[Lusitano89]

[Get_It]

U.S. Air Force Uses Contracted JSX-2 SubSonex Microjets to Simulate Cruise Missiles in Exercise Northern Strike 24
(11 de Agosto de 2024)

The U.S. Air Force continues to make its exercises more and more realistic while preparing for a possible near-peer fight in the Pacific, training to defend against cruise missiles and UAVs simulated by microjets.

In the skies over Northern Michigan, the U.S. Air Force is simulating interceptions of cruise missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with tiny, homebuilt microjets from Sonex Aircraft. Real world events have shown the increasingly frequent use of cruise missiles and UAVs on the battlefield, demonstrating the importance of being able to counter them effectively.

The pair of microjets, civilian registration numbers N55KX and N66KX, are operating out of the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center (CRTC), Michigan, and flying alongside exercise participants. The operator, KestrelX, had been awarded a contract in 2022 for "UAV and cruise missile threat replication aircraft" valued at $725,053 USD.

The JSX-2s involved in the exercise are also seen to be carrying a pod of some sort on their bellies that isn't included in the standard model of the type. With a $725,000 contract awarded to the company the pods could really be carrying anything. On their website, SubSonex has the price of the jet listed at just $136,654, leaving plenty of contract money for upgrades.

The JSX-2 is extremely light with an empty weight of just 500 pounds (227 kg), a length of 16' 6" (5 meters), and a wingspan of 18 feet (5.5 meters). The jet has a maximum speed of 287 miles per hour (1,033 kmh) with its PBJ TJ100 engine. Sonex Aircraft and Navmar Applied Sciences Corporation (NASC) have also rolled out a twin-engine, unmanned version of the JTX-2 known as the Tracer.

[continua]

Fonte: https://theaviationist.com/2024/08/11/usaf-microjets-simulate-cruise-missiles/

Cumprimentos,

[Cabeça de Martelo]

https://youtube.com/shorts/mR5ej-P3miU?si=GOm0fCCTA19NMNMV

[Get_It]

Notícia "importante":

USAF Units of Action: Combat Wings, Air Base Wings, Institutional Wings defined
(17 de Setembro de 2024)

The Department of the Air Force implementation of a new construct that will evolve wings into cohesive Units of Action by separating into Combat Wings, Air Base Wings and Institutional Wings will be a phased approach, starting no later than the summer of 2025.

The new concept will create several organizations capable of conducting deployed combat operations, as well as base defense. Under this future construct, base, institutional and combat missions will transition into distinct organizations – called Institutional Wings and Combat Wings – each with separate commanders.

Air Force combat wings will be structured as mission-ready Units of Action, with all the necessary elements stationed together at the same installation, where they can train together on a day-to-day basis.

Deployable Combat Wings will evolve to deploy as fully trained teams and will replace the Expeditionary Air Base and Air Task Force models previously announced in Sept. 2023.

Combat Wings will focus on mission-level warfighting readiness, supported by Air Base Wings who are focused on power projection platform readiness (the installation).

Institutional wings will continue to provide support and capabilities essential to the organize, train and equip requirements of the U.S. Air Force.

The goal is 24 Deployable Combat Wings fielded to meet the Air Force’s rotational demands and provide depth for emerging crises – 16 Active Duty and 8 Reserve Component Wings.

The phased implementation approach includes:
Establishing Air Base Wings at installations that host Combat Wings and/or Institutional Wings with supported/supporting relationships.

Establish the deployable variant of the combat wing: the Deployable Combat Wing. Each DCW will have a redesigned concept of support for GPC schemes of maneuver, including Agile Combat Employment, to ensure the wings are prepared to execute their wartime functions and missions with assigned Airmen and units.

The Air Force will begin deliberately implementing Combat Wings, Air Base Wings and Institutional Wings across the force as early as summer 2025. The first Combat Wings should be ready to deploy elements by late 2026 (FY27).

Evolution from XAB to ATF to CW

In 2023, the Air Force established the Expeditionary Air Base (XAB) as an initial force presentation model in its transition from Air Expeditionary Wings to a future force presentation model. The Air Force has been deploying Airmen under the XAB construct since the fall of 2023 and will continue to do so in the coming years.

The first Air Task Forces entered the AFFORGEN cycle during the reset phase in the summer of 2024 and will become deployment-ready in the fall of 2025. These initial ATFs will replace some of the XABs as the US Air Force’s deployable unit of action.

During this pilot period, the Air Force will deploy Airmen using both the XAB and ATF force presentation models. Concurrently, the Combat Wing, Air Base Wing and Institutional Wing phased approach will begin. Combat Wings will replace ATFs and XABs.

Fonte: https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3908057/

New structure for USAF: Combat, Base, and Institutional Wings
(20 de Setembro de 2024)

The United States Air Force is set to implement a major restructuring of its forces, fundamentally changing how it organizes and deploys its personnel and resources. Beginning in summer 2025, the Air Force will transition to a new system of Combat Wings, Air Base Wings, and Institutional Wings, aimed at enhancing readiness and operational efficiency.

Under the new structure, the Air Force will separate its operations into three distinct types of wings:

• Combat Wings: These units will form the spearhead of the Air Force’s operational capability. Designed as mission-ready “Units of Action,” Combat Wings will house all necessary elements at a single installation, facilitating daily joint training and cohesive team building. The Air Force aims to field 24 Deployable Combat Wings, with 16 in active duty and 8 in reserve components.
• Air Base Wings: Focused on power projection platform readiness, these wings will support Combat Wings and manage installation operations. They will establish a clear supported/supporting relationship with the combat units they host.
• Institutional Wings: These wings will continue to provide essential support for the Air Force’s organize, train, and equip requirements, ensuring the long-term sustainability and development of the force.

The restructuring will occur in phases, with the first Combat Wings expected to have deployable elements by late 2026. This gradual approach allows for a smooth transition from current models, including the Expeditionary Air Base (XAB) and Air Task Force (ATF) constructs introduced in 2023.

During the transition period, the Air Force will deploy personnel using both XAB and ATF models, gradually phasing them out as Combat Wings become operational.

The new Combat Wing structure is designed to replace the Expeditionary Air Base and Air Task Force models. These wings will deploy as fully trained teams, bringing together all necessary elements for combat operations and base defense. This approach aims to increase the Air Force’s ability to respond to emerging crises and meet rotational demands more effectively.

For Air Force members, this restructuring signifies a shift towards more integrated training and deployment experiences. Personnel assigned to Combat Wings can expect to train regularly with their deployment team, potentially leading to stronger unit cohesion and combat readiness.

Those in Air Base Wings will focus on ensuring that installations are prepared to support and project combat power, while Institutional Wing personnel will continue their crucial role in maintaining the Air Force’s long-term capabilities.

As the U.S. Air Force moves forward with this significant organizational change, it demonstrates a commitment to adapting to evolving global security challenges. The new structure promises to deliver a more agile, responsive, and cohesive fighting force, ready to meet the demands of modern warfare and crisis response.

With implementation set to begin in less than a year, the Air Force stands on the brink of a new era in its organizational history, one that could shape its operational capabilities for decades to come.

Fonte: https://alert5.com/2024/09/20/new-structure-for-usaf-combat-base-and-institutional-wings/

Cumprimentos,

[MMaria]

É sempre um marco ver um produto de defesa do seu país, ainda que uns poucos, estar presente em um mercado tão difícil como o dos Estados Unidos.

Sds

[PTWolf]

https://pplware.sapo.pt/high-tech/black-hawks-do-exercito-americano-vao-voar-sem-pilotos/

Black Hawks do exército americano vão voar sem pilotos

[Cabeça de Martelo]

Skunk Works’ Latest Stealthy Tanker Concept Revealed
The USAF is firming up requirements for a stealthy tanker to fit with its Next Generation Air Dominance ecosystem, which could change dramatically due to cost.
Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Nov 6, 2024 7:35 PM EST



...

https://www.twz.com/air/skunk-works-latest-stealthy-tanker-concept-revealed

[Lusitano89]

KC-135 da USAF realiza o primeiro reabastecimento em voo de um Sukhoi Su-30

[Lusitano89]

[Lusitano89]

[Lusitano89]

[Cabeça de Martelo]

Boeing Defense

Putting #MH139 to the test.

Airmen at
@MalmstromAFB
 recently conducted MH-139A Initial Operational Test and Evaluation flights, including simulated emergencies and convoy support. These tests ensure the Grey Wolf can perform its assigned missions and seamlessly replace the UH-1N Huey.

[dc]

https://www.aereo.jor.br/2025/03/03/forca-aerea-dos-eua-integra-missil-antinavio-harpoon-ao-caca-f-16/

[Cabeça de Martelo]

[Drecas]

"In a presolicitation released today by Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), it was announced that the AGM-158 C-1 LRASM (Long Range Anti-Ship Missile) will be integrated on the F-16. LRASM is the anti-ship derivative of the AGM-158 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM), and is currently integrated on the B-1B Lancer & F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, with efforts underway for the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter and P-8 Poseidon. Lockheed Martin is the prime contractor for JASSM, LRASM and F-16 as well. NAVAIR states that they intend to “enter into sole source negotiations and subsequently award a Cost-Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) Delivery Order (DO) to Lockheed Martin Corporation-Missiles Fire Control (LMMFC) against Basic Ordering Agreement (BOA) N00019-23-G-0002.”

Late last month the US Air Force announced that they had conducted a rapid integration test of the AGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship missile on their F-16s. Harpoon has long been in service with many Foreign Military Sales F-16 operators, but not with the US Air Force’s own F-16s. The addition of LRASM to F-16’s weapons suite, on top of Harpoon, is indicative of the growing role the US Air Force sees for themselves in the maritime domain. As successive US administrations have continued to emphasize a strategic pivot towards the Indo-Pacific region, all the Services of the US Armed Forces are jostling to demonstrate their relevance to the US Indo-Pacific Command Area of Responsibility."

https://defensearchives.com/news/long-range-anti-ship-missile-to-be-integrated-on-f-16/