JSTARS replacement shaping up to be summer blockbuster

a reply to: mbkennel

There's also the possibility that this radar has already been developed for an, uh, unnamed platform.

Or, Raytheon already has a working prototype with the AAS.
Exclusive: P-8 Poseidon Flies With Shadowy Radar System Attached

originally posted by: Zaphod58
a reply to: In4ormant

No. JSTARS is a Ground Moving Target Indicator radar. That means it only tracks objects on the ground, such as trucks, or cars. It's not capable of detecting airborne targets of any type.

The last sentence is not particularly true. Also, MTI is only one of the modes the current radar can operate in.

But it doesn't have anything to do with an AWACS replacement, no.

a reply to: _Del_

At the time I went on it, it was true.

a reply to: Northernhollow

Thanks for the link.

I'm reading about the P-8. It looks awesome. Integrated surveillance and weapons in one.

Why doesn't USAF fly this as combat support? How many ISIS martyrs could it plink?

An unnamed fourth competitor was eliminated, leaving the big three to develop their prototypes. The Air Force prefers flying prototypes, but they don't necessarily have to be by the deadline.

Are they replacing the Angelfire system as well?

a reply to: Zaphod58

Just curious... Would you know the identity of the unnamed fourth competitor?
Just trying to figure up who decided to submit a challenge against the big three.

The G550 platform has nearly double the unrefueled range of the 737 and the Bombardier longest of all but not much over the G550.

Boeing has some commonality with P-8, easier maintenance training?

Loiter time in theatre would seem advantageous in this kind of role

Don't know field length requirements but if one offers significantly shorter runways that'd up flexibility.

.

a reply to: hawks

For sure, no. But they opened it up to Airbus, Dassault, and Bombardier. Best guess is Dassault. Airbus has stated they want the US market, but after the tanker has largely given up in it for now. Bombardier already indirectly has an entry with Lockheed. Raytheon is also already in through partnerships.

And the Air Force has their excuse to push the program back. They say they won't, because right now mission capable rates are under 60%, but it's never come across as a high priority, especially compared to other programs.

A recently completed fatigue study shows that the current aircraft can fly until between 2023 and 2034 depending on the airframe in question. That gives them a few more years to get them replaced.

www.flightglobal.com...

Radar can only find stuff but can it ID targets?Or will "other" assets aboard get visual confirmation?

a reply to: Blackfinger

It's their job to find them. Others will handle the rest.

Interesting take on what to do here

www.thedrive.com...

Makes alot of sense