I have some leaked intel on the AIM-260's multimodal seeker. It has both RADAR and IR/UV, but the real top secret functionality is that it logs on to Snapchat and various social media and dating sites and then finds the enemy pilot and sends him messages while he's flying so that he'll respond and reveal his location.

@Osprey980

Ай бұрын

Lol

@CortezBumf

Ай бұрын

leaked intel shows the AIM-260 *can* run crysis

@RJEvans44

Ай бұрын

Big if true

@Raivo_K

Ай бұрын

AIM-260: Check out these hot babes in your area.

@SmoochyRoo

Ай бұрын

SHUT UP, LOOSE LIPS SINKS SHIPS AND I'LL SINK YOUR SHIP WITH MY LIPS SO SHUT U-that sounded weird....

This guy's probably the only channel i know that actually does his research and says actual facts

@joeterzio7175

Ай бұрын

Taking Chinese claims at face value is the opposite of doing research and saying "actual facts."

@kevman5

Ай бұрын

Him and Ryan McBeth are some of the few that I actually trust to spit the most facts and the least bias.

@knowahnosenothing4862

Ай бұрын

@@joeterzio7175 What else is going to use?

@joeterzio7175

Ай бұрын

@@knowahnosenothing4862 That's the point, he doesn't have access to the intel we have on Chinese and Russian weapons. I worked on weapons systems for years as an engineer and we knew that Russian and Chinese equipment was trash because we had access to the intelligence that backed it up.

@edmondsmith4259

Ай бұрын

​@joeterzio7175 Mr. Hollings always says Russian and Chinese "stated" specs are not be taken for face value. Even in this episode he said they were "stated" as in "take it with a spoon full of salt". Alex Hollings didn't get his many nominations in Defense and Aerospace Media, as well the internarionaly recognized award he did win, for surface level journalism just to sound smart like so many with mere titles do.

I'm a simple man. Alex uploads a video and I watch it without fail. Still waiting on a deep dive video into a F15EX or even B21 missile truck scenario against a high volume adversary.

@alexmanion5389

Ай бұрын

He does a great job, I'm right there with you.

@jhonsnow4116

Ай бұрын

I completely agree, and I am not even American

@98MAzdaMilleniaS

Ай бұрын

Triggered every time I see his channel name because that’s how my ex broke up with me while at basic training. Through sandboxx.

@RavenRunFoxRoam

Ай бұрын

@@jhonsnow4116 you don't need to be American to appreciate our insane defense budget. 😅

@thanhtong2281

Ай бұрын

…and automatic thumbs up

PL-15: “If this weapon works as advertised” is kinda the whole ball of wax. How many awesome weapons have we (USA) developed because we thought the enemy had something game changing, only to find out their stuff was really just junk?

@Aim54Delta

Ай бұрын

The same is true of our own equipment. Considering the problems Boeing is having keeping airliners from falling apart and the (very much not talked about) 30% combat readiness rating of F-35 squadrons ... As well as experiences in the past with regard to the F-105 and/or the AIM-4... Sometimes we have our own turds that come out of the defense contracting grift, as well.

@logicplague2077

Ай бұрын

@@Aim54Delta Yeah, but you've gotta look at the percentages, an occasional turd vs. a LOT of turds. Also, Russia and other countries typically oversell their equipment's capabilities because they want to sell them, while the US undersells theirs for operational security.

@Frankie5Angels150

Ай бұрын

As is still true of both the Russians and the Chinese.

@pixsilvb9638

Ай бұрын

Case in point: almost 300 Nike Missile Sites spread all over the US with Nike Ajax and Nike Jupiter anti-aircraft missiles were built between late 50’s and early 70’s to defend the country from the Soviet intercontinental nuclear bombers which were supposed to attack the country when the soviets built the Myasishchev M-4 ‘Molot’ four-engined strategic bomber during the 1950s to provide a Long Range Aviation bomber capable of attacking targets in North America. The M-4 nevertheless sparked fears of a "bomber gap" when 18 of the aircraft were flown in a public demonstration on May Day in 1954. The US responded by building hundreds of Boeing B-47s and B-52s as well as the Nike Missile Umbrella, to counter this perceived threat. As it turned out, the Myasishchev M-4 fell well short of its intended range and was not really capable of attacking the most valuable targets in the United States. As this became clear, production was shut down, in spite of the failure to produce a capable strategic design and the resulting small numbers.

@gonepostal9101

Ай бұрын

@@pixsilvb9638 it’s really crazy what we did because of what we thought the Soviets capabilities “might” be. My Old Man was the CMSGT of a SAGE site in Northern Minnesota, and we had a BOMARC site under their control just outside of town that he took me to once when I was a kid. I don’t know how many missiles were there, but they all had Mark 40 warheads, and there was a lot of bunkers there. Same with the airbase the SAGE was affiliated with. Dozens of F-101’s, all carrying Genies. God knows how many warheads were were within a 10 mile radius of our house. Lolol.

Alex, I grew up reading Aviation Week Space & Tech. magazine and Jane's Books. In my opinion, you Sir, have attained their status in this Media. Truly a National Treasure.

@chrislaska5728

Ай бұрын

Massive praise !!!

@jamesogden7756

Ай бұрын

Good facts and research mean something still. ❤

@weissmorris8822

Ай бұрын

Janes (the publishers last name) not Jane’s (possessive of Jane.)

@TheDoorspook11c

Ай бұрын

I don't know, Janes is vast.

@massengineer7582

Ай бұрын

AW&ST. My father, an aeronautical engineer, had a subscription which came to our house when I was a kid in the 1960's. Very interesting magazine. Probably launched my interest in the military and defense as a career.

The AIM-120D entered production in 2006. Think of how far computational technology has come from then. The US has been cooking this next one up for almost 20 years now.

@breakbollocks9164

Ай бұрын

Unfortunately that does not help much. They've been cooking the JSF for at least as long and it has become a multi-billion if not a trillion dollar clusterfuck. Vympel R-37M will beat it anytime with acknowledged kills well over the max range of this new AIM-260.

@Atom224

Ай бұрын

@@breakbollocks9164 Common Russian L

@wilfdarr

Ай бұрын

2006: my flip phone had internet... kind of 2016: My cell phone has facial recognition... 2026: Skynet...

@Lukyan

Ай бұрын

@@breakbollocks9164 How many Su-57's were made? How many A-50s shot down?

@Thetequilashooter1

Ай бұрын

@@breakbollocks9164Keep dreaming. Its kill range has been at most 80 nm, and Ukrainian pilots have said that they’ve already developed tactics to counter it. Like nearly every other Russian weapon it’s been a bust. Russia’s good at one thing, spreading misinformation and lies, and you’re gullible enough to fall for it.

When discussing no-escape range, it's worth keeping in mind that being beyond that range doesn't mean you're guaranteed to escape. The closer you are, the narrower your options. Stated no-escape ranges are "calibrated" for a specific target, and the range will be different for other targets. It would also not be outside the realm of possibility for the no-escape range to be understated.

@W1ckedRcL

Ай бұрын

The MAR also changes based on the launch parameters and the speed of the target aircraft.

@user-vt2cr8qd1b

Ай бұрын

POV: trying to launch against an SR-71

@Bomkz

Ай бұрын

the MAR also changes based on the altitude of the target, and the lower a target the less distance the missile could reach once the motor is burnt through due to the thicker air.

@Bomkz

Ай бұрын

@@user-vt2cr8qd1bthe SR-71 is at a disadvantage due to the altitude it cruises at, being higher means less air resistance, which also means the missile could reach faster speed and longer distances with minimal speed loss

@orbiradio2465

Ай бұрын

@@user-vt2cr8qd1b Head on or tail chase?

For some reason, everytime i hear you say "this is air-power", it actually comes over as powerful.

@beayn

Ай бұрын

I recently had him say "This is air power" and immediately after an ad for something popped up with a very... gay couple that was very colorful. It was totally out of place lol.

@Tenchigumi

Ай бұрын

One day I fully expect him to say "This is Alex Hollings, and I AM AIR POWER."

MBDA Meteor missile : "Finally a worthy opponent"

@Utubesuperstar

Ай бұрын

I love the meteor but if the aim 260 is anywhere near what the dod says (and the us always undersells) it will be unmatched and leaps and bounds better than the meteor

@ni9274

Ай бұрын

@@Utubesuperstar We should compare to next gen European missile then

@jacobbaumgardner3406

Ай бұрын

@@UtubesuperstarI’d be surprised if it has a no escape zone as far as the Meteor.

@michagysin3082

Ай бұрын

@@jacobbaumgardner3406 It probably will, but it doesnt matter as meteor also belongs to nato.

@mobiusflammel9372

Ай бұрын

@@jacobbaumgardner3406It may or may not, but there's still the unnamed LREW on the way as well. The AIM-260 is not the only long range air to air missile in development at the moment, by the US. Edit: Said this before I saw the end of the video where he points out there are other weapons in development.

A lot of the talk I heard about the AIM-260 had focused on it being powered by a 2-stage rocket motor. This is the first I've heard about a throttled rocket motor. Very interesting

@kameronjones7139

Ай бұрын

I know one called the lrew is 2 stage but it might be to big for stealth fighters

@toastrecon

Ай бұрын

I'm trying to think of this from a physics standpoint: it's more aerodynamically efficient to NOT travel at super high speeds, so maybe the throttling allows it to cruise towards the target and then throttle up for the final kill. Single stage motors can only get to max kinetic energy with a single burn and then hope they have enough energy left for distance, maneuvering and intercept.

@sferrin2

Ай бұрын

Unless it's an air-breather I'd be astonished if it's throttled. Hybrid rockets are too complex for what you want, never mind liquid.

@Bomkz

Ай бұрын

@@sferrin2 recently there was a breakthrough on a throttlable solid state rocket motor which can be throttled via the use of electric , if i'm not wrong via a PWM control system. that and supposedly a new AESA radar system rather than a conventional one.

@dannydetonator

Ай бұрын

@toastrecon From basic aerodynamical principles, all it has to do is travel slower, as it's exponentially more efficient. That's what extends the range, if we ignore air-breathing to avoid oxydiser weight in the rocket fuel. It doesn't need much acceleration in the final stage unless the target goes for a run in the same direction over mach-1. Manouverability also is improved over the equal distance, but i guess all of that is worked out depending on target's predicted speed and distance. And yes, throttled solid rocket engines are a thing pursued by designers for decades. One of the hardest goals, but achieved on different levels for a while now, not only by military contractors.

"would not ramp up production on an ineffective weapon". LCS - "hold my beer"

@lino222

Ай бұрын

lmao

@twinkyoctopus

Ай бұрын

tbf the navy is being forced kicking and screaming by congress to continue production

@knowahnosenothing4862

Ай бұрын

Aluminium warships idea is criminal. They burn like beer cans in a bonfire and stress fracture in bad weather.

@ChrisEly

Ай бұрын

"Ramping up production" is the key phrase. There aren't plans for dozens of LCS anymore.

@georgesikimeti2184

Ай бұрын

Yeah,the LCS was a lemon,made of composite aluminium not hardened steel and only good for speed in shallow water only,well arleigh Burke is still the king.

Being the Aim 260 allegedly went into production a year ago, and they have stopped talking about it (usually a clue), I agree there are likely already Raptors flying with them.

@riskinhos

Ай бұрын

they are ashamed because the missile is shit and worse than already deployed ones like the meteor.

@N-A762

Ай бұрын

Lol +15 to your social credit score

@_Epsilon_

Ай бұрын

Raptors are flying yeah not sure about that one. How many of them are even air worthy?

@asherwiggin6456

Ай бұрын

@@_Epsilon_maybe 80-95?

@rickwylie7322

Ай бұрын

Probably more than Russia has SU-35's and SU-57's, as many as UK has Typhoons, not quite what France has in Rafales, but close. @@_Epsilon_

One of the most authentic and "Solid" quote in the internet, is the Alex's: "...And This is AIR POWER"

The last point is the key, the 260 will already out range almost all fighter radars in service today.

@SpamSucker

Ай бұрын

Yeah but think forward, where there will be not only AWACS but possibly space-based tracking, and/or drone-assisted tracking. I envision distant detection combined with "long-burn" high efficiency missile track for range, and a passive seeker (IR or even optical) such that the target does not even know it was launched upon until it's far too late. There's some nasty possibilities behind all this stuff.

@RTmadnesstoo

27 күн бұрын

Sure, why not Drones ranging out in front and to the sides that are nothing but Radar and EW platforms spoofing where they are and how many?

@teknetinium

25 күн бұрын

Mig-31M3 with R-37M?

@showtime1004

14 күн бұрын

@@SpamSucker AWACS datalink is already a thing, has been for a long time. If AWACS can see the target, AMRAAM can engage it even if the launching aircraft can't see it.

@thomasvelazquez9789

14 күн бұрын

@teknetinium Joke and totally unproven sorry Ivan and the Mig 25 is basically a target

You've got extremely comprehensive videos man. I really appreciate the style of your show, the fact that you don't use AI or computer voices, and the fact that your information is seemingly cutting edge.

AIM-260 has a literal two-stage booster. 1st booster is the boost phase, and it detaches from the missile when it runs out to have no dead weight and better aerodynamics and the 2nd booster is the sustainer where it sustains its Mach 4-6 speed that allows it to reach 200km range. Remember it is only an AIM-260A, probably going to have a longer range on the newer missile variants. There is another missile though, the Peregrine Medium Range Air to Air Missile. It was 2x shorter than the AIM-120 but it has the same range as the AIM-120D. For example, the F-22 can only carry 4 to 6 AIM-120D, where it can carry more than 8 to 12 Peregrine missiles.

Hard to take anything China claims as accurate.

@3dpyromaniac560

Ай бұрын

They are very much like Russia where they exaggerate capabilities by an order of magnitude. Which is part of China's strategy. They exaggerate the capabilities of a new thing, US makes something to counter the exaggerated capabilities, then China steals it and makes a worse version

@rickybobby6527

Ай бұрын

Definitely can’t believe Russias claims either 😂

@Cobra-King3

28 күн бұрын

Well, on the plus side, taking their shit seriously means the US develop shit so much better that all they've done was widen the performance, or in this case, technological gap, between them and the US Remember the last time someone inflated something to a point America panicked? The F-15 became the answer, or at the worst case absolute least, a desperate hope that it isn't outmoded by he supposed """""superfighter""""", the MiG-25

@Tomas.X

26 күн бұрын

Depends how you look at it. If they say something - they're lying. From there, cut numbers in half (or double them) and you'll have an "approximate fact."

@billtukana5916

24 күн бұрын

​@@rickybobby6527😂😂😂 ballistic missiles in Chinese Silos water powered, big uproar over there recently; big man so disappointed.

Let your enemies believe you’re less capable with your equipment, and less reliable with your logistics. Never show your FULL ONION

@timtrewyn453

Ай бұрын

That's a tough call between deterrence and baiting conflict. Don't envy the person responsible for public information on a weapon system.

@Utubesuperstar

Ай бұрын

That’s what America does the Russians do the opposite lol

@Christian-fg3we

Ай бұрын

Unless your russian. Then tell everyone your main battle tank is the best in the world, but then gets taken out by a Bradleys 25mm…

@Bomkz

Ай бұрын

@@Christian-fg3we technically yeah it did get taken out by a bradley, but i believe that more to be an issue with crew incompetence from the tank's part. Sadly i don't think a bradley would survive a 2nd round against one unless carrying TOWs. However that does not really matter anymore, the Bradley is an outdated design, and i wouldn't be surprised if they were developing a new design right now.

@Cecil-yc6mc

Ай бұрын

@@Bomkz not the Bradley's fault that Russia's A-Team tankers were cooked in the first 3 days

Multimode tracking and rocket or air-breathing engines sound revolutionary. Thank you for the detailed walkthrough. You're an excellent source for this info.

@solarissv777

Ай бұрын

AFAIR Israelis have a SAM with multimode tracker

Simply air launching the ESSM Block II will give you a missile with twice the range of the AIM-120D that fits in the same envelope. The 10" ESSM fits in exactly that envelope as the 7" AIM-120. The strakes do not extend beyond the 10" box and the fins fold into that same box. In fact, the ESSM will fit into a smaller box than the AIM-120C/D with it's fins. The missile is 3.66m long practically exactly the same length the 3.65m AIM-120. It is about 620 lbs vs 335 lbs for the AMRAAM, but that is nothing that the weapon stations on existing fighters cannot handle (except for the wing tip rails). Going to 10" from 7" gets you about twice the propellant load and in surface launched application the ESSM is a 50km missile while the AIM-120 is a 25 km missile. Simply adapting the active seeker ESSM Block II will give you a Mach 6 ~ Mach 7.5 missile with an all boost motor and high altitude release from a supersonic fighter. Obviously, if they want to further improve the performance, they can shrink the guidance package ad or the warhead, lengthen the motor by another 20~30% and switch to a lighter graphite epoxy casing. That is a Mach 7~9 missile right there; 100% based on proven and existing technology. A switch to a boost-sustain grain for the motor will allow you to trade speed and ballistic range for a larger no escape envelope. But even without it, a Mach 8 guided projectile that you won't likely see on the radar or warning receivers until it is ~20 km away gives you only about 7 sec to do anything about it. That in itself is extremely deadly. That is not to mention that powered or not, speed is energy and energy is maneuverability. Missiles can turn at 35~60Gs which is more than any fighter or its pilot and will ALWAYS win the agility game until it loses enough speed to be either slower than the fighter or will be if it pulls that same Gs are the fighter. 7 secs is not a lot of time to play that game.

@Veramocor

Ай бұрын

They are already doing something similar for NASAMS. They took the seeker of aim-120 and put it on an essm body. They call it aamram-er

@vkk5058

Ай бұрын

Good comment Dwight. Plus add something like cl20 into the solid rocket propellant mix and you'll extend range by another 20%. Nothing that revolutionary is needed for decent gains in performance.

@dwightlooi

Ай бұрын

@@VeramocorSort of... the ESSM booster has been employed unchanged in the original ESSM (Block I), the SL-AMRAAM-ER and the ESSM Block II. These differ only in their front end. The first has the 8" AIM-7M front end, the second has the 7" AIM-120C front end and the last has a 10" full diameter front end. In the former two a conical interstage helps with the transition. -- The thing is that there is no reason the warhead and electronics of the AIM-120D needs to occupy the same length in a 10" missile as in a 7" platform. In fact it should occupy about HALF that length presuming no further miniaturization in electronics. In the ESSM Block II the front end is actually shorter with the new warhead being shorter and fatter while the electronics stack is also shorter and fatter. The missile is the same length only because the hollow nose cone is twice as long with a pointier ogive. In the Future, they'll probably lengthen the motor, push everything forward and use a shorter nose cone. -- As I said, if this is going to be the AAM for the NEXT three decades, they can do all of the above and more. We already use graphite epoxy motor casings for space launch solids going back the the GEM40 on the Delta II (1990) so this is not technically challenging r high risk just more expensive. With GaN MMICs the seeker block can and should be more compact. -- Sometimes it is best to keep things simple. Instead of trying to have a ramjet or scramjet. Just have a missile which is 75% propellant by mass. It'll go very fast and very far. The gross delta V of a vehicle that with a 75% propellant fraction and the specific impulse of a good solid motor (250 sec) is Mach 9.9. That's probably the upper bound for a purely rocket powered AAM and that is plenty fast enough. Any faster in fact and your radar or IR seeker won't work due to ionization of the air.

@dwightlooi

Ай бұрын

@@vkk5058Sadly I think they are going in the opposite direction with all the insensitive munitions initiatives. But, to put things into perspective, the Specific Impulse of leading HTPE solid motors are around 250 sec (SL). The high energy formulations like those using CL20 as an additive is about 260 sec. PBAN on the Shuttle SRB is 242 sec. This is already about as good as turbo pump fed liquid motors running on room temperature hypergolics like N2O4+UDMH (about 252~255 sec @ SL). So don't expect game changing improvements from advancements in solid propellants. It'll be far easier to make everything else smaller and lighter than to get another 5 secs in Isp from the motor!

@tuunaes

Ай бұрын

@@dwightlooi Indeed no miracles left in propellants, liquid or solid, and lots of research has been in making them less volatile and toxic to be easier and safer to handle etc. (just like there are no undiscovered miracle elements no matter what movies depict) So it's up to squeezing more fuel into missile by miniaturizing other parts, improving aerodynamics etc. Multistage missile which discards first used stage to reduce drag before igniting second stage is one of the possible tricks. Though at the expense of more complexity. Ability to control throttle and use more fuel efficient speed for long range launches is another. Highest speeds come at the cost of highest rate of energy loss to drag.

I can see the benefit of loading the F-22/F35 with twice the number of Peregrine AA missiles (over the AIM-120s) and load the AIM-260s (8 each?) on following F-15EXs (back some 20 or 30 miles), with the F-15s radiating at full power on their radars and the F-22s in quiet mode. That would make a flight of 4 F-22s and 4 F-15EXs quite capable of taking out an enormous number of enemy fighters

@dgthe3

Ай бұрын

I prefer putting AIM 260s onto stealth jets so they can go AWACS hunting first. A couple missions like that & everything else basically becomes a turkey shoot.

@red94mr28

Ай бұрын

@@dgthe3 Agreed, take out the AWACS first.

@Xenomorphine

Ай бұрын

It won't happen. F-15s simply won't be authorised to fly in hostile airspace, until stealth airframes have already demolished the IADS and any hostile air assets. There's PR trying to hype what you describe (probably as counter-intelligence), but it just isn't practical. The most optimistic outcome would be that the enemy uses the F-15 tracks to figure out which direction the F-22s and F-35s are heading in from, which is self-defeating. It's possible that the B-21 might have AAM compatibility, which would be a more logical platform.

@red94mr28

Ай бұрын

@@XenomorphineHe didn't mention F-15's but I will. One scenario plays out with F-22s with AIM-260s hunting AWACS and targets of opportunity, F-35s with HARMS accompanied by F-15 EX missile trucks armed with AIM-260s and AGM/HARM mix going after enemy ground radar. The B-21s with AGM-158 JASSMs or cluster bombs targeting ground radar deep in enemy territory with B-52s far in the back launching AGM-86 ALCMs, again, at ground radar and runways. There are a hundred permutations of the above, just mix & match and throw in some additions. I wouldn't worry about counter intelligence regarding potential attack plans laid out in a YT comment section. Any foreign power that doesn't have a competent intelligence or analysis department would be rather obtuse and easily defeated. Russia and China are not obtuse.

@hoghogwild

28 күн бұрын

@@red94mr28 B-52s launching AGM-86? Only 86's in service are nukes these days.

I remember when navy tested harpoon on P-3's, they added on box launcher booster to kick it's range out further.

16:40 When it comes out, I hope they call it the AIM-154 Phoenix 2 (or AIM-55). That name needs to be reborn and rise from the ashes of time.

Thanks for explaining the nuances and operational limitations of air to air missiles Alex. A real eye opener. The new missile looks like a real game changer.

Doing great Alex! Keep it up, my man!

Been watching you for quite some time as you develop and grow on this platform and beyond proud to your success. More and more comfortable on camera and still giving EXCELLENT free education!

Thanks Alex, good episode with some great information that I hadn’t heard before!!

Been looking forward to this video!

We're just taking China's word that the pl-15 actually has 120mi range lol

@theeatherlash69

Ай бұрын

To be fair, taking the enemy's word on how bad-ass their shit is, is how America makes most of it's most awesome shit: We try to beat the impossible shit they claim they have. Then we get ours into mass production before they do.

@orionoregon974

Ай бұрын

I am not taking their work for anything. They are still trying to develop a fork but can't get past the chop-stick, so much for china's R&D

@Shinobubu

28 күн бұрын

@@orionoregon974 Their hypersonic missiles are great at hitting their own houses and towns.

@gregheitland4392

26 күн бұрын

China has never been capable of winning 😂

@manvithchitti

25 күн бұрын

No, it's just that there's no reason not to. If they claim it and we build something better, we have the advantage. The claim coming out as false is just an even better deal.

I love these videos about new rumoured systems where we take some time to learn about the other systems this might compete against, what the history of the system is and all the unreliable specs of current and past weapons in the same class. I am always holding my breath for the end of the video to see how few seconds Alex manages to talk about the actual title weapon.

Excellent presentation during a groundbreaking update. Keep up the excellent reporting.

I bet the PL-15's are not as good as they claim. Maybe? Considering the typical exaggerations from Russia and China, it does not help the skepticism.

@Shinobubu

28 күн бұрын

With zero proof and with no war time experience to prove it. They're either lying or they think what they wrote on paper is equivalent to real world experience. China always lies.

So cool to see you mention that long range shot at the BQM-167. I was the target control technician for that shot. Basically just a liaison between the weapons directors that talk to the firghters, and the civilian comtractors controlling the target. That was a fun one. Coolest job i had in the service, and Panama City ain't the worst place in the world.. by a small margin lol. Got to see the QF-4's go out and the QF-16's come in. And i got to see one of the QF-4's crash on takeoff on a day where the drone guys were giving us a tour. Thanks for yet another amazing video Alex.

@navyreviewer

Ай бұрын

Cool. Please be VERY careful with what you post.

@184Kitkat

Ай бұрын

I, being just a mere ally, am always nervous to learn something I wouldnt want Ivan och Hong to hear..

@joecrisp9060

Ай бұрын

@@navyreviewer Valid. The only real classified I dealt with was range numbers, and it was a while ago so even if I could remember they'ed be outdated lol.

Thank you for all your hard work

Thanks for the update Alex

gotta love this channel, thank ya, Alex . . .

One thing I would like to add is that the AIM-260 is not only designed to counter China’s PL-15, but also Russia’s R-77M, which is another long-range ramjet-powered missile that is expected to enter service soon. The R-77M is said to have a range of over 200 km and a speed of Mach 6, making it a formidable threat to US and allied fighters. Thanks for sharing your insights! It was a good watch.

@thomaskarimkargbo3159

Ай бұрын

Forget about the Vympel R37M that exceeds 200km what about the unstopable Gremlin GZUR- hypersonic guided missile

@aflyingcowboy31

28 күн бұрын

"The R-77M is said to have a range of over 200 km and a speed of Mach 6, making it a formidable threat to US and allied fighters." Russia much like probably China over estimates their weapons capabilities, just look at the Kinzhal.

Keep up the good work. Thumbs up and comment to support.

Great work man. You have become since i discovered your work a primary source of infomation and detail.

Beautiful video, thank you Alex

The F-15EX is a missile truck, carrying 12 AIM-120Ds each. Pop one F-22 or F-35 out in front of them and salvo fire from the flight of 15s with terminal guidance provided by the stealth fighters, your enemy is in a world of hurt. Now, imagine those 120s become 260s. Ouch.

@MultiVeeta

Ай бұрын

You mean the same F15EX with the radar cross section of a Jumbo jet. They are going to suffer the opposite version as they'd be the biggest and easiest to see target in the sky.

@bobo-cc1xw

Ай бұрын

The sop is to fly f22 behind the f15 as a peekaboo. Nealry impossible to see behind all that clutter. There are very few fighters who can fly against an f15 but there are stories of f22 flying within meters of enemies undetected annoying the f15 to make the point of go home. In strike the f15 would do loads of jamming be a target for first strike run and run away. Then when chasing f22 would get into better range and wait for missiles to be wasted

@MultiVeeta

Ай бұрын

@@bobo-cc1xw what a load of nonsense, that is dafter than the first idea. You claim the F22 won't be seen behind all that clutter well guess what if that statement actually held any water then the F22 wouldn't be able to see anything through it either. An F22 with RCS of 0.0001m^2 is not going to be seen by the most powerful fighters radar before 20 mile, probably less, so it doesn't need to hide. The F15 is not a leading air to air fighter anymore, it is outclassed by a generation and a half. The F15EX is an improvement of the ground attack variant F15E not the Air Superiority variant F15C. The F15EX can be seen for 100+mile on a fighters radar and be engaged easily, fighters ECMs are not powerful enough to jam multiple radars at once. Modern Stealth opponents like the Su57 and J20 are far more lethal than an F15EX, while not on par with the F22 or F35 they will still not be seen by the F15 until it is too late.

@georgesikimeti2184

Ай бұрын

@@MultiVeetaIt’s needed to point out here that f15ex major upgrade is the communication software platform which enabled it talk to f35 which it was not case in earlier f15s .This is vital to hunt as a pack (communication),again as you pointed out f15ex is not for front on mission,it has to be behind f35 which always was the case because of the stealth,f15ex is not stealth but can pack a mightier punch than f35 provided the enemy stealth is nullified by a much stealthier f35 first.Don’t forget f15 was build by McDonnell Douglas now owned by Boeing and Lockheed f35 ,software aren’t compatible.

@thomasvelazquez9789

20 күн бұрын

Yup big time world of hurt

China: Builds a super missile. America: I see you haven’t learned from the Russians about trying to outclass our military hardware

@mr_smee

Ай бұрын

Yeah, kinda reminds one of the F15 situation to me.

@Shinobubu

28 күн бұрын

The only experience China has is reverse engineering Russian junk. and even copying their playbook of overstating capabilities.

another excellent vid. thanks for your work on this

This episode has been awaited with much anticipation. You didn't disappoint. Warmest compliments. Thank you, sir. :)

Maximum range is always a fun topic given the variables involved, but the thing which HAS ALWAYS been an issue is the ability to IFF. This is the reason why Tomcats which went feet dry in Desert Storm and in the missions after (Desert Fox Southern/Northern Watch, etc) weren't allowed to shoot Phoenix. In fact, in Desert Storm the ROE required VID or hostile intent to engage air targets (something that the Tomcat was particularly good at given the TCS, but it lacked other NCTR IFF capabilities as an excuse the USAF gave). The fear was shooting down friendly aircraft. This problem hasn't completely gone away and it really hampers the usage of these missiles at extreme ranges. We are more apt to see Peregrine or Cougar used by stealth fighters at closer ranges while receiving targeting information from 4th gen AESA equipped aircraft or Wedgetail/E-2D than these super long range shots.

@Spectator1959

Ай бұрын

All good points. Desert Storm had a constraint not likely to be seen in a war with China. DS had a relatively small air battle space filled with very few enemy aircraft and lots and lots and lots of friendlies. It behooved one to be very sure before launching. One of the amazing things I noticed at the time is there were no mid-airs among coalition aircraft, altho friends of mine who were in it related some very close calls. EW research, intel, and detection capability has greatly advanced since then and the F-22 and F-35 are able to carry with them superb low probability of intercept radars connected to databases that reportedly not only let them identify aircraft as enemy, but the type and even the specific weapons they are carrying. From what l’ve read the F-35 has the superior capability in this regard, benefitting from more modern and capable computers and storage that allow up to 600 identification characteristics per aircraft, versus 200 for the F-22. With networking of various sensors and aircraft it looks like one can be much more sure of identification of a specific target than just a single pilot trying to correlate his radar screen, eyeball, intel briefing, flight plans, IFF interrogation, AWACS input, etc.

The video was very good and Alex explained the middle crisis of the USA and what's being done to give our poilets the edge it needs thanks brother keep up the good work

Alex, you present your information in such a way that both the layperson and professional can understand and stay interested.Thank you!

Thanks for the updates Alex.👉🏻👉🏻

Why is it, when I hear: “And THIS is Air Power!” I get excited inside… like when I used to climb the rope in gym class?

I learn so much from your presentations. Thanks Alex. Tim. Poulsbo,Washington

@MarvelousSeven

Ай бұрын

Olympia!

☺ might I add I love HAFB Lived around it my whole life and everything they do I appreciate (almost 50 years now). I hear jets almost everyday and love it. I love our philosophy of claiming lower more reliable numbers but in reality maybe better than claimed versus others claiming maximum which in reality isn't even close. Meteor imo is great and I assume meteor claims are being modest as well

@tuunaes

Ай бұрын

In authoritarian regimes general rule is also for good news being exaggerated and bad news not being told as badly as they are.

Then there was the 1,000 lb telephone pole that Raytheon created for taking out bomber formations with its 125 lb warhead that zoomed up to 80,000 ft and dropped onto its target at (version 1, anyway) mach 5. If it lost lock or someone beat it to its target, it would just pick another ( it developed a taste for jamming pods over the years). Alas, the concept was ahead of the technology - the rocket motor would not always light, creating a Phoe-bomb. It was also dependent on the Tomcat keeping its nose toward the target. Nice to see tech catching up with 1960's ambitions.

@hoghogwild

28 күн бұрын

The AIM-54 rockets fired just fine, if the Ordie did his job and armed them properly prior to the cat shot. 1 single Ordie, armed 2 Tomcats, ON SEPARATE CATAPULTS produced 2 Phoeeney-bombs when fired in 1999 over Iraq. It should be noted that F-15C fired AIM-120 which also missed the same MiG-25s. The A variant was dropped quickly following the revolution in Iran. the follow on variants were much better and digital tech allowed for the most recent counter-measures to be dealt with. The Phoenix ACTIVE shot was interesting, targets under 11 or 13 NM away saw the missiles own seeker doing all the work. The later versions also dealt with maneuvering fighters much better. Derived from the AIM-47 that was going to arm the Mach 3+ YF-12A interceptor. Fired from over 70,000 ft altitude at a maneuvering target flying at 500 feet. FWIW The Iranians had excellent results with the Phoenix.

But despite the hype you cannot seem to avoid, you are the best American defense journalist, genuinely trying to be as objective as possible. Surely you raised my expectations. I salute you for your hard work.

I've been waiting for this one for months!

I bet it wasn't even China that prompted this. America was just mad that Europeans had been quietly getting really good at missiles with stuff like Storm Shadow and Starstreak and Meteor.

@Xenomorphine

Ай бұрын

Projects of this scale don't get authorised because of a couple of US politicians 'getting mad' at allies (especially given how, say, Storm Shadow is 1990s technology). It's to make sure frontline weapon systems remain relevant, period.

Loved it! ❤

You often have in depth information. Thanks

Know what? When you say, “And this-is AIR POWER,” rocks. Keep doing it like that. You rock.

Imagine what they can make for the F-15EX. Specially made for super long range that is targeted by F-22:F-35 in front. F15EX dose not have to rely on stealth they could carry scram jet missiles and several at that.

@deansmits006

Ай бұрын

Even a CCA in front identifying and relating targeting data

@Xenomorphine

Ай бұрын

That won't be happening, no matter how many glossy magazine articles try to promote it. It's a self-defeating strategy. You're effectively broadcasting to the enemy where the F-22s and F-35s are vectoring in from. The USAF doesn't want the F-15, they want more F-35s, instead.

Damn, Alex, another kick-ass vidya. I swear, it seems hard enough to produce one or two excellent mini-documentaries...but to *consistently* produce *excellent* ones...just props dude.

Thanks and greets from Germany! Good job! ;-)

You Sir have the best channel of this kind on the whole platform IMO

In a practical sense a loyal wingman or unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV) carrying AAWs like the AIM-120D is a two stage weapon with greatly extended range. It can loiter for prolonged periods before launching its final stage weapon thereby greatly extending its engagement envelope. We have entered interesting times for air warfare.

@andyturbo

Ай бұрын

Agreed. Props to the Aussies - the Ghostbat is one hell of an awesome design and will be an awesome addition to the USAF.

We're just taking China's word that the pl-15 actually has 120mi range lol.

@samuelanders7597

Ай бұрын

Kinda my thought lol when America says "this is max performance" you can guarantee its actually less than what its capable of. When russia or china say "this is max performance" you can be equally sure they are exaggerating

@Brody961

Ай бұрын

Why wouldn't you. Prepare for the worst hope for the best. It'd be foolish to underestimate them. The equipment is actually very competitive. It forces us to continue innovating

@blvck.8197

Ай бұрын

@@Brody961 Yeah for sure but Russia and China's claims are always BS. The Ukraine war proved part of that lol.

@Just_A_Random_Desk

Ай бұрын

Never underestimate your enemies

@Grenadier311

Ай бұрын

​@samuelanders7597 The US is notorious for under-reporting capabilities, also.

Excellent and informative video. Thank you.

As aways nice work! I always enjoy.

A missile with an considerable large diameter would fit into the weapon bay of an F-22 or F-35. The AIM-54 Phoenix was only one foot longer than the AMRAAM, but had more than twice the diameter. So it could carry much more fuel.

@showtime1004

14 күн бұрын

the Phoenix is out ranged by the AMRAAM though, even with all that fuel. Goes to show the progress of technology. A Phoenix sized AMRAAM would probably go further than the new 260, but unless you have AWACS support it would out range the radar of the jet carrying it anyway, so it doesn't matter much.

"Capable of traveling at five times the speed of sound, the Phoenix had a radar homing capability and an operational range of over 100 miles. "

I've always wondered why we hadn't seen a multimodal seeker anywhere. Very interesting to learn of this rumour that this AIM-260 finally might!

I didn't know any of this. Thanks!

All I can say is China is like Russia a lot of talk. Does it work? These numbers of distance and how good the lock-on range is ? Love the idea the the F15 will carry many of these weapons 🇺🇸🤔👍

@timtrewyn453

Ай бұрын

Yeah. Their narrative is intended to get the other side to throw up its hands and quit. Didn't work so well for the Russians in Ukraine in the short run.

13:30 I would be shocked if it didn't have a multi-mode seeker. At the likely price point of such capable missiles, it would seem like a waste not to install one.

Always a joy to listen to and be informed. Thanks

The real gamechanger is when somebody figures out how to deploy an air-to-air missile in point defense mode. Meaning: you detect an incoming missile, you lock on to it and fire one of YOUR missiles to shoot it down while your wingman tries to get a tone on whoever fired it. The first country that does this will change air combat forever.

@georgesikimeti2184

26 күн бұрын

Need more explanation,there are two missiles out there,the enemy and yours,the one pointing at you and the one pointing opposite,isn’t that possible to distinguish,help!

"That's just physics." Very USMC of you. Edit: Have you done an episode on the CCA drone yet? That would be very intersting!

All very long range modern missiles, except the Meteor, have dual burn motors. They fire 6-8s at launch, then another 6-8s at apogee. So the faster and higher you fire them, the farther they go. So the performance of the launch platform is critical. What none of them have is a terminal burn. Even the vaunted DCS gets this wrong. The AIM-260 may be a dual stage (not dual burn). If so, it's terminal maneuverability and speed could be off the charts as it would only be 2/3 as long/heavy after the stage 1 burn. That doesn't even account for improvements in sensors and electronics which are undoubtedly better than the 120D.

I was waiting for this one to drop

Great reporting as always Alex. Topic for future video? Loitering munitions (land/submersed/air launched). May tie in further with the system of systems approach.

This is exciting!

Excellence in reporting.

Thank you, Alex!!!👍🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

A video about peregrine missile would also be interesting. While shorter-range, it's smaller, which is good for stealth fighters since they'll for more in their weapons bays. And short range engagements are more likely when stealth meets stealth.

I thought aim 260 was going to be a dual stage missile so that when it goes pitbull, the rear half of the missile falls off and a secondary motor kicks in giving missile greater aerodynamics

1st kill opportunity changes if your a stealth 5th gen fighter and your opponent even with a Meteor or PL15 missiles on a fighter that has AESEA radar can only lock you up at ranges of 20 to 30 odd miles, this changes the dynamics of BVR. Being a non stealth 4.5 gen aircraft is a huge disadvantage even with long range missiles thus with stealth AMRAAM is very capable and the last comment for another topic about targeting certainly is very important future capability.

Love your videos!

I'm fascinated by the radar going into the Block 4 F-35. I know it's been mentioned with a brief description of it's abilities. If you have more information or enough to do a whole episode just on this system that would be great

I've read the PL15 and perhaps the PL21 are not designed to hit F35's or F22s but tankers and AWACs. At long ranges, the small radars in these missiles might not be able to lock on to stealth aircraft. One other consideration, a steal fighter doesn't just have to worry about other stealth fighters, but ships with long range anti-air missiles. Waiting ot hear your next video on how these long range weapons will find their targets.

@georgesikimeti2184

29 күн бұрын

AWACS?,the mother of all radars!

@Shinobubu

28 күн бұрын

@@georgesikimeti2184 The AWACS would probably detect missiles being launched at them before they actually get there alerting every other asset of where it came from.

@georgesikimeti2184

25 күн бұрын

@@Shinobubuyeah,the heart,soul and the brain behind what’s moving around the atmosphere,a tier one priority target indeed.

been waiting for this one!

Pretty sure there was a statement from an USAF official saying they don't even know why AIM-120D/D3 is named like an evolution of AIM-120C, it's apparently a completely different missile on the inside.

@major__kong

Ай бұрын

It's easier to get money for an existing program than a new start. Just look at legacy Hornets vs Super Hornets. There was a political funding reason to call them the same fighter even though they are completely different.

@bobo-cc1xw

Ай бұрын

Congress. Why call them standard missiles when they are wizz bang best in the world because it seems like a basic bit of kit nothing to see here. Not a new missle just an small upgrade with technology

Great & informative work ❤ 🇬🇧

I'm curious how they choose the numbers for these names. There were AIM-7, AIM-9, AIM-54 and suddenly AIM-120 and then AIM-260. Next up is the AIM-6xx?

Now if we can just get some SR-71s to launch missiles they could have some epic range lol.

@LOTUG98

Ай бұрын

The SR-72 will .

@cobaltballistics4742

Ай бұрын

The A-12 (YF-12) did. It’s basically an SR-71 armed with AIM-47 long range missiles. The ultimate interceptor.

In an age of near peer competition I’m sure the Navy will be interested in this for fleet defense

Back when Desert Storm was happening it was public knowledge that F-15C's carried the first AMRAAMs into combat (technically) at the tail end of the conflict. The days of shooting down planes had already ended, though.

@georgesikimeti2184

25 күн бұрын

The aim160 was still a rough diamond then and made no kills.The first successful kill was in 1992 via f16D to shoot down mig25 during the no fly zone embargo,yeah the sparrow was the mainstay,more hit than any other missile.Anyway,a lot of improvements since then but aim260 is still far to be a perfect diamond,wait and see.

Flashbacks to when the mig-25 was introduced and the US took it personally

I thought I knew about AA missiles but I learned a lot more today. As always thank you for this video.

My father worked at China Lake in most of the 1950's. He worked on the first "sidewinder."

Amazing engineering

Alex, do you think NGAD will be bigger than the F-22 and F-35 so that it can later house more numerous and lager munitions?

@SandboxxApp

Ай бұрын

I do - I expect it to be a larger aircraft with more fuel storage, more weapon space, and a higher service ceiling.

AIM260 needs to be named Phoenix 2, so we can have them patrolling for carrier groups with no changes to story texts.

@cobaltballistics4742

Ай бұрын

Absolutely. And we can add “Fox Three” back to the lexicon.

@SSDConker2

Ай бұрын

@@cobaltballistics4742 uh Fox Three never left the lexicon. It applies to active radar guided missiles like AMRAAM.