UK Defence Forum

bobp wrote:And I heard that the F35B have flown home to Marham.

I posted this earlier the source has taken the page down....

https://www.edp24.co.uk/news/fighter-je ... lk-8466260

Given she still needs to come through the Eastern Med and knowing now how many live QRA's were carried out in the same place on the way out if the F-35's have gone someone needs there cock put in a vice

[quote="Tempest414"]if the F-35's have gone[ I am sure they remain onboard.

Interesting article 7th November USNI showing recent satellite pics revealing full size mock-up model of carrier on rails and two destroyers (Burkes) in desert target range with what looks like sophisticated instrumentation, presuming for testing their sensor heads of their carrier killer ~800 nm DF-21 and ~2,000 nm DF-26 missiles sensor heads, plus possible use for testing their very large air launched ASCM, the CH-AS-X-13.

“In July 2019, the PLARF conducted its first-ever confirmed live-fire launch into the South China Sea, firing six DF-21D anti-ship ballistic missiles into the waters north of the Spratly Islands,” the Pentagon

Raises again the question are the days of the carrier numbered, but the difficulty for the Chinese is how do they establish the carriers position so that is within the basket of the missile sensor, the sea is a very big place, and how effective will be the Aster 30, SM-6 and SM-3 defending against the Chinese DF-21 and 26s BMs, even if they have a very high Pk of 90%, carriers begin to look vulnerable if can be targeted successfully.

From <https://news.usni.org/2021/11/07/china- ... ote-desert>

Carriers are so out of date, the PLAN is actively sinking billions of $ into building a significant fleet of carriers with air wings to match.

Looks like the F-35B are still there...

Thank Timmy, that's a lovely little video. Great fun

Mind you, it must be fake because I read on this board for years and years that cross decking is not possible with STOVL carriers

NickC wrote:Interesting article 7th November USNI showing recent satellite pics revealing full size mock-up model of carrier on rails and two destroyers (Burkes) in desert target range with what looks like sophisticated instrumentation, presuming for testing their sensor heads of their carrier killer ~800 nm DF-21 and ~2,000 nm DF-26 missiles sensor heads, plus possible use for testing their very large air launched ASCM, the CH-AS-X-13.

“In July 2019, the PLARF conducted its first-ever confirmed live-fire launch into the South China Sea, firing six DF-21D anti-ship ballistic missiles into the waters north of the Spratly Islands,” the Pentagon

Raises again the question are the days of the carrier numbered, but the difficulty for the Chinese is how do they establish the carriers position so that is within the basket of the missile sensor, the sea is a very big place, and how effective will be the Aster 30, SM-6 and SM-3 defending against the Chinese DF-21 and 26s BMs, even if they have a very high Pk of 90%, carriers begin to look vulnerable if can be targeted successfully.

From <https://news.usni.org/2021/11/07/china- ... ote-desert>

I read the report these targets were on rails , likely because these targets were assembled elsewhere would of been more interesting if the targets at the time were able to speed along the track system and had counter measures to deploy

Ron5 wrote:it must be fake because I read on this board for years and years that cross decking is not possible with STOVL carriers

No you haven't. Never seen anyone on here say that

Caribbean wrote:

Ron5 wrote:it must be fake because I read on this board for years and years that cross decking is not possible with STOVL carriers

No you haven't. Never seen anyone on here say that

Dozens of times dude.

Why would cross decking not be possible?

People have got all worked up by the fact we can't cross deck kit like E-2 and F-18 , F-35C but here is still plenty that can be cross decked if needed other countries F-35B's , Harriers , helicopters and MV-22

Anyone get the impression the Jungly Merlin is reclaiming it's spot form the annoying Osprey?!?

Uh oh, new sheriff in town

Good, very pleased with the new sheriff.

https://securecommunications.airbus.com ... deployment

Airbus is delivering the primary satellite communications to the UK Carrier Strike Group 2021 (CSG21) which set sail in late May 2021 until the end of the year on its inaugural maritime deployment. This is the most important UK Royal Naval deployment in a generation.

Airbus worked closely with the Navy Digital and Defence Digital in the lead up to the deployment to ensure the most efficient and effective communication plans were in place to support the UK elements of the task group. This included extensive scenario testing.

This included provision of the latest rollout of the Airbus Maritime Network Evolution (MNE) capability enabling the CSG21 platforms to take advantage of multi bearers of opportunity (BOO), including MilSat, ComSat, Ship alongside, Wifi, and 5G whilst at sea or alongside in port.

Primary satellite communications support for the group is provided over the Skynet 5 satellite constellation anchored via the Airbus UK satellite ground stations at Oakhanger and Colerne, and also Airbus’ Australian anchor station in Adelaide.

SW1 wrote:and also Airbus’ Australian anchor station in Adelaide.

Believe this is a specific Skynet ground station at Speedcasts ground station facility at Mawson Lakes, Adelaide.

Brings to mind: where will Zephyr's value-add be
- in satellite -like images (not far off from targeting; perhaps more 'on-line)?
- or, in comms linking (satellite orbits & cost of bandwidht)?
OR in all of these, while thinking of the weight limit on payloads?

ArmChairCivvy wrote:Brings to mind: where will Zephyr's value-add be
- in satellite -like images (not far off from targeting; perhaps more 'on-line)?
- or, in comms linking (satellite orbits & cost of bandwidht)?
OR in all of these, while thinking of the weight limit on payloads?

Relay to downrange ucav and all of the above.

ArmChairCivvy wrote:Brings to mind: where will Zephyr's value-add be
- in satellite -like images (not far off from targeting; perhaps more 'on-line)?
- or, in comms linking (satellite orbits & cost of bandwidht)?
OR in all of these, while thinking of the weight limit on payloads?

Dependent on the model chosen. Zephyr T could carry multiple payloads.

Persistence is the key, either re-broadcast, LOS comms or surveillance. It will be a couple of years before we could see them orbiting a QE Class in anything other than Med and below though..

Due to phone issue forgot to add that yesterday was the 2nd anniversary of nipper ending his banishment to Rosyth and sailing into Pompey on PWLS.

Hopefully he can extend his time onboard for next year when she is due to go off out too many cold, and warm, places.

Another thankful saved by Martin baker

British F-35 fighter jet crashes during routine operation in Mediterranean - pilot ejected safely, MoD says

Link: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-59323895