FALLS CHURCH, Va. — While some ballistic missile defense strategists have suggested it might be better to do away with the traditional nuclear triad defense and deterrence policy, U.S. Navy leaders in charge of those missions say more collaboration with the Air Force is needed, and the two services could start to work toward a common missile. “The Air Force and Navy must look for ways to collaborate,” says Rear Adm. Terry Benedict, director of the Navy’s Strategic Systems programs. “Maintaining the triad is key to deterrence.”
Apache Twin-engine, tandem-seat attack helicopter. The current production model is the AH-64D, available both as a new-build aircraft and as an upgrade of existing AH-64As. Most AH-64Ds are fitted with GE T700 engines, although the U.K.-assembled AgustaWestland/Boeing WAH-64D has a pair of Rolls-Royce Turbomeca RTM322s. Apache armament includes a 30-mm chain gun with 1,200 rounds and four underwing hardpoints that can accommodate up to 16 Hellfire anti-tank missiles, or up to 76 air-to-ground rockets, or a combination.
While NASA and industry are continuing to push toward a 2015 deadline set by Congress for integrating UAVs into civilian airspace (i.e., National Air Space, or NAS), the FAA is weighing concerns about the potential to compromise safety. NASA is considering a prize challenge to accelerate the integration of unmanned aircraft into the FAA's NextGen airspace system. Two competitions of increasing complexity would be run in late 2013 and 2014, with a combined prize purse of $1.5 million.
The Sikorsky CH-53E and MH-53E Super Stallion are three-engine, heavy-lift transport and special-purpose helicopters, developed out of the twin-turboshaft CH-53D. Power is provided by three GE T64-416 or -419 turboshaft engines rated at 4,380 and 4,750 shp, respectively. Sikorsky produced approximately 177 CH-53Es, 48 MH-53Es and 11 S-80 export versions through the end of production in 1999. In January 2006, the U.S. Navy awarded Sikorsky a contract to develop the CH-53K, an essentially all-new and more powerful model for the U.S.
A twin-engine, tandem-rotor, medium/heavy-lift transport helicopter, the CH-47 first flew in 1961. The current CH-47F production model is powered by two 4,733-shp Honeywell T55-714A turboshafts. The U.S. Army's MH-47G special-operations helicopter is based on the CH-47F. Through 2011, 1,361 CH-47s had been produced, inlcuding license production by AgustaWestland in Italy and Kawasaki in Japan. Approximately 326 new CH-47s are forecast to be produced from 2012 through 2021.
The Boeing T-45 Goshawk is a variant of the BAE Hawk, designed specifically for aircraft carrier pilot training. The twin-seat aircraft is powered by a single Rolls-Royce Turbomeca Adour 871 (F405-401) non-afterburning turbofan (5,845-lb.-thrust), also known as the F405-RR-401. First flight occurred in 1988, and the first aircraft carrier landing in 1991. The final version was the T-45C, equipped with a digital glass cockpit. Approximately 221 production T-45s were built through 2009.
The AS565 multirole, 10- to 15-seat helicopter is a military version of the commercial AS365 Dauphin. Variants include the U.S. Coast Guard's HH-65C Dolphin (powered by Turbomeca Arriel 2C2 engines); naval AS565MB (Arriel 2C); and land-based AS565UB (Arriel 2C). Through 2011, 1,004 Dauphin/Panther helicopters were produced, not including models license-produced by China's Hafei Aviation Industry Company Ltd (HAI), with 18 more for military use forecast from 2012 through 2021.
Boeing is hoping that a new, Ground-Based Small-Diameter Bomb (SDB) concept will dramatically change the way the U.S. Army handles ground fires and expand the portfolio of capabilities offered by the 250-lb. glide weapon.
The initial F-16 prototype first flew in 1974 and Lockheed Martin continues to produce the aircraft, which has also been built under license by a number of companies. The F-16A, C, and E are single-seat fighters, while the F-16B, D, and F are tandem-seat, combat-capable trainer versions. Power for the F-16 comes from a single augmented turbofan. In the Block 50/52 F-16C/D, this is either a 29,100-lb.-thrust Pratt & Whitney F-100-229 or a 29,500-lb.-thrust GE F110-129 engine. The Block 60 F-16E/F is powered by a 32,500-lb.-thrust GE F110-GE-132.
The Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) is an indigenously developed single-seat, single-engine multirole fighter for the Indian military; land-based air force, carrier-capable navy and two-seat trainer versions are being developed. Initial production aircraft are powered by a GE F404-IN20 augmented turbofan rated at 18,700-lb.-thrust.
The HH/UH-60 (also S-70) Black Hawk series is a family of twin-turbine, medium-lift military transport and utility helicopters. Past models have included the UH-60A, powered by two GE T700-700 turboshafts, and the UH-60L, with two T700-701C engines. The latest version is the UH-60M, powered by two 2,215-shp T700-701D turboshafts. The UH-60 family also includes the new S-70i international model, assembled at Sikorsky subsidiary PZL-Mielec in Poland. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries produces the Black Hawk under license in Japan.
The BO105 is a 5-7-seat, twin-turboshaft light utility helicopter used for both military and commercial roles. BO105CB/CBS are powered by two Rolls-Royce 250-C20B turboshaft engines rated at 420 shp each, while the BO105LS has a pair of 500-shp 250-C28Cs. Approximately 1,400 aircraft, including some 680 military BO105s, had been built through 2005. Eurocopter's newer and more advanced EC135/635 light twin has replaced the BO105 in the company's product line.
Preliminary design studies for the B-52 heavy bomber began in 1946, and a prototype made its maiden flight in 1952. Production ran until 1962 and totalled 744 aircraft, plus two prototypes. Seventy-four H models remain in U.S. Air Force service and are the subject of several modernization programs. B-52H bombers are powered by eight Pratt & Whitney TF33-P-3 turbofans of 17,000-lb.-thrust each.
While many of the world’s leading military powers are looking to cut back on defense spending, submarine building and maintenance contracts remain on the rise. The U.S. Navy, for example, this week picked up a $495 million option on a contract with General Dynamics’ Electric Boat Corp. unit for design agent, planning yard, engineering and technical support for active nuclear submarines.
Chengdu is working on a stealthy fighter known as the J-20, but it is unclear what role it will play in the Chinese air force's structure. The J-20 is likely to be optimized more as a strike fighter than the J-10, and will likely to be more difficult for Chengdu to produce in volume. Two prototypes of the J-20 are now in testing, with full operating capability not expected until at least 2018. The aircraft are reportedly powered by Russian-made AL-31F turbofans instead of Chinese-developed WS-10 powerplants.
The A330 MRTT is a military tanker/transport version of the Airbus A330 airliner. The twin-engine MRTT is powered by either General Electric CF6-80E1 or Rolls-Royce Trent 700 turbofans. The aircraft entered service in 2011 with Australia as the boom-equipped KC-30A and with the U.K. as the hose-and-drogue-equipped Voyager. Through 2011, 20 green A330s were produced for eventual conversion to the MRTT configuration; an additional 12 are forecast to be built in the 2012-21 period.
The stealthy B-2 is a long-range nuclear and conventional bomber aircraft operated by the U.S. Air Force. It is powered by four 17,300-lb.-thrust GE F118-100 turbofans. The maiden flight occurred in 1989, with the 21st and final aircraft delivered in 1997. Only the final two B-2s were delivered in the full Block 30 configuration, though the remaining bombers achieved this standard via upgrades.
The Hawker Beechcraft King Air series of pressurized, twin-turboprop utility aircraft see widespread use in a variety of roles. Uses include utility, medevac, training, and VIP transport, while highly modified King Airs also are used as maritime patrol and ISR platforms. In U.S. military service, King Air variants are designated C-12. The MC-12W Liberty ISR aircraft is a recent version. First flight of a King Air took place in 1964 and to date more than 6,000 aircraft in the series have been built (for civil and military applications).
Development of this two-seat advanced jet trainer was formally launched in 1997, with Lockheed Martin as a participant, responsible for avionics, flight controls and wings. The first prototype flew in August 2002. Two versions have been developed: the T-50 and weapons-capable TA-50 lead-in fighter trainer. T-50s and TA-50s are powered by a single General Electric F404-102 augmented turbofan (17,700-lb.-thrust). A new light fighter variant, the FA-50, is being designed, with the South Korean air force planning to acquire about 150.
Boeing's 737 series is a family of twin-engine, narrowbody commercial transports. There are several programs for converting green 737 aircraft for specialized military use. Australia's E-7A Wedgetail airborne warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft, integrated by Boeing with a Northrop Grumman radar, first flew in 2004 and delayed deliveries began in 2010. Turkey's Peace Eagle 737 AEW&C is modified by Boeing and TAI, while South Korea's 737 AEW&C is modified by Boeing and KAI.
First flight of the AW129 attack helicopter occurred in 1983 and AgustaWestland has delivered 66 aircraft, including prototypes, through 2011. The Turkish army selected the AW129 in 2007 for a requirement for 51 attack helicopters, plus 41 options. To be built locally by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), this version is known as the T129 and is powered by LHTEC (Honeywell/Rolls-Royce) CTS800 turboshafts. An estimated 93 T129s are forecast for production in the 2012-21 period.
Fabrica Argentina de Aviones SA (FAdeA), previously known as Lockheed Martin Aircraft Argentina, produces the AT-63, an updated version of the tandem-seat IA-63 Pampa trainer/light attack aircraft. First flight of the IA-63 occurred in 1984, and deliveries began in 1988. It was powered by a single 3,500-lb.-thrust Honeywell TFE731-2-2N turbofan. Twenty-two IA 63 aircraft were produced, including three prototypes. The current AT-63 has a 3,500-lb.-thrust TFE731-2C, five weapons stations, and an avionics suite from Elbit.
The K-8 is a tandem-seat jet trainer produced by Hongdu Aviation Industry Group, with approximately 18% of components produced by Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC). First flight occurred in 1990. The K-8 is powered by either a 3,600-lb.-thrust Honeywell TFE731-2-2A turbofan or a 3,792-lb.-thrust ZMKB Progress AI-25TL turbofan. At least 390 K-8 aircraft were produced through 2011, with 171 forecast for production from 2012 through 2021.
The UH-72A Lakota is a twin-turboshaft light utility helicopter based on the Eurocopter EC145 civil helicopter. The UH-72A is powered by two Turbomeca Arriel 1E2 turboshafts rated at 770 shp each. The selection of the EC145 for the U.S. Army's Light Utility Helicopter program, to meet a requirement for 345 UH-72As, was EADS North America's first major win as a prime contractor for the U.S. military. Deliveries began in late 2006, with some 201 units produced through 2011. An additional 148 helicopters are forecast for production from 2012 through 2021.
The AS532 Cougar and new EC725 are twin-engine, medium-lift military transport and special-purpose helicopters. They are the military versions of Eurocopter's commercial AS332 and EC225 Super Puma, respectively. Current engines include two Turbomeca Makila 1A1 turboshafts rated at 1,819 shp each for the AS532 Mk 1, and Makila 2As rated at 2,100 shp each for the EC725. Armament can include a 20-mm cannon, twin 7.62-mm machine guns, or two rocket pods. AS 532 Mk 1 naval versions can carry twin AM39 Exocet anti-ship missiles or two torpedoes.
