What could combat the F22?

[Matt308]

Man I wish I hadn't effed up this thread with that big Barracuda pic.

[Konigstiger205]

Originally Posted by Matt308

Man I wish I hadn't effed up this thread with that big Barracuda pic.

I liked it since I had no idea of such a project

[Kruska]

Well, this is what this forum is all about right?

Regards
Kruska

[Matt308]

Me effing things up?

[Kruska]

Originally Posted by Matt308

Me effing things up?

As long as it is German, I wouldn't see a problem at all

Regards
Kruska

[Matt308]

Okay how about the French Neuron. She's a beauty.

[Kruska]

The Neuron (small men’s B-2) is expected to have its first flight by 2011. It could be seen as a contra-productive product on behalf of France and others in regards to the EADS group, which is involved in this project as well.

Germany and partners favors a fighter concept with Multi-role-function, whilst France and its supporters prefer a differentiation between Ground Attack vehicles and fighter.

In the end a competition will decide which UCAV project is going to be continued or not or both since it will be a highly political inspired controversy.

Regards
Kruska

[Matt308]

Is the Neuron under the EADS effort too? I thought it was an indigenous French effort only.

[Matt308]

...and here is the Russian Skat UCAV. Much less further along in development however.

[Matt308]

Notice the laterally bifurcated engine inlet.

[syscom3]

I would design a medium sized drone, cruising along at 100,000 feet, carrying several smaller kamikazi UAVs. No radars are needed as all targeting data is from external sources, linked to the this drone.

Once an enemy aircraft is detected, the drone drops the UAV, which then dives onto its target and kills it by kinetics (and maybe a simple proximity fuse). This is similar to what the Phoenix missle system did, in that you dive onto your target from above, where its radar signature is high.

This could cover the battlefield 24/7.

As for current UAV's .... I bet the wizz kids in area 57 have some damn neat things in the hangers.

[Matt308]

...like UAVs that are capable of months or even a year on station? Yep, good idea and being pursued. It is interesting what persistence and payload can accomplish in formulating change on the order of battle.

Like a carrier group stationed in Hawaii called to an Asian flash point. Lauch UCAVs for immediate reconnaisance, comm links and strike while the carrier groups are en route. Or having ISR UAVs capable of directing ECM activity from Prowlers/Growlers like a artillery spotter as the carrier group approaches the activity zone. The transformational ideas for the use of UASs is truly leading edge. And as I said before, it is less about the UAS technology and more about their integration into the modern battlefield.

[Kruska]

Originally Posted by Matt308

Is the Neuron under the EADS effort too? I thought it was an indigenous French effort only.

It is a very confusing mix-up of industries. The nEUROn project was announced between EADS, Dassault Aviation and Thales in 2003. There are six countries and eight companies involved.
The major difference between the two projects, Neuron and Barracuda besides its mission spectrum is the guidance system. Whereas the Neuron is still a joystick operated platform, Barracuda is similar to the Global Hawk guidance system and even incorporates an autonomous terrain following radar.

Main difference between the future US developed UCAV’s and those of Europe, is the strategic role on behalf of the US and the tactical emphasis’s on Europe’s developments.

Page 45 on the QDR report 2006.

Restructure the Joint Unmanned Combat Air System (J-UCAS) program and develop an
unmanned longer-range carrier-based aircraft capable of being air-refueled to provide greater
standoff capability, to expand payload and launch options, and to increase naval reach
and persistence.

One of the reasons for the US to cancel projects similar to the Europeans such as X-47 or X-45.

The main reason is however as i forwarded before:

Quote......,Supporters of both efforts note that the unmanned bomber assessment may have support at the Pentagon, but so far hasn't engendered much interest among Air Combat Command where future requirements for such a system would normally be generated. One FB-22 advocate noted that the Air Force doesn't have the money for a new program, and that a derivative of the F-22 would be much cheaper than starting a bomber project.

Regards
Kruska

[eddie_brunette]

Wow those UCAV's are awesome.
I'm not to clued up on modern aviation, so jokingly I will say the best competition for the F22 is a WW2 pilot, as those pilots only stealth and radar, were due to there brilliant eyes and skills.

[starling]

i am a novice here,but tornado f.3 with its foxhound look down radar,with amraam and firestreak missiles would have a chance.starling.