity are the norm then bugout plans need to be revised.  Simply planning a trip that takes you 600 miles from the scene and a two or three day stay isn't gonna be enough in certain locations.

Think about it like this.  If you live in Miami and you're doing your best to safeguard yourself and your family then you need to actually plan to drive to say Gulfport Mississippi to stay out of the storm damage.  I'm sure many thought that just driving to Georgia would be enough.

Speaking of Georgia.  This thing is gonna slam right thru the center of that state.  Have you ever been to Georgia?  I'm not talking about Atlanta, but to back woods Georgia.  They're gonna be eradicated from the face of the earth if this thing maintains strength going thru there.

Harvey was bad, Irma will be worse.  Regional destruction is on the plate.  The only real question is this. Are we entering a period where this is normal?

The Borsuk IFV is developed under Poland's Amphibious Infantry Fighting Vehicle programme to replace the BWP-1?

We've seen the above vehicle but what filled in the blanks was this article via Jane's IHS.

Huta Stalowa Wola (HSW) unveiled a Borsuk tracked infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) variant equipped with a ZSSW-30 remote controlled turret at the International Defence Industry Exhibition MSPO.

The vehicle is being developed under the New Amphibious Infantry Fighting Vehicle programme to replace the BWP-1 (BMP-1) IFV in service with the Polish Armed Forces.

The model unveiled in Kielce is scheduled to undergo driving and swimming tests in late 2017 and early 2018 before being destroyed in a mine protection test during the second quarter of 2018. Planning foresees assembly of the first Borsuk prototype in the third quarter of 2018.

First.  Poland is all about amphibious fighting vehicles.  Second.  The Poles have an aggressive schedule.  This bad boy will enter service before the ACV. Can you say armor race?

Blast from the past. Centauro conducting amphibious landing tests...

Thanks to Eris for the pics!

Saab's new Mobile SHORAD solution is appearing at DSEI next week!

Is SAAB about to take it to the next level?  I'm amazed no one has come up with it before now (if I'm reading this right).  Think about it!  You have all these vehicles that can mount various turrets, and caliber of weapons but we don't have the same ability to plug in an anti-air system!

Looks like SAAB thought the same thing and they're about to introduce it to the market.  Oh you have some legacy Strykers that aren't good for frontline use but don't want to waste a JLTV on the anti-air mission or want more storage capability for reloads?  SAAB has you covered!

This is kinda brilliant (if I'm reading this right...and I reserve the right to be wrong).

Prediction. The USMC will dump the V-22 and get onboard the Army's V-280!

The Bell V-280 Valor program achieved 100 percent build completion of the prototype aircraft. #V280Valor #Tiltrotor Press release link in bio.

A post shared by Bell Helicopter (@bellhelicopter) on Sep 6, 2017 at 11:35am PDT

I had two realizations.  Go to the Bell Helicopter Instagram page and look at the photos they have of this airplane.

It's wings are MUCH larger than those of the V-22.  I don't know aerodynamics but that should translate into more lift, better range and perhaps even better speed if not handling qualities while in airplane mode.

The next realization is that I'm betting the improvements that we're gonna see in this next gen VTOL will render the V-22 obsolete. The USMC will have no choice BUT to get aboard the Army's program of record and get NAVAIR to design (along with Bell) a navalized version.

I was skeptical at first but the more I look at this beast the more I'm convinced that we might be looking at the next Huey.  The next step will be to get them going on an armed version to get rid of the Apache and AH-1Z.

Everyone wants a game changer?  This is it.  They're closer to truly cracking the code.  Next step?  I don't know.  Maybe jet engines that swivel for STOL capability on a larger platform...they won't have to vertical maybe swivel up halfway?

The future is unfolding in ways the planners did not expect.

F-35C Lightning II aircraft are tested aboard USS Abraham Lincoln.

Posting the pics does not equal endorsing the airplane.  I want to see video of it's launch and the pilot to see if they've corrected that problem.  Also need to see that report comparing the Super Hornet to the F-35C.

Last but not least.  You can kiss any increase in the defense budget goodbye. Two major hurricanes with the possibility of more in the future?

There is no money for an increase. So you won't see F-35 buys "ramp up" to push down the cost curve.

Finally I haven't heard a thing about the latest round of cost reduction efforts that Lockheed and the subcontractors are suppose to be performing.

A hurricane funny...

If you're in the hurricanes patch, stay safe! Mother nature is no joke. PC @9minded #gwacrew #hurricaneirma #florida

A post shared by GWA (@gearwhoresanonymous) on Sep 7, 2017 at 9:56am PDT

This is a funny meme about the hurricanes.  Not that idiotic, Nazi inspired bullshit I saw earlier.

Open Comment Post. Sep 7, 2017

DARPA’s Flying Missile Rail via Alert 5.

Geez!  Someone at DARPA is on crack!  A flying missile rail?  That can be carried by an F-16 or F-18? If deployed from those aircraft can move out at .9 Mach?  Check out the vid below.



I'm not an engineer but this sounds like they're asking for the impossible.  How do you build a vehicle that is light enough to be carried by a fighter, fast enough to zoom away by itself at .9 Mach, and carry at least one long range air to air missile?

Simply amazing.

On top of that they're not asking for a dedicated program but asking for rapid manufacturing of the item.

On top of all that they're offering pennies on the dollar for all the brainwork involved.

Yep.  DARPA needs to be ground zero for enhanced drug testing.

V-280 Valor pics via FireInTheHole Tumblr Page.

AW 101 @ MPSO ... pic via HeliHub

Why the LCAC is crucial to the Marines.

via National Interest

For the foreseeable future, in order to get significant forces from ship-to-shore the Marine Corps will rely on the Navy’s fleet of specialized vessels, the Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC). First deployed in 1984, the LCAC revolutionized amphibious operations. The LCAC is a high-speed air cushion platform that floats just above the water. It is capable of carrying heavy payloads and large numbers of Marines from the well deck of an amphibious ship stationed up to 100 miles at sea not just to the water’s edge but over the beach. With a cargo capacity of up to 70 tons, the LCAC is able to carry the heaviest vehicle the Marine Corps possesses, the M-1 tank, at speeds approaching 40 nautical miles an hour.

The LCAC is designed to be carried and operate from all Navy amphibious ships that possess a well deck. This is a large, enclosed space located in the stern of many amphibious warfare ships, which allows LCACs, amphibious vehicles and boats to load men, vehicles and supplies directly from the ship’s interior. Once fully loaded, LCACs can move rapidly across the water and over the shore, delivering large numbers of Marines, their combat gear and fighting vehicles into battle. LCACs also can conduct evacuation support, lane breaching, mine countermeasure operations, and Marine and Special Warfare equipment delivery.

Story here. 

TF 51/5 tests warfighting capabilities during Alligator Dagger ..... Tech. Sgt. Joe Harwood

1.  That's some nasty looking terrain.  Northern Africa is a place to break vehicles.  Southern Africa is a place to break men.

2.  The Lewis B. Puller is operating with the MEU.  Could they have actually decided to give my Reinforced MEU a try by attaching it?  Doubtful.  I still think it could be a game changer, especially in light of the more powerful and armored terrorists forces we've seen lately.  When Hezbollah operates tanks, apcs and anti-air systems its time to beef up what we're doing.

Rosomak 8x8 vehicle w/ Oto Melara Hitfact 120mm turret

Galvars provided the below photo...

It's been quiet for the past 12 years. Cool your jets on the Hurricane theories!

Rant time.

The goblins are coming out of the woodwork telling me that we're seeing an increase in hurricanes.

Fact for the slow kids in the class.

We haven't seen a major hit on the US from a hurricane since 2005.  12 freaking years of quiet with regard to hurricanes and now you want to run around with your hair on fire yelling CLIMATE CHANGE????

I don't know if climate change is real.  I do know that a whole movement has sprung up around it and I do know that authorities are seeking no real solutions to the problem...ONLY A TAX!

So long short.  Spare me nonsense.  Know history or shut up.  Rant over.

IDF's Future War Chariot...The Carmel tank

Thanks to Al for the link!



I think they're getting the future wrong.

I'm betting by 2050 we're gonna see some type of power armor for infantry along with some augmentation.  Whether that steroids or some other drug to improve physical performance along with increased firepower at the individual level.

Heavy armor will be pure transports and fire support platforms.

Big guns everywhere with the knowledge that missiles make everything vulnerable.

The Carmel?

A step into that future.

External lift trials were conducted with an Australian Army CH-47F Chinook of the Hawkei Protected Mobility Vehicle (PMV)

Pic via Helicopter Pics Instagram Page.

From 26-30 June 2017, external lift trials were conducted with an Australian Army CH-47F Chinook, and the two-door and four-door variants of the Hawkei Protected Mobility Vehicle (PMV). Held at RAAF 🇦🇺 Base Townsville, the trials assessed the practice and techniques required to safely attach and carry the Hawkei, which weighs approximately nine tonnes. The trials were conducted by the Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group’s Land 121 Phase 4 project team and Air Mobility Training and Development Unit (AMTDU), a joint Army and Air Force unit tasked with establishing air load techniques for new equipment and vehicles, and training personnel in this practice.

You worried about Irma? I'm thinking about Tropical Depression 13!

Everyone in Florida and off the East Coast is going batshit over Hurricane Irma.  Understandable.  That storm is looking like a monster.  A Category 5?

Yeah.  That's gonna hurt.

I notice that the Marine Corps is being a bit proactive this time and that MEU 26 is forming up for future taskings with Irma or to take part in the clean up in Houston.

They might want to hold off a bit though.  If they jump too quick and sail to the Virgin Islands they might miss out on a bigger need on the continental US.

Am I saying leave the Virgin Islands to its own devices?  Yes.  Yes I am.  Limited resources say that you must prioritize.  Which is gonna need more help?  The VI or a couple of major cities in Florida if this storm hits full strength?

Anyway, everyone is going crazy over Irma but I'm keeping my eye on Tropical Depression 13.

Is this climate change?  Don't know, don't think so.  Why?  Because we've had virtually storm free seasons for the past couple of years.  I consider this another part of the cycle.  Bad storms in the past like the one that practically wiped Galveston off the map, or Katrina, or Andrew were never blamed on climate change so I'm not in favor of making that leap today.

We'll see what happens but spare me your idiocy about people building and living where they do.  Mother Nature spares no one.  Every country, region and place on the face of the planet will bow to the power of the environment.

LOOK (light observation-defensive container)...the Mobile Pillbox/Observation Post.

via Defence 24.

LOOK (light observation-defensive container) is a 20-feet container-based armoured observation and protection station. The container is fitted with a rotating weapon station or, optionally, a remotely controlled weapons module, complemented with a Polish-made optoelectronic sensor. LOOK is being presented, during the MSPO 2017 event, by the ZM Tarnów company. It has been submitted as a product proposed to receive the Defender award.

Story here. 

Mike Sparks would be proud.  Once again the guy is being proven as an innovator and many of his ideas are seeing the light of day.  He called this very same concept a "Battle Box" but expanded on it to include providing logistics for an entire Brigade based on the ISO-Container being organized, bar coded and managed to service forward forces.

He even went so far as to envision ways that it would aid maneuver forces and saw them being towed by M-113's and moved around the battlefield by CH-54 (super modernized).

You can check out Sparks writing on the subject here...be warned it's a bandwidth killer so if you're running a slow connection it'll hit you hard.