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Aviation History
1980
1980 - 0934.PDF
FLIGHT International, 22 March 1980 M3 USAF looks for new cruise-missile carrier US AIR FORCE studies are showing that commercial and military trans port derivatives are unlikely to make good air-launched cruise missile (ALCM) carriers. Lt Gen Kelly Burke, USAF head of research and development, says there are "in creased expectations" that the B-52 will be the mainstay cruise missile carrier into the 1990s. Burke thinks it might be "prudent" to develop a new aircraft for the mission. The second stage of B-52 offensive avionics development will now con centrate on increasing reliability and maintainability to allow the aircraft to remain in service. Originally it had been intended to increase the bomber's ability to penetrate enemy defences. In another change to the programme, the hardening of B-52 circuitry to resist electromagnetic pulse (EMP) effects of nuclear ex plosions will be expanded. Cruise-missile carrier aircraft (CMCIA) studies began in 1978. Ac cording to Burke, results to date show that derivatives of commercial air liners and the Advanced Medium Stol Transport (AMST) "are not good choices." Their major attraction is low cost but when modification and EMP hardening is included the costs rise substantially, says Burke. The derivatives can handle low threat levels but are not cost-effective against more severe threats such as submarine-launched ballistic missile attacks on their bases. A study of AMST derivatives "has not been encouraging." A CMCA ver sion would have a gross weight "far in excess" of that considered for even the largest AMST variants, Burke says. A derivative of the CX trans port is being considered and, accord ing to Burke, might well provide the quickest and most cost-effective solu tion. The Air Force has been directed to draw up its CMCA requirements by j. September 30 next year. As a result, studies are concentrating on the CX and the B-l strategic ALiGM launcher (SAL). Flight-test of the B-l SAL is scheduled for 1982. The B-l has "excellent base escape and hardening characteristics," according to Burke. Roland is cut back THE head of research and develop ment for the US Army, Dr Percy A. Pierre, has confirmed that the original plan to buy 184 Roland fire units has been cut back to 95 fire units for $1 • 9 thousand million. The reason for the cutback is the escalation in cost of Roland. The pre liminary cost estimate, in Fiscal Year 1975, was $1 • 1 thousand million, but this had risen to $2-3 thousand mil lion by last summer. In addition, a Congressional auditor estimated that the cost would eventually be more than $3-7 thousand million. To make up the shortfall in Roland numbers several modifications are being proposed for the Chaparral surface-to-air missile (SAM) system. Ford Aerospace has received a $11-5 million contract for design and de velopment of a forward-looking Infra-red subsystem for Chaparral. In addition, a passive optical seeker, developed for the Stinger man- portable SAM, will be adapted for Chaparral. The two projects will re quire $20-6 million in Fiscal Year 1981. New warheads for Pershing II THE US Army is planning a $146 million programme in Fiscal Year 1981 to buy seven prototype Pershing II re-entry vehicles (RVs) with earth- penetrator warheads. The new RVs will be able to pentrate the ground to a depth of approximately 100ft before exploding. The earthquake effect will be of sufficient strength to destroy any structure in the vicinity. This would permit attacks on hardened command and control centres up to 900 miles behind enemy lines. The first 39 Pershing lis will be produced in FY1982 for $163-5 million. Hermes ski-ramp constructed HMS Hermes will be fitted with a Ski-Jump for Sea Harrier operations this summer. The 230-ton ramp has been completed in HM Dockyard, Plymouth. The ramp for Hermes will be set at 12°; HMS Invincible's ramp is limited to 712° to avoid impinging on the arc of fire of her Sea Dart missile launches. The ramp itself is 45ft wide and 150ft above the present deck level. The first 57ft rises two feet. A model of the ship and ramp has been windtunnel tested to find the optimum bow fairing shape to give the smoothest possible air flow over the ramp. HMS Hermes will be back in service in the summer of 1981. The 11 th and last development McDonnell Douglas ¥-18 Hornet is the first to sport the US Navy's chosen scheme—three shades of grey. Low profile markings add to the tone- down effect :,:•••
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