StandOff & PGM Weapons


"Did a US military contractor use a Chinese-made jet engine in ‘Strategic Strike’ missile? When an American defence manufacturer posted a recent video of its latest weapon, viewers noticed something unexpected." (paywalled)

"A US defence contractor is facing scrutiny after allegations surfaced that its latest weapon system may be using a jet engine that was made in China and sold online. On March 5, California-based start-up Mach Industries posted a promotional video on social media showcasing its latest product – a vertical take-off cruise missile."

[...]

"But it did not take long for viewers analysing the video to suggest that the engine design closely resembled the Swiwin SW800 Pro, a Chinese-manufactured model."
 
G-limits on Super Hornet airframe or Stormbreaker's airframe?
Stormbreaker

Most of the time I’ve seen launch up to .8 or .9 mach for glide weapons/JDAM

Carrying it should be fine but it’s the release portion thats a lot more complicated.

Big design differences between weapons meant to travel supersonically and subsonically.
 
Last edited:
Stormbreaker

Most of the time I’ve seen launch up to .8 or .9 mach for glide weapons/JDAM

Carrying it should be fine but it’s the release portion thats a lot more complicated.

Big design differences between weapons meant to travel supersonically and subsonically.

So basically the Storbreaker can be carried supersonically but the carrier-aircraft (F/A-18E/F in this case) would have to slow down to high-subsonic speed to launch a GBU-53/B?
 
So basically the Storbreaker can be carried supersonically but the carrier-aircraft (F/A-18E/F in this case) would have to slow down to high-subsonic speed to launch a GBU-53/B?
That is my impression yeah, I’m sure there are others with better understanding of the topic that can add onto this.
 
So basically the Storbreaker can be carried supersonically but the carrier-aircraft (F/A-18E/F in this case) would have to slow down to high-subsonic speed to launch a GBU-53/B?

I don't think anyone trials supersonic weapons release except for AAM's these days (maybe ARM like AARGM as well)...the fact they're rocket powered and under positive control from launch, and usually rail launched or using a powered ram to clear the aircraft makes things a little simpler...

There were some trials around 2007 around releasing JDAM from internal bays at up to m2.0 at Wright Patterson, but although successful I don't think they were progressed into F-35 design.
 
I think it would be rare for an aircraft to be supersonic unless it was delivering an AAM anyway.
 
I think it would be rare for an aircraft to be supersonic unless it was delivering an AAM anyway.
internal carriage of weapons means that you're not fighting drag like you are with external carriage. So I would expect F-35s to be moving fast on ingress.
 
internal carriage of weapons means that you're not fighting drag like you are with external carriage. So I would expect F-35s to be moving fast on ingress.


That's a very good point! Now as to the also of stabilising the SDB after it's ejected supersonically perhaps have jettisonable stabilising-fins fitted over its' folded tail-fins that are jettisoned when the tail-fins deploy.
 
internal carriage of weapons means that you're not fighting drag like you are with external carriage. So I would expect F-35s to be moving fast on ingress.

It increases thermal signature and fuel consumption rather dramatically; I cannot see a good reason for it unless you know you are detected or have been fired upon.
 
It increases thermal signature and fuel consumption rather dramatically;

I could see an F-35 going supersonic briefly to launch an SDB (Then decelerating after SDB launch) for same reason a long-range AAM is launched supersonically - to extend its' range.
 
It increases thermal signature and fuel consumption rather dramatically; I cannot see a good reason for it unless you know you are detected or have been fired upon.
F-35s can cruise at about M1.4 or so without afterburners. It's still burning like twice as much fuel as their normal cruise, but if it gets you out of a threat bubble faster it'd be worth it.
 
I could see an F-35 going supersonic briefly to launch an SDB (Then decelerating after SDB launch) for same reason a long-range AAM is launched supersonically - to extend its' range.

Only if the weapon can withstand that delivery profile and if that delivery significantly increases range. If the wings do not pop until you are subsonic, are you buying anything with that reheat?
 
F-35s can cruise at about M1.4 or so without afterburners. It's still burning like twice as much fuel as their normal cruise, but if it gets you out of a threat bubble faster it'd be worth it.

I’ve read 1.2 with minimal reheat, which is a different thing. And you still have to burn to get there, be 1.2 or 1.4
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

Back
Top Bottom