"robert arndt" wrote in message
om...
"Keith Willshaw" wrote in message
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"robert arndt" wrote in message
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This concept is
way beyond anything the US has concieved for the as-of-yet
undetermined B-3.


If its undetermined one can hardly claim that another system is in
advance of it.

Keith

Respectfully Keith, B-3 concepts are already being investigated and
some of the design work already proposed. See my archived "B-3" posts
with links.

Equally respectfully I seriously doubt that you have access to such work or
that anyone with access will be posting about it in a public forum.


The German NiMet, however, is way beyond THOSE proposals because it is
a Metamorphic bomber concept. The future materials and systems
proposed for the NiMet include a type of cellular material that can
absorb radar as well as direct hits from enemy a/c guns and missiles
without damage to the craft. It would have the unique ability to
transform, reform, and deform at will. Also, its outer bio-like
structure would allow weapons to be imbedded at various points and
released by a complex internal light control system. The future
Luftwaffe pilot is expected to be wearing a gel-suit and "cocooned" in
the event of an emergency.

The basic technology you describe is not available at this time and its
development will
be protracted and expensive. Smart structures have been a buzz
word for may years now and their proponents are all seeking funding
but while promising in the long term we cannot plan weapons system
on the basis that they exist, they do not. More limited applications
of metamorphic systems design such as variable wing leading and trailing
edge contours, embeddable and nonintrusive sensors and smart actuator
materials will doubtless be available rather earlier.

The next generation of strike aircraft will very likely utilise unmanned
vehicles,
unlike close air support or air superiority there really is no need for such
aircraft to carry along a human for the ride. They will essentially be
re-usable cruise missiles.

Since the IOC of the future craft (and the future B-3) is not expected
to be until the late 2030s, the technology proposed will take time to
develop. But as stated earlier, the German proposal is way beyond any
current B-3 concept.
As for Airbus conversion aircraft, that is possible NOW. A converted
A-series cargo carrier could air drop palletized cruise missiles or
munitions.

As could any transport aircraft


Keith