Interesting article on the integration of UAVs as wingmen/force multipliers for our manned fighter aircraft. I have little doubt that this is the wave of the future in air warfare. My question is how quickly it can be accomplished, and can any other countries develop such technology fairly quickly.
A nice top level analysis of the current Chinese Navy and where they are heading.
Pararescue airmen (PJs) are some of the most respected soldiers in the military. They are the guys who ride in on helicopters and go down ropes to rescue downed airmen and other trapped and injured soldiers. Now, the military is looking at new ways to get soldiers and airmen who are down behind enemy lines out without having to risk so many lives. One of the latest thoughts is adapting the developing commercial air taxis for such a purposes. Article here.
Another B-52 is being resurrected from the boneyard. Not many left at AMARC. Boeing may end up having to put them back in production. 🙂
Really good article on a seldom spoken of aspect of the F-35. The wild weasel role appears to have simply integrated into the US frontline fighter aircraft.
Mostly, the internet is a cesspit of despair. However, occasionally, I learn something new and interesting from it.
Looks like the US military has developed the small version of Jerry Pournelle’s “Rods from God“. I’ve been watching this particular area with interest. With private space companies bringing the cost per pound to launch items into orbit way down, I have thought for some time that within 7 years we’d have actual heavy inert rods in orbit. Combined with precision guidance, this will make for an awesome non-nuclear capability.
The US is on track to test two hypersonic vehicles this year according to this report. If you haven’t been paying attention, one of the big fears being pushed is that the Chinese are “way ahead” in developing a hypersonic vehicle or warhead. Frankly, I can’t tell how much of this is “missile gap” hype (get it? Hype. Sometimes I amuse myself) and how much is real. It certainly does appear that hypersonic vehicles and lasers are going to be two important areas of weapons development in the near future.
Looks like they are getting even cheaper.
Also, they are getting more weapons carriage capability.
Things are coming up roses all over for the F-35.
