Deep Strike Creativity Sparkles

The United Kingdom is embarking on a series of studies to define a future offensive air system concept, a program to replace Tornado strike aircraft, beginning in 2017. A study contract reflects the changes taking place in defense programs—the government seeks a capability for a security task, and industry is free to define and deliver a solution.

As the program approaches the start of its life cycle, planners of the future offensive air system, or FOAS, identify a requirement to deliver a defense capability in the form of a deep strike. BAE Systems is conducting studies that include, but are not restricted to, conventional aircraft concepts. As an example, the FOAS requirement could be met by unmanned aircraft, cruise missiles or any combination of such products.

The FOAS program is structured to provide operational flexibility and utility across a range of military tasks for a long-range air capability. Tasks for the system are outlined in a government strategic defense review. The FOAS would enter service in approximately 20 years. At this point, the Tornado’s GR4 airframes will have been in service for nearly 40 years and will have flown more than twice as many hours as their original design life.

Part of the strategic defense review process examined the need for the FOAS with long-range capability for future carriers and carrier-based aircraft. Long-range attack was found to be important as an integral part of warfighting and as a coercive instrument to support political objectives. The FOAS must be capable of all-weather, day/night operations at all levels and survivable in a high-threat environment.

The FOAS requirement might not be satisfied in full by a single concept. Studies are continuing for a cost-effective solution. Possible solutions include a force mixture of manned aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles and cruise missiles.

BAE Systems is also a participant in the competitive joint strike fighter (JSF) program with Lockheed Martin of the United States. The team also includes Northrop Grumman, Pratt and Whitney, Rolls-Royce and Allison. The aircraft is nearing the concept demonstration phase to replace a range of fighter aircraft. The requirement is expected to identify approximately 3,000 aircraft replacements for the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy and U.S Marine Corps and the U.K. Royal Navy. This early $1.1 billion phase is for the production and flight test of two concept demonstrator aircraft.

Three JSF variants will be produced: a conventional takeoff and landing aircraft for the Air Force, a carrier-based aircraft for the Navy, and a short takeoff and vertical landing aircraft for the Marine Corps and Royal Navy. The three variants will feature a high degree of commonality, tailored to meet any unique requirements of each servics. —CAR