Article Type: Current Military
Article Date: October 19, 2001
The Carriers
The Kitty Hawk Class aircraft carriers displace 61,000 tons standard and up to 82,000 tons at full load and are 1,073 feet in length with 250-268-foot beams. Propulsion comes from geared steam turbines of 280,000 SHP to four shafts and screws giving a 30-knot speed. Compliment is up to 2,990 officers and men with another 2,500 of the air wing.
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Defensive armament consists of multiple Sea Sparrow Mk 25 & Mk 29 AAA missiles with multiple Phalanx CIWS weapons. The aircraft compliment normally is 24 F-14As & Ds, 24 FA-18Cs, 10 F-18Bs, 4 EA-6Bs (could be using some FA-18Ds now), 4 E-2Cs, 10 S-3Bs, and 6 CH-53Es.
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U.S.S. Nimitz  |
The Nimitz Class nuclear-powered carriers are in the forefront of all major operations displacing 81,600 tons standard and 91,400 tons with full load. They are 1,092 feet in length with 251-foot beams. While the Enterprise has eight A2W reactors producing 35,000 SHP each, the later ships have two A4W reactors pumping out 130,000 SHP each. All ships drive four shafts and screws and make 30 knots. The A4Ws go thirteen years between refueling. Crew compliment is a maximum of 3,151 officers and men plus 2,625 in the air wing. Aircraft compliment is generally the same as Kitty Hawk Class flat tops. Though the number and assortment listed is basic and general, look for variation with more helicopters and/or other other different aircraft.
Defensively they carry multiple Sea Sparrow Mk 25 & Mk 29 launchers plus multiple Phalanx CIWS weapons. Aircraft compliment is identical to the Kitty Hawk class.
Ordnance
Before we even discuss aircraft we know Tomahawk cruise missiles are being employed. Since 1984 when the missile entered service it has been used as a stand off weapon by Naval forces often.
The GPS guidance computer has a full and detailed map generated by satellite and aircraft recon imaging to “see” as it picks out geographical landmarks to navigate to target. It can be fired from any style of tube-launched platform including submerged submarines. Once out of the tube the folding wings deploy from the 18.25-foot fuselage and it begins its up to 1,000-mile journey to deliver its 1,000 lb. warhead. Any type of warhead can be installed. The Tomahawk can over-fly a target, dump cluster bombs and continue to additional targets.
The latest Joint Direct Ordnance bombs have been improved to use GPS guidance to steer them to their targets like the cruise missile within 1.5 meters of intended point of impact from as far as 15 miles from the launch station. The 1,000 lb. warhead can vary from high explosive to cluster bomblets. Theses babies are good in close air support and interdiction used against fortified locations or ships.
Naval Aircraft
GRUMMAN F-14A
One of the finest interceptors in the world is the two-seat F-14A Tomcat. It has been progressively re-equipped and updating has kept it a highly viable interceptor that can fill the roles of tactical recon and strike fighter. It has all-weather capability, ECMs and look-down-shoot-down ability. Its powerful fire control radar has long range to match its weapons. It can use television-controlled weaponry.
The variable sweep wings measure 64.0 feet unswept and 38.1 feet when swept and is 62.75 feet long. It weighs 40,104 lbs. empty but maximum load out results in a 73,349-pound weight. Two 20,900 lb. thrust Pratt & Whitney TF30-P-412A turbofans power it. It is capable of Mach 2.37 or 1,564 MPH at high altitude. Initial rate of climb is 30,000 FPM with a 56,000-foot ceiling. In interceptor role with external fuel its range is 2,000 miles.
A 20 mm M61A1 Vulcan with 675 rounds is at the pilot’s disposable for close in work while the Radar Intercept Officer (RIO) can launch long-range Hughes AIM-54 Phoenix air-to-air missiles using the AWG-9 radar and weapon control system. Radar-guide AIM-7 Sidewinders and infrared-guided AIM-9 Sidewinders compliment the weaponry. Cruise missiles can be launched.
GRUMMAN F-14B/D
Updating the F-14A accounts for the B/D models. The original P & W engines were supposed to be interim but proceeded to production. The General Electric F110-GE-400s of 27,000 lbs. thrust provide less maintenance problems and more power. Refined APG-71 radar replaced the AWG-9 and cockpit instrumentation was improved. The ALQ-165 Airborne Self Protection Jammer and the Joint Tactical Information Distribution System (JTIDS) allows real time dissemination of the battle view so immediate tactical decisions can be revised as needed.
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| F-14D on deck |
Now known as the Super Tomcat, the F-14D is capable of 1,544 MPH at high altitude. Ceiling is 53,000 feet and range in CAP configuration with six AIM-7s and four AIM-9s is 1,239 miles. Empty and maximum loaded weights are 41,780 lbs. and 74,349 lbs.
The F-14D can perform close support roles with free fall ordnance of over 15,000 lbs total weight. The D has a smart weapons kit for launch and guidance of most modern weapons of that type. Later versions of the Hughes AIM-54A/B/Cs are used. Both the A and D can launch air-to-surface weapons.
McDONNELL DOUGLAS FA-18A/C & D
This plane improved the older A-7’s role of attack fighter being fully capable of supersonic speeds and the ability to deal with enemy fighters on equal footing. The single-seat Hornet can change from a fighter to an attack craft with a computer software change backing up the F-14s as the situation calls for. The 37.5-foot wings fold for carrier stowage of the 56-foot long fighter and it has an in-flight refueling probe. The C designation updates As to perform as the all-weather F/A-18C Night Attack aircraft using the Hughes AAR-50 Thermal Imaging Navigation Set (TINS).
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| F/A-18C on its way |
The C can do tactical recon, close support and strike plus anti-shipping roles with proper ordnance. It has ECMs, television and laser guided weapon-tracking abilities. It can look-down-shoot-down and has Forward Looking Infra-Red (FLIR) and a smart weapons kit.
The F/A-18C weighs 23,050 lbs. empty and maxes out at 56,000 lbs. Two 16,000 lb. thrust General Electric F404-GE-400s give it a Mach 1.8 or 1,183 MPH speed at 40,000 ft. and a ceiling of 50,000 feet. Range varies with role. As a fighter escort it is 460 miles and in attack set up it is 662 miles.
A 20 mm M61A1 Vulcan with 570 rounds mounts up front while up to 17,000 lbs. of varying ordnance can be attached to the nine hardpoints. Free fall or guided bombs, cluster bombs, dispenser weapons, napalm and cruise missiles can be launched. The F/A-18C can fire the AIM-120A AMRAAM and the AGM-65F Maverick ASM plus all the Sidewinders.
The two-seat F/A-18D allows a RIO to concentrate on the mission role be it night attack, strike, or recon where weapons delivery can be aided by a second person. While all specs are the same as other models, the reconnaissance and ECM emphasized D also carries the Loral UPD-8 synthetic-aperture SLAR centerline pod to supplement optical and IR sensors in the nose. Data is viewed in by the RIO and relayed to ground stations with a real time data link for evaluation by commanders.
GRUMMAN EA-6B
The F/A-18D may be doing some of the EA-6B Prowler’s original job in the fleet now. If EA-6s still prowl here’s the low down on them. As a specialized version of the A-6 Intruder the EA-6B evolved into a four-seat ECM aircraft with a myriad of jamming devices and electronic support measures (ESM) equipment. There is so much stuff crammed into the plane three electric warfare officers (EWOs) us equipment like the ALQ-99 for tactical jamming, detecting, sorting, classifying and dealing with all electronic threats over a broad frequency spectrum. Up to five jamming pods can be carried.
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| EA-6B full of ECMs |
Two 11,200 lb. thrust, non-afterburning P & W J52-P408 turbojets power the plane with it s 53-foot span, 59,9-foot length and all up weight of 65,000 lbs. Top speed is 610 MPH but cruise is only 481 MPH. The Prowler can climb at 10,030 FPM and has a ceiling of 38,000 ft. With external fuel range is 1,099 miles. EA-6Bs were retrofitted to carry and launch 4-6 AGM-88 HARM anti-radar missiles.
GRUMMAN E-2C
The E-2C Hawkeye serves as an Airborne Early Warning (AEW) aircraft. It filled with ESMs and powerful GE APS-145 search radar disc antenna mounted above the 57.5-foot fuselage. It can track 250 targets at long range under poor electro-magnetic conditions and support 30 fleet interceptors.
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| E-2C eye in the sky |
Two 4,910 HP Allison T56-A-425 turbo pros reside on the straight wings spanning 80.5 ft. Hawkeye can do 374 MPH maximum with cruise at 310 MPH for six hours. Max range is 1,605 miles and ceiling is 30,800 feet.
LOCKHEED S-3B
The Viking is the ship-borne anti-submarine warfare (ASW) factor in the fleet air arm. The 2-man S-3B has APS-116 radar, a FLIR turret, Magnetic Anomaly Detector (MAD) and many avionic packages and sensors to track submarines stuffed in it 53.3-foot fuselage. Two 9,275 lb. thrust GE TF34-2 turbofans are tucked beneath the 68.75-foot wings. Loaded it weighs 52,539 lbs. and can hit 518 MPH at 25,000 ft. but cruises at just 184 MPH for more than 2,300 miles range. It climbs at 4,200 FPM.
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| ASW S-3B will have nothing to do |
Up to 3,300 lbs. of cluster bombs, flare launcher, rocket pods or fuel are attached to two underwing pylons. Internally it can carry 4,000 lbs. of torpedoes, mines or depth charges.
SIKORSKY S-80
Used by the Navy and Marines as the CH-53E Super Stallion this workhorse can refuel in flight to extend its 1,290-mile range. It can perform search and rescue duties, ASW, maritime patrol, and assault transport. Three General Electric T64-GE-416 turboshaft engines of 4,380 HP each give this big boy a speed of 196 MPH at sea level and climb of 2,500 FPM and lift 30,000 lbs. internally.
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| CH-53E squats on the tarmac |
The 6-blade rotor spans 79.0 feet and the fuselage is 99.0 feet long. The craft weighs 69,750 lbs. maximum takeoff weight bur can be 73,500 lbs. with an external payload. 40 troops or 24 litters with four attendants can be transported.
There may be different mixes of quantities and additional types of aircraft in the Arabian Sea but the aforementioned inventory is a fair basic.
Air Force Aircraft
GERERAL DYNAMICS F-16
We will see the venerable F-16. The heart of the F-16C is its Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-229 of 29,000 lb thrust with afterburning. P & W's F100 is an axial flow, low bypass, high compression, twin spool engine featuring an annular combustor and common flow afterburner. It has a three-stage fan driven by a two-stage turbine. Its small diameter (36") and low weight (3,020 lb.) produce a superior thrust-to-weight ratio of eight-to-one. The General Electric F110-GE-129 turbofan of the same specs is used in later model F-16Ns used by the Navy in Top Gun adversary roles.
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| With no opposition F-16s will be strike fighters |
Maximum speed is 1,320 MPH at 40,000 feet. With maximum internal/external fuel it can range as far as 2,415 miles. Its normal combat radius is 575 miles. The service ceiling exceeds 50,000 feet. The 18,218-pound plane empty can more than double its weight to a maximum loaded mass of 42,300 lbs. But it is a small fighter at 49.23' long with a 32.8' wingspan.
Internal ordnance consists of the M61A Vulcan 20mm mounted just aft of the pilot on the port side with 515 rounds, or about five seconds of gun time. Externally the F-16 mounts its stores on one fuselage and six under-wing hardpoints plus two more on the wingtips for the AIM-9 or AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to-air missiles. 20,450 lbs of ordnance can be attached to the stub-winged bird and an amazing 11,950 lbs. can be strapped on for 9-g sorties. This plane can ingress and severely maneuver, deliver its load and egress clean as an air superiority weapon. See COMBATSIM.COM archives for more on the F-16 Falconry: The F-16.
McDONNELL DOUGLAS F-15E
Two-seat F-15Es will probably take part in any campaign in Afghanistan in tactical strike mode. Two P & W F100-P-229s of 29,000 lbs. thrust each give the Eagle a top speed of Mach 2.5 or 1,650 MPH above 36,000 ft. It will take advantage of its ability to carry 23,600 lbs. of assorted ordnance besides its 940-round, 20 mm Vulcan with like AIM-7s, 9s and/or AIM-120 AMRAAMs plus AGM-65 Mavericks with the maximum takeoff weight being 81,000 lbs.
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| F-15Es will pound ground |
The wings span 42.9 feet while the fuselage measures 63.75 feet long. Maximum range is 3,570 mile and it can climb to 60,000 feet. On board is a powerful Hughes APG-70 radar and all the updated inter-service electronics and sensors. It has ECM capability, terrain-following radar, and television guidance for weapons, look-down-shoot-down and FLIR.
McDONNELL DOUGLAS C-17A
Not a combat glamour girl, the Globmaster III has been making humanitarian cargo drops in Afghanistan. Beyond that she can haul 124,000 lbs. of anything needed at the front landing and taking off from unimproved airfields with its STOL capability. One hundred forty-four combat troops or 102 paratroopers can be accommodated, or 48 litters.
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| The large caliber C-17 |
The C-17s wings span 165.0 feet and the 171.25-foot fuselage is the diameter of the C-5 Galaxy. Four 41,700 lb. thrust P & W F117-P-100 turbofans get the plane to a maximum cruising speed of 515 MPH at 35,000 ft. and she can climb to 45,000 ft. Range is 5,412 miles empty and 3,225 miles with 124,000 lbs. aboard. Fully loaded the C-17A weighs 580,000 lbs. Sister C-141s and C-130s will, no doubt enter the scene if they haven’t already.
ROCKWELL B-1B
The swing-wing B-1 is in the fray with its terrain-following radar guidance system allowing low-level delivery of up to 75,000 lbs. from internal bays and 59,000 lbs. in underfuselage stations. That ordnance can be AGM-69 SRAMs, AGM-86B ALCMs, cruise missiles plus Mk 82 and Mk 84 conventional bombs.
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| A B-1B looking bad |
With wings spread they measure 136.75 feet and swept 78.1 feet. It is 147.0 feet long and can weigh a maximum of 477,000 lbs. on takeoff. Power comes from four general Electric F101-GE-102 turbo fans of 30,780 lbs. thrust each. They give a top speed of 600 MPH at 200 feet altitude though the bomber has a ceiling of 50,000 feet. Unrefueled range is 7,455 miles. The B-1B lancer has just one percent of the radar cross-section of a B-52 allowing stealthy penetration to target. It has ECM capability, television guidance for weapons and FLIR.
BOEING B-52H
The planes are older than their pilots whose fathers flew them! The B-52 has been in the AF inventory since 1955 with the H since 1961. Continually updated with electronics and airframe upgrades, this monster’s wings span 185.0 feet and is 160.9 feet long. The H model can haul 50,000 lbs. of all types of ASM missiles and conventional or guided ordnance in the Air Force inventory both internally and on six wing hardpoints. Earlier models could tote up to 72,000 lbs. Full up, the Stratofortress weighs 488,000 lbs.
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| Wouldn't be a part without BUF |
Eight 17,700 lb. thrust P& W TF33-P-3 turbofans move it at 594 MPH maximum but cruise is 509 MPH. It can reach 10,000 miles on internal fuel and go 55,000 feet high. The B-52 has ECM capability, terrain-following radar, television guidance for weapons and FLIR. When nothing else will do-call a B-52.
NORTHRUP B-2
The flying wing stealth bomber has appeared having flown in from a base in Missouri. The B-2 mission is of medium/high altitude ordnance delivery at sub-sonic speed relying on its stealth features to evade detection. Its composite structure allows it sneak in with up to 40,000 lbs. of bombs or cruise missiles. The wing is 172.0 feet across and is 69.0 feet long. The main radar is a Hughes APQ-181 unit.
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| don't see no bomber |
Four 19,000 lb. thrust G.E. F118-GE-110 turbofans can move the B-2 Spirit at about 650 MPH at high altitude and give it a ceiling of 50,000 feet. Range is stated as 7,255 miles without in-flight refueling. It has every latest electronic “goodie” including television guidance for weapons and FLIR.
LOCKHEED F-117
We assume the F-117A Nighthawk attack plane could be used. Since Desert Storm this stealth fighter has planted munitions precisely where aimed undetected by the enemy. Its composite construction and shape reflects radar energy and it produces a low thermal and electromagnetic signature. The F-117 has no active radar emissions. It relies on an advanced passive system based on FLIR sensors and Doppler navigation.
Smart weapons are stowed internally and include the AGM-88 HARM anti-radar missile, AGM-65 Maverick ASM, GBU-19 and 27 “optronically” guided bombs, and laser guided BLU-109 bombs. AIM-9 AAMs can be mounted. Weapons release uses DLIR and laser control.
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| I don't see no fighter |
Nighthawk is 65.9 feet long with a 43.3-foot wingspan. It weighs 52,500 at maximum. Two little 10,800 lb. thrust G.E. F404-GE-F1D2 turbofans scoot it along at about Mach 0.9 or 594 MPH at “optimum altitude” though it may go Mach 1 at higher altitudes. Ceiling is not known (45,-50,000 ft.?) but range is about 691 miles with a full 5,000 lb. ordnance load.
LOCKHEED AC-130
We’ve just heard that the AC-130H Spectre has debuted in the Afghani theater. An upgrade from the fabled Douglas AC-47 used in Viet Nam, the 97.75-foot Spectre fuselage is crammed with firepower. Four 4,050 SHP Allison T56-A-7 turboprops on the 132.6-foot wing give the gunship a 5-hour loiter time though it can speed along at 380 MPH at 30,000 ft. Spectre climbs at a sedate 1,830 FPM with an all up weight of 155,000 lbs. The plane has heavy defensive armor.
The plane has ECM, ECS, FLIR, laser, searchlights, and television weapon control. At-this time AC-130Us should be in the field too. They have one 25 mm GAU-12/U multi-barreled cannon, on 40 mm Bofors and one 105 mm howitzer with state of the art target acquisition and fire control.
Once on target the AC-130H or U pilot banks the ship at a 30-50-degree angle and keeps that target in the sights as he makes the continual circuit while shells rain down from the port-side 105 mm howitzer, two 40 mm Bofors, two 20 mm Vulcan and four 7.63 mm mini-guns. You wouldn’t want to be on the business end of this ship when she unleashes.
McDONNELL DOUGLAS AH-64A
Along with UH-60 Blackhawks we’ll see AH-64 Apaches working over any armor and combat troops encountered. McDonnell Douglas now builds the design, originated by Hughes, since it bought Hughes’ helicopter division in 1984. A Pair of quiet mode General Electric T700-GE-701 turboshaft engines with 1,696 SHP each gives Apache a top speed of 184 MPH when needed, a climb rate of 2,500 FPM and a ceiling of 21,000 ft. using a 48-foot, 4-blade rotor above its 58.25-foot fuselage.
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| Ready for phase two |
Weighing 21,000 lbs. with a full load, the Apache can quietly approach a battle zone and attack with its 1,200 rounds of 30 mm from the trainable M230 Chain Gun and fire up to sixteen Hellfire* AT missiles or 76 2.75-inch unguided rockets. The helo can employ ECM, use its FLIR at night, has a smart weapon kit, television guided weapons and laser to zero in using nap-of-the-Earth navigation in all weather conditions. And just perhaps some old Bell AH-1 Cobras will appear.
*[We also just learned that the RQ-1 Predator UAV has been outfitted with Hellfire missiles for offensive / defensive purposes. What's interesting about this news is that it was not common knowledge that the Predator could be outfitted with such weapons ——ed.]
What the Allies will be using is not known as this is written but so far British submarines have launched cruise missiles from the Swiftsure Class boat displacing 4,900 tons submerged. They are 272 feet long with 32.3-foot beams and a crew of 116 aboard capable of 28 knots. Britain is using Tigerfish and Spearfish torpedoes but can launch Tomahawks from those tubes.
A Trafalgar Class sub is off shore measuring 5,300 tons submerged, 280 feet in length with a 33-foot beam. With 130 crewmen they can do 28 knots as well.
It is known that off shore U.S. Los Angeles Class subs displacing 6,900 tons submerged, 360 feet long with 33-foot beams are capable of 30 knots with a crew of 129 and launch Harpoons and Tomahawks from twelve vertical tubes.
Sources
- Donald, David
The Complete Encyclopedia of World Aircraft
Barnes & Noble Books, New York, 1998
- Green, Wm.
The Complete Book of Fighters
Smithmark Publishers, NY, 1994
- Gunston, Bill
The Encyclopedia of Modern Warplanes
Aerospace Publishing Limited, London, 1995
- Munson, Kenneth
Bombers
The Macmillian Co., N.Y.,1966
- Swanborough, Gordon & Bowers, Peter M.
United States Military Aircraft Since 1909,
Smithsonian Publishing Washington DC 1989
- Vanderveen, Bart
Modern Arms
Proost International Book Production, Belgium, 1992
- Wood, Derek
Jane's World Aircraft
Jane's Information Group, Inc., UK, 1992
