War Developing and Upcoming Military Technology - Something new at least 3 times a week.

thx1138 · Jul 28, 2020

BONE_Buddy said:
No, I am not bitter, why do you ask?

The active protection system procurement in the Army should be a scandal that's broadcast to the world and beyond. Fuckers were using Tanks (and other armored vehicles) as traffic cops in the world's asshole, where you can buy an RPG easier than you can buy food to feed your family, and all I read year after year was that the IMI (or was it Rafale?) system was "Not mature enough" and "Not suited for Army purposes," Mother fuckers, in one battle the Israelis shot down five RPGs from five different sectors aimed at a single fucking Merk, I should think it's goddamn suited to the task!

Maybe if we meet up one day we can crack a beer and cry bitter angry man-tears over ADATS, too.

Snekposter · Jul 28, 2020

All I can do is agree with you guys and mourn the 1990's budget cuts and overseas fuckery under Clinton that started all of this shit. I'm sure you're all well aware of the clusterfuck that went down in the late 40's after WW2 ended and up until Korea. At least this shock to our system wasn't nearly as bloody and brutal as that one was. To me, its incredibly disappointing that Eisenhower, a man committed to peace and the preservation of American lives, was forced to admit the necessity of the M-I Complex, even as he lamented its existence. Si vis pacem, para bellum is an absolute stone-cold bitch of a saying, but that doesn't mean its a lie, as much as everyone wishes it was.

The Dude · Jul 28, 2020

I'm really excited for the new 6.8mm rifles and squad automatic weapons the US Army is trying out. The firearms from SIG seem like excellent weapons, and that new 6.8mm cartridge looks awesome. 20% lighter battle load with range and energy comparable to .270 WSM. I hope it does well and that it gets selected for full scale adoption to replace all the legacy 5.56x45mm weapons. 5.56x45mm weapons are fine for urban warfare, but the US Military really needs something that offers better lethality at range. 7.62x51mm is an excellent cartridge, but it is heavy, which reduces the amount of ammunition each soldier can carry on their person. So it doesn't make a lot of sense to return to it wholesale on the modern battlefield.

And the new SIG SLMAG .338 Norma Mag machine gun that SOCOM is trying out looks really impressive. Especially if that cartridge gets more widespread use, which it looks like it while given the new Barrett Mk22 sniper rifles SOCOM is buying are required to have caliber kits to switch between .338 Norma, .308/7.62x51mm, and 6.5 Creedmoor. The SLMAG is also able to swap calibers to 7.62x51mm to offer a cheaper alternative for training and if the combat zone would be better supported logistically with that cartridge.

I just hope that if US Army does go full adoption of the new 6.8mm weapons systems that the cartridge and semi-auto variants of the rifles find their way to the civilian market. I like the ability to be armed with similar weapons as the military (more or less). And it usually makes the ammunition more affordable. Since it looks like SIG is making the weapons and ammo, it's likely that civilian offerings will eventually come from it. SIG has always been good to the US civilian market. But the important thing is that the military finally gets away from legacy 5.5.56x45mm systems and gets armed with more reliable and lethal arms.

Snekposter said:
All I can do is agree with you guys and mourn the 1990's budget cuts and overseas fuckery under Clinton that started all of this shit. I'm sure you're all well aware of the clusterfuck that went down in the late 40's after WW2 ended and up until Korea. At least this shock to our system wasn't nearly as bloody and brutal as that one was. To me, its incredibly disappointing that Eisenhower, a man committed to peace and the preservation of American lives, was forced to admit the necessity of the M-I Complex, even as he lamented its existence. Si vis pacem, para bellum is an absolute stone-cold bitch of a saying, but that doesn't mean its a lie, as much as everyone wishes it was.

Everyone thought that war was obsolete now that the US had atomic weapons. Who would dare stand against us if we can now make entire cities disappear? But Fallout said it best: war never changes. Conflict is part of human nature. As long as there are political/ideological/religious differences and mankind is incapable of producing free goods/food/energy, then there will always be war. Allies can become enemies at the drop of a dime. It is illogical and naive to not be prepared for war. It is foolish to not always be developing better weapons and equipment for our troops. Bush Sr. and Clinton were fools to think that the end of the Soviet Union meant we needed to cut back on military spending and weapons development.

WinchesterPremium · Jul 28, 2020

The Dude said:
I'm really excited for the new 6.8mm rifles and squad automatic weapons the US Army is trying out. The firearms from SIG seem like excellent weapons, and that new 6.8mm cartridge looks awesome. 20% lighter battle load with range and energy comparable to .270 WSM. I hope it does well and that it gets selected for full scale adoption to replace all the legacy 5.56x45mm weapons. 5.56x45mm weapons are fine for urban warfare, but the US Military really needs something that offers better lethality at range. 7.62x51mm is an excellent cartridge, but it is heavy, which reduces the amount of ammunition each soldier can carry on their person. So it doesn't make a lot of sense to return to it wholesale on the modern battlefield.

And the new SIG SLMAG .338 Norma Mag machine gun that SOCOM is trying out looks really impressive. Especially if that cartridge gets more widespread use, which it looks like it while given the new Barrett Mk22 sniper rifles SOCOM is buying are required to have caliber kits to switch between .338 Norma, .308/7.62x51mm, and 6.5 Creedmoor. The SLMAG is also able to swap calibers to 7.62x51mm to offer a cheaper alternative for training and if the combat zone would be better supported logistically with that cartridge.

I just hope that if US Army does go full adoption of the new 6.8mm weapons systems that the cartridge and semi-auto variants of the rifles find their way to the civilian market. I like the ability to be armed with similar weapons as the military (more or less). And it usually makes the ammunition more affordable. Since it looks like SIG is making the weapons and ammo, it's likely that civilian offerings will eventually come from it. SIG has always been good to the US civilian market. But the important thing is that the military finally gets away from legacy 5.5.56x45mm systems and gets armed with more reliable and lethal arms.

How many times have they "looked into replacing" the 5.56 now? A couple times a decade for the last 40 years?

The Dude · Jul 28, 2020

WinchesterPremium said:
How many times have they "looked into replacing" the 5.56 now? A couple times a decade for the last 40 years?

Except they're actually acquiring new weapons and ammunition on a fairly sizable scale now. This is the biggest step towards replacing the current weapons/ammunition that they've taken since adopting 5.56x45mm. I'm not holding my breath or saying it's a sure thing, but it's definitely the biggest step that they've taken in that direction. I think with things heating up with the Chinks that the military is realizing more how under equipped our infantry soldiers are and that it's time to start looking hard at better weapons for our soldiers. And we finally have a President who understands how important the military is, especially our soldiers, and that we can't just drone strike all our problems away. And small arms technology has finally gotten to where our troops can carry the same combat load that they have been with weapons and ammunition that's 20% lighter than current offerings, but offers vastly improved range and lethality.

BONE_Buddy · Jul 28, 2020

WinchesterPremium said:
How many times have they "looked into replacing" the 5.56 now? A couple times a decade for the last 40 years?

Yeah, they have been looking at replacement for quite a while. However there is a real jump in capabilities with what seems to be relatively little downside. In addition, one of the main reasons they are looking at replacing the 5.56 is so that they can more easily penetrate the body armor of a near-pear adversary, as apposed to some random haji in the sandbox.

Snekposter · Jul 29, 2020

I'm not surprised the military is only sticking with special forces for now. The US loves to have a logistical chain already established before it adopts anything new. The M1 Garand would have been chambered in a nifty intermediate .276 if it wasn't for the logistical issues a completely new and separate caliber for rifles would cause even as our machine guns kept using .30-06. As to .308 and .30-06... its relatively easy to rechamber weapons from one cartridge to a shorter one of the same or similar caliber, which is why a great many German MG3's still have old Wehrmacht stampings on their receivers, and the overall design still posseses high parts compatibility with the MG42.

Also, @The Dude there was a neat article in Guns & Ammo a while back about some new Nosler rounds and matching bolt-action rifles I thought was interesting. A whole line of magnum rounds of roughly equivalent performance to existing rounds from some .223~ Magnum to .300 Win Mag and .338 Lapua Mag, all sharing the exact same base case and overall length, allowing a rifle to be rechambered just by swapping out the barrel. Would be just as easy to do something like that with gas operated rifles though since you just need to resize the gas port based on the round's barrel pressure. Random autism sidenote: I was bored one time, and while I was helping a buddy with some TTRPG work, after some sloppy napkin-not-even-math realized you could kludge a .458 roundnose bullet into a 7.62x51mm case, assuming you were fine with a fucked-up taper. I've always hated how people have loved to try shoving a big fat bullet like a .458 or a .50 into something designed for 5.56mm rounds.

The Dude · Jul 29, 2020

Snekposter said:
I'm not surprised the military is only sticking with special forces for now. The US loves to have a logistical chain already established before it adopts anything new. The M1 Garand would have been chambered in a nifty intermediate .276 if it wasn't for the logistical issues a completely new and separate caliber for rifles would cause even as our machine guns kept using .30-06. As to .308 and .30-06... its relatively easy to rechamber weapons from one cartridge to a shorter one of the same or similar caliber, which is why a great many German MG3's still have old Wehrmacht stampings on their receivers, and the overall design still posseses high parts compatibility with the MG42.

Also, @The Dude there was a neat article in Guns & Ammo a while back about some new Nosler rounds and matching bolt-action rifles I thought was interesting. A whole line of magnum rounds of roughly equivalent performance to existing rounds from some .223~ Magnum to .300 Win Mag and .338 Lapua Mag, all sharing the exact same base case and overall length, allowing a rifle to be rechambered just by swapping out the barrel. Would be just as easy to do something like that with gas operated rifles though since you just need to resize the gas port based on the round's barrel pressure. Random autism sidenote: I was bored one time, and while I was helping a buddy with some TTRPG work, after some sloppy napkin-not-even-math realized you could kludge a .458 roundnose bullet into a 7.62x51mm case, assuming you were fine with a fucked-up taper. I've always hated how people have loved to try shoving a big fat bullet like a .458 or a .50 into something designed for 5.56mm rounds.

I'm not sure which 6.8mm round the Army settled on. I don’t think it was the telescoped round. It's either the polymer cased round (True Velocity, I think?) or the SIG round that uses a two-piece metal case with the base being made of steel and the rest made of brass. SIG is already bringing their new case design to the civilian market with a new proprietary cartridge along with .308 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor, and others using their new two-piece case. It's supposed to offer lighter weight with higher velocities/energy over the same calibers using traditional one-piece brass cases. That gives me hope that we will see civilian offerings for this new 6.8mm cartridge/rifle, even if Big Green doesn't adopt it.

Snekposter · Jul 29, 2020

God, I love being an American. "I just got my new 6.8mm caliber rifle." "Which 6.8?" "Yes."

Stoneheart · Jul 29, 2020

BONE_Buddy said:
In addition, one of the main reasons they are looking at replacing the 5.56 is so that they can more easily penetrate the body armor of a near-pear adversary, as apposed to some random haji in the sandbox.

but why not going back to fullsized Battlerifles? a war with a near pear would be mechanized, so to heavy ammo isnt realy a problem.

Snekposter · Jul 29, 2020

Your average US soldier hauls around enough body armor to put a Medieval knight in a full set of Gothic plate to shame (seriously, shit's impressive with Class IV full torso hard plate armor with neck, shoulder, and groin plates becoming the norm and Class III heavy duty soft armor on the limbs), plus everything else a soldier needs to carry like grenades, food, water, secondary armament like AT rockets for either breaching or AT duty, C3 equipment ranging from a radio to flares to maps, paper pads and grease pencils... There really isn't the weight to spare for whenever they need to fight dismounted, which is the very definition of urban combat. That armored vehicle is just there to shoot things and soak up small arms fire, not transport anyone in those situations.

EDIT: This of course ignores the fact that a shithole like Afghanistan is the very definition of rough terrain where you can't take an armored vehicle, and have to march and fight on foot, and do that marching and fighting cross-country up and down cliffs and steep hillsides. You should know what happens when you take heavy infantry up into mountains. The Swiss made the Emperor Leopold and his army very unhappy, but fortunately, they weren't unhappy for very long. Alpine rivers are very cold, after all.

The Dude · Jul 29, 2020

Stoneheart said:
but why not going back to fullsized Battlerifles? a war with a near pear would be mechanized, so to heavy ammo isnt realy a problem.

Soldiers still need to move around when they dismount. It isn't just about getting there, it's also about being able to move during a fight. Why go back to heavy, bulky "battle rifles" and their ammo when modern ammunition and weapon technology has gotten to the point where our boys can have a rifle roughly the size of an M4 with lighter weight, better reliability and ruggedness, and intermediate sized cartridges lighter than 5.56x45mm but with ballistics similar (or better than) the ammunition the big, heavy battle rifles use? Why go backwards instead of forwards?

Edit: lemme lay some numbers on you...

7.62x51mm NATO has a muzzle velocity of around 2700fps and a muzzle energy of about 2600 ft. lbs. 5.56x45mm NATO has a muzzle velocity of about 2900fps and a muzzle energy of about 1350 ft. lbs. The new 6.8mm round that the US Army is testing out is supposed to have similar performance to .270 Winchester Short Magnum, which has a muzzle velocity of about 3200fps and a muzzle energy of about 3200 ft. lbs., and this new 6.8mm cartridge is supposed to be 20% lighter than 5.56x45mm NATO. So a soldier can carry just as much (if not more) ammunition as they would armed with a 5.5.56x45mm NATO weapon, but with less weight, and better muzzle energy and velocity than 7.62x51mm NATO.

BONE_Buddy · Jul 29, 2020

Stoneheart said:
but why not going back to fullsized Battlerifles? a war with a near pear would be mechanized, so to heavy ammo isnt realy a problem.

To address your point more directly but in a slightly different manner, why does the Weight and Size matter when you are deployed in armored vehicles. The answer is really quite simple:

You have to be able to get into and out of your transport vehicle very quickly and easily. Maneuvering a full sized battle rifle, which in many cases like the FAL is over 40 inches long, is very difficult to do in the cramped environment of an APC or IFV. While for an individual soldier disembarking the transport, this isn't really a big deal. However for stacking up half a squad or more into a vehicle it starts to become a much more cumbersome process.

Again this doesn't matter a whole heck of a lot when doing routine transport and administrative tasks, but if your convoy is ambushed and these troops need to get out and fight as quickly as possible, it does become a problem. Just ask the Israelis on why they went to the bullpup. This is all before stuff gets put into these APCs that wasn't entirely expected. "Hey guys we need you to take this to the front, just stuff it in with you." I have heard that happens on a regular enough basis that a person really needs to plan the equipment around that.

So, that is why the weapons themselves have generally been shortened, and why returning to full length battle rifles is unlikely. Bullpups aside of course, they have their own pros and cons.

Stoneheart · Jul 29, 2020

The Dude said:
Soldiers still need to move around when they dismount. It isn't just about getting there, it's also about being able to move during a fight. Why go back to heavy, bulky "battle rifles" and their ammo when modern ammunition and weapon technology has gotten to the point where our boys can have a rifle roughly the size of an M4 with lighter weight, better reliability and ruggedness, and intermediate sized cartridges lighter than 5.56x45mm but with ballistics similar (or better than) the ammunition the big, heavy battle rifles use? Why go backwards instead of forwards?

I was talking about full sized Battle rifles.

The Dude said:
The new 6.8mm round that the US Army is testing out is supposed to have similar performance to .270 Winchester Short Magnum, which has a muzzle velocity of about 3200fps and a muzzle energy of about 3200 ft. lbs., and this new 6.8mm cartridge is supposed to be 20% lighter than 5.56x45mm NATO. So a soldier can carry just as much (if not more) ammunition as they would armed with a 5.5.56x45mm NATO weapon, but with less weight, and better muzzle energy and velocity than 7.62x51mm NATO.

now imagine what a modernized 7.62 could do. there is also heat, the reason why 50 year old full sized shots alot better and longer than a modern 5.56

BONE_Buddy said:
You have to be able to get into and out of your transport vehicle very quickly and easily. Maneuvering a full sized battle rifle, which in many cases like the FAL is over 40 inches long, is very difficult to do in the cramped environment of an APC or IFV. While for an individual soldier disembarking the transport, this isn't really a big deal. However for stacking up half a squad or more into a vehicle it starts to become a much more cumbersome process.

thats a design problem. well designed APCs and Guns dont have that problem.

BONE_Buddy said:
Again this doesn't matter a whole heck of a lot when doing routine transport and administrative tasks, but if your convoy is ambushed and these troops need to get out and fight as quickly as possible, it does become a problem.

It doesnt, why should the Russians or Chinese ambush a convoy with small arms? they will bring enough firepower to make dust out of a convoy.

BONE_Buddy said:
Just ask the Israelis on why they went to the bullpup.

they changed from War to Antiterrorism after the arab world went to total shit... shooting sandnigger with broken AKs is very different from Facing Egyptian tank armies trained by the russians.

BONE_Buddy said:
So, that is why the weapons themselves have generally been shortened, and why returning to full length battle rifles is unlikely. Bullpups aside of course, they have their own pros and cons.

Its a bad idea. fighting terrorists in the middle east shouldnt be the typ of war you build your forces for.

BONE_Buddy · Jul 29, 2020

The F-15 "Japanese Super Interceptor" Eagle Is One Step Closer To Becoming A Reality

Boeing and Mitsubishi move forward with joint plans to implement the F-15JSI upgrade to complement Japan’s big new F-35 fleet.

www.thedrive.com

The F-15 "Japanese Super Interceptor" Eagle Is One Step Closer To Becoming A Reality
Boeing and Mitsubishi move forward with joint plans to implement F-15JSI upgrade to complement Japan’s big new F-35 fleet.

Boeing has completed a Direct Commercial Sale (DCS) agreement with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) to implement upgrades to Japan’s F-15J Eagle fleet. The contract is part of the larger $4.5-billion modernization program that was announced by the U.S. Government in October 2019. Boeing says this DCS contract “lays the foundation” of the modernization program, although the Japanese government has not yet formalized the project.

An artist's impression released by Boeing to accompany its announcement depicts an upgraded Japanese F-15 carrying a large missile on its centerline station. This appears to confirm long-held ambitions to equip these fighters with Lockheed Martin's AGM-158 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM). The F-15J's arsenal could potentially grow to include additional ordnance, such as hypersonic weapons that are in development in Japan.

Long-awaited upgrades to Japan’s Eagles would take 98 aircraft to F-15JSI “Japanese Super Interceptor” standard with the addition of a new electronic warfare system, new avionics, new weapons, and possibly more. Following a similar operational model to the one adopted by the U.S. Air Force with the F-15EX, the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) will use its upgraded Eagles to complement its large planned force of Lockheed Martin F-35s. Targeting 98 upgraded Eagles aligns with the JASDF's plans to only recapitalize around half of its F-15J fleet, the rest being swapped for 105 F-35As as outlined in the Medium Term Defence Program.

MHI built 163 F-15Js and 36 two-seat F-15DJs under license, plus 14 aircraft that were assembled by McDonnell Douglas at its St. Louis plant, in Missouri.Unlike the USAF, which has decided to buy brand new F-15EXs from Boeing instead of upgrading its existing F-15Cs, Tokyo is will retain its 1980s-vintage F-15Js and upgrade them with features from the Advanced Eagle, which is now the production standard aircraft. Boeing had previously offered the USAF an extensive package of upgrades for its Eagles dubbed F-15 2040C. However, it has instead opted to recapitalize the fleet with up to 200 F-15EXs.

{ Japan's F-15Js will receive a cockpit upgrade, the details of which are not yet clear. }

The Direct Commercial Sale means MHI will act as the prime contractor for the work, with Boeing saying it will “provide MHI with retrofit drawings, ground support equipment and technical publications for the upgrade of the first two F-15J aircraft to the Japan Super Interceptor configuration.”
The proposed upgrade package outlined in a DSCA notice on October 29, 2019, listed the following:

The Government of Japan has requested the upgrade of up to ninety-eight (9 F-15J aircraft to a Japanese Super Interceptor (JSI) configuration consisting of up to one hundred three (103) APG-82(v)1 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Radar (includes 5 spares); one hundred sixteen (116) Advanced Display Core Processor II (ADCP II) Mission System Computer (includes 18 spares); and one hundred one (101) ALQ-239 Digital Electronic Warfare System (DEWS) (includes 3 spares). Also included are Joint Mission Planning System (JMPS) with software, training and support; Selective Availability Anti-spoofing Module (SAASM); ARC-210 radio, aircraft and munition integration and test support; ground training devices (including flight and maintenance simulators); support and test equipment; software delivery and support; spare and repair parts; communications equipment; facilities and construction support; publications and technical documentation; personnel training and training equipment; U.S. Government and contractor engineering; technical and logistics support services; studies and surveys; and other related elements of logistical and program support. The estimated total program cost is $4.5 billion.

The upgrade is built around the same core avionics as the F-15EX, with the Raytheon APG-82 (v)1 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar and Boeing’s Advanced Display Core Processor II (ADCP II), which it calls “the world’s most advanced mission computer.”

The DSCA solicitation also does not include life-extension efforts to the F-15J airframe. A brand new F-15EX is supposed to have a useful life of an amazing 20,000 flight hours. Nor does it include provision for Boeing’s new 11x19-inch Large Area Display (LAD), it’s low-profile Head-Up Display (HUD), however the Boeing media release mentions an “all-new advanced cockpit system.” It’s not clear if this refers to the LAD or another less extensive upgrade such as the F-15C’s Passive Attack Display, which is used to display a number of information sets, including imagery from the AN/AAQ-33 Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod for air-to-air visual identification.

The upgrade package also notably lacks any mention of an infra-red search and track (IRST) sensor. This is particularly important for the F-15JSI as it faces future stealthy threats in the air defense mission now and into the future. Its omission suggests that MHI could be looking to integrate a domestic solution for this important capability. Japan has extensively explored an integrated IRST system for the F-15J, and last year a new indigenous podded IRST system was observed during flight-testing aboard an F-4EJ Phantom II.

https://twitter.com/TheBaseLeg/status/1189486113510977536

" Photo thread of an F-4EJ Phantom II assigned to the JASDF's Air Development and Test Wing at Gifu carrying what looks to be a possible IRST pod on its starboard inner pylon #Japan "

While dubbed a “Super Interceptor,” the addition of the APG-82 (v)1 AESA radar and JASSM tips a nod to multi-role capabilities. This radar is now retrofitted to USAF F-15E Strike Eagles and is the system chosen for the F-15EX. In 2017, there were initial reports that Japan wanted to transform its F-15s into cruise missile carriers for long-range strike missions. You can read more in this previous War Zone report.

USAF F-15E Strike Eagles are already equipped to carry the extended-range version of the AGM-158, known as JASSM-ER, as well as JASSM. Strike Eagles from the 366th Fighter Wing recently used the weapons in combat operations in Syria, details of which can be found here.

{ USAF F-15E Strike Eagles have been cleared to use the AGM-158 JASSM-ER. }

The new AESA radar will provide the F-15JSI with impressive new air-to-ground capabilities and would also enable them to perform maritime patrol and interdiction missions. Indeed, Japan could also look to purchase Lockheed Martin’s AGM-158C Long Range Anti-Ship Missile, or LRASM. Until now, only Israel has sought to transform F-15A/B/C/D fighters into multi-role platforms.

Japan is also developing indigenous hypersonic weapons, as detailed here. In the Boeing media release that accompanied the formal announcement of the USAF F-15EX contract, the company said: “The F-15EX carries more weapons than any other fighter in its class and can launch hypersonic weapons up to 22 feet long and weighing up to 7,000 pounds."

Like the F-15EX, Japan’s upgraded Eagles could also be kitted-out to act as weapons trucks and be able to carry the kind of large hypersonic weapons that are in development.

The F-15JSI could also field Japan’s new indigenous air-to-air missile in the shape of the advanced AAM-4B, but Japan has also expressed interest in the AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM), which is smaller than the AAM-4B and offers a shorter maximum engagement range.

Japan has implemented a number of small upgrades for its F-15Js over the years, but most have become bogged-down in budgetary and political issues. In recent years, the JASDF F-15s have received Link 16 data link connectivity, and some aircraft are equipped to enable pilots to wear the Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System, known as JHMCS.

“These upgrades will deliver critical capability for national and collective self-defense, in which the F-15J plays a key role. At the same time, they will provide MHI and our partners in Japan’s aerospace defense industry with an opportunity to enhance their own extensive engineering capabilities,” said Will Shaffer, Boeing Japan President, referring to F-15JSI.

{ A JASDF F-15J Eagle gets airborne during Red Flag Alaska. }

The JASDF is facing a torrent of airspace incursions from Chinese military aircraft, and the number of scrambles undertaken by its F-15Js continues to rise. Keeping the F-15J reliable and relevant will be key to maintaining air sovereignty around the island nation's territory. Enhanced F-15Js will also serve to help fill-out Japan's air combat capability until the fielding of Japan’s next-generation stealth fighter, which will replace the JASDF’s Mitsubishi F-2 fighters by the mid-2030s.

In the meantime, the F-15JSI upgrade, along with F-35 procurement, will support the JASDF’s immediate needs. Boeing says MHI is now developing a detailed modification plan for the 98 F-15s and that it will prepare its facilities and workforce for the induction and upgrade of up to 98 aircraft beginning in 2022.

This is the latest in a series of renewed business opportunities for Boeing with the F-15, both in terms of new builds and upgrades. It seems that the F-15JSI upgrade is set to ensure Eagles continue to defend Japan well into the future.

_____________________________
Japan continues to upgrade war-fighting capabilities.

Snekposter · Jul 29, 2020

I've fucked around with a FAMAS-styled airsoft gun, and no fucking way do I want to try reloading something like that under combat pressures. Talk about awkward as all fucking hell to handle in any position that isn't readied thanks to the damn mag getting in the way.

Jimmy Durante's Ballsack · Jul 29, 2020

BONE_Buddy said:
The F-15 "Japanese Super Interceptor" Eagle Is One Step Closer To Becoming A Reality

Boeing and Mitsubishi move forward with joint plans to implement the F-15JSI upgrade to complement Japan’s big new F-35 fleet.

www.thedrive.com

The F-15 "Japanese Super Interceptor" Eagle Is One Step Closer To Becoming A Reality
Boeing and Mitsubishi move forward with joint plans to implement F-15JSI upgrade to complement Japan’s big new F-35 fleet.
View attachment 1482116

Boeing has completed a Direct Commercial Sale (DCS) agreement with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) to implement upgrades to Japan’s F-15J Eagle fleet. The contract is part of the larger $4.5-billion modernization program that was announced by the U.S. Government in October 2019. Boeing says this DCS contract “lays the foundation” of the modernization program, although the Japanese government has not yet formalized the project.

An artist's impression released by Boeing to accompany its announcement depicts an upgraded Japanese F-15 carrying a large missile on its centerline station. This appears to confirm long-held ambitions to equip these fighters with Lockheed Martin's AGM-158 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM). The F-15J's arsenal could potentially grow to include additional ordnance, such as hypersonic weapons that are in development in Japan.

Long-awaited upgrades to Japan’s Eagles would take 98 aircraft to F-15JSI “Japanese Super Interceptor” standard with the addition of a new electronic warfare system, new avionics, new weapons, and possibly more. Following a similar operational model to the one adopted by the U.S. Air Force with the F-15EX, the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) will use its upgraded Eagles to complement its large planned force of Lockheed Martin F-35s. Targeting 98 upgraded Eagles aligns with the JASDF's plans to only recapitalize around half of its F-15J fleet, the rest being swapped for 105 F-35As as outlined in the Medium Term Defence Program.

MHI built 163 F-15Js and 36 two-seat F-15DJs under license, plus 14 aircraft that were assembled by McDonnell Douglas at its St. Louis plant, in Missouri.Unlike the USAF, which has decided to buy brand new F-15EXs from Boeing instead of upgrading its existing F-15Cs, Tokyo is will retain its 1980s-vintage F-15Js and upgrade them with features from the Advanced Eagle, which is now the production standard aircraft. Boeing had previously offered the USAF an extensive package of upgrades for its Eagles dubbed F-15 2040C. However, it has instead opted to recapitalize the fleet with up to 200 F-15EXs.

View attachment 1482123
{ Japan's F-15Js will receive a cockpit upgrade, the details of which are not yet clear. }

The Direct Commercial Sale means MHI will act as the prime contractor for the work, with Boeing saying it will “provide MHI with retrofit drawings, ground support equipment and technical publications for the upgrade of the first two F-15J aircraft to the Japan Super Interceptor configuration.”
The proposed upgrade package outlined in a DSCA notice on October 29, 2019, listed the following:

The upgrade is built around the same core avionics as the F-15EX, with the Raytheon APG-82 (v)1 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar and Boeing’s Advanced Display Core Processor II (ADCP II), which it calls “the world’s most advanced mission computer.”

The DSCA solicitation also does not include life-extension efforts to the F-15J airframe. A brand new F-15EX is supposed to have a useful life of an amazing 20,000 flight hours. Nor does it include provision for Boeing’s new 11x19-inch Large Area Display (LAD), it’s low-profile Head-Up Display (HUD), however the Boeing media release mentions an “all-new advanced cockpit system.” It’s not clear if this refers to the LAD or another less extensive upgrade such as the F-15C’s Passive Attack Display, which is used to display a number of information sets, including imagery from the AN/AAQ-33 Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod for air-to-air visual identification.

The upgrade package also notably lacks any mention of an infra-red search and track (IRST) sensor. This is particularly important for the F-15JSI as it faces future stealthy threats in the air defense mission now and into the future. Its omission suggests that MHI could be looking to integrate a domestic solution for this important capability. Japan has extensively explored an integrated IRST system for the F-15J, and last year a new indigenous podded IRST system was observed during flight-testing aboard an F-4EJ Phantom II.

https://twitter.com/TheBaseLeg/status/1189486113510977536
" Photo thread of an F-4EJ Phantom II assigned to the JASDF's Air Development and Test Wing at Gifu carrying what looks to be a possible IRST pod on its starboard inner pylon #Japan "
View attachment 1482128

While dubbed a “Super Interceptor,” the addition of the APG-82 (v)1 AESA radar and JASSM tips a nod to multi-role capabilities. This radar is now retrofitted to USAF F-15E Strike Eagles and is the system chosen for the F-15EX. In 2017, there were initial reports that Japan wanted to transform its F-15s into cruise missile carriers for long-range strike missions. You can read more in this previous War Zone report.

USAF F-15E Strike Eagles are already equipped to carry the extended-range version of the AGM-158, known as JASSM-ER, as well as JASSM. Strike Eagles from the 366th Fighter Wing recently used the weapons in combat operations in Syria, details of which can be found here.
View attachment 1482131
{ USAF F-15E Strike Eagles have been cleared to use the AGM-158 JASSM-ER. }

The new AESA radar will provide the F-15JSI with impressive new air-to-ground capabilities and would also enable them to perform maritime patrol and interdiction missions. Indeed, Japan could also look to purchase Lockheed Martin’s AGM-158C Long Range Anti-Ship Missile, or LRASM. Until now, only Israel has sought to transform F-15A/B/C/D fighters into multi-role platforms.

Japan is also developing indigenous hypersonic weapons, as detailed here. In the Boeing media release that accompanied the formal announcement of the USAF F-15EX contract, the company said: “The F-15EX carries more weapons than any other fighter in its class and can launch hypersonic weapons up to 22 feet long and weighing up to 7,000 pounds."

Like the F-15EX, Japan’s upgraded Eagles could also be kitted-out to act as weapons trucks and be able to carry the kind of large hypersonic weapons that are in development.

The F-15JSI could also field Japan’s new indigenous air-to-air missile in the shape of the advanced AAM-4B, but Japan has also expressed interest in the AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM), which is smaller than the AAM-4B and offers a shorter maximum engagement range.

Japan has implemented a number of small upgrades for its F-15Js over the years, but most have become bogged-down in budgetary and political issues. In recent years, the JASDF F-15s have received Link 16 data link connectivity, and some aircraft are equipped to enable pilots to wear the Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System, known as JHMCS.

“These upgrades will deliver critical capability for national and collective self-defense, in which the F-15J plays a key role. At the same time, they will provide MHI and our partners in Japan’s aerospace defense industry with an opportunity to enhance their own extensive engineering capabilities,” said Will Shaffer, Boeing Japan President, referring to F-15JSI.

View attachment 1482142
{ A JASDF F-15J Eagle gets airborne during Red Flag Alaska. }

The JASDF is facing a torrent of airspace incursions from Chinese military aircraft, and the number of scrambles undertaken by its F-15Js continues to rise. Keeping the F-15J reliable and relevant will be key to maintaining air sovereignty around the island nation's territory. Enhanced F-15Js will also serve to help fill-out Japan's air combat capability until the fielding of Japan’s next-generation stealth fighter, which will replace the JASDF’s Mitsubishi F-2 fighters by the mid-2030s.

In the meantime, the F-15JSI upgrade, along with F-35 procurement, will support the JASDF’s immediate needs. Boeing says MHI is now developing a detailed modification plan for the 98 F-15s and that it will prepare its facilities and workforce for the induction and upgrade of up to 98 aircraft beginning in 2022.

This is the latest in a series of renewed business opportunities for Boeing with the F-15, both in terms of new builds and upgrades. It seems that the F-15JSI upgrade is set to ensure Eagles continue to defend Japan well into the future.

_____________________________
Japan continues to upgrade war-fighting capabilities.

Not long before these F-15s are upgraded to fly underwater for the ultimate surprise attack.

BONE_Buddy · Jul 29, 2020

Stoneheart said:
~snip~

My friend, you would be doing urban fighting and rapid dismounts no matter what enemy you face in this day and age. The longer the gun is, the harder it is to move with it. We will be going into tight spaces no matter what enemy we fight. Fight China? get ready to clear out building which are not build for the convenience of the invading force. Fight Russia? Same problem. Fight North Korea? The Urban combat problem remains. Long rifles suck in Close Quarters Combat.

Stoneheart said:
It doesnt, why should the Russians or Chinese ambush a convoy with small arms? they will bring enough firepower to make dust out of a convoy.

Yeah, motherfucker. That is why being able to rapidly disembark is a key capability. You know, so that the soldier inside the APC can get out and fight before the convoy is "made of dust." I guess that the enemy infantry carrying ATGMs and RPGs aren't vulnerable to small arms infantry fire either.

Stoneheart said:
thats a design problem. well designed APCs and Guns dont have that problem.

I agree, Guns that aren't full sized battle rifles do so much better. But if you want to make your APC taller and wider, go ahead.

Snekposter said:
I've fucked around with a FAMAS-styled airsoft gun, and no fucking way do I want to try reloading something like that under combat pressures. Talk about awkward as all fucking hell to handle in any position that isn't readied thanks to the damn mag getting in the way.

I hear being trained on the system and using that manual of arms consistently alleviates many of those problems, but having played with the FAMAS myself, I understand what you are talking about.

BONE_Buddy · Jul 29, 2020

The Netherlands – AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) | The Official Home of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency

www.dsca.mil

THE NETHERLANDS – AIM-120C-8 ADVANCED MEDIUM RANGE AIR-TO-AIR MISSILE (AMRAAM)

PDF Version:

netherlands_20-33.pdf
Media/Public Contact:
pm-cpa@state.gov
Transmittal No:
20-33
The Netherlands – AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM)

WASHINGTON, July 27, 2020 - The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of the Netherlands of sixteen (16) AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) and related equipment for an estimated cost of $39 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.

The Government of the Netherlands has requested to buy sixteen (16) AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM). Also included are containers, weapon systems support and support equipment, spare and repair parts, publications and technical documentation, U.S. Government and contractor engineering, logistics, and technical support services, and other related elements of logistics and program support. The total estimated program cost is $39 million.

This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve security of a NATO ally which is an important force for political stability and economic progress in Northern Europe.

The proposed sale will improve the Netherlands’ capability to meet current and future threats by deterring regional threats, strengthen its homeland defense, and enable interoperability and standardization between the armed forces of the Netherlands and the United States. The Netherlands, which already maintains AMRAAM missiles, will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment and support into its armed forces.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The principal contractor will be Raytheon Missiles & Defense, Tucson, AZ. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives to the Netherlands.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.

This notice of a potential sale is required by law and does not mean the sale has been concluded.

All questions regarding this proposed Foreign Military Sale should be directed to the State Department's Bureau of Political Military Affairs, Office of Congressional and Public Affairs, pm-cpa@state.gov.

BONE_Buddy · Jul 29, 2020

U.S. Navy newest Expeditionary Sea Base kicks off its first deployment

On Monday, the Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet press release said that the U.S. Navy Expeditionary Sea Base, USS Hershel "Woody" Williams (ESB 4), departed Naval Station Norfolk, Va. Jul. 27, on t

defence-blog.com

U.S. Navy newest Expeditionary Sea Base kicks off its first deployment

On Monday, the Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet press release said that the U.S. Navy Expeditionary Sea Base, USS Hershel “Woody” Williams (ESB 4), departed Naval Station Norfolk, Va. Jul. 27, on the ship’s inaugural deployment following its commissioning in March.

The “Woody” Williams is optimized to support a variety of maritime-based missions and designed around four core capabilities: aviation facilities, berthing, equipment staging support and command and control assets. ESBs can be enhanced to meet special operations force missions through increased communications, aviation and unmanned aircraft system support.

The ESB 4 has an aviation hangar and flight deck that include two operating spots capable of landing MH-53E equivalent helicopters, accommodations, work spaces and ordnance storage for an embarked force. The platform will also provide enhanced command and control, communications, computers and intelligence capabilities to support embarked force mission planning and execution. The reconfigurable mission deck area can store embarked force equipment including mine sleds and rigid hull inflatable boats.

The ship is named for Marine Corps veteran, Hershel “Woody” Williams, known for his heroism during the Battle of Iwo Jima in World War II. On Oct. 5, 1945, President Harry S. Truman presented Williams with the Medal of Honor during a group ceremony at the White House.

The ship will primarily support a variety of aviation mine countermeasure and special operations missions freeing up amphibious warships and surface combatant ships to be reassigned for more demanding operational missions.

“The Sailors and civilians assigned to the USS Hershel Williams will provide unique and valuable capabilities to the U.S. Naval Forces Africa commander,” said Rear Adm. Robert Katz, commander, Expeditionary Strike Group 2. “I have no doubt that this ship will make our Navy, and its namesake, proud.”

The commissioning and deployment of Hershel “Woody” Williams follows USS Lewis B. Puller (ESB 3), which is forward deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet Area of Operations. The 784ft.-long vessel features a 52,000 square-foot flight deck, fuel and equipment storage, magazines, repair and mission-planning spaces. Its features include a four spot flight deck, a mission deck and hangar, work and living spaces for a couple hundred staff and embarked personnel.

Williams will forward-deploy to the U.S. Naval Forces Africa area of operations. The crew will operate in a Blue/Gold rotation, similar to other Navy platforms, to meet Department of the Navy deployment policies.

Deployed Ships Underway	Non-deployed Ships Underway	Total Ships Underway
46	33	79

Fleet Forces	3rd Fleet	4th Fleet	5th Fleet	6th Fleet	7th Fleet	Total
3	1	2	23	15	56	100

War Developing and Upcoming Military Technology - Something new at least 3 times a week.

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Operation: Desert Snek

Kill a Commie for Mommy.

Not dead yet.

Well hung, and snow white tan

Not dead yet.

Operation: Desert Snek

Not dead yet.

Not dead yet.

Not dead yet.