Air Force doubts JSTARS replacement could fly in contested airspace

The latest nail in the E-8C recapitalization program is a statement by Gen Mike Holmes that they aren't sure the aircraft could fly in contested airspace. They are trying to find where the aircraft will fit in an inventory that already has several GMTI systems in service.

All of the current, or under development systems are for permissive environments. If the Air Force is going to preform the mission in contested airspace they will need to develop a platform that can carry a GMTI and survive in contested airspace.

www.flightglobal.com...

a reply to: Zaphod58

I can understand the concern, but who, at this time would be capable of contesting air space against US forces?

a reply to: Mach2

China and Russia. Their ground defenses will be a stone cold bitch to open up.

a reply to: Zaphod58

Possibly, but I really don't see a scenario where that becomes an issue. I know, anything is possible, but if that circumstance arises, the world becomes one big sheet of glass anyway.

a reply to: Mach2

The odds of it happening are incredibly remote, but you plan to fight the strongest opponent you might face, and build your forces for that. If you have forces that can take them on, then taking on a lesser opponent won't be as difficult.

a reply to: Zaphod58

with aging stealth platform and new ones coming out, why not use an older stealthier aircraft or co-op a new one. i dont see why a drone couldnt do it, with the crew on the ground.

a reply to: penroc3

Because that means you either need one more sensor, or to replace a sensor system with a GMTI capable radar.

Wouldnt it be cool if we already had a solution for this?

a reply to: BASSPLYR

thats kind of what i was getting at.

I think the formula goes like this

contractors make a great project--->gets taken up by some XXX agency----->air force---->publicly say you are funding building one---->years later it starts to come gray---->its in an air museum

a reply to: penroc3

Or buried in the desert somewhere...

originally posted by: BASSPLYR
Wouldnt it be cool if we already had a solution for this?

Yes, if only we had any experience with LPI phased--array GMTI sensors on VLO airframes...

I've a whale of a tale to tell ye lads...

a reply to: RadioRobert

Yes if only.....



Btw

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a reply to: BASSPLYR

Just a 40 year old program...

a reply to: RadioRobert
😊
Now to see if the aviation members can put it all together. Im sure a few already have.

Shamu....!!!a reply to: BASSPLYR