UNITED
STATES AIR FORCE
FUTURE WEAPONS PROPOSALS
AIR FORCE 2025 STUDY
1.1
Hypersonic Attack Aircraft
A high-speed strike vehicle capable of projecting lethal force
anywhere in the world in less than four hours. Operating at
Mach 12 and a cruise altitude of 100,000 ft, this vehicle is
a reusable two-stage system comprised of an unmanned boost vehicle
and a manned hypersonic strike aircraft. The gas turbine-engined
boost vehicle requires a conventional runway and accelerates
the strike vehicle to Mach 3.5 and 65,000 ft. The strike vehicle
then separates and uses a ramjet/scramjet engine to reach its
cruise condition. The total system range is 10,000 nautical
miles (NM); the hypersonic strike vehicle has an unrefueled
range of 5,000 NM. It is capable of launching precision-guided
munitions, including the hypersonic air-to-ground missile described
in system 5.4, at a standoff distance of 1,450 NM. Alternatively,
the platform may be used to transport an uninhabited unmanned
air vehicle described in system 4.2.
1.2
FotoFighter A highly
maneuverable, stealthy, inhabited advanced fighter aircraft
whose skin is fitted with an array of diode lasers and sensors.
Efficient electronic control of the laser arrays allows this
fighter to engage multiple targets simultaneously with varying
degrees of lethality. At low powers, the arrays can function
as transmitters and receivers for low probability of interception
(LPI) communications. Threat detection, target illumination,
and tracking are also possible.
1.3
Container Aircraft
An aircraft consisting of an airlifter in which standard shipping
containers form integral structures of the fuselage. The aircraft
consists of three baseline sections: the cockpit, the wingbox,
and the empennage. In its simplest form, the "short" version-the
aircraft is capable of flight by joining the cockpit, wingbox,
and empennage directly together. With standard shipping containers
installed between the cockpit and wingbox and between the wingbox
and the empennage, the aircraft can be configured to carry cargo
("stretch" version). The first wave of container aircraft to
arrive in a theater of operations "disassembled." The cockpit
then forms a command and control facility, the aircraft engines
generate the base power, the wings provide fuel storage, and
the containers themselves (when empty) provide shelter for troops,
supplies, and equipment. This concept provides a mobile base.
1.4
Lighter-than-Air Airlifter
A very large capacity, rigid-frame lighter-than-air vehicle
that provides one million pound airlift capability with a unrefueled
range of 1,2500 NM. This vehicle also has the ability to deploy
and recover powered UAVs while stationary or in-transit. Vehicle
is able to house support materiel, personnel, and MEDVAC modules
depending upon mission requirements.
1.5
Supersonic Airlifter
A Mach 2.4 supersonic airlifter that provides 50,000 pound airlift
capability with a unrefueled range of 5,000 NM. This vehicle
provides the capability to deliver military personnel (roughly
150), advanced precision weapons, and appropriate resupply anywhere
in the world within hours.
1.6
Stealth Airlifter
(SA) An all-weather, low-observable aircraft capable of low
supersonic cruise and dedicated to special operations forces
(SOF). With an unrefueled range up to 4,000 NM, it can be used
to insert and extract SOF teams, as well as to extract high
value assets (HVA) and weapons of mass destruction. The SA connected
to a global information management system (say, GIMS System
8.1) for all source intelligence, weather, navigation, and communications.
1.7
Global Transport Aircraft
(GTA) A global reach transport airplane of less than one million
pounds take off gross weight, capable of carrying 150,000-250,000
pounds 12,000 to 10,000 NM respectively. This vehicle also can
deploy powered UAVs and parafoils. The GTA house support materiel,
personnel, and MEDVAC modules, depending upon mission requirements.
This aircraft also be modified for use as a tanker.
2.1
Strike UAV A low-observable,
uninhabited air vehicle that loiters subsonically over the region
of interest for long periods of time (24+ hours) until directed
to strike. Its primary mission is to engage ground targets with
standoff precision munitions; however, it also has a limited
air-to-air capability. It relies on off-board sensors to supply
reconnaissance and targeting information as well as command
and control, although it has sufficient on-board sensor capability
to allow it to perform preprogrammed missions.
2.2
Reconnaissance UAV
An uninhabited reconnaissance aerial vehicle (URAV) that can
be employed either as an independent system or in conjunction
with other airborne, ground-based, and spaceborne systems. The
URAV is fitted with a variety of multispectral sensors, such
as infrared, optical, radar, and laser, and collects images,
signals intelligence (SIGINT), electronic intelligence (ELINT),
and other information. It loiters subsonically at very high
altitudes over the region of interest for extended periods of
time without refueling. The URAV also can be used as part of
a bistatic configuration, in which it illuminates the region
of interest while different sensors receive and process the
information.
2.3
Uninhabited Combat
Air Vehicle (UCAV) A vehicle that can be employed either
as an independent system or in conjunction with other airborne,
ground-based, and space- based systems. It carries a suite of
multispectral sensors (optical, infrared, radar, laser, etc.)
supplies information to its suite of standoff precision guided
munitions. UCAV loiters at high altitude over the region of
interest for long periods of time (24+ hours) until called upon
to strike a target. While in its subsonic loiter mode, it can
perform a surveillance and reconnaissance mission for the Global
Information Management System (System 8.1). It could be used
as part of a bistatic configuration in which it illuminates
a region of interest while a different sensor receives and processes
the information. As a secondary mission, it can perform electronic
countermeasures (ECM) and electronic counter-countermeasures
(ECCM) roles.
2.4
Precision Delivery
System A suite of powered and parafoil UAVs capable of autonomous
flight for the purpose of all-weather precision (within 1 meter)
airdrop. High altitude (40,000 ft) precision airdrops can be
achieved using GPS or INS-guided parafoil delivery systems.
This technique allows equipment/supplies to be delivered to
forward-deployed forces while transport aircraft remain hundreds
of miles from the drop zone. Positions can be determined using
light detection and ranging (LIDAR) or a GPS instrumented radio
drop sound. Powered UAVs and deliver smaller, high value packages
from greater standoff ranges.
2.5
UAV Mothership
A large capacity, long-loiter-time, uninhabited subsonic air
vehicle used to deploy and recover smaller combat UAVs. It also
can replenish them with weapons and propellant. This air vehicle
has the ability to collect, convert and store solar energy,
and then transfer energy through physical means or via beaming
to other airborne vehicles such as the FotoFighter (System 1.2).
2.6
Exfiltration Rocket
(ER) A system designed to quickly extract special operations
forces (SOF) teams from the mission area. This system would
be brought in during the SOF insertion and assembled at the
exfiltration launch site. After mission completion, the SOF
team members load themselves and any other items, such as a
high value asset (HVA) or weapon of mass destruction (WMD),
into the ER and then take off. The payload and passengers are
recovered via an air-retrievable payload system or through a
"soft" landing in a friendly area.
3.1
Orbital Maneuvering
Vehicle (OMV) An uninhabited orbital propulsion and docking
system used to take payloads from an earth-to-orbit lift vehicle
and place them in their final orbital plane, or used to fetch
and return orbiting payloads to a central repair and recovery
location. The system is be capable of carrying line replaceable
units (LRU) to a damaged/degraded satellite and accomplishing
on-site repair or replacement. It is designed to allow refueling
of civil, commercial, and military satellites as well as the
rearming of military space weapons platforms.
3.2
Orbital Combat Vehicle
(OCV) An uninhabited orbital propulsion and docking system used
to take payloads from an earth-to-orbit lift vehicle and place
them in their final orbital plane, or used to fetch and return
orbiting payloads to a central repair and recovery location.
The system can also carry line replaceable units to a damaged/
degraded satellite and accomplish on-site repair or replacement.
It is designed to allow refueling of civil, commercial, and
military satellites as well as the rearming of military space
weapons platforms. The OCV is fitted with a medium power high-energy
laser system for limited defense and counterspace missions.
3.3
Satellite Bodyguards
A small constellation of defensive satellites (approximately
five) placed in close proximity to the protected asset. "Hunter-killers"
actively seek out threats and incapacitate them with directed
energy weapons. Detection of threats from the surface or air
is done by an off-board sensor suite (say, systems 8.1 or 8.2)
and supplied to the "hunter-killer" satellites. Detection of
space-based threats is done by the "hunter-killer" satellites
themselves. Decoy satellites appear identical (both electromagnetic
and visual) to the protected assets to confuse an aggressor;
when approached, the decoy can impact and disable the enemy
craft.
4.1
Piloted SSTO Transatmospheric
Vehicle A system that provides space support and global
reach from the earth's surface to low-earth orbit (LEO) using
a combination of rocket and hypersonic air-breathing technology.
The transatmospheric vehicle (TAV) takes off vertically, is
refuelable in either air or space, and can land on a conventional
runway. It has a variable payload capacity (up to 10,000 pounds)
and performs as both a sensor and weapons platform. Alternate
missions include satellite deployment and retrieval from LEO
and deployment of an anti-ASAT weapon.
4.2
Uninhabited Air-Launched
Transatmospheric Vehicle A multirole transatmospheric vehicle
(TAV). Launched from an airborne platform (such as System 1.1),
it is capable of rapid deployment (or retrieval) of satellites
providing communication links, intelligence information, and
so forth. It carries a suite of multispectral sensors (optical,
infrared, radar, laser, etc.) for surveillance and reconnaissance
missions. This TAV is a rocket-powered vehicle approximately
the size of an F-15, capable of carrying several small satellites
(6 ft x 6 ft x 6 ft, 1000 lbs each) to low earth orbit. Further,
it could perform an antisatellite (ASAT) role. This TAV can
land on a conventional runway.
5.1
Adjustable Yield Munition
(AYM) An approach to achieve precise matching of the weapon's
effect to the target's characteristics. By manipulating the
explosive yield of a weapon (i.e., "dial-a-yield"), together
can greatly reduce collateral damage. This is particularly advantageous
when flexibility and precision are both required: a platform
on patrol, awaiting targets of opportunity, can utilize the
same weapon for a hard kill with a large yield or for a surgical,
mission-only kill with a tailored yield. One approach to controlling
the yield is to change the material composition of the explosive
at the molecular level.
5.2
Advanced Air-to-Air
Missile A long range air-to-air missile that receives real-time
target information from off-board sensors and utilizes reactive
jets and an on-board computer to acquire, pursue and destroy
enemy air assets, including cruise missiles. Terminal tracking
and guidance may employ a combination of LIDAR, Infrared (IR),
radio frequency (RF), magnetic anomaly detection (MAD), Jet
engine modulation (JEM), photographic, and acoustic sensors.
5.3
Airborne High-Power
Microwave Weapon A pulsed power airborne high power microwave
(HPM) system. This medium range weapons system constitutes the
primary payload of the host escort defense aircraft. The system
generates variable magnitude HPM fields that disrupt or destroy
electrical components in the target region. It can engage both
air and ground targets.
5.4
Standoff Hypersonic
Missile An hypersonic air-to-ground missile launched from
a hypersonic strike vehicle (System 1.1). It utilizes a scramjet
to propel itself at Mach 8 toward the intended high-value target,
then glides to target at Mach 4; its flight trajectory is altered
as needed via off-board control. Its high-speed air-launched
range is 1,450 NM.
5.5
Attack Microbots
A term that describes a class of highly miniaturized (1 millimeter
scale) electromechanical systems being deployable en masse and
performing individual or collective target attack. Various deployment
approaches are possible, including dispersal as an aerosol,
transportation by a larger platform, and full flying/crawling
autonomy. Attack is accomplished by a variety of robotic effectors,
electromagnetic measures, or energetic materials. Some "sensor
microbot" capabilities are required for target acquisition and
analysis.
[lrec]
5.6
Airborne Holographic
Projector A projector system that displays a three-dimensional
visual image in a desired location, removed from the display
generator. The projector can be used for psychological operations
and strategic perception management. It is also useful for optical
deception and cloaking, providing a momentary distraction when
engaging an unsophisticated adversary.
5.7
Hybrid High-energy
Laser System (HHELS) A system consisting of several ground-based,
multimegawatt high-energy chemical lasers and a constellation
of space-based mirrors. HHELS can be used in several modes of
operation. In its weapons mode with the laser at high power,
it engages air, space, and ground targets by reflecting a laser
beam off one or more of the mirrors to the intended target.
It can also be used for target tracking, limited space debris
removal (1-10 centimeter objects), and replenishment of satellites.
6.1
Global Area Strike
System (GLASS) A system incorporating of a high-energy laser
(HEL) system, a kinetic energy weapon (KEW) system, and a transatmospheric
vehicle (TAV). The HEL system consists of ground-based lasers
and space-based mirrors which direct energy to the intended
target. The KEW system (System 6.2) consists of terminally guided
projectiles, with and without explosive enhancers. The TAV (System
4.1) is a flexible platform capable of supporting maintenance
and replenishment of the HEL and KEW space assets, and can also
be used for rapid deployment of special operations forces. Target
definition and sequencing is managed externally (e. g., using
GIMS (System 8.1)).
6.2
Space-Based Kinetic
Energy Weapon (KEW) A general class of low earth orbit (LEO)
based weapons that include a variety of warhead types from flechettes
and pellets to large and small high density rods. The KEW may
be directed at air, space, and ground targets; it achieves its
destructive effect by penetrating the target at hypervelocity.
Sensor information is provided to the KEW by a main sensor suite
off-board of the vehicle (such as GSRT [System 8.2] or GIMS
[System 8.1]). However, each armament has a minimal sensor capability
(e. g., GPS receiver) and a simple flight control system for
maneuver.
6.3
Space-Based High Power
Microwave Weapon (HPM) A weapon system capable of engaging
ground, air, and space targets with a varying degree of lethality.
It consists of a constellation of satellites deployed in low-earth
orbit (LEO) (approx. 500 NM) that can direct an ultrawideband
(UWB) of microwave energy at ground, air, and space targets.
Its effect is to generate high electric fields over a target
area tens to hundreds of meters in size, thereby disrupting
or destroying any electronic components present.
6.4
Space-Based High-energy
Laser (HEL) System A multimegawatt high-energy chemical
laser constellation that can be used in several modes of operation.
In its weapons mode with the laser at high power, it can attack
ground, air, and space targets. In its surveillance mode, it
can operate using the laser at low power levels for active illumination
imaging or with the laser inoperative for passive imaging.
6.5
Solar-Powered High-energy
Laser System A space-based, multimegawatt, high-energy solar-powered
laser constellation that can be used in several modes of operation.
In its weapons mode with the laser at high power, it can attack
ground, air, and space targets. In its surveillance mode, it
can operate using the laser at low power levels for active illumination
imaging, or with the laser inoperative for passive imaging.
6.6
Solar Energy Optical
Weapon (SEOW) A constellation of space-based mirrors which
allow solar radiation to be focused on specific ground, air,
or space targets. The lethality of this system is limited, due
to optical diffusion; however, it may prove useful for disruption
or perhaps weather control.
6.7
Asteroid Mitigation
System A system that protects the Earth/Moon system from
Earth- crossing objects (ECOs) by either deflecting or fragmenting
ECOs such that they no longer pose a threat. Deflection could
be accomplished using nuclear explosive devices.
7.1
Spoken Language Translator
A hand-held or worn device that translates oral communications
in near real-time. It enhances multinational operational effectiveness
in all areas, including training, diplomacy, special operations,
and conventional ground operations. It is capable of one-for-one
word substitution in a wide variety of languages, and it provides
two-way communications between the owner and another person.
The system has a limited ability to compensate for differences
in sentence syntactic structures, cultures, dialects, and idioms/slang,
and a limited ability to select words according to context.
Careful placement of both microphones and both speakers is required
for deconfliction (not having to hear both languages simultaneously),
limiting the scope of its operation; the system is best suited
for controlled two-way communications such as by telephone,
radio, or computer. The system also is useful for written text
translation.
7.2
Personal Digital Assistant
(PDA) An individual's connection to the information systems
of 2025. This assistant is a hand-held or wristwatch size unit.
Input modes include both touch and voice. The PDA is the warrior's
secure, high-capacity connection to the distributed C4I system.
The PDA maintains the owner's personal data such as medical
and training records. It learns and remembers the owner's preferences
and needs so that requests for information are properly tailored.
It is self-securing: it recognizes the owner through a number
of biometrics which ensures that it cannot be commandeered.
In short, the PDA is a single device replaces the cellular telephone,
radio, personal computer, identification and banking cards,
and any other personal information- management device of the
nineties.
7.3
Virtual Interaction
Center A virtual reality environment in which commanders
can immerse themselves in a three-dimensional representation
of the battlespace. Information from a global information system,
such as GIMS (System 8.1) is displayed in a virtual reality
environment, giving the commander situational awareness. The
center also has the capability to replay battles and engagements
and to simulate "what if" scenarios.
8.1
Global Information
Management System (GIMS) A pervasive network of intelligent
information gathering, processing, analysis, and advisory nodes.
It collects, stores, analyzes, fuses, and manages information
from ground/air/space sensors and all source intelligence. All
types of sensors (i.e., acoustic, optical, radio frequency,
olfactory, etc.) are used. However, the true power of this system
is its use of neural processing to provide the right type of
information based on the user's personal requirements.
8.2
Global Surveillance,
Reconnaissance, and Targeting System (GSRT) A space-based
omnisensorial collection, processing, and dissemination system
to provide a real-time information database. This database is
used to create a virtual-reality image of the area of interest.
This image can be used at all levels of command to provide situational
awareness, technical and intelligence information, and two-way
command and control.
8.3
Sensor Microbots
A class of highly miniaturized (millimeter sized) electromechanical
air and ground systems capable of being deployed en masse to
collect data, perform individual and collective data fusion,
and communicate that data for further processing and distribution.
Various deployment approaches are possible, including dispersal
as an aerosol, transportation by a larger platform, and full
flying/crawling autonomy. Data collection is accomplished through
miniaturized onboard sensors, typically restricted to one or
two sensors per unit due to size and power limitations. Communications
are possible by transmission through relay stations ("relaybots")
or physical collection of the microbots. Some applications of
sensor microbots are security net to guard own assets, surveillance
and reconnaissance, and intelligence gathering on adversary
assets.
8.4
Multiband Laser Sensor
System A suite of laser devices that inspects and models
target components. Different frequencies of electromagnetic
energy vary in their ability to penetrate materials. For a particular
material, one frequency will reflect off the surface, another
will penetrate. By employing a suite of laser devices over a
wide frequency range, planners can accomplish complete internal
and external inspection of a structure and develop a full three-dimensional
model. This tool can be used for nondestructive inspection of
components, target vulnerability analysis, target identification
and decoy rejection, and reconnaissance. This suite of laser
devices can be carried on an airborne platform, but it clearly
has ground-based applications also.
8.5
Asteroid Detection
System A network of ground and space sensors which search
for, track, and characterize space objects that are large enough
and in an orbit to threaten the earth-moon system. The system
also includes a centralized processing center that fuses data
from all of the available sensors, catalogs the known objects,
and distributes information to the known authorities.
9.1
Mobile Asset Repair
Station (MARS) A mobile facility near the battlefront where
parts can be repaired or manufactured . In wartime, replacement
parts are repaired or manufactured in the theater of operations
for a variety of deployed weapon systems through MARS. The mobile
facility can be land-based or water-based in the theater of
operations, but out of harm's way. The facility features a set
of fully-integrated flexible manufacturing systems (FMS) and
robotic systems that are linked to the commercial manufacturers.
These manufacturers supply the specifications to the FMS which
then produces the part or component. Many of the required materials
necessary for MARS to manufacture the components obtained from
local countries.
9.2
Weather Analysis and
Modification System A diverse set of weather prediction
and modification tools that allows manipulation of small-to-medium-scale
weather phenomena to enhance friendly-force capabilities and
degrade those of the adversary. Many of the sensors required
for this system are assumed to be external e. g., part of the
global information management system (GIMS), discussed in System
8.1.
9.2
Sanctuary Base
A secure, low observable, all-weather forward-operating base
that reduces the number of assets requiring protection from
attack. The runway, power systems, ordnance storage, aircraft
maintenance assets, and C4I systems are self-maintaining and
self-repairing. Base security is highly automated. Chemical/
biological hazards are cleaned up by nanobots and biotechnology.
Robots perform refueling, weapons loading, maintenance, security,
and explosive ordnance destruction.