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ITS A BIRD ITS A PLANE ITS A... WTF??? and other cool flying objects
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| naesean3 |
Langley Research Center - Virginia
Langley researchers and engineers are currently working on a concept aircraft which will incorporate "smart" materials that will allow the wings of a craft to change shape for optimal flying conditions.
Researchers are exploring revolutionary aircraft technologies in a program called 21st Century Aerospace Vehicle. These researchers believe that aircraft of the future will benefit by taking on some of the form and function of birds. The aircraft will have "smart" materials with embedded sensors and actuators. Sensors, like the "nerves" of a bird, will measure the pressure over the entire surface of the wing and direct the response of the actuators--the "muscles." These actuators will change the shape of the wing for optimal flying conditions. Intelligent systems made of these smart sensors, micro processors, and adaptive control systems will enable vehicles to monitor their own performance, their environment, and their operators in order to avoid crashes, mishaps, and incidents. Distributed as a network throughout the structure, they will provide the means for imbedding a "nervous system" in the structure and stimulating it to change shape. They will also serve as the means for sensing any damage or impending failure long before it becomes a problem.
UNMANNED MILITARY CRAFT
As technology improves, the battlefield grows. The X-45C unmanned combat air vehicle, a concept aircraft based on the current X-45A, is designed to meet both the Air Force’s evolving need for greater range and loiter capability and the Navy’s requirements for potential carrier suitability and other Navy-unique needs. Operational missions for the X-45C may include suppression of enemy air defenses; strike; electronic attack; and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. The X-45C will also have a larger payload capability, including the ability to carry two 2,000-pound joint direct attack munitions. The first flight of the X-45C air vehicle is scheduled for early 2006.
— courtesy Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency
******thread inspired by Cale future "-hot fighter pilot" ******
FLY THAT !!!!
:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D |
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| Tygon |
| :eyes: Scary if you ask me.... |
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| VERTiG0 |
Hhahah 4am drunk talk about awesome military is awesome.
Where's Baki when you need him?
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| Orko |
^^ WTF!!!! That has got to be the coolest looking piece of technology i have ever seen!
| quote: | Originally posted by naesean3
Langley Research Center - Virginia
Langley researchers and engineers are currently working on a concept aircraft which will incorporate "smart" materials that will allow the wings of a craft to change shape for optimal flying conditions.
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I saw something like that on Daily Planet, but not only did the wings change shape for 'optimal conditions' it had no engine!
They used a new plastic/metalic material, and applied a charge to it, to deform the wing. Their goal was to actually get the wings to flap, so no engine was needed. These new crafts were being designed and tested for use in the upper atmosphere, and other planets.
I was absolutly blown away by the prospects of such technology. |
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| ChemEnhanced |
| quote: | | Unmanned helium air ships could guard America's coast, and Iraq's dangerous highways. |
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| BTG |
| dood its the death cloud. (instead of deathstar, cmon. i'm hilarious) |
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| AwakenedAddict |
They showed that "death cloud" on Daily Planet a while back.. it's a mobile communications array. Can hover for hours.
By fav new bird is the F-35 HANDS DOWN! VTOL + Stealth + Supersonic
| quote: | http://www.jsf.mil/f35/
Autonomic Logistics (AL)
Because logistics support accounts for two-thirds of an aircraft's life cycle cost, the F-35 will achieve unprecedented levels of reliability and maintainability, combined with a highly responsive support and training system linked with the latest in information technology. The aircraft will be ready to fight anytime and anyplace. Autonomic Logistics (AL) is a seamless, embedded solution that integrates current performance, operational parameters, current configuration, scheduled upgrades and maintenance, component history, predictive diagnostics (prognostics) and health management, and service support for the F-35. Essentially, AL does invaluable and efficient behind-the-scenes monitoring, maintenance and prognostics to support the aircraft and ensure its continued good health.
Commonality
Commonality is the key to affordability – on the assembly line; in shared-wing planforms; in common systems that enhance maintenance, field support and service interoperability; and in almost 100 percent commonality of the avionics suite. Component commonality across all three variants reduces unique spares requirements and the logistics footprint. In addition to reduced flyaway costs, the F-35 is designed to affordably integrate new technology during its entire life cycle.
Distributed Aperture System
In a joint effort with Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems will provide key electronic sensors for the F-35, which includes spearheading the work on the Electro-Optical Distributed Aperture System (DAS). This system will provide pilots with a unique protective sphere around the aircraft for enhanced situational awareness, missile warning, aircraft warning, day/night pilot vision, and fire control capability.
Diverterless Inlet
The F-35's diverterless inlet lightens the overall weight of the aircraft. Traditional aircraft inlets were comprised of many moving parts and are much heavier than newer diverterless inlets. The diverterless inlet also eliminates all moving parts.
Electro-Optical Targeting System
Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control and Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems are jointly providing key electronic sensors for the F-35 to include the Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS). The internally mounted EOTS will provide extended range detection and precision targeting against ground targets, plus long range detection of air-to-air threats.
Helmet Mounted Display System
Vision Systems International, LLC (VSI) is developing the most advanced and capable Helmet Mounted Display System (HMDS) for the F-35. Utilizing extensive design experience gained on successful production Helmet Mounted Displays (HMD), the F-35 HMDS will replace the traditional Head-Up-Display (HUD) while offering true sensor fusion.
Integrated Communications, Navigation and Identification Avionics
Northrop Grumman Space Technology's integrated avionics satisfy the requirements for greatly increased functionalities within extreme space and weight limitations via modular hardware that could be dynamically programmed to reconfigure for multiple functions. This "smart"-box approach delivers increased performance, quicker deployment, higher availability, enhanced scalability and lower life cycle costs.
Interoperability
The F-35 will have the most robust communications suite of any fighter aircraft built to date. The F-35 will be the first fighter to possess a satellite communications capability that integrates beyond line of sight communications throughout the spectrum of missions it is tasked to perform. The F-35 will contain the most modern tactical datalinks which will provide the sharing of data among it's flight members as well as other airborne, surface and ground-based platforms required to perform assigned missions. The commitment of JSF partner nations to common communications capabilities and web-enabled logistics support will enable a new level of coalition interoperability. These capabilities allow the F-35 to lead defense community in the migration to the net-centric warfighting force of the future.
Low Observability
An integrated airframe design, advanced materials and an axisymmetric nozzle maximize the F-35's stealth features.
Multi-Function Display System
Rockwell Collins's 8"x20" Multi-Function Display System (MFDS) will be the panoramic projection display for the F-35. MFDS employs leading edge technology in projection engine architecture, video, compression, illumination module controls and processing memory – all of which will make the MFDS the most advanced tactical display. One-gigabyte-per-second data interfaces will enable the MFDS to display six full motion images simultaneously. The adaptable layout will be easily reconfigurable for different missions or mission segments. Projection display technology will provide a high-luminance, high-contrast, and high-resolution picture with no viewing angle effect.
Multi-Mission Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Radar
Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems is developing the Multi-Mission Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Radar for the F-35. This advanced multi-function radar has gone through extensive flight demonstrations during the Concept Demonstration Phase (CDP). The radar will enable the F-35 JSF pilot to effectively engage air and ground targets at long range, while also providing outstanding situational awareness for enhanced survivability.
Propulsion
The F-35 Propulsion Systems are the most powerful fighter/attack turbofans in the world. There are two manufacturers with propulsion systems currently being tested. The propulsion systems are interchangeable and both will power the F-35. There are two major engine variants for the F-35. One engine will power the CTOL and CV versions of the aircraft, while the other will power the STOVL version. The F135 engine is made by Pratt & Whitney, the F136 by a team, known as the Fighter Engine Team comprised of General Electric and Rolls-Royce. Both the F135 and the F136 STOVL engines will utilize common exhaust and Lift System systems.
F135
The Pratt & Whitney F135 family of advanced propulsion systems utilize cutting edge technology to provide the F-35 with higher performance than conventional fighter aircraft. The engine consists of a 3-stage fan, a 6-stage compressor, an annular combustor, a single stage high-pressure turbine, and a 2 stage low-pressure turbine.
The F135 is currently in the SDD phase. The F135 is using the lessons learned from the F119 engine core and the JSF119 during the CDA stage to reduce risk in SDD. During SDD the F135 test engines will undergo a range of ground and flight tests to simulate various mission profiles. In these tests the system demonstration engines will be run for hours throughout various flight envelopes to ensure they meet performance requirements. One of the vital milestone tests occured at the end of 2003 with the first F135 engine to test.
The first CTOL F135 engine test occurred on 11 October 2003. The First STOVL F135 engine test occurred on 14 April 2004. To date over 2,000 hours have been accumulated on the F135 test engines.
F136
The GE Rolls-Royce Fighter Engine Team (FET) F136 engine is currently in the Pre-SDD phase. The objective of the F136 Pre-SDD phase is to reduce risk prior to entering SDD. The FET is utilizing technology developed from previous aircraft engine programs to design this engine. The F136 engine consists of a 3-stage fan, 5-stage compressor, a 3-stage low-pressure turbine section and a single stage high-pressure turbine.
The F136 team will transition into the SDD phase of their program later in 2005. The F135 and F136 teams are working closely to develop common propulsion system components.
The first CTOL F136 engine to test occurred on 22 July 2004. The first STOVL F136 engine to test occurred on 10 February 2005. To date, the F136 team has accumulated over 130 hours of engine tests.
Rolls-Royce Lift System
While Rolls-Royce is a member of the Fighter Engine Team with GE on the F136, they are also subcontracted to Pratt & Whitney on the F135 to provide the Lift System for the F-35. The Lift System is comprised of the Lift Fan, Clutch, Drive Shaft, Roll Posts and the Three Bearing Swivel Module (3BSM).
Shaft Driven Lift Fan (SDLF)
Lockheed Martin developed the idea for a Short Take-Off Vertical Landing (STOVL) lift system that uses a vertically oriented Shaft Driven Lift Fan (SDLF). A two-stage low-pressure turbine on the engine provides the horsepower necessary to power the Rolls-Royce designed Lift Fan. The Lift Fan generates a column of cool air that provides nearly 20,000 pounds of lifting power using variable inlet guide vanes to modulate the airflow, along with an equivalent amount of thrust from the downward vectored rear exhaust to lift the aircraft. The Lift Fan utilizes a clutch that engages the shaft drive system for STOVL operations. Because the lift fan extracts power from the engine, exhaust temperatures are reduced by about 200 degrees compared to traditional STOVL systems.
The SDLF concept was successfully demonstrated through a Large Scale Powered Model (LSPM) in 1995-96 and during the flight-testing of the X-35B during the summer of 2001. The Lift Fan, a patented Lockheed Martin concept, was developed and produced by Rolls-Royce Corp. in Indianapolis, Indiana and in Bristol, England.
Robust Structure
Continuous tailhook-to-nose-gear structure and catapult-compatible nose gear launch system are strengthened for catapult and arresting loads.
Sophisticated Cockpit
The F-35 provides its pilot with unsurpassed situational awareness, positive target identification and precision strike under any weather condition. Mission systems integration and outstanding over-the-nose visibility features are designed to dramatically enhance pilot performance.
Weapons Integration
The F-35 will employ a variety of US and allied weapons. From JDAMs to Sidewinders to the UK Storm Shadow, the F-35 has been designed to carry either internally or externally a large array of weapons.
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| zokissima |
Some pretty cool stuff. I've been reading about some of these memory composite materials. So far there is nothing actually functional, they're all in various materials design and concept stages.
But ya, the F-35 JSF should be a pretty cool piece of tech.
Man, what is that thing on the carrier, freaking wikked looking. |
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| VERTiG0 |
| quote: | Originally posted by zokissima
Man, what is that thing on the carrier, freaking wikked looking. |
F/A-37 Talon ;)
heheh. |
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| ++ EGO ++ |
| Wow, that un-manned combat aircraft surely reminds me of Stealth... yes, the movie. |
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