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UNITED STATES AIR FORCE
FUTURE WEAPONS PROPOSALS
AIR FORCE 2025 STUDY
1.1 Hypersonic Attack Aircraft A high-speed strike vehicle capable of
projecting lethal force anywhere in the world in less than four hours.
Operating at Mach 12 and a cruise altitude of 100,000 ft, this vehicle is a
reusable two-stage system comprised of an unmanned boost vehicle and a manned
hypersonic strike aircraft. The gas turbine-engined boost vehicle requires a
conventional runway and accelerates the strike vehicle to Mach 3.5 and 65,000
ft. The strike vehicle then separates and uses a ramjet/scramjet engine to
reach its cruise condition. The total system range is 10,000 nautical miles
(NM); the hypersonic strike vehicle has an unrefueled range of 5,000 NM. It
is capable of launching precision-guided munitions, including the hypersonic
air-to-ground missile described in system 5.4, at a standoff distance of
1,450 NM. Alternatively, the platform may be used to transport an uninhabited
unmanned air vehicle described in system 4.2.
1.2 FotoFighter A highly maneuverable, stealthy, inhabited advanced
fighter aircraft whose skin is fitted with an array of diode lasers and
sensors. Efficient electronic control of the laser arrays allows this fighter
to engage multiple targets simultaneously with varying degrees of lethality.
At low powers, the arrays can function as transmitters and receivers for low
probability of interception (LPI) communications. Threat detection, target
illumination, and tracking are also possible.
1.3 Container Aircraft An aircraft consisting of an airlifter in which
standard shipping containers form integral structures of the fuselage. The
aircraft consists of three baseline sections: the cockpit, the wingbox, and
the empennage. In its simplest form, the "short" version-the aircraft is
capable of flight by joining the cockpit, wingbox, and empennage directly
together. With standard shipping containers installed between the cockpit and
wingbox and between the wingbox and the empennage, the aircraft can be
configured to carry cargo ("stretch" version). The first wave of container
aircraft to arrive in a theater of operations "disassembled." The cockpit
then forms a command and control facility, the aircraft engines generate the
base power, the wings provide fuel storage, and the containers themselves
(when empty) provide shelter for troops, supplies, and equipment. This
concept provides a mobile base.
1.4 Lighter-than-Air Airlifter A very large capacity, rigid-frame
lighter-than-air vehicle that provides one million pound airlift capability
with a unrefueled range of 1,2500 NM. This vehicle also has the ability to
deploy and recover powered UAVs while stationary or in-transit. Vehicle is
able to house support materiel, personnel, and MEDVAC modules depending upon
mission requirements.
1.5 Supersonic Airlifter A Mach 2.4 supersonic airlifter that provides
50,000 pound airlift capability with a unrefueled range of 5,000 NM. This
vehicle provides the capability to deliver military personnel (roughly 150),
advanced precision weapons, and appropriate resupply anywhere in the world
within hours.
1.6 Stealth Airlifter (SA) An all-weather, low-observable aircraft
capable of low supersonic cruise and dedicated to special operations forces
(SOF). With an unrefueled range up to 4,000 NM, it can be used to insert and
extract SOF teams, as well as to extract high value assets (HVA) and weapons
of mass destruction. The SA connected to a global information management
system (say, GIMS System 8.1) for all source intelligence, weather,
navigation, and communications.
1.7 Global Transport Aircraft (GTA) A global reach transport airplane of
less than one million pounds take off gross weight, capable of carrying
150,000-250,000 pounds 12,000 to 10,000 NM respectively. This vehicle also
can deploy powered UAVs and parafoils. The GTA house support materiel,
personnel, and MEDVAC modules, depending upon mission requirements. This
aircraft also be modified for use as a tanker.
2.1 Strike UAV A low-observable, uninhabited air vehicle that loiters
subsonically over the region of interest for long periods of time (24+ hours)
until directed to strike. Its primary mission is to engage ground targets
with standoff precision munitions; however, it also has a limited air-to-air
capability. It relies on off-board sensors to supply reconnaissance and
targeting information as well as command and control, although it has
sufficient on-board sensor capability to allow it to perform preprogrammed
missions.
2.2 Reconnaissance UAV An uninhabited reconnaissance aerial vehicle
(URAV) that can be employed either as an independent system or in conjunction
with other airborne, ground-based, and spaceborne systems. The URAV is fitted
with a variety of multispectral sensors, such as infrared, optical, radar,
and laser, and collects images, signals intelligence (SIGINT), electronic
intelligence (ELINT), and other information. It loiters subsonically at very
high altitudes over the region of interest for extended periods of time
without refueling. The URAV also can be used as part of a bistatic
configuration, in which it illuminates the region of interest while different
sensors receive and process the information.
2.3 Uninhabited Combat Air Vehicle (UCAV) A vehicle that can be employed
either as an independent system or in conjunction with other airborne,
ground-based, and space- based systems. It carries a suite of multispectral
sensors (optical, infrared, radar, laser, etc.) supplies information to its
suite of standoff precision guided munitions. UCAV loiters at high altitude
over the region of interest for long periods of time (24+ hours) until called
upon to strike a target. While in its subsonic loiter mode, it can perform a
surveillance and reconnaissance mission for the Global Information Management
System (System 8.1). It could be used as part of a bistatic configuration in
which it illuminates a region of interest while a different sensor receives
and processes the information. As a secondary mission, it can perform
electronic countermeasures (ECM) and electronic counter-countermeasures
(ECCM) roles.
2.4 Precision Delivery System A suite of powered and parafoil UAVs
capable of autonomous flight for the purpose of all-weather precision (within
1 meter) airdrop. High altitude (40,000 ft) precision airdrops can be
achieved using GPS or INS-guided parafoil delivery systems. This technique
allows equipment/supplies to be delivered to forward-deployed forces while
transport aircraft remain hundreds of miles from the drop zone. Positions can
be determined using light detection and ranging (LIDAR) or a GPS instrumented
radio drop sound. Powered UAVs and deliver smaller, high value packages from
greater standoff ranges.
2.5 UAV Mothership A large capacity, long-loiter-time, uninhabited
subsonic air vehicle used to deploy and recover smaller combat UAVs. It also
can replenish them with weapons and propellant. This air vehicle has the
ability to collect, convert and store solar energy, and then transfer energy
through physical means or via beaming to other airborne vehicles such as the
FotoFighter (System 1.2).
2.6 Exfiltration Rocket (ER) A system designed to quickly extract special
operations forces (SOF) teams from the mission area. This system would be
brought in during the SOF insertion and assembled at the exfiltration launch
site. After mission completion, the SOF team members load themselves and any
other items, such as a high value asset (HVA) or weapon of mass destruction
(WMD), into the ER and then take off. The payload and passengers are
recovered via an air-retrievable payload system or through a "soft" landing
in a friendly area.
3.1 Orbital Maneuvering Vehicle (OMV) An uninhabited orbital propulsion
and docking system used to take payloads from an earth-to-orbit lift vehicle
and place them in their final orbital plane, or used to fetch and return
orbiting payloads to a central repair and recovery location. The system is be
capable of carrying line replaceable units (LRU) to a damaged/degraded
satellite and accomplishing on-site repair or replacement. It is designed to
allow refueling of civil, commercial, and military satellites as well as the
rearming of military space weapons platforms.
3.2 Orbital Combat Vehicle (OCV) An uninhabited orbital propulsion and
docking system used to take payloads from an earth-to-orbit lift vehicle and
place them in their final orbital plane, or used to fetch and return orbiting
payloads to a central repair and recovery location. The system can also carry
line replaceable units to a damaged/ degraded satellite and accomplish
on-site repair or replacement. It is designed to allow refueling of civil,
commercial, and military satellites as well as the rearming of military space
weapons platforms. The OCV is fitted with a medium power high-energy laser
system for limited defense and counterspace missions.
3.3 Satellite Bodyguards A small constellation of defensive satellites
(approximately five) placed in close proximity to the protected asset.
"Hunter-killers" actively seek out threats and incapacitate them with
directed energy weapons. Detection of threats from the surface or air is done
by an off-board sensor suite (say, systems 8.1 or 8.2) and supplied to the
"hunter-killer" satellites. Detection of space-based threats is done by the
"hunter-killer" satellites themselves. Decoy satellites appear identical
(both electromagnetic and visual) to the protected assets to confuse an
aggressor; when approached, the decoy can impact and disable the enemy craft.
4.1 Piloted SSTO Transatmospheric Vehicle A system that provides space
support and global reach from the earth's surface to low-earth orbit (LEO)
using a combination of rocket and hypersonic air-breathing technology. The
transatmospheric vehicle (TAV) takes off vertically, is refuelable in either
air or space, and can land on a conventional runway. It has a variable
payload capacity (up to 10,000 pounds) and performs as both a sensor and
weapons platform. Alternate missions include satellite deployment and
retrieval from LEO and deployment of an anti-ASAT weapon.
4.2 Uninhabited Air-Launched Transatmospheric Vehicle A multirole
transatmospheric vehicle (TAV). Launched from an airborne platform (such as
System 1.1), it is capable of rapid deployment (or retrieval) of satellites
providing communication links, intelligence information, and so forth. It
carries a suite of multispectral sensors (optical, infrared, radar, laser,
etc.) for surveillance and reconnaissance missions. This TAV is a
rocket-powered vehicle approximately the size of an F-15, capable of carrying
several small satellites (6 ft x 6 ft x 6 ft, 1000 lbs each) to low earth
orbit. Further, it could perform an antisatellite (ASAT) role. This TAV can
land on a conventional runway.
5.1 Adjustable Yield Munition (AYM) An approach to achieve precise
matching of the weapon's effect to the target's characteristics. By
manipulating the explosive yield of a weapon (i.e., "dial-a-yield"), together
can greatly reduce collateral damage. This is particularly advantageous when
flexibility and precision are both required: a platform on patrol, awaiting
targets of opportunity, can utilize the same weapon for a hard kill with a
large yield or for a surgical, mission-only kill with a tailored yield. One
approach to controlling the yield is to change the material composition of
the explosive at the molecular level.
5.2 Advanced Air-to-Air Missile A long range air-to-air missile that
receives real-time target information from off-board sensors and utilizes
reactive jets and an on-board computer to acquire, pursue and destroy enemy
air assets, including cruise missiles. Terminal tracking and guidance may
employ a combination of LIDAR, Infrared (IR), radio frequency (RF), magnetic
anomaly detection (MAD), Jet engine modulation (JEM), photographic, and
acoustic sensors.
5.3 Airborne High-Power Microwave Weapon A pulsed power airborne high
power microwave (HPM) system. This medium range weapons system constitutes
the primary payload of the host escort defense aircraft. The system generates
variable magnitude HPM fields that disrupt or destroy electrical components
in the target region. It can engage both air and ground targets.
5.4 Standoff Hypersonic Missile An hypersonic air-to-ground missile
launched from a hypersonic strike vehicle (System 1.1). It utilizes a
scramjet to propel itself at Mach 8 toward the intended high-value target,
then glides to target at Mach 4; its flight trajectory is altered as needed
via off-board control. Its high-speed air-launched range is 1,450 NM.
5.5 Attack Microbots A term that describes a class of highly miniaturized
(1 millimeter scale) electromechanical systems being deployable en masse and
performing individual or collective target attack. Various deployment
approaches are possible, including dispersal as an aerosol, transportation by
a larger platform, and full flying/crawling autonomy. Attack is accomplished
by a variety of robotic effectors, electromagnetic measures, or energetic
materials. Some "sensor microbot" capabilities are required for target
acquisition and analysis.
5.6 Airborne Holographic Projector A projector system that displays a
three-dimensional visual image in a desired location, removed from the
display generator. The projector can be used for psychological operations and
strategic perception management. It is also useful for optical deception and
cloaking, providing a momentary distraction when engaging an unsophisticated
adversary.
5.7 Hybrid High-energy Laser System (HHELS) A system consisting of
several ground-based, multimegawatt high-energy chemical lasers and a
constellation of space-based mirrors. HHELS can be used in several modes of
operation. In its weapons mode with the laser at high power, it engages air,
space, and ground targets by reflecting a laser beam off one or more of the
mirrors to the intended target. It can also be used for target tracking,
limited space debris removal (1-10 centimeter objects), and replenishment of
satellites.
6.1 Global Area Strike System (GLASS) A system incorporating of a
high-energy laser (HEL) system, a kinetic energy weapon (KEW) system, and a
transatmospheric vehicle (TAV). The HEL system consists of ground-based
lasers and space-based mirrors which direct energy to the intended target.
The KEW system (System 6.2) consists of terminally guided projectiles, with
and without explosive enhancers. The TAV (System 4.1) is a flexible platform
capable of supporting maintenance and replenishment of the HEL and KEW space
assets, and can also be used for rapid deployment of special operations
forces. Target definition and sequencing is managed externally (e. g., using
GIMS (System 8.1)).
6.2 Space-Based Kinetic Energy Weapon (KEW) A general class of low earth
orbit (LEO) based weapons that include a variety of warhead types from
flechettes and pellets to large and small high density rods. The KEW may be
directed at air, space, and ground targets; it achieves its destructive
effect by penetrating the target at hypervelocity. Sensor information is
provided to the KEW by a main sensor suite off-board of the vehicle (such as
GSRT [System 8.2] or GIMS [System 8.1]). However, each armament has a minimal
sensor capability (e. g., GPS receiver) and a simple flight control system
for maneuver.
6.3 Space-Based High Power Microwave Weapon (HPM) A weapon system capable
of engaging ground, air, and space targets with a varying degree of
lethality. It consists of a constellation of satellites deployed in low-earth
orbit (LEO) (approx. 500 NM) that can direct an ultrawideband (UWB) of
microwave energy at ground, air, and space targets. Its effect is to generate
high electric fields over a target area tens to hundreds of meters in size,
thereby disrupting or destroying any electronic components present.
6.4 Space-Based High-energy Laser (HEL) System A multimegawatt
high-energy chemical laser constellation that can be used in several modes of
operation. In its weapons mode with the laser at high power, it can attack
ground, air, and space targets. In its surveillance mode, it can operate
using the laser at low power levels for active illumination imaging or with
the laser inoperative for passive imaging.
6.5 Solar-Powered High-energy Laser System A space-based, multimegawatt,
high-energy solar-powered laser constellation that can be used in several
modes of operation. In its weapons mode with the laser at high power, it can
attack ground, air, and space targets. In its surveillance mode, it can
operate using the laser at low power levels for active illumination imaging,
or with the laser inoperative for passive imaging.
6.6 Solar Energy Optical Weapon (SEOW) A constellation of space-based
mirrors which allow solar radiation to be focused on specific ground, air, or
space targets. The lethality of this system is limited, due to optical
diffusion; however, it may prove useful for disruption or perhaps weather
control.
6.7 Asteroid Mitigation System A system that protects the Earth/Moon
system from Earth- crossing objects (ECOs) by either deflecting or
fragmenting ECOs such that they no longer pose a threat. Deflection could be
accomplished using nuclear explosive devices.
7.1 Spoken Language Translator A hand-held or worn device that translates
oral communications in near real-time. It enhances multinational operational
effectiveness in all areas, including training, diplomacy, special
operations, and conventional ground operations. It is capable of one-for-one
word substitution in a wide variety of languages, and it provides two-way
communications between the owner and another person. The system has a limited
ability to compensate for differences in sentence syntactic structures,
cultures, dialects, and idioms/slang, and a limited ability to select words
according to context. Careful placement of both microphones and both speakers
is required for deconfliction (not having to hear both languages
simultaneously), limiting the scope of its operation; the system is best
suited for controlled two-way communications such as by telephone, radio, or
computer. The system also is useful for written text translation.
7.2 Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) An individual's connection to the
information systems of 2025. This assistant is a hand-held or wristwatch size
unit. Input modes include both touch and voice. The PDA is the warrior's
secure, high-capacity connection to the distributed C4I system. The PDA
maintains the owner's personal data such as medical and training records. It
learns and remembers the owner's preferences and needs so that requests for
information are properly tailored. It is self-securing: it recognizes the
owner through a number of biometrics which ensures that it cannot be
commandeered. In short, the PDA is a single device replaces the cellular
telephone, radio, personal computer, identification and banking cards, and
any other personal information- management device of the nineties.
7.3 Virtual Interaction Center A virtual reality environment in which
commanders can immerse themselves in a three-dimensional representation of
the battlespace. Information from a global information system, such as GIMS
(System 8.1) is displayed in a virtual reality environment, giving the
commander situational awareness. The center also has the capability to replay
battles and engagements and to simulate "what if" scenarios.
8.1 Global Information Management System (GIMS) A pervasive network of
intelligent information gathering, processing, analysis, and advisory nodes.
It collects, stores, analyzes, fuses, and manages information from
ground/air/space sensors and all source intelligence. All types of sensors
(i.e., acoustic, optical, radio frequency, olfactory, etc.) are used.
However, the true power of this system is its use of neural processing to
provide the right type of information based on the user's personal
requirements.
8.2 Global Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Targeting System (GSRT) A
space-based omnisensorial collection, processing, and dissemination system to
provide a real-time information database. This database is used to create a
virtual-reality image of the area of interest. This image can be used at all
levels of command to provide situational awareness, technical and
intelligence information, and two-way command and control.
8.3 Sensor Microbots A class of highly miniaturized (millimeter sized)
electromechanical air and ground systems capable of being deployed en masse
to collect data, perform individual and collective data fusion, and
communicate that data for further processing and distribution. Various
deployment approaches are possible, including dispersal as an aerosol,
transportation by a larger platform, and full flying/crawling autonomy. Data
collection is accomplished through miniaturized onboard sensors, typically
restricted to one or two sensors per unit due to size and power limitations.
Communications are possible by transmission through relay stations
("relaybots") or physical collection of the microbots. Some applications of
sensor microbots are security net to guard own assets, surveillance and
reconnaissance, and intelligence gathering on adversary assets.
8.4 Multiband Laser Sensor System A suite of laser devices that inspects
and models target components. Different frequencies of electromagnetic energy
vary in their ability to penetrate materials. For a particular material, one
frequency will reflect off the surface, another will penetrate. By employing
a suite of laser devices over a wide frequency range, planners can accomplish
complete internal and external inspection of a structure and develop a full
three-dimensional model. This tool can be used for nondestructive inspection
of components, target vulnerability analysis, target identification and decoy
rejection, and reconnaissance. This suite of laser devices can be carried on
an airborne platform, but it clearly has ground-based applications also.
8.5 Asteroid Detection System A network of ground and space sensors which
search for, track, and characterize space objects that are large enough and
in an orbit to threaten the earth-moon system. The system also includes a
centralized processing center that fuses data from all of the available
sensors, catalogs the known objects, and distributes information to the known
authorities.
9.1 Mobile Asset Repair Station (MARS) A mobile facility near the
battlefront where parts can be repaired or manufactured . In wartime,
replacement parts are repaired or manufactured in the theater of operations
for a variety of deployed weapon systems through MARS. The mobile facility
can be land-based or water-based in the theater of operations, but out of
harm's way. The facility features a set of fully-integrated flexible
manufacturing systems (FMS) and robotic systems that are linked to the
commercial manufacturers. These manufacturers supply the specifications to
the FMS which then produces the part or component. Many of the required
materials necessary for MARS to manufacture the components obtained from
local countries.
9.2 Weather Analysis and Modification System A diverse set of weather
prediction and modification tools that allows manipulation of
small-to-medium-scale weather phenomena to enhance friendly-force
capabilities and degrade those of the adversary. Many of the sensors required
for this system are assumed to be external e. g., part of the global
information management system (GIMS), discussed in System 8.1.
9.2 Sanctuary Base A secure, low observable, all-weather
forward-operating base that reduces the number of assets requiring protection
from attack. The runway, power systems, ordnance storage, aircraft
maintenance assets, and C4I systems are self-maintaining and self-repairing.
Base security is highly automated. Chemical/ biological hazards are cleaned
up by nanobots and biotechnology. Robots perform refueling, weapons loading,
maintenance, security, and explosive ordnance destruction.
