New Darpa Program - T3 Triple Target Terminator ?

[bobbymike]

Triple Target Terminator (T3)
Program Manager: Mr. Stephen Waller

The Triple Target Terminator (T3) program will develop a high speed, long-range missile that can engage air, cruise missile, and air defense targets. T3 would be carried internally on stealth aircraft or externally on fighters, bombers and UAVs. The enabling technologies are: propulsion, multi-mode seekers, data links, digital guidance and control, and advanced warheads. T3 would allow any aircraft to rapidly switch between air-to-air and air-to-surface capabilities. T3's speed, maneuverability, and network-centric capabilities would significantly improve U.S. aircraft survivability and increase the number and variety of targets that could be destroyed on each sortie.
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To me the real interesting part is that it would be placed on bombers for self defense. Along with discussion of possible directed energy self defense solutions for bombers is this a tacit admission that modern and future integrated air defense networks will be too difficult to penetrate OR that the level of stealth on the next generation of bombers will not be enough to penetrate these defenses. Of course current bombers, I imagine, can be retrofitted because the B-1 and B-52 are vulnerable to modern air defenses.

 

[Colonial-Marine]

I imagine it has less to do with any perceived vulnerabilities with our bombers and is instead a means of increasing the roles they can operate in. For example a bomber prowling for missile launchers out in the desert (think GW1 Scud hunts), could take out any SAMs it runs across or intercept cruise missiles that have been launched.

 

[Matej]

Missile, that you have for your self defence against fighters, you just switch the button and you can use the same missile to blast the surface bunker? Sounds interesting. A bit like universal European Meteor.

 

[sferrin]

Missile, that you have for your self defence against fighters, you just switch the button and you can use the same missile to blast the surface bunker? Sounds interesting. A bit like universal European Meteor.

They use those against bunkers?

 

[Matej]

Meaning stationary surface radar facilities - I expect that this is what they mean by air-to-surface mode.

 

[sferrin]

Meaning stationary surface radar facilities - I expect that this is what they mean by air-to-surface mode.

Meteors are used in the ARM mode?

 

[Sea Skimmer]

JDRAAM is already aiming for a similar kind of goal. I saw the T3 in budget documents a few months ago, it has only a couple million dollars of funding which means it’s just a very basic concept exploration project, like can we dream up a warhead that will kill all three targets? Most such projects get a few million for a few years from DARPA and then die.

 

[bobbymike]

DARPA's T3: Rise of the triple-role missile
By Stephen Trimble on November 2, 2010

Missiles are getting awfully tricky. It was hard enough to develop a missile that can do one thing reliably well. Now the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency wants to develop a single missile that can perform three different missions.

Depending on the target, today's missiles offer a choice between anti-aircraft (AMRAAM), anti-radiation (HARM) and anti-cruise-missile (AERAM).

DARPA's triple target terminator (T3) program, awarded to Raytheon on October 22, could replace all three. Few details about T3 have been released, but Raytheon is expected to perform a T3 flight demonstration in 2014.

That's shortly before the US Air Force plans to launch full-scale development of a dual-role (think AMRAAM + HARM) air dominance missile.

While Raytheon pursues DARPA's T3, the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) has funded Boeing to develop three enabling technologies for JDRADM. The MR ROKM program is developing essentially a shaped-charge warhead for the missile. The SITES program is integrating the guidance sensor and fuse mechanism. And, finally, DRADM-T is developing thrust-vectored controls for the rocket technology.

It's still not clear if T3 and JDRADM technologies could eventually be blended into a production missile, or if they are intended to be competitors. There may be other ideas in the black world. I attended a strange press conference at the Farnborough air show in 2008. Three companies -- ATK, Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman -- formed an alliance to pursue dual-role missiles, but steadfastly declined to clarify the potential program.
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Bolding mine.

 

[mithril]

build it onto an AIM-9 sidewinder frame, and you have the "general purpose missiles" of the Ace Combat games..

 

[fightingirish]

An illustration depicting the Triple Target Terminator (T3) Future multi-mission missile, an initiative led by DARPA to provide 5th Generation figters and unmanned combat aircraft with common air/air and defense supression weapon.

Source: Defense Update - Next Generation Air Dominance Missiles

 

[fightingirish]

USAF cancels AMRAAM replacement. The future of the T3 programme is uncertain.
Link: http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/usaf-cancels-amraam-replacement-368249/

 

[bring_it_on]

The Flight testing of the two missiles is expected around September-October of this year. Does anyone have the program goals and parameters as far as the Multi mode seekers are concerned? Whenever the T3 is spoken about, most people talk about Ramjet and considerably improving the NEZ etc, but i think the biggest breakthrough, would be to get a TRUE Dual or Tri mode seeker to work within the space, cooling and processing speed constraints of a fast BVR Missile. Hopefully there is more coverage on the program, when the missiles (Boeing and Raytheon) actually do take to the air.

Raytheon to design advanced air-to-air missile with multi-mode seeker for manned aircraft and UAVs

http://www.militaryaerospace.com/articles/print/volume-21/issue-12/news/news/raytheon-to-design-advanced-air-to-air-missile-with-multi-mode-seeker-for-manned-aircraft-and-uavs.html

 

[bring_it_on]

Anyone know anything about this? ;D

The program plans to culminate in a live-fire T3 missile demonstration against the three target types in the fall of 2013.

http://www.darpa.mil/Our_Work/TTO/Programs/Triple_Target_Terminator_(T3).aspx

 

[Colonial-Marine]

I would be interested in knowing too. The company I previously worked for had a contract to do some sheet metal fabrication for some component on the Raytheon T3 and this was still being talked about in the fall 2013 timeframe. I didn't work in that area that dealt directly with that however.

 

[bring_it_on]

The contracts did go out to raytheon and Boeing, so they must have done some work. Lockheed that did not get the contract, has obviously been doing some H2K work with the CUDA out of their pocket.

 

[sferrin]

The contracts did go out to raytheon and Boeing, so they must have done some work. Lockheed that did not get the contract, has obviously been doing some H2K work with the CUDA out of their pocket.

99.9999999% likelihood it was quietly cancelled.

 

[marauder2048]

From the DARPA FY2015 Budget document:


FY 2013 Accomplishments:
- Fabricated and ground tested flight test articles.
- Obtained final flight test approval from Point Mugu Test Range.
- Conducted propulsion testing of flight weight engines.
- Completed flight qualification of Flight Termination System (FTS).
- Completed qualification of several subsystem components.
- Completed ground tests of flight test articles.
- Conducted captive carry test of flight test articles.
- Conducted separation tests of flight test articles.
- Completed propulsion testing of flight weight engines.
- Completed build and assembly of flight test articles.
- Conducted boost tests of flight test articles.
- Conducted airborne launch demonstrations of test articles against three target types.
- Completed and delivered final test report.

 

[sferrin]

From the DARPA FY2015 Budget document:


FY 2013 Accomplishments:
- Fabricated and ground tested flight test articles.
- Obtained final flight test approval from Point Mugu Test Range.
- Conducted propulsion testing of flight weight engines.
- Completed flight qualification of Flight Termination System (FTS).
- Completed qualification of several subsystem components.
- Completed ground tests of flight test articles.
- Conducted captive carry test of flight test articles.
- Conducted separation tests of flight test articles.
- Completed propulsion testing of flight weight engines.
- Completed build and assembly of flight test articles.
- Conducted boost tests of flight test articles.
- Conducted airborne launch demonstrations of test articles against three target types.
- Completed and delivered final test report.

Glad to be wrong. (Though I wouldn't bet against the notion that the final report has joined the Ark of The Covenant in some obscure warehouse where it will lay forgotten for the rest of eternity.)

 

[bring_it_on]

From the DARPA FY2015 Budget document:


FY 2013 Accomplishments:
- Fabricated and ground tested flight test articles.
- Obtained final flight test approval from Point Mugu Test Range.
- Conducted propulsion testing of flight weight engines.
- Completed flight qualification of Flight Termination System (FTS).
- Completed qualification of several subsystem components.
- Completed ground tests of flight test articles.
- Conducted captive carry test of flight test articles.
- Conducted separation tests of flight test articles.
- Completed propulsion testing of flight weight engines.
- Completed build and assembly of flight test articles.
- Conducted boost tests of flight test articles.
- Conducted airborne launch demonstrations of test articles against three target types.
- Completed and delivered final test report.

Thanks for the update, always wanted to check up on what was happening but was too lazy to dig deep into budget documents..

 

[Moose]

https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=855d7905031da6273619ce4401c505fe&tab=core&_cview=0


The text of the solicitation states:

The DARPA T3 program is entering its final design and demonstration phase, with many concurrent technology development, transition partner, and testing activities ongoing.

 

[Colonial-Marine]

I remember they had shown a real photo of some F-15 variant launching the T3 in some sort of test at a company-wide meeting. Can't remember too many of the specific details sadly. I wonder if/when they'll ever release some photos of the real thing online?

 

[bring_it_on]

Hopefully soon , It appears DARPA is all set to pass on the program to the AF. Lets hope it doesn't get lost to sequester.

 

[marauder2048]

Aerojet Rocketdyne Unveils Innovative "Rocket Shop(SM)" at Air Force Association's Air & Space Conference
SACRAMENTO, Calif., Sept. 16, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aerojet Rocketdyne, a GenCorp (NYSE:GY) company, today introduced a new facet of its business, the "Rocket ShopSM" Defense Advanced Programs.

"Rocket Shop is the innovation arm of Aerojet Rocketdyne, specifically designed and staffed to identify unique defense customer solutions and rapidly mature those products from concept to demonstration," said Tyler Evans Aerojet Rocketdyne vice president, Rocket ShopSM Defense Advanced Programs, speaking to reporters at the Air Force Association's Air & Space Conference held this week in National Harbor, Maryland. "With unmatched capabilities from the combined Aerojet and Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne companies, and a vision to 'Solve Tomorrow's Toughest Problems Today,' Rocket ShopSM utilizes a highly-specialized workforce and state-of-the-art processes such as rapid prototyping and additive manufacturing to quickly and affordably develop new products that increase our national security."

Aerojet Rocketdyne's Rocket ShopSM currently has dedicated facilities in Sacramento and Los Angeles, California, and in Huntsville, Alabama, as well as footprints in West Palm Beach, Florida, and Gainesville and Culpeper, Virginia. These sites handle design, fabrication, assembly and testing functions for technology demonstration and risk reduction efforts. Some of the advanced technologies managed through Rocket ShopSM include hypersonics, divert and attitude control systems, low-cost strategic launch and advanced solid and liquid propellants.

Earlier this year, Rocket ShopSM helped develop a large class (92") second stage motor for the U.S. Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center that was successfully tested in early summer. Additionally this year, Rocket ShopSM demonstrated successful supersonic flight under tactical operating conditions using its advanced variable flow ducted rocket (VFDR) ramjet technology.

Most recently, Rocket ShopSM developed the Low Earth Orbit (LEO)-46 solid rocket motor which was successfully hot-fire tested last month as part of the Low Earth Orbiting Nanosatellite Integrated Defense Autonomous System (LEONIDAS) program.

This was the third in a series of successful LEO motor ground test demonstrations which included Aerojet Rocketdyne's LEO-7 second stage motor and LEO-1 third stage motor, successfully tested in August 2012 and September 2013, respectively. The completed flight motor set will support the ORS-4 mission, sponsored by the Operationally Responsive Space Office, which will demonstrate first flight of the Super Strypi low-cost, small launch system. Super Strypi cuts costs using proven sounding rocket methods including spin stabilized flight, a new rail launcher and the three new solid rocket motors. The ORS-4 mission will launch from Kauai, Hawaii, carrying the University of Hawaii/Hawaii Space Flight Laboratory's HiakaSat and 12 CubeSats. This maiden flight will represent the largest propulsion system ever launched from a rail system.

Aerojet Rocketdyne is a world-recognized aerospace and defense leader providing propulsion and energetics to the space, missile defense and strategic systems, tactical systems and armaments areas, in support of domestic and international markets. GenCorp is a diversified company that provides innovative solutions that create value for its customers in the aerospace and defense, and real estate markets. Additional information about Aerojet Rocketdyne and GenCorp can be obtained by visiting the companies' websites at www.Rocket.com and www.GenCorp.com.

Emphasis mine

T3 test flight? The Sacramento Business Journal described it as a demonstration of "guidable supersonic ramjet technology"

 

[TomS]

Seems possible:
http://www.rocket.com/t3-variable-flow-ducted-rocket-vfdr

 

[sferrin]

Seems possible:
http://www.rocket.com/t3-variable-flow-ducted-rocket-vfdr

Isn't this basically the same thing Aerojet/Atlantic Research has been playing with for nearly half a century?
http://www.designation-systems.net/dusrm/app4/alvrj.html
http://www.designation-systems.net/dusrm/m-163.html

"The HSAD is a co-operative effort between the USN High-speed Anti-Radiation Missile (HARM) programme office (PMA-242), ATK and the US Air Force Research Laboratory Propulsion Directorate. It incorporates an
ATK active/passive radar seeker with an Aerojet MARC-290 variable-flow ducted rocket (VFDR) ramjet."
http://www.f-16.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=9854

 

[marauder2048]

A very distinguished pedigree to be sure. A lot of the recent focus for the tactical applications has been in minimizing launch and in-flight signature to avoid

this:

and

 

[sferrin]

That second picture is missing. As for the giant signature there it's probably due to the small volume they have to work with so they need fuel that's as energetic as possible, meaning they can't do a lot of the signature reduction steps that usually result in a lower ISP.

 

[marauder2048]

Fixed the second image. For the first photo, the large launch signature is a consequence of a single pyrotechnic charge that ignites both the boost and the sustainer (gas generator) at launch. The sooty exhaust coming out of the Coyote is as a result of unreacted polystyrene beads from the gas generator. Believe it or not, the understanding of two-stage combustion in ducted rocket ramjets is still a work in progress

 

[HephaestusAetnaean]

For the first photo, the large launch signature is a consequence of a single pyrotechnic charge that ignites both the boost and the sustainer (gas generator) at launch. The sooty exhaust coming out of the Coyote is as a result of unreacted polystyrene beads from the gas generator.

How on earth did you know that?

BTW, do you know why the MBDA Meteor went with 2 inlets instead of 4, which would have granted the engine better sideslip performance? Or why the boundary layer splitter plates upper/lower inlet lips are perpendicular with the body instead of parallel (which would make them protrude slightly less and thus easier to fit into an internal payload bay)?

 

[marauder2048]

Boeing has (partially) confirmed what was disclosed in the budgetary documents posted above. Curious
about Raytheon's version.


http://aviationweek.com/paris-air-show-2015/boeing-phantom-works-may-unveil-new-projects

However, not all the Phantom Works’ projects directly involve aircraft. Davis also disclosed that the Phantoms had conducted four flight tests under the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency's Triple Target Terminator (T3) program. The test vehicles, about the size of an AIM-120 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile, flew "faster and farther" than an Amraam, Davis said, but he did not provide any other details.

 

[sferrin]

Fixed the second image. For the first photo, the large launch signature is a consequence of a single pyrotechnic charge that ignites both the boost and the sustainer (gas generator) at launch. The sooty exhaust coming out of the Coyote is as a result of unreacted polystyrene beads from the gas generator. Believe it or not, the understanding of two-stage combustion in ducted rocket ramjets is still a work in progress

I'd hope Meteor doesn't trail an F-4 Phantom-like smoke trail like Coyote. ;D (I'd have never guessed plastic beads though I know ABS is popular with the hybrid rocketry crowd. I'd have expected something more exotic.)

 

[Ian33]

Video of Meteor missile firing test.

Hope this adds

http://youtu.be/WSuCLKRnt9Q

 

[bring_it_on]

Fixed the second image. For the first photo, the large launch signature is a consequence of a single pyrotechnic charge that ignites both the boost and the sustainer (gas generator) at launch. The sooty exhaust coming out of the Coyote is as a result of unreacted polystyrene beads from the gas generator. Believe it or not, the understanding of two-stage combustion in ducted rocket ramjets is still a work in progress

I'd hope Meteor doesn't trail an F-4 Phantom-like smoke trail like Coyote. ;D (I'd have never guessed plastic beads though I know ABS is popular with the hybrid rocketry crowd. I'd have expected something more exotic.)

http://www.rocket.com/article/aerojet-successfully-demonstrates-next-generation-solid-ramjet-fuel

Boeing has (partially) confirmed what was disclosed in the budgetary documents posted above. Curious
about Raytheon's version.


http://aviationweek.com/paris-air-show-2015/boeing-phantom-works-may-unveil-new-projects

However, not all the Phantom Works’ projects directly involve aircraft. Davis also disclosed that the Phantoms had conducted four flight tests under the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency's Triple Target Terminator (T3) program. The test vehicles, about the size of an AIM-120 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile, flew "faster and farther" than an Amraam, Davis said, but he did not provide any other details.

Aviation Week and Sweetman reported on this portion in May as well

ST. LOUIS—Boeing conducted four flight tests under the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s (Darpa) Triple Target Terminator (T3) program, Boeing Phantom Works President Darryl Davis said here May 18.
The test vehicles, about the size of an AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (Amraam), flew “faster and farther” than an Amraam, Davis said, but he did not provide any other details.

Darpa issued T3 contracts to Boeing and Raytheon in 2010, with the aim of demonstrating technology for a single weapon type that could function as an anti-radar missile, an air-to-air Amraam replacement and a cruise-missile defense weapon. The program has now been concluded, but the Navy now plans to develop a longer-range version of its AGM-88E Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile.

Davis also said Boeing will unveil some previously undisclosed Phantom Works programs “in the next month or two,” and that these will be separate from the unit’s work with Saab on the T-X program.

http://aviationweek.com/awin-only/boeing-discloses-advanced-missile-tests-will-unveil-other-programs

 

[bring_it_on]

With all of the F-35’s technical issues aside, the fifth-generation aircraft will still fly with fourth-generation missiles. Lockheed designed it to accommodate Raytheon’s AIM-120 AMRAAM, but Carlisle wants a combination air-to-air and air-to-ground missile that can offer greater range for the aircraft.

“Range is a big factor if you look at our potential adversaries with things like the [Chinese] PL-15,” he says. “I think it needs to be multiband, broad spectrum – which aids it in survivability and reaching the target.”

Carlisle sees the missile fielded across a spectrum of platforms, from fourth-generation aircraft to a future penetrating counterair platform and Northrop’s B-21 bomber. He also believes technology will enable the USAF to achieve greater range within the current size and configuration for the F-35.

“I can’t comment a lot on where we’re going to go with what we’re developing on technology, but I will tell you that we worked hard,” he says. “I think with the engine and motor technology for weapons we can get range, depending on what kind of profile and motor we use.”

https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/interview-air-combat-command-chief-prepares-for-dep-433977/

 

[bring_it_on]

...

 

[sferrin]

...

Looks too big. 10"+ dia.

 

[bring_it_on]

Yes roughly JSOW / AARGM-ER size maximized to fit station 4 and 8 on the F-35A/C.

 

[DrRansom]

What is the source for those images?

 

[marauder2048]

A 7 inch missile airframe diameter is mentioned in the patent.

 

[bring_it_on]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/US-Navy-VFDR-AMRAAM-Coffee-Cup-/182219693400