USAF planning to expand operational squadrons from 312 to 386

Appearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee, Air Force Gen. Charles “CQ” Brown expressed support Thursday for meeting the National Defense Strategy, for expanding to 386 squadrons, refining and modernizing joint warfighting capabilities while safeguarding “the well-being of our Airmen and families.”

“I am committed to the Air Force achieving irreversible momentum towards implementation of the National Defense Strategy and an integrated and more lethal joint force,” Brown told senators during a hearing to consider his nomination to be the next Air Force Chief of Staff.

Throughout the hearing, Brown provided crisp answers to questions about his background, areas of importance and a range of specific issues. He offered insights for how best to balance the need for modernizing the Air Force while continuing to use legacy systems; how to manage development of the B-21 Raider strike bomber and introduction of the KC-46A Pegasus tanker; maintaining readiness; and the future of the A-10 Thunderbolt II, among other topics.

Another item of importance, he said, is controlling “sustainment costs” associated with the  F-35 Lightning II, the Air Force’s frontline, fifth-generation fighter. 

“To compete, deter and win, we will need to generate combat power faster than our adversaries,” he said in presenting an overarching standard that will govern his approach and decision-making. 

“If confirmed, I am an advocate for early and constant collaboration between operators, acquisition professionals and industry partners to unleash innovation and spiral development so that the warfighter has access to the most capable and state of the art assets, sooner than later,” he said. 

Asked by Sen. Deb. Fischer, R-Neb., if he agreed the land-based nuclear deterrent needs to be modernized, Brown replied, “Most definitely. Further delay is not an option.”

In response to a question from Sen. Angus King, I-Maine, about the need “to pay close attention” to ensuring development of the B-21 remains on time and on budget, and for resolving on-going problems with the KC-46 “so we don’t have to come back here talking about massive overruns and delays,” Brown again was direct.

“Senator, that is exactly my goal if confirmed, to ensure they stay on track.”

Brown’s appearance marked a major step in his becoming the Air Force’s highest-ranking military officer. If confirmed by the full Senate, Brown would succeed Gen. David L. Goldfein as chief of staff.

He offered support for the U.S. Space Force, the first new military service since 1947, for the continued use of the A-10 and for the strategic importance of the Arctic.

Brown discussed support for ongoing efforts to modernize the Air Force’s acquisition process and to forge strong relations with companies that supply critical weapons and equipment.

“For me personally, building a relationship with the CEO of Boeing so we can have frank dialogue, particularly if it gets off track, with the goal to keep it on track so we can get it in the hands (of Airmen) as quickly as possible,” he said. Boeing manufactures the KC-46.

During the hearing, senators also pointed out difficult challenges that face any officer serving as chief of staff. 

“You are very familiar with the challenges facing the Air Force today in the Pacific and how the Air Force should be implementing the National Defense Strategy,” Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I., said. “If confirmed, you will also face challenges to improve readiness while also modernizing and expanding force structure. In order to achieve the stated goal of 386 squadrons the Air Force will need to increase and sustain modernization efforts over a number of years.” 

“On top of that, the Air Force must simultaneously recapitalize most of the bomber fleet and all the land-based missile fleets. These are daunting challenges.”

Brown acknowledged the challenges.

“I expect there will be tough decisions regarding legacy programs and future modernization. If confirmed, I would continue carefully considered risk assessments balancing the Air Force’s support to current Combatant Command requirements while investing in capabilities that prepare us for future competition, conflicts, and challenges,” he said in his opening statement to the committee.

At the same time, Brown noted his long tenure serving in senior commands has prepared him for this new assignment. He currently is the commander of Pacific Air Forces. He is a decorated pilot who has held key commands and served as a military advisor at the highest levels.

If confirmed as Chief of Staff, Brown will play a central role in fully integrating and connecting warfighting operations that allows information to be collected, analyzed and shared across all domains – air, sea, land, cyber and space – and among all services.

A command pilot with more than 2,900 flying hours primarily in the F-16 Fighting Falcon, including 130 combat hours, Brown held key roles in operations against Libya and in the air war against the Islamic State. Across his career, Brown has commanded a fighter squadron, two fighter wings and U.S. Air Forces Central Command. Prior to his current assignment, he served as the Deputy Commander, U.S. Central Command.

In addition to Brown, the hearing also featured testimony from Kenneth J. Braithwaite, who is nominated to be Secretary of the Navy, and James H. Anderson, who is nominated to be Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Policy.

The first FA 18 Block III Super Hornet test jet has rolled out

Boeing has released a video of the rollout of the first of two Block III F/A-18F Super Hornet test jets for the U.S. Navy. The service plans to use these aircraft, which do not feature the full set of upgrades, for various flight tests and to explore new concepts of operation ahead of the delivery of jets with the complete Block III package, which is set to begin later this year.

The first #FA18 Block III #SuperHornet test jet has rolled out of final assembly. Two of these test jets will head to the @USNavy, where they’ll help pilots familiarize themselves with the updated jets and be used in carrier flight tests. pic.twitter.com/ojmn7Uy4Z0

— Boeing Defense (@BoeingDefense) May 8, 2020

The video offers views of the exterior of the jet, which remains largely unchanged from earlier Super Hornets. This particular aircraft does not have its conformal fuel tanks fitted, though that is a key piece of the full Block III upgrade. The video also highlights the customizable wide-area multi-function display in one of the F/A-18F's two cockpits, which is another important element of the Block III package.

In addition, the Block III jets will also receive new satellite communications systems and have the ability to use podded infrared search and track (IRST) sensors, which are being developed for the Block III and existing Block II Super Hornets.

With the rollout of the first Block III test jet, the Navy is now even closer to getting its newest and most advanced Super Hornets later this year.

The new modification of the Chinese airborne armored vehicle CS/VN3

The new modification of the Chinese airborne armored vehicle CS/VN3 

Chinese Airborne troops unveils the new modication of the light 4x4 armoured vehicle CS/VN3. The CS/VN3 is a light armoured infantry fighting vehicle with high maneuverability which can be easily transported by military transport aircrafts as the new Y9 and Y20.

The CS/VN3 is a new type of armoured vehicle especially designed to be used for rapid deployment and for emergency operations. The CS/VN3C can perform a full range of missions as reconnaissance, urban warfare or troop’s carrier.

The engine and the transmission are located at the front of the vehicle. The vehicle is fitted with an independent suspension and bracket with double horizontal arms. The driver is seated at the front left side and the commander at its right. One single door is available on each side of the hull and one more at the rear.

A unmanned turret is mounted at the top center of the hull which is armed with a 30mm cannon and a 5.8mm coaxial machine. A range of three smoke grenade dischargers are mounted on each side of the turret. The vehicle can be also armed with anti-tank guided missile red Arrow 73C.

The CS/VN3 can carry a total of 7 soldiers including driver, gunner, commander and 4 troops. The vehicle is fully amphibious after two minutes of preparation and is propelled in the water by two propellers mounted at the rear of the hull.

Boeing Rolls Out First Loyal Wingman Unmanned Aircraft

SYDNEY, May 5, 2020 — A Boeing-led Australian industry team has presented the first unmanned Loyal Wingman aircraft to the Royal Australian Air Force, a historic milestone for the company and the Commonwealth. 

May 4, 2020. Boeing Australia has built the first of three Loyal Wingman aircraft, which will serve as the foundation for the Boeing Airpower Teaming System being developed for the global defense market. The aircraft are designed to fly alongside existing platforms and use artificial intelligence to conduct teaming missions. (Boeing photo)

The aircraft, which uses artificial intelligence to extend the capabilities of manned and unmanned platforms, is the first to be designed, engineered and manufactured in Australia in more than 50 years. It is Boeing’s largest investment in an unmanned aircraft outside of the United States.

As the first of three prototypes for Australia’s Loyal Wingman Advanced Development Program, the aircraft also serves as the foundation for the Boeing Airpower Teaming System (ATS) being developed for the global defense market.

“This is a truly historic moment for our country and for Australian defence innovation,” said the Hon. Scott Morrison MP, Prime Minister of Australia. “The Loyal Wingman will be pivotal to exploring the critical capabilities our Air Force needs to protect our nation and its allies into the future.”

Air Marshal Mel Hupfeld, Chief of the Royal Australian Air Force, said the rollout of the first aircraft was a significant milestone in the Boeing Loyal Wingman project.

“This project is an excellent example of innovation through collaboration and what can be achieved working together with defence industry,” said Air Marshal Hupfeld. “This demonstrates the importance of the relationship Air Force has with Boeing Australia and defence industry more broadly. I look forward to exploring the capabilities this aircraft may bring to our existing fleet in the future.”

More than 35 members of Australian industry are supporting prototype work across four Australian states. With a global market demand for highly capable but extremely affordable unmanned aircraft, Boeing applied company-wide innovation to achieve those goals. The aircraft was engineered using a digital twin to model its structures, systems, capabilities and full life-cycle requirements; manufactured with Boeing’s largest-ever resin-infused single composite piece; and assembled using proven advanced manufacturing processes.

“We are proud to take this significant step forward with the Royal Australian Air Force and show the potential for smart unmanned teaming to serve as a force multiplier,” said Kristin Robertson, vice president and general manager of Autonomous Systems for Boeing Defense, Space & Security. “We look forward to getting the aircraft into flight testing and proving out the unmanned teaming concept. We see global allies with those same mission needs, which is why this program is so important to advancing the development of the Boeing Airpower Teaming System.”

The Loyal Wingman prototype now moves into ground testing, followed by taxi and first flight later this year.

Extended Range Cannon Artillery testing continues at U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground

YUMA PROVING GROUND, Ariz.-- The COVID-19 pandemic hasn’t stopped U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground (YPG) support of Army modernization efforts.

The proving ground actively supports six of the Army Futures Command's Cross Functional Teams (CFTs) building the Army's future force, which seeks to retain overmatch with near-peer adversaries in a high intensity conflict while maintaining the competency in waging irregular warfare that has been achieved since the 9/11 attacks.

Chief among these priorities is the CFT concerned with long-range precision fires of artillery and the Extended Range Cannon Artillery (ERCA) program, which aims to field systems capable of accurately firing at targets more than 70 kilometers away, a dramatic increase over the 30 kilometers a currently-fielded 155mm howitzer shell is capable of when fired at top zone with rocket assistance. YPG conducts developmental testing of multiple facets of it, from the artillery shells to the longer cannon tube and larger firing chamber the improved howitzer will need to accommodate them. YPG’s ammunition plant has been instrumental in building multiple experimental formulations, shapes, and configurations for new propelling charges to accommodate the improved projectiles.

One aspect of ERCA currently being tested at the proving ground is the XM1113 projectile.

“This is one in a series of engineering tests we have been conducting to improve the reliability of the projectile,” said Anthony Austria, test officer. “We’re testing a large sample across a range of temperatures and firing zones.”

Though capable of substantially longer ranges, the new projectile is remarkably similar to currently- fielded 155 mm rounds. The most significant difference is in the round’s much-larger rocket, which testers want to ensure functions properly even when fired under extreme conditions.

“The majority of this test is being fired at top zone plus excess, which means it is a little bit more than what you would normally see in the field,” said Austria.

Methodical test fires of the new round are vitally important, and recovering the fired rounds for careful analysis even more so. At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, a stop movement order implemented by the Department of Defense prevented visiting personnel from traveling from other installations. Rather than halt the critically-important and time sensitive testing for the duration of the crisis, YPG personnel found innovative uses for existing technology to allow for remote oversight.

“We are using three different means: video; screen-sharing where customers can see real-time test data; and teleconferencing,” said Kermit Okamura, Munitions and Weapons Division chief. “We’ve been doing this for several weeks and are still refining the process. We move out and get it done.”

At the gun position, the personnel were most impressed by how seamlessly the new electronic oversight was integrated into the daily rhythm of testing.

“The remote oversight hasn’t changed our normal procedures much,” said Austria. “It does require a little more set-up in the morning, but it doesn’t impact our firing operations very much.”

More noticeable were the social distancing policies and increased hygiene measures that were implemented across the proving ground. Personnel unable to maintain six feet of separation were required to wear cloth face coverings at all times, and each work section at the gun position was required to thoroughly clean their areas multiple times per day. A cleaning station with supplies was prominently situated in a central location within the gun position, with a checklist schedule on a clipboard.

“Every station cleans twice per day,” said Austria. “We get enough free time at lunchtime to do it.”

YPG is essential to Army modernization efforts because natural environments testing cannot be duplicated in a laboratory, conditioning chamber, or computer simulation. The COVID-19 pandemic has not stopped the proving ground’s vital work, and modernization testing will continue apace into the long-term future.