What's the status on the CUDA program

[neptune]

There is a certain irony here: sometimes, when you see a concept appear to fall of the face of the Earth, it isn't because it went no-where, but rather because it became something important enough to make secret.

When's the last time that happened?

A couple of years back there was some brief publication on optical recognition systems in helicopters with a few test results and then "BLACKVOID" nothing and no references, etc. ....by the way, the, facial recognition program is a common variety security system for all commecial camera systems in your office and mine.....

[mixelflick]

Back to CUDA

Is it coming or not?

[Dragon029]

In short; eventually, but it's unlikely it'll be "CUDA"; more likely some other, evolution of the program.

[jessmo111]

Bumping cuda.

Is there any new info on this program?
Was the design goal of the program to have AMRAAMD range?

Here is an old article

A Lockheed Martin model shows how its “’Cuda” concept for a small AMRAAM-class radar guided dogfight missile could triple the air-to-air internal loadout on an F-35. The missile is about the size of a Small Diameter Bomb and fits on an SDB-style rack.”

Photo caption aside, almost nothing is known about the “Cuda” missile.

“We are having some challenges getting information on Cuda cleared for public release,” Cheryl Amerine, Cuda POC at the Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, told The Aviationist.

“Cuda is a Lockheed Martin multi-role Hit-to-Kill (HTK) missile concept. Lockheed Martin has discussed the missile concept with the United States Air Force. The Cuda concept significantly increases the internal carriage capacity for 5th generation fighters (provides 2X to 3X capacity). Combat proven HTK technology has been in the US Army for over a decade. Bringing this proven HTK technology to the USAF will provide potentially transformational new capabilities and options for new CONOPS.”

First of all, the F-35 will carry kinetic energy interceptors: “hit-to-kill” weapons rely on the kinetic energy of the impact The Hit-to-Kill missile technology Lockheed is designing for the USAF is still classified and some of the capabilities of the Cuda missile are being reviewed for public release. Still, something can be said based on the few details available.to destroy their target. That’s why some HTK missiles don’t carry any warhead (others use a lethality enhancer warhead

HTK technologies can be used for missile defense (Scuds, rockets or even ballistic missiles). Is someone at the Pentagon studying the possibilty to use F-35s carrying clusters of Cudas as aerial anti-missile systems to intercept small rockets, SAMs (surface-to-air missiles)?

Second, that unlike Sidewinders, Cuda missiles, rather than being equipped with an IIR (Imaging Infra Red) seeker, will be radar-guided. This means they will be ejected from the internal bays in such a way the exposure of the stealth plane is reduced.

Third, the possible integration of the Cuda with the F-22: since a Raptor can carry eight SDB, it can theoretically carry up to eight Cuda, even if the perfect air-to-air loadout could be mix of AIM-120 AMRAAM, AIM-9X and Cuda missiles



https://theaviationist.com/2012/11/30/cuda/

Ive noted that there is no wiki page on this weapon. It must have went dark. This may also be the reason for the feet dragging on 6 AMRAAM internal integration.

[jessmo111]

Imagine the B-1R concept with Cuda.

It would essentially become a flying arsenal ship.

[Dragon029]

Is there any new info on this program?

This isn't exactly fresh news, but CUDA is a Lockheed concept for the SACM program (Lockheed also has the KICM concept for the MSDM program). Recently, Raytheon was awarded funding to develop technologies for their SACM concept (which hasn't been shown, but would be similar to CUDA). Lockheed has stated that they will continue to fund CUDA and KICM development regardless. Even if they don't get cancelled or rebranded, don't expect SACM or MSDM to enter service until the mid-2020s at the earliest.

Was the design goal of the program to have AMRAAMD range?

I don't believe so, just a AIM-120C type of range; we are, after all, talking about a missile half the length of the AMRAAM. AIM-120D or greater ranges may be achieved with something like a 2-stage CUDA, or they may just look towards developing purpose-built ramjet / scramjet missiles for better missile NEZs.

Ive noted that there is no wiki page on this weapon. It must have went dark. This may also be the reason for the feet dragging on 6 AMRAAM internal integration.

It may be why 6x AMRAAM integration is lagging, but just be aware though that missile programs generally have quite little publicity; just look at how little we saw / heard about T3 or NGM / JDRADM. We likely will never see or hear much more about SACM (CUDA) or MSDM unless a production contract is awarded and they get through to actual operational testing.

[sferrin]

CUDA did show up again recently but I don't know to what degree (if any) it's still being worked on:

http://www.secretprojects.co.uk/forum/i ... #msg281576

[mixelflick]

CUDA or something like it would be absolute game changer for F-35 AND F-22. Never mind the legacy fleet and so called "arsenal" aircraft.

Surely, the air force knows this. I'm a little concerned they're not (from what I'm reading), offering a helping $ hand..

[castlebravo]

They might be waiting for a new propulsion or seeker technology to mature, or maybe they want to get a better idea of what a potential adversary LO aircraft will be capable of before committing on a new weapon design.

[sprstdlyscottsmn]

They might be waiting for a new propulsion or seeker technology to mature, or maybe they want to get a better idea of what a potential adversary LO aircraft will be capable of before committing on a new weapon design.

I would think that datalinked IIR LOAL would be the ideal for jamming resistance, maybe duel mode seekers. As is the AMRAAM is only told "go over there, look for an aircraft at this speed/alt/heading and lock that guy up". With an IIR seeker you lose the ability to measure target speed/alt/heading/range and are down to relative azimuth and elevation but there is no signal to alert the target or allow it to jam.

Just a thought, and certainly not my final one.

[castlebravo]

An imaging sensor attached to a target recognition database could determine range. IMO, the problem with imaging sensors for primary terminal guidance at long range is the ability of the target to hide in weather. In a knife-fight, the other guy doesn't have time to duck into the clouds with a -9X on his a$$, but if sensors like DAS can detect a long-range missile shot, the targeted pilot might be able to find some concealment.

[bring_it_on]

https://www.scribd.com/doc/315310353/MSSP

[mor10]

Came across this in Octobers Aviation Week

[Corsair1963]

GREAT NEWS AND ABOUT TIME!

[hornetfinn]

They might be waiting for a new propulsion or seeker technology to mature, or maybe they want to get a better idea of what a potential adversary LO aircraft will be capable of before committing on a new weapon design.

I would think that datalinked IIR LOAL would be the ideal for jamming resistance, maybe duel mode seekers. As is the AMRAAM is only told "go over there, look for an aircraft at this speed/alt/heading and lock that guy up". With an IIR seeker you lose the ability to measure target speed/alt/heading/range and are down to relative azimuth and elevation but there is no signal to alert the target or allow it to jam.

Just a thought, and certainly not my final one.

Dual mode IIR + active radar would be great. It would be possible to use the radar only to measure range to target and use IIR seeker to track it continually. Then radar would be used just to "ping" the target from time to time which would be very difficult to detect and be considered as a threat. Of course the radar could also be used as main sensor in poor IR visibility conditions.