BAE Systems tapped to provide LiteHUD display for Scorpion jet
By Ryan Maass | Jan. 30, 2017 at 1:18 PM
Jan. 30 (UPI) — BAE Systems has been selected to provide its LiteHUD head-up display for Textron Airland’s Scorpion multimission aircraft.
Under the agreement between the two companies, the initial order will support Textron’s robust flight test for the Scorpion jet. BAE Systems officials say the deal validates the LiteHUD’s advanced capabilities, which aim to reduce pilot fatigue while enhancing situational awareness in the air.
“With its revolutionary optics and high-resolution display, LiteHUD will provide Scorpion pilots with the ‘head-up, eyes-out’ capability they need, no matter the mission,” BAE Systems Advanced Displays director Andy Humphries said in a press release.
In a statement announcing the collaboration, BAE Systems said the product is 60 percent smaller and 50 percent lighter than existing head-up displays. The LiteHUD also includes a built-in camera, and is designed to integrate with both existing and future cockpits.
Textron’s Scorpion is a multimission military aircraft fitted to perform intelligence gathering operations as well as combat missions. The jet is capable of carrying precision-guided munitions for strikes, has been deployed to 10 countries, and has logged more than 800 flight hours during military training events.
LiteHUD® is a small and compact Head-Up Display (HUD), offering space and weight advantages paired with the latest optical waveguide technology. Its modular and lightweight design improves flight safety, reducing fatigue and increasing situational awareness day or night. Providing seamless operation with night vision goggles (NVGs), LiteHUD® allows for incremental capability upgrades with minimal impact to helmet and aircraft installation.
The K-300P or Bastion-P is a Russian mobile costal defense missile system. The “P” letter in the designation denotes “mobile”. This coastal defense missile system is known in the West as SSC-5 Stooge. Development began in the 1990s.
The Bastion-P is in service with the Russian armed forces. First 3 systems were delivered to the Russian military in 2010. These are in service with the Black Sea Fleet. Latter one more missile system was delivered to the Black Sea Fleet and 2 systems to the Northern Fleet. This coastal defense system has been exported to Syria (2 systems) and Vietnam (2 systems).
Russian Black Sea Fleet to get Bastion coastal missile systems:Here
Russia to deploy missile systems on Kuril islands:Here
Bastion-P Costal defense missile system in Kaliningrad
With 300 km range can control large parts of the southern Baltic Sea, for example from Kaliningrad. If you sit on Gotland will lock even more effective, as Karlis Neretnieks raised on Newsmill last week. – Image: oplatsen.wordpress.com
The main role of the Bastion-P is to engage various surface ships. It can also engage carrier battle groups, convoys or landing craft. In some cases missiles fired from this system can target surface targets.
The Bastion-P launcher carries two P-800 Oniks/Yakhont (SS-N-26 Strobile) anti-ship cruise missiles. These have a range of 300 km with hi-low flight trajectory and 120 km with low-low flight trajectory. It is worth noting that the same missile was used as a basis for the BRAHMOS cruise missile.
The missile has a two-stage propulsion system. It uses solid-fuel rocket booster for initial acceleration and liquid-fuel ramjet for sustained supersonic cruise. The booster is ejected by the airflow after it has burned out.
The warhead weights about 200-250 kg. It seems that this missile can carry nuclear or conventional warheads.
3M55 Oniks/P-800 Yakhont/P-800 Bolid The supersonic P-800 Yakhont (Gem) is a ramjet version of P-80 Zubr [SS-N-7 Starbright]. The ship, submarine and coastal-launched Yakhont is launched from the unified ampoule-shaped transport-launching container (TLC). The container is 9 m long, is 0.71 m in diameter. The firing range reaches 300 km (162 nmi.) when flying along a combined trajectory and 120 kg (265 lb.) when following only a low-altitude trajectory. Flight speed varying over the range from M=2.0 to M=2.5 is provided by the kerosene-fueled multi-mode liquid-fuel ramjet. The P-800 Bolid is the encapsulated, submarine launched version of Yakhont. An air-launched version of the missile with the take-off weight of 2,500 kg (5,507 lb.) is also being developed. The closest American counterparts, the Tomahawk and Harpoon missiles, are subsonic; the best French antiship missile, the Exocet, has a range of only 45 miles. Source fas.org
Country of Origin
Russia
Builder
Beriev
Role
Amphibious anti-submarine patrol aircraft
Range
300 km mixed trajectory
120 km low trajectory
Speed
Mach 2 to 2.5
Flight altitude
5 to 15 meters, final phase
Weight of warhead
200 kg [about]
Guidance
active-passive, radar seeker head
Minimum target detection range
50 km in active mode
Maximum seeker head search angle
45 degrees
Propulsion
· solid propellant booster stage · liquid-propellant ramjet sustainre motor
Launcher type
underwater, surface ship, land
Launch method
from closed bottom launch-container
Launch angle range
15 to 90 degrees
Weight
3,000 kg launch
3,900 kg in launch-container
Launch-container dimensions
8.9 meters length 0.7 meters diameter
Image: npomash.ru
The fully charged and armed missile is stored in the sealed canister with compactly folded wings and fins. All routine checks can be conducted without missile removal from canister. Source npomash.ru
It is a fire-and-forget type missile. It uses a satellite guidance at the initial stage of the flight and active radar guidance when it approaches a target. This missile uses a Russian sea-skimming cruise missile technology. It can fly at altitude from 5 to 14 000 meters above the sea level. At the final stage of the flight it has minimum altitude. Also it can maneuver at supersonic speed before hitting the target. Close-in weapon systems might not be effective against this missile, as it travels too fast. Also this missile can be used in electronic countermeasures environment. So it might be a hard nut for air defense systems to intercept.
The launcher vehicle is based on a Belarusian MZKT-7930 heavy high mobility chassis (see bottom). Vehicle has good cross-country mobility and can operate over rough terrain. The TEL vehicle is operated by a crew of 3, including commander, operator and driver.
The Bastion Missile System: A Symbol of Power and Foreign Policy Tool:Here
Excerpt
The militarization of Russia has reached such an extent that not only its military force as such has become a foreign policy tool, but even individual weapons systems are also being used for this purpose. In recent weeks, the coastal defense missile system Bastion has acquired the role of a foreign policy tool. It denies the enemy access to a 600-km-long (372 miles) stretch of the coast, covering a maritime area of 150,000 sq. kilometers (57,915 sq. miles), and can defend the approaches to a political and administrative district as part of the latter’s joint defensive system.
The TEL vehicle can launch its missiles within 5 minutes from travelling. Vehicle has a vertical launch configuration. It can launch both missiles with short interval of 2-5 seconds between the launches. The missile can be used up to a Sea State 7.
The mobile launcher can remain on active standby over a period of 3-5 days. Once supported by a combat duty support vehicle, the Bastion-P launchers can remain on active standby for up to 30 days.
Image: npomash.ru
A battery of Bastion-P consists of 4 mobile launchers, 1-2 command and control vehicles, 1 support vehicle; 4 transloaders. Launcher vehicles can be located up to 25 km away from the command and control vehicles. The whole Bastion-P battery is controlled from the main Naval headquarters. If required launcher vehicles can operate autonomously.
Also Russians propose additional over-the-horizon radar for the Bastion-P. A mobile version is based on the same MZKT-7930 8×8 high mobility chassis. Alternatively Russians their Ka-31 airborne early warning helicopter for this role.
Source roe.ru
Ka-31 airborne early warning helicopter
Image: flightglobal.com
The Ka-31 airborne early warning helicopter is based on the basic Ka-29TB. Originally this helicopter was known as the Ka-29RLD (Radiolokatsyonnogo Dozora, or radar picket helicopter). This AEW type was developed during the 1980s and first flew in 1988. It was first seen during trials aboard Kuznetsov aircraft carrier. Due to funding problems and political turmoil, caused by the collapse of the Soviet Union, the Ka-31 was officially adopted only in 1995. However it was fielded by the Russian Navy in very limited numbers. Later a small number of these helicopters have been exported to China and India.
The main mission of the Ka-31 is a long-range detection airborne and naval threats. This helicopter can track targets over much larger horizon than ship’s radars. It makes it an important completion for naval task force, whose ships are too small to operate carrier-borne early warning aircraft. In the Russian Navy the Ka-31 is mainly used on the Kuznetsov aircraft carrier and Sovremeny class and Udaloy class destroyers.
All four landing gear units are retractable, making space for the movement of the E-801E Oko (eye) surveillance radar’s antenna, which is a large rectangular planar array that rests flat under the fuselage when inactive.
E-801E Oko (eye) surveillance radar’s antenna
CAPABILITIES
–detection and identification friend-or-foe of low-flying targets in adverse ground and sea surface clutter (at sea states of up to 5-6); –automatic target acquisition and measurement of target coordinates and motion parameters; –target data output to external users
OPERATIONAL FEATURES
–fully automated operation of the radar: once the system is turned on, the antenna deployed and the operating mode selected, the operator’s role is limited to monitoring the condition of the hardware and observing the radar screen picture; –the radar suite is equally well suited to operate from shipboard or a land base; –built-in-test system
Frequency band
L
Coverage:
range
7-250 km
altitude
5-3.000 m
azimuth
0-360 deg
Detection range against a fighter-type target
100-150 km
Detection range against a sea surface target
within radio horizon
Range resolution
500 m (worst case)
Simultaneously tracket targets
40
Date rate
10 s
Turn-on time
5 min
Antenna deploy-retract time
80 s
Source redstar.gr
Radar of the Ka-31 airborne early warning helicopter has a 360° coverage and can spot aircraft-size target from 150 km range. Surface ships are spotted from 100 – 200 km range. Radar can track 30-40 targets simultaneously. Helicopter has a datalink to transfer the target tracking data to the command post. The Ka-31 is fitted with GPS and digital terrain mapping systems.
The MZKT-7930 special wheeled chassis was developed in Belarus the early 1990s. Sometimes this vehicle is nicknamed the ‘Astrolog’. It was designed to replace the ageing MAZ-543 special wheeled chassis. The first prototype was completed in 1994. The MZKT-7930 was accepted to service with the Russian Army in the early 2000. Currently this special wheeled chassis is produced in small numbers.
The MZKT-7930 8×8 wheeled chassis has a payload capacity of 24 000 kg. It is mainly used to mount various weapon systems. This heavy load carrier is primarily designed for off-road applications.
A forward control cab of the MZKT-7930 accommodates driver and two passengers.
The MZKT-7930 is powered by a YaMZ-846 turbocharged diesel engine, developing 500 hp. For export customers it is proposed with a Deutz BF8M diesel engine, developing 544 hp, coupled with Allison automatic transmission. Vehicle has a full-time all-wheel drive and is fitted with a central tyre inflation system.
This high mobility vehicle is used as a chassis for the Iskander-E short range ballistic missile system and Bal-E costal defense missile system, TMM-6 heavy mechanized bridge and other applications. It also carries radar of the S-400 missile system. There is also an MZKT-7415 tractor truck.
Russian Navy strengthens their fleets with the new Bastion missile systems
Saturday, January 28, 2017 4:00:09 PM
The Russian Black Sea Fleet in the annexed Sevastopol may be reinforced with the new Bastion coastal defence missile systems, as was reported by Interfax on January 27th, referring to a statement by the general director of the Russian company NPO Mashinostroyeniya, Alexander Leonov.
The news agency writes that according to him, the delivery of the Bastion system is provided for in a 2017 state defense order. The Baltic, Black Sea, Northern, and Pacific Russian fleets will be reinforced by the same defense systems.
“If you would like to know the exact number of the Bastion coastal defence missile systems planned to be supplied to the military upon the state defense order in 2017, you should address those questions to the Ministry of Defense,” Leonov said.
The Bastion mobile coastal defense missile system is equipped with Onyx unified supersonic homing anti-ship missiles and was designed and produced by NPO Mashinostroyeniya (in Reutov, Moscow region, part of the OJSC Tactical Missiles Corporation). The system is designed to protect coastal areas and has a range of over 600 km for destroying ships of different classes and types. It can operate as part of airborne formations, convoys, ship and aircraft carrier battle groups, ground targets under intense fire, and radio-electronic countermeasures. The ammunition load of one system can consist of up to 36 missiles.
The highest ranking U.S. officer to visit Thailand since a 2014 coup will attend a military exercise next month in what the Thai army hailed Wednesday as a sign of improving relations.
The United States scaled down its presence at Cobra Gold, Asia’s largest annual multinational military exercise, as one of the former U.S. administration’s measures to pressure the Thai government to restore democracy.
Relations have since improved as the junta has taken steps towards holding elections, and as Thailand has grown closer to dominant regional power China.
Admiral to attend
The U.S. embassy confirmed that Admiral Harry Harris, the head of Pacific Command, would open Cobra Gold February 14. More junior officers attended the exercise in the past two years.
Harris’s attendance was planned before the inauguration of U.S. President Donald Trump, whose policy moves on Asia are closely watched after signals of potential confrontation with China over trade, Taiwan and claims in the South China Sea.
The U.S. embassy said Cobra Gold would only return to its original scope and scale once Thailand restores democracy.
“We are eager to see our cooperation fully resume with the restoration of a democratically elected civilian government,” Melissa Sweeney, a spokeswoman at the U.S. embassy in Bangkok, told Reuters.
Good signal from US
The United States will send 3,500 personnel to the war games, slightly fewer than last year.
Thailand’s army said that Harris’s attendance at Cobra Gold sent an important signal.
“It is not common for an officer of Admiral Harris’ rank to attend these sorts of events,” said General Thanchaiyan Srisuwan, the head of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
“It is a good signal for Thai-American relations and shows that the U.S. has given importance to this region and this exercise,” he told Reuters.
Thailand has hosted the war games since they began in 1982.
This year’s event will be attended by 8,333 personnel from 29 countries.
Thailand’s links with China have grown ever stronger since the 2014 coup.
Thai officials said Wednesday the government had approved 13.5 billion baht ($380 million) to buy a submarine from China after putting the purchase on hold last year. It will also buy new tanks and other vehicles from China.
The Thai junta held a referendum last year on a constitution to allow a general election. It was originally to take place this year but it is not widely expected to happen before 2018.
The F-15S is a variant of the F-15E supplied to the Royal Saudi Air Force in the 1990s. Saudi Arabia previously sought to buy up to 24 F-15Fs, a proposed single-seat variant, but was blocked by the U.S. Congress. The F-15S, initially referred to as F-15XP, is almost identical to the USAF F-15E, the only major difference in the AN/APG-70 radar’s performance in synthetic aperture mode. 72 were built from 1996 to 1998. In October 2007, GE announced a US$300 million contract with Saudi Arabia for 65 GE F110-GE-129C engines for the F-15S.
The F-15SA is a new version for the Saudi Arabian Air Force. The F-15SA will have a modern fly-by-wire flight control system in place of the hybrid electronic/mechanical system used by all previous F-15s. The variant includes the APG-63(v)3active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, digital electronic warfare systems (DEWS), infrared search and track (IRST) systems, and other advanced systems. It also includes a redesigned cockpit originally intended for the F-15SE. The fly-by-wire system will allow the carriage of weapons on the previously unused outer wing weapon stations.Source wikiwand.com
F-15SA – Image: Combat Aircraft
Saudi Arabia – F-15SA Aircraft
Media/Public Contact:
Charles Taylor (703) 601-3859 / Paul Ebner (703) 601-3670
Transmittal No: 10-43
WASHINGTON, October 20, 2010 – The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress today of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Saudi Arabia of:
84 F-15SA Aircraft
170 APG-63(v)3 Active Electronically Scanned Array Radar (AESA) radar sets
193 F-110-GE-129 Improved Performance Engines
100 M61 Vulcan Cannons
100 Link-16 Multifunctional Information Distribution System/Low Volume Terminal (MIDS/LVT) and spares
193 LANTIRN Navigation Pods (3rd Generation-Tiger Eye)
338 Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing Systems (JHMCS)
462 AN/AVS-9 Night Vision Goggles (NVGS)
300 AIM-9X SIDEWINDER Missiles
25 Captive Air Training Missiles (CATM-9X)
25 Special Air Training Missiles (NATM-9X)
500 AIM-120C/7 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM)
25 AIM-120 CATMs
1,000 Dual Mode Laser/Global Positioning System (GPS) Guided Munitions (500 lb)
1,000 Dual Mode Laser/GPS Guided Munitions (2000 lb)
1,100 GBU-24 PAVEWAY III Laser Guided Bombs (2000 lb)
1,000 GBU-31B V3 Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM) (2000 lb)
1,300 CBU-105D/B Sensor Fuzed Weapons (SFW)/Wind Corrected Munitions Dispenser (WCMD) 50 CBU-105 Inert
1,000 MK-82 500lb General Purpose Bombs
6,000 MK-82 500lb Inert Training Bombs
2,000 MK-84 2000lb General Purpose Bombs
2,000 MK-84 2000lb Inert Training Bombs
200,000 20mm Cartridges
400,000 20mm Target Practice Cartridges
400 AGM-84 Block II HARPOON Missiles
600 AGM-88B HARM Missiles
169 Digital Electronic Warfare Systems (DEWS)
158 AN/AAQ-33 Sniper Targeting Systems
169 AN/AAS-42 Infrared Search and Track (IRST) Systems
10 DB-110 Reconnaissance Pods
462 Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System Helmets
40 Remotely Operated Video Enhanced Receivers (ROVER)
80 Air Combat Maneuvering Instrumentation Pods
Also included are the upgrade of the existing Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) fleet of seventy (70) F-
15S multi-role fighters to the F-15SA configuration, the provision for CONUS-based fighter training operations for a twelve (12) F-15SA contingent, construction, refurbishments, and infrastructure improvements of several support facilities for the F-15SA in-Kingdom and/or CONUS operations, RR-188 Chaff, MJU-7/10 Flares, training munitions, Cartridge Actuated Devices/Propellant Actuated Devices, communication security, site surveys, trainers, simulators, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistical support services, and other related elements of logistical and program support. The estimated cost is $29.432 billion. Source dsca.mil
Boeing received $46 million contract modification to perform interim contractor support for the new Saudi Arabia’s F-15SA:Here
Excerpt
Boeing received a $46 million contract modification from the U.S. Air Force to perform interim contractor support for Saudi Arabia’s recently purchased F-15s.
Interim contractor support refers to an agreement wherein a service will defer an investment due to a lack of technological capabilities, such as equipment spares or technical data. Boeing is expected to complete this service for Saudi Arabia by the end of March.
Avionics and sensors
Image: theaviationist.com
Cockpit
F-15SA cockpitWSO
Raytheon APG-63(V)3
Image: Raytheon
The Raytheon APG-63(V)3 is a more modern variant of the company’s APG-63(V)2, and applies the same kind of AESA technology that Raytheon uses in the company’s APG-79 designed for the Navy Boeing F/A-18 Hornet fighter-bomber. The APG-63(V)3 has been in service since 2006.
The Raytheon AN/APG-83 radar for the F-15E, meanwhile, combines the processor of the APG-79 radar with the antenna of the APG-63(V)3 AESA being on the F-15C/D. This radar upgrade is part of the F-15E Radar Modernization Program. (RMP). The new radar includes a wideband radome that enables the radar array to operate on more radar frequencies, and has improvements to environmental control and electronic warfare (EW) systems. Source militaryaerospace.com
General data:
Type: Radar
Altitude Max: 0 m
Range Max: 222.2 km
Altitude Min: 0 m
Range Min: 0.2 km
Generation: Late 2000s
Properties: Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) [Side Info], Non-Coperative Target Recognition (NCTR) – Jet Engine Modulation [Class Info], Continous Tracking Capability [Phased Array Radar], Track While Scan (TWS), Low Probability of Intercept (LPI), Pulse Doppler Radar (Full LDSD Capability), Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA)
Sensors / EW:
AN/APG-63(V)3 AESA – (LPI) Radar
Role: Radar, FCR, Air-to-Air & Air-to-Surface, Medium-Range
Max Range: 222.2 km
Digital Electronic Warfare Systems (DEWS) AN/ALR-56C TEWS
Instead of the tactical electronic warfare system (TEWS) in the Strike Eagle the Silent Eagle makes use of BAE’s Digital Electronic Warfare System (DEWS)
DEWS uses digital radio-frequency memory (DRFS) technology which is said to have substantially better performance and reliability than the Analog TEWS system. The system has the ability to listen over a frequency band constantly without the need to scan it and the advanced antenna systems can obtain more accurate data with regards to the measurement of bearings. Targets acquired by the DEWS are fused with radar and infrared search and track (IRST) data and displayed on the large format cockpit displays.
The system was designed by implementing lessons learned during the development of the electronic warfare systems for the F-22 and F-35 JSF.
The F-15 Silent Eagle’s (F-15 SE) Basic Sensor Suit
The system utilizes various sensors located in sections of the tail fins, wings and the underside of the airframe as well as a digital radar warning receiver (RWR). The Silent Eagle also contains an advanced jamming system which according to Boeing, allows the aircraft to jam enemy radar systems while still allowing it’s own radar and RWR to operate.
The actual systems contained within the Silent Eagle make it more than capable of entering the battle arena with the best of Russia or anyone else. Source onfinalofficial.wordpress.com
General data:
Type: ESM
Altitude Max: 0 m
Range Max: 222.2 km
Altitude Min: 0 m
Range Min: 0 km
Generation: Late 1980s
Sensors / EW:
AN/ALR-56C TEWS – ESM
Role: RWR, Radar Warning Receiver
Max Range: 222.2 km
Link 16 data net system
Image: globalmilitarycommunications.com
ViaSat’s team is leading the transformation in Link 16 Airborne Terminal technology by being the first to upgrade the design of many components of the terminal to provide greater flexibility, enhanced technological capabilities, decreased cost and improved reliability. Embedded modules provide COMSEC and TACAN.
Through extensive use of reprogrammable components and a modular VME architecture, we’ve provided a lower cost design while also allowing for future requirements. Our terminal provides all operational modes of the Link 16 waveform, and implements all required Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS) host interfaces for both U.S. and Coalition integration. Our hardware implements Enhanced Throughput, a new capability that can increase coded data throughput from its current maximum of 115.2 kbps to over 800 kbps. Host interfaces and operational employment of this capability are still in the planning stages.
Together with Harris and European Aeronautic Defense and Space Company (EADS), ViaSat is delivering a family of combat-proven, fully qualified, and EMC-Certified Link 16 MIDS terminals to U.S. Forces and Coalition partners under contracts to the Navy MIDS International Program Office (IPO) and other commercial customers.Source viasat.com
The F-15SA (Saudi Advanced) configuration remains as stated in the October 2010 notification to Congress. Compared with the latest production F-15SGs for Singapore, the F-15SA includes the same Raytheon APG-63(v)3 AESA (active electronically scanned array) radar and GEF110 improved-performance engines worth $7 billion, but adds a fly-by-wire flight control system and a digital electronic warfare system from BAE Systems.
U.S. officials repeated earlier assurances that the package would not erode Israel’s “qualitative military edge.” Of note, therefore, the F-15SA does not include the low-observability modifications that Boeing has been marketing as the “Silent Eagle.” The package also does include the Lockheed Martin AAS-42 infrared search and track system and a large array of weapons, including Boeing AGM-84 Block II Harpoon anti-ship missiles. Source ainonline.com
This stunning air-to-air video shows the most advanced variant of the Eagle recently delivered to the Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF).
The Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) has officially received its first Boeing F-15SA multirole jets in a ceremony celebrating the 50th anniversary of the King Faisal Air College in Riyadh on Jan. 25, 2017.
Equipped with the APG-63V3 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, a digital glass cockpit, JHMCS (Joint Helmet Mouted Cueing System), Digital Electronic Warfare System/Common Missile Warning System (DEWS/CMWS), IRST (Infra Red Search and Track) system, and able to carry a wide array of air-to-air and air-to-surface weaponry, including the AIM-120C7 AMRAAM (Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile) and the AIM-9X Sidewinder air-to-air missiles, the AGM-84 SLAM-ERs, the AGM-88 HARM (High-speed Anti-Radiation Missile) and the GBU-39 SDBs (Small Diameter Bombs) on 11 external hardpoints, the F-15SA, derived from the F-15E Strike Eagle, is the most advanced Eagle variant ever produced.
Back in 2010, the RSAF requested 84 new-built F-15SA jets and upgrade package for 68 existing Saudi F-15S fighters for a total of 152 multirole advanced Eagles through a Foreign Military Sale: a contract worth 29.4 billion USD that included logistics, spares, maintenance support and weapons was eventually signed on Dec. 29, 2011.
Therefore, instead of the 5th gen. F-35 Lightning II, Saudis (that already operate the 4th gen. Eurofighter Typhoon) opted for a 4.5th generation jet able to perform several missions, including SEAD/DEAD (Suppression/Destruction of Enemy Air Defenses), OCA (Offensive Counter Air) and Air Interdiction with precision guided munitions from stand-off distance.
The newest aircraft’s predecessor, the Saudi F-15S, have taken part in the air strikes in Yemen, as part of Operation Decisive Storm, the Saudi Arabian-led intervention in Yemen, since Mar. 26 2015. A RSAF F-15S crashed in the Gulf of Aden during the opening day of the air war; its two pilots ejected safely and were recovered from the sea by a USAF HH-60G rescue helicopter. Although Houthi and Iranian sources stated that the Eagle was shot down, Saudi and Arab coalition authorities denied such reports.
The first aircraft were assigned to the 55th Sqn at KKAB.
The following epic footage (produced by Combat Aircraft’s editor Jamie Hunter and Bob Hayes) shows the first F-15SAs, flying in Saudi Arabia. Source theaviationist.com
LANTIRN navigation pods with Tiger Eye IRST systems
Navigation Pod
It contains a terrain-following ( TF) radar, a forward-looking infrared ( FLIR) sensor, plus a control computer, a power supply (the pod uses power from the aircraft’s power system) and an environmental control unit.
Both the TF radar and the FLIR are aimed at allowing the F-15E to make a high speed, low altitude penetratation of enemy airspace at night and/or in adverse weather conditions. These two systems give a powerful edge to the Strike Eagle when it comes to deep interdiction missions, thus making the jet an extremely capable night flying platform.
Terrain-Following Radar
The AN/APN-237A terrain-following radar is located behind the round radome forming the forward end of the pod. It is a KU band radar manufactured by Texas Instruments. When operating, it constantly scans the terrain in front of the jet and combining it with using altitude and airspeed data, it is able to generate inputs to the autopilot to maintain its pre-set altitude thus making the jet follow the contours of the terrain totally ‘hands off’, that is without inputs from the pilot. When the autopilot is not in use the TF radar is able to generate maneuvering cues for the pilot to avoid ground obstacles.
Forward Looking Infrared
The LANTIRN navigation pod contains a fixed, wide file of view (21×28 degrees), advanced 3rd generation mid-wave (8-12 micron) forward looking infrared ( FLIR) sensor. The window of this sensor can be found directly above the TF radome.
This FLIR sensor generates an infrared image of the terrain in front of the aircraft and projects it onto the pilot’s HUD. This way the pilot is able to see the terrain in front of him through the HUD in shades of green even in total darkness or in adverse weather conditions. Seeing the terrain the pilot can easily fly at high speeds very close to the ground, thus using terrain features (mountains, valleys) to avoid enemy detection. The WSO can view the same image on one of his multi-purpose display, by calling up the HUD-repeater page. Note that the repeated FLIR image is available for the WSO regardless of whether the pilot had actually chosen to put the FLIR image on the HUD or not.Source f-15e.info
AN/AAS-42 Infrared search and track (Tiger Eye IRST systems)
IRST system is located on the weapons pylon F-14D AAS-42 – Image: sistemasdearmas.com.br
Lockheed Martin’s IRST is a development of the AN/AAS-42 system that was originally carried by Northrop Grumman F-14D Tomcats. However, it has been undergoing development since then, first for the abortive pod-mounted system for the F-15 Eagle, and now further refined for the Super Hornet application.Source ainonline.com
Lockheed Martin’ Sniper pod (AN/AAQ-33)
Lockheed Martin’s Sniper ATP (Advanced Targeting Pod) Picture: Lockheed Martin – Image: navyrecognition.com
Mission
Sniper pods provide improved long-range target detection/identification and continuous stabilized surveillance for all missions, including close air support of ground forces. The Sniper pod enables aircrews to detect and identify weapon caches and individuals carrying armaments, all outside jet noise ranges. Superior imagery, a video datalink and J-series-weapons-quality coordinates provided by the Sniper pod enable rapid target decisions and keep aircrews out of threat ranges.
High resolution imagery for non-traditional intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (NTISR) enables the Sniper pod to play a major role in Air Force operations in theater, providing top cover for ground forces, as well as increasing the safety of civilian populations.
The Sniper pod is combat proven on U.S. Air Force and international F-15E, F-16 (all blocks), B-1, A-10C, Harrier GR7/9 and CF-18 aircraft. Lockheed Martin is also in the final stages of integrating the Sniper pod on the B-52. The pod’s plug-and-play capability facilitates moving the pod across platforms without changing software.
Features
Sniper pods include a high definition mid-wave forward looking infrared (FLIR), dual-mode laser, HDTV, laser spot tracker, laser marker, video data link, and a digital data recorder. Advanced image processing algorithms, combined with rock steady stabilization techniques, provide cutting-edge performance. The pod features automatic tracking and laser designation of tactical size targets via real-time imagery presented on cockpit displays. The Sniper pod is fully compatible with the latest J-series munitions for precision weapons delivery against multiple moving and fixed targets.
Advanced Targeting Pod – Sensor Enhancement (ATP-SE) design upgrades include enhanced sensors, advanced processors, and automated NTISR modes.
The Sniper pod’s architecture and modular design permits true two-level maintenance, eliminating costly intermediate-level support. Automated built-in test permits flightline maintainers to isolate and replace an LRU in under 20 minutes. Spares are ordered through a user-friendly website offering in-transit visibility to parts shipment.
The Sniper pod’s modular design also offers an affordable road map for modernizing and enhancing precision targeting capabilities for U.S. Air Force and coalition partner aircraft.
General characteristics Primary function: positive identification, automatic tracking and laser designation, NTISR Prime contractor: Lockheed Martin Length: 98.2 inches (252 centimeters) Diameter: 11.9 inches (30 centimeters) Weight: 446 pounds (202 kilograms) Aircraft: F-15E, F-16 Block 30/40/50, A-10, B-1 Sensors: high resolution FLIR and HDTV, dual mode laser designator, laser spot tracker and laser marker
The Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) unveiled its new Boeing F-15SA (Saudi Advanced) to dignitaries in Riyadh on January 25.
In a lavish ceremony, the first four aircraft were revealed. These were delivered to the Kingdom on December 13, after departing the US on December 10. The Kingdom has ordered 84 new-build F-15SA aircraft, and a further 68 earlier F-15S aircraft will be upgraded to the later configuration.
Using ‘Retro’ call signs for their ferry flight, the aircraft comprised serials 12-1010 (‘Retro 63’), 12-1006 (‘Retro 64), 93-0857 (‘Retro 65’) and 93-0899 (‘Retro 66’). While the aircraft with Fiscal Year 1993 serials are original RSAF F-15S jets rebuilt to F-15SA standard by Boeing, the FY 2012 aircraft are new-builds.
The initial batch of new fighters will be operated by the 55th Squadron at King Khalid Air Base, which will be tasked as the training unit for the new fighter. Source combataircraft.net
Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS)
In an air-to-air role, the JHMCS, combined with the AIM-9X missile, form the High-Off-BoreSight (HOBS) system. HOBS is an airborne weapon-interception system that enables pilots to accurately direct or “cue” onboard weapons against enemy aircraft merely by pointing their heads at the targets to guide the weapons, while performing high-G aircraft maneuvers that may be required to complete the attack.
In an air-to-ground role, the JHMCS is used in conjunction with targeting sensors (radar, FLIR, etc.) and “smart weapons” to accurately and precisely attack surface targets. It allows F-15E aircrew to provide unparalleled support to ground troops in the CAS environment.
In all roles, the JHMCS provides the pilot with aircraft performance, targeting, weaponry and threat warning information, regardless of where the pilot is looking, significantly enhancing pilot situation awareness throughout the mission. In a dual-seat aircraft, each crewmember can wear a JHMCS helmet, perform operations independent of each other, and have continuous awareness of where the other crewmember is looking.
System Features
Unlike one of its predecessor, the DASH system, which is integrated into the helmet itself, JHMCS is a clip-on attachment unit, which can be latched into position with one hand during flight (see photo below). It fits to modified HGU-55/P, HGU-56/P or HGU-68/P helmets and it features a newer, faster digital processing package than that used in the DASH. The overall design is more advanced than DASH, based on the collective knowledge accumulated by Elbit and Kaiser through the years.
The JHMCS has a magnetic helmet-mounted tracker (like DASH), which determines where the pilot’s head is pointed, combined with a miniature display system that projects information onto the pilot’s visor. A magnetic transmitter unit is fixed to the pilot’s seat and a magnetic field probe is mounted on the helmet to determine where the helmet is actually pointing. A Helmet Vehicle Interface ( HVI) interacts with the aircraft system bus to provide signal generation for the helmet display. The head tracker and visor display together act as a targeting device that can aim sensors and weapons.
To obtain a variety of information and sensor-based data pilots can refer to the visual display on the inside of the helmet while remaining in a “heads-up” or “outside” position during combat; this eliminates the break in visual contact that occurs when they look away to check the display readouts in the cockpit. This significantly improves pilot situational awareness during all mission elements. The visor display presents monochrome calligraphic symbology (stroke display) with information like airspeed, altitude, G-load, AoA, target range, targeting cues, threat warnings, etc. JHMCS provides support for raster scanned imagery to display FLIR or IRST pictures for night operations and provides collimated symbology and imagery to the pilot. JHMCS symbology covers a 20 degree field of view for the right eye, with an 18 mm exit pupil (see photo below).
To aim and fire a missile, pilots simply move their heads to align a targeting cross (placed in the middle of the projected imagery) with the target and press a switch on the flight controls to direct and fire a weapon.
Image: boeing.com
To attack a ground target, the pilot can acquire the target with a sensor and note it’s location on the helmet display. Alternatively, the pilot can use the helmet display to cue sensors and weapons to a visually detected ground target. Note that precision ordnance cannot be released based on JHMCS targeting alone, the system is not accurate enough for this. However it can be used to direct the aircraft’s much more precise targeting systems (targeting pod) towards the target the pilot is looking at. This way the tedious “soda-straw” search limited to a display image generated by the narrow field of view targeting system can be shortened significatly. With JHMCS, target acquisition can follow a much quicker “look, sharpen, shoot” process.
The system can be used without requiring the aircraft to be maneuvered, significantly reducing the time needed to prosecute an attack, which also minimizes the time spent in the threat environment.
Since targets may be located at high-off-boresight line-of-sight locations in relation to the shooter, the system delivers a short-range intercept envelope that is significantly larger than any other air-to-air weapon in use. When combined with the AIM-9X missile, JHMCS allows effective target designation up to 80 degrees either side of the aircraft’s nose.
The JHMCS display assembly requires two cable connections: a high voltage power cable for operation and a data cable for information exchange with the host aircraft. Unlike in DASH the high voltage power supply is not embedded in the helmet, it feeds up via an umbilical, through a quick disconnect inline high coltage rated connector.
When used in conjunction with a datalink, the system permits handoff of visually detected targets from one aircraft to another, with the second aircraft receiving visual cueing to the target. Source f-15e.info
AN/AVS-9 NVG’s
The ANVIS 9, Aviator Night Vision Goggles, Model M949 is based on the military DoD nomenclature AN/AVS-9. L3 has made significant design improvements to the Aviator NV imaging system (ANVIS). Improving situational awareness, system performance, in addition to ergonomic and technological enhancements benefit both law enforcement and civil operators. The M949 features binocular viewing for optimized depth perception. The large 25 mm eyepieces provide improved eye relief enabling excellent viewing while easily accommodating eye glasses. Ergonomically designed interface controls including inter-pupillary adjustments and vertical, fore-aft, and tilt adjustments provide improved viewing of the entire system field of view (40 degrees).
Technical Specifications
Field of View Degrees: 40
Minimum Focus Range: 41 cm
Objective: 27 mm
Diopter Adjustment: +2 to -6
Eye Relief: 25 mm
Power Source: 2 “AA” Batteries
Weight: 350 g
The podded sensor flies on the F-16s of nine air forces, on the new Saudi air force F-15s, and on Japan’s P-3s. It first entered service on the Tornado strike aircraft of the UK Royal Air Force, where it is named the Raptor system.
DB-110 reconnaissance pods
The DB-110 derives from a much larger system flown on the U.S. Air Force’s U-2 reconnaissance aircraft, which has already been upgraded to a seven-band configuration. Its unique design offers three different fields of view, allowing for long-range standoff missions as well as medium-range operations and direct overflight at low level. A generic recce interface allows today’s digital combat aircraft to recognize the DB-110 pod as a weapons store, thereby eliminating the need for a cockpit control panel–a boon for pilots of single-seat fighters flying busy, low-level missions. Source ainonline.com
Illustrating the long-range standoff capability of the DB-110, this image of Long Beach, California (left) was taken by an F-16 flying at 40,000 feet and 130 kilometers away. Image: ainonline.com
The Goodrich DB-110 is a compact, day/night, two-axis stabilized, real-time, tactical reconnaissance pod system suitable for installation aboard fighter aircraft such as the F-16 Fighting Falcon. This observation system has been designed for operations at medium and high altitude (10,000- to 80,000-ft) and low subsonic and supersonic speed (0.1 to 1.6 Mach) delivering high resolution infrared and visible bands imagery at extremely long ranges.
The DB-110 recce pod’s latest customers are the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) which uses the pod on modified P-3C maritime patrol aircraft variant and the Royal Air Force (RAF). The RAF uses the pod aboard the Tornado Gr4 multi-role aircraft as the Reconnaissance Airborne Pod for Tornado (RAPTOR). Source deagel.com
AN/AXQ-14 Data Link System
The AN/AXQ-14 Data Link System provides a two-way communications system that turns the GBU-15, an unpowered 2,000-pound “glide bomb” or its powered successor, the AGM-130, into a precision guided weapon that can be controlled from the launch aircraft or a surveillance aircraft. The bomb can be “steered” to the target by a weapons control officer monitoring a display from a specially designed television camera or an infrared sensor in the bomb’s nose.
Hughes began development of the AXQ-14 data link system in the mid-1970s and updated the system in the 1980s. The first production unit was delivered April 16, 1982 from Hughes’ manufacturing facilities in California. The work was moved to Hughes’ Orangeburg subsidiary, Hughes Aircraft – South Carolina, in 1993. The first of 128 South-Carolina-built systems was delivered last August, continuing a nine-year record of making all contractual deliveries on or ahead of schedule.
F-15SA with AXQ-14 data link pod
The system includes the weapon data link, an aircraft-mounted data link pod that provides guidance for the GBU-15/AGM-130, and a cockpit control unit for the weapon systems operator. The system is operational on USAF F-111s and F-15s and can be adapted to B-52s, F-16s, F/A-18s and other non-U.S. aircraft.With more than 400 launches accomplished as of early 1995, the AXQ-14 had demonstrated better than 99 percent launch success rate and a mean time between failure rate which exceeded the specification by 300 percent. On 03 April 1995, nearly 13 years after the first delivery, Hughes Aircraft Company turned over to the US Air Force its 3,000th production AN/AXQ-14 Data Link System. Source fas.org
This Is A Fully Armed F-15SA, The Most Advanced Production Eagle Ever
Image: foxtrotalpha.jalopnik.com
The F-15SA is the most advanced production F-15 Eagle ever built. Saudi Arabia ordered 84 new build F-15SAs and close to 70 kits to upgrade their existing F-15S fleet to the SA configuration. Just one part of this upgrade is the activation of Eagle’s outboard wing stores stations, which will expand the jet’s already heavy combat punch.
Update: Boeing reached out to tell us they’re marketing the F-15SA configuration for export to other potential users as the “F-15 Advanced.”
When it comes to weapons, the F-15SA can carry almost anything in the inventory. In the incredible image above showing an “extreme multi-role loadout” it packs: 2x AIM-120AMRAAMs, 2x AIM-9X Sidewinders, 2x AGM-84 SLAM-ERs, 2x AGM-88 HARMs, 6x GBU-54/B Laser JDAMs, and 8x GBU-39/B Small Diameter Bombs.
Also, the F-15SA still packs the F-15E’s 20mm Vulcan cannon with 540 rounds available. Basically, with this jet you get a tactical fighter force “in a box.” The loadout shown above includes weapons for long-range stand-off deep-strike, suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD), counter-air, direct precision attack and standoff precision attack all on the jet at the same time. Even after all that, the F-15SA’s center-line station remains unused, which can accommodate up to a 2,000lb JDAM, an external fuel tank or even a synthetic aperture radar surveillance pod.
F-15SA is the most advanced production F-15 Eagle ever built – Image: foxtrotalpha.jalopnik.com
The image above shows the F-15SA once again, albeit this time it is in an air-to-air configuration, including no less than eight AIM-120 AMRAAMs and eight AIM-9X Sidewinders. This amounts to double the missile carrying capability of the F-15C or F-15E. Also note the Infrared Search and Track system mounted above the jet’s radome. This, combined with its state of the art radar’s low probability of intercept modes, advanced radar warning receiver and Link 16 data-link, allows the F-15SA to hunt for enemy aircraft in electromagnetic silence while still maintain high-situational awareness.
Many of the improvements made in the penultimate F-15SA were also rolled into the even more advanced and stealthier F-15 Silent Eagle, an aircraft that has not found a customer in the fighter marketplace yet, especially since South Korea chose to procure the F-35 on its last fighter buy and other F-15 operators, like Japan, Israel, also did the same. Even if the Eagle line ends with the F-15SA, it is amazing how far the aircraft has come since its original use as an attack aircraft some 30 years ago. Source foxtrotalpha.jalopnik.com
Boeing Presents First F-15SA of Saudi Arms Package
Boeing Defense presented the first F-15SA destined for Saudi Arabia in a ceremony at its St. Louis headquarters on April 30. The latest F-15 variant is the centerpiece of the largest foreign military sale in U.S. history, worth $29.4 billion. It also figured prominently in recent U.S. negotiations to improve the military capabilities of Israel, the UAE and Saudi Arabia simultaneously.
The F-15SA (Saudi Advanced) that rolled out in St. Louis is the first of 84 new fighters Saudi Arabia agreed to purchase in late December 2011; another 70 F-15S fighters already operated by the Royal Saudi Air Force will be upgraded to the SA configuration. Boeing declined to reveal the delivery schedule. Earlier this year, the U.S. Air Force said that new aircraft deliveries to Saudi Arabia will begin in 2015 and conclude by 2019. Conversion kit installations in the kingdom begin in 2016.
The F-15SA first flew at St. Louis on February 20. The USAF said the flight-test program will include three instrumented F-15As flying from Boeing’s St. Louis and Palmdale, Calif., facilities.
Improvements on the F-15SA include fly-by-wire flight controls, a digital electronic warfare suite, Lockheed Martin AN/AAS-42 infrared search and track system and Raytheon APG-63(v)3 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar. The forward and aft cockpits are equipped for the Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System enabling the crew to aim sensors and weapons through their helmet visors. The aircraft has two additional wing stations for increased weapons payload capacity.
Saudi Arabia’s F-15SAs and 25 new Lockheed Martin F-16 Block 60 fighters sought by the UAE will be equipped with unspecified advanced “standoff weapons” that have not previously been made available to those countries, according to a senior U.S. defense official. In addition, the U.S. has agreed to supply Israel with advanced weaponry that includes the Bell-Boeing V-22 tiltrotor, KC-135 tankers and AESA radar retrofits.
The Pentagon revealed the weapons packages during a briefing for reporters on April 19 in advance of Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel’s first trip to the Middle East in his new capacity. They represent “one of the most complex and carefully orchestrated arms sale packages in American history,” and resulted from intensive negotiations begun under previous defense secretary Leon Panetta, the defense official said. Israel’s consent was critical. “A key part of the agreement is [that] we believe and the Israelis believe that the provision of these capabilities [will] in no way diminish Israel’s qualitative military edge,” the official said. Original post “Boeing Presents First F-15SA of Saudi Arms Package” by Bill Carey – May 3, 2013, 11:50 AM by AIN Publications – Source ainonline.com
Weapons
M-61A1 20mm Gatling gun
M-61A1 20mm Gatling gun
The M61 20mm Vulcan is an externally powered, six-barrel, rotary-fire gun having a rate of fire of up to 7200 spm. The firing rate is selectible at 4,000 spm or 6,000 spm. The gun fires standard electrically primed 20mm ammunition. The M61A1 is hydraulically or ram-air driven, electrically controlled, and uses a linkless ammunition feed system.
Each of the gun’s six barrels fires only once during each revolution of the barrel cluster. The six rotating barrels contribute to long weapon life by minimizing barrel erosion and heat generation. The gun’s rate of fire, essentially 100 rounds per second, gives the pilot a shot density that will enable a “kill” when fired in one-second bursts.
M-61A1 20mm Gatling gun on F-15C
The M61 20mm cannon is a proven gun, having been the US military’s close-in weapon of choice dating back to the 1950s. The F-104, F-105, later models of the F-106, F-111, F-4, B-58, all used the M61, as does the Air Force’s F-15 , F-16 and F-22, and the Navy’s F-14 and F/A-18. The internally mounted 20mm cannon system is common to all versions of the F-15. This system combines the widely used (F-4, F-16, F-18) M61 cannon with 940 rounds (A through D models) or 500 rounds (E model) of ammunition. The cannon can be loaded with target practice, armor piercing, or high explosive incendiary rounds. The primary use of the cannon is in the extremely short range (less than 2000 feet) air-to-air environment, where more sophistacated air-to-air missiles are ineffective. Alternately, the cannon has limited usefulness in a ground strafing role.Source fas.org
AIM-9X Sidewinder AAM
Image: donhollway.com
The current fifth-generation AIM-9X is to the old 9B what humans are to homo erectus. Paired with a pilot’s helmet-mounted display, it can “look” 90 degrees off-boresight for its target and, with three-dimensional vectored-thrust steering, turn 180 degrees in pursuit. One test pilot at Naval Air Station Fallon, Nev., freshly returned from getting every visual-range first-shot “kill” on Top Gun instructors in F-18s and F-14s, enthused, “If you have [a weapons-sight] helmet and AIM-9X, you are King Kong of the air.”
“Cloud shooting:” Newest versions permit the missile to receive targeting instructions after launch, from other than the launching aircraft. Image: donhollway.com3D-vectoring nozzle which permits the 9X to turn 180° in pursuit
The latest versions have “lock-on after launch” capability, lending themselves to “cloud shooting,” 360-degree target selection via data link from aircraft other than the launching fighter. Source donhollway.com
AIM-120 AMRAAM Slammer
The AIM-120 advanced medium-range air-to-air missile (AMRAAM) is a new generation air-to-air missile. It has an all-weather, beyond-visual-range capability and is scheduled to be operational beyond 2000. AMRAAM is a supersonic, air launched, aerial intercept, guided missile employing active radar target tracking, proportional navigation guidance, and active Radio Frequency (RF) target detection. It employs active, semi-active, and inertial navigational methods of guidance to provide an autonomous launch and leave capability against single and multiple targets in all environments.
The AMRAAM weighs 340 pounds and uses an advanced solid-fuel rocket motor to achieve a speed of Mach 4 and a range in excess of 30 miles. In long-range engagements AMRAAM heads for the target using inertial guidance and receives updated target information via data link from the launch aircraft. It transitions to a self-guiding terminal mode when the target is within range of its own monopulse radar set. The AIM-120 also has a “home-on-jam” guidance mode to counter electronic jamming. With its sophisticated avionics, high closing speed, and excellent end-game maneuverability, chances of escape from AMRAAM are minimal. Upon intercept an active-radar proximity fuze detonates the 40-pound high-explosive warhead to destroy the target. At closer ranges AMRAAM guides itself all the way using its own radar, freeing the launch aircraft to engage other targets.
AIM-120C AMRAAM
Variants
Presently, there are three series of AMRAAM: AIM-120A, AIM-120B, and AIM-120C.
AIM-120A. First production AIM-120A, delivered by Hughes in 1988 to the 33d TFW at Eglin AFB, Florida.
AIM-120B and AIM-120C versions are currently in production, the latter with smaller control surfaces to permit increased internal carriage capability in the F-22. AIM-120B deliveries began in FY 94, and AIM-120C deliveries began in FY 96.
P3I. An improvement program seeks to develop AMRAAM capabilities, including software reprogrammability, advanced counter-countermeasures, and options for improved propulsion.
AIM-120C AMRAAM
The AIM-120A is a non-reprogrammable missile (requires a hardware change to upgrade the missile software). The AIM-120B/C is reprogrammable through the missile umbilical using Common Field-level Memory Reprogramming Equipment (CFMRE). The AIM-120C has smaller aero surfaces to enable internal carriage on the Air Force F-22 aircraft. The USAF All-Up-Round (AUR) container houses an internal cable which enables up to four missiles to be reprogrammed while in the container. USN containers are not equipped with the cable and must be opened to reprogram the missile. All three AMRAAM variants are currently approved for use on the F-15C/D/E, F-16C/D, and F/A-18C/D aircraft. Source fas.org
Dual Mode Plus laser-guided bomb (500 & 2,000 lbs)
With the combination of the INS/GPS system, existing semi-active laser (SAL) seeker and anti-jam technology, the DMLGB minimizes collateral damage and improves mission effectiveness by providing precision strike capabilities in all-weather at extended standoff ranges. The DMLGB is effective against fixed, relocatable and moving targets.
Image: defenseindustrydaily.com
The DMLGB guidance kit is compatible with the MK 82 warhead and standard GBU-12 Airfoil Group (AFG). Over 7,000 DMLGBs have been delivered to the U.S. Navy / Marine Corps and are employed on F/A-18 Hornets, Super Hornets and AV-8B Harrier. Source lockheedmartin.com
GBU-24 Paveway III LGBs (2,000 lbs)
Paveway is a series of laser-guided bombs (LGBs).
Pave or PAVE is sometimes used as an acronym for precision avionics vectoring equipment; literally, electronics for controlling the speed and direction of aircraft. Laser guidance is a form of Pave.
GBU-24 Paveway III – Mk 84/BLU-109 2,000 lb (907 kg) class bomb
The Harpoon missile provides the Navy and the Air Force with a common missile for air, ship, and submarine launches. The weapon system uses mid-course guidance with a radar seeker to attack surface ships. Its low-level, sea-skimming cruise trajectory, active radar guidance and warhead design assure high survivability and effectiveness. The Harpoon missile and its launch control equipment provide the warfighter capability to interdict ships at ranges well beyond those of other aircraft.
The Harpoon missile was designed to sink warships in an open-ocean environment. Other weapons (such as the Standard and Tomahawk missiles) can be used against ships, but Harpoon and Penguin are the only missiles used by the United States military with anti-ship warfare as the primary mission. Once targeting information is obtained and sent to the Harpoon missile, it is fired. Once fired, the missile flys to the target location, turns on its seeker, locates the target and strikes it without further action from the firing platform. This allows the firing platform to engage other threats instead of concentrating on one at a time.
Primary Function:
Air-to-surface anti-ship missile
Mission
Maritime ship attack
Targets
Maritime surface
Service
Navy and Air Force
Contractor:
Boeing [ex McDonnell Douglas]
Power Plant:
Teledyne Turbojet and solid propellant booster for surface and submarine launch
Program status
Operational
sea-launch
air-launch
SLAM
SLAM-ER
First capability
1977
1979
Thrust:
660 pounds
Length:
15 feet
(4.55 meters)
12 feet, 7 inches
(3.79 meters)
14 feet, 8 inches
(4.49 meters)
Weight:
1,470 pounds
(661.5 kilograms)
1,145 pounds
(515.25 kilograms)
1,385 pounds
(629.55 kilograms)
Diameter:
13.5 inches (34.29 centimeters)
Wingspan:
3 feet (91.44 centimeters)
Range:
Greater than 60 nautical miles
150+ miles
Speed:
855 km/h
Guidance System:
Sea-skimming cruise with mid-course guidance monitored by radar altimeter, active seeker radar terminal homing
inertial navigation system with GPS, infrared terminal guidance
The initial AGM-88A was supplanted in the late eighties by the improved AGM-88B, which provided a field reprogrammable seeker, rather the factory reprogrammable seeker of the initial variant. Source ausairpower.net
The AGM-88 HARM (High-speed Anti-Radiation Missile) is an air-to-surface supersonic, long range missile designed to seek out and destroy enemy radar systems. It was designed as an advanced follow on to Standard ARM and Shrike anti-radiation missiles. The HARM’s guidance package, with full frequency coverage, is locked on enemy’s radar systems emissions following them through radar site. Radar systems physical destruction is achieved through a single blast fragmentation warhead. The first combat use of AGM-88 missiles was in Libya in 1986. During the gulf war in 1991, more than 2,000 HARMs were fired against Iraq’s radar systems becoming the weapon of choice in the suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD). The HARM missile can be released from many aircraft. The F-16C is the only HARM-capable aircraft of the US Air Force.
The HARM missile can operate in three modes: pre-emptive, missile-as-a-sensor and self-protect. In the pre-emptive mode the missile is fired before locking on the potential threat. Targeting is provided through pre-flight planning or cued via aircraft’s sensors. The missile-as-a-sensor mode allows aircraft to use externally attached HARM missiles as a sensor (using its seeker) to locate radar emissions. Self-protect mode means the missile is fired to destroy threatening radar emissions.
The US government has revealed basing and unit plans for the Royal Saudi Air Force’s (RSAF’s) Boeing F-15SA (Saudi Advanced) Eagle fleet ahead of the commencement of deliveries.
The details were disclosed in early August in a Federal Business Opportunities (FedBizOpps) request for information (RfI) for F-15SA support that will run from March 2017 until March 2021.
According to the solicitation, the F-15SA will be operated by 55 Formal Training Unit (FTU) and 6 Squadron (currently an F-15S unit) at King Khalid Air Base (KKAB) in the south-west of Saudi Arabia; 29 Squadron (not currently stood-up) at King Faisal Air Base (KFAB) in the north-west of the country; and 92 Squadron (currently an F-15S unit) and the Fighter Weapons School at King Abdulaziz Air Base (KAAB) on the Gulf coast near Bahrain.
The RSAF is to receive 152 F-15SAs, of which 84 will be new build and 68 will be remanufactured F-15S platforms. Procured under a USD29.4 billion Foreign Military Sale (the largest in US history), the F-15SA is the most advanced variant of the Eagle ordered to date. Enhanced features include upgraded avionics (with a digital ‘glass’ cockpit); a BAE Systems Digital Electronic Warfare System/Common Missile Warning System (DEWS/CMWS); fly-by-wire controls; an infrared search-and-track (IRST) system; and the Raytheon APG-63(V)3 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar. The aircraft will also be fitted with new flight control components/surfaces from Goodrich and the F-15S Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-229 powerplant will be replaced with the more powerful General Electric F110-GE-129.
Both the front and rear cockpit positions feature joint helmet-mounted cueing systems, and the two outermost underwing weapon pylons have been activated to increase the aircraft’s hardpoints to 11. New weapon systems, including the latest-generation AIM-9X Sidewinder short-range air-to-air missile and an assortment of air-to-surface and anti-shipping weaponry, have also been ordered. Gareth Jennings, London – IHS Jane’s Defence Weekly 08 August 2016 – Source janes.com
Active protection for the T-72 and T-90. The new version of the Arena
PUBLISHED: SUNDAY, 22 JANUARY 2017 24:48
In Russia began initial testing of the new system of active defense of the vehicle (ASOP) “Arena-M” intended for the family series of tanks T-72 and T-90. According to the assumptions modernization, new model ASOP is intended to provide protection against the US led anti-tank set. TOW.
According to the agency TASS “Kонструкторское Бюро Mашиностроения” (KБM) from Tula with Urałwagonzawod from Nizhny Tagil they received a contract to install a new security system active on the latest tanks operated in Russia.
According to specialists of the new model KБM Arena uses, above all, the experience of the battles conducted in the Middle East. Possibilities of American hardware (but not only), the use of different sets of tactics ppk (or another anti-tank weapons) and use the same tactics of armored vehicles have shown that opportunities present ASOP developed in the USSR / Russia, are insufficient to various threats. On the other hand, the analyzes show that the system itself covers passive / passive (modern armor layer, reinforced with additional modules like. Contact or Relic ) is not currently able to provide effective protection to the extent that – taking into account the different possible systems and anti-mold attack with their use – give a high probability of survival of the crew and the machine itself on the battlefield.
The great importance of the work undertaken modernization provides twice visit, commander of Land Forces. Colonel. Oleg Saljukowa in KБM. The designers stress that already several times modernized the system, but Arena-M is a completely new system of protection.
Most countries are preparing requirements for ASOP seeks to be kept secret. This is due to the possibility of introducing a potential enemy weapons systems able to overcome them and working out methods to ensure effective bypass capabilities of the system of protection.
Russian ASOP Arena is an active type system “hard-kill” consisting of a multifunctional radar with high noise immunity (designed to detect and track threats), and special antypocisków high-speed, distributed around the circumference of the turret in special trays / launchers. This ASOP is integrated with the combat vehicle management and integrated into the overall system protection.
The exact structure of the complex is unknown, but probably przeciwpocisk insert consists of a covered jacket and the light is rotated in the direction of danger after firing. In standby insert may be located on its upper surface.
Despite the disclosure ASOP Arena and is designated for export, he was not in the USSR / Russia, regarded as the most perspective. He was assessed as worse than the Drozd-2 (the development version is Afganit ) or curtain / Dożda .
One of the drawbacks of the first version of the arena (also other contemporary ASOP) was the lack of combat missiles attacking from the upper hemisphere (ie. Top attack).
Afganit probably from the ground up was designed as able to fight with missiles attacking from the top of the hemisphere – at least give Russian sources. We do not know is whether przeciwpocisk combats the threat by creating in its area podpocisków a certain density or the blast of the explosion. There were claims that przeciwpocisk uses the charge EFP (or MEFP or even EFA). All this is in contradiction with the declared possibility of the Afganita as to combat both antitank guided missiles, projectiles fired from hand-held launchers anti-min led laden EFP or missiles podkalibrowych.
Small clusters EFP is a very serious threat to the missile type APFSDS. With proper angle EFP having a diameter of 25 mm and a weight of 75 g can break the core. But the blast of the explosion longer such a threat will not. This system also has little opportunity to fight min directional laden EFP.
It seems, however, that Afganit provides the ability to defend the vehicle only in the selected sector (in this case, the azimuth angle is approx. ± 60 for sometimes referred to a maximum of ± 100 on ). This type ASOP the reason for this. intercept point (called. Intercept Point – IP) operates at distances of 2 to 30 m from the protected vehicle and the response time of over 1 ms. Its antennas serve as a means for detecting incoming missiles (and encourage the use of multispectral grenades system and possibly as part of the fight radioelekronicznej – disrupting guidance incoming projectiles) , although some reviews give them an additional function of electromagnetic emitters used for warfare.
Arena-M rather uses przeciwpocisk generating a “cloud” podpocisków. This is a system in which the point of interception is from 2 to 30 meters and that the system response time is very short. The main modification went ensure, in the fight against missile attack from the upper hemisphere. There are technical possibilities to adapt the system to such a role. Besides this ASOP can be easily integrated with the family of tanks T-72 / T-90, but its features directional mine laden with EFP are small.
Russians themselves can test the combat new Arene-M without fear of the consequences of losing the secrets of its construction, but also the “safe” to enter the data gained in the modified Afganicie .
Designed to protect tanks and infantry fighting vehicles from anti-tank grenades, fired from any type of grenade launchers, as well as anti-tank guided missiles launched from the ground and from helicopters, armored vehicles damaging the object as a direct hit, and when flying over it.
The system comprises:
detection and control equipment – radar, computer, remote control (commander), blocks the conversion of commands;
Means of destruction – protective ammunition and mines mounting section;
Test equipment.
Features of the complex:
Detection and tracking of targets multifunction radar with “instant” review of the space around the protected sector; aiming loss goals through protective ammunition highly directional action with a very high speed; fully automatic operation without the participation of the crew; complex is an all-weather and vsesutochnym, detect and engage targets in all circumstances the use of armored vehicles of the object, including the movement and turns the tower; great protection azimuth -220 ° … 270 °, is movable together with the tower; the small size of the danger area (radius of 20 … 30 m) for infantry support and lack of exposure to outdoor furnishing armored vehicles and elements of the complex when triggered ST; a large stock and the ability to intercept multiple targets, including the one direction; a high level of noise immunity and secrecy applications;
Selection of low-speed objects, debris and explosions of shells, bullets and small-caliber ammunition, as well as those moving away from the object of protection and flying past him;
EMC complex object systems and armored vehicles between the complexes in the application objects as part of AVA groups; a high level of security.
Tactical and technical characteristics:
mode
automatic, vsesutochny, all-weather
Detect and target tracking
radar
speed range of the targeted objectives, m / s
70-700
protection of the azimuth, degrees
270
Detection range flying up purposes, m
50
Complex reaction time, with
0.07
Power consumption, kW
less than 1
Power Supply,
22 … 29
Complex Weight, kg
1000 … 1300
The volume of the apparatus, placed inside the object, dm3
less than 30
The amount of protective ammunition
at least 22
The size of the danger area for infantry support, m
F-15SE Silent Eagle is an upgraded version of the F-15 Strike Eagle aircraft, being developed by Boeing for international customers. The F-15SE features an innovative design which reduces its radar cross section. A prototype of the F-15SE Silent Eagle aircraft was first unveiled in March 2009. The F-15SE flight demonstrator aircraft, F-15E1, completed its maiden flight in July 2010.
F-15SE is 63.6ft (19.4m) long, 18.5ft (5.6m) high and has a wingspan of 42.8ft (13m). The basic design of the F-15SE is similar to that of the F-15 Strike Eagle aircraft with new components added. The new components include the conformal weapons bay (CWB) instead of the standard conformal fuel tanks.
The CWB significantly increases the internal carriage capacity of the aircraft and also reduces its radar signature. Two additional weapons stations have been included to enable the aircraft to carry an additional four air-to-air missiles.
The Silent Eagle also features twin vertical tails canted 15° outward. Canted tails provide rear lift to the aircraft and reduce ballast usage, while increasing the range by 75 to 100 nautical miles. Coatings will also be applied to various areas of the aircraft to minimise the radar signature.
Canted Tail Fins
Twin vertical tails canted 15° outward
The Strike Eagles tails are canted outward by 15 degrees which decreases RCS in A/A engagements. The outward cant also improves aerodynamic efficiency and generates extra lift. The canting also allows airframe weight to be reduced by removing 400-500 lbs of ballast weight from the forward section of the aircraft. Source onfinalofficial.wordpress.com
The F-15SE has also been designed to function as a non-stealthy, multirole aircraft. The CWBs can be removed and the aircraft can be reconfigured to include conformal fuel tanks based on mission requirements.
Conformal fuel tanks
F-15SE Silent Eagle development programme
Boeing commenced development of the F-15SE as an evolution to the F-15 family of aircraft. The company signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Korea Aerospace Industries in November 2010 for development of the F-15SE’s CWB.
F-15 Silent Eagle: Why South Korea rejected this jet:Here
Excerpt
Boeing’s F-15 Silent Eagle had been in the box seat to win the 8.3 trillion won ($7.7 billion) tender – as the only bid to fall within budget – but former military top brass and even the ruling party’s lawmakers had criticized the plane as it lacked crucial stealth capabilities.
Boeing successfully completed the weapons launch from the left CWB of the F-15E1 flight demonstrator aircraft in November 2010. The F-15E1 launched an inert AIM-120 demonstrating the aircraft’s ability to deploy a missile in flight.
F-15E1 flight demonstrator
F-15E1 flight demonstrator aircraft
The Boeing company completed the first flight of the F-15SE ‘Silent Eagle’ flight demonstrator on July 8, 2010. The aircraft, designated F-15E1 took off from the Lambert St. Louis International Airport on an 80-minute flight, where the aircraft opened and closed its left-side Conformal Weapons Bay, which contained an AIM-120 Instrumented Test Vehicle (ITV) missile. “[In this flight] we cleared the desired flight envelope needed to fire the missile at the test range” said Boeing F-15 Chief Test Pilot Dan Draeger. According to Boeing F-15 Development Programs Director Brad Jones, in the next couple of weeks, the F-15E1 will be ferry to a test range to launch an AIM-120.
Key to the F-15SE design is the conformal weapons bays, designed for the F-15SE. This new add-on module was originally designed specifically for the F-15SE but could also be available for other F-15 models, particularly interesting is the F-15E, I K, S and S (F-15E models operated by Israel, South Korea, Saudi-Arabia and Singapore) already operating F-15s with conformal tanks.
F-15SE conformal weapons bays
The Silent Eagle was developed in response to South Korea’s requirements for high-performance, stealth capable fighter aircraft. The F-15SE offers unique aerodynamic, avionic and Radar Cross Section reduction features that provide maximum flexibility in air dominance as it can be operated with and without stealth capabilities. Boeing is offering the F-15SE with customizable fighter that can be outfitted with AESA radars, radar absorbent coatings, large digital cockpit displays, fly-by-wire software, canted tails and bolt-on internal weapons bays.
According to UPI, Boeing is hoping to win an export license to sell its new F-15 Silent Eagle to South Korea within a month. South Korea has a requirement for a third batch of 60 F-15 size fighters, due next year. Boeing could be offering the F-15SE with customizable fighter that can be outfitted with AESA radars, radar absorbent coatings, large digital cockpit displays, fly-by-wire software, canted tails and bolt-on internal weapons bays.
Wind tunnel tests on the CWB of the Silent Eagle were completed in June 2012. A scale model of the aircraft was used to test aerodynamics of the CWB design.
A scale model of the aircraft was used to conduct the wind tunnel tests – Image: airforce-technology.com
Boeing has offered the aircraft for the F-X III competition launched by South Korea’s Defense Acquisition and Procurement Agency to procure 60 new fighter aircraft for the Republic of Korea Air Force. The F-15SE is competing for the $7.3bn order with the Eurofighter Typhoon and Lockheed Martin’s F-35.
The three companies submitted their formal bids in June 2012. South Korea was scheduled to decide the winner of the competition in October 2012 but the decision has now been postponed to mid-2013.
New orders from Saudi Arabia and Japan are also the driving forces behind the development of the next generation of F-15 aircraft. The development cost of F-15SE is estimated at $100m each. Boeing plans to offer the aircraft to five foreign customers with an estimated market for 190 orders. Flight testing of the F-15SE is expected to be carried out in 2013.
Boeing Defense presented the first F-15SA destined for Saudi Arabia in a ceremony at its St. Louis headquarters on April 30. The latest F-15 variant is the centerpiece of the largest foreign military sale in U.S. history, worth $29.4 billion. It also figured prominently in recent U.S. negotiations to improve the military capabilities of Israel, the UAE and Saudi Arabia simultaneously.
Aircraft engines, cockpit and avionics
The F-15SE will be fitted with two General Electric F110-GE-129 turbofan engines providing thrust of 29,000lbs or two Pratt & Whitney F 100-PW-229 engines providing thrust of 29,000lbs.
General Electric F110-GE-129
Manufacturer: General Electric Co. Thrust: F110-GE-129: 29,500 pounds; F110-GE-132: 32,000 pounds Overall Pressure Ratio at Maximum Power: F110-GE-129: 30.7; F110-GE-132: 33.3 Thrust-to-Weight Ratio: F110-GE-129: 7.29; F110-GE-132: 7.90 Compressor: Two spool, axial flow, three-stage fan LP-HP Compressor Stages: 0-9 HP-LP Turbine Stages: 1-2 Combustor Type: Annular Length: 182.3 in (4.63 m) Diameter: 46.5 in (118 cm) Dry Weight: F110-GE-129: 3,980 lbs (1,805 kg); F110-GE-132: 4,050 lbs (1,837 kg) Platforms: F-16 Fighting Falcon; F-14 (retired); F-15K Slam Eagle; F-15SA; F-15SG; F-2
The F-15SE will feature next-generation Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System produced by Vision Systems International, Elbit 11in x 19in Large Area Display (LAD) system on the front and rear cockpits, digital fly-by-wire flight control system, Link-16 Fighter Data Link and infrared search and track (IRST) system.
JHMCS II
In 2015, Boeing released a video that confirmed at least one of the Palmdale test aircraft (12-1003 – note the serial on the ejection seat) has been employed to trial the new Digital Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System (DJHMCS) on the F-15. Boeing Test and Evaluation chief F-15 test pilot Dan ‘Dragon’ Draeger and a ‘USAF Weapons Systems Officer’ were depicted wearing the new helmets for a ‘first evaluation flight’ at Palmdale recently. The new digital JHMCS uses LED technology for ‘greater reliability and visual acuity’, according to the news release. ‘You don’t have to use high voltage in order to drive the new Light Emitting Diode display which improves maintenance reliability significantly,’ says Greg Hardy, Boeing manager, TACAIR Advanced Display Systems. ‘Couple this technology with a sharper image and improved day and night capabilities using color projected video and symbology and a better balanced helmet, and you have an advanced targeting solution that is more reliable and less fatiguing for pilots to wear.’
The DJHMCS is part of the new JHMCS II product line and it is touted as ‘an economical but significant upgrade’ that features ‘all new’ aspects of JHMCS II, but is aimed as a retrofit for existing JHMCS-capable platforms and crucially it incorporates a new night capability.
Many of these new features were planned as part of the stealthy F-15SE Silent Eagle, which failed to attract direct interest from new customers. Indeed, Silent Eagle enhancements may never be fully realized as Boeing was largely relying on customer support to bring these to reality and the loss in South Korea effectively put paid to the key stealthy improvements. The conformal weapons bays (CWBs) were, for example, part of the industrial offset with Korean industry. The CWBs had two doors and two weapon mounts, the upper, side-opening door carrying a rail launcher for an AIM-120 AMRAAM or an AIM-9-type missile, or a launcher for a single 500lb or 1,000lb bomb or two Small Diameter Bombs (SDBs). The lower door accommodated a trapeze-plus-ejector mount for an AIM-120, or for a single 500lb or 1,000lb bomb or two SDBs. The CWBs would also accommodate a small amount of fuel. Having funded an initial test period, including firing an AIM-120 from the CWB in July 2010, Boeing was ready to develop a number of the Silent Eagle options with customer support as prospective buyers came forward.
Although Seoul opted for the F-35, the Saudi deal paved the way for some of the less noticeable elements of the Silent Eagle to come to fruition, notably the advanced cockpit, DFBW, and DEWS. Various elements that have been taken up by Boeing’s export customers over the past decade are now on the table to be offered as upgrades for other existing F-15 customers — including the USAF. Indeed, Boeing is emphasizing the increased weapon carriage offered by the F-15SA as the DFBW opens up the new outer wing stations 1 and 9. However, the handling implications of these outer stations predude non-DFBW Eagles from utilizing them. Source combataircraft.net
More Intelligent
More Capable
More Affordable
Both Digital JHMCS and JHMCS II share common design attributes that are new and improved over classic JHMCS. Both include new features and benefits that reinforce our market leadership standing.
First
JHMCS was first in the market, first in combat. And now, the JHMCS II product line is the worlds first high definition HMD using smart-visor technology that operates in both day and night mode.
Affordable
The JHMCS II product line (both Digital JHMCS and JHMCS II) is based on the combat proven JHMCS and is now more affordable
Both are priced to meet a broad range of market needs including reduced budget upgrades and new starts
Improved
JHMCS II product line takes advantage of pioneering technology
Digital image source replaces JHMCS Cathode Ray Tube (CRT)
No high voltage requirements
Reduced routine maintenance
Improved center of gravity provides greater pilot comfort, especially with NVGs
No visor trimming
Helmet borne electronics
Virtual HUD option
Embedded virtual training compatible
Pilot Health Monitoring including hypoxia and G-LOC detection and warning
Early pilot warning and aircraft recovery option
Color
Both versions in our product line utilize conformal color symbology to improve situational awareness
Full color video imagery, FLIR and Picture-in-Picture
Color de-brief camera
Advantage JHMCS
More flight crews fly JHMCS around the world
More crews have used JHMCS HMDs during combat operations
Additional features and benefits
The developers of JHMCS II have worked extensively with warfighters to create a system that improves situational awareness, provides improved comfort, better balance and easy day to night mode interchange.
With nearly 6,000 systems sold and 15 years of experience, JHMCS based products have a heritage of superior safety achievement, testing, and qualification certifications.
JHMCS II is fully interchangeable, retrofits perfectly with all components of JHMCS and is adaptable to any aircraft architecture.
Improvements include Flat Panel Display, Video, No High Voltage, Higher Reliability, Better Balance and higher accuracy with the new Forward Fit Opto-Inertial Tracker.
JHMCS II Can Be Pre-ordered Now.
JHMCS II Has The Best Warranty And Service Support In The Industry.
AAS-42 Infra-red search and track mounted on pylon with Sniper targeting pod of F-15KF-14D AAS-42 – Image: sistemasdearmas.com.br
Lockheed Martin’s IRST is a development of the AN/AAS-42 system that was originally carried by Northrop Grumman F-14D Tomcats. However, it has been undergoing development since then, first for the abortive pod-mounted system for the F-15 Eagle, and now further refined for the Super Hornet application. Source ainonline.com
Lockheed completes first flight of Legion Pod:Here
IRST21 infrared sensor
IRST21 is the next generation of Lockheed Martin’s legacy IRST sensor system, which accumulated over 300,000 flight hours on F-14 and international F-15 platforms. As a passive, long-range sensor system, IRST21 uses infrared search and track technology to detect and track airborne threats with weapon-quality accuracy, increasing pilot reaction time and improving survivability.
A compact design enables IRST21 to be integrated in a variety of ways. On the F/A-18E/F, IRST21 is mounted on the nose section of the centerline fuel tank. A podded sensor system with IRST21 is also in development and will be transportable across a wide range of platforms including the F-15C and F-16. Source lockheedmartin
ViaSat’s team is leading the transformation in Link 16 Airborne Terminal technology by being the first to upgrade the design of many components of the terminal to provide greater flexibility, enhanced technological capabilities, decreased cost and improved reliability. Embedded modules provide COMSEC and TACAN.
Through extensive use of reprogrammable components and a modular VME architecture, we’ve provided a lower cost design while also allowing for future requirements. Our terminal provides all operational modes of the Link 16 waveform, and implements all required Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS) host interfaces for both U.S. and Coalition integration. Our hardware implements Enhanced Throughput, a new capability that can increase coded data throughput from its current maximum of 115.2 kbps to over 800 kbps. Host interfaces and operational employment of this capability are still in the planning stages.
Together with Harris and European Aeronautic Defense and Space Company (EADS), ViaSat is delivering a family of combat-proven, fully qualified, and EMC-Certified Link 16 MIDS terminals to U.S. Forces and Coalition partners under contracts to the Navy MIDS International Program Office (IPO) and other commercial customers. Sourceviasat.com
Elbit Systems of America® is a global leader in developing and manufacturing display and mission management systems for air, land, and sea applications. Military forces worldwide rely on our displays to simplify the increasing workload on commanders and crew by presenting information and crisp, sensor video images that enhance communication, navigation, and situational awareness capabilities.
Features and Benefits:
AMLCD ruggedization to withstand and perform in harsh military environments
Backlights efficiently deliver high brightness for direct sun viewability while allowing extreme dimmability for night operation in excess of 20,000:1
ANVIS compatibility with both Class A and Class B requirements, wide-viewing angles, and preservation of the red color
System
Powerful real-time and non real-time processors backed with our high-performance and high visual quality graphics accelerators and generators
Optimized video processing for image clarity and resolution
Multiple picture-in-picture windowing with a comprehensive interface suite
System software with powerful applications including: primary flight display, situational awareness, digital real-time moving map, fusion of sensor video with digital maps, digital terrain elevation, threat intervisibility, data sharing, messaging, and EFB.
Packaged in the smallest volume possible with the lowest power consumption and weight
The APG-82(V)1 AESA radar is the latest radar advancement for the U.S. Air Force F-15E fleet.
F-15E PLATFORM OPTIMIZATION
The APG-82(V)1 optimizes the F-15Es multirole mission capability. In addition to its extended range and improved multi-target track and precision engagement capabilities, the APG-82(V)1 offers improvement in system reliability over the legacy F-15E APG-70 radar. This phenomenal level of reliability and maintainability will result in significant maintenance cost savings for the U.S. Air Force.
LOW-RISK ENHANCEMENTS
By leveraging combat-proven technologies—the APG-79 and APG-63(V)3 AESA radars flying on the F/A-18E/F, the EA-18G and the F-15C platforms—Raytheon delivers a low-risk, cost-effective and superior situational awareness and attack radar to modernize the Strike Eagle.
EFFECTIVENESS AND SURVIVABILITY
Aircraft equipped with the APG-82(V)1 AESA radar can simultaneously detect, identify and track multiple air and surface targets at longer ranges than ever before. The longer standoff range facilitates persistent target observation and information sharing for informed decision making. This superior battlespace awareness supports greater tactical mission capability. The result: greatly increased aircraft-aircrew effectiveness and survivability.
PROVEN AESA TECHNOLOGY
Raytheon’s ground-breaking AESA technology has consistently proven its exceptional performance, reliability and mission capabilities for the warfighter. Our APG-79 AESA radar design, now extended to the APG-82(V)1, is combat-proven on fielded F/A-18s, and it’s being adapted now to modernize the Strike Eagle.
“The new radar system does everything faster, is extremely precise and requires less maintenance,” Riley said. “It can designate air-to-air and air-to-ground simultaneously, allowing us to track enemy aircraft and identify ground targets at the same time.”
According to the Air Force’s first RMP report, the new radar system is designed to retain functionality of the old legacy radar system while providing expanded mission employment capabilities to include:
– Near simultaneous interleaving of selected air-to-air and air-to-ground functions
– Enhanced air-to-air and air-to-ground classified combat identification capabilities
– Longer range air-to-air target detection and enhanced track capabilities
– Longer range and higher resolution air-to-ground radar mapping
– Improved ground moving target track capability
An advanced targeting pod provides the aircraft with target identification and autonomous tracking capabilities. A navigation pod will also be fitted to the aircraft providing it with all-weather and night-attack capabilities.
The aircraft will also feature advanced electronic equipment including BAE Systems digital electronic warfare system (DEWS) and active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar.
BAE Systems digital electronic warfare system (DEWS)
Instead of the tactical electronic warfare system (TEWS) in the Strike Eagle the Silent Eagle makes use of BAE’s Digital Electronic Warfare System (DEWS)
DEWS uses digital radio-frequency memory (DRFS) technology which is said to have substantially better performance and reliability than the Analog TEWS system. The system has the ability to listen over a frequency band constantly without the need to scan it and the advanced antenna systems can obtain more accurate data with regards to the measurement of bearings. Targets acquired by the DEWS are fused with radar and infrared search and track (IRST) data and displayed on the large format cockpit displays.
The system was designed by implementing lessons learned during the development of the electronic warfare systems for the F-22 and F-35 JSF.
The F-15 Silent Eagle’s (F-15 SE) Basic Sensor Suit
The system utilizes various sensors located in sections of the tail fins, wings and the underside of the airframe as well as a digital radar warning receiver (RWR). The Silent Eagle also contains an advanced jamming system which according to Boeing, allows the aircraft to jam enemy radar systems while still allowing it’s own radar and RWR to operate.
The actual systems contained within the Silent Eagle make it more than capable of entering the battle arena with the best of Russia or anyone else. Source onfinalofficial.wordpress.com
F-15SE weapons and performance
The F-15SE can carry air-to-air missiles, such as AIM-120 and AIM-9, and air-to-ground weapons including precision-guided weapons, JDAM and globules admire. The F-15SE can fly at a maximum speed of 2,655km/h. It can climb at the rate of 15,240m/min. The aircraft will have a range of 3,900km and a service ceiling of 18,200m. The empty weight of the aircraft will be 14,300kg and the maximum takeoff weight will be 36,741kg. The aircraft can carry a payload of 11,748kg.
Weapons
M-61A1 20mm Gatling gun
M-61A1 20mm Gatling gun
The M61 20mm Vulcan is an externally powered, six-barrel, rotary-fire gun having a rate of fire of up to 7200 spm. The firing rate is selectible at 4,000 spm or 6,000 spm. The gun fires standard electrically primed 20mm ammunition. The M61A1 is hydraulically or ram-air driven, electrically controlled, and uses a linkless ammunition feed system.
Each of the gun’s six barrels fires only once during each revolution of the barrel cluster. The six rotating barrels contribute to long weapon life by minimizing barrel erosion and heat generation. The gun’s rate of fire, essentially 100 rounds per second, gives the pilot a shot density that will enable a “kill” when fired in one-second bursts.
M-61A1 20mm Gatling gun on F-15C
The M61 20mm cannon is a proven gun, having been the US military’s close-in weapon of choice dating back to the 1950s. The F-104, F-105, later models of the F-106, F-111, F-4, B-58, all used the M61, as does the Air Force’s F-15 , F-16 and F-22, and the Navy’s F-14 and F/A-18. The internally mounted 20mm cannon system is common to all versions of the F-15. This system combines the widely used (F-4, F-16, F-18) M61 cannon with 940 rounds (A through D models) or 500 rounds (E model) of ammunition. The cannon can be loaded with target practice, armor piercing, or high explosive incendiary rounds. The primary use of the cannon is in the extremely short range (less than 2000 feet) air-to-air environment, where more sophistacated air-to-air missiles are ineffective. Alternately, the cannon has limited usefulness in a ground strafing role. Source fas.org
AIM-9L/M infrared-guided Sidewinder
The AIM-9L added a more powerful solid-propellant rocket motor as well as tracking maneuvering ability. Improvements in heat sensor and control systems have provided the AIM-9L missile with an all-aspect attack capability and improved guidance characteristics. The L model was the first Sidewinder with the ability to attack from all angles, including head-on. An improved active optical fuze increased the missile’s lethality and resistance to electronic countermeasures. A conical scan seeker increased seeker sensitivity and improved tracking stability. The AIM-9L is configured with an annular blast fragmentation warhead. Production and delivery of the AIM-9L began in 1976.
The AIM-9M missile utilizes a guidance control section with counter-countermeasures and improved maintainability and producibility. The AIM-9M is configured with an annular blast fragmentation warhead. Currently the only operational variant, has the all-aspect capability of the L model, but provides all-around higher performance. The M model has improved defense against infrared countermeasures, enhanced background discrimination capability, and a reduced-smoke rocket motor. These modifications increase ability to locate and lock-on a target and decrease the missile’s chances for detection. Deliveries of the M model began in 1983. Source fas.org
AIM-7 Sparrow
The AIM-7 Sparrow is a radar-guided, air-to-air missile with a high-explosive warhead. The versatile Sparrow has all-weather, all-altitude operational capability and can attack high-performance aircraft and missiles from any direction. The AIM/RIM-7 series is a semiactive, air-to-air, boost-glide missile, designed to be either rail or ejection launched. Semiactive, continuous wave, homing radar, and hydraulically-operated control surfaces direct and stabilize the missile on a proportional navigational course to the target. Propulsion for the missile is provided by a solid propellant rocket motor.
AIM-7F
The AIM-7F joined the Air Force inventory in 1976 as the primary medium-range, air-to-air missile for the F-15 Eagle. The AIM-7F was an almost completely new missile, gaining ability from improved avionics that allowed the warhead to be moved to the front, allowing a bigger motor to be carried that has improved range.
AIM-7M
The AIM-7M, the only current operational version, entered service in 1982. It has improved reliability and performance over earlier models at low altitudes and in electronic countermeasures environments. It also has a significantly more lethal warhead. The latest software version of the AIM-7M is the H-Build, which has been produced since 1987 and incorporates additional improvements in guidance. AIM/RIM-7M DT and OT was successfully completed in FY82. The F-15 Eagle and F-16 Fighting Falcon fighters carry the AIM-7M Sparrow. Sourcefas.org
AIM-120 AMRAAM Slammer
The AIM-120 advanced medium-range air-to-air missile (AMRAAM) is a new generation air-to-air missile. It has an all-weather, beyond-visual-range capability and is scheduled to be operational beyond 2000. AMRAAM is a supersonic, air launched, aerial intercept, guided missile employing active radar target tracking, proportional navigation guidance, and active Radio Frequency (RF) target detection. It employs active, semi-active, and inertial navigational methods of guidance to provide an autonomous launch and leave capability against single and multiple targets in all environments.
The AMRAAM weighs 340 pounds and uses an advanced solid-fuel rocket motor to achieve a speed of Mach 4 and a range in excess of 30 miles. In long-range engagements AMRAAM heads for the target using inertial guidance and receives updated target information via data link from the launch aircraft. It transitions to a self-guiding terminal mode when the target is within range of its own monopulse radar set. The AIM-120 also has a “home-on-jam” guidance mode to counter electronic jamming. With its sophisticated avionics, high closing speed, and excellent end-game maneuverability, chances of escape from AMRAAM are minimal. Upon intercept an active-radar proximity fuze detonates the 40-pound high-explosive warhead to destroy the target. At closer ranges AMRAAM guides itself all the way using its own radar, freeing the launch aircraft to engage other targets.
Variants
Presently, there are three series of AMRAAM: AIM-120A, AIM-120B, and AIM-120C.
AIM-120A. First production AIM-120A, delivered by Hughes in 1988 to the 33d TFW at Eglin AFB, Florida.
AIM-120B and AIM-120C versions are currently in production, the latter with smaller control surfaces to permit increased internal carriage capability in the F-22. AIM-120B deliveries began in FY 94, and AIM-120C deliveries began in FY 96.
P3I. An improvement program seeks to develop AMRAAM capabilities, including software reprogrammability, advanced counter-countermeasures, and options for improved propulsion.
The AIM-120A is a non-reprogrammable missile (requires a hardware change to upgrade the missile software). The AIM-120B/C is reprogrammable through the missile umbilical using Common Field-level Memory Reprogramming Equipment (CFMRE). The AIM-120C has smaller aero surfaces to enable internal carriage on the Air Force F-22 aircraft. The USAF All-Up-Round (AUR) container houses an internal cable which enables up to four missiles to be reprogrammed while in the container. USN containers are not equipped with the cable and must be opened to reprogram the missile. All three AMRAAM variants are currently approved for use on the F-15C/D/E, F-16C/D, and F/A-18C/D aircraft. Source fas.org
Joint direct attack munition (JDAM)
Joint direct attack munition (JDAM) @boeing.com
Joint stand-off weapon (JSOW)
The AGM-154A (Formerly Advanced Interdiction Weapon System) is intended to provide a low cost, highly lethal glide weapon with a standoff capability. JSOW family of kinematically efficient, air-to-surface glide weapons, in the 1,000-lb class, provides standoff capabilities from 15 nautical miles (low altitude launch) to 40 nautical miles (high altitude launch). The JSOW will be used against a variety of land and sea targets and will operate from ranges outside enemy point defenses. The JSOW is a launch and leave weapon that employs a tightly coupled Global Positioning System (GPS)/Inertial Navigation System (INS), and is capable of day/night and adverse weather operations.
The JSOW uses inertial and global positioning system for midcourse navigation and imaging infra-red and datalink for terminal homing. The JSOW is just over 13 feet in length and weighs between 1000-1500 pounds. Extra flexibility has been engineered into the AGM-154A by its modular design, which allows several different submunitions, unitary warheads, or non-lethal payloads to be carried. The JSOW will be delivered in three variants, each of which uses a common air vehicle, or truck, while substituting various payloads.
deagel.com
AGM-154A (Baseline JSOW) The warhead of the AGM-154A consists of 145 BLU-97/B submunitions. Each bomblet is designed for multi-target in one payload. The bomblets have a shaped charge for armor defeat capability, a fragmenting case for material destruction, and a zirconium ring for incendiary effects.
AGM-154B (Anti-Armor) The warhead for the AGM-154B is the BLU-108/B from the Air Force’s Sensor Fuzed Weapon (SFW) program. The JSOW will carry six BLU-108/B submunitions. Each submunition releases four projectiles (total of 24 per weapons) that use infrared sensors to detect targets. Upon detection, the projectile detonates, creating an explosively formed, shaped charge capable of penetrating reinforced armor targets.
AGM-154C (Unitary Variant) The AGM-154C will use a combination of an Imaging Infrared (IIR) terminal seeker and a two-way data link to achieve point target accuracy through aimpoint refinement and man-in-the-loop guidance. The AGM-154C will carry the BLU-111/B variant of the MK-82, 500- pound general purpose bomb, equipped with the FMU-152 Joint Programmable Fuze (JPF) and is designed to attack point targets. Source fas.org
AGM-158 Joint Air to Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM)
JASSM is a precision cruise missile designed for launch from outside area defenses to kill hard, medium-hardened, soft, and area type targets. The threshold integration aircraft are the F-16, B-52, and F/A-18 E/F, and the airframe design is compatible with all JASSM launch platforms: the B-52H, F-16C/D, F/A-18E/F, F-15E, F-117, B-1B, B-2, P-3C and S-3B. The weapon is required to attack both fixed and relocatable targets at ranges beyond enemy air defenses. After launch, it will be able to fly autonomously over a low-level, circuitous route to the area of a target, where an autonomous terminal guidance system will guide the missile in for a direct hit. The key performance parameters for the system are Missile Mission Effectiveness, range, and carrier operability.
JASSM’s midcourse guidance is provided by a Global Positioning System (GPS)-aided inertial navigation system (INS) protected by a new high, anti-jam GPS null steering antenna system. In the terminal phase, JASSM is guided by an imaging infrared seeker and a general pattern match-autonomous target recognition system that provides aimpoint detection, tracking and strike. It also offers growth potential for different warheads and seekers, and for extended range. Source fas.org
The F-15E is the first aircraft to be armed with the Boeing GBU-39 GPS-guided 113kg (250lb) small diameter bomb. Up to 12 bombs can be carried. The SDB entered Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) in April 2005 and achieved Initial Operating Capability (IOC) on the F-15E in September 2006.
Boeing GBU-39 GPS-guided 113kg (250lb) small diameter bomb
Boeing GBU-39 GPS-guided 113kg (250lb) small diameter bomb
The Laser Small Diameter Bomb (Laser SDB) system is the next generation of affordable and low-collateral-damage precision strike weapons, which builds on the success of the same Semi-active Laser (SAL) sensor currently used by Boeing’s Laser JDAM. A Laser SDB increases mission effectiveness in several ways:
By using already-proven laser sensor technology, Laser SDB offers the flexibility to prosecute targets of opportunity, including moving targets. With the BRU-61 Carriage System, these optimized munitions offer increased load-out for each weapons station to prosecute multiple targets per sortie. As a 250-lb. class weapon, Laser SDB’s smaller size and High Performance Wing Assembly allow it to glide for extended ranges.
Besides providing a safer standoff distance for pilots at greater than 60 nautical miles, Laser SDB target coordinates can be updated after weapon release by illuminating the target with standard Laser designation procedures. Laser SDB also retains a smaller warhead that provides reduced collateral damage, and offers ultra-low fragmentation with the composite focused lethality munition (FLM) variant. Source boeing.ca
GBU-39/B Weapon:
• Dimensions: (L x W): 70.8″ x 7.5″ (1.8 m x 19 cm)
• Weapon Weight: 285 pounds (130 kg)
• Warhead: 206 lb. (93 kg) penetrating blast fragmentation
• Warhead penetration: >3 feet of steel reinforced concrete
• Fuze: electronic safe/arm fuze
• Standoff maximum range: more than 60 nautical miles
• Precision inertial navigation system/GPS
• Anti-jam GPS and selective-ability anti-spoofing module
BRU-61/A Carriage System:
• Payload capacity: four weapons
• Weight: 320 pounds (145 kg) empty, 1,460 pounds (664 kg) loaded
• Dimensions (L x W x H): 143″ x 16″ x 16″ (3.6 m x 40.6 cm x 40.6 cm)
• Fits nearly all delivery platforms
Performance
Maximum speed: Mach 2.5+ (1,650+ mph, 2,650+ km/h)
Combat radius: 800+ nm (720 nmi for stealth A/A mission) (920 miles (1,480 kilometres))
Ferry range: 2,400 mi (2,100 nmi (3,900 km)) with conformal fuel tank and three external fuel tanks
1 x 20-mm M61 Vulcan six-barrel cannon (510 rounds)
Missiles
AGM-65 Maverick, AGM-88 HARM anti-radar missiles, AGM-130 air-to-surface missiles, up to four AIM-7M Sparrow and four AIM-9 Sidewinder, AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to-air missiles
Developed in cooperation with Airbus Defence and Space, AMPS provides enhanced protection for military and civilian aircraft against ground-to-air missiles.
The system is designed to detect, verify and foil surface-to-air missile attacks through the effective use of countermeasure decoys (flares and chaff) and directional infrared countermeasures that jam the missile’s infrared seeker.
The system is fully operational on military and VIP aircraft. AMPS has also evolved into a standard system for NATO, having been installed on military, VIP and civil platforms used by NATO members, the United Nations air operations, governments and air forces.
The Airborne Missile Protection System (AMPS) family of solutions is provided in cooperation with AIRBUS Defence and Space. The system has been expressly designed to provide complete protection against all known Surface to Air Missiles (SAM) including the most deadly type – the MANPADS (Man Portable Shoulder Launched Missile).
AMPS automatically works as follows:
1. Detects a missile threat. 2. Processes and optimizes the countermeasure programs. 3. Provides visual and audio alerts to the crew. 4. Initiates the appropriate countermeasure decoys.
The system is certified by leading aircraft manufactures including AIRBUS Helicopters, MIL Design Bureau and others.
The system has a proven track record in the leading conflict zones worldwide, operated continuously by the most advance armed forces in theaters such as Libya, Iraq and Afghanistan.
Image: birdaero.com
AMPS Configurations
AMPS is installed on a large number of helicopters and fixed wing aircraft with a wide verity of detection sensors and configurations. The system ensures complete protection against any available ground to air threat in the following main configurations:
• AMPS-M Protects military and civil aircraft against Shoulder Launched Missiles (MANPADS). • AMPS-MV Protect civil aircraft against MANPADS attacks using an adaptation of the AMPS system • AMPS-ML Protects aircraft against MANPADS and Laser Beam Rider threats (LRF, LTD, LBR) . • AMPS- MLR Protects against MANPADS, Laser Beam Rider threats in addition to radar guided missiles and Radar controlled guns
BIRD provides its customers with a turn-key solution that includes the installation, integration and support for the AMPS system. AMPS is combat proven and has been operational in Afghanistan and Iraq with over 400 installations on platforms such as: EC135, EC635, EC145, BK117, EC155, Cougar, EC225, Mi8, Mi17, UH60, S-92, CH53, B407, B200, B350ER, P3C, C130 and many more.
Elbit Systems to Supply BrightNite Systems to an Air Force in a NATO Country
By Elbit Systems -January 18, 2017
Elbit Systems announced today that it was awarded a contract to supply groundbreaking, multi spectral BrightNite system to an air force in a NATO country. The contract, in an amount of approximately $17 million, will be performed over a thirty-month period.
Low-flying helicopters are especially vulnerable to threats such as difficult terrain, enemy fire and obstacles in the flight path. Sorties must be performed both day and night and often carried out in DVE conditions, adding to the already heavy workload. Prior to BrightNite, flight crews have had to rely on night vision goggles (which have limited capabilities) to accomplish their mission. Factors like complete darkness, poor weather conditions, brownouts, whiteouts and sandstorms limit the pilots’ Field of View (FOV).
Lightweight, compact and cost-effective, BrightNite is a multi-spectral end to end panoramic piloting solution that delivers the landscape scenery directly to both eyes of the pilot, including 2D flight Symbology and 3D mission symbology, enabling intuitive head-up eyes-out orientation flight in pitch dark and other low visibility landing conditions, including Elbit Systems’ unique brownout symbology. The scenery picture is driven from the multi-spectral sensor which fused multiple day and night cameras into one crystal clear very intuitive piloting picture regardless of outer light conditions.
Bezhalel (Butzi) Machlis, President and CEO of Elbit Systems commented: “We are proud to have won this contract which enables helicopter pilots to gain highly advanced operational capabilities by flying in more than 90% of the nights and in adverse weather conditions. The BrightNite revolutionary solution is suitable for a variety of missions such as Special Forces and search and rescue. Given the important role helicopters are playing in the modern battlefield and the necessity of operating at night, we hope other customers will follow this selection by a NATO country’s air force.
Elbit Systems Ltd. is an international high technology company engaged in a wide range of defense, homeland security and commercial programs throughout the world. The Company, which includes Elbit Systems and its subsidiaries, operates in the areas of aerospace, land and naval systems, command, control, communications, computers, intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance (“C4ISR”).
BAE Systems’ Digital Light Engine Technology to Illuminate F-22 Head-up Display
BAE Systems will modernize the F-22 Raptor’s head-up display with its Digital Light Engine technology. (Photo: BAE Systems)
January 16, 2017 11:00 AM Eastern Standard Time
ARLINGTON, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–BAE Systems has been selected by Lockheed Martin to modernize the F-22 Raptor’s head-up display (HUD) for the U.S. Air Force, replacing it with a completely digital version.
Under terms of the contract, BAE Systems will use its advanced Digital Light Engine (DLE) technology to implement a form, fit, and function HUD solution that integrates seamlessly into the F-22’s existing HUD space. The company then anticipates receiving a follow-on production contract to retrofit the F-22 fleet’s current HUDs with the modern DLE solution.
“The F-22 is a premier fighter aircraft of the U.S. Air Force, and its pilots deserve the most advanced situational awareness technology available today,” said Andy Humphries, director of Advanced Displays at BAE Systems. “We’ve worked closely with Lockheed Martin to deliver a completely modernized HUD solution for the F-22 fleet that meets the long-term needs of the Air Force.”
The DLE package is compatible with any existing aircraft interface. Designed for mission effectiveness, the upgrade removes the conventional cathode ray tube image source and introduces a more advanced digital display solution. The digital technology offers increased reliability, eliminates high-maintenance and obsolete items, and provides a constant luminance performance.
“This new F-22 head-up display is a great example of how the F-22 industry team is integrating innovative technologies into the combat Raptor fleet,” said Ken Merchant, vice president of the F-22 program at Lockheed Martin. “This directly supports our ongoing efforts to deliver affordable and reliable new capabilities to our Air Force customer and warfighters.”
BAE Systems has been a leader in HUD development and production for more than 50 years, a position gained through continuous investment in technology and innovation. The company has produced more than 15,000 head-up displays that have been in service on more than 50 different aircraft types in more than 50 countries around the world. BAE Systems’ displays perform on some of the most advanced and demanding military aircraft around the world.
BAE Systems has been a leader in HUD development and production for more than 50 years, a position gained through continuous investment in technology and innovation. BAE Systems:
has produced over 14,000 head-up displays
that are in service on over 50 different aircraft types
and for more than 50 countries
Features
Better situational awareness for the military aviator
Allows some freedom of head movement, reducing pilot fatigue
Backward compatible to any existing aircraft interface which offers minimal impact on display performance
Designed for mission effectiveness, the DLE HUD has addressed obsolescence issues by:
removing the conventional cathode ray tube (CRT) technology powering the display and
introducing a more advanced digital display solution
With more military aircraft upgrade advancements to digital display solutions, the DLE HUD offers easy integration into existing HUD space. Offering more than 20 percent life cycle cost reduction and at least four times greater Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF), the DLE HUD is a future proof investment in the advanced display technology segment.
Typical performance specification
Specification Display Source
Analogue Symbol Generator, EU, AEU, MLU, IMDC
Display Surface Resolution
1280 x 1024 pixels
Field of View
25° x 22°
Display Luminance
0 to > 2000 ftL
Luminance Uniformity
< 20% within a 10° diameter area
< 30% over the TFoV
Secondary Images
< 2% of primary
Display Contrast
> 1.2:1 against an ambient of 10,000 ftL
> 1200:1 Sequential
Outside World Transmission
> 75%
Image Positional Accuracy
< 0.8mR error within 5° of CFoV < 1mR elsewhere within FoV
Mass
< 20.1 Kilograms (ballast may be applied to maintain C of G position if required)
Image: baesystems.com
Image RAeSTimR
With 300 km range can control large parts of the southern Baltic Sea, for example from Kaliningrad. 
SS-N-26 / 3M55 Oniks / P-800 Yakhont /P-800 Bolid – supersonic 
F-15SA cockpit
WSO
Image: Raytheon
Image: globalmilitarycommunications.com
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F-14D AAS-42 – Image: sistemasdearmas.com.br
Lockheed Martin’s Sniper ATP (Advanced Targeting Pod) Picture: Lockheed Martin – Image: navyrecognition.com
Illustrating the long-range standoff capability of the DB-110, this image of Long Beach, California (left) was taken by an F-16 flying at 40,000 feet and 130 kilometers away. Image: ainonline.com
F-15SA with AXQ-14 data link pod
Image: foxtrotalpha.jalopnik.com
F-15SA is the most advanced production F-15 Eagle ever built – Image: foxtrotalpha.jalopnik.com
F-15SE Silent Eagle
M-61A1 20mm Gatling gun
M-61A1 20mm Gatling gun on F-15C
AIM-120C AMRAAM 
AIM-120C AMRAAM 
Image: defenseindustrydaily.com
Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-229 [Graphic by Pratt & Whitney]
Joint direct attack munition (JDAM) @boeing.com
Boeing GBU-39 GPS-guided 113kg (250lb) small diameter bomb
Thai Military and Asian Region 