Boeing files patent that could convert a B-1 into a gunship
Hat Tip to Breach Bang Clear
Probably never happen, but as pointed out the technology in the patent could be adapted to other platforms (AB-52?) using directed energy weapons.
AB-1?
- g-man
- Posts: 1430
- Joined: Tue Aug 19, 2008 4:40 pm
Re: AB-1?
Directed energy weapons are dead in the water for airborne platforms. Power generation for solid state is a problem, and chemical capacity is the issue for COIL and similar. I did my masters thesis on the Advanced Tactical Laser (c-130 based little brother to the 747-based ABL), and they both went the way of the dodo (thanks Obama). As an operational platform it didn't have the capabilities it needed yet. But as a tested and general deterrent? It had legs. And yet we still have the over-priced wonderplane, the F(/A???)-35, at a bajillion dollars a copy.
Igitur qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum
- Rod
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Re: AB-1?
Thank God they don't need human gunners. Imagine being lowered into the slipstream of a B-1 going 350 knots.
one can be a Democrat, or one can choose to be an American.
Good acting requires an imagination; reality requires a person not getting lost in their imagination.
"It's better to have a gun if you need it". Felix's opthamologist
Good acting requires an imagination; reality requires a person not getting lost in their imagination.
"It's better to have a gun if you need it". Felix's opthamologist
- HTRN
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Re: AB-1?
It is indeed a wonderplane, as it outperforms basically everybody else out there. Theres a reason why all are nominal allies are chomping at the bit to buy them.
The ral future for Dews in service seems to be CIWs on ships with large powerplants.
HTRN, I would tell you that you are an evil fucker, but you probably get that a lot ~ Netpackrat
Describing what HTRN does as "antics" is like describing the wreck of the Titanic as "a minor boating incident" ~ First Shirt
Describing what HTRN does as "antics" is like describing the wreck of the Titanic as "a minor boating incident" ~ First Shirt
- MiddleAgedKen
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Re: AB-1?
Now that it appears there's going to be a Space Force, DEWS can be deployed in the screaming void of spaaaaaaaaace!
Shop at Traitor Joe's: Just 10% to the Big Guy gets you the whole store and everything in it!
- g-man
- Posts: 1430
- Joined: Tue Aug 19, 2008 4:40 pm
Re: AB-1?
I'm not saying it's not badass. I'm saying it's not NEARLY as badass as its pricetag says it should be. The AF mortgaged their entire force structure for that bird, and have perpetually screwed the manning pooch for better than a decade as a result.
Igitur qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum
- HTRN
- Posts: 12399
- Joined: Wed Aug 20, 2008 3:05 am
Re: AB-1?
Considering the "r" retrofit got shelved, and was far less ambitious? Almost a certainty.
HTRN, I would tell you that you are an evil fucker, but you probably get that a lot ~ Netpackrat
Describing what HTRN does as "antics" is like describing the wreck of the Titanic as "a minor boating incident" ~ First Shirt
Describing what HTRN does as "antics" is like describing the wreck of the Titanic as "a minor boating incident" ~ First Shirt
- Jericho941
- Posts: 5180
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Re: AB-1?
I expect that, in the age of the SDB, the AB-1 concept has even less of a chance to survive than the B-1R concept.
And as for the F-35 being overpriced, I place the blame for that solidly on the B model.
And as for the F-35 being overpriced, I place the blame for that solidly on the B model.
- HTRN
- Posts: 12399
- Joined: Wed Aug 20, 2008 3:05 am
Re: AB-1?
Yup, yup. Completely new vtol system vs the harrier, making it much safer tho fly.
Ultra low observable, better even than the f22
Beyond bleeding edge avionics integrated into the plane to maintain low observability
3 different variants all built on basically the same airframe, and all with radically different requirements.
Its going to eventually replace all US combat aircraft in the future.
Ultra low observable, better even than the f22
Beyond bleeding edge avionics integrated into the plane to maintain low observability
3 different variants all built on basically the same airframe, and all with radically different requirements.
Its going to eventually replace all US combat aircraft in the future.
HTRN, I would tell you that you are an evil fucker, but you probably get that a lot ~ Netpackrat
Describing what HTRN does as "antics" is like describing the wreck of the Titanic as "a minor boating incident" ~ First Shirt
Describing what HTRN does as "antics" is like describing the wreck of the Titanic as "a minor boating incident" ~ First Shirt