#the growler pod

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Hey, fun fact! You know the Boeing EA-18G Growler?

huh?

You know, the EA/18G, the dedicated electronic warfare version of the Boeing F/A-18 naval combat aircraft.

wha?

Okay, you know how the United States has a really big military? Well, it's so big that we have three separate fixed wing combat aviation forces: the United States Air Force, the United States Navy, and the United States Marines. Most countries have only one, because they're stinking un-airconditioned europoors, but we have three, because we're the best country in the world.

(The Marines? Yes! If they were their own country the Marines would have the fifth largest air force in the world. They have their own F-35 variant, the F-35B, which they operate off their own mini-carriers. And, again, the United States has more of those helicopter carriers than the rest of the world, combined.)

okay

Seriously, Italians don't even put ice in their water. And that's not the worst thing--

you were talking about airplanes

Oh yeah. Well, every air force has electronic warfare aircraft, planes that jam radar and communications signals. Remember the opening salvo of the Gulf War, where the US flew airstrikes against Bagdad, the most heavily defended city in the world, but effortlessly evaded Saddam's hopelessly outdated Soviet anti-air batteries using the F-117's stealth abilities? That flight of F-117s were accompanied by three EF-111A electronic warfare aircraft! Entirely conventional 70s-era airframes, but they waltzed through radar just as well as cutting-edge stealth. Nobody knows about this!

And I think this is by design. Electronic warfare is a peculiarly ephemeral form of combat. Radar jamming only works if you know the frequencies and periods of enemy equipment. It is beneficial to the United States to announce an insurmountable lead in stealth, an intrinsic, material property of an aircraft structure, and downplay EW, which can be defeated with a turn of the dial. Maintaining effective EW capabilities requires constant surveillance of of enemy radar systems and intimate knowledge of their internal workings. I think it is no coincidence that fully half of the satellites that the NRO launches aren't visible-light telescopes at all, but ELINT signals interception birds!

thats crazy

If you think that's crazy, just wait! You see those things hanging off the wings up there?

uh huh

That's the AN/ALQ-99 EW pod. The Growler itself has some electronics, but most of the transmit power come from the the 99's. It originally entered service in 1972 with the EA-6B, a late sixties design. Early combat aircraft didn't exactly have a lot of spare electrical power, and each 99 can radiate up to 10.8 kilowatts of radio. Where does the power come from?

The propeller at the front. It's a ram air turbine.

what the fuck

The Growler can carry up to five of them at once! Wikipedia notes it "reduc[es] the Growler's top speed." Yeah, no shit! You're shoving a damn windmill through the sky!

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Boeing Is Evaluating The F-15EX As Successor Of The EA-18G Growler

The new “Wild Weasel” variant of the F-15EX would make use of both existing capabilities of the aircraft, as well as new ones integrated from the Growler.

Stefano D'Urso

F-15EX Growler

An F-15EX Eagle II prepares to taxi for a training mission at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Nov. 15, 2023. An upgraded version of the F-15 fourth-generation fighter jet, the F-15EX boasts a new electronic warfare system and an open mission systems architecture with advanced battle management systems. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Elizabeth Tan)

As the production line of the F/A-18 is about to close, Boeing is studying whether the F-15EX Eagle II can be equipped to become the successor of the EA-18G Growler. The new “Wild Weasel” variant of the F-15EX would make use of both existing capabilities of the aircraft, as well as new ones integrated from the Growler.

“We are evaluating the technical feasibility of combining EA-18G-like capabilities with the F-15EX platform,” said Rob Novotny, Boeing’s executive director for Fighters Business Development. Novotny added that the study is still in the initial stage, but the company is already eyeing opportunities both for NATO members and the Indo-Pacific.

The move is due to the planned stop to the production of the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet in 2027, which in turn means the production of the EA-18G Growler will also end. On the other hand, the production of the Advanced Eagle is expected to continue for many years and leaves the door open to a new specialized variant for Electronic Warfare (EW).

“Modern aerial combat requires command of the electromagnetic spectrum, and this platform would lead the way into the next decade or two,” Novotny said. He also pointed out that the Eagle II offers several design advantages, including the aircraft’s range, speed, computing power and payload capacity.

F-15EX Growler

An F-15EX assigned to the 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo by 2nd Lt. Mary Begy)

One could argue that a low-observable, or stealth, aircraft like the F-35 could be better suited for the job, however Novotny mentioned that stealth shouldn’t be understood strictly in terms of low-observable coatings. In fact, similarly to the Growler, such capabilities could be also replicated by using advanced EW functions.

“Stealth means, to me, I can go to a place where the enemy doesn’t want me to go, and I can operate in their environment, achieve my objective, and not be targeted,” said Novotny.

The F-15EX is already equipped with advanced EW capabilities thanks to the Eagle Passive Active Warning Survivability System (EPAWSS), but it also has the ability to carry the AGM-88 High-Speed Anti-Radiation Missiles (HARMs). In addition to these, Boeing is exploring also the possibility to integrate the AGM-88G Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile-Extended Range (AARGM-ER) and the Next Generation Jammer (NGJ) pods. Still, there’s no naval variant of the Eagle II, therefore, it looks like such a successor of the EA-18G could not operate from the flight deck of an aircraft carrier unlike the Growler.

U.S. Navy EA-18G Growlers assigned to the Electronic Attack Squadron 138 (VAQ-138) fly in formation over the Pacific Ocean, June 24, 2024. The EA-18G’s vast array of sensors and weapons provides the warfighter with a lethal and survivable weapon system to counter current and emerging threats. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tylir Meyer)

The F-15EX and the existing EW capabilities

The new F-15EX, developed from the F-15QA that was the most advanced Eagle variant, comes from a series of needs mainly emerged after the National Defense Strategy directed the U.S. armed services to adapt to the new threats from China and Russia. The aircraft, while extremely similar to the QA variant, features some US-only capabilities like the new AN/ALQ-250 Eagle Passive Active Warning Survivability System (EPAWSS) electronic warfare and electronic surveillance system and Open Mission Systems (OMS) architecture.

The F-15EX’s systems are powered by the Advanced Display Core Processor II, reportedly the fastest mission computer ever installed on a fighter jet, and the Operational Flight Program Suite 9.1X, a customized variant of the Suite 9 used on the F-15C and F-15E, designed to ensure full interoperability of the new aircraft with the “legacy Eagles”.

The F-15EX is equipped with the AN/APG-82(V)1 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, developed from the APG-63(V)3 AESA radar of the F-15C and the APG-79 AESA radar of the F/A-18E/F. This radar allows the Eagle II to simultaneously detect, identify and track multiple air and surface targets at longer ranges compared to mechanical radars, facilitating persistent target observation and information sharing for a better decision-making process.

EPAWSS, an US-only system that will be retrofitted also to the F-15E, provides full-spectrum EW capabilities, including radar warning, geolocation, situational awareness, and self-protection to the F-15. Because of this, the system enables freedom of maneuver and deeper penetration into battlespaces protected by modern integrated air defense systems.

F-15EX Growler

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Richard Turner, 40th Flight Test Squadron commander flies 40 FLTS Senior Enlisted Leader, MSgt Tristan McIntire during a test sortie in the F-15EX Eagle II over the Gulf of Mexico on Jun. 14, 2022. Assigned to the 96th Test Wing at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., the F-15EX Eagle II is the Air Force’s newest 4th generation fighter being tested at the 40 FLTS. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. John McRell)

EPAWSS is fully integrated with radar warning, geo-location and increased chaff and flare capability to detect and defeat surface and airborne threats in signal-dense and highly contested environments. The system is currently not integrated with the AN/AAR-57A(V) Common Missile Warning System (CMWS) designed to detect infrared threats, even if the F-15EX features the same mounting points used for these sensors on the F-15QA and F-15SA.

Chaff and flares capacity has been increased by 50%, with four more dispensers added in the EPAWSS fairings behind the tail fins (two for each fairing), for a total of 12 dispenser housing 360 cartridges. This improvement is important as in modern scenarios chaff and flares are often released preemptively to counter MANPADS (Man Portable Air Defense System), meaning that now the Eagle will have more countermeasures available for a better protection.

EPAWSS also integrates cognitive electronic warfare to better discriminate the signals received by the system. This capability was demonstrated during the Northern Edge 2023 large force exercise test event, which tested EPAWSS’ ability to rapidly respond to previously unencountered electromagnetic threats. The tests challenged the system’s ability to process in-mission sensor data, create exquisite techniques, and optimize waveforms in real time.

As for the kinetic capabilities, the F-15EX can carry the AGM-88 HARM on outboard wing stations 1 and 9. This capability is reportedly a product of the fly-by-wire upgrade funded by the Royal Saudi Air Force during the development of the F-15SA.

An F-15EX Eagle II from the 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron, 53rd Wing, takes flight out of Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, April 11, 2024, with U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. David Wolfe, command chief of Air Combat Command, and Maj. Scott Addy, 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron, F-15 division chief. The F-15EX is the first Air Force aircraft to be tested and fielded from beginning to end, through combined developmental and operational tests. (U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Lindsey Brewer)

The EA-18G and the capabilities it could pass to the F-15EX

Based off of the F/A-18F, the Growler is a highly specialized Electronic Attack variant of the Super Hornet. The most noticeable difference with the baseline SH is the presence of the wingtip pods housing the ALQ-218 signals receiver suite, which helps to detect and geolocate emitters and signals.

The AN/ALQ-218 is a high performance RWR/ESM/ELINT system that allows the aircraft collect data about sources of radio frequency (RF) emissions: with this sensor, the EA-18G can “sniff” hostile radio signals to update the EOB (Electronic Order of Battle) of the combat theater where the aircraft is employed.

The EA-18G is equipped with an airborne electronic attack (AEA) avionics suite that has evolved from the EA-6B’s Improved Capability III (ICAP III) AEA system. In the future, with the Block II Growler upgrade and the NGJ (Next Generation Jamming) pods, the Growlers will also have Cyber Attack capabilities that will allow the EA-18Gs to “hack” or inject malware into enemy network.

The NGJ program aims to give the EA-18G fleet advanced airborne electronic attack capabilities through three frequency-focused increments – high-band, mid-band and low-band: in other words, the Growlers will replace the TJS pods operating in the 509 MHz to 18 GHz waveband, using three different pods, designated NGJ-LB (also known as Block/Increment 2), NGJ-MB (Capability Block/Increment 1), and NGJ-HB (Block/Increment 3) and directed specifically against the low- (100 MHz to 2 GHz waveband), mid- (2 GHz to 6 GHz), and high-band (6 GHz to 18 GHz) sections of the overall threat spectrum.

NGJ-MB is a high-capacity and power airborne electronic attack weapon system designed for the EA-18G electronic attack aircraft that was designed to carry out the usual job of denying, degrading and disrupting threat radars and communication devices, from an extended range and with enhanced ability than the previous AN/ALQ-99 tactical jamming pods, developed for the EA-6B Prowler.

The NGJ-MB, also known as the AN/ALQ-249(V)1 pod, uses directional emitters and AESA (active electronically scanned array) technology and an all-digital back end. It also has digital and software-based tech embedded in the design, which increases the ability to jam and allows for rapid beam steering and advanced jammer modulation.

While the NGJ-MB pod will “cover the majority of critical threats”, NGJ-LB will be extremely important to provide cover to stealth aircraft, threatened by the emerging counter-stealth Low Band radars, engaging enemy threats from increased stand-off distances and employing increased capacity (number of jamming assignments).

Loaded with external fuel tanks [and NGJ pods, ndr], an EA-18G Growler attached to the U.S. Navy’s Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Nine (VX-9) — the Vampires — goes airborne at Naval Base Ventura County Point Mugu in Southern California on Aug. 10, 2023, on its way to the adjacent Point Mugu Sea Range for a training exercise. The Growler is a two-seat variant of the carrier-based F/A-18 Super Hornet that is designed for electronic warfare. (U.S. Navy photo by Eric Parsons/Released)

NGJ-MB will replace one of high-band ALQ-99 pods that Growlers carry under each wing, while the NGJ-LB will replace the low-band pod that the aircraft carry on the centerline store position under the fuselage (the third one, a high-band pod, being developed as part of the so-called Increment III, will be carried on the left wing).

The Growler is also capable of carrying the HARM (High speed Anti-Radiation Missile) and AARGM (Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile); these weapons are designed to seek out threat weapons systems and emitters, guiding on their energy, and destroy them. However, the EA-18G is expected to integrate also the new AARGM-ER.

The AARGM-ER is the evolution of the latest variant of the AGM-88 HARM (High-Speed Anti-Radiation Missile), the AGM-88E AARGM, a medium-range air-to-ground missile employed for Suppression and/or Destruction of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD/DEAD). The AGM-88E is the result of a cooperative program with the Italian Air Force started in 2005 and developed as an upgrade and compliment to the AGM-88B/C. The AARGM program designed and produced a new Guidance Section and modified the existing Control Section, which are coupled with the legacy HARM Rocket Motor and Warhead Section, wings and fins.

The new Guidance Section features a passive anti-radiation homing receiver, satellite and inertial navigation system and a millimeter wave radar for terminal guidance, with the added ability to send images of the target via a satellite link before impact. The purpose of these new Guidance Section is to improve the effectiveness of the legacy HARM, especially against enemy radar and communications sites that would shut down to confuse incoming anti-radiation missiles (counter-shutdown capability) or pop-up threats.

As stated by the U.S. Navy, AARGM baseline capabilities include an expanded target set, counter-shutdown capability, advanced signals processing for improved detection and locating, geographic specificity providing aircrew the opportunity to define missile-impact zones and impact-avoidance zones, and a weapon impact-assessment broadcast capability providing for battle damage assessment cueing.

The AARGM-ER builds up on these capabilities to obtain an even more advanced weapon that is being integrated on the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler and it is compatible for a future integration on all the variants of the F-35 Lightning II. The AARGM-ER combines the Guidance Section and Control Section of the AGM-88E with a new, larger rocket motor and a new warhead. The control surfaces have been redesigned too, obtaining aerodynamic strakes along the sides for increased lift and low-drag tail surfaces. The missile will reportedly have roughly double the range and speed of the AGM-88E.

About Stefano D'Urso

Stefano D'Urso is a freelance journalist and contributor to TheAviationist based in Lecce, Italy. A graduate in Industral Engineering he's also studying to achieve a Master Degree in Aerospace Engineering. Electronic Warfare, Loitering Munitions and OSINT techniques applied to the world of military operations and current conflicts are among his areas of expertise.

@TheAviationist.com

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#usnavy #s #irst #for #growler #from #lmco .@usnavy .@pacificco mmand .@pacificsubs .@warship_78 @pacificsubs @usnavy @royalnavy .@ royalnavy .@usmc @usmc @lockheedmartin @boeingdefense @northropgr umman  https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/f-a-18s-infrared-sear ch-and-track-system-plagued-by-delays that growlers donotplan t o drop the tank while irst is rather shortmedium range is aninteres ting contradiction but beit the main disadvantage boresight fixe d irst islikely the extreme sensitivity aimed for d i s t a n t trac king of targets as maingoal and this maybe m e c h a n i c a l c omplication on hard carrier landings #keypoint makeit tracking no nmechanically with certain possibilities a n d include (!)lidar sp ectrums which willbe often paired by adversary: thereisno need to ha ve allthe optical equipment and ignore these spectrums andor add another pod. if somewhat distant range is somewhat sacrificed for fast fix ofthese issues itmay not be as significant ifitis e n h a n c e d inthemid and shorter range but allofthe concept on a 4thgen airframe is botled on optionality as itseems #keypoint a visc ous fluid with some moving weight(balls) forisntance can dampen alo t of peakforces. pneumatic suspensions can dampen alot too but ma ybe susceptible to other issues there are mechanical options to da mpen carrier crashlandings but better is remove mechanially movea ble parts completely and focus onthe outclass in ranges where itmat ters incotnrary to add ranges whereit barely matters passive tra cking is critical for stealthy sensors for 4th gen a n d ewarfare spe cialist the issue is how to dodge incoming missiles not for long er range passive tracking allofthis has a conceputal inconsistenc y i didnot figure out y e t maybe thereis sth icannot know y e t  v e r i f y  I am Christian KISS BabyAWACS - Raw Independent S ophistication #THINKTANK + #INTEL #HELLHOLE #BLOG https://www.Ba byAWACS.com/ Inquiry@BabyAWACS.com FluffyBunnySheepleSecuritySolutio ns@BabyAWACS.com Helpful? support. donnate. pay. https://wise.com /share/christiank426 https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/christiankiss

#usnavy #s #irst #for #growler #from #lmco .@usnavy .@pacificcommand .@pacificsubs .@warship_78 @pacificsubs @usnavy @royalnavy .@royalnavy .@usmc @usmc @lockheedmartin @boeingdefense @northropgrumman https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/f-a-18s-infrared-search-and-track-system-plagued-by-delays that growlers donotplan to drop the tank while irst is rather shortmedium range is aninteresting…

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Days 37 and 38 - Charcot and Sims Islands - and more

Charcot Island

Day 37, Saturday, 21 January 2023

I took a sleeping pill and slept like a baby until 5.30 – wonderful not to be up half a dozen times during the night coughing my lungs out.  We woke up properly with a cuppa at a bit after 7 am and threw back the curtains to see a seemingly never-ending low dome of snow glinting in the sunshine half a league ahead. Stunningly beautiful and reaching as far as we could see ahead of us.  It was the northern end of Charcot Island but it took a while to figure out what it was. We were sailing into a huge bay and it took us a couple of hours, following the western coast to the ‘end’ of the bay, before turning around and following the north and west coast out of the bay and thence due south for the rest of the day.

I saw four species of bird during breakfast – the stunning black and white Cape Petrel (unmistakeable), the snowy white Snow Petrel (so beautiful and surprisingly common down here - easily the most common bird we see on board), the dramatic and obliging Antarctic Petrel (our third sighting ever, but much better because it glided gently past our window twice as we sat there) and the lovely Soft-plumaged Petrel (a lifer for us and another very obliging bird that flew parallel with us outside the window three times, once very close to ensure we could see every detail and make the identification absolute!).  A pretty exciting breakfast!

We spent a couple of hours in the Observation Lounge and the Bridge, sailing through clear water, then through many square kilometres or brash with one or two seals on every growler big enough to hold them.  There were Snow Petrels everywhere and quite a few dainty Wilson’s Storm-petrels – probably both outnumbered by the dozens of seals.  The scenery was spectacular, with ice and mountains on every side as we sailed slowly along the coast of the bay until we reached the end and turned to follow the other side of the bay back into open water.  There is not a lot of value in trying to explain it – you simply have to be there to enjoy the majesty, the grandeur, the beauty, the isolation, the mammoth proportions……..  I will desist but…….!

There was a call late in the morning that a pod of whales had been seen so we rushed out to see them.  Nada!  Absolutely nothing.  Maybe someone saw a blow, but equally, someone may just have been encouraging us to get out for some exercise instead of lazing around in our cabins.  An hour later, there was another call and we did see a couple of distant blows from the Observation Lounge, but we then had a wall of Ponant jackets in front of us as people crowded along the deck in front of the Lounge and we couldn’t see anything between their legs.  But then, we have seen plenty of whales before so decided that lunch was a better option.

We ate lunch in the Snackery – on the aft deck, just outside the restaurant where we usually dine.  It is a bit more casual and has a different range of food, mainly fast food, some of which they will cook for you on the spot – hamburgers, etc. We had crumbed prawns, home-made spring rolls and arancini balls on the outer deck – then went right back for another delicious dose with a few variations this time.  It was a bit cold out there – it certainly chilled our white wine (as much booze as you want all day and night, all included on this ship) – but most of the seats are heated (even all the deck seating it heated - perhaps too much so) and there are perspex wind shields around most of them, so we enjoyed the solitude and the food in comfort, while the ship zigzagged around chasing the whales that I assume everyone else enjoyed instead.

I worked on my blog and photos for a couple of hours and then went down for a one-on-one session with one of the two professional photographers on the expedition team.  I picked up a few tips, probably enough to encourage me to explore a few more of the trillion features of my great new camera.

Our Expedition Leader gave a great lecture about Charcot (a little about the father, a lot about the son, for whom our ship is named).  She is a passionate Charcot aficionado and had lots of interesting snippets about him and his achievements as well as some anecdotes about her own contact with the family. The lecture was delayed because everyone was outside photographing a massive iceberg a couple of hundred metres away. The Captain said it was ninety metres high and it looked every inch of it.  Due to the lateness, the recap was deferred and we just had a short briefing about the plans for tomorrow.  It sounds exciting.

I went down to a concert in the mid-evening. There is a Colombian pianist as part of the team who tinkles away a lot on the electric piano in the Observation Lounge and it is quite delightful, but she is also a concert pianist and she performed a great classical concert.  Heather was tired and didn’t come with me, but I was keen and enjoyed it immensely. It was a mixture of a few very well-known pieces, a few lesser-known ones, and one that was her own composition – all really wonderful music.

 There are also at least two more musicians on the team (I think more) - one that plays guitar and sax and another who is a whiz on his electric harp.

Sims Island - and more

Day 38, Sunday, 22 January 2023

What a day it was!  I slept like a baby again – without any chemical assistance – and could have slept even longer.  But we were up reasonably early because we were making a landing a bit after 9.30. We were in the Carroll Inlet surrounded by ice of every description, including mile after mile of stunning ice-cliffs twenty or thirty metres high.  In the middle of all the snowy white, we made for the black monolith of Sims Island, the massive plug of an ancient volcano and now the home of 15,000 breeding pairs of Adelie Penguins.  It was a beautiful sunny day although the wind was pretty biting.  

We were ferried to the shore by zodiac and made a slightly challenging wet landing with seals and Adelies everywhere.  The seals were mainly Crabeaters that didn’t even raise an eyebrow when we walked past and there were penguins everywhere, as fascinated by the strange human creatures as we were of them.  There were lots of skuas around, including some sitting on their own eggs.  They appeared to be all South Polar Skuas although I thought I saw a couple of Brown Skuas first up in the morning.

We walked quite a long way up the hill through the colony with the skuas wheeling around and the penguins waddling around through the humans, gawking at us as we gawked right back at them.  We are supposed to stay at least 5 metres from all wildlife, but that is quite impossible, particularly when they walk right up to us.  We were constantly aware of the monumental black-brown mountain looming over us and we chatted for a while with the geologist on the team.  She is great and has an enormous amount of knowledge about geology, but also the Antarctic in particular, including the wildlife.  We eventually had to return to the ship for lunch and for it to move to a new location for our afternoon adventure.

They sent out the on-board helicopter to scout for a suitable landing place on the ice and in due course, the ship moved close to the ice-shelf quite deep into an ice lead, and we were off again in the zodiacs to walk on the crunchy snow. Both the morning and afternoon landings were interesting because they sped up the zodiacs for the last few metres and put the front half of the craft right up on the beach and snow.  It probably made getting off the zodiac safer, but the steep angle of the craft made it a big step for some people to alight and reboard.  For a fit youngster like me, I had no trouble and spurned the assistance of the two crew members always at hand to almost carry us to shore if necessary.

Our walk on the snow was spectacular.  We could have gone on quite a long walk but we just enjoyed being around the nearby scattering of seals – Crabeaters and a few Weddells. There were a few Adelies and one lone Emperor Penguin – a bit far away, but still easy to see with my camera or binoculars.  The snow was very crunchy and we were often ankle-deep or more as we sank through the top layer, but everything was absolutely pristine, snowy white (obviously) and quite marvellous.  There was a romance about it that I simply couldn’t deny.  Quite a few people fell over when their feet went through the top layer and I had to help a couple of them up again.  Interesting that so many people don’t have the strength to stand up again when they even just have a minor topple, usually with just one knee on the snow, and it takes two strong people to lift them back onto their feet. It was sunny and still and the sky was incredible streaked with all the colours you can imagine.  Of course, we had sunlight 24 hours a day where we were – about 78 degrees south – and the stillness and silence were awe-inspiring. We have walked on snow before, but there was something very special about being there, so far south and with such a small number of people.

During quite a bit of the day, particularly the afternoon and evening, the sea was absolutely flat, not the tiniest ripple to ruffle the mirror – until a zodiac roars through it and sends waves a hundred metres away – and suddenly, it is a mirror again.

We had a short zodiac cruise on the way back to the ship and came across three Crabeater seals cavorting around a bergybit close to the ship.  We got up to less than five metres from them and they kept popping up to look at us before submerging and immediately coming up for another look.  We sat there interacting with them for a very intimate ten minutes or more before we were summonsed back to the ship for showers and a late dinner at about 9 pm or after.  I finally got my Police report during the evening – only took them 39 days (they say ALL checks will be completed within a maximum of 30 days and Heather’s that was lodged at the same time as mine took less than 48 hours). Now we wait on our Chilean visas!

I spent a bit of time during the day watching the ship plough through some loose ice, mainly brash, but with lots of growlers and a few bergybits and bergs that they avoided.  The ship is a Class PS (don’t ask me) rated to crunch through 2.8 metres of ice (very slowly) but we just powered our way through the loose stuff, shoving it aside, rolling it over and over – but when we hit a bigger one head on, there was a big thump and often a few ‘rifle shots’ as the growlers were shattered into several pieces.  Quite impressive to watch and I am itching to see when we start crunching through fast ice (solid ice that is not fragmented).

[usafphantom2]

Chinese Aircraft Carrier Heads To Sea With Mockup J-35 Stealth Fighter

Mockups aboard the Liaoning suggest China might be seeking to deploy the J-35 and new J-15 variants aboard its first two carriers.

Thomas NewdickPUBLISHED Feb 29, 2024 12:56 PM EST

J-15 AND J-35 MOCKUPS ON THE AIRCRAFT CARRIER LIAONING

Chinese internet via X

New photos and video have emerged, providing us with a much better view of the mockup of China’s stealthy J-35 carrier-capable fighter aboard the aircraft carrier Liaoning. While we had previously seen the test specimen on the carrier while it was in port, it’s now clear that deck-handling trials are continuing with the overhauled warship now going to sea. The development raises more questions about what the future makeup of the Chinese carrier air wing will look like.

The Liaoning heads out to sea with mockups of the J-35 and a J-15 variant seen at the rear of the deck. Chinese internet via X

A close-up view of the mockups of the J-35 and the J-15 variant. Chinese internet via X

As you can read about in our previous analysis, sightings of the J-35 mockup on the Liaoning earlier this month suggested that the stealth fighter may be headed for an embarked career aboard China’s first two carriers, which are not fitted with catapults. In the past, it had been expected that the carrier-capable J-35 was intended for China’s next-generation carriers, which will use catapults rather than ‘ski jump’ ramps to get aircraft airborne.

The mockups of the J-35 and the J-15 variant when the Liaoning was still in port. Chinese internet via X

A full-size mockup of the J-35 had been sighted previously, too, including aboard China’s land-based carrier test facility in Wuhan, where such aircraft ‘shapes’ are evaluated for potential use at sea. With the mockup now uncovered, the latest imagery indicates that it wears a light-gray paint scheme the same as that worn by in-service J-15 carrier fighters.

The following series of photos shows the full-size mockup of the J-35 aboard Liaoning earlier this year before it had left port after its latest overhaul:

Wrapped in a dark tarpaulin, the mockup of the J-35 is visibly parked at the end of the deck of the Liaoning. Chinese internet via X

A lower-quality view of the mockup of the J-35, parked at the rear of the carrier. Chinese internet via X

A rear three-quarter-view of the mockup of the J-35, which appeared earlier this month. Chinese internet via X

At the same time, the latest photos and video also show a mockup of a J-15 on the Liaoning. The basic J-15 is now a well-established part of the air wings of China’s two in-service carriers — Liaoning and Shandong — but a mockup might still be useful for continued training, as well as how the aircraft might interact with the J-35 around the deck and in the hangar.

But there have been suggestions that the mockup in question could represent a newer version of the J-15. Although covered by a tarpaulin, the cockpit shape suggests that it could be a two-seat derivative.

According to Andreas Rupprecht, a longtime China aerospace observer and contributor to The War Zone, there are rumors that the J-15 mockup (or mockups, with potentially two now onboard) are for tests of the electronic warfare version of the aircraft. Likely known as the J-15D, this two-seater is essentially a Chinese equivalent to the U.S. Navy’s EA-18G Growler and an important part of the ongoing modernization of the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) carrier air wing. It remains little seen, however, and fairly mysterious.

A pair of mockup J-15Ds also previously appeared on the Shandong, back in 2022, as seen in the tweet below. Noteworthy is the fact that these mockups were single-seaters; the J-15D is a two-seater, but this level of accuracy was obviously not deemed relevant for deck-handling trials. The J-15 mockup on the Liaoning lacks wingtip pods (or pylons, for that matter) but they could be added later.

A Chinese carrier going to sea with aircraft mockups onboard is “not that usual, but also not unusual,” Rupprecht told us. Their role is to practice deck-handling movements, including using the elevators that move aircraft between the flight deck and the hangar below.

Deck-handling aids of different kinds are a familiar part of aircraft carrier training in general and can take a variety of forms. The U.S. Navy will crane real aircraft onto carriers for deck-handling trials, while the Indian Navy trains its deck crew using very basic replica ‘shapes’ that represent the dimensions of the actual aircraft, but little else.

Now that Liaoning has completed its overhaul, it seems that carrier-compatibility tests with the J-35 and potential J-15D (or another kind of naval Flanker variant) are now going to be undertaken in the more realistic and demanding environment of at-sea operations.

Taken together, the two mockups provide further evidence that China may be looking at the possibility of significantly upgrading the airpower capabilities of both the Liaoning and Shandong.

Currently, these vessels go to sea with air wings made up of up to a maximum of 24 J-15 fighters. These are typically supported by around two Z-18F anti-submarine warfare helicopters, two Z-18JA airborne early warning helicopters, and a pair of smaller Z-9 helicopters for plane-guard and general utility duties.

The Liaoning at sea with a typical air wing embarked. via Chinese internet

Unlike the Russian Su-33 from which it was derived, the Chinese-made J-15 has a fairly robust precision-attack capability with YJ-83K anti-ship missiles and YJ-91 anti-radiation missiles, as well as carrying locally developed air-to-air missiles of various types. Other improvements over the Su-33 include locally developed avionics and now also Chinese-made engines.

As we have explored before, having the J-35 join the air wing of either of these carriers would be a huge boost. As well as its low-observable characteristics, it’s assumed that the production aircraft will feature an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar among a host of advanced sensors, as well as very capable weaponry.

The navalized J-35 — this time not a mockup. Chinese internet

Since the Liaoning and the Shandong are equipped for short takeoff but arrested recovery, or STOBAR, operations, the J-35 would have to make use of the ski-jump ramp on the bow to launch, and then recover using arrester wires.

This arrangement limits the payload of the J-15 when operating from these warships, but as we’ve pointed out in the past, the J-35, which is intended to carry more limited stores internally, may be less dramatically affected than other types.

Having the J-35 conduct regular operations from the Liaoning and the Shandong may not have been expected by most observers, but it would make some sense, if feasible, not least to gather valuable experience with the aircraft before expanding its concept of operations aboard the PLAN’s next aircraft carrier, the Fujian. This warship deletes the bow ramp and instead will make use of catapult-assisted takeoff but arrested recovery, or CATOBAR, operations. Using catapults, specifically the advanced electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS) type, will allow the J-35 (or other fixed-wing aircraft) to operate from the carrier with much heavier fuel and weapons loads.

A useful comparison of the Chinese aircraft carriers Liaoning (CV-16), Shandong (CV-17), and Fujian (CV-18):

“In my opinion [the J-35 joining the Liaoning and the Shandong] makes perfect sense,” Rupprecht continues. “Before the Fujian is ready, especially as an operational carrier, the PLAN will need to spend a lot of time training with the J-35 on the deck and in the air. Even if the training is limited due to not having a catapult, the PLAN can gain a lot of flight hours and a lot of experience.”

Provided the J-15 mockup is intended to replicate the J-15D, the same applies in this case, as well. Currently, the air wings of the Liaoning and the Shandong don’t include dedicated electronic warfare aircraft. The J-15D would open up a whole new range of missions for China’s existing carriers, were it to be embarked.

There have also been suggestions that the J-15D could be a lot more than simply an escort jammer type, too. Some accounts suggest the J-15D is heavily inspired by the land-based J-16D ‘Wild Weasel’ variant, reflected in the similar wingtip electronic warfare pods and revised radome profile. Like the J-16D, the infrared search and track sensor and internal gun are removed. As on the J-16D, further electronic warfare pods are expected to be carried under the J-15D’s wings, while it is also rumored to be intended for offensive operations, using anti-radiation missiles and perhaps other weapons.

A J-16D electronic warfare aircraft is on display during Airshow China on September 29, 2021, in Zhuhai, Guangdong province. Photo by Long Wei/VCG via Getty Images

While the first two prototype J-15Ds were equipped for STOBAR rather than CATOBAR operations, the assumption was again that, in the end, this variant would be optimized for use on the Fujian and subsequent carriers. Now, the latest evidence suggests that might have to be revised. It could be the case that China has ambitions to put J-35s and J-15Ds aboard its first-generation ‘ski-jump carriers’ as well.

If that turns out to be the case, it would be a good preparation for the Fujian and the PLAN’s future CATOBAR operations. China has also developed a CATOBAR version of the J-15 and these same modifications could also be incorporated in the J-15D. Then, once the J-35 and J-15 go to sea aboard the Fujian, they will be able to take advantage of the performance and capability advantage offered by catapult launch, as well as working alongside the KJ-600 carrier radar plane as a valuable force-multiplier. Carrier-based drones also seem likely to be part of the PLAN’s future air wings, too.

A rare view of a CATOBAR-capable J-15. The J-15T version (seen in the background) has a revised nose landing gear featuring a catapult launch bar. Chinese TV screencap

As with much in China’s military aerospace realm, there are many uncertainties regarding plans for its future carrier force and the aircraft that will equip it. It’s clear, however, that this remains a highly dynamic and fascinating area of development.

Contact the author: thomas@thewarzone.com

[planesawesome]

The Boeing EA-18G Growler looks a bit like the F/A-18F Super Hornet on steroids, with unique wingtip pods that house secretive electronic gear. The primary role of the EA-18G is much different than that of a traditional Super Hornet, however. The Growler is contemporary, more reliable, and more capable than its predecessor.

[airmanisr]

Boeing EA-18G Growler Flyover by David G. Schultz Via Flickr: Most of the dedicated airborne electronic attack equipment is mounted in the space that used to house the internal 20 mm cannon and on the wingtips. Nine weapons stations remain free to provide for additional weapons or jamming pods. The EA-18G can be fitted with up to five ALQ-99 jamming pods and will typically add two AIM-120 AMRAAM or AGM-88 HARM missiles.[

[photos-mdx]

Two Next Generation Jammer Mid-Band pods, attached to an EA-18G Growler, undergo testing in the Air Combat Environmental Test and Evaluation Facility anechoic chamber at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md.

[tsgcharlottesvillevirginia]

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4. Lola Cruz star velvet flat, SCARPA, 2114 Barracks Rd, 434-296-0040

5. Double row raw diamond bangle, ELOISE, 505 W. Main St, 434-295-3905

6. India Hicks “The Amulet” clutch, AMBASSADOR PAM CALARY, 813-362-2954

7. Velvet heel, SCARPA, 2114 Barracks Rd, 434-296-0040

8. Christian Louboutin gently-worn stiletto, DARLING, 105 1st St S, Charlottesville, 434-202-0664

9. Star pendant, ELOISE, 505 W. Main St, 434-295-3905

10. Custom tuxedo, ALTON LANE, 112 4th St NE, 804-409-9484

11. Leather jewelry travel case, Jean Theory,  JEAN THEORY, 101 Water St W, 434-296-5326

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A few of our favorite things for the holidays from Eloise!   Be sure to stop in and see these beauties in person and tell them SCOUT sent you!

1.  Cashmere hat with fur pompom

2.  Midnight croc wallet clutch

3.  Georgia embellished knit jacket

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2. Wing Chair, AND GEORGE, 3465 Ivy Rd., 434-244-2800

3.  Buffet a Deux Corps, Annette La Velle Antiques, 101 SOUTH MAIN STREET, GORDONSVILLE, VA, 22942+1-434-906-2855

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Animal Connection has THE BEST gifts for the Dogs and Cats and Horses in your life. 

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6. Animal Connection | Pet tote

7. Animal Connection |Young Living Essential Oils for your Pets

1.  A NEW CAR| Carters Myers Automotive | Call Liza!

2.  Brown Leather Convertible Backpack Messenger Bag | The Monticello Shop

3. Survival Tool Kit | The Monticello Shop

4.  Stainless Steel Growler & Tote | The Monticello Shop

5.  Monticello Revolving Bookstand |The Monticello Shop

6. Hemingway Pheasant Feather Bow Tie | The Monticello Shop

7. Personalized Leather Valet |The Monticello Shop

1.  India Hicks Coffee Table Book. www.indiahicks.com, 813-362-2954

2.  Zodiac Scarf. www.indiahicks.com, 813-362-2954

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8.  Nespresso + Pods. Happy Cook

[pravinsuryaask]

DRDO and HAL is working on a EW variant of LCA Tejas MK1A for IAF. EW variant will have 3 external pods similar like F18 EA Growler. This is most probably for testing various equipments. Induction of EA variant will only happens if IAF impressed with the system. #indainarmedforces #iaf #indainnavy #ltcdrpravinsuryaask https://www.instagram.com/p/CaJpg4JusL_/?utm_medium=tumblr

[usafphantom2]

Two VX-9 Growlers made a rare appearance on VR1355, with a surprise loadout: Reportedly, this was the first time the Next Generation Jammer pod has been flown on a PNW low-level.

(VX-9 EA-18G Growlers XE500 & XE501, Summer 2023)

@DWhonan via Twitter

[nwbeerguide]

Showcasing the many variations of fresh hop beers available in the region, the Fresh Hop Pop-Up Beer Fest continues at Pro! Marketplace, September 17th thru October 3rd.

Press Release

Oregon’s freshest Fresh Hop event kicks off the seasonal hop harvest celebrations with 17 straight days of fun September 17 - October 3rd from 8am - 10pm. The 6th annual Portland Fresh Hop Pop-Up Beer Fest has yet to miss a year, and this will be the largest lineup of beers so far.

More of a beer garden than a beer fest, the Fresh Hop Pop-Up has the enviable position on the calendar to showcase fresh hop beers at their freshest points. With 10 constantly rotating taps, the Pop-Up beer garden is able to feature more breweries, hop varieties, and regions than other fresh hop events. Throughout the 17 day pop-up there are days devoted to popular breweries like Fort George, Breakside, pFriem and Ruse, as well as the fresh hop beers of Portland, Bend, Washington, and the Gorge. 

It also boasts an outdoor, open air, heated and covered venue at Portland’s best food cart pod the Prost! Marketplace. Originally founded in the parking lot of the late lamented Burnside Brewing Co., the Fresh Hop Pop-Up relocated to Prost! Marketplace in 2019 and reaps the benefits of the communal environment. The beer garden/marketplace features ten food trucks with all-stars like Matt’s BBQ and Little Conejo tacos, plus vegan fusion options from the Native Bowl, just to name a few.

Fresh Hop beers are made only once a year when the annual hop harvest takes place during the seasonal transition of summer into fall. Hops are cone-like flowers that impart beer with bitterness, flavor and aroma. Most hops are dried and pelletized for use year-round, but fresh hops are those whole unprocessed cones, still sticky with lupulin, with extra splashes of floral flavors and effervescence. Oregon and Washington grow the majority of hops in the United States and thus have access to fresh hops that are typically used within just hours of harvest.

The Fresh Hop Pop-Up Beer Fest is an all-day 8am - 10pm affair with plenty of reasons to come back to for repeat visits over 9/17 - 10/3 to experience the best Washington and Oregon has to offer. All beers will be offered in 10oz or 16oz pours, and growler fills or mason jar priced to take home. No cover charge or tickets necessary. Prost! Marketplace is also all-ages friendly on a covered, outdoor, elevated deck that has been called Portland’s “top food cart pod” by The Oregonian.

SCHEDULE:

Friday 9/17 - Kickoff with Goschie Farms and an all Portland brewery showcase

Meet the legendary 3rd generation Oregon hop farmer Gayle Goschie in person and try 5+ beers made with fresh hops from her Goschie Farms in Silverton, Oregon! Gayle will be in attendance from 4-7pm but the beers will be on draft all day.

Sunday. 9/19 - Bend Fresh Hop Night

A regionally themed showcase of the fresh hop beers of Bend, Oregon featuring Sunriver Brewing, Boss Rambler Beer Club, and Bend Brewing Co.

Wednesday 9/22 - Fort George Fresh Hop Night

Astoria, Oregon’s famed Fort George Brewery will be here with all 4 of their 2021 fresh hop beers on draft!

Thursday 9/23 - Breakside Brewery Fresh Hop Night

Breakside Brewery will tap 5 fresh hop beers at the pop-up including freshy versions of the flagship IPA, India Golden Ale (IGA), What Fresh Beast, @Portland IPA and Wanderlust. 

Fri. - Sun. 9/24-26 - Fresh Oktoberfest

Prost! Will be celebrating their Oktoberfest indoors this year, but outdoors the Bloodbuzz bar will be featuring special tappings of fresh hop lagers and fest biers. 

Tuesday 9/28 - pFriem & Gorge friends Fresh Hop Night

pFriem Family Brewers will debut 2 fresh hop beers as they are joined by fellow breweries of the Columbia River Gorge: Everybody’s Brewing and Ferment Brewing.

Wednesday 9/29 - Ruse Fresh Hop Night

Portland favorites Ruse Brewing will be in the house with 5 fresh hop beers.

Friday 10/1 - Washington Fresh Hop Night

Reuben’s Brews, Bale Breaker Brewing, Fremont Brewing, Stoup Brewing, Wander Brewing and Silver City Brewing fresh hop beers. 

Sunday 10/3 - Closing Fresh Hop Specials

Help us kill the remaining beers with pints on premise and discounted growler and mason jar fills to-go.

ABOUT:

The Fresh Hop Pop-Up Beer Fest is all-ages and opens at 8am, 7-days a week and closes at 10pm. No cover charge or tickets, beers individually priced. Food available from the local on-site food trucks. Beer lists subject to change, follow us on facebook or twitter or instagram at freshhopfest for updates. The Fresh Hop Pop-Up Beer Fest is presented by Portland Beer Week, Prost and Bloodbuzz. 

WHAT: Fresh Hop Pop-Up Beer Fest

WHEN: September 17-October 3rd, 2021

WHERE: Prost! Marketplace and Bloodbuzz, 4237 N Mississippi Ave, Portland, OR 97217

COST: Free entry, pay-as-you-go

FOLLOW: https://www.facebook.com/FreshHopPopUpFest/ and https://www.instagram.com/freshhopfest/ and website http://fresh-hops.com/

from Northwest Beer Guide - News - The Northwest Beer Guide https://bit.ly/3AnkcBX