JSF and close air support

In article , "Paul F Austin"
wrote:

"Harry Andreas" wrote
Peter Kemp wrote:

Basically two off board SAR radars provide updates - IIRC the trials
are using a JSTARS and a phased array (I think from the F-35 program,
but can't readily recall).

More likely either the F/A-18E/F or the F-15C with APG-63(V)2 .
I don't think the F-35 radar is in position yet to be able to support
tests outside the F-35 program.

I read recently that an AMSTE demonstration with a single RADAR sensor was
successful. That's a major milestone since the earlier algorithms required
fusing two RADAR sensors to get the resolution required. I don't think
mono-sensor demo involved a fighter sensor but I don't recall any details.

Both JDAM and SDB are planned to allow use of a terminal imager. Because the
GPS nav puts the weapon into a small error basket, the terminal seeker can
be very inexpensive, given the small field of regard. On the other hand,
JDAM accuracy has been consistently better than spec, so the users are less
interested in the terminal seeker.

Hmmm. I don't know about that. Just as interested seems to me.


I'm not sure how AMSTE plays with the terminal seeker. Moving target
engagement requires post-release updates and a data link from the launcher
to the weapon but everything to date that I've seen talks about aimpoint
updates for the GPS/INS.

Keep that basket small. If your system has enough bandwidth you can update
the weapon all the way to the target and at the terminal point it's within the
CEP of the blast effect for the particular weapon you've selected.
Obviously the 2000lb JDAM requires less bandwidth for a given target.
Also obviously the performance of your SAR, GPS receiver, and datalink are
crucial.

--
Harry Andreas
Engineering raconteur