Incredible USAF Future Weapons Source: Air Force 2025 Study 1.1 Hypersonic Attack Aircraft - A high-speed strike
vehicle capable of projecting lethal force anywhere in the world in
less than four hours. Operating at Mach 12 and a cruise altitude of
100,000 ft, this vehicle is a reusable two-stage system comprised of
an unmanned boost vehicle and a manned hypersonic strike aircraft. The
gas turbine-engined boost
vehicle requires a conventional runway and accelerates the strike
vehicle to Mach 3.5 and 65,000 ft. The strike vehicle then separates
and uses a ramjet/scramjet engine to reach its cruise condition. The
total system range is 10,000 nautical miles (NM); the hypersonic
strike vehicle has an unrefueled range of 5,000 NM. It is capable of
launching precision-guided munitions, including the hypersonic
air-to-ground missile described in system 5.4, at a standoff distance
of 1,450 NM. Alternatively, the platform may be used to transport an
uninhabited unmanned air vehicle described in system 4.2.
1.2 FotoFighter - A highly maneuverable, stealthy,
inhabited advanced fighter aircraft whose skin is fitted with an array
of diode lasers and sensors. Efficient electronic control of the laser
arrays allows this fighter to engage multiple targets simultaneously
with varying degrees of lethality. At low powers, the arrays can
function as transmitters and receivers for low probability of
interception (LPI) communications. Threat detection, target
illumination, and tracking are also possible.
1.3 Container Aircraft - An aircraft consisting of an
airlifter in which standard shipping containers form integral
structures of the fuselage.The aircraft consists of three baseline
sections: the cockpit, the wingbox, and the empennage. In its simplest
form, the "short" version-the aircraft is capable of flight by joining
the cockpit, wingbox, and empennage directly together. With standard
shipping containers installed between the cockpit and wingbox and
between the wingbox and the empennage, the aircraft can be configured
to carry cargo ("stretch" version). The first wave of container
aircraft to
arrive in a theater of operations "disassembled." The cockpit then
forms a command and control facility, the aircraft engines generate
the base power, the wings provide fuel storage, and the containers
themselves (when empty) provide shelter for troops, supplies, and
equipment. This concept provides a mobile base.
1.4 Lighter-than-Air Airlifter - A very large capacity,
rigid-frame lighter-than-air vehicle that provides one million pound
airlift capability with a unrefueled range of 1,2500 NM. This vehicle
also has the ability to deploy and recover powered UAVs while
stationary or in-transit. Vehicle is able to house support materiel,
personnel, and MEDVAC modules depending upon mission requirements.
1.5 Supersonic Airlifter - A Mach 2.4 supersonic
airlifter that provides 50,000 pound airlift capability with a
unrefueled range of 5,000 NM. This vehicle provides the capability to
deliver military personnel (roughly 150), advanced precision weapons,
and appropriate resupply anywhere in the world within hours.
1.6 Stealth Airlifter (SA) - An all-weather,
low-observable aircraft capable of low supersonic cruise and dedicated
to special operations forces (SOF). With an unrefueled range up to
4,000 NM, it can be used to insert and extract SOF teams, as well as
to extract high value assets (HVA) and weapons of mass destruction.
The SA connected to a global information management system (say, GIMS
System 8.1) for all source intelligence, weather, navigation, and
communications.
1.7 Global Transport Aircraft (GTA) - A global reach
transport airplane of less than one million pounds take off gross
weight, capable of carrying 150,000-250,000 pounds 12,000 to 10,000 NM
respectively. This vehicle also can deploy powered UAVs and parafoils.
The GTA house support materiel, personnel, and MEDVAC modules,
depending upon mission requirements. This aircraft also be modified
for use as a tanker.
2.1 Strike UAV - A low-observable, uninhabited air
vehicle that loiters subsonically over the region of interest for long
periods of time (24+ hours) until directed to strike. Its primary
mission is to engage ground targets with standoff precision munitions;
however, it also has a limited air-to-air capability. It relies on
off-board sensors to supply reconnaissance and targeting information
as well as command and
control, although it has sufficient on-board sensor capability to
allow it to perform preprogrammed missions.
2.2 Reconnaissance UAV - An uninhabited reconnaissance
aerial vehicle (URAV) that can be employed either as an independent
system or in conjunction with other airborne, ground-based, and
spaceborne systems. The URAV is fitted with a variety of multispectral
sensors, such as infrared, optical, radar, and laser, and collects
images, signals intelligence (SIGINT), electronic intelligence
(ELINT), and other information. It loiters subsonically at very high
altitudes over the region of interest for extended periods of time
without refueling. The URAV also can be used as part of a bistatic
configuration, in which it illuminates the region of interest while
different sensors receive and process the information.
2.3 Uninhabited Combat Air Vehicle (UCAV) - A vehicle
that can be employed either as an independent system or in conjunction
with other airborne, ground-based, and space- based systems. It
carries a suite of multispectral sensors (optical, infrared, radar,
laser, etc.) supplies information to its suite of standoff precision
guided munitions. UCAV loiters at high altitude over the region of
interest for long periods of time (24+ hours) until called upon to
strike a target. While in its subsonic loiter mode, it can perform a
surveillance and reconnaissance mission for the Global Information
Management System (System 8.1). It could be used as part of a bistatic
configuration in which it illuminates a region of interest while a
different sensor receives and processes the information. As a
secondary mission, it can perform electronic countermeasures (ECM) and
electronic counter-countermeasures (ECCM) roles.
2.4 Precision Delivery System - A suite of powered and
parafoil UAVs capable of autonomous flight for the purpose of
all-weather precision (within 1 meter) airdrop. High altitude (40,000
ft) precision airdrops can be achieved using GPS or INS-guided
parafoil delivery systems. This technique allows equipment/supplies to
be delivered to forward-deployed forces while transport aircraft
remain hundreds of miles from the drop zone. Positions can be
determined using light detection and ranging (LIDAR) or a GPS
instrumented radio drop sound. Powered UAVs and deliver smaller, high
value packages from greater standoff ranges.
2.5 UAV Mothership - A large capacity, long-loiter-time,
uninhabited subsonic air vehicle used to deploy and recover smaller
combat UAVs. It also can replenish them with weapons and propellant.
This air vehicle has the ability to collect, convert and store solar
energy, and then transfer energy through physical means or via beaming
to other airborne vehicles such as the FotoFighter (System 1.2).
2.6 Exfiltration Rocket (ER) - A system designed to
quickly extract special operations forces (SOF) teams from the mission
area. This system would be brought in during the SOF insertion and
assembled at the exfiltration launch site. After mission completion,
the SOF team members load themselves and any other items, such as a
high value asset (HVA) or weapon of mass destruction (WMD), into the
ER and then take off. The payload and passengers are recovered via an
air-retrievable payload system or through a "soft" landing in a
friendly area.
3.1 Orbital Maneuvering Vehicle (OMV) - An uninhabited
orbital propulsion and docking system used to take payloads from an
earth-to-orbit lift vehicle and place them in their final orbital
plane, or used to fetch and return orbiting payloads to a central
repair and recovery location. The system is be capable of carrying
line replaceable units (LRU) to a damaged/degraded satellite and
accomplishing on-site repair or replacement. It is designed to allow
refueling of civil, commercial, and military satellites as well as the
rearming of military space weapons platforms.
3.2 Orbital Combat Vehicle (OCV) - An uninhabited
orbital propulsion and docking system used to take payloads from an
earth-to-orbit lift vehicle and place them in their final orbital
plane, or used to fetch and return orbiting payloads to a central
repair and recovery location. The system can also carry line
replaceable units to a damaged/ degraded satellite and accomplish
on-site repair or replacement. It is designed to allow refueling of
civil, commercial, and military satellites as well as the rearming of
military space weapons platforms. The OCV is fitted with a medium
power high-energy laser system for limited defense and counterspace
missions.
3.3 Satellite Bodyguards - A small constellation of
defensive satellites (approximately five) placed in close proximity to
the protected asset. "Hunter-killers" actively seek out threats and
incapacitate them with directed energy weapons. Detection of threats
from the surface or air is done by an off-board sensor suite (say,
systems 8.1 or 8.2) and supplied to the "hunter-killer" satellites.
Detection of space-based threats is done by the "hunter-killer"
satellites themselves. Decoy
satellites appear identical (both electromagnetic and visual) to the
protected assets to confuse an aggressor; when approached, the decoy
can impact and disable the enemy craft.
4.1 Piloted SSTO Transatmospheric Vehicle - A system
that provides space support and global reach from the earth's surface
to low-earth orbit (LEO) using a combination of rocket and hypersonic
air-breathing technology. The transatmospheric vehicle (TAV) takes off
vertically, is refuelable in either air or space, and can land on a
conventional runway. It has a variable payload capacity (up to 10,000
pounds) and performs as both a sensor and weapons platform. Alternate
missions include satellite deployment and retrieval from LEO and
deployment of
an anti-ASAT weapon.
4.2 Uninhabited Air-Launched Transatmospheric Vehicle -
A multirole transatmospheric vehicle (TAV). Launched from an airborne
platform (such as System 1.1), it is capable of rapid deployment (or
retrieval) of satellites providing communication links, intelligence
information, and so forth. It carries a suite of multispectral sensors
(optical, infrared, radar, laser, etc.) for surveillance and
reconnaissance
missions. This TAV is a rocket-powered vehicle approximately the size
of an F-15, capable of carrying several small satellites (6 ft x 6 ft
x 6 ft, 1000 lbs each) to low earth orbit. Further, it could perform
an antisatellite (ASAT) role. This TAV can land on a conventional
runway.
5.1 Adjustable Yield Munition (AYM) - An approach to
achieve precise matching of the weapon's effect to the target's
characteristics. By manipulating the explosive yield of a weapon
(i.e., "dial-a-yield"), together can greatly reduce collateral damage.
This is particularly advantageous when flexibility and precision are
both required: a platform on patrol, awaiting targets of opportunity,
can utilize the same weapon for a hard kill with a large yield or for
a surgical, mission-only kill with a tailored yield. One approach to
controlling the yield is to change the material composition of the
explosive at the molecular level.
5.2 Advanced Air-to-Air Missile - A long range
air-to-air missile that receives real-time target information from
off-board sensors and utilizes reactive jets and an on-board computer
to acquire, pursue and destroy enemy air assets, including cruise
missiles. Terminal tracking and guidance may employ a combination of
LIDAR, Infrared (IR), radio frequency (RF), magnetic anomaly detection
(MAD), Jet engine modulation (JEM), photographic, and acoustic
sensors.
5.3 Airborne High-Power Microwave Weapon - A pulsed
power airborne high power microwave (HPM) system. This medium range
weapons system constitutes the primary payload of the host escort
defense aircraft. The system generates variable magnitude HPM fields
that disrupt or destroy electrical components in the target region. It
can engage both air and ground targets.
5.4 Standoff Hypersonic Missile - A hypersonic
air-to-ground missile launched from a hypersonic strike vehicle
(System 1.1). It utilizes a scramjet to propel itself at Mach 8 toward
the intended high-value target, then glides to target at Mach 4; its
flight trajectory is altered as needed via off-board control. Its
high-speed air-launched range is 1,450 NM.
5.5 Attack Microbots - A term that describes a class of
highly miniaturized (1 millimeter scale) electromechanical systems
being deployable en masse and performing individual or collective
target attack. Various deployment approaches are possible, including
dispersal as an aerosol, transportation by a larger platform, and full
flying/crawling autonomy. Attack is accomplished by a variety of
robotic effectors, electromagnetic measures, or energetic materials.
Some "sensor microbot" capabilities are required for target
acquisition and analysis.
5.6 Airborne Holographic Projector - A projector system
that displays a three-dimensional visual image in a desired location,
removed from the display generator. The projector can be used for
psychological operations and strategic perception management. It is
also useful for optical deception and cloaking, providing a momentary
distraction when engaging an unsophisticated adversary.
5.7 Hybrid High-energy Laser System (HHELS) - A system
consisting of several ground-based, multimegawatt high-energy chemical
lasers and a constellation of space-based mirrors. HHELS can be used
in several modes of operation. In its weapons mode with the laser at
high power, it engages air, space, and ground targets by reflecting a
laser beam off one or more of the mirrors to the intended target. It
can also be used for target tracking, limited space debris removal
(1-10 centimeter objects), and replenishment of satellites.
6.1 Global Area Strike System (GLASS) - A system
incorporating of a high-energy laser (HEL) system, a kinetic energy
weapon (KEW) system, and a transatmospheric vehicle (TAV). The HEL
system consists of ground-based lasers and space-based mirrors which
direct energy to the intended target. The KEW system (System 6.2)
consists of terminally guided projectiles, with and without explosive
enhancers. The TAV (System 4.1) is a flexible platform capable of
supporting maintenance and replenishment of the HEL and KEW space
assets, and can also be used for rapid deployment of special
operations forces. Target definition and sequencing is managed
externally (e. g., using GIMS (System 8.1)).
6.2 Space-Based Kinetic Energy Weapon (KEW) - A general
class of low earth orbit (LEO) based weapons that include a variety of
warhead types from flechettes and pellets to large and small high
density rods. The KEW may be directed at air, space, and ground
targets; it achieves its destructive effect by penetrating the target
at hypervelocity. Sensor information is provided to the KEW by a main
sensor suite off-board of the vehicle (such as GSRT [System 8.2] or
GIMS [System 8.1]). However, each armament has a minimal sensor
capability (e. g., GPS receiver) and a simple flight control system
for maneuver.
6.3 Space-Based High Power Microwave Weapon (HPM) - A
weapon system capable of engaging ground, air, and space targets with
a varying degree of lethality. It consists of a constellation of
satellites deployed in low-earth orbit (LEO) (approx. 500 NM) that can
direct an ultrawideband (UWB) of microwave energy at ground, air, and
space targets. Its effect is to generate high electric fields over a
target area tens to hundreds of meters in size, thereby disrupting or
destroying any electronic components present.
6.4 Space-Based High-energy Laser (HEL) System - A
multimegawatt high-energy chemical laser constellation that can be
used in several modes of operation. In its weapons mode with the laser
at high power, it can attack ground, air, and space targets. In its
surveillance mode, it can operate using the laser at low power levels
for active illumination imaging or with the laser inoperative for
passive imaging.
6.5 Solar-Powered High-energy Laser System - A
space-based, multimegawatt, high-energy solar-powered laser
constellation that can be used in several modes of operation. In its
weapons mode with the laser at high power, it can attack ground, air,
and space targets. In its surveillance mode, it can operate using the
laser at low power levels for active illumination imaging, or with the
laser inoperative for passive imaging.
6.6 Solar Energy Optical Weapon (SEOW) - A constellation
of space-based mirrors which allow solar radiation to be focused on
specific ground, air, or space targets. The lethality of this system
is limited, due to optical diffusion; however, it may prove useful for
disruption or perhaps weather control.
6.7 Asteroid Mitigation System - A system that protects
the Earth/Moon system from Earth- crossing objects (ECOs) by either
deflecting or fragmenting ECOs such that they no longer pose a threat.
Deflection could be accomplished using nuclear explosive devices.
7.1 Spoken Language Translator - A hand-held or worn
device that translates oral communications in near real-time. It
enhances multinational operational effectiveness in all areas,
including training, diplomacy, special operations, and conventional
ground operations. It is capable of one-for-one word substitution in a
wide variety of languages, and it provides two-way communications
between the owner and another person. The system has a limited ability
to compensate for differences in sentence syntactic structures,
cultures, dialects, and idioms/slang, and a limited ability to select
words
according to context. Careful placement of both microphones and both
speakers is required for deconfliction (not having to hear both
languages simultaneously), limiting the scope of its operation; the
system is best suited for controlled two-way communications such as by
telephone, radio, or computer. The system also is useful for written
text translation.
7.2 Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) - An individual's
connection to the information systems of 2025. This assistant is a
hand-held or wristwatch size unit. Input modes include both touch and
voice. The PDA is the warrior's secure, high-capacity connection to
the distributed C4I system. The PDA maintains the owner's personal
data such as medical and training records. It learns and remembers the
owner's preferences and needs so that requests for information are
properly tailored. It is self-securing: it recognizes the owner
through a number of biometrics which ensures that it cannot be
commandeered. In short, the PDA is a single device replaces the
cellular telephone, radio, personal computer, identification and
banking cards, and any other personal information-management device
of the nineties.
7.3 Virtual Interaction Center - A virtual reality
environment in which commanders can immerse themselves in a
three-dimensional representation of the battlespace. Information from
a global information system, such as GIMS (System 8.1) is displayed in
a virtual reality environment, giving the commander situational
awareness. The center also has the capability to replay battles and
engagements and to simulate "what if" scenarios.
8.1 Global Information Management System (GIMS) - A
pervasive network of intelligent information gathering, processing,
analysis, and advisory nodes. It collects, stores, analyzes, fuses,
and manages information from ground/air/space sensors and all source
intelligence. All types of sensors (i.e., acoustic, optical, radio
frequency, olfactory, etc.) are used. However, the true power of this
system is its use of neural processing to provide the right type of
information based on the
user's personal requirements.
8.2 Global Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Targeting
System (GSRT) - A space-based omnisensorial collection, processing,
and dissemination system to provide a real-time information database.
This database is used to create a virtual-reality image of the area of
interest. This image can be used at all levels of command to provide
situational awareness, technical and intelligence information, and
two-way command and control.
8.3 Sensor Microbots - A class of highly miniaturized
(millimeter sized) electromechanical air and ground systems capable of
being deployed en masse to collect data, perform individual and
collective data fusion, and communicate that data for further
processing and distribution. Various deployment approaches are
possible, including dispersal as an
aerosol, transportation by a larger platform, and full flying/crawling
autonomy. Data collection is accomplished through miniaturized onboard
sensors, typically restricted to one or two sensors per unit due to
size and power limitations. Communications are possible by
transmission through relay stations ("relaybots") or physical
collection of the microbots. Some applications of sensor microbots are
security net to guard own assets, surveillance and reconnaissance, and
intelligence gathering on adversary assets.
8.4 Multiband Laser Sensor System - A suite of laser
devices that inspects and models target components. Different
frequencies of electromagnetic energy vary in their ability to
penetrate materials. For a particular material, one frequency will
reflect off the surface, another will penetrate. By employing a suite
of laser devices over a wide frequency range, planners can accomplish
complete internal and external inspection of a structure and develop a
full three-dimensional model. This tool can be used for nondestructive
inspection of components, target vulnerability analysis, target
identification and decoy rejection, and reconnaissance. This suite of
laser devices can be carried on an airborne platform, but it clearly
has ground-based applications also.
8.5 Asteroid Detection System - A network of ground and
space sensors which search for, track, and characterize space objects
that are large enough and in an orbit to threaten the earth-moon
system. The system also includes a centralized processing center that
fuses data from all of the available sensors, catalogs the known
objects, and distributes information to the known authorities.
9.1 Mobile Asset Repair Station (MARS) - A mobile
facility near the battlefront where parts can be repaired or
manufactured . In wartime, replacement parts are repaired or
manufactured in the theater of operations for a variety of deployed
weapon systems through MARS. The mobile facility can be land-based or
water-based in the theater of operations, but out of harm's way. The
facility features a set of fully-integrated flexible manufacturing
systems (FMS) and robotic systems that are linked to the commercial
manufacturers. These manufacturers supply the specifications to the
FMS which then produces the part or component. Many of the required
materials necessary for
MARS to manufacture the components obtained from local countries.
9.2 Weather Analysis and Modification System - A diverse
set of weather prediction and modification tools that allows
manipulation of small-to-medium-scale weather phenomena to enhance
friendly-force capabilities and degrade those of the adversary. Many
of the sensors required for this system are assumed to be external e.
g., part of the global information management system (GIMS), discussed
in System 8.1.
9.3 Sanctuary Base - A secure, low observable,
all-weather forward-operating base that reduces the number of assets
requiring protection from attack. The runway, power systems, ordnance
storage, aircraft maintenance assets, and C4I systems are
self-maintaining and self-repairing. Base security is highly
automated. Chemical/biological hazards are cleaned up by nanobots and
biotechnology. Robots perform refueling, weapons loading, maintenance,
security, and explosive ordnance destruction.
http://www.au.af.mil/au/2025