Aircraft, Defense & Space Domain Business Plan

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Aircraft, Defense & Space Domain Business Plan Aircraft, Defense & Space Domain Business Plan Keisuke Hisakazu Naohiko HIROSE MIZUTANI ABE Senior Vice President, President, Senior Vice President, Head of Commercial Aviation Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation Head of Integrated Defense Systems & Space Systems June 12, 2017 © 2017 MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD. All Rights Reserved. Contents 1. Business Overview 2. Commercial Aviation Systems Segment 2-1. Overview 2-2. FY2016 Summary & FY2017 Outlook 2-3. FY2017 Business Strategy 3. MRJ Business 3-1. Overview 3-2. Development Activities 3-3. Implementation of Development Schedule 4. Integrated Defense & Space Systems Segment 4-1. Overview 4-2. FY2016 Summary & FY2017 Outlook 4-3. FY2017 Business Strategy © 2017 MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD. All Rights Reserved. 1 1-1. Overview (Domain Reorganization) The Aircraft, Defense & Space domain was created as a result of MHI’s domain reorganization, carried out 2017年4月の全社ドメイン再編・事業再配置により、航空・防衛・宇宙ドメインを発足。 in April 2017.直轄による育成基盤の早期形成と収益安定を図る。 Under the CEO’s direct oversight, the new domain is pursuing prompt formation of a strong developmentCEO foundation and stable earnings. [Until March 2017] [From April 2017] Energy & Environment Power Systems Business Group company Mitsubishi Aircraft MRJ Thermal Power Nuclear Power Thermal Power Compressors Corporation Renewable Energy Chemical Plants Aero Engines Nuclear Power Commercial Aviation & Renewable Energy Transportation Systems Commercial / Cruise Land Transportation Ships Systems Industry & Infrastructure Material Handling Commercial Aircraft MRJ Metals Machinery Equipment Aero Engines Turbochargers Engines Air Conditioning & Machinery & Integrated Defense & Space Systems Refrigeration Equipment Commercial / Cruise Land Transportation Defense Systems Space Systems Ships Systems Machinery, Equipment & Infrastructure Chemical Plants Compressors Metals Machinery Aircraft, Defense & Space Material Handling Commercial Aircraft MRJ Equipment Turbochargers Air Conditioning & Defense Systems Space Systems Engines Refrigeration Machinery & Equipment © 2017 MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD. All Rights Reserved. 2 1-1. Overview (Net Sales by Main Businesses, FY2017 Outlook) Integrated Defense Commercial & Space Systems Aviation Systems Operating income (In billion yen) Naval ships Aircraft components for Boeing Aircraft & missile systems Aircraft components for Airbus, (1.5%) Special vehicles Bombardier, etc. 10.0 Space systems MRJ (0.1%) 0.9 Orders received / Net sales Commercial Aviation Systems FY2016 net sales Integrated Defense & Space Systems ¥703.4 (In billion yen) billion 955.0 703.4 600.0 650.0 Orders Net Orders Net received Sales received Sales FY2016 (Actual) FY2017 (Forecast) © 2017 MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD. All Rights Reserved. 3 1. Business Overview 2. Commercial Aviation Systems Segment 2-1. Overview 2-2. FY2016 Summary & FY2017 Outlook 2-3. FY2017 Business Strategy 3. MRJ Business 3-1. Overview 3-2. Development Activities 3-3. Implementation of Development Schedule 4. Integrated Defense & Space Systems Segment 4-1. Overview 4-2. FY2016 Summary & FY2017 Outlook 4-3. FY2017 Business Strategy 2-1. Overview Boeing Wide-body Airbus 787 jets A380 Aircraft components for Airbus, Bombardier, etc. Photo courtesy of Boeing Photo courtesy of Airbus MHI : main wing boxes Narrow-body jets MHI : fwd and aft cargo doors 777 and business jets Bombardier Global 5000/6000 Wide-body jets Photo courtesy of Boeing Aircraft components for MHI : aft fuselage, tail fuselage, and entry doors Boeing Photo courtesy of Bombardier MHI : main wings, mid-fuselages, 767 737 and center wings Challenger 300/350 Photo courtesy of Boeing Photo courtesy of Boeing Narrow-body jets Photo courtesy of Bombardier MHI : aft fuselages and MHI : inboard flaps and business jets cargo doors MHI : main wings © 2017 MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD. All Rights Reserved. 5 2-2. FY2016 Summary & FY2017 Outlook Status and operating income of 1) Sales down as result of yen commercial aircraft Tier1 business appreciation 2) Sales eroded by declines in contract prices, production, etc. 3) Cost reductions not achieved (1) Yen appreciation Improvement in production efficiency • Automated assembly through adoption of (2) robotics Gradual decline in • Enhanced efficiency of management and contract prices, indirect work processes through use of AI / decreasing IoT production, etc. FY2015 Supply chain reforms • Configuration of harmonized production (Actual) processes (3) • Achievement of optimal order placements Cost reductions Efficiency Establishment of “Commercial Aircraft unachieved improvement Procurement Center” FY2017 FY2016 (Forecast) Leveraging production bases (Actual) and formation of optimal production system Flexible business portfolio © 2017 MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD. All Rights Reserved. 6 2-3. FY2017 Business Strategy Strengthen aircraft manufacturing superiority Reconfigure business portfolio - Creating added value from structure, etc. Integrated system synergies Component-related synergies • Reinforcement of MHI’s comprehensive business strengths Overall business synergies Expansion into new business (C)JAXA/NASA areas in the aircraft industry Increase the MRJ’s commercial value (C)Pratt & Whitney Traffic control-related Aircraft and space-related • Development of differentiation Completed aircraft technologies Advanced flight operation and Tier-1 - Weight reduction, material Completed aircraft support systems - Total system integration synergies development - 3D laminate modeling technologies • Initiatives into new fields: functional MRJ components, equipment, etc. MU-300 YS-11 Reinforced initiatives in (first flight in 1962) high-added-value parts 787 777X 777 Global • Advanced production process Express reforms 767 (active use of robotics, AI, IoT) Tier1 (first shipment of fuselage panels in 1980) Strengthen Added value, technology level technology Added value, Manpower savings - Structure and flight performance existing businesses -’70 -’80 -’90 -’00 -’10 -’20 Unmanned operation © 2017 MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD. All Rights Reserved. 7 2-3. Advanced Production Process Reforms (Examples of Automated Production) 777-X Parts Production 787 Painting Process ・In March 2017 operation began of a newly configured ・Testing is now in progress on the automated production line using robots, to produce parts for Boeing 787 main wing production Boeing’s new 777-X model at our Hiroshima facilities . line at Nagoya for an automated painting process using robots. <Moving tool for Large panel> <M-PAL(Multi Panel-Pulse Assembly Line)> <Painting performed by robots> By promoting automation of production processes, MHI is shifting focus from saving manpower to achieving unmanned operations. © 2017 MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD. All Rights Reserved. 8 1. Business Overview 2. Commercial Aviation Systems Segment 2-1. Overview 2-2. FY2016 Summary & FY2017 Outlook 2-3. FY2017 Business Strategy 3. MRJ Business 3-1. Overview 3-2. Development Activities 3-3. Implementation of Development Schedule 4. Integrated Defense & Space Systems Segment 4-1. Overview 4-2. FY2016 Summary & FY2017 Outlook 4-3. FY2017 Business Strategy 3-1. Overview Market trends Business strategies <Market scale> Basic policy • Projected scale of market for 70- to 90-seat aircraft during the next 20 years: 3,500 planes • Drive forward development and commercialization toward <Status of competitors> “achieving airframe performance and excellent customer support superior to Embraer” • Embraer is scheduled to launch E175-E2, a next- generation 90-seat class aircraft, in 2021. • Minimize development costs, which will peak in FY2019 • Bombardier is focusing on C-Series planes with more • Propose and implement a cost reduction strategy while than 100 seats; its presence in the up-to-90-seats maintaining the schedule through type certification market is declining. acquisition, and development & marketing strategies for subsequent commercial production and the MRJ70’s <Future developments> commercial viability • 90-seat class: Competition between MRJ90 and E175-E2 FY2016 results • 70-seat class: MRJ70 will be the sole next-generation • Concluded definitive agreements with preferred airframe contender MRO(Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul) partners, aiming to - To maintain competitive superiority, recovery from enhance after-sale services in North America schedule delays will be critical. • Ferried four aircraft to Moses Lake - Contracts with customers that have placed orders • Launched corporate culture reforms to achieve greater are being maintained. company-wide globalization Our position FY2017 initiatives • Sales strategy: Secure a solid position in the regional Under direct oversight of MHI’s CEO: jet market by raising its airframe value assessment - Development activities by two dedicated teams leveraging the MRJ’s outstanding durability and airframe performance - Utilization of global industry experts • Marketing environment: Owing to delays in launching Steady implementation of development timetable into the market, measures will be taken to strengthen customer relations and ensure long-range business Ex.: FAA type certification has been acquired for the viability. PW1200G engine. FAA: Federal Aviation Administration © 2017 MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD. All Rights Reserved. 10 3-2. Development Activities by 2 Dedicated Teams Areas of focus Activities • Strengthen structure under direct oversight of MHI’s CEO and 3-base Strengthening of development structure business promotion structure
Recommended publications
  • A Clipped Wing: an Assessment of the Effectiveness of the B-21
    University of Denver Digital Commons @ DU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Graduate Studies 1-1-2016 A Clipped Wing: An Assessment of the Effectiveness of the B-21 Aidan Thomas Hughes University of Denver Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.du.edu/etd Part of the International Relations Commons Recommended Citation Hughes, Aidan Thomas, "A Clipped Wing: An Assessment of the Effectiveness of the B-21" (2016). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 1124. https://digitalcommons.du.edu/etd/1124 This Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by the Graduate Studies at Digital Commons @ DU. It has been accepted for inclusion in Electronic Theses and Dissertations by an authorized administrator of Digital Commons @ DU. For more information, please contact [email protected],[email protected]. A Clipped Wing: An Assessment of the Effectiveness of the B-21 _________________________ A Thesis Presented to the Faculty of the Josef Korbel School of International Studies University of Denver _________________________ In Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Degree Master of Arts _________________________ by Aidan Thomas Hughes June 2016 Advisor: Professor T. Farer Author: Aidan Thomas Hughes Title: A Clipped Wing: An Assessment of the Effectiveness of the B-21 Advisor: Professor T. Farer Degree Date: June 2016 Abstract This thesis examines the effectiveness of the Northrop Grumman B-21 long range strike bomber in advancing the ability of U.S. policy makers to achieve national security objectives. The operational value of the B-21 is assessed through analysing its probable role in four hypothetical combat scenarios, and the relative effectiveness of the B-21 is measured alongside the potential performance of alternative systems.
    [Show full text]
  • The Evolution & Impact of US Aircraft In
    University of Nebraska - Lincoln DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln Honors Theses, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Honors Program Fall 10-2019 Take Off to Superiority: The Evolution & Impact of U.S. Aircraft in War Lane Weidner University of Nebraska - Lincoln Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/honorstheses Part of the Aviation Commons, and the Military History Commons Weidner, Lane, "Take Off to Superiority: The Evolution & Impact of U.S. Aircraft in War" (2019). Honors Theses, University of Nebraska-Lincoln. 184. https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/honorstheses/184 This Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by the Honors Program at DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln. It has been accepted for inclusion in Honors Theses, University of Nebraska-Lincoln by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln. TAKE OFF TO SUPERIORITY: THE EVOLUTION & IMPACT OF U.S. AIRCRAFT IN WAR An Undergraduate Honors Thesis Submitted in Partial fulfillment of University Honors Program Requirements University of Nebraska-Lincoln by Lane M. Weidner, Bachelor of Science Major: Mathematics Minor: Aerospace Studies College of Arts & Sciences Oct 24, 2019 Faculty Mentor: USAF Captain Nicole Beebe B.S. Social Psychology M.Ed. Human Resources, E-Learning ii Abstract Military aviation has become a staple in the way wars are fought, and ultimately, won. This research paper takes a look at the ways that aviation has evolved and impacted wars across the U.S. history timeline. With a brief introduction of early flight and the modern concept of an aircraft, this article then delves into World Wars I and II, along with the Cold, Korean, Vietnam, and Gulf Wars.
    [Show full text]
  • Five Priorities for the Air Force's Future Combat Air
    FIVE PRIORITIES FOR THE AIR FORCE’S FUTURE COMBAT AIR FORCE MARK GUNZINGER CARL REHBERG LUKAS AUTENRIED FIVE PRIORITIES FOR THE AIR FORCE’S FUTURE COMBAT AIR FORCE MARK GUNZINGER CARL REHBERG LUKAS AUTENRIED 2020 ABOUT THE CENTER FOR STRATEGIC AND BUDGETARY ASSESSMENTS (CSBA) The Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments is an independent, nonpartisan policy research institute established to promote innovative thinking and debate about national security strategy and investment options. CSBA’s analysis focuses on key questions related to existing and emerging threats to U.S. national security, and its goal is to enable policymakers to make informed decisions on matters of strategy, security policy, and resource allocation. ©2020 Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments. All rights reserved. ABOUT THE AUTHORS Mark Gunzinger is a Non-resident Senior Fellow at the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments. Mr. Gunzinger has served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Forces, Transformation and Resources. A retired Air Force Colonel and Command Pilot, he joined the Office of the Secretary of Defense in 2004. Mark was appointed to the Senior Executive Service and served as Principal Director of the Department’s central staff for the 2006 Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR). Following the QDR, he served as Director for Defense Transformation, Force Planning and Resources on the National Security Council staff. Mr. Gunzinger holds an M.S. in National Security Strategy from the National War College, a Master of Airpower Art and Science degree from the School of Advanced Air and Space Studies, an M.P.A. from Central Michigan University, and a B.S.
    [Show full text]
  • 0706Bombers.Pdf
    A Tale of Two Bombers Photos Carlson Ted by After a long review process, the Rea- gan Administration in 1981 decided there was room in the inventory for both the B-1B (shown here) and the B-2A stealth bomber (at right). The two bombers formed the centerpiece of the strategic arms buildup of the 1980s. 72 AIR FORCE Magazine / July 2006 Many thought Ronald Reagan had to choose between the B-1 and the B-2. They were wrong. A Tale of Two Bombers By Walter J. Boyne hen President Reagan took work on a new low-altitude penetrat- proached, the B-1’s critics stepped office in early 1981, he came ing bomber, which was given the name up their complaints, turning it into a Wface to face with a huge bomber ques- Advanced Manned Strategic Aircraft, subject of major political debate. The tion. Should he resurrect the long-dor- or AMSA. North American Rockwell Brookings Institution in early 1976, for mant B-1 to quickly boost US striking won the contract. instance, published Modernizing the power? Or should he bypass the B-1 Things moved slowly, however. Sec- Strategic Bomber Force: Why and How. and invest those billions of dollars in retary of Defense Robert S. McNamara, In this critical book, authors Alton H. the revolutionary but far more distant no friend of the manned penetrating Quanbeck and Archie L. Wood urged the B-2 stealth bomber? bomber, decided in 1966 to delay AMSA Pentagon to scrap the penetrating B-1 It was a major dilemma, and Reagan development, declaring that “a new and save up to $15 billion by building solved it in a classic, Reaganesque way: advanced strategic aircraft does not at a different kind of standoff, cruise-mis- He bought both.
    [Show full text]
  • The Radar Game Understanding Stealth and Aircraft Survivability
    A MITCHELL INSTITUTE STUDY The Radar Game Understanding Stealth and Aircraft Survivability By Rebecca Grant September 2010 A mitchell inStitute Study 1 Brig. Gen. Billy Mitchell On September 12, 1918 at St. Mihiel in France, Col. Wil- liam Mitchell became the first person ever to command a major force of allied aircraft in a combined-arms opera- tion. This battle was the debut of the US Army fighting under a single American commander on European soil. Under Mitchell’s control, more than 1,100 allied aircraft worked in unison with ground forces in a broad offen- sive—one encompassing not only the advance of ground troops but also direct air attacks on enemy strategic tar- gets, aircraft, communications, logistics, and forces beyond the front lines. Mitchell was promoted to Brigadier General by order of Gen. John J. Pershing, commander of the American Expeditionary Force, in recognition of his com- mand accomplishments during the St. Mihiel offensive and the subsequent Meuse-Argonne offensive. After World War I, General Mitchell served in Washington and then became Commander, First Provisional Air Brigade, in 1921. That summer, he led joint Army and Navy demonstration attacks as bombs delivered from aircraft sank several captured German vessels, including the SS Ostfriesland. His determination to speak the truth about airpower and its importance to America led to a court-martial trial in 1925. Mitchell was convicted, and re- signed from the service in February 1926. Mitchell, through personal example and through his writing, inspired and en- couraged a cadre of younger airmen. These included future General of the Air Force Henry H.
    [Show full text]
  • LESSON 2 the Signifi Cance of Stealth Aircraft
    LESSON 2 The Signifi cance of Stealth Aircraft OR MUCH OF THE FIRST HUNDRED YEARS of Quick Write aviation, the US military varied in its enthusiasm F for unmanned fl ight. During both world wars, the US sought ways to deliver bombs without putting American crews at risk. Experiments with unmanned If you had been an American aircraft went on. But after both wars, interest waned. military planner in 1982, what lessons do you think This pattern continued through the 20th century. would you have drawn from It held even after episodes like the shooting down the Israeli experience with drones in the Bekaa Valley? of Francis Gary Powers’s U-2 over the Soviet Union in 1962. This had made some military planners feel manned surveillance fl ights were too risky. But the United States continued largely to ignore the potential for unmanned fl ight. Learn About The turning point came in 1982, however. Israel • the development of launched a volley of unmanned decoy aircraft in stealth aircraft Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley. The valley was protected by • the development of precision weapons Syrian air defenses. The Syrians fell for the trick. They • the development of fi red their surface-to-air missiles back at the Israelis. unmanned aerial vehicles This let the Israelis know just where each launch site (UAVs) was. The Israelis then moved decisively to destroy the Syrian air defenses. It was a stunning victory. It got American attention. US defense offi cials suddenly saw the potential of unmanned aircraft. 410 CHAPTER 6 The Modern Air Force LESSON 2 The Signifi cance of Stealth Aircraft The Development of Stealth Aircraft Vocabulary As you read in Chapter 5, Lesson 4, stealth technology— • low-observable also called low-observable technology—goes back to the technology early 1970s.
    [Show full text]
  • The B-1B Bomber and Options for Hancements
    AUGUST 1988 The B-1B Bomber and Options for JJK V--1': hancements A SPECIAL STUDY THE B-1B BOMBER AND OPTIONS FOR ENHANCEMENTS The Congress of the United States Congressional Budget Office For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office Washington, D.C. 20402 Ei111 ill III illllll III! ill Ml Ml NOTE Cover photograph used courtesy of Rockwell International Corporation. PREFACE The B-1B bomber has many special features that enhance its ability to penetrate Soviet air defenses. Even so, many reported deficiencies-- including shortcomings in the bomber's defensive and offensive avi- onics and a range that is shorter than anticipated—have instilled doubts about its capability to perform the mission for which it was originally designed. These reports have raised three fundamental questions: o How serious are the deficiencies? o Should the United States change current plans and use the B-1B as a standoff bomber carrying cruise missiles rather than as a penetrating bomber? o What enhancements should the Congress fund to improve the B-1B as either a penetrating bomber or as a standoff bomber? This study by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), performed at the request of the House Committee on Armed Services, addresses the first two issues and then examines several options for enhancing the B-1B bomber. In keeping with CBO's mandate to provide objective analysis, the study does not recommend any particular course of action. Jeffrey A. Merkley of CBO's National Security Division prepared the study under the general supervision of Robert F. Hale and John D.
    [Show full text]
  • The Implications of Fifth-Generation Aircraft for Transatlantic Airpower a Primer
    The Implications of Fifth-Generation Aircraft for Transatlantic Airpower A Primer Secretary Deborah Lee James and Dr. Daniel Gouré The Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security works to develop sustainable, nonpartisan strategies to address the most important security challenges facing the United States and the world. The Center honors General Brent Scowcroft’s legacy of service and embodies his ethos of nonpartisan commitment to the cause of security, support for US leadership in cooperation with allies and partners, and dedication to the mentorship of the next generation of leaders. The Scowcroft Center’s Transatlantic Security Initiative brings together top policymakers, government and military officials, business leaders, and experts from Europe and North America to share insights, strengthen cooperation, and develop innovative approaches to the key challenges facing NATO and the transatlantic community. This publication was produced under the auspices of a project conducted in partnership with Lockheed Martin focused on the transatlantic air domain. The Implications of Fifth-Generation Aircraft for Transatlantic Airpower A Primer Secretary Deborah Lee James and Dr. Daniel Gouré ISBN-13: 978-1-61977-602-9 Cover: F-35A Lightning II fighter jets from the 388th Fighter Wing at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, fly in formation over the Utah Test and Training Range. (U.S. Air Force photo/R. Nial Bradshaw) This report is written and published in accordance with the Atlantic Council Policy on Intellectual Independence. The authors are solely responsible for its analysis and recommendations. The Atlantic Council and its donors do not determine, nor do they necessarily endorse or advocate for, any of this report’s conclusions.
    [Show full text]
  • The Navy Has Decided Stealth Is Not That Important and Has Pegged Its Future to the F/A-18E/F
    The Navy has decided stealth is not that important and has pegged its future to the F/A-18E/F. By John A. Tirpak, Senior Editor he F/A-18 Hornet is the new version the F/A-18F. It argues that T centerpiece of naval aviation. the new fighter has a “balanced” Carrier air wings today are made design that doesn’t rely on stealth up mostly of F/A-18s, and within a because stealth is “perishable.” By decade only Hornet variants will be that, the Navy means that aeronau- flying combat missions from Amer- tic engineers eventually will come ica’s flattops. A large new model, up with a countermeasure that will called Super Hornet, currently is negate the LO advantage. in flight test and is expected to The Navy says that part of the achieve initial operational capabil- reason it needs a larger version of ity in 2001. the F/A-18 is to get the additional However, the new Super Hornet room it needs for systems that carry is a compromise design, shaped to out defensive electronic counter- a large extent by budget pressures, measures—jamming—as well as major missteps in other earlier fighter the attendant power and cooling programs, and the need to have some- requirements such systems require. thing ready in time to replace large Nevertheless, the Navy has sought numbers of carrier-based strike and to buy as much stealthiness as pos- fleet-defense aircraft that will have sible for the Super Hornet. Canopy to retire in the next decade. coatings, special materials and treat- No one—certainly not the Navy— ment for leading edges, and an considers the Super Hornet to be a F-22–style engine air intake have all low-observable, or “stealthy,” fighter; helped produce a modest reduction it has only a small degree of bolt- in the Super Hornet’s frontal radar on stealthiness.
    [Show full text]
  • Integrating Stealth
    Integrating Stealth Capt Todd Fisk, Capt Reiss Oltman, Capt Fleming Thompson, Capt Andrew Ward, Capt Carter Kunz, Capt Rebecca Scott, Capt Bret Laxton, and Capt Heinrich Bornhorst1 Throughout the history of air power, the technological advancements in the offensive weapon systems that are built and introduced onto the battlefield have consistently evolved at a significant pace. One may argue that when you compare these very advancements in offensive capabilities to the advancements in defensive capabilities there are actually no advancements at all, or is much less significant. Over the past two decades the United States has revolutionized the war fighting industry with advancements in Low Observable (LO) technology and precision strike capability. Advanced LO weapon systems such as the F-35, F-22 and the B-2 have been developed and portrayed as stealth aircraft. In fact, these weapon systems should be portrayed as having stealth technology; specifically in the physical sense referring to low observable. Because LO technology is in a physical form, methods can and have been developed to exploit the inherent weaknesses. Additionally, the technological advancements of social media in today's society impacts the ability to mask the footprint of mobilizing military forces; significantly reducing the element of surprise required to be effective against a near peer country. The Air Force as a whole needs to re-think our current strategy of air power. Current AF doctrine relies on LO technology to achieve a stealth advantage. This approach is inefficient and rapidly becoming less effective. In order to accomplish this shift in strategy, an entirely new platform of stealth needs to be written into our doctrine; ensuring the concept of stealth is embedded into our culture carrying on to the next generation of Airman.
    [Show full text]
  • Low Observable Principles, Stealth Aircraft and Anti-Stealth Technologies
    Journal of Computations & Modelling, vol.4, no.1, 2014, 129-165 ISSN: 1792-7625 (print), 1792-8850 (online) Scienpress Ltd, 2014 Low Observable Principles, Stealth Aircraft and Anti-Stealth Technologies Konstantinos Zikidis (Maj, HAF)1, Alexios Skondras (2nd Lt, HAF)2, Charisios Tokas (2nd Lt, HAF)3, Abstract During the last decades, stealth technology has proven to be one of the most effective approaches as far as the endeavor to hide from radar systems is concerned. Especially for military aircraft, “stealth” or “low observable” technology has become ubiquitous: all new aircraft types are designed taking into account low observable principles and techniques, while existing jet fighters are considered for modification in order to reduce their radar signature. Low radar signature for a target means that it is detected and tracked at a shorter distance from a radar. However, low observable does not mean no observable, i.e., complete disappearance from the radar screens. Furthermore, stealthiness comes at a price. Apart from the development cost, stealth aircraft have higher flyaway cost and important maintenance costs, while they have significant operational limitations due to the specific aircraft shape imposed and materials used, and also due to the limited fuel and weapons, which have to be carried internally. Any pylon, tank, missile or pod carried externally increases the radar signature. Having realized the capabilities of stealth aircraft, many countries have been developing anti-stealth technologies. The following systems have been reported to be potential counter-stealth approaches: passive / multistatic radars, very low frequency radars, over-the-horizon radars and sensitive IR sensor systems.
    [Show full text]
  • Europe and the Future Combat Air System
    Europe and the Future Combat Air System © 2019 IAI edited by Alessandro Marrone and Michele Nones ISSN 2280-6164 ABSTRACT The development of the next generation of combat aircraft, to be part of a system of systems with satellites, drones and other military assets, does represent the main technological challenges for air forces and aerospace industries in Western countries. This study analyses the approach to the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) in the US as well as in France, Germany, UK, Italy and Sweden, from the military, industrial and political points of view. Two competing initiatives are unfolding in Europe: a Franco-German project and the Tempest programme led by the UK. Such a competition creates a strategic choice for Italy, since Rome has to decide which next generation combat aircraft develop, from now on, to succeed the Eurofigther in service until the 2040s – while continuing the F-35 procurement and use. The study analyses the pros and cons of both initiatives, and recommends Rome to negotiate with London the joint development of a European FCAS, despite Brexit. A cooperation which should in the mid- term merge with the Franco-German project for the benefit of European defence and strategic autonomy. European defence | Brexit | Military industry | Aviation | USA | UK | France | keywords Germany | Italy | Sweden DOCUMENTI IAI 19 | 02 - MARCH 2019 DOCUMENTI IAI 19 | 02 - MARCH Europe and the Future Combat Air System Table of contents Executive summary p. 3 1. The global context, by Andrea Aversano Stabile and Livia Botti 13 1.1 A worldwide pathway towards next generation aircraft 13 1.2 China 15 1.2 India 17 1.4 Japan 19 © 2019 IAI 1.5 Russia 21 1.6 South Korea 23 1.7 Turkey 25 2.
    [Show full text]