More CUDA Info

[popcorn]

I've seen estimates of CUDA's weight hovering around 180lbs. This is substantially lower than the -9X, let alone the -120D. They all use similar hi-tech components e.g. electronics, rocket engines, seekers, etc. and labor so if their respective cost per pound are similar, then CUDA may be a bargain.

[arkadyrenko]

popcorn - lower weight with same or higher capability probably means higher costs. You're packing in more tech into a smaller area.

As for range, I'd be surprised if it goes into the long range arena. Lockheed says beyond visual range, that could mean at the lowest 20nm. If Lockheed does get long range from the Cuda, then it is a giant leap forward in missile technology and one which you'd expect Lockheed to broadcast widely.

[popcorn]

popcorn - lower weight with same or higher capability probably means higher costs. You're packing in more tech into a smaller area.

As for range, I'd be surprised if it goes into the long range arena. Lockheed says beyond visual range, that could mean at the lowest 20nm. If Lockheed does get long range from the Cuda, then it is a giant leap forward in missile technology and one which you'd expect Lockheed to broadcast widely.

Or, like cellphones, advancing tech makes advanced capabilities affordable. E.g. moore's law, etc. It's not just up to LM to toot their own horn. The AF has been vetting all public disclosures, noteworthy for what is supposed to be a private initiative. Methinks the AF has some skin in the game.. in any case NEED TO KNOW applies.

[wrightwing]

popcorn - lower weight with same or higher capability probably means higher costs. You're packing in more tech into a smaller area.

As for range, I'd be surprised if it goes into the long range arena. Lockheed says beyond visual range, that could mean at the lowest 20nm. If Lockheed does get long range from the Cuda, then it is a giant leap forward in missile technology and one which you'd expect Lockheed to broadcast widely.

Well they did say that it had comparable range to the AMRAAM, which is much better than 20nm. That's why it's such an interesting prospect. It wouldn't make much sense to pack 12 AIM-9X class weapons internally.

[uclass]

They could mean an AMRAAM A. I see it being around 70km in range realistically, which is still a lot for a missile 1.78m long. Most missiles 3m long don't have that range.

[hobo]

What the brochure actually said was : "Expands BVR engagement zones."

It also describes it as "medium range."

[wrightwing]

They could mean an AMRAAM A. I see it being around 70km in range realistically, which is still a lot for a missile 1.78m long. Most missiles 3m long don't have that range.

It's already been discussed here, but the missile has a high fuel fraction. Without sacrificing fuel capacity, to make room for a warhead, there's a much better ratio, than in a typical AAM.

[Corsair1963]

Any updates???

[KamenRiderBlade]

What is LM's definition of Medium Range?

[sprstdlyscottsmn]

look at it this way, at half the weight/length of an AMRAAM with the same fuel load, it would take greatly reduced thrust to maintain the same flight profile (speed/altitude/loft) meaning that the same fuel load lasts much longer with a slower burning motor, so yes I see it as having tremendous range. Also, the endgame agility should be absurd as it has increased fin area (but not span, keeping drag down) and, once the fuel is burnt up, very very very little weight.

[count_to_10]

Endgame agility is handled by the array of solid rocket attitude control thrusters.

[castlebravo]

look at it this way, at half the weight/length of an AMRAAM with the same fuel load, it would take greatly reduced thrust to maintain the same flight profile (speed/altitude/loft) meaning that the same fuel load lasts much longer with a slower burning motor, so yes I see it as having tremendous range. Also, the endgame agility should be absurd as it has increased fin area (but not span, keeping drag down) and, once the fuel is burnt up, very very very little weight.

Being half the mass of an AMRAAM, it will take less fuel to accelerate to high speed, but unless it has significantly less drag it will require similar thrust to maintain it. It will also shed energy much faster than AMRAAM once the motor burns out since it has less kinetic energy.

I wonder what kind of performance you would get out of a two-stage CUDA with a booster attached...

[count_to_10]

look at it this way, at half the weight/length of an AMRAAM with the same fuel load, it would take greatly reduced thrust to maintain the same flight profile (speed/altitude/loft) meaning that the same fuel load lasts much longer with a slower burning motor, so yes I see it as having tremendous range. Also, the endgame agility should be absurd as it has increased fin area (but not span, keeping drag down) and, once the fuel is burnt up, very very very little weight.

Being half the mass of an AMRAAM, it will take less fuel to accelerate to high speed, but unless it has significantly less drag it will require similar thrust to maintain it. It will also shed energy much faster than AMRAAM once the motor burns out since it has less kinetic energy.

I wonder what kind of performance you would get out of a two-stage CUDA with a booster attached...

Probably somewhere between "overkill" and "insane".

[popcorn]

look at it this way, at half the weight/length of an AMRAAM with the same fuel load, it would take greatly reduced thrust to maintain the same flight profile (speed/altitude/loft) meaning that the same fuel load lasts much longer with a slower burning motor, so yes I see it as having tremendous range. Also, the endgame agility should be absurd as it has increased fin area (but not span, keeping drag down) and, once the fuel is burnt up, very very very little weight.

Being half the mass of an AMRAAM, it will take less fuel to accelerate to high speed, but unless it has significantly less drag it will require similar thrust to maintain it. It will also shed energy much faster than AMRAAM once the motor burns out since it has less kinetic energy.

I wonder what kind of performance you would get out of a two-stage CUDA with a booster attached...

Nice tradeoff though, With it's current dimensions, you get significant range and performance andwill be able to cram 12 of them into the internal weapons bay. increase the length by a fraction to add more propellant and you cut your internal weapons load by half.
Maybe part of LM's motivation in coming up with the CUDA concept was the satisfaction of shutting up those who question the jet's prospects in the A2A regime.

[sprstdlyscottsmn]

Best sensor suite ever with 12 missiles with full BVR range and 360 degree engagement sphere?