No. Why would some someone carry-on with large fins when efficient carriage inside a WB dictates to minimize them? Fins are draggy, bulky and add complexity to your logistics. The less the better when you can rid of them. Is the Mica a super alpha missile? No. Is the Mica a super long range missile that use glide boost better than others? No.
A new missile that will be fully compatible with new Stealth requirements will invariably be compatible with the Rafale. It does not make much sense to finance a new missile just for the older design. However fantastic it is in your say, Mica aerodynamic configuration is a dead end per se.
The idea was to relocate the system monitoring activities down on the ground (IA assisted) as most of the procedures and administrative tasks. Today (as was the example used on the opening post of this thread), a 20 something can operate a plane on the other side of the world through high bandwidth datalinks and IA; airframe that are way more tricky to fly and operate given the maximization of their performance and mission profile at minimal cost. There is no reason that a trained team of operators with the dedicated hardware and set of procedures can’t do the same with an airliner routinely, leaving only (mostly) the unexpected events at the hands of embarked professionals, selected and trained specifically (leaving the burden and time consuming tasks of learning the systems aside as a minor in their formation).
Please feel free to browse back the thread to find more in-depth details.
🙂
Given that the MICA NG will still rely on bulky fins well after the NGF enters service, I wonder what kind of missile that aircraft will carry. Stealth and internal carriage of weapons dictates new aerodynamics (at least). That would have been the time to launch such studies to have a missile ready for that plane.
I am amazed by the launch of the Miica NG program today, something that could have been relevant a decade ago… but now?
There is no secured satcom on the Rafale until 2024/2025 with block 4.2. Air International has a series of article on the Rafale F3R* in its June edition coupled with a report on the Gripen E. Quite interesting to read and compare to get a clear picture about who has what or not.
*as well as future block 4.1&4.2
India gets 1x Defense Minister*
“Singh will have very little money for new defense purchases because very little money is left for new defense purchase[s],” an MoD official said.
“The new government will have to choose priorities between Make in India defense programs or global defence purchases,” he noted, adding that no sweeping reforms are expected for at least the next two years.
Another MoD official expressed confidence that Singh will enforce anti-corruption regulations.
The Indian Army is currently committed to $4.31 billion in liabilities, with the Air Force committed to $7.40 billion and the Navy to $3.98 billion.
* 😉
Source:
Defense News.com
I think you are mixing the challenges b/w discrete beyond line of sight communication and broadband (encrypted as an option) satcom.
To complete missions in denied airspace, pilots need a way to share information securely, without revealing their location to enemy forces. The F-35 has incorporated Northrop Grumman’s MADL into its missions systems to provide pilots with the ability to connect with other planes and automatically share situational awareness data between fighter aircraft. The MADL is a high-data-rate, directional communications link that allows for the secure transmission of coordinated tactics and engagement for 5th Generation aircraft operating in high-threat environments. The MADL is one of 27 different waveforms in the F-35’s communication, navigation and identification (CNI) suite.
On the same trend, I am not sure that F-35 can interface with Android..
Source (simply):
https://www.f35.com/about/capabilities/interoperability
yes. Sad.
Trump green lights study group on pairing Russian missile system with F-35s
Although the Pentagon and the State Department were opposed to forming the study group, Trump told Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Wednesday he would accept Ankara’s request for the study, the Middle East Eye reports.
[…]
Acting Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan told reporters Friday morning he didn’t know of Turkey’s request for a study on the S-400. However, he said he’s spoken with his Turkish counterpart and said progress was being made as Turkey faces threats of being kicked out of the F-35 program.“They are a strategic partner, so I’m not going to do tit-for-tat with a strategic partner,” Shanahan said, according to Reuters.
Source:
Washington Examiner.com
thank you for the heads up. If true that would be quite a surprising news anyway… and perhaps in line with President Trump new policy to subsidize US made weapon for certain country in EU that are stuck with Russian harware.
Absolutely something to be expected when no STOL cargo delivery system was fielded. Today, you have one one hand the drastic reduction of ordinance tonnage per target destroyed and on the other the availability of platforms able to deliver vertically a massive increase of cargo (CH-53K, autonomous rotary wing assets…).
This (taking many shortcuts to say that in a few words) put aviation in the same field today as forward operating helicopters has done for many years.
Hill AFB F-35s, Airmen deploy to Europe as part of Theater Security Package
HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah (AFNS) —
The Air Force has deployed one squadron of F-35A Lightning II fighter jets, Airmen and associated equipment to Aviano Air Base, Italy, from the 388th and 419th Fighter Wings, at Hill AFB, Utah, to participate in exercises and conduct training with other Europe-based aircraft as part of a Theater Security Package.Funded through the European Deterrence Initiative, the TSP provides a more robust U.S. military rotational presence in the European theater capable of deterring adversaries and assuring partners and allies of U.S. commitment to regional security. The F-35s and members of the 421st and 466th Fighter Squadrons arrived at Aviano AB, May 24 and will remain in Europe for several weeks.
[…]“The entire 421st ops and maintenance team are extremely excited for this deployment,” said Lt. Col. Richard Orzechowski, 421st Fighter Squadron commander. “As the final 388th Fighter Wing squadron to transition to the F-35A, we’ve been able to leverage the experience of the 4th FS and 34th FS and take the squadron on the road just six months after getting our first jets. We are really looking forward to continuing the cohesion built with our allies and partners. It is a real privilege to get the seasoning, training and life experiences for our 388th and 419th FW Airmen.”
F-35A Lightning II fighter jets, Airmen and associated equipment from the 388th and 419th Fighter Wings, at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, deployed to Aviano Air Base, Italy, to participate in exercises and conduct training with other Europe-based aircraft as part of a Theater Security Package. (U.S. Air Force photo by Micah Garbarino)
Source:
USAF
Also from the UAE:
A United Arab Emirates Air Force Mirage 2000, a UAE F-16 Desert Falcon and a U.S. F-35A Lightning II fly a partnering flight in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, May 29, 2019. The flight was conducted to continue building military-to-military relationships and interoperability with the UAE. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Chris Drzazgowski)