America's highly classified RQ-180 is much more than a spy plane

Go to ground.news/Sandboxx to get a no nonsense view on military developments around the world. Subscribe through my link for 30% off unlimited access to their Vantage Plan.
-BREAK-
In December of 2013, Aviation Week first broke the news to the world that the United States was secretly developing a large, stealthy reconnaissance aircraft meant to fill the role left empty by the SR-71’s retirement. This highly classified new aircraft was dubbed the RQ-180.
But beyond that... details are pretty limited. Let's see what we can find out.
📱 Follow Sandboxx News on social
Twitter: / sandboxxnews
Instagram: / sandboxxnews
Facebook: / sandboxxnews
TikTok: / sandboxxnews
📱 Follow Alex Hollings on social
Twitter: / alexhollings52
Instagram: / alexhollings52
Facebook: / alexhollings. .
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/alexhollings52
Citations:
www.twz.com/39882/how-the-rq-...
dreamlandresort.com/
aviationweek.com/defense-spac...
news.usni.org/2013/12/09/anal...
aviationweek.com/defense-spac...
aviationweek.com/defense-spac...
theaviationgeekclub.com/this-...
www.dreamlandresort.com/forum...
www.twz.com/42949/secret-rq-1...
web.archive.org/web/201610272...
web.archive.org/web/201612270...
www.airandspaceforces.com/for...
/ the-air-force-just-cop...
web.archive.org/web/202009210...
www.airandspaceforces.com/why...
defenseinnovationmarketplace....
www.gao.gov/products/gao-10-2...
www.bloomberg.com/news/articl...
warontherocks.com/2019/06/is-...
www.afcea.org/signal-media/in....
www.af.mil/AboutUs/Biographies...
www.sandboxx.us/news/rq-170-t...
www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Shee...
www.csmonitor.com/World/Middl...
www.defensenews.com/global/mi...
www.key.aero/article/usaf-ufo...
• Heritage Today - ISR a...

Пікірлер: 977

  • @SandboxxApp
    @SandboxxAppАй бұрын

    Go to ground.news/Sandboxx to get a no nonsense view on military developments around the world. Subscribe through my link for 30% off unlimited access to their Vantage Plan.

  • @imghoti

    @imghoti

    Ай бұрын

    Too true! 😅

  • @williamcrislerjr-wb2gm

    @williamcrislerjr-wb2gm

    Ай бұрын

    When un acknoledged becomes main stream 2100

  • @robertc.9503

    @robertc.9503

    Ай бұрын

    Where is the "Tanopa" test range in Nevada? 🤔

  • @raw7279

    @raw7279

    Ай бұрын

    I'll be impressed if it's able to fly along the Iranian border and not get lost like the RQ170

  • @Jmanfuego

    @Jmanfuego

    Ай бұрын

    *National anthem with eagle screeching starts playing.* Soldier from TF2: GOD BLESS AMERICA!

  • @_dev_null_
    @_dev_null_Ай бұрын

    When people in this country come together for a unified purpose, It's always amazing what we accomplish.

  • @kurtwinslow2670

    @kurtwinslow2670

    Ай бұрын

    Nothing like keeping communism in check.

  • @smoke5985

    @smoke5985

    Ай бұрын

    lol another multi billion dollar toy thatll get smoked in the first 24 hours of war with china

  • @hylimm

    @hylimm

    Ай бұрын

    u mean promoting war??

  • @kurtwinslow2670

    @kurtwinslow2670

    Ай бұрын

    @@hylimm Promoting war is one perspective. Another is confronting what is wrong. "When good men do nothing evil will prevail."

  • @_dev_null_

    @_dev_null_

    Ай бұрын

    @@hylimm No, I mean at great feats of engineering. Name one country that does not develop or own weapons....I'll wait 🙂

  • @conroc01
    @conroc01Ай бұрын

    The SR71 Blackbird still looks futuristic to this day...60 years old ffs.

  • @nx1379

    @nx1379

    Ай бұрын

    Why couldnt they just redesign the jet but keep the cool look?!

  • @thudthud5423

    @thudthud5423

    Ай бұрын

    A plane designed in the 1950s!

  • @theAverageJoe25

    @theAverageJoe25

    Ай бұрын

    It’s just the look of it. It’s just sexy

  • @BrooksMoses

    @BrooksMoses

    Ай бұрын

    Not too surprising that it still looks futuristic, given that "normal" aircraft also still mostly look the same as they did 60 years ago! (Except for the stealth planes, of course.)

  • @1tactundra140

    @1tactundra140

    Ай бұрын

    Agreed. I still get a chub for that bird

  • @Angryspec
    @AngryspecАй бұрын

    RQ-180 Shikaka is now my head canon.

  • @ExarchGaming

    @ExarchGaming

    Ай бұрын

    I cannot say that word without saying in the exact same way that Jim Carry did.... Shi...KAKA.

  • @needtau4138

    @needtau4138

    Ай бұрын

    CHICAGO!!!

  • @OriginalThisAndThat

    @OriginalThisAndThat

    Ай бұрын

    @@ExarchGaming Exactly what I thought.. I saw Jim Carreys face in my mind and how it sounded.. shi.. KAKAAAAAA

  • @mutantryeff

    @mutantryeff

    Ай бұрын

    "White Bat"? Should be called COVID-180

  • @MFcitrous

    @MFcitrous

    Ай бұрын

    brb saying this name around some ppl and watching their faces lol.

  • @rodinvillarosa2924
    @rodinvillarosa2924Ай бұрын

    This sort of explains why the USAF didnt prioritize replacement of the old AWACS.

  • @amazin7006

    @amazin7006

    Ай бұрын

    I didn't even think about this, good point

  • @Static161A

    @Static161A

    Ай бұрын

    They are planning on acquiring the E-7 now, but granted they let the E-3 age a lot.

  • @rodinvillarosa2924

    @rodinvillarosa2924

    Ай бұрын

    The Wedgetail?​@@Static161A

  • @Hebdomad7

    @Hebdomad7

    Ай бұрын

    The AWACS as a concept of centralised command is outdated. Decentralized data fusion is the future.

  • @trentvlak

    @trentvlak

    Ай бұрын

    Good point.

  • @mrackerm5879
    @mrackerm5879Ай бұрын

    Alex, KZread is full of so much crap and click bait. When it comes to military aviation content, if I do not see SandBoxx as the source, I ignore it. You have a well-earned reputation for having interesting and mostly accurate content.

  • @user-fd6rr4iz9m

    @user-fd6rr4iz9m

    Ай бұрын

    He does simplify things down for the common user of you tube though.

  • @acoustic5738

    @acoustic5738

    Ай бұрын

    This channel is 90% propaganda, specially for LM. It just do it a bit better than the rest. You cant narrow your view of things like that.

  • @alexalbrecht5768

    @alexalbrecht5768

    Ай бұрын

    @@acoustic5738if you read the actual online articles the information is presented quite well. It’s not Lockheed’s fault that their only competition for making the world’s best aircraft is Northrop Grumman.

  • @bitchplease1114

    @bitchplease1114

    Ай бұрын

    Just type PERUN into the search box. Will thank me eventually

  • @gayprepperz6862

    @gayprepperz6862

    Ай бұрын

    Amen!!!

  • @johnmcdonald-6196
    @johnmcdonald-6196Ай бұрын

    This channel is so well researched and presented.

  • @paulzx10

    @paulzx10

    Ай бұрын

    Got to be the first time seeing a comment like that which isn't accompanied by a camel toe pic haha.

  • @MrSeanman30

    @MrSeanman30

    Ай бұрын

    It is. It's just the "EA SPORTS It's in the Game" voice that is interesting lmao. Or the ESPN cut scene voices 😂

  • @DmitryKeylin

    @DmitryKeylin

    Ай бұрын

    I agree, does outstanding job

  • @bholdr----0

    @bholdr----0

    Ай бұрын

    Kinda troubling that the advertiser is used as a source, though. Still, good content.

  • @johndc2998
    @johndc2998Ай бұрын

    Not trolling here, I love how the channel is called sandboxx but you use airpower when you're talking about planes. Its just a very crisp and professional sounding intro, keep up the good content brotha I watch a few vids a week on lunch break or at night haha right up my alley

  • @MrSeanman30

    @MrSeanman30

    Ай бұрын

    Doesn't his voice sound just like the "EA SPORTS ITS IN THE GAME" voice lmao

  • @Hebdomad7

    @Hebdomad7

    Ай бұрын

    It's stupid and cheesy but I love it and wouldn't want it any other way.

  • @CherryColaWizard
    @CherryColaWizardАй бұрын

    The RQ-180 could be a true successor to the U-2.

  • @Evergleam

    @Evergleam

    Ай бұрын

    The U-2 is a paperweight compared to this. Imagine what we have that they don't tell us about....

  • @johnshackford

    @johnshackford

    Ай бұрын

    Could be as the Air force has accelerated the retirement of the U-2 all will be gone by 2029. They wouldn't do that unless they had something to replace it with.

  • @razor1uk610

    @razor1uk610

    Ай бұрын

    ..I can't wait for the new album to eventually come out with future hit songs... _Slender Wings_ _Forked Tails_ _Vega_ _Mach's Bird_ _Twice Struck_ _Three Suns_ _Dragon Eyed_ _Heracules_ _Too Many Stars..._ _Constellation_ _Galaxy's Roll_ _Masterclass & The CLJ_

  • @hazonku

    @hazonku

    Ай бұрын

    Never ceases to amaze me that folks who say that are still a thing. Literally had to sign multiple NDAs when we got tricked out Pimp My Ride style only to see Mac showing off all of that stuff on Future Weapons like a year and a half later. LOL. It's a LOT harder to keep a secret these days. Also defense contractors need more customers than just Uncle Sam.@@Evergleam

  • @808bigisland

    @808bigisland

    Ай бұрын

    The U-2 is a highly stressed older design and not operator friendly. It was used to keep tabs on the alien visitors incursions outside radar reach

  • @raby760
    @raby760Ай бұрын

    YOU'RE ALEX HOLLINGS!

  • @Wolfhound223

    @Wolfhound223

    Ай бұрын

    And THAT was AIR POWAH :D

  • @wtbanation6268

    @wtbanation6268

    Ай бұрын

    *FOX 1 FOX 1*

  • @THE-X-Force

    @THE-X-Force

    Ай бұрын

    *_I'M ALEX HOLLINGS!_*

  • @Osprey980

    @Osprey980

    Ай бұрын

    @@THE-X-Force HES ALEX HOLLINGS

  • @THE-X-Force

    @THE-X-Force

    Ай бұрын

    @@Osprey980 *_YOU'RE ALEX HOLLINGS!_*

  • @TheMuddleHeadedAnalyst
    @TheMuddleHeadedAnalystАй бұрын

    This RQ-180 has the potential to be a real gamechanger. If even half of this is accurate, then it may completely change the wars of the future.

  • @jzdude01

    @jzdude01

    Ай бұрын

    I think you’re thinking in reverse. The ways wars of the future are going to be fought necessitated the RQ-180. It’s been an ongoing evolution for decades now for the military to be, for lack of a better word, robotic. In the sense that it is more and more increasingly a set of sensors and effectors. At the highest levels of abstraction at least. The joint force gets fed Intel from its many sensors in different domain and then figure out the optimal effector to service a target found by the sensors. Do you need to move troops here? Can you use a missile, is the Air Force, army, or navy in the most optimal position to fire said missile, etc… The RQ-180 is just an extraordinarily capable platform designed for this modern war doctrine. It’s like having the best tank or prop fighter in WW2. The way war was fought dictated their creation, it wasn’t necessarily their creation that dictated war. (As in the Sherman wasn’t made and then war became about tanks, war became about combined arms after tanks first began operations and the Sherman is just a result of the military need for an optimal weapon for combined arms warfare.)

  • @RavenRunFoxRoam
    @RavenRunFoxRoamАй бұрын

    Best defense news on the internet by far, Alex. Great work. Please continue to do this for decades. I fully expect to be watching a juicy video of the disclosed production NGAD in 2030ish.

  • @sshumkaer

    @sshumkaer

    Ай бұрын

    it will be before that but than again 2030 it self is only 6 years away

  • @paladro

    @paladro

    Ай бұрын

    @@sshumkaer when you put it like that..

  • @sshumkaer

    @sshumkaer

    Ай бұрын

    @@paladro lol yeah. Way back in the day the Air Force used to test droping tugsten rodes from high up to see the damage it would cause, and it way alot

  • @teddy.d174

    @teddy.d174

    Ай бұрын

    Alex is simply, the best in the business.

  • @nedkelly9688

    @nedkelly9688

    9 күн бұрын

    @@teddy.d174 He is awful are a lot of programmes other countries are doing he does not even do anything on them, other countries hypersonics and other countries involvement in USA weapons tech.

  • @jimbo92107
    @jimbo92107Ай бұрын

    You're saying the RQ-180 replaces the strategic view of an AWACS, but with no risk to a human crew.

  • @CF_Sapper
    @CF_SapperАй бұрын

    What gets me excited is possible integration with ATAC and its mesh comms system. meaning as long as something is over head, comms would have far far fewer dead zones for friendly forces.

  • @Dr.Banner-ss4jp

    @Dr.Banner-ss4jp

    Ай бұрын

    Negative, that is the job for the BACN birds.

  • @THE-X-Force
    @THE-X-ForceАй бұрын

    Just tell me they'll put a self-destruct in it this time.

  • @MrSeanman30

    @MrSeanman30

    Ай бұрын

    Are you making a joke about the movie "Stealth" where they make an AI jet that gets struck by lighting and turns evil? And thers no self destruction button to kill it?

  • @manydirt2600

    @manydirt2600

    12 күн бұрын

    ​@@MrSeanman30probably the incident where Iran captured one of these

  • @MrSeanman30

    @MrSeanman30

    9 күн бұрын

    @manydirt2600 gotcha. Thought it was a joke towards the movie "Stealth". AI plane goes haywire with no way to stop it. Imagine this drone or the new AI flown F16 goes haywire with no self destruct lmao

  • @MannyManatee-ux9cp
    @MannyManatee-ux9cpАй бұрын

    Can you do a video on the history of anti aircraft weapons. Would also love to see weapon spotlights on unusual weapons such as unique missiles or grandes.

  • @JSFGuy

    @JSFGuy

    Ай бұрын

    Why don't you? You need to upload some content to your channel.

  • @goldenageofdinosaurs7192

    @goldenageofdinosaurs7192

    Ай бұрын

    While that would be interesting, that’s not really the kind of military topics he covers.

  • @Cyrribrae

    @Cyrribrae

    Ай бұрын

    ​@@goldenageofdinosaurs7192I don't know about that. Alex definitely covers anti air quite a bit and he does include a lot of history in his presentations. But I don't know how often he formats the videos like "the broad history of X topic". Especially something as broad as anti-air.

  • @narvalin5905

    @narvalin5905

    Ай бұрын

    Check out Habitual Linecrosser’s channel. He’s a current air defenseman with a love of history. He has multiple videos on early air defense.

  • @ponz-
    @ponz-Ай бұрын

    shikaka has to be the best name yet😂.

  • @tmikkelsen8066

    @tmikkelsen8066

    Ай бұрын

    Shikaka!

  • @timsfinetunes
    @timsfinetunesАй бұрын

    Thanks for your great work Alex, It is easy to see you are still serving.

  • @A1FAHx
    @A1FAHxАй бұрын

    Keep up the good work, Alex! The boys and I watch your videos during lunch break to learn the capabilities of what we are flying! 😉👍

  • @lou1958
    @lou1958Ай бұрын

    Time is priceless, yet I always make time for your excellent content. Very well done.

  • @user-qu9wj1vh7i
    @user-qu9wj1vh7iАй бұрын

    This is one of my fav channels so much info on such an interesting topic. Thank you sandboxx!

  • @steveshoemaker6347
    @steveshoemaker6347Ай бұрын

    The most interesting Air Power video to date we think.....Thank you Alex🇺🇸

  • @marc1829
    @marc1829Ай бұрын

    Alex, the last few drops have been next level! You deserve 10 X your current subscription base! 🤩

  • @howardmaryon
    @howardmaryonАй бұрын

    Great program Alex. Bearing in mind how skillfull the guardians of sensitive information are, it seems like they only allow glimpses of the “latest technology” after is has already not only been deployed, but has even become superseded by something more advanced.

  • @eugenenunn4900
    @eugenenunn4900Ай бұрын

    This was hard to follow due to the amount of information provided. I hardly come across channels that do that to me. Love your videos man!!!

  • @roberthevern6169
    @roberthevern6169Ай бұрын

    He's such an over-achiever!! Thanks, Alex!

  • @lyfandeth
    @lyfandethАй бұрын

    You mention remote crews swapping out on a 6-8 hour schedule. That works, and certainly matches military shifts. But extesive shift/performance testing in ocean racing, where the helmsman needs 100% peak performance, indicates that unless you are Superman, your mind tires and you lose your edge in as little as 2 hours. (Actually down to 20 minutes in highly adverse conditions.) So even in a remote seat, if an operator is really scanning all that data and trying to analyze moves in depth ahead, like a chess game, it might be more sensible for each watch to be only two or three hours long, with operators switching out in alernating periods, so one is always fresher and the other has continuity.

  • @FinsburyPhil

    @FinsburyPhil

    Ай бұрын

    Air traffic controllers normally rotate every 90 minutes to two hours max

  • @amca68
    @amca68Ай бұрын

    Great video as always, Alex.

  • @Wolfhound223
    @Wolfhound223Ай бұрын

    TBH that report just blew me away, WOW.

  • @icare7151
    @icare7151Ай бұрын

    RQ-180 is the prototype and an operational more advanced version with spy, air to air and air to ground weapons capabilities highly likely already in service.

  • @1slotmech

    @1slotmech

    Ай бұрын

    We hope 😂

  • @icare7151

    @icare7151

    Ай бұрын

    @@1slotmech Greetings from Cheyenne Mountain. I know.

  • @williamwchuang
    @williamwchuangАй бұрын

    Is this why the B-21 has been moving so quickly?

  • @trumptookthevaccine1679

    @trumptookthevaccine1679

    Ай бұрын

    😎

  • @kathrynck

    @kathrynck

    Ай бұрын

    Well, this is a factor. Not just the RQ-180, but the other various flying wing drones. They also drew upon a lot of lessons learned in making the B-2. Often when making a completely novel design like the B-2, you run into engineering obstacles you couldn't have anticipated. And the design has to adapt it's way through all of that. Ultimately you end up deep down certain paths in the woods, which you don't have the resources to backtrack from, and you have to make performance hindering or expensive tradeoffs & work-arounds, which could have been avoided with foreknowledge. It's no longer NG's first rodeo with the basic design. The F-35 is a factor as well. The B-21 will have two modified F-35 engines with higher bypass and no afterburners. And numerous elements of F-35 avionics tech. Any time you can copy&paste off the shelf, you save time & money. I think the economics of it is another factor though. When the B-2 came out, we had a very capable bomber fleet, and the B-2 advanced the tech of that fleet ...but was not in the strictest sense "direly needed". Now though, the B-2s are a sustainment money-pit, and the B-1's have white hair & arthritis. So the B-21 isn't a question of capability upgrade, more of a "do you want to have any bombers, or not?" question. Which means contractors are a little less skittish about going 'all-in' and risking their investment to the fickle ideas of congressional funding. I mean, there's still the BUFF, useful as a delivery truck full of missiles much more advanced than the plane, but you're not gonna fly that within 600 miles of EAD.

  • @jzdude01

    @jzdude01

    Ай бұрын

    @@kathrynckI think it really comes down to the contract and program structures the Air Force has used. It really seems to have learned a lot from previous program nightmares, it just takes a while for the lessons being implemented to catch up and become apparent. Navy still seems to be struggling but I don’t think it’s necessarily an issue with their contracts, tho of course they could be better, but more rock and hard place. I’m not following army procurement enough to judge how it’s going, though the marines continue to manage to innovate and create some incredible capabilities on absolutely hair string budgets using incredibly sustainable existing technologies. Wonder what they could do with an actual working budget… Oh and space force is getting pounded on like every side from lack of funding, poor contracts (tho not necessarily ones they made), outdated organization and lack of congressional and public attention so they’re kinda just yelling into the void hoping someone will hear them while still doing insane work with what they need to work with.

  • @matthewnovak3095

    @matthewnovak3095

    Ай бұрын

    @@kathrynckI think Alex discussed it on this channel before, but apparently during the development of the B-2, NG was almost all the way done with the development before the airforce switched the requirements for the program(which is part of why it was so over budget). The air forces requirements for the B-21 however are much closer to the original aircraft NG had already designed 40 years ago, so they were able to pull on that

  • @kathrynck

    @kathrynck

    Ай бұрын

    @@matthewnovak3095 Well, I wouldn't say "almost done" but yeah, they switched to wanting it to be capable of doing low-level flight as a hedge against hypothetical stealth-defeating sensors. That's why the B-2 has that saw-tooth rear edge. The original B-2 design would have a single central 'point' between the wings, excending further back, rather than 3 points. Realistically, that was not smart on the AF's part. A flying wing and low level flight are not a good mix. NG shaved as much wing area off of it as they could, but a flying wing is never going to be "windshear safe" at very low altitude. If the AF wanted that, they should have made a new model of B-1. Biggest problem the B-2 had though... well... ok it had 2 huge problems really... 1) the coatings are ridiculously high-maintenance and delicate on it, and that's a "forever money pit". But bigger than that is how congress nuked the per-unit cost from orbit by making procurement cuts, and then acting surprised when each procurement cut drove the per-unit price through the ceiling ...over, and over, and over... until just 20 planes split the entire program budget across each for 2billion each.

  • @Captain_Bad_Bill
    @Captain_Bad_BillАй бұрын

    Everyone talks about the internet as a world wide web, but looks and sounds as an orbital to ground net, covering every aspect of the battle!

  • @derkatzenfuerst6077
    @derkatzenfuerst6077Ай бұрын

    Amazing video, can't wait until more info about this plane is released.

  • @Firechief100
    @Firechief100Ай бұрын

    Damn you’re good. Very interesting content.

  • @LeeJDo
    @LeeJDoАй бұрын

    That laser on top in one of the renders would be real good at very narrow, unobservable, unjammable communication with satellites overhead. Would make for a nice way to get situational data in and out of a battlespace where traditional radio communication might be difficult

  • @peekaboopeekaboo1165

    @peekaboopeekaboo1165

    Ай бұрын

    Lasers can be detected by optical sensors. Thus revealing it's position .

  • @jeffbenton6183

    @jeffbenton6183

    Ай бұрын

    ​@@peekaboopeekaboo1165Not if it's pointed *away* from said sensors. (In the video, it's pointed towards space, not the ground)

  • @peekaboopeekaboo1165

    @peekaboopeekaboo1165

    Ай бұрын

    @@jeffbenton6183 Lasers generate heat ... thus can be detected .

  • @CptJistuce

    @CptJistuce

    Ай бұрын

    ​@@peekaboopeekaboo1165You know what else generates heat? Jet enginesd

  • @gnarlycarlson9600
    @gnarlycarlson9600Ай бұрын

    Alex, you are simply the best at what you do, Thanks for keeping us informed !!

  • @DenisWilsonDWPIA
    @DenisWilsonDWPIA2 күн бұрын

    Alex. You do a superb job of reportage on aerospace theory and industry as a whole. Keep up the good work.

  • @Kevan808
    @Kevan808Ай бұрын

    Hell yeah it's the Friday video!

  • @swiftycortex
    @swiftycortexАй бұрын

    Wow, thank you Alex. This is one of the coolest pieces I've seen in a while amongst a consistent series of cool pieces

  • @davidlambert1102
    @davidlambert1102Ай бұрын

    One of top 3, if not the BEST of presentations you have created yet! I'm sure I'll sleep better tonight!

  • @Dv087
    @Dv087Ай бұрын

    Glad to see a new video. There was another press release today about the f-15 eagle 2 mach3 speeds again. I know you did a video about it not capable of that.

  • @billholemo2518
    @billholemo2518Ай бұрын

    Great job Alex!! 😊

  • @RubyFox_YT
    @RubyFox_YTАй бұрын

    About a month ago, I was speaking with an Air Force friend and he hinted that yes, the RQ-180 is infact not just a spy plane. I can neither confirm nor deny that it possibly carries Switchblades.

  • @Cyrribrae

    @Cyrribrae

    Ай бұрын

    What's the point of loading up an extreme altitude ISR vehicle with short range kamikaze drones??? Can they even deploy at altitude? That.. seems strange to me.. Why not just use that space for more fuel? Maybe I'm missing something.

  • @HubertofLiege

    @HubertofLiege

    Ай бұрын

    @@Cyrribraejust in case you want to blow something up on the way to work, or coming home. Traffic sucks.

  • @bertg.6056
    @bertg.6056Ай бұрын

    A terrific presentation, Alex. Thanks !

  • @bobsmoot8454
    @bobsmoot8454Ай бұрын

    This is a very informative channel, tons of detail, with good cover of the backstory

  • @scottsauritch3216
    @scottsauritch3216Ай бұрын

    Although we did just officially order the E7 wedge tail, I'll be surprised if we don't create a stealth and/or unmanned AEWCs UAVs...

  • @user-fd6rr4iz9m

    @user-fd6rr4iz9m

    Ай бұрын

    Stealth AWACs defeats its own purpose, once you turn on that RADAR everyone sees you thus being stealthy is moot.

  • @cadennorris960

    @cadennorris960

    Ай бұрын

    @@user-fd6rr4iz9mJust because you know it’s there doesn’t mean you can attempt an intercept.

  • @major__kong

    @major__kong

    Ай бұрын

    There are radars with LPI/LPD modes. I think all the western AESA radars come with this capability out of the box. Go search on "spread spectrum".

  • @user-fd6rr4iz9m

    @user-fd6rr4iz9m

    Ай бұрын

    true@@cadennorris960

  • @michaelpetersen9656
    @michaelpetersen9656Ай бұрын

    Excellent work as always.

  • @JSFGuy

    @JSFGuy

    Ай бұрын

    It just started when you posted this comment. You didn't even watch it.

  • @RagsDCS
    @RagsDCSАй бұрын

    Awesome Alex 👊😎 Loved it!🕊️❤️🕊️🤗

  • @bushcraft4life964
    @bushcraft4life964Ай бұрын

    Yet another great show! Ty for for efforts

  • @RedSinter
    @RedSinterАй бұрын

    Pretty extensive and pretty insane.

  • @WesODonnellX
    @WesODonnellXАй бұрын

    I end all my emails with “Airpower!” and have for some time. And now I constantly hear it in Alex’s voice 😂

  • @udeychowdhury2529
    @udeychowdhury2529Ай бұрын

    Great video as always, thanks

  • @DrgnRebrn
    @DrgnRebrnАй бұрын

    I've been waiting for this video.

  • @radical137
    @radical137Ай бұрын

    You can't use this to completely replace awacs but it is a damn fine supplement. awacs uses radar and this thing uses infra-red, as opposed to radar to maintain stealth. The current awacs should be replaced with something that can kinetically easily beat long range missiles along with a full range of advanced countermeasures. Maybe you can power a giant side looking aesa radar pod with a dedicated F-15 EX?

  • @Cyrribrae

    @Cyrribrae

    Ай бұрын

    I was asking this exact thing. In what types of roles is an AWACS still preferable over something like this platform? (Aside from cost, of course).

  • @user-fd6rr4iz9m

    @user-fd6rr4iz9m

    Ай бұрын

    Yep this is not AWACS it is a networked node like ISTAR intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance it correlates information from other units does not emit RADAR like AWACS and more@@Cyrribrae

  • @Cyrribrae

    @Cyrribrae

    Ай бұрын

    @@user-fd6rr4iz9m right I understand it doesn't emit radar. But it does do SOME detecting of its own, right? And on the other end, AWACS also collates information and disseminates it. But ok, calling it a node makes sense. You don't have the war room sitting in the drone making plans and dishing them out. the information is just flowing through the node, as a sort of relay? Is that right?

  • @user-fd6rr4iz9m

    @user-fd6rr4iz9m

    Ай бұрын

    Yep I agree @@Cyrribrae

  • @radical137

    @radical137

    Ай бұрын

    @@Cyrribrae it detects with sensitive infrared detectors (cameras) that can see many miles from up high or out and like IRST can then set that as a target for the datalink like the F-35 does. It should also carry AIM9x and use that IRST for self-defense.

  • @leemarkley8496
    @leemarkley8496Ай бұрын

    Very disturbing that Iran was able to hijack the electronics and bring the aircraft down ! That is a very embarrassing event.

  • @kolbevilla

    @kolbevilla

    Ай бұрын

    GPS spoofing is a known problem that has been addressed. There are also only so many radio frequencies that can be used to control an aircraft remotely.

  • @user-yz2uv7mk9k
    @user-yz2uv7mk9k17 күн бұрын

    One of the best openings and tag lines out there.

  • @pauldavis5489
    @pauldavis5489Ай бұрын

    Thank you Alex!

  • @karlrmaier
    @karlrmaierАй бұрын

    The "Shicaca" (White Bat) RQ-180, Love it. A flying "router" with encrypted directional communications, creating a battlefield network that consolidates the sensors, commands, and scope, of space, air, ground, and submarine assets, as well as providing "bleeding edge passive sensors" working with space based active sensors. A radar system doesn't have to use co-located emitters and receivers. JSTARS, AWACS, and other vulnerable/non-stealthy command and recon aircraft have been getting phased out, while nothing has been "visibly" replacing them, this is why. "Drones rule the Battlefield" Modern forces fight by remote control from undisclosed locations. Manned systems are the caveman clubs of the Industrial Age, compared to the "Mature Precision Strike Regime" of the Information Age.

  • @michaelt1775
    @michaelt1775Ай бұрын

    If i were the military i would build different drones that looked like advanced military tech and intentionally down them in adversary countries . With hidden cameras on board and packed with a 1000 pounds of c4 for after recovery. Wait til they get it back to a secret facility to show of then turn on and watch everything go boom

  • @Cyrribrae

    @Cyrribrae

    Ай бұрын

    That's.. just straight up an act of war... It's not even a particularly effective one either. If adversaries are so incompetent as to allow themselves to be Trojan horsed without first checking for communications, let alone explosives... I mean... Shoot we probably overpaid on the sabotage budget lol

  • @mtbadger1346

    @mtbadger1346

    Ай бұрын

    Lmao 😂

  • @thomasblankinship98

    @thomasblankinship98

    Ай бұрын

    ​@@Cyrribraewell our government has allowed our enemies to send troops over and just walk in and then move around all over the country. Won't be long until " things" start happening. Bet they won't be called acts of war.

  • @istvansipos9940

    @istvansipos9940

    Ай бұрын

    sure. they would neve notice it. they are fools from the 18th century with no bomb detection skill and never heard of a Trojan horse. Right? You are not the military for a reason.

  • @BBBrasil
    @BBBrasilАй бұрын

    That sounds a rather sensible analysis. Data fusion is a must in all aspects of technology, we can gather so much but have so little understanding on what is going on.

  • @MattttG3
    @MattttG3Ай бұрын

    23:45 *I would hope it can be massively agile too and pull G’s with maneuvers so worse case scenario it can last second defense*

  • @FightingTalk
    @FightingTalkАй бұрын

    The RQ-180 is from the same program as B-21. Its most likely the unmanned version, able to enter service sooner as no pilot tests were required. Due to the human interface in the B-21, a certain amount public familiarity is required.

  • @Justanotherconsumer
    @JustanotherconsumerАй бұрын

    That they’re releasing this now means that the RQ-190 is already on the drawing board.

  • @jtb3797
    @jtb3797Ай бұрын

    I still don't understand how we're only at 350k subs when you produce the BEST aviation content on YT.

  • @sberry80
    @sberry80Ай бұрын

    Another grat day started with "I'M ALEX HOLLINGS, AND THIS IS AIR POWER". ALWAYS MAKES THE MORNING BETTER. ANOTHER GREAT VIDEO BROTHER. LOVE THE INFORMATION, AND THAT YOU DO THIS FOR THE LOVE OF THE AIR, COUNTRY AND TECHNOLOGY, WITHOUT TRYING TO FORCE FEED AN AGENDA.

  • @Bluelightning23
    @Bluelightning23Ай бұрын

    Years ago I was driving down the 395 through the Mojave desert, and I spotted a high-flying aircraft flying over Edwards like the Flying wing aircraft hat was shown. And looking at the picture I think it was the same one. Unfortunately, the picture I took was not focused very well

  • @tinytim71301
    @tinytim71301Ай бұрын

    "Shaking the Windows" 🤘💪👍

  • @lantinian
    @lantinianАй бұрын

    I was sure Alex will also mention the original battle space close air surveillance stealth platform prototype from Northrop...the tacit blue. Awesome video :) Thank hou

  • @bjl1226
    @bjl1226Ай бұрын

    Thanks Alex

  • @jajssblue
    @jajssblueАй бұрын

    I love those nicknames! Shikaka!

  • @roberthevern6169
    @roberthevern6169Ай бұрын

    As said by other military aviation channels, 'fool around, and find out!!' Pretty well sums up American military aviation capabilities!!

  • @peekaboopeekaboo1165

    @peekaboopeekaboo1165

    Ай бұрын

    Russia and China aren't scared or afraid of it . U$ is the one attacking. While RU and CN are the ones guarding their front yards/back yards .

  • @mr.beanladen1469

    @mr.beanladen1469

    Ай бұрын

    @@peekaboopeekaboo1165of course, because they lack the capability to dare attack US even altogether

  • @mrackerm5879
    @mrackerm5879Ай бұрын

    Iran makes lots of claims but those "gentlemen" had no idea the RQ-170 even existed until some goat herder found one covered with bird shit when he discovered it had soft-landed in one of the areas where he herded goats. You cannot hijack something you have no idea is there.

  • @user-fd6rr4iz9m

    @user-fd6rr4iz9m

    Ай бұрын

    Iran are pushing the patience of the USA.

  • @MikeOxlong-
    @MikeOxlong-Ай бұрын

    Sucks that Iran brought down its predecessor (the RQ-170) and stole all its technology (it looks basically identical to this bird - only smaller)…

  • @connorjones7202

    @connorjones7202

    Ай бұрын

    Damn you and your facts Mike Oxlong

  • @ricklynghaug4117
    @ricklynghaug4117Ай бұрын

    Impeccable writing per usual. Dope s#!t bro!

  • @Coinz8
    @Coinz8Ай бұрын

    Interesting that you bring this up. I live in Rosamond, outside of Edwards Airforce Base. I was at Albertsons shopping when I ended up in an aisle next to some guy. I didnt pay him no mind as I was trying to figure out dinner. However, I started listening to his phone conversion. He was some kinda contractor/engineer. Phone conversation went like this " Yeah, we did good today. uh huh...uh huh, oh you heard about it? you didnt see it though? Im surprised. Yeah, so they took it up to about 40,000 ft, cruised at 450MPH. yeah, not that high up. Well, it released from the mothership fell about 1,000ft then it veered off to the east, fully autonomous. The pilots were thrilled seeing it go off on its own. uh huh...yeah. Idk, about 20 minutes? guys on the ground said it flew to the drone, engaged, simulated firing a weapon, then veered off back to the runway by itself. yeah...no no...those guys messed us up last week with their shoddy coding. no, the other contractors from that group."

  • @jloiben12
    @jloiben12Ай бұрын

    Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No! It is why America doesn’t have free healthcare and its allies thank god every day for it

  • @john-lenin

    @john-lenin

    Ай бұрын

    Same Libtard clueslesness. Shutting down every defense contractor will not add a single provider to our healthcare system. The problem with healthcare is Insurance and pharmaceutical and medical equipment companies.

  • @Cody38Super

    @Cody38Super

    Ай бұрын

    Let me explain something to you stoopid....free doesn't equal better....ours is the most expensive for a reason....because it's the best. It's where doctors from around the world come to learn because we have the HIGHEST STANDARD of Healthcare of any nation. When your government runs your health care you instantly get less than half of your money's worth because you have to pay the government to manage it and they are going to insist on buying the cheapest the can and pay the least for the doctors and nurses....free Healthcare is not free dumbest, you pay for it in higher taxes and shittier care.

  • @deerfootnz

    @deerfootnz

    Ай бұрын

    ​@@Cody38Superthen why does the US have boast some of the worst metrics in the developed world? By some measures the US performs more poorly than most of Africa - look up the infant and maternal mortality rates and weep. America's healthcare is incomprehensibly crap. What a shame you can't afford decent public health unlike the Philippines, or Morocco.

  • @iamscoutstfu

    @iamscoutstfu

    Ай бұрын

    Free? Oh, you mean I pay for your healthcare. I hear Canada has that, maybe try living there.

  • @JamesNeave1978

    @JamesNeave1978

    Ай бұрын

    ​@@Cody38Super Actually several European healthcare systems are cheaper and better than the USA's. Well, except for treating gunshot wounds, you're the best in the world for that.

  • @Onatyrade
    @OnatyradeАй бұрын

    Oh I did not know you were a right winger too bad LOSER TRUMP is your cause I am not. Unsubscribe.

  • @JSFGuy

    @JSFGuy

    Ай бұрын

    No need to advertise, get lost. How's that child sniffing dementia Joe working out for you?

  • @ShadowOppsRC

    @ShadowOppsRC

    Ай бұрын

    Who cares and get a life! We dont need people like you here anyways!

  • @RogierYou

    @RogierYou

    Ай бұрын

    @@JSFGuygreat, did you watch the full state of the union yourself?

  • @JSFGuy

    @JSFGuy

    Ай бұрын

    @@RogierYou Yes, why?

  • @cat192

    @cat192

    Ай бұрын

    This isn't an airport. No need to announce your departure.

  • @msgtpauldfreed
    @msgtpauldfreedАй бұрын

    RQ-3 Darkstar...I watched it crash while I was at Edwards AFB. I was in my Chief's corner office in the hangar setting up a printer for him and I saw it taxi and said "Hey, Chief, the Darkstar is taking off" and then I looked down hooking up his printer. Next thing I know was the Chief saying "Hey, Paul, the Darkstar is crashing!" and I looked up just in time to see it impact the airfield and create quite the fireball. Granted, I was also there when the YF-22 crashed, although I just saw the smoke column and didn't really watch it crash (I was working my part time job as a bagger at the Commissary then). In all, 8 aircraft crashed in the six years I was there. Yikes!

  • @x-raf7652
    @x-raf7652Ай бұрын

    Thanks for the laugh at 24:41 showing a battle occurring over North Wales in the UK. Other than drunken brawls in Chester (which is very near the border), I'm not aware of any battles between the English and the Welsh for the past 500+ years. Seriously good info and a laugh all in one vid, what more could I ask for?

  • @colinfarrelly2513
    @colinfarrelly2513Ай бұрын

    Outstanding thank you.

  • @Davethreshold
    @DavethresholdАй бұрын

    Alex, you did it. You just BLEW MY MIND. That is not meant to be a term from the 70's. I think it just short-circuited!

  • @user-fd6rr4iz9m
    @user-fd6rr4iz9mАй бұрын

    Even though Iran got a hold of an RQ-170 Sentinel they do not have the networked infrastructure and technology to back it up to it's full potential. The US RQ-180 is on another level.

  • @TJSnej01

    @TJSnej01

    Ай бұрын

    If you have a network, the enemy can find it. If you have ai, you don´t need a networtk

  • @user-fd6rr4iz9m

    @user-fd6rr4iz9m

    Ай бұрын

    Iran will have pre programmed flight modes but sophisticated satellite communications infrastructure they do not have, even Russia has not operated this in Ukraine war that often. AI is still in its infancy with the US decades in the lead. @@TJSnej01

  • @Integr8d

    @Integr8d

    Ай бұрын

    they prob sold it to china

  • @thomaspinney4020
    @thomaspinney4020Ай бұрын

    Nice work. I would also like to see more on unmanned tankers.

  • @craigmoran893

    @craigmoran893

    Ай бұрын

    Yeah unmanned tankers makes perfect sense

  • @johnbruder6476
    @johnbruder6476Ай бұрын

    Awesome Video!! Keep it Up! And new helo drones? Or info on current?

  • @sshumkaer
    @sshumkaerАй бұрын

    Great stuff makes you excited for the future

  • @mugbeer9440
    @mugbeer9440Ай бұрын

    What an amazing surprise, yet another W vid.

  • @amitparmar2593
    @amitparmar2593Ай бұрын

    I read recently that the first-round contracts were close to being awarded for the MQ-28A Ghost Bat, from 5 bidders to 2/3 - that would be a cool video to understand that story (if there is anything to report, that is)

  • @philjayhan6120
    @philjayhan612014 сағат бұрын

    Great presentation on the RQ 180 Alex, as usual. A great idea for you to cover is one of the final frontiers of defense technology. Energy shields that envelop ships, planes, tanks, whatever. Whoever secretly develops these first will be masters of every domain there is. How about it Alex?

  • @jacksavage7808
    @jacksavage7808Ай бұрын

    Great as always.

  • @RobertBrusOfficial
    @RobertBrusOfficialАй бұрын

    That was awesome - well done

  • @stevecagle8002
    @stevecagle8002Ай бұрын

    Excellent Job.. Thanks

  • @ZacharyNewman-kb8eq
    @ZacharyNewman-kb8eqАй бұрын

    Hi Alex, Can you please make a video about the roles of f16,f15,f35,f22 on the battle field. under what circumstances do you use which?

  • @foracal5608
    @foracal5608Ай бұрын

    I still find it funny the u-2 still outlived some of its replacements I figured it would retire the few weeks difference in age with the buff

  • @jajssblue
    @jajssblueАй бұрын

    Alex, how do these platforms securely talk to each other in theater? I ask because I wonder if these stealthy platforms use beam forming as a way to reduce detectable noise. Of course, they use encryption to protect the data, but I'm wonder more from an emissions standpoint. I wonder if some of the recent laser tech might be another technological route.

  • @normanmadden
    @normanmadden28 күн бұрын

    One thing to remember on the UCAVs and AI teams; in astronomy, multiple telescopes are resolved together, to gain a definition of optical enhancement, better than either telescope alone. Now imagine all the radars in use on the battle space, being used the same way.

  • @GS-el8ll
    @GS-el8llАй бұрын

    great upload

  • @thezirons
    @thezironsАй бұрын

    Another great video!!

  • @penroc3
    @penroc3Ай бұрын

    the F117 has a counter part it always flew with and that is still secret and as far as i know till flying. there are also other hypersonic craft(not aircraft) in service. There only may be a few of these hyper technologicly advanced high/fast movers but they are there. Green will show you the way

  • @MauricioBarragan
    @MauricioBarraganАй бұрын

    BlackBird Diplomacy is the hardest shit I've heard in a long time. Hitting the Opposition with a sonic boom just to let them know we're there.

  • @ryansmith8759

    @ryansmith8759

    Ай бұрын

    Using like 1000 gallons of fuel per minute? Maybe a meeting instead?

  • @johnkeller2952
    @johnkeller2952Ай бұрын

    All this sensor and communication fusion stream, control the drones, see what the drone sees, aside from the stealth aspect, you can shovel all of the equipment for that in a Learjet. And we already have stealth aircraft, we already have remote aircraft, and I get that we can always make them more stealthy, but it seems like there's just so much reinventing of the wheel

  • @CptJistuce

    @CptJistuce

    Ай бұрын

    You don't stay the best in the world by resting on your laurels.