Posted on 03/30/2019 11:47:54 AM PDT by Chode
One of the least talked about, but most potent capabilities that can enhance the survivability of a combat aircraft these days is the ability to deploy towed decoys. Often referred to as "little buddies" by the crews that bet their lives on them, they have existed in miniature form for over two decades on aircraft like the F-16C/D, B-1B, and F/A-18E/F, as well as foreign fighter aircraft. But most wouldn't think such a system would be included in a 5th generation fighter that was designed from the ground up to evade enemy radars. This isn't the case. Although it isn't something touted by the manufacturer or its operators, the F-35 has this capability concealed beneath its curvaceous and stealthy skin.
(Excerpt) Read more at thedrive.com ...
ping
That thing looks sexy from underneath. Kinda chunky from the top and rear.
Too bad the F-35 combat coded fleet is only combat ready 5% of the time due to software and spare parts issues. A toy for the brass like the LCS concept ships, CVN Ford, and other military boondoggles which please the perfumed pentagon princes.
I used to date her...
I dated her once.
I know that is a telephoto shot, but yikes!
From the hills, I would guess that is the Jedi Transition photo spot.
The F-35 is very loud without the burner on.
yup
The AN/ALE-50 towed decoy system was developed by Raytheon to protect multiple US military aircraft from radar-guided missiles.The decoy system is used on multiple U.S. Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps aircraft, and by certain non-United States air forces. It is manufactured by Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems at its facility in Goleta, California. The system consists of a launcher and launch controller installed on the aircraft and one or more expendable towed decoys.
The ALE-50 towed decoy has provided combat-proven aircraft protection against RF missile threats in Kosovo, Afghanistan, and Iraq. Featuring low acquisition and life-cycle cost, the system adaptability enables installation and operation on virtually any airborne platform. The ALE-50 towed decoy is currently operational on the F-16, F/A-18E/F, F-35 and B-1B aircraft. And there is a growing effort to use them on most combat and cargo aircraft.
Air Force One has even more goodies in this direction with the AN/AAR-54(V) missile launch warning receiver located at the tail to report and track missile threats by zeroing in on their ultraviolet exhaust signature. The receiver is also in use on special-operations warplanes like the MC-130H Combat Talon II. Traveler also has the AN/AAQ-24 Nemesis Directional Infra-Red Counter Measures (DIRCM) system, which can be directed by the AAR-54, fires pulsating flashes of IR energy that confuse a missile’s guidance system.
Where do they get such interesting toys?
rwood
Raytheon??? 8^) Navy has had towed stuff for even longer
Ping.
Enjoy China Lake!
Naval Aviation ordinance Test facility China Lake CA.
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