modeltrains
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"I wanted go for drink after rocket, not go after rocket in drink."
Potentially interesting MILITARY-related stuff
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Engineer457
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Yeah, you're right. I think all their unsuccessful launches and experiments can be justified by this phrase. It might be fun, but in reality, it's very sad...
Winston
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Mostly likely a lab creation. Second, but much less likely, a leaked sample collected in the field by the lab. From The Bulletin of Atomic Scientists, by far the best overall analysis I've seen. I read and understood all of it including their external links which were also excellent. DESTROYS the "authoritative" claims very early on that it simply cannot be a lab creation, those claims being made by individuals connected to gain-of-function virus research, some even being westerners connected to the work at the Wuhan lab.
The Bulletin of Atomic Scientists years ago also did a fantastic analysis of the futility of rocket-based anti-ballistic missile efforts against a major attack short of the development of "Brilliant Pebbles" which are very small, terminal homing, kinetic kill vehicles, many of which could be launched by a single rocket-based interceptor to take out all incoming targets from a particular enemy missile.
The origin of COVID: Did people or nature open Pandora’s box at Wuhan?
by Nicholas Wade - May 5, 2021 - 31 pages
Nicholas Wade is a science writer, editor, and author who has worked on the staff of Nature, Science, and, for many years, the New York Times.
https://thebulletin.org/2021/05/the-origin-of-covid-did-people-or-nature-open-pandoras-box-at-wuhan/
Tiny excerpt from the report and just a part of the conclusion:
In conclusion. If the case that SARS2 originated in a lab is so substantial, why isn’t this more widely known? As may now be obvious, there are many people who have reason not to talk about it. The list is led, of course, by the Chinese authorities. But virologists in the United States and Europe have no great interest in igniting a public debate about the gain-of-function experiments that their community has been pursuing for years.
Nor have other scientists stepped forward to raise the issue. Government research funds are distributed on the advice of committees of scientific experts drawn from universities. Anyone who rocks the boat by raising awkward political issues runs the risk that their grant will not be renewed and their research career will be ended. Maybe good behavior is rewarded with the many perks that slosh around the distribution system. And if you thought that Andersen and Daszak might have blotted their reputation for scientific objectivity after their partisan attacks on the lab escape scenario, look at the second and third names on this list of recipients of an $82 million grant announced by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases in August 2020.
The US government shares a strange common interest with the Chinese authorities: Neither is keen on drawing attention to the fact that Shi’s coronavirus work was funded by the US National Institutes of Health. One can imagine the behind-the-scenes conversation in which the Chinese government says, “If this research was so dangerous, why did you fund it, and on our territory too?” To which the US side might reply, “Looks like it was you who let it escape. But do we really need to have this discussion in public?”
The Bulletin of Atomic Scientists years ago also did a fantastic analysis of the futility of rocket-based anti-ballistic missile efforts against a major attack short of the development of "Brilliant Pebbles" which are very small, terminal homing, kinetic kill vehicles, many of which could be launched by a single rocket-based interceptor to take out all incoming targets from a particular enemy missile.
The origin of COVID: Did people or nature open Pandora’s box at Wuhan?
by Nicholas Wade - May 5, 2021 - 31 pages
Nicholas Wade is a science writer, editor, and author who has worked on the staff of Nature, Science, and, for many years, the New York Times.
https://thebulletin.org/2021/05/the-origin-of-covid-did-people-or-nature-open-pandoras-box-at-wuhan/
Tiny excerpt from the report and just a part of the conclusion:
In conclusion. If the case that SARS2 originated in a lab is so substantial, why isn’t this more widely known? As may now be obvious, there are many people who have reason not to talk about it. The list is led, of course, by the Chinese authorities. But virologists in the United States and Europe have no great interest in igniting a public debate about the gain-of-function experiments that their community has been pursuing for years.
Nor have other scientists stepped forward to raise the issue. Government research funds are distributed on the advice of committees of scientific experts drawn from universities. Anyone who rocks the boat by raising awkward political issues runs the risk that their grant will not be renewed and their research career will be ended. Maybe good behavior is rewarded with the many perks that slosh around the distribution system. And if you thought that Andersen and Daszak might have blotted their reputation for scientific objectivity after their partisan attacks on the lab escape scenario, look at the second and third names on this list of recipients of an $82 million grant announced by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases in August 2020.
The US government shares a strange common interest with the Chinese authorities: Neither is keen on drawing attention to the fact that Shi’s coronavirus work was funded by the US National Institutes of Health. One can imagine the behind-the-scenes conversation in which the Chinese government says, “If this research was so dangerous, why did you fund it, and on our territory too?” To which the US side might reply, “Looks like it was you who let it escape. But do we really need to have this discussion in public?”
Winston
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Here's Everything We Know About Skunk Works' Secretive 'Speed Racer' Program - The design is primarily intended to validate new digital engineering tools and techniques, but that could be just the beginning.
FEBRUARY 27, 2021
https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zo...out-skunk-works-secretive-speed-racer-program
FEBRUARY 27, 2021
https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zo...out-skunk-works-secretive-speed-racer-program
Winston
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Air Force Finds New Need For Low-Cost Engine Tech Used On Nazi Buzz Bombs
A startup is reviving the powerplant used in the V-1 flying bomb for use in an air-launched decoy, and possibly more.
JUNE 24, 2021
https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zo...-low-cost-engine-tech-used-on-nazi-buzz-bombs
The return of the pulsejet may come as something of a surprise, but Wave Engine’s latest efforts could be well timed to exploit growing interest not only in air-launched decoys but also the growth areas of low-cost missiles and swarming munitions.
Above all, the simplicity of the design may well make it suitable for a host of expendable applications, as well as providing a cheaper source of power for reusable vehicles.
Exactly how Wave Engine has updated the basic technology to meet modern needs is unclear, but a company statement talks about “jet performance” and confirms that its pulsejet uses Full Authority Digital Electronic Control (FADEC), in which a computer controls engine performance. On its website, the firm claims that it can now offer Thrust Specific Fuel Consumption (TSFC) that’s “competitive with turbine (jet) engines.”
A startup is reviving the powerplant used in the V-1 flying bomb for use in an air-launched decoy, and possibly more.
JUNE 24, 2021
https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zo...-low-cost-engine-tech-used-on-nazi-buzz-bombs
The return of the pulsejet may come as something of a surprise, but Wave Engine’s latest efforts could be well timed to exploit growing interest not only in air-launched decoys but also the growth areas of low-cost missiles and swarming munitions.
Above all, the simplicity of the design may well make it suitable for a host of expendable applications, as well as providing a cheaper source of power for reusable vehicles.
Exactly how Wave Engine has updated the basic technology to meet modern needs is unclear, but a company statement talks about “jet performance” and confirms that its pulsejet uses Full Authority Digital Electronic Control (FADEC), in which a computer controls engine performance. On its website, the firm claims that it can now offer Thrust Specific Fuel Consumption (TSFC) that’s “competitive with turbine (jet) engines.”
This was a great read. Thank you for sharing the link to the content.
https://thebulletin.org/2021/05/the-origin-of-covid-did-people-or-nature-open-pandoras-box-at-wuhan/
https://thebulletin.org/2021/05/the-origin-of-covid-did-people-or-nature-open-pandoras-box-at-wuhan/
Winston
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Touring Large Calibers and Tank Rounds at Battlefield Vegas
Battlefield Vegas
https://www.battlefieldvegas.com/
Battlefield Vegas
https://www.battlefieldvegas.com/
Winston
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Lockheed's Senior Peg: The Forgotten Stealth Bomber
3/01/14
https://jalopnik.com/lockheeds-senior-peg-the-forgotten-stealth-bomber-1534057907
3/01/14
https://jalopnik.com/lockheeds-senior-peg-the-forgotten-stealth-bomber-1534057907
Winston
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Never-Seen Photos Of Boeing's 1960s Stealth Jet Concept That Predicted The Future - 9/22/15
https://jalopnik.com/never-seen-photos-of-boeings-1960s-stealth-jet-concept-1732308296
For years, all the aviation world knew about Boeing’s secret stealth project from the 1960s was limited to a name and a single mysterious photo. It seemed like a relic out of time, possessing many stealthy design features that wouldn’t exist until decades later, and even then, only in highly classified black projects.
But Boeing just exclusively provided Foxtrot Alpha with a trove of photos and information for the very first time. After decades in the shadows, here is Boeing’s Kennedy-era “Quiet Bird.”
https://jalopnik.com/never-seen-photos-of-boeings-1960s-stealth-jet-concept-1732308296
For years, all the aviation world knew about Boeing’s secret stealth project from the 1960s was limited to a name and a single mysterious photo. It seemed like a relic out of time, possessing many stealthy design features that wouldn’t exist until decades later, and even then, only in highly classified black projects.
But Boeing just exclusively provided Foxtrot Alpha with a trove of photos and information for the very first time. After decades in the shadows, here is Boeing’s Kennedy-era “Quiet Bird.”
Winston
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Liquid Oxygen Factory Station 3
https://www.tracesofwar.com/sights/85196/Liquid-Oxygen-Factory-Station-3.htm
The oxygen plant of Heeresversuchsanstalt served to generate the liquid oxygen for the drive of the A4-missiles (V2). It is next to the Kraft Finish the only remaining large buildings of the Experimental Station, located directly on the Lindenstraße in Peenemunde.
This was put into operation on July 27, 1942, the work is 73.10 meters long, 42.60 meters wide and 20.80 meters high and is a listed building. The liquid oxygen is produced by the complex "Linde" method in which air is separated into its components of oxygen and the thus-obtained was cooled at -138 ° C. Liquid oxygen can be transported in insulated tank cars directly to the test benches.
Because for each launch of an A4 rocket about 4 tons of liquid oxygen [5 tons according to the video - W] were needed, they worked in the oxygen factory in three shifts around the clock. The daily production was approximately 13 tons [15 tons according to the video - W]. The energy consumption for the production of oxygen was 22 MW so that the revenue lost more than two thirds from the center 30 megawatts.
https://www.tracesofwar.com/sights/85196/Liquid-Oxygen-Factory-Station-3.htm
The oxygen plant of Heeresversuchsanstalt served to generate the liquid oxygen for the drive of the A4-missiles (V2). It is next to the Kraft Finish the only remaining large buildings of the Experimental Station, located directly on the Lindenstraße in Peenemunde.
This was put into operation on July 27, 1942, the work is 73.10 meters long, 42.60 meters wide and 20.80 meters high and is a listed building. The liquid oxygen is produced by the complex "Linde" method in which air is separated into its components of oxygen and the thus-obtained was cooled at -138 ° C. Liquid oxygen can be transported in insulated tank cars directly to the test benches.
Because for each launch of an A4 rocket about 4 tons of liquid oxygen [5 tons according to the video - W] were needed, they worked in the oxygen factory in three shifts around the clock. The daily production was approximately 13 tons [15 tons according to the video - W]. The energy consumption for the production of oxygen was 22 MW so that the revenue lost more than two thirds from the center 30 megawatts.
Winston
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New B-21 Raider Stealth Bomber Rendering Released By The Air Force (Updated) - New B-21 artwork accompanied the release of an official fact sheet on the bomber.
JULY 6, 2021
https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zo...th-bomber-rendering-released-by-the-air-force
New B-21 Stealth Bomber Image Shows Stealth Windows
July 6, 2021
https://www.airforcemag.com/new-b-21-stealth-bomber-image-shows-stealth-windows/
The new picture shows a triangular, curved main forward cockpit window and a wide, arcing side window with no apparent interior framing. That departs from earlier views which showed B-2-style windows. Just aft of the side window is the Global Strike Command badge and stenciling for ground rescue instructions.
The nose of the aircraft confirms a more pronounced “Beak” or “Hawk’s bill” than on the B-2 Spirit, which the B-21 generally resembles. The underside of the aircraft seems to be deeper than the B-2, although details are obscured. When compared with the artist’s rendering released in January, the B-21 seems to have a greatly pronounced chine, or flattened leading edge, which then tapers into the blended-wing fuselage. This chine also marks a departure from the B-2, which has a more classic wing-like chord shape in cross section.
The image obscures details of the B-21’s air intake, which underwent a “major redesign,” according to Program Executive Officer Randall Walden. He told Air Force Magazine early this year such a change is typical for a complex new aircraft program. New aircraft often have “installed engine inlet/exhaust integration issues that have to be resolved,” he said. Previous images have shown the intakes as shallow and straight-edged, unlike the B-2’s scalloped, rounded, and deep intakes.
Also absent from the new image is any detail of the exhaust, although it continues to show a tapered, pointed single tail in silhouette.
JULY 6, 2021
https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zo...th-bomber-rendering-released-by-the-air-force
New B-21 Stealth Bomber Image Shows Stealth Windows
July 6, 2021
https://www.airforcemag.com/new-b-21-stealth-bomber-image-shows-stealth-windows/
The new picture shows a triangular, curved main forward cockpit window and a wide, arcing side window with no apparent interior framing. That departs from earlier views which showed B-2-style windows. Just aft of the side window is the Global Strike Command badge and stenciling for ground rescue instructions.
The nose of the aircraft confirms a more pronounced “Beak” or “Hawk’s bill” than on the B-2 Spirit, which the B-21 generally resembles. The underside of the aircraft seems to be deeper than the B-2, although details are obscured. When compared with the artist’s rendering released in January, the B-21 seems to have a greatly pronounced chine, or flattened leading edge, which then tapers into the blended-wing fuselage. This chine also marks a departure from the B-2, which has a more classic wing-like chord shape in cross section.
The image obscures details of the B-21’s air intake, which underwent a “major redesign,” according to Program Executive Officer Randall Walden. He told Air Force Magazine early this year such a change is typical for a complex new aircraft program. New aircraft often have “installed engine inlet/exhaust integration issues that have to be resolved,” he said. Previous images have shown the intakes as shallow and straight-edged, unlike the B-2’s scalloped, rounded, and deep intakes.
Also absent from the new image is any detail of the exhaust, although it continues to show a tapered, pointed single tail in silhouette.
Winston
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First Improved W88 Nuclear Warhead For Navy's Trident Missiles Rolls Off The Assembly Line - The modernized W88 nuclear warheads are part of a major initiative to update America's submarine-launched nuclear arsenal.
JULY 13, 2021
https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zo...-trident-missiles-rolls-off-the-assembly-line
The Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration has announced the completion of the first production example of the improved W88 Alteration 370 warhead, or W88 Alt 370, after 11 years of work, and a major, costly delay that was first revealed more than a year ago. This modernization program is aimed at mitigating issues relating to the age of the existing stockpile of W88s and maintaining the readiness of these warheads, which are among multiple types presently available for loading into the U.S. Navy's Trident D5 submarine-launched ballistic missiles.
The first production unit of the W88 Alt 370 was completed at the Pantex Plant in Amarillo, Texas on July 1, 2021. Specific details about the warhead are classified, but the Alt 370 upgrade package “replaces the arming, fuzing, and firing subsystem, adds a lightning arrestor connector, and refreshes the conventional high explosives within the weapon to enhance nuclear safety and support future life extension program options,” according to an official fact sheet. In addition, the effort is concurrent with "planned exchanges of limited-life, or routinely replaced, components, including the gas-transfer system and neutron generators."
W88 Alt 370 arming, fuzing, and firing assembly:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Dbg_o1wV0AA2iqg?format=jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DbhKJD6V0AEOJc4?format=jpg
Shock tube testing:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E1YrIRSWEAUbSLA?format=jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E1YrIRtWYAIwZ9y?format=jpg
Drop testing:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EButmCcXUAMniFy?format=jpg
Vibration testing:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E1YqiVsXEAgOyWQ?format=jpg
Explosive detonation simulating a hostile, cold X-ray induced shock:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D_Tt4OuWsAEoqeh?format=png
W88
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/W88
The W88 is a United States thermonuclear warhead, with an estimated yield of 475 kilotons[2] (kt), and is small enough to fit on MIRVed missiles. The W88 was designed at the Los Alamos National Laboratory in the 1970s. In 1999, the director of Los Alamos who had presided over its design described it as "the most advanced U.S. nuclear warhead".[3] As of 2014, the latest version is called the W88 ALT 370,[4] and the first production unit is scheduled for December 2019.[5] The Trident II submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) can be armed with up to 8 W88 warheads (Mark 5 re-entry vehicle) or 12 100 kt W76 warheads (Mark 4 re-entry vehicle), but it is limited to 8 warheads under the Strategic Offensive Reductions Treaty.
JULY 13, 2021
https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zo...-trident-missiles-rolls-off-the-assembly-line
The Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration has announced the completion of the first production example of the improved W88 Alteration 370 warhead, or W88 Alt 370, after 11 years of work, and a major, costly delay that was first revealed more than a year ago. This modernization program is aimed at mitigating issues relating to the age of the existing stockpile of W88s and maintaining the readiness of these warheads, which are among multiple types presently available for loading into the U.S. Navy's Trident D5 submarine-launched ballistic missiles.
The first production unit of the W88 Alt 370 was completed at the Pantex Plant in Amarillo, Texas on July 1, 2021. Specific details about the warhead are classified, but the Alt 370 upgrade package “replaces the arming, fuzing, and firing subsystem, adds a lightning arrestor connector, and refreshes the conventional high explosives within the weapon to enhance nuclear safety and support future life extension program options,” according to an official fact sheet. In addition, the effort is concurrent with "planned exchanges of limited-life, or routinely replaced, components, including the gas-transfer system and neutron generators."
W88 Alt 370 arming, fuzing, and firing assembly:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Dbg_o1wV0AA2iqg?format=jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DbhKJD6V0AEOJc4?format=jpg
Shock tube testing:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E1YrIRSWEAUbSLA?format=jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E1YrIRtWYAIwZ9y?format=jpg
Drop testing:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EButmCcXUAMniFy?format=jpg
Vibration testing:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E1YqiVsXEAgOyWQ?format=jpg
Explosive detonation simulating a hostile, cold X-ray induced shock:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D_Tt4OuWsAEoqeh?format=png
W88
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/W88
The W88 is a United States thermonuclear warhead, with an estimated yield of 475 kilotons[2] (kt), and is small enough to fit on MIRVed missiles. The W88 was designed at the Los Alamos National Laboratory in the 1970s. In 1999, the director of Los Alamos who had presided over its design described it as "the most advanced U.S. nuclear warhead".[3] As of 2014, the latest version is called the W88 ALT 370,[4] and the first production unit is scheduled for December 2019.[5] The Trident II submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) can be armed with up to 8 W88 warheads (Mark 5 re-entry vehicle) or 12 100 kt W76 warheads (Mark 4 re-entry vehicle), but it is limited to 8 warheads under the Strategic Offensive Reductions Treaty.
Winston
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China Increasing Its Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Silos By A Factor Of Ten: Report
A new ICBM silo field taking shape in the northwest of the country is the second to be identified in only a month. - JULY 27, 2021
https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zo...istic-missile-silos-by-a-factor-of-ten-report
A new ICBM silo field taking shape in the northwest of the country is the second to be identified in only a month. - JULY 27, 2021
https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zo...istic-missile-silos-by-a-factor-of-ten-report
Winston
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Russia’s Checkmate Light Tactical Fighter Is Officially Unveiled (Updated)
After a much-hyped buildup, Russia’s latest fighter jet design has arrived on the international stage.
JULY 20, 2021
https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zo...light-tactical-fighter-is-officially-unveiled
The wraps have finally, officially, come off the mock-up of Russia’s new light fighter, the Sukhoi Checkmate, also known as the Light Tactical Aircraft, or LTS in Russian, with a formal unveiling at the opening of the MAKS international air show at Zhukovsky, outside Moscow, today. Observers who had been given a succession of tantalizing, and mainly unofficial, glimpses of the new jet over the last few days now have the chance to examine the aircraft from all aspects. The actual ceremony ended up being delayed by several hours, perhaps to accommodate the visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who was shown inspecting the mock-up after opening the show.
The end result is very much in keeping with the observations that The War Zone has been gathering based on initial, leaked, imagery, much of it that came when the aircraft was still literally under wraps. The United Aircraft Corporation and Rostec, for their part, which are responsible for the Sukhoi design bureau, seemed to actively encourage this process, harnessing it as something of a PR coup.
Cockpit:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E6vYIfGXMAECiHy?format=jpg
After a much-hyped buildup, Russia’s latest fighter jet design has arrived on the international stage.
JULY 20, 2021
https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zo...light-tactical-fighter-is-officially-unveiled
The wraps have finally, officially, come off the mock-up of Russia’s new light fighter, the Sukhoi Checkmate, also known as the Light Tactical Aircraft, or LTS in Russian, with a formal unveiling at the opening of the MAKS international air show at Zhukovsky, outside Moscow, today. Observers who had been given a succession of tantalizing, and mainly unofficial, glimpses of the new jet over the last few days now have the chance to examine the aircraft from all aspects. The actual ceremony ended up being delayed by several hours, perhaps to accommodate the visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who was shown inspecting the mock-up after opening the show.
The end result is very much in keeping with the observations that The War Zone has been gathering based on initial, leaked, imagery, much of it that came when the aircraft was still literally under wraps. The United Aircraft Corporation and Rostec, for their part, which are responsible for the Sukhoi design bureau, seemed to actively encourage this process, harnessing it as something of a PR coup.
Cockpit:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E6vYIfGXMAECiHy?format=jpg
Winston
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Air Force Tweet Showing F-35As Protected By Lightning Rods Asks "Which Lightning Strikes Harder?"
An Air Force Tweet playing on the F-35's nickname, Lightning II, comes days after lightning caused millions of dollars of damage to two Marine F-35Bs.
JULY 26, 2021
https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zo...ning-rods-asks-which-lightning-strikes-harder
Nellis Air Force Base's official Twitter account has posted a great picture of a pair of U.S. Air Force F-35A Joint Strike Fighters, also known by the official nickname Lightning II, protected by lightning rods as actual lightning striking in the background. The Tweet, which asks "which lightning do you think strikes harder?", comes just days after the U.S. Marine Corps revealed that a pair of their F-35Bs were grounded in Japan with millions of dollars in damage after being hit by lightning during sorties earlier this month. Air Force F-35As have also infamously been banned, at least in the past, from flying anywhere near thunderstorms due to concerns about the potential for their fuel systems to explode if they are struck by lightning.
An Air Force Tweet playing on the F-35's nickname, Lightning II, comes days after lightning caused millions of dollars of damage to two Marine F-35Bs.
JULY 26, 2021
https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zo...ning-rods-asks-which-lightning-strikes-harder
Nellis Air Force Base's official Twitter account has posted a great picture of a pair of U.S. Air Force F-35A Joint Strike Fighters, also known by the official nickname Lightning II, protected by lightning rods as actual lightning striking in the background. The Tweet, which asks "which lightning do you think strikes harder?", comes just days after the U.S. Marine Corps revealed that a pair of their F-35Bs were grounded in Japan with millions of dollars in damage after being hit by lightning during sorties earlier this month. Air Force F-35As have also infamously been banned, at least in the past, from flying anywhere near thunderstorms due to concerns about the potential for their fuel systems to explode if they are struck by lightning.
Winston
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UNCUT FOOTAGE OF UNDERWATER ATOMIC BLAST 1958
Wahoo blast:
The nuclear device was positioned 500 feet (150 m) deep in the Pacific Ocean. The test conditions were met on May 16 1958 allowing for the nuclear device to be detonated. Within a second of detonation, a spray dome was created that reached a height of 840 feet (260 m) after seven seconds. The overall shape of the spray dome resembled a cone with 45 degree sloped sides. Plumes were seen breaking through the spray dome after six seconds in every direction. The vertical plume continued rising until 12 seconds after the blast while the lateral plumes traveled for 20 seconds before collapsing. The diameter of the spray dome was approximately 3,800 feet (1,200 m) at the 20 second mark.[4](p237) The base surge reached a radius of 8,000 feet (2,400 m) in the downwind direction after 1.7 seconds. The downwind surge aided by a 15 knots (17 mph; 28 km/h) wind reached speeds of 21 knots (24 mph; 39 km/h). This base surge could be seen for three and a half minutes and for longer from the air as it continued to move across the ocean. When the spray dome and base surge had dissipated, a foam patch could be seen spreading from the surface zero water to reach over 6,000 feet (1,800 m).[4](p238)
The nuclear blast was calculated to be 9 kilotons of TNT (38 TJ). All fallout stayed within the predicted fallout area with a maximum of 0.030 R/hr. The target ship at 5,900 yards (2.9 nmi; 3.4 mi; 5.4 km) was directly hit by the shockwave, vibrating the entire ship and shaking it violently. The Moran merchant marine ship moored at 2,346 feet (715 m) away was immobilized due to shock damage to its main and auxiliary equipment while also suffering minor hull damage. One hour and ten minutes after detonation, a five-gallon water sample was taken directly above the blast location showing 5 R/hr. The retrieval team entered a 3.8 R/hrfield after an hour and thirty five minutes.
Wahoo blast:
The nuclear device was positioned 500 feet (150 m) deep in the Pacific Ocean. The test conditions were met on May 16 1958 allowing for the nuclear device to be detonated. Within a second of detonation, a spray dome was created that reached a height of 840 feet (260 m) after seven seconds. The overall shape of the spray dome resembled a cone with 45 degree sloped sides. Plumes were seen breaking through the spray dome after six seconds in every direction. The vertical plume continued rising until 12 seconds after the blast while the lateral plumes traveled for 20 seconds before collapsing. The diameter of the spray dome was approximately 3,800 feet (1,200 m) at the 20 second mark.[4](p237) The base surge reached a radius of 8,000 feet (2,400 m) in the downwind direction after 1.7 seconds. The downwind surge aided by a 15 knots (17 mph; 28 km/h) wind reached speeds of 21 knots (24 mph; 39 km/h). This base surge could be seen for three and a half minutes and for longer from the air as it continued to move across the ocean. When the spray dome and base surge had dissipated, a foam patch could be seen spreading from the surface zero water to reach over 6,000 feet (1,800 m).[4](p238)
The nuclear blast was calculated to be 9 kilotons of TNT (38 TJ). All fallout stayed within the predicted fallout area with a maximum of 0.030 R/hr. The target ship at 5,900 yards (2.9 nmi; 3.4 mi; 5.4 km) was directly hit by the shockwave, vibrating the entire ship and shaking it violently. The Moran merchant marine ship moored at 2,346 feet (715 m) away was immobilized due to shock damage to its main and auxiliary equipment while also suffering minor hull damage. One hour and ten minutes after detonation, a five-gallon water sample was taken directly above the blast location showing 5 R/hr. The retrieval team entered a 3.8 R/hrfield after an hour and thirty five minutes.
Winston
Lorenzo von Matterhorn
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Looks conical, like SPRINT or their PRS-1M ABM.
This Is Our First View Of Russia’s New S-500 Air Defense System In Action
The much-delayed air defense system is designed to swat down both air-breathing and ballistic missile threats.
JULY 20, 2021
https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zo...ussias-new-s-500-air-defense-system-in-action
GREAT analysis:
S-500 missile system
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S-500_missile_system
The S-500 is a new-generation surface-to-air missile system. It is designed for intercepting and destroying intercontinental ballistic missiles, as well as hypersonic cruise missiles and aircraft, for air defense against Airborne Early Warning and Control and for jamming aircraft.[citation needed] With a planned range of 600 km (370 mi) for anti-ballistic missile (ABM) and 500 km (310 mi) for air defence,[17] the S-500 would be able to detect and simultaneously engage up to 10 ballistic hypersonic targets flying at a speed of 5 kilometres per second (3.1 mi/s; 18,000 km/h; 11,000 mph)[18][19] to a limit of 7 km/s (4.3 mi/s; 25,000 km/h; 16,000 mph).[20][21] It also aims at destroying hypersonic cruise missiles and other aerial targets at speeds of higher than Mach 5, as well as spacecraft.[citation needed] The altitude of a target engaged can be as high as 180–200 km (110–120 mi).[citation needed] It is effective against ballistic missiles with a launch range of 3,500 km (2,200 mi), the radar reaches a radius of 3,000 km (1,300 km for the EPR 0,1 square meter).[22][23] Other targets it has been announced to defend against include: unmanned aerial vehicles, low Earth orbit satellites, and space weapons launched from hypersonic aircraft, drones, and hypersonic orbital platforms.[24]
The system will be highly mobile and will have rapid deployability. Experts believe that the system's capabilities can affect enemy intercontinental ballistic missiles at the middle and end portions of flight,[17] but reports by Almaz-Antey say that the external target-designation system (RLS Voronezh-DM and missile defense system A-135 radar Don-2N) will be capable of mid-early flight portion interceptions of enemy ballistic missiles, which is one of the final stages of the S-500 project. It is to have a response time of less than 4 seconds (Compared to the S-400's less than 10).[25]
PRS-1M ABM
This Is Our First View Of Russia’s New S-500 Air Defense System In Action
The much-delayed air defense system is designed to swat down both air-breathing and ballistic missile threats.
JULY 20, 2021
https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zo...ussias-new-s-500-air-defense-system-in-action
GREAT analysis:
S-500 missile system
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S-500_missile_system
The S-500 is a new-generation surface-to-air missile system. It is designed for intercepting and destroying intercontinental ballistic missiles, as well as hypersonic cruise missiles and aircraft, for air defense against Airborne Early Warning and Control and for jamming aircraft.[citation needed] With a planned range of 600 km (370 mi) for anti-ballistic missile (ABM) and 500 km (310 mi) for air defence,[17] the S-500 would be able to detect and simultaneously engage up to 10 ballistic hypersonic targets flying at a speed of 5 kilometres per second (3.1 mi/s; 18,000 km/h; 11,000 mph)[18][19] to a limit of 7 km/s (4.3 mi/s; 25,000 km/h; 16,000 mph).[20][21] It also aims at destroying hypersonic cruise missiles and other aerial targets at speeds of higher than Mach 5, as well as spacecraft.[citation needed] The altitude of a target engaged can be as high as 180–200 km (110–120 mi).[citation needed] It is effective against ballistic missiles with a launch range of 3,500 km (2,200 mi), the radar reaches a radius of 3,000 km (1,300 km for the EPR 0,1 square meter).[22][23] Other targets it has been announced to defend against include: unmanned aerial vehicles, low Earth orbit satellites, and space weapons launched from hypersonic aircraft, drones, and hypersonic orbital platforms.[24]
The system will be highly mobile and will have rapid deployability. Experts believe that the system's capabilities can affect enemy intercontinental ballistic missiles at the middle and end portions of flight,[17] but reports by Almaz-Antey say that the external target-designation system (RLS Voronezh-DM and missile defense system A-135 radar Don-2N) will be capable of mid-early flight portion interceptions of enemy ballistic missiles, which is one of the final stages of the S-500 project. It is to have a response time of less than 4 seconds (Compared to the S-400's less than 10).[25]
PRS-1M ABM
Winston
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What’s it like hauling nuclear weapons across the country?
AskWaves dives into the job of federal nuclear materials couriers
July 18, 2021
https://www.freightwaves.com/news/whats-it-like-hauling-nuclear-weapons-across-the-country
After graduation, candidates who have successfully obtained a DOE security clearance participate in over-the-road mission operations with an active federal agent unit and undergo intense performance testing in convoy operations force-on-force exercises.
The DOE tries to hold three NMC training classes per year, with each class containing 20 NMC candidates.
“The numbers fluctuate, but quite often only 45 to 50 of the 60 trainees will graduate each year,” Johnson said. “The top three reasons for candidates not graduating are voluntary resignations, injuries and failing to satisfactorily complete a portion of the training.”
The salary range for an NV-01 (basic) federal agent NMC is $48,682 to $76,981.
AskWaves dives into the job of federal nuclear materials couriers
July 18, 2021
https://www.freightwaves.com/news/whats-it-like-hauling-nuclear-weapons-across-the-country
After graduation, candidates who have successfully obtained a DOE security clearance participate in over-the-road mission operations with an active federal agent unit and undergo intense performance testing in convoy operations force-on-force exercises.
The DOE tries to hold three NMC training classes per year, with each class containing 20 NMC candidates.
“The numbers fluctuate, but quite often only 45 to 50 of the 60 trainees will graduate each year,” Johnson said. “The top three reasons for candidates not graduating are voluntary resignations, injuries and failing to satisfactorily complete a portion of the training.”
The salary range for an NV-01 (basic) federal agent NMC is $48,682 to $76,981.
Winston
Lorenzo von Matterhorn
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- Jan 31, 2009
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- 9,560
- Reaction score
- 1,748
Navy Next-Generation Attack Submarine (SSN[X]) Program [PDF]
https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF11826
https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF11826
Winston
Lorenzo von Matterhorn
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Just the count of ones NOT deployed:
How U.S. And Russian Nuclear Arsenals Evolved
https://www.statista.com/chart/16305/stockpiled-nuclear-warhead-count/
How U.S. And Russian Nuclear Arsenals Evolved
https://www.statista.com/chart/16305/stockpiled-nuclear-warhead-count/
Winston
Lorenzo von Matterhorn
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- 9,560
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Barksdale B-52 Brandishes Its Modern Arsenal In New Loadout Photos
Stratofortress weapons options have changed a lot over the years and are set to morph even more drastically in the decades to come.
JULY 30, 2021
https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zo...shes-its-modern-arsenal-in-new-loadout-photos
The U.S. Air Force’s B-52H Stratofortress bomber has recently posed for photos behind an impressive display of its still-expanding weapons and stores options. Although it first took to the air almost 70 years ago, the adaptable “BUFF” still keeps pace with developments in precision-guided ordnance and it also carries some important weapons that are unique to it in the Air Force inventory.
The photos, two of which were released through the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS) earlier today, show, in an unmistakable head-on pose, a B-52H of the 2nd Bomb Wing at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana. In the background of one of the shots is another B-52, this one from Barksdale’s 307th Bomb Wing, part of Air Force Reserve Command.
Click on image for full 7168 x 4032 resolution. Wisely, they've made the latest B-52 loadout image in 16:9 format to serve as desktop wallpaper if so desired:
Stratofortress weapons options have changed a lot over the years and are set to morph even more drastically in the decades to come.
JULY 30, 2021
https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zo...shes-its-modern-arsenal-in-new-loadout-photos
The U.S. Air Force’s B-52H Stratofortress bomber has recently posed for photos behind an impressive display of its still-expanding weapons and stores options. Although it first took to the air almost 70 years ago, the adaptable “BUFF” still keeps pace with developments in precision-guided ordnance and it also carries some important weapons that are unique to it in the Air Force inventory.
The photos, two of which were released through the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS) earlier today, show, in an unmistakable head-on pose, a B-52H of the 2nd Bomb Wing at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana. In the background of one of the shots is another B-52, this one from Barksdale’s 307th Bomb Wing, part of Air Force Reserve Command.
Click on image for full 7168 x 4032 resolution. Wisely, they've made the latest B-52 loadout image in 16:9 format to serve as desktop wallpaper if so desired:
