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04-14-2009, 20:27 PM
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#1 (permalink)
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Senior Contributor
Join Date: 11-13-07
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Classified UAV operating in the 'Stans
Now confirmed by JDW. Possibly a UCAV.
Quote:
Mystery UAV appears in Afghanistan
Jane's sources have confirmed the existence of a previously unknown US stealthy unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that has been deployed on clandestine operational missions...
09-Apr-2009
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Quote:
News
Mystery UAV operating in Afghanistan
April 10, 2009
Afghanistan maybe the testing ground for a new, advanced but as yet undisclosed UCAV programme.
Pictures shown exclusively to Unmanned Vehicles magazine and taken at an airbase in the war-torn country reveal a large flying wing-type design, adopted by UCAV designers, but not yet seen on an operational type.
The image shown in the link below has been drawn directly from the photograph but none of the experts consulted by UV had any concrete idea of what the system might be.
The image shown to UV was taken from a long distance, as the aircraft taxied in on a hazy day, but the image was clear enough to show that this UAV’s design is like no other UAV in current operational service.
Amongst the distinctive features of the type is the ‘fat’ wing chord, and a large central fuselage fairing. The aircraft engine nozzle is the same half moon shape as the Lockheed P175 Pole Cat, but the wing is not cranked on its trailing edge like the Pole Cat is.
The fuselage fairing could support a large squared off intake, but is more likely to house a large satellite communications and sensor mix. Two large blisters either side of the central fairing are likely to the intakes for a single turbofan engine. These features probably won’t help the aircraft’s radar cross-section, although this probably isn’t important considering the theatre of operations in which it is flying.
The large doors inboard of the main landing gear may be bomb bay doors, indicating a strike capability for the type.
There are clearly the technological capabilities to build something like this inside Northrop Grumman, Boeing or Lockheed Martin. Looking at the shaping, our analyst said he would be inclined to think this comes from either Northrop or Lockheed.
The shaping is also suggestive of UCAV concepts around the start of the 2000s.There is a whole raft of wing design work that has gone on since 2002 in terms of how the X-47B has evolved, and the sorts of designs that Boeing was working with prior to the ending of that effort.
An artist’s impression of the aircraft can be viewed by clicking here.
By Darren Lake, Editor - Unmanned Vehicles
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04-14-2009, 22:20 PM
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#2 (permalink)
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Military Professional
Join Date: 11-16-05
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Awesome. I hope its true. 
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04-15-2009, 02:20 AM
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#3 (permalink)
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Contributor
Join Date: 11-14-06
Location: Patterson, CA
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Sounds like some real-time operational testing of the X-47.
__________________
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04-16-2009, 02:09 AM
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#4 (permalink)
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Senior Contributor
Join Date: 11-13-07
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I wonder if this is the same thing:
Quote:
Close
David A. Fulghum davef@aviationweek.com
Bill Sweetman william_sweetman@aviationweek.com
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems has quietly rolled out its new Avenger unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) - formerly known as the Predator C - and completed its first three flights on April 4, 13 and 14.
While company officials are not calling it a stealthy aircraft, they will admit to a reduced radar signature. The 20-hour-endurance UCAV's undeniably low-observable design offers clues about how it could be employed.
A weapons bay allows internal carriage of 500-pound bombs with GBU-38 Joint Direct Attack Munitions with GPS navigation and laser guidance kits attached. Given the aircraft's 34-feet length - which will increase by at least two feet in the second test aircraft - the weapons bay appears to be 10-feet long.
The bay doors can be removed to allow installation of a semi-submerged, wide-area surveillance pod. The aircraft is designed to carry about 3,000 pounds of weapons and sensors. For an additional two hours of flying time, fuel tanks also can be installed in the weapons bay.
A long, featureless underside further provides an ideal location for a sensor such as an all-weather, active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar. The wide-area surveillance system - to be provided by the U.S. Air Force - has yet to be defined. It would be carried by a specialized all-reconnaissance version of the Avenger.
The V-tail both deflects radar and shields infrared signature of the aircraft's 4,800-pound thrust Pratt & Whitney Canada PW545B turbofan. Each tail surface has two rudders for flight-control redundancy.
The hump-backed design of the aircraft offers room enough for a serpentine exhaust to prevent radar observation of the turbine. Pratt has been developing an S-shaped exhaust system that both offers protection from radar and cooling to reduce the infrared signature. The engine is expected to provide an airspeed of at least 400 knots, but company officials say envelope expansion tests may prove the speed to be "considerably greater". The UCAV's operational altitude would be up to 60,000 feet.
The Avenger's 17-degree sweep, 68-ft. span wing and tail are all aligned in plan view with one or other of the leading edges. This is the same shaping discipline used on classic stealth designs like the F-22 and B-2.
The cranked trailing edge provides the aerodynamic and structural benefits of a tapered wing and helps shield the engine inlet from radar. Other design elements, from nose to tail, help avoid radar cross-section hot spots that would be caused by a curved side.
The aircraft was designed from its inception so that the wing could be folded at the point where it cranks for storage in hangars or for aircraft carrier operations. The UCAV also comes with a tailhook, which suggests that carrier-related trials are planned.
The inner section of the cranked wing is deep, providing structural strength for carrier landings and generous fuel volume while maintaining a dry, folding outer wing.
Editor's note: exclusive photographs of the Avenger will be available in Aviation Week & Space Technology's April 20th edition, and online in the Defense Showcase gallery.
Photo: U.S. Dept. of Defense
Find this article at:
http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/gener...hannel=defense
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04-16-2009, 03:30 AM
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#5 (permalink)
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Regular
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nvm, didnt read article properly.
Anyhow, awesome to see one of the stealth UAVs go into combat!
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