Originally posted by Josh
View Post
As an interesting note there are patents available that demonstrate putting AESA T/R modules in the fins of a missile, which leaves the nose free for EO/IR sensors. Toss in a modern data link and home-on-jam capabilities for ARM duties and you've got one missile that can do it all, including holding VLO types at risk.
I'm hoping the LREW component turns out to be SACM + common booster interface. That would help bring the price down on SACM's undoubtedly expensive sensor suite via high volume production if it can replace both AIM-9 and AMRAAM entirely and would let USAF and USN play legos with a variety of booster options like dual pulse rockets, ramjets/scramjets, or Variable Flow Ducted Rockets. But I could be wrong and it could be a standalone missile.
MSDM I see as more of a backup in the event that the DEW option doesn't pan out. The fact that DOD requested the F135 engine upgrade specifically be tailored for DEWs tells me that's the prefered route for self defense, but MSDM provides a measure of redundancy now that HTK technology is reaching maturity. Or it could be that both will be utilized in a layered defense. I'm not entirely confident in the abilities of a fighter borne laser to stop some of the monsters that modern SAMs can fire. Bring truck or ship launched, they can afford the weight penalty associated with an ablative coating that would take a laser some time to burn through, and with the trend of investments in hypersonics that further reduces the engagement time available to any defensive DEWs.
Comment