Raytheon announced that it deployed two Miniature Air Launched Decoys from the ramp of a C-130 transport via a new company-funded launch system. This test at Yuma Proving Grounds, Ariz., marked MALD's first deployment from a cargo aircraft.
The MALD Cargo Air Launched System, or MCALS, has a steel, birdcage-like body framework that can hold as many as eight MALDs, according to the company. It is loaded on a standard cargo pallet, placed on a transport aircraft, and at a pre-determined altitude rapidly ejects the MALDs.
In addition to the decoy configuration, Raytheon is also developing a MALD variant for stand-in jamming of enemy radar.
Dwight Barnell
Monday, May 30, 2011
There are 4500 F-16's out there
The Pentagon might be optimistic about getting F-35 costs down is that projected foreign sales of the stealth fighter are likely to be substantially larger than the Defense Department now lets on, meaning that a volume discount is likely to apply in the long term.
Eight F-35 partner nations (Australia, Britain, Canada, Denmark, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, and Turkey). Those partners have a combined requirement for 700 F-35s; meanwhile, the already-identified interest among those five additional countries totals more than 700.
There are about 4,500 F-16s out there that will need replacement in the next 30 years, on top of Harriers, Tornados, F-18s, and AMXs. A potential world market nearly double the planned US production of some 2,400 F-35s.
Eight F-35 partner nations (Australia, Britain, Canada, Denmark, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, and Turkey). Those partners have a combined requirement for 700 F-35s; meanwhile, the already-identified interest among those five additional countries totals more than 700.
There are about 4,500 F-16s out there that will need replacement in the next 30 years, on top of Harriers, Tornados, F-18s, and AMXs. A potential world market nearly double the planned US production of some 2,400 F-35s.
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