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2006-10-26 Science & Technology

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Posted by GolfBravoUSMC 2006-10-26 10:09|| || Front Page|| [11137 views since 2007-05-07] Top

#1 I remember when the Global Hawk was announced and I dont remember too many pilots cheering. That being said the pilot is useless for most of the flight because the sensors, cameras, and guidance are controlled by a computer. The U-2 does carry more bells and whistles than the Global Hawk and having that long loiter time would be a definite plus.

Posted by Cyber Sarge 2006-10-26 14:15|| 2006-10-26 14:15|| Front Page Top

#2 As long as the USAF didn't apply their (typical) gold plating to the system requirements, this could actually be done fairly quickly, since the basic airframe and flight control systems haven't changed since the mid -50's (gawd, has that airplane been around THAT long?). a simple computer and servos integrated into the control system should do it. The big ?? is that I would fully expect the AF TO apply their magic 'gotta-have'all-the-latest-toys" wand and then when the cost estimates explode use that to justify killing off the U-2 and go after the GH.

Posted by USN, ret. 2006-10-26 14:36|| 2006-10-26 14:36|| Front Page Top

#3 Those Kelley Johnson designs are remarkably durable, lol.

Posted by .com 2006-10-26 14:38|| 2006-10-26 14:38|| Front Page Top

#4 USN, you take out that pilot and all the associated gear and you have a lot of wight, space, and power for the "Gold Plated" toys the Air Force likes. I am all for a laser designator which would make the platform very valuble.

Posted by Cyber Sarge 2006-10-26 16:28|| 2006-10-26 16:28|| Front Page Top

#5 Wierdest and most interesting holiday party I've ever attended:

1/2 the people there had PhDs in esoteric techical and scientific disciplines, some of them had multiple such degrees

the other 1/2 were past or present U2 pilots

Got REALLY interesting when the punch bowl was nearly empty. Friendly challenges, what-ifs and some things drawn/calculated on napkins late into the evening.

Posted by lotp 2006-10-26 16:51|| 2006-10-26 16:51|| Front Page Top

#6 CS: I am not thinking about weapons, but rather a tried and true design for the pilot replacement systems (flight controls / navigation),and not a complete wheel reinvention. Logic says the airframe is old and will not last forever, so there is no reason to go with 'notinvnetedyet' stuff if the goal is weapon systems improvement now. incremental improvement after the UAV-ed U2 is operational is always an option. I have no problem with stuffing better weapons into the old girl, and a laser designator would be a good choice, especially since that a/c can loiter wa-a-ay up there.
U-2 trivia: the CIA tried to make the bird carrier capable, 6 a/c were fitted w/ folding wingtips and a hook, but the deck handling restrictions as well as the very narrow flight envelope when recovering doomed the idea.

Posted by USN, ret. 2006-10-26 18:30|| 2006-10-26 18:30|| Front Page Top

#7 I'll launch a U2 off of a carrier, but I'll be damned if you could pay me enough to try to land one on a carrier!

Hey, lotp, was that party in Palmdale, CA by any chance?

Posted by Parabellum 2006-10-26 19:50|| 2006-10-26 19:50|| Front Page Top

#8 Anything that keeps one of my alltime favorite birds in the sky is just fine by me. They should still keep several in pilot control mode for those special missions that require human judgement.

Posted by Zenster">Zenster 2006-10-26 20:49|| 2006-10-26 20:49|| Front Page Top

#9 Parabellum, no ... it was outside of DC a little way. ;-)

Posted by lotp 2006-10-26 21:26|| 2006-10-26 21:26|| Front Page Top

#10 Zenster, I used to work in that program (non pilot) and I live bout 10 miles from Beale AFB where they are based. I still get a chill watching and listening to them launch. Very distingtive sound and they look almost majestic as they climb out of sight.

Posted by Cyber Sarge 2006-10-26 22:31|| 2006-10-26 22:31|| Front Page Top

#11 The first house I lived in here in San jose was on the approach for Moffett Naval Air Station. I never got tired of watching one of those graceful machines glide in for a landing.

So, Cyber Sarge, are you still in California? I'm thinking it's about time to set up a West Coast Rantburg get together.

Posted by Zenster">Zenster 2006-10-26 23:43|| 2006-10-26 23:43|| Front Page Top

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