Presentation: November 2018

This month's AE presenter: David
Date of presentation: 19-Nov-2018
Subject: Cruise Missiles
Description: David presented a brief history of cruise missiles. Cruise missiles have had a major impact on our world today as they have often been the first weapon used in modern conflicts. A cruise missile is a unmanned aircraft, similar to a drone, except that it is typically meant to hit its target and  not return (with some exceptions). Cruise missiles differ from ballistic missiles, which have a boost phase and fall back to the target by gravity.

Cruise missiles were first conceptualized in WWI with the modification of Navy Curtis N-9 biplanes to fly into ships. The Army also developed the Kettering Bug, another pilotless biplane, to attack land targets. These weapons were too late for WWI, but the V1 Buzz Bomb was used extensively in WWII and widely regarded as the first effective cruise missile. Ground and Air launched cruise missiles culminated with the BGM-109 Tomahawk and AGM-86 ALCM missiles used today.

Aerospace Minute, 12 Mar 2018

On 12-Mar, David talked about military weapons being made obsolete by newer models. Here's the gist of his talk:

Recent tensions with North Korea have lead to talk of increasing the US's nuclear defenses. Russia has responded by announcing a new set of weapons designed to defeat nuclear defenses.  Russian weapons includes a Samat ICBM launched hypersonic delivery vehicle. The Kinzhal hypersonic Kenzhal, designed to be launched from a MIG-31, was tested last week. They also announced a tomahawk-style hypersonic GLCM with a "nuclear booster", it is unclear how the booster works. A new underwater drone was announced with a 100 MT warhead and 1000 mile range, four of which can be carried on an Oscar-class sub.  The US has also announced plans for new weapons systems. An RFP for a next generation manned fighter to replace the F-22 and F-35 was announced, based on concerns over China's J-31. The B-21 program is underway to replace the B-2. It can be operated manned or unmanned. The A-10 will be replaced by a new Intelligence, Surveillance, and Light Attack (ISL) aircraft. Most likely, this will be the Cessna Scorpion, a new light jet that can be flown manned or unmanned.  Data for this came from multiple sources.

Aerospace Minute by David

On 16-September, David talked about the recent sea trials with the F-35B. According to Aviation Week, the aircraft recently went through night crosswind vertical landing trials. Also discussed were highlights of the aircraft's fly-by-wire flight controls, and the system was contrasted with the AV-8 Harrier's mechanical systems.

Presentation: December 2012

This month's AE presenter: David
Subject: UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles)
Description: This presentation covered UAVs and the various uses to which they are put by both civilian and military personnel.  There was also some discussion about the usefulness of UAVs in search-and-rescue operations.

Presentation: August 2012

This month's AE presenter: Jeff
Subject: Operation Red Flag
Description: Operation Red Flag was a massive war simulation performed by the US and various foreign military entities.  This presentation consisted of a 40+ minute IMAX video followed by discussion.