newscientisttech.com— The US Air Force's research lab in New York is developing a system will allow fighter planes to be rearmed, as well as refuelled, in mid-flight.
Jul 26, 2006View in Crawl 4
teh neo cons are teh evilzteh evil neocons funded teh evil internetteh evil neocons made teh evil america teh possiblewhat are you on lsd you think the neocons are about to blow up the entire planet and our solders must all die becuase the neocons musnt fund the millitary to improve ithippy
Anything that strengthens our military and our military capabilities is a GOOD thing. The last thing we need is to have our military reduced, especially when other nations (Russia, China, Iran, North Korea, etc) are arming up. I enjoy our freedoms, I appreciate the troops who defend that freedom, and I want them to have all the tools necessary at their immediate disposal to defend that freedom and cause us be victorious 100% of the time.
as a former B-52 weapons loader in the US Air Force [96-00] it is of my opinion that this will not work. there is way, way too much that can go wrong.And, yes, mid-air refueling is nothing new. They're saying that in the future it may be possible to refuel AND rearm midair... not just refuel.BTW, is it possible for you guys to have a normal discussion without turning everything into a political debate?
Let me tell you, I would rather live in China than die for America. Functionally there is no difference except you know the government is beyond your control.
The real advantage of in flight ord loading is that the pilots of the tactical aircraft would not have to make 6,8, whatever hour roundtrip flights to the AO every time they dumb their stuff.This was what even Naval aviators had to do in Afghanistan.It's like Fed Ex ing something crosscountry versus purchasing the equivalent item at the local mom and pop store.Sure maybe it's cheaper but the shipping costs will kill you.I would actually see this system as more useful for Navy/USMC as during the early days of conflict nowadays it is more likely they'll be on station first with a finite amount of pilots and aircraft.Of course then we get into who will pay for it?A USAF aquisition with more utility for USN/USMC?The usaf shows up a little later with big sticks ie the 52 and the Bone unless it's pre emptive type thang and then it's B2 time.My .02 centsFor those desiring China don't let the door hit you.:-D
@arpadYou don't sound like you are free of prejudices about Europeans yourself.Am European and even though this may puzzle you, I don't hate the US nor its citizens. On the contrary I like quite a few things about them and their way of life. (Not to mention that my country has received financial and military aid many many times.)For your information, I also have nothing against the German nor the Italian people -my country was invaded and occupied; But Europe has moved on and resolved it's differences. We all share now a common currency and happily beat the s**t out of each other during sport games. But we don't hate each other nor we wish to invade each other.Because people disagree with you it does not mean they are your enemy (see: France). and you should be more respectful towards the people who helped you out during your war of independence.Let me assure you that it's the arrogant tone and attitude of messages like yours that make people in general -and not only Europeans- dislike you.PSI am Greek.
@merrebornDid you RTFA? It's about the USAF filing a patent for mid-air re-arming.You're right about the SR-71, the fuel tanks don't seal perfectly when cold and the tanks leak like mad on the ground. This isn't a very common use for mid-air refueling, though.@allPersonally, I think the biggest reason for this wasn't even mentioned. Armed drones would be able to stay in the air nearly indefinitely. The financial savings would be fairly significant and it would be a considerable tactical advantage during active fighting.
atomic1fireJul 27, 2006
teh neo cons are teh evilzteh evil neocons funded teh evil internetteh evil neocons made teh evil america teh possiblewhat are you on lsd you think the neocons are about to blow up the entire planet and our solders must all die becuase the neocons musnt fund the millitary to improve ithippy
right75Jul 27, 2006
Anything that strengthens our military and our military capabilities is a GOOD thing. The last thing we need is to have our military reduced, especially when other nations (Russia, China, Iran, North Korea, etc) are arming up. I enjoy our freedoms, I appreciate the troops who defend that freedom, and I want them to have all the tools necessary at their immediate disposal to defend that freedom and cause us be victorious 100% of the time.
djanakinJul 27, 2006
as a former B-52 weapons loader in the US Air Force [96-00] it is of my opinion that this will not work. there is way, way too much that can go wrong.And, yes, mid-air refueling is nothing new. They're saying that in the future it may be possible to refuel AND rearm midair... not just refuel.BTW, is it possible for you guys to have a normal discussion without turning everything into a political debate?
wilf_brimJul 27, 2006
The next thing is boxes you fly into that repair your aircraft. They are dropped by the enemy aircraft you shoot down, then slowly fall to earth....
lnxaddctJul 27, 2006
This is rearming too, meaning a fighter jet gets to stock up on weapons again without needing to land.
elephantdogJul 27, 2006
Let me tell you, I would rather live in China than die for America. Functionally there is no difference except you know the government is beyond your control.
engageJul 27, 2006
The real advantage of in flight ord loading is that the pilots of the tactical aircraft would not have to make 6,8, whatever hour roundtrip flights to the AO every time they dumb their stuff.This was what even Naval aviators had to do in Afghanistan.It's like Fed Ex ing something crosscountry versus purchasing the equivalent item at the local mom and pop store.Sure maybe it's cheaper but the shipping costs will kill you.I would actually see this system as more useful for Navy/USMC as during the early days of conflict nowadays it is more likely they'll be on station first with a finite amount of pilots and aircraft.Of course then we get into who will pay for it?A USAF aquisition with more utility for USN/USMC?The usaf shows up a little later with big sticks ie the 52 and the Bone unless it's pre emptive type thang and then it's B2 time.My .02 centsFor those desiring China don't let the door hit you.:-D
birdwatcher3000Jul 28, 2006
@arpadYou don't sound like you are free of prejudices about Europeans yourself.Am European and even though this may puzzle you, I don't hate the US nor its citizens. On the contrary I like quite a few things about them and their way of life. (Not to mention that my country has received financial and military aid many many times.)For your information, I also have nothing against the German nor the Italian people -my country was invaded and occupied; But Europe has moved on and resolved it's differences. We all share now a common currency and happily beat the s**t out of each other during sport games. But we don't hate each other nor we wish to invade each other.Because people disagree with you it does not mean they are your enemy (see: France). and you should be more respectful towards the people who helped you out during your war of independence.Let me assure you that it's the arrogant tone and attitude of messages like yours that make people in general -and not only Europeans- dislike you.PSI am Greek.
rspeedJul 30, 2006
@merrebornDid you RTFA? It's about the USAF filing a patent for mid-air re-arming.You're right about the SR-71, the fuel tanks don't seal perfectly when cold and the tanks leak like mad on the ground. This isn't a very common use for mid-air refueling, though.@allPersonally, I think the biggest reason for this wasn't even mentioned. Armed drones would be able to stay in the air nearly indefinitely. The financial savings would be fairly significant and it would be a considerable tactical advantage during active fighting.