The new EmbraerX eVTOL concept

The future of air mobility is here. Introducing the new #EmbraerX eVTOL concept, an electric vertical take off and landing vehicle that will revolutionize the world as we know it. You helped us design it. Now help us to name it: https://t.co/ZGXU5Xt6VX #nameyourevtol #UberElevate pic.twitter.com/GHCsARVwEm

— Embraer (@embraer) June 11, 2019

Everyone is coming out with an "urban" transport but I have yet to see the demand...or even see the rationale.  We're gonna replace jammed walkways with jammed airspace in dense urban areas?  If it's possible (and if it is it's a ways off) then now is not the time.

Is this a case of building it and they'll come or just wasteful spending on an idea that will never be?

I'm leaning toward wasteful spending.

News report (vid) on the SIngapore "Hunter" Infantry Fighting Vehicle...

Thanks to LRD for the link!

F-35 News. Could this CAT 1 deficiency have been the cause of the Japanese F-35 crash?

Valerie over at Defense News has several stories out about the F-35.  This tidbit caught my eye and caused me to pop it out...

The 13 deficiencies include:

• The F-35’s logistics system currently has no way for foreign F-35 operators to keep their secret data from being sent to the United States.

• The spare parts inventory shown by the F-35’s logistics system does not always reflect reality, causing occasional mission cancellations.

• Cabin pressure spikes in the cockpit of the F-35 have been known to cause barotrauma, the word given to extreme ear and sinus pain.

• In very cold conditions — defined as at or near minus 30 degrees Fahrenheit — the F-35 will erroneously report that one of its batteries have failed, sometimes prompting missions to be aborted.

• Supersonic flight in excess of Mach 1.2 can cause structural damage and blistering to the stealth coating of the F-35B and F-35C.

• After doing certain maneuvers, F-35B and F-35C pilots are not always able to completely control the aircraft’s pitch, roll and yaw.

• If the F-35A and F-35B blows a tire upon landing, the impact could also take out both hydraulic lines and pose a loss-of-aircraft risk.

• A “green glow” sometimes appears on the helmet-mounted display, washing out the imagery in the helmet and making it difficult to land the F-35C on an aircraft carrier.

• On nights with little starlight, the night vision camera sometimes displays green striations that make it difficult for all variants to see the horizon or to land on ships.

• The sea search mode of the F-35’s radar only illuminates a small slice of the sea’s surface.

• When the F-35B vertically lands on very hot days, older engines may be unable to produce the required thrust to keep the jet airborne, resulting in a hard landing.

The Pentagon has identified four additional category 1 deficiencies since beginning operational tests in December 2018, mostly centered around weapons interfaces, Winter said.

Could the highlighted deficiency been the cause of the F-35 crash?  I can't help but wonder.

But why would the Japanese use the old chestnut of pilot error?  I personally noted that the guy was an experienced AND presumably rising star in their air force but yet they were still quick to throw him under the bus.

I'll wait to hear more but I can't shake the feeling that we've only JUST BEGUN to touch on all the problems that this plane has.

Defense News goes MEDIEVAL on the F-35.... MUST READ ARTICLES! It's much worse than we all thought!

NOTE!  I've been reading some of these articles in depth and its much worse than we all thought.  Every single one of them is a bit stunning and I have to wonder what the fuck is going on.  Oh and one other thing.  The trust the pilot meme is out the window with me.  The deficiencies with this plane...the CAT 1 deficiencies are eye watering!  This is a MUST READ!!!

The Pentagon is battling the clock to fix serious, unreported F-35 problemsBy: Valerie Insinna

Supersonic speeds could cause big problems for the F-35′s stealth coating
By: Valerie Insinna  and David B. Larter 

 Two F-35 partners threatened to quit the program. Here’s why they didn’t.By: Valerie Insinna 

A fix is coming for a problem that left two F-35 pilots in ‘excruciating’ pain
By: Valerie Insinna 


Do you notice something?  Ms. Insinna's editor dropped all these stories on the same day?

Why would they do that?

I'm a bit curious not only about the stories but also the manner in which this news is getting out.  Why so many stories on the same day from the same writer?  This has the feel of a news dump but I don't know why.

Rafael's Litening 5 and Reccelite XR pods

Hat tip to Alert 5 for the link!



I've talked many times about the F-35 being behind the power curve when it comes to modernization (ironic being that the plane is still in development).

This is an example of that.

The targeting systems on the F-35 just can't match what we're seeing from its podded competition.

Even with the Block 4 update the F-35 will still lag behind the competition.  Even worse I don't see it catching up.  It's just not as easy as many seem to think.  Upgrading internal components will always be harder than doing the same with pods.  Additionally we're seeing podded systems getting smaller, more capable and less energy dependent.

Open Comment Post. 12 June 2019

SAAB Arexis escort jammer pod...a pocket E/A-18 for every air force...

via EDR Magazine.

Through a combination of long-term research programmes and product-focused research and development (R&D) Saab has developed a new family of airborne pylon-integrated “invisible” countermeasure dispenser systems, the Arexis. The Arexis family of electronic attack pods comprising self-protection, escort jammer, and stand-off jammer capability variants, are based on the improved EW system installed Saab’s JAS 39 Gripen E fighter aircraft, the Multi Functional System/Electronic Warfare (MFS/EW) self-protection suite.

The MFS/EW is fully integrated with other tactical mission systems on board the aircraft, and there are also sensor fusion on several layers, combining all tactical sensors in Gripen E such as the AESA radar, electro optical (EO) sensors, IRST and also the datalink. These sources and sensors are integrated into one high-level sensor fusion and situational awareness system for the pilot to enhance the effectiveness of the mission. All these sensors have been integrated and flown in Gripen E development aircraft 39-9.

Based on wideband digital technology specifically developed for robustness in the very complex signal environment of today, the core technologies in Arexis are ultra-wideband digital receivers and digital radio frequency memory (DRFM) devices, gallium nitride (GaN) solid-state active electronically scanned array (AESA) jammer transmitters and interferometric direction finding systems, and high-speed digital signal processing architectures.

The Arexis escort jammer pod incorporates L-band and S-band GaN-based AESA antennas in the fore and aft sections of the main pod structure, with large VHF and UHF fin antennas mounted externally. The low-band jammer is contained within a demonstrator pod that is 4 metres long and weighs 350 kg. The podded Arexis has been specifically designed for integration with any type of single engine fighter aircraft and well as export customer’s Gripens. Saab will conduct a first test flight of a Gripen C/D carrying the pod-housed electronic attack jammer later this year.

Story here. 

Pay attention to SAAB boys and girls.  They're onto something.  I'm gonna have to ask the boys down at Air Power Australia but I seem to recall something about L-band and S-Band being an important part of aerial warfare.

Back on task though.

SAAB is making it possible for ANY air force to have a pocket E/A-18 with the purchase of a pod.

Kinda seems like electronic warfare is moving as I predicted....It will be MUCH MORE IMPORTANT than stealth going forward.

Saab website on the Arexis Escort Pod here.

Lockheed Martin HH-60W Combat Rescue Helicopter

An attractive helicopter.  I really like the way it looks in that grey color scheme.

How much does this helicopter have in common with it's Night Stalkers cousin?

C-17 forcible entry training on dry lake bed...

No runway? No problem!! 517 AS and Joint Forcible Entry (JFE) training on a dry lake. #3WG #C-17 #AIRPOWER pic.twitter.com/YdJvGOvFBj

— 3rd Wing Commander (@3wg_cc) June 10, 2019

2nd CEB Participates in the Robotic Complex Breach Concept....Video by Sgt. Sylvia Tapia

Singapore's Hunter Infantry Fighting Vehicle...

Thanks to EWS for the link!

Story here.

Hmm.  The turret changed?

F-15EX vs F-35...the plot thickens...

via Real Clear Politics.

The Pentagon proposes to buy 80 F-15Xs over the next five years, likely expanding to an eventual buy of 144 or more to “refresh” the F-15C/D fleet—and potentially the F-15E fleet down the road. The Air Force did not request these aircraft. Rather, the Pentagon’s independent cost-estimation shop—the Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation Office (CAPE)—ran its own analyses and eventually brought the Air Force around to its position, whether through convincing or by fiat. Either way, former Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis signed off on the decision.

This was one of the most shocking parts of the article.  Mattis signed off on this thing!  He's the guy that commissioned a study that compared the Super Hornet to the F-35 that hasn't been released to the public.

I don't know about you but my spidey senses are going off!

What did he read in that report that told him that the F-15EX would be the way to go versus the F-35 in this role?

What is not up for debate, however, is that America’s aging F-15C fleet needs replacement, as its average aircraft age hits 35 years. When the iron laws of aircraft maintenance meet the cold calculus of compound interest, the bills begin to add up. Not only do older aircraft suffer from higher costs per flying hour, but those costs also increase faster over time. No matter whether the Air Force picks the F-15X or F-35A, the decision to replace F-15Cs pays for itself in less than ten years.

This part should also be eye opening.

The F-35 is already maintenance intensive and is already expensive beyond belief to maintain but those numbers will only increase over time...not fall as LM is stating and the USAF is hoping.

We need to know the rationale behind this move.  'Cause there is more here than meets the eye.

Story here.

Politics Talk. Nadler requests info on Justice Dept investigation into illegal spying on Trump...

via Daily Caller.

Attorney General William Barr’s review of surveillance against the Trump campaign is “broad in scope and multifaceted,” a Justice Department official told Congress on Monday.

In a letter to House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerry Nadler, Justice Department official Stephen E. Boyd provided a summary of Barr’s review. Nadler, a New York Democrat, had asked for details of the investigation, which is being led by John Durham, the U.S. attorney in Connecticut.

“It is now well established that, in 2016, the U.S. government and others undertook certain intelligence-gathering and investigative steps directed at persons associated with the Trump Campaign,” Boyd wrote Nadler, adding that “there remain open questions relating to the origins of this counter-intelligence investigation and the U.S. and foreign intelligence activities that took place prior to and during that investigation.”

“The Review is broad in scope and multifaceted, and is intended to illuminate open questions regarding the activities of U.S. and foreign intelligence services as well as non-governmental organizations and individuals,” Boyd wrote.

He did not explain the references to foreign intelligence services or non-governmental organizations. It is known that the Australian and British governments were involved in some degree to the counterintelligence activities against Trump associates. Fusion GPS and Christopher Steele, a former British spy, investigated President Donald Trump and his campaign associates on behalf of the Clinton campaign and Democratic National Committee.

Story here. 

Why does this stuff matter on a defense blog?  Well we cover alot of different topics and we touch on politics too.  Additionally the activity of our intel agencies is of supreme importance because they impact the security of the US in so many ways.

On a personal level you have to wonder.

If they could go after the President of the United States then no one is safe.

The  real stunning part of this involves the intel agencies of some of our most important allies.  Did Australia and the UK willingly/knowingly participate in this scheme?

If they did then we're looking at foreign govts meddling in our affairs that extend FAR BEYOND running a few internet ads like the Russians are accused of.

I won't try and get out ahead of this thing but its becoming kinda obvious that something was extremely foul in this investigation.

Yeah.  I'll wait but this thing is looking more and more crooked everyday...at least from my seat.

Retired Russian Admiral gives a unique view (but inline with leadership talking points) on the near US - Russian warship collision ...

via Sputnik.

On 7 June the Russian Pacific Fleet stated that a US Navy cruiser, the USS Chancellorsville, had suddenly changed course and crossed the path of the Russian destroyer Admiral Vinogradov “just 50 meters away from the ship” in a dangerous near-collision manoeuvre in the East China Sea.

“Not war times!” was the response of a Russian admiral to the sangfroid attitude of Russian naval servicemen who were able to stay calm in the face of a potentially disastrous run-in with a US naval cruiser.

Former chief of staff of the Russian Navy (1991-1996), Admiral Valentin Selivanov spoke to the Russian media, giving his assessment of the actions of the crew members of the Russian anti-submarine ship Admiral Vinogradov during the dangerous near-collision incident with the USS Chancellorsville cruiser in the East China Sea.

“There is a time for war, and a time for sunbathing,” responded the Admiral.

Story here. 

I guess we're into the propaganda portion of this thing now.  But I'm betting the Russians are saying the same about us.  Personally I'll trust the US Navy version of things...

Open Comment Post. 11 June 2019

EOS doing work in Australia...delivers first R400S Mk2 D-HD-3X remote weapon systems (RWSs)

via Janes.

Australian company Electro Optic Systems (EOS) has handed over the first two R400S Mk2 D-HD-3X remote weapon systems (RWSs) for integration onto the Rheinmetall Boxer 8×8 armoured vehicles being acquired by the Australian Army (AA) as part of Project Land 400 Phase 2 – Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle Capability.

The firm said in a 28 May statement that the two RWSs, which are being provided by company subsidiary EOS Defence Systems, were delivered on schedule to the Australian Department of Defence᾽s Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group (CASG) and will be used for training purposes.

A further 80 systems are planned to be supplied during the course of the project.

Full disclosure.  I'm a fanboy of this company.  Kinda wish the USMC would give them a spin and have them demonstrate their product at Quantico, Lejeune, 29 Palms or Pendleton.

What has me jazzed.

Some pretty phenomenal accuracy.

I'm all about firepower but if you can drive nails with your RWS then that's a magic all it's own.

Keep an eye on these boys.  80 planned?  I'm betting the Australian Army ends up at LEAST doubling that number before all is said and done.

US Army wants to equip units with a Robotic Combat Vehicle-Medium (RCV-M)

via Janes

In the near future, the US Army wants to equip units with a Robotic Combat Vehicle-Medium (RCV-M) outfitted with a 30-mm turret to defeat armored personnel carriers, trucks, and troops.

In a 7 June announcement, the service unveiled tentative plans to acquire a RCV-M platform to augment the "organic" formation with a direct fire capability, while also leveraging on-board sensors to help form a common operating picture.

"The RCV-M's aggressive mobility profile enables it to keep pace with its organic formation during off-road maneuver and movement on improved surfaces," the service wrote. "Its on-board autonomy package reduces the cognitive burden of the operator while maintaining an aggressive cyber defense posture to maintain both assured control and the trust of the operator."

Hmmm.

1.  Easy win for BAE with their Black Knight (above).

2.  Is the US Army throwing everything against the wall to see what sticks?  They have their Big 6 plus everything else under the sun.  From ultra light vehicles that will fit inside a CH-47 to the NGCV and others...and I haven't even hit on aircraft yet.

The procurement trainwreck is going to cause some tough choices.  Every General/Admiral in the Pentagon needs to THANK TRUMP!  He relented on his desire to see a 5% cut across the board (they should also thank Defense Hawks) but the righting is on the wall.

Many programs will be left by the wayside.  There just isn't enough money and the accounts are coming.

They'll be lucky to see just a freeze in spending...much less future increases...and that's regardless of which party wins the White House.

BLT 2/8 and 2nd Tanks (26th MEU)...pics by Cpl. Nathan Reyes

15th Mechanized Brigade of the Romanian Army & 1st Armored Brigade Team, 1st Infantry Division, U.S. army during joint exercises Justice Eagle '19 via Bmashine Tumblr Page...

F-35 News. Cost of the F-35 drops? That's not where this fight is...IT'S ABOUT THE COST OF MAINTENANCE!

Thanks to Don for the link!

via Breaking Defense.

Pentagon acquisition czar Ellen Lord’s statement says it: “This is a historic milestone for the F-35 Enterprise, and marks the largest procurement in the history of the Department. The $34B agreement for F-35 Low Rate Initial Production Lots 12-14 will see the delivery of 478 F-35 aircraft, 157 for Lot 12, in support of our U.S. Military services, our Partner Nations, and our Foreign Military Sales customers.”

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, the biggest conventional weapons program in history has just set the record for a single deal in, well, probably, any country at any time. For perspective, the entire Australian defense budget for 2019 came in at about $27.52 billion US.

Here are some of the more important details from today’s announcement. Top of the list is the fact that the flyaway price of the F-35A will drop below $80 million one year earlier than planned in Low Rate of Initial Production (LRIP) Lot 13. Lord said in the statement that the Pentagon will reap an estimated 8.8 percent in savings from Lot 11 to Lot 12 for F-35A’s, and an average of 15 percent reduction “across all variants from Lot 11 to Lot 14.”

Story here. 

My title tells my thinking but let me expand on it.

I don't care if we're getting the planes free at this point.  The cost of the plane is no longer the battle ground.

If you're still focusing on the initial buy then you're behind the power curve.

The fight is firmly locked on the cost to maintain these planes.  Interestingly enough we had the warning we needed not only in past reports about the maintenance and parts situation with the F-35 BUT ALSO with the dire state we see the B-1 Bomber in.

Think about it.

The planes need special facilities on land.  Our newest carrier needs modification before it's able to operate them.  ALIS is a fucking mess from the bowels of hell because even SATAN has rejected it.

It even needs a specially painted fuel truck to keep its jet fuel cool.

I don't care if they drop the price to 10 million dollars per plane.  The issue is maintenance, parts, infrastructure and operating costs.