Rafael’s PR department does it again

June 21, 2009 · Posted in Blogroll, Uncategorized · Comment 

After stunning the defense industry with an amazing Bollywood-themed promotional video, Rafel has one-upped itself with a mime-themed video about missile defense:

Here’s to hope that they’ll establish a trend. We need more joy in this world.

Hat tip: Steve Trimble

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S-400 video

June 19, 2009 · Posted in Blogroll, Uncategorized · Comment 

Nice video on S-400/SA-21 Growler dug up by ELP:

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Article on Chinese SSBN fleet

June 18, 2009 · Posted in Blogroll, Uncategorized · Comment 

Type_094_SSBN The Jamestown Foundation has an article covering the current structure and future plans of the Chinese SSBN force:

China may build five Type-094 SSBNs, which will enable the PLAN to conduct near-continuous deterrent patrols, and each of these second-generation SSBNs will be outfitted with 12 developmental JL-2 SLBMs that have an estimated range of at least 7,200 km and are equipped with penetration aids. Although the transition to the new SSBN is ongoing, recent Internet photos depicting at least two Jin-class SSBNs (hereafter Jin) suggest that the PLAN has reached an unprecedented level of confidence in the sea-based leg of its strategic nuclear forces.

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B-2s to arm with MOP

June 16, 2009 · Posted in Blogroll, Uncategorized · 1 Comment 

yourfile Steve Trimble reports that the USAF plans to acquire a small number of GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) bombs to arm its B-2A bombers within three years.

The USAF plans to begin flight tests on the B-2A starting in June 2011 and reach operational status by June 2012, the USAF notice says. Integrating the MOP requires no changes to the B-2A’s operational flight programme, avoiding a potentially costly and time-consuming recertification process.

Until now the MOP was a technology demonstrator program, effectively an offspring of the GBU-43 MOAB project. Deploying the bomb operationally will provide the USAF with a unique non-nuclear capability to destroy deep underground targets. It is possible that the B61-11 penetrating nuclear bomb (typically reserved for such tasks) is losing its appeal because of its fallout (actual and political) complications, thus necessitating the introduction of a nun-nuclear option for the same targets.

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F-15SE review

June 14, 2009 · Posted in Blogroll, Uncategorized · Comment 

img_18_22661_0 ELP has a review of Boeing’s proposal for the F-15 Silent Eagle. Although primarily targeted to the export market, this aircraft could potentially be procured to swell the downsized ranks of USAF fighter squadrons:

Where the F-22 has already shown its ability to help legacy aircraft in air to air combat scenarios by seeing what targets its legacy team mate is locked on to, an F-15SE paired with the F-22 would give huge combat benefit. After the “next-war-itis” part of the war is over, the SE becomes an effective light bomber that can hunt anything all the way down to dirt insurgs as well as any combat jet ever made. Its sensor suite, two-aircrew setup, payload and fuel capacity make it a valued coalition fighter.

This, however, assumes that the USAF reverses its publicly stated policy of procuring only 5th-generation fighter aircraft in the future.

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