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On May 3, 2024, Northrop Grumman secured a substantial indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract from the US Air Force valued at up to $7 billion to modernize and sustain the B-2 Stealth Bomber, known for its pivotal role in strategic bombing. The enhancements outlined in the contract cover a broad spectrum of needs, including advanced sustaining engineering, software maintenance, support equipment, and the programmed depot maintenance of the fleet.
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The B-2 program was initially ambitious, planning for 132 bombers, but this number was reduced to 21 due to budget reductions and the geopolitical landscape post-Cold War. (Picture source: US DoD)

The Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit, also known as the Stealth Bomber, is a significant piece of American aerospace engineering developed primarily for strategic bombing capabilities. The development of the B-2 commenced in the late 1970s as a response to the improving capabilities of Soviet air defenses, which necessitated a bomber with advanced stealth features. Northrop Corporation was awarded the development contract by the U.S. Air Force in 1981, and the project remained highly classified throughout its development stages. The first B-2 was unveiled in 1988 and entered service in 1997. The development phase focused on incorporating stealth technology and materials, using extensive composite materials to decrease the aircraft’s radar cross-section.

The B-2 program was initially ambitious, planning for 132 bombers, but this number was reduced to 21 due to budget reductions and the shifting geopolitical landscape post-Cold War. The costs associated with the B-2 were significant, reflecting the advanced technology and capabilities it brought, including long-range operations, a large payload capacity, and reduced radar detectability, which allowed for strategic operations without reliance on proximate bases.

The stealth characteristics of the B-2 Spirit are primarily due to its flying-wing design, which reduces the number of radar-reflective edges. The aircraft’s surface materials and special coatings are designed to absorb radar waves, enhancing its ability to evade detection. This stealth capability enables the B-2 to penetrate sophisticated air defenses and execute strikes with reduced likelihood of interception. The B-2’s operational efficacy in stealth mode was validated in combat operations across Kosovo, Iraq, and Afghanistan, where it carried out precision strikes.

Regarding modernization, the B-2 is part of ongoing upgrade programs to address emerging threats. These include updates to its defensive systems to better identify and counteract air defense systems and the integration of upgraded nuclear weapons, such as the B61-12 bombs. Additional modernizations focus on securing communication systems against cyber threats and advancing the aircraft’s stealth technology to remain effective against new detection technologies.

The B-2 fleet, part of the U.S. nuclear triad and conventional strike forces, is based at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri and operated by the 509th Bomb Wing. Its role in strategic deterrence and readiness for rapid global deployment highlights its importance in national security frameworks, with specifics on deployment strategies and operational readiness generally classified.

Technically, the B-2 Spirit can cover a range of approximately 6,900 miles unrefueled, with the potential for indefinite range extension via in-flight refueling. Its maximum speed is near subsonic at 0.95 Mach, with an operational ceiling of 50,000 feet. The aircraft can carry up to 40,000 pounds of both conventional and nuclear ordnance. It is equipped with state-of-the-art avionics and navigation systems that support its role in executing precision-guided munitions and varied mission profiles.

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US companies Leidos and Elroy Air, pioneers in the development of autonomous aircraft systems and software, are gearing up to demonstrate the capabilities of the Chaparral, a high-tech aerial resupply drone. This demonstration, scheduled for July 2024 at the US Army Yuma Proving Grounds in Arizona, represents a major advance in the field of unmanned tactical aircraft systems under the auspices of the Navy and Marine Corps’ PMA-263 program office.

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Elroy Air Chaparral hybrid-electric vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft (Picture source: Leidos)

The Chaparral is a “lift-plus-cruise” type hybrid-electric vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft. Designed to optimize autonomous logistical operations over long distances, it integrates electric propulsion with turbo-generation. This setup not only enhances endurance but also increases efficiency during demanding missions. The aircraft’s structure, made from advanced carbon composites, and its modular automated loading capabilities, is designed to reduce the need for personnel on the ground, thus providing essential “zero-contact” logistics for operations in conflict zones.

Tim Freeman, Senior Vice President of Leidos and head of the Airborne Systems sector, emphasizes the significance of this partnership with Elroy Air: “We are thrilled to collaborate with Elroy Air to bring this critical capability to the warfighters. Approval for testing is a key milestone, the result of several months of hard work. We look forward to demonstrating how the MARV-EL solution from Leidos and Elroy Air will provide a significant logistical advantage not only to the Marines but also to other branches of the military.”

Dave Merrill, CEO and co-founder of Elroy Air highlights the initial focus of the Chaparral’s development: “From the beginning, we designed the Chaparral to transport cargo and resupply troops without exposing crews to danger. This demonstration will be concrete proof of our ability to support the U.S. Marine Corps expeditionary logistics goals.”

The MARV-EL program is designed to provide commanders with reactive capabilities to support Marine Corps forces in advanced and dispersed operations, including Expeditionary Advanced Bases (EAB). The Chaparral, with its autonomous operations, is set to become a key unmanned logistical asset of medium weight, ensuring combat support when ground or manned aviation assets are unavailable due to threats, terrain conditions, weather, or competing priorities.

This collaboration between Leidos and Elroy Air could well redefine the standards of military logistics, significantly enhancing the safety and efficiency of resupply missions in challenging combat environments.

PMA-263, or the Navy and Marine Corps Small Tactical Unmanned Aircraft Systems program, is a specific division that oversees the development, acquisition, and deployment of unmanned aerial systems for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. Its primary mission is to provide innovative and effective solutions to meet critical needs for reconnaissance, surveillance, and other operational tasks that benefit from the use of drones. PMA-263 plays a crucial role in integrating these advanced technologies into combat strategies, aiming to enhance operational capabilities while ensuring the safety of troops engaged in the field. This unit is responsible for overseeing drone programs ranging from small handheld devices to more complex and larger systems, thus shaping the future of aerial warfare and logistics in the modern military environment.

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On May 14, 2024, as reported by Gareth Jennings, Aviation Desk Editor at Jane’s, a spokesperson from BAE Systems confirmed previous speculations about the Italian Air Force’s potential expansion of its Eurofighter Typhoon fleet. Italy is considering the acquisition of more core aircraft, possibly adding 24 additional Typhoon multirole fighters. However, concrete details are yet to emerge, pending the official parliamentary process scheduled for the summer.
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The Typhoon’s armament includes a 27 mm Mauser BK-27 revolver cannon with 150 rounds and 13 hardpoints (8 under-wing and 5 under-fuselage) capable of carrying over 9,000 kg of payload. (Picture source: Airbus)

Despite inquiries from Gareth Jennings, both the Italian Air Force and Leonardo Aircraft have refrained from providing confirmation or further information. Notably, if Italy proceeds with the purchase, it would align with Germany’s Quadriga and Spain’s Halcon programs, leaving the UK as the only consortium partner without an additional order. BAE spokespersons have also hinted at potential measures to maintain the UK’s standing within the Eurofighter consortium, as other member nations pursue fleet expansions. One consideration is extending the service life of the existing fleet to ensure parity with partner nations.

Over the past 20 years, the Italian Air Force, which currently operates 94 Eurofighter Typhoons, has achieved more than 80,000 flight hours with this type of aircraft. The multirole fighter now equips six squadrons (9°, 10°, 12°, 18°, 20°, and 132° Gruppo) located at four bases: Grosseto, Gioia del Colle, Trapani, and Istrana. The Typhoons provide round-the-clock Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) service both domestically and internationally and are regularly deployed to carry out a variety of roles, including missions exceeding 8 hours in support of the anti-Daesh coalition in Iraq and Syria.

The Eurofighter Typhoon is a multi-role combat aircraft developed by a consortium of European aerospace companies, including Airbus, BAE Systems, and Leonardo. Designed for a wide range of air operations, the Typhoon features a delta wing and canard configuration, providing significant maneuverability. The aircraft is intended to meet both current and future operational needs, with continuous upgrades keeping it updated with combat aviation technology. It has a maximum takeoff weight of 23,500 kg and a maximum speed of Mach 2.0.

The Italian Air Force currently operates 94 Eurofighter aircraft across four squadrons. (Picture source: Italian Air Force)

Powered by two Eurojet EJ200 afterburning turbofan engines, each providing 60 kN (13,000 lbf) of thrust dry and 90 kN (20,000 lbf) with an afterburner, the Eurofighter Typhoon can reach a maximum speed of 2,125 km/h or Mach 2.35 at high altitude and 1,530 km/h or Mach 1.25 at sea level. It has a supercruise capability at Mach 1.5, a maximum range of 2,900 kilometers, and a service ceiling of 19,812 meters (65,000 feet).

The Typhoon’s armament includes a 27 mm Mauser BK-27 revolver cannon with 150 rounds and 13 hardpoints (8 under-wing and 5 under-fuselage) capable of carrying over 9,000 kg of payload. In air-to-air combat, the Eurofighter Typhoon can climb at a rate of 315 meters per second (62,000 feet per minute). It is equipped with advanced radar and targeting systems, including the Captor-E AESA radar, capable of tracking up to 20 targets simultaneously and engaging them with precision. Its armament includes air-to-air missiles such as the AIM-120 AMRAAM, MBDA Meteor, IRIS-T, AIM-132 ASRAAM, and AIM-9 Sidewinder for beyond-visual-range (BVR) engagement.

The Eurofighter Typhoon also performs well in air-to-ground missions. It can carry precision-guided munitions, including Paveway IV laser-guided bombs, Storm Shadow cruise missiles, Brimstone anti-tank missiles, Taurus air-to-surface missiles, and AGM-88 HARM anti-radiation missiles. Its targeting pod, the LITENING III, allows for accurate identification and engagement of ground targets under various weather conditions. This capability supports roles such as close air support, interdiction, and strategic strike missions. Furthermore, the Typhoon can also carry anti-ship missiles such as the Marte ER and the Joint Strike Missile (JSM).

The aircraft’s avionics and electronic warfare systems are advanced. The Defensive Aids Sub System (DASS) offers protection against threats such as radar-guided and infrared-guided missiles. It includes communication and data link systems like Link 16 for integration with other air and ground assets, enhancing situational awareness and coordination in complex environments. Additionally, the Typhoon is equipped with an Infra-Red Search and Track (IRST) system for passive target detection.

Ongoing upgrades and modernization programs help maintain the Eurofighter Typhoon’s operational effectiveness. Recent enhancements include the Phase 4 Enhancement (P4E) package, which integrates the new ECRS Mk2 AESA radar to improve electronic warfare and attack capabilities. This radar can detect, identify, and track multiple targets in the air and on the ground simultaneously. The Praetorian Defensive Aids Sub-System (DASS) is also being upgraded to enhance survivability against modern threats, including infrared and radar-guided missiles, through initiatives such as the Praetorian eVolution roadmap.