F-35 and X-47B

'neppie' Gotcha. Thanks.

The latest edition of the 'Paddles Monthly' USN LSO Newsletter has an item about MODE 1 approaches which is likely relevant. Even though as you say JPALS will increase accuracy for auto landings and such the pilots will need to do manual landings for all kinds of good reasons (such 'what ifs' - no JPALS?). And even though there is a view that pilots are full of sh*t they need to have confidence in their own ability to land the aircraft aboard under all conditions as best they can. And why not. It will be a lot easier according to test pilots - not forgetting the precision that IFLOLS and new control laws etc. with the F-35C gizmos will bring to turn night into day. Hooray!

Couple-Up for Safety!! 'Paddles Monthly' Feb 2013

http://www.hrana.org/documents/PaddlesM ... ch2013.pdf (1.6Mb)

"I heard a story a few days ago that reminded me of that simple phrase “Couple-up for Safety!” A Hornet was returning to the ship for a standard night Case III recovery. Having been flying at high altitude for an extended period of time, the aircraft rapidly descended to the ship into the hot, humid air that is the Gulf of Oman. Not surprisingly, the pilot ended up IFR in the cockpit with little relief from defogging attempts. The first attempt at recovery was terminated early when the pilot relayed that he could not see the ship at the ball call. So here’s where our simple phrase came into play. With recommendation from Paddles, the pilot coupled up for an ACLS Mode 1. The coupled approach, closely monitored by Paddles, resulted in an uneventful arrestment, demonstrating one of the exact situations for which the system was designed. We are taught early by our senior Paddles and the schoolhouse that the Mode 1 is to be used when the pilot’s ability to land the aircraft safely is degraded; be it IFR in the cockpit, injury, 0-0 conditions, old guys & Marines (editor’s addition), or maybe even just returning to the ship after an 8 hour mission over Afghanistan. Depending on your airwing, you may not see many mode 1s at the ship. So how do you really know that it’s going to be working correctly for these situations?..."

Current setup (NOT JPALS): http://www.navair.navy.mil/img/uploads/PMA213_2.jpg
___________________

http://ftp.rta.nato.int/public//PubFull ... 162-07.pdf

- Mode I: Hands-off approach to touchdown.

- Mode IA: Hands-off approach to ¾ NMI, pilot takeover.

- Mode II: SPN-46 radar provides azimuth and elevation guidance

- Mode III: Ground-controlled approach utilizing the SPN-46 radar for skin track. [Problem with F-35B/C so new system JPALS on way]

- Mode I, IA, and II capabilities require aircraft to have a radar beacon and an on-aircraft data link. [Problem with F-35B/C so new system JPALS on way]
__________

Go here for more explanation: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modern_Uni ... operations

"...Case I
Aircraft awaiting recovery hold in the “port holding pattern”, lefthand circle tangent to the ship’s course with the ship in the 3-o’clock position, and a maximum diameter of 5 nmi. Aircraft typically hold in close formations of two or more and are stacked at various altitudes based on their type/squadron. Minimum holding altitude is 2,000 feet, with a minimum of 1,000 feet vertical separation between holding altitudes....

Case II
This approach is utilized when weather conditions are such that the flight may encounter instrument conditions during the descent, but visual conditions of at least 1,000 feet ceiling and 5 miles visibility exist at the ship. Positive radar control is utilized until the pilot is inside 10 nmi and reports the ship in sight. Flight leaders follow Case III approach procedures outside of 10 nmi. When within 10 nmi with the ship in sight, flights are shifted to tower control and proceed as in Case I.

Case III
This approach is utilized whenever existing weather at the ship is below Case II minimums and during all night flight operations. Case III recoveries are made with single aircraft, with no formations except in an emergency situation)...."

Nice F-14 on the deck of that top pick.

Rockwell Collins provides TTNT for X-47B deck handling trials 20 March 2013 by the Shephard News Team

http://www.shephardmedia.com/news/uv-on ... -handling/


"Rockwell Collins has supplied its Tactical Targeting Network Technology (TTNT) for use in a series of deck handling trials of the X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System (UCAS) aboard the aircraft carrier USS Harry S Truman. The trials were conducted by Northrop Grumman and the US Navy to demonstrate the ability to manoeuvre the X-47B on deck using a wireless handheld controller.

The tests are the latest in a series of activities leading up to the first carrier landings of the tailless, strike-fighter-sized X-47B, which are planned for mid-2013.

TTNT provides high data rate, long-range communication links for airborne platforms. As a complement to existing tactical data link networks, TTNT adds significant airborne network capacity while providing rapid, low latency message delivery. The minimal network planning requirements of TTNT will enable participants to enter and exit the network without extensive preplanning.

Bob Haag, vice president and general manager of Communication and Navigation Products for Rockwell Collins, said: ‘TTNT is part of the overall command and control architecture for the X-47B, and it plays an essential role in helping the aircraft perform vital functions. We’re pleased that our technology is helping Northrop Grumman and the navy successfully prepare for the introduction of unmanned aircraft to carrier operations.’

TTNT has been used in demonstrations of aircraft platforms, including the F-16, F-22, F-15, F/A-18, B-2, B-52, Airborne Warning and Control System, Battlefield Airborne Communications Node and E-2C Hawkeye."

http://www.shephardmedia.com/static/ima ... e/TTNT.jpg

Now the VIDEO:

Rockwell Collins Tactical Targeting Network Technology (TTNT) capabilities

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZRrNIdJ ... r_embedded

"Published on Jul 30, 2012
This video animation demonstrates Rockwell Collins Tactical Targeting Network Technology (TTNT), and its ability to deliver simultaneous voice, data and image services at a very low latency and high throughput via our IP mesh networking technology. TTNT allows for the coordination of multiple mission-critical applications during all phases of operation and reliably moves the right information to the right assets in real-time."

US Navy plans to place four UCLASS development contracts

http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articl ... ts-383924/

US Navy plans to place four UCLASS development contracts

Print By: Zach Rosenberg Washington DC

The US Navy has announced its intention to fund four companies to design new unmanned air vehicles as part of its unmanned carrier-launched airborne surveillance and strike (UCLASS) programme.

Boeing, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman “have credible, existing, comprehensive UCLASS design solutions, and associated production capabilities and facilities” to design UAVs through the preliminary design review phase, the navy says.

The presolicitation, announced on 26 March, is the first step towards securing funding for the carrier-based strike and surveillance aircraft. A full solicitation is likely to go out “in the summer timeframe,” says the navy.

The first UCLASS aircraft are planned for production beginning in fiscal year 2016, following a likely downselect to a single manufacturer.

None of the involved companies had immediate comment, and all declined to share details of their proposals. All four have been working towards a UCLASS-capable aircraft for over a decade. .......

No mention of stealth, interesting! I wonder if an unmanned F-18 or F-35B/C will be offered?

AUVSI Program Review 2013: USS George H W Bush targeted as next carrier for X-47B at-sea trials 15 Mar 20 13 Grace Jean

"The US Navy's (USN's) newest Nimitz-class aircraft carrier will host the next at-sea trials of the X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System demonstrator (UCAS-D), an official announced on 13 February.

Rear Admiral Mathias Winter, the USN's programme executive officer for unmanned aircraft and strike weapons (PEO U&W), said that the X-47B is being prepared to go on board USS George H W Bush (CVN 77), the tenth and final Nimitz-class carrier, in the April to May timeframe, depending on carrier schedules and fall-out from the US budgetary crisis.

The Northrop Grumman-built autonomous aircraft completed its first at-sea tests in December 2012 on board USS Harry S Truman (CVN 75). During the two-week trial period, sailors directed the tail-less aircraft in taxiing trials on the flight deck and also handled the vehicle in the hangar bays.

Harry S Truman was scheduled to deploy to the US Central Command area of responsibility in the Gulf region earlier this month, but its departure was scrapped due to budgetary constraints. It will remain in Norfolk, Virginia, on standby ready to surge if necessary...."

http://www.janes.com/products/janes/def ... 1065976322

Unmanned Navy planes near big milestones in May By Andrea Shalal-Esa 09 Apr 2013

"NAVAL AIR STATION PATUXENT RIVER, Maryland (Reuters) – The Navy plans to carry out the first catapult takeoff of its new X-47B unmanned plane from an aircraft carrier next month and other shipboard tests despite mandatory budget cuts this year, according to the admiral who runs the programs....

...Winter said he had enough in his budget to do shipboard tests with the X-47B on the USS George H.W. Bush in Norfolk, Virginia, in May – including the first-ever catapult launch – and possibly a landing using the plane’s tailhook. Other work on the program, however, might have to be delayed.

The Navy plans to ferry the X-47B to Norfolk on a barge in mid-May, where it will be hoisted on board for some taxiing maneuvers and a catapult shot off the ship, according to Winter.

That test will be followed by several days of “touch and go” landings without the plane’s tailhook. On the fourth or fifth day, if conditions are right, he said it would land on the carrier using its integrated tailhook."

http://maritimesecurity.asia/free-2/pro ... es-in-may/

Airwaves: 28 March 2013 VIDEO

"On this edition of Airwaves, the X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System Demonstrator (UCAS-D) soars through major testing milestones on its way to being carrier ready. Plus, a GPS anti-jam system used on ships and large aircraft finds its way onto Fire Scout. Lastly, middle school students launch into learning at this year's Expand Your Horizons event at Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division in China Lake, Calif."

http://www.navair.navy.mil/index.cfm?fu ... 447D210642 (3min 48sec)

+ HOT PIT REFUELLING for X-47B for first time.

Navy shapes X-47B acquisition strategy By Kris Osborn Tuesday, April 16th, 2013

"...The 10-foot tall 14,000-pound Navy drone is slated for shore-based arrested landings at Paxtuent River, Md., and will then embark upon a series of tests aboard the USS George Bush in May, said Engdahl.

“During the test period, the UCAS-D test team will perform deck handling and ship integration tests, the first aircraft launches from the ship’s catapults, carrier approaches with the aircraft, and potentially the first carrier landings on the flight deck,” Engdahl explained....

...Two upcoming Requests For Proposal (RFP) are likely to shape the upcoming competition; a draft RfP for a Preliminary Design Review is slated for May to be followed by a formal Technology Development RFP a month later, Cosgrove said.

“We are demonstrating the technology and taking lessons learned from the UCAS-D effort to help the UCAS program. We are still working on our acquisition strategy,” she added.

The UCAS-D conducted successful flight tests last December aboard the USS Truman, she added.

“Additionally, the UCAS-D program includes Automated Aerial Refueling (AAR) demonstration on a manned surrogate to prove out multiple AAR technologies. Lessons learned from UCAS-D support follow-on acquisition programs,” said Engdahl...." [Capt. Jamie Engdahl, X-47B program manager]

http://www.dodbuzz.com/2013/04/16/navy- ... -strategy/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=pl ... xWTqHiy3RM

X-47B completes first shore-based arrested landing

Published on May 5, 2013

The X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System (UCAS) demonstrator completes its first shore-based arrested landing at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md. May 4.

Appears to be a very accurate landing and curious about the JPALS (F-35 subsystem) contribution.

Cool stuff indeed.

I couldn't hear the X-47's engines adjusting power settings much in the vid except for power down once it snagged the wire, but there could have been too much ambient noise (or my speakers are crappy.)

Watching carrier landings, I am used to hearing, when conditions are right, engine(s) spooling up & down on final on manned a/c as the pilots skilfully adjust throttle to maintain aoa/glideslope. I wonder if JPALS/ACLS with these UAV's will be noticeably smoother, or (as a testament to aviator skill), it won't be much of a difference overall.

jetnerd wrote:I couldn't hear the X-47's engines adjusting power settings much in the vid except for power down once it snagged the wire, but there could have been too much ambient noise (or my speakers are crappy.)

Watching carrier landings, I am used to hearing, when conditions are right, engine(s) spooling up & down on final on manned a/c as the pilots skilfully adjust throttle to maintain aoa/glideslope. I wonder if JPALS/ACLS with these UAV's will be noticeably smoother, or (as a testament to aviator skill), it won't be much of a difference overall.

It'll be noticeably smoother. Theres is some Naval Aviators who had a reputation for being smooth onto the boat, Capt. Hoot Gibon (F-14, Shuttle Pilot, Commander, and 737 pilot - totally cool pilot in real life btw) comes to mind, and I've seen other pilots do superbly under difficult deck conditions. The F/A-18F is one of the best jets behind the boat, and the F-35 should improve on that.

I remember seeing wing commander fly the ball onto a runway in a F/A-18F, under gusty wind conditions, and people were surprised how well the F414 engines throttled up and down for a smooth landing. A second F/A-18F flown by a younger pilot minutes later and scored a wave-off when the pilot let the e-bracket (approach "energy" indication on the HUD) drop too low. The two other F/A-18As had trouble on approach, and ended up with precautionary arrested landings while low fuel. The F/A-18A F404 engines are not as good with regard to throttle control.

The X-47B has a F100-PW-220U which has full FADEC control, would be pretty good on the throttles, and could be upgraded to newer F100-PW-229U standard later on for performance and durability.

Nice to see that it can trap.

Neuro -

Coupling what you've said about the better engine with good ACLS/JPALS, I would be curious if engines on carier-born UAV's will see significantly less time in the shop, with smoother ops/fewer cycles per flight hour. Might even contribute to greater airframe life.

And extrapolating, wonder if successful X-47 (A-47?) carrier ops will lead to more automated carrier landings with the F-35C (and other manned jets with ACLS) if the Navy thought it could get more airframe/engine life out of them - but hopefully without compromising pilot training for manual landings/ops.