What If? A new/redesigned CH-46...

Another great pic by Joe Copalman

Let me hit you with a what if.

What if the USMC did a complete redesign/upgrade of the CH-46 instead of buying the MV-22?  They would all be new build helicopters but would start off with all the strong points of the Sea Knight.

What would we want?

*Composite blades...maybe something from the Brits and their Lynx helicopter (the fast one that broke records)
*A composite body...using processes developed by Boeing and Lockheed Martin
*Massive engines...perhaps the same ones used on the CH-53K or the MV-22.
*Enlarged sponsons to hold more fuel
*Enlarged cabin both in depth and width
*Quad landing gear for increased stability on ships.

Maybe I'm talking about a scaled up CH-46 or a scaled down CH-47 but if we only got these few upgrades what would we have now?  We'd have a helicopter that would probably be fully deployed and produced, lower life cycle costs, less expensive, more robust, faster than the legacy helicopter (but not as fast as the MV-22), longer ranged than the legacy helicopter (ditto) and it wouldn't be eating up the budget leaving the ground side with crumbs.

Marine Corps Public Affairs better get a handle on the training with civilian law enforcement.

The training scenarios with US Marines working with civilian law enforcement is a bad idea. News stories like this don't help....via WNCT.com.

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. - Training at Camp Lejeune Thursday looked and felt real -- and that was the point. Law officers and marines from across the country ended their training with a bang.
Thursday was the final day of exercises for law enforcement and marines who have gone through special reaction team training at Camp Lejeune for the past three weeks. In the final exercise, teams were presented with a series of real life scenarios as well as hands on instruction to handle them correctly.
Brian Dye, Operations Chief of I&I in Lexington, Kentucky says training civilians as a blended force with Marine Corps personnel eases the transition into a real world scenario.

"I think it's always good when you get an opportunity to work on some similar tactics and procedures so that everybody's kind of operating on the same page. That way when you bring teams together from active duty and the  civilian side, it makes the integration a whole lot smoother."

The tactics trainees take away from this course just may help save lives.  This three week SRT training course is phase one for law enforcement and Marine Corps personnel. Phase two will focus on sniper and designated marksmanship training.

I don't know if these are Infantrymen or Military Police but someone at the Public Affairs Office needs to get out ahead of this stuff.

The internet is blowing up about this and its sparking some pretty infammatory comments. I'm not saying that anything evil is going on here.  But it needs to be explained before some loons start taking aim at Marines because they think they're coming to "declare martial law"...sounds over the top?  Read some websites.

The Marine Corps NEEDS to get ahead of the curve and explain this!


NOTE:  Here is an example of what I'm talking about.  The internet is aflame with this.

Japan no longer buying KAAVs. BAE just caught a break.

If I'm reading this right.

And Google translation leaves alot to be desired.

Then BAE is going to get a chance to sell AAV's to Japan after the push by the Japanes to buy Korean KAAV's fell through.  Here is the link to the original story...and here's a summary of the situation by a Korea watcher.

Citing a Korean government official, the Hankyoreh reports that Japan apparently abandoned an effort to import the Korea Amphibious Assault Vehicle (KAAV) after President Lee visited Dokdo.
Instead, Japan is now considering purchasing American AAV7s.
According to the official, earlier this year Japan was really interested in importing the KAAV as part of Tokyo’s efforts to deal with the Chinese threat against the Senkaku Islands.
The Japanese felt the KAAV, used by the Korean Marine Corps, was the best fit after US Defense Secretary Robert Gates announced the US was suspending development of the EFV.
This was back in those heady days of June, when it looked like Korea and Japan were set to form what critics feared looked a lot like a military alliance. Japan, too, had announced last year it would export weapons to Korea and Australia, and Tokyo figured importing a Korean weapons system first would make later Korean imports of Japanese weapons smoother. Buying and selling weapons would help move the relationship towards a semi-alliance, too.
Then everything pretty much went to shit in July. The military intelligence deal blew up in Lee Myung-bak’s face, one of Lee’s top security advisors was forced to resign, and then President Lee visited Dokdo.
The Korean government had believed the Japanese were still interested in buying the KAAV, and on Aug 27, NHK reported that the JSDF was putting together 3 billion yen to buy four amphibious assault vehicles. Unfortunately, NHK reported the vehicle under consideration was the American AAV7 now used by USFJ.

The Japanese are a high tech force and I seriously doubt that they'd be satisfied with used or refurbished Marine Corps AAVs.  Besides, all of our vehicles have been ridden hard---real hard.  Even a rebuild will probably be so extensive that a new built vehicle would be cheaper.

BAE just got the foot in the door that they needed to when the AAV upgrade and possibly the ACV contests.

LAPD fist bump after body slamming mom!?!?

Oh this is bad.  This is real bad.

One trend that the US military needs to stop and stop right now is the trend toward closer cooperation with law enforcement.  Its a road lined with peril and if it isn't stopped then you'll see the military lose the trust of the people that it now enjoys.  But back on this injustice....Read the whole story here.

I'm calling BS on that Aviationist.

used without permission but he has this nasty ass watermark all over it so....

The Aviationist has an article up saying that the F-16's used in the Wild Weasel role will get the F-35 paint treatment.

I'm calling bullshit on that. Go to his site to read the whole thing but a tidbit.

All the U.S. “Wild Weasel” F-16s are being given a new paint job similar to the one of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.
It is called “Have Glass 5th generation” as it represents the evolution of the standard Have Glass program that saw all the F-16s receiving a two-tone grey color scheme made with a special radar-absorbing paint capable to reduce the aircraft Radar Cross Section: in fact, “Vipers” are covered with RAM (Radar Absorbent Material) made of microscopic metal grains that can degrade the radar signature of the aircraft.
For the moment, the JSF-like paint job will be applied to the F-16CM (formerly CJ) Block 50 Fighting Falcon aircraft that can carry a  variety of air-to-air and air-to-surface ordnance, including  HARM (High-speed Anti-Radiation Missiles) and precision-guided munitions.

I went to site to ask him where he sourced the story from and he said they wished to remain anonymous.  Ok. Cool, but I'm still saying bullshit.

First the F-16 is about the most unstealthy airplane flying.  To get from here to there you have to hang gas off its wings.  Want a stealthier airplane?  Try conformal fuel tanks...but paint?  Additionally the maintenance challenge has yet to be determined.  I THINK it'll be less maintenance intensive but you'll still need to put in work.

Last, why would you do it?  Besides the cost, I would think that other priorities would get those dollars.  Extended range weapons, upgraded cockpits and avionics...there are a whole host of things that could be done to make this more cost effective.  But an even better reason is that this is the one area where UAVs will definitely be useful.  The X-47 is primed to take over this role.

Naw.  This paint job story just don't sing.

UPDATE:
This was the response on TWITTER...

 well, this means you've never heard about Have Glass. Google it before writing such things.

Hey I get that.  And trust me...I haven't heard of "Have Glass" but that still doesn't make the story any less probable.  The Dew Line just ran a story on F-16 upgrades and they're aviation guys too.  They made no mention of any stealth treatment from the F-35 being applied to the F-16.  Additionally Lockheed Martin would be singing to the rafters about another benefit of the F-35 program being applied to legacy aircraft.  So betwen all that and the money crunch I just can't see it.

Don't get me wrong.  Where I come from you can call bullshit on your best friend and it not cause a fight.  Its just two guys not agreeing on a given bit of info.  I like David.  I'm just calling bullshit on this particular story.

Know your enemy. China launches Type 52D Destroyer.

Type 52C Destroyer via China Military Review.

Type 52D Destroyer via China Military Review.

This is the trouble with China.

They're pumping out ships and planes so fast that identification issues that we had with the Soviet Union are going to look like child's play in comparison.  Not only are they producing new models but they're also introducing product improved models of existing designs.

There is an additional issue too.  Look at all those VLS tubes.  Remember my fictional attack on a carrier battle group?  Add to that mix a couple of these ships armed with the Chinese Tomahawk anti-ship missile and it becomes even more difficult for our guys to survive.

Read about the new Type 52D here.

Launching AAVs from LCACs at Sea.

Sea launch of the mechanized raid force from LCACs.

A concept you might not have heard of but is part of "LCAC Doctrine" and is even part of the manual on the employment of LCACs.  I've never seen it actually employed but according to the book, the operation can only be performed in sea state 1 and there is much talk about safety considerations.  I totally get that but what has me intrigued is the idea of extending the range of our AAVs without having the expense of the EFV's hydroplaning.

With all the experimentation that's going on (or supposedly going on) you would think that the Amphibious Vehicle Test Branch along with the Navy LCAC crews at Pendleton could come up with some innovative procedures that could let us make best use of this concept.

The manual states that the LCAC is to come off cushion, remove tie downs, lower stern ramp, get underway at a speed of approx 3 knots and launch the AAV's.

Why can we add some type of cushioning to the interior sides of the LCAC to protect it from a vehicle that might get jostled around...use wheel chocks instead of tie downs and (this is perhaps the hardest part too...how do you launch an AAV from an LCAC without coming off cushion?) launch the vehicles at speed.

Whatever the AVTB and the LCAC crews come up with will be a big improvement over what we have now.  It should allow us to have over the horizon reach with our amphibious vehicles and not just helicopters and perhaps most of all, it'll give us another option to present to the Combatant Commanders.

Oh and did I mention that the LCAC manual also talks about launching small boat raids at sea using a similar technique?

I'm becoming more and more convinced that our LCACs can be a massive force multiplier if we would only get a bit creative.

MCRP 3-31.1A Employment of Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC)

SEAL Author on 60 Minutes..

This guy just won't stop.  I don't know if he's just stubborn, needs the attention or if this is part of his book deal but damn it!

I can't wait to see what the boys over at SOFREP have to say on this one. 

More pics of the F-35B in formation...

F-35B test aircraft BF-2 and BF-4 fly in formation over an Atlantic Test Range on Aug. 22, 2012, to collect data on handling characteristics.

Photo release: F-35B aircraft in formation

NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND, PATUXENT RIVER, Md. – F-35 test pilots Marine Corps Maj. C. R. Clift and Navy Lt. Cmdr. Michael Burks fly BF-2 and BF-4 during a formation flying qualities test in the Atlantic Test Range Aug. 22. Testing formation flying qualities provides data on handling characteristics. The F-35B is the variant of the Joint Strike Fighter designed for use by U.S. Marine Corps, as well as F-35 international partners in the United Kingdom and Italy. The F-35B is capable of short take-offs and vertical landings to enable air power projection from amphibious ships, ski-jump aircraft carriers and expeditionary airfields. The F-35B is undergoing test and evaluation at NAS Patuxent River, Md., prior to delivery to the fleet. (Photo courtesy of Lockheed Martin)

NAVAIR Clips: AARGM Live Fire

The Navy conducts a live fire test for the Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile (AARGM) at China Lake, Calif. in June 2012.

What is up with these idiot reporters?

I just don't get it. 

Why do these idiot reporters insist on being out in the middle of a storm giving us a blow by blow of heavy rain, high winds etc...

I mean seriously!  We all know that!  This is just another one of those stupid things that modern American loves and I'll never understand.

Steppin' Out

Marines attending Marine Combat Training at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., conduct an early morning five kilometer hike to the grenade range from range 314 aboard the camp. The Marines are constantly being pushed to their limits and beyond so they are ready physically and mentally for combat.
(U.S. Marine Corps phot by Sgt. Aaron Hostutler)

Embraer R-99. What do they know that we don't?

via Embraer.

PRESS RELEASE | São Paulo, August 16, 2012 | Embraer Defense and Security today delivered the first EMB 145 Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) class of aircraft to the Government of India, in a ceremony held at Embraer’s headquarters in São José dos Campos, Brazil. The delivery follows successful completion of ground and flight tests of the aircraft which met operational targets established by both Embraer and Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS) of Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO). Later on the aircraft will be delivered to the Indian Air Force after integration of missions systems of DRDO by CABS in India.

What does India and several other airforces know that we don't?  Even with the US subsidizing buys of our products by foreign govts...even with Europe doing the same, Embraer is still kicking everyone's butt.

What makes this concept so damn attractive?

Dogfight of the future. Helo vs. Helo.

Everyone talks about future warfare.  That's understandable and to be applauded but one part of it has been overlooked and quite honestly I can't wait to see how it plays out.

The dogfight of the future is helo vs. helo.  Or helo vs. UAV.  But however you label it, its going to harken back to World War One combat.  Up close and personal, fought in a phone booth and its gonna be a mostly guns affair.

I picked this video because it gives a good view of the size difference between the AH-64 and the AH-6 Little Bird.  The AH-64 is not only going to be dog food in the future fight but I'm not even sure the pilots are training for this type of combat.

Of all the services, only the Marine Corps to my knowledge is prepping its helicopter pilots to fight other helicopters or fighters.  In US service only the AH-1W/Z are equipped with AIM-9's.  Everyone else slams Stinger missiles on their airframes.  That's just not taking the threat seriously.

A fighter will lock on outside of the Stingers pathetic range and get a kill at distance.  Only the AIM-9 gives adequate standoff distance...but that's against airplanes.  Against helicopters it wil be small, fast, hard to see, hard to lock on, able to fly nap of the earth one second and zoom  to the top of a mountain top the next and still be able to keep track of your advesary that will win the day.

The Night Stalkers have the aggressiveness and experience to win that fight.  Marine helo drivers train to win that fight.  Everyone else?

I just don't know.

Russian Carrier meets US Destroyer.

SEVEROMORSK, Russian Federation (Aug. 26, 2012) The guided-missile destroyer USS Farragut (DDG 99) arrives in Severomorsk for a two-day visit after completing exercise Northern Eagle 2012. (Russian Federation navy photo by Capt. 1st rank Anatoly Romanko/Released)

If you look in the background you can see the Russian carrier I referenced in the title.  Of all the bases I thought that I would never see an American Destroyer ever visit, I think that Severomorsk would be on the top of that list.  Ain't peaceful, military to military relations grand?  Right until Russian paratroopers drop into Colorado later this year that is!  I can't wait to hear the invasion USA stories then!

Tuesday Funny.

Courtesy of Bjørnar Bolsøy.  Good stuff ... thanks buddy!

North Sea Boats X3k Trimaran formally launches

via Defense Studies Blog...

The new 63 metre long vessel is a cutting edge trimaran design that it cosidered to be the most advanced naval vessel of its type ever built in South East Asia. It incorporates a radical wave piercing hull form for improved seaworthiness and stability, and has been built from full carbon fibre composite materials, utilising the vacuum infusion process and vinylester resin. This method results in a structure that has increased strength, but also offers the benefits of lower operating, maintenance, and lifecycle costs.

In 2009 PT Lundin signed a contract to build a one of the most advanced “stealth” warship for TNI-AL (Indonesian Navy). This was the result of an intensive Research and Development programme conducted by PT Lundin Industry Invest (North Sea Boats) and TNI-AL that commenced in 2007. Construction commenced in early 2010, but due to the advanced design and construction methods, the project has been kept largely confidential until now.

Members of the press are invited to attend this significant event. The launching ceremony will be held on Friday 31st August, 2012 at PT Lundin’s shipyard facility in Banuwangi, East Java. The ceremony will be attended by dignitaries and senior officers of TNI-AL during which a briefing and Press Conference and interviews will be conducted.

I wonder about this ship.

I wonder about its seakeeping....its armament...its endurance and its overall combat effectiveness.

I don't wonder about its looks. 

It looks cool. 

But it doesn't look right.  So while its certainly futuristic it doesn't meet the standard --- if it looks right it is right.

Mi-38 Impresses.

The Mi-38 impresses me.  The latest feat should have traditional Russian helicopter customers swarming them for new builds.  While its been a long time coming the Mi-38 really does look like worthy successor to the Mi-17.

via Russian Helicopters.

Russian Helicopters, part of Russian state defence holding Oboronprom and a leading global designer and manufacturer of helicopters, is proud to announce that a Mi-38 set a new world altitude record on the final day of the 14th FAI World Helicopter Championship.

The Mi-38, one of the latest Russian models designed for cargo and passenger transportation, climbed to above 8,600 meters, setting a new world record in the E1h class (the FAI category for helicopters weighing 10,000 to 20,000 kg).

The record was set by test pilots from Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant, part of Russian Helicopters. The team was led by captain Vladimir Kutanin, and also included Salavat Sadriev (second pilot), Oleg Repitilo (navigator) and Igor Klevantsev (Air Force chief flight test engineer).

The previous record, of 8,500 meters, was also set by Russian pilots during a test flight. The new mark has been officially registered and will go down in global aviation history.

 Go to their website to read the rest...I like this helicopter!

Makassa Class LPD. Indonesian excellence.

You think the Type 71 LPD that China is producing is impressive?  You like the move by Australia to buy used Brit LPDs?  Are you impressed by the Singapore Endeavour Class LPD?

If your answer is the same as mine and you say yes to the above (except for being impressed by the Type 71...poor copy of the San Antonio) then understand something.  They're good but there is better in the region.  And they're not from Japan or Korea.  Check out the Makassa Class that belongs to Indonesia! 

The US is making a late turn to the Pacific.  With the limited research I've done on the subject it really seems like the arms race in that region has been going on for at least 10 years...while we have been in the sand, they've (and I mean all the major players in that region) been gearing up.  We had better be quick.  We're already behind the eight ball when it comes to catching up to events.