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Hog upgrades.... http://warthogterritory.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=5859	Page 1 of 1

Author:	rickusn [ 05 Apr 2004, 03:35 ]
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Old Hog… New Tricks The US Air Force knows that to keep its A-10 Warthog in frontline service until 2028 it needs to tackle the ground-attack aircraft's shortcomings. A key change is a precision engagement update, and upgrading the GE TF34-100 engine is a possibility By Craig Hoyle, Spangdahlem Air Base Under current planning assumptions, the US Air Force's Fairchild A/OA-10 Thunderbolt II will remain in frontline service until 2028. That represents an operational life of almost 50 years for the USAF's fleet of the ground-attack aircraft. The air force is well aware of the airframe and propulsion demands that will be created by this more than doubling of an anticipated design life of 8,000 flight hours (roughly equivalent to 20 years of operations), and it is addressing several key system shortcomings that are threatening the type's long-term utility on the modern battlefield. An important aspect of the USAF's efforts to ensure the operational longevity of its A-10 "Warthog" fleet is a precision engagement revamp, which could lead to the modification of up to 125 active-duty aircraft by 2007 under a contract worth $200 million. Now in its $90 million engineering and manufacturing development (EMD) phase, the precision engagement update aims to equip the jet with modern reconnaissance and targeting systems, plus precision-guided weapons. These capabilities will enable A-10 pilots to identify and strike targets from stand-off range and medium altitude, keeping the aircraft out of range of surface-to-air missile threats. The USAF will in mid-April receive its first prototype precision engagement installation kit from Lockheed Martin Systems Integration of Owego, New York, ahead of flight-test activities set to run from mid-year through most of 2005. The company has been prime contractor for A/OA-10 support since December 1997 and will deliver a further five kits to the USAF under its EMD contract, having completed a critical design review last October. Precision engagement Supported by BAE Systems Controls (weapon subsystems and avionics), Northrop Grumman (structural modifications) and the South West Research Institute (maintenance and support), the precision engagement effort covers fleet upgrade and sustainment issues, plus avionics and block software upgrades. Most importantly, it will enable the A-10 to operate with the Northrop Grumman Litening II/AT or Lockheed Martin Sniper XR reconnaissance and targeting pods, and the Boeing Joint Direct Attack Munition and Lockheed Martin Wind-Corrected Munitions Dispenser weapons. This work requires the addition of an upgraded power system, 1760 weapons databus and digital stores management system, plus two multifunction displays to improve the pilot's situational awareness. "Precision engagement is the foundation platform to keep the aircraft mission-ready until 2028," says Roger Il Grande, Lockheed Martin's A-10 programme manager. "It fits nicely with what the close air-support mission demands, and with the threats on the ground getting more sophisticated." Col Thomas Groznik, vice-commander of the USAF's A-10-equipped 52nd Fighter Wing at Spangdahlem AB, Germany, says the enhancements are needed to ensure the aircraft's continued lethality on the battlefield. "We've had to do more with less for quite a long time in terms of avionics and weapons," he says, adding: "The promise of precision engagement and extended life excites us." The wing's 81st Fighter Squadron is the only European-based air force unit to operate the A-10, with a current squadron strength of 23 aircraft. The unit was deployed to Afghanistan for six months last year in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, during which its aircraft were temporarily equipped with the baseline Litening pod, boosting its effectiveness. Such enhancements "are beginning to give us some stand-off range", says Groznik, who also welcomes the aircraft's recent receipt of GPS navigation. Capt Paul Corey, an A-10 pilot with the 81st Fighter Squadron, flew convoy escort missions and provided cover for ground forces during a three-month stint at Afghanistan's Bagram AB from mid-2003. The squadron's aircraft routinely flew with a half load of around 600 30mm cannon rounds, six 225kg (500lb) Mk82 unguided bombs and two Raytheon AGM-65 Maverick air-to-surface missiles, remaining on station for 2h. This endurance could be increased to around 6h, however, with tanker support. Notable squadron firsts included full night-vision goggle take-offs and landings and the use of AGM-65H/K TV-guided missiles, which gave pilots an improved stand-off targeting capability. The aircraft were equipped with a secure datalink that enabled pilots to talk directly to terminal attack controllers on the ground. "The more technology and situational awareness building equipment we can get in the A-10 is a good thing, and the better our employment capability will be," says Corey. In the longer term, the A-10 is also to gain a blue force tracking capability to reduce the risk of fratricide. Next deployment The 81st Fighter Squadron will soon deploy to Nellis AFB in Nevada for build-up training ahead of its next operational deployment - most likely a return to Bagram. Squadron officials say the A-10 is better suited to operating from the austere airfield than its 52nd Fighter Wing stablemate the Lockheed Martin F-16CJ, due to its rugged design and above fuselage-mounted engines. One capability not addressed through the precision engagement effort, but drawing revived interest within the air force, is a long-requested upgrade or replacement of the A-10's General Electric TF34-100 turbofans. Each engine delivers a thrust of around 9,060lb (40kN), and is the cause of operational limitations that air force pilots are keen to see addressed. "Give it an extra engine's worth of thrust and this aircraft will really be something," says Groznik. The USAF's parallel "Hog Up" enhancement programme provides the aircraft with a new engine pylon to replace a design that is prone to cracking, but an assessment has yet to be made on what effect integrating uprated engines in the 18,000lb-thrust class would have on the A-10's ageing airframe.

Author:	TheLastRaven [ 05 Apr 2004, 10:01 ]
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Well, is this the "Suite Three" mod that I've heard mumblings of? Also, some of that info about Bagram is a little inaccurate in relation to the 81st...but pretty close for the media. Still not sure what kind of a beating new engines would give the airframe though <img src=icon_smile_approve.gif border=0 align=middle><img src=icon_smile_dissapprove.gif border=0 align=middle><img src=icon_smile_question.gif border=0 align=middle> --Raven "'When it comes to my turn, will you want me to go?' 'For democracy, any man would give his only begotten son.'"

Author:	Hawg166 [ 05 Apr 2004, 10:04 ]
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After the Hog Up mod with the new wings (low time wings) I dont think the airframe will be a problem. If we get new engines, I worry about loiter time. Yeah they can carry more t a higher altitude but at the expense of loiter time. That sucks. By this time tomorrow I shall have gained either a pearage or Westminster Abbey........Nelson

Author:	30mike-mike [ 05 Apr 2004, 10:34 ]
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Met Col. Groznik while I was at Bagram. Seemed like an on-the-ball guy. Gonna still be around for the next tour of Afdustistan, Raven? "...government without arms is an inconsistency." James Logan (circa 1740)

Author:	M21 Sniper [ 05 Apr 2004, 11:04 ]
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Hawg i would imagine that new engines would be more economical lb for lb than older engines would. Certainly that is the case in the automotive world. Compare a mid 70s V-8 to todays hot 4 cylinders, for example. "It should come as a surprise only to the fools among the men of our generation that we liked war." Major V. 'Popski' Poniakov, British LRG, WWII

Author:	TheLastRaven [ 05 Apr 2004, 13:26 ]
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30MM: Nope...I'm in Illinois visiting my folks right now, en route to Nellis. Kind of sucks that I'll miss out...was some damn good money... --Raven "'When it comes to my turn, will you want me to go?' 'For democracy, any man would give his only begotten son.'"

Author:	Hawg166 [ 05 Apr 2004, 15:44 ]
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I'm not so sure Sniper. I think that to take an existing engine and increase its power you pretty much have to increase fuel flow. Unless you can take away the amount of LPT stages and enviro control system bleed air useage. Where is Mudd ? He'd know..............he knows almost everything. By this time tomorrow I shall have gained either a pearage or Westminster Abbey........Nelson

Author:	M21 Sniper [ 05 Apr 2004, 15:52 ]
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There are existing versions of the TF34 that are newer than the units in the Hog, and produce more thrust. What is the fuel consumption like on those? PS....no one says it has to be a TF34 do they? "It should come as a surprise only to the fools among the men of our generation that we liked war." Major V. 'Popski' Poniakov, British LRG, WWII

Author:	Hawg166 [ 05 Apr 2004, 16:55 ]
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There are TF34'son other jets that are the same basic core section but with a different fan section and either a larger or a smaller LPT. The Challenger has them on the earlier models and so doesnt the S3 Viking. By this time tomorrow I shall have gained either a pearage or Westminster Abbey........Nelson

Author:	Thud [ 05 Apr 2004, 20:30 ]
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The only engine in the TF34 family that is way up in the 18,000 lb rating is the CF34-10. Found this on GE's site: "GE is committed to further developing its CF34 engine family and most recently began testing of the new CF34-10, rated at 16,000 to 18,500 pounds of thrust. The CF34-10E is the engine for the EMBRAER 190/195, which is scheduled to enter service in the fourth quarter of 2004. In addition, the CF34-10A has been selected to power China's new ARJ21 regional jet with a potential market of 500 aircraft totaling $3 billion. The CF34-10 combines the most advanced technology available today with nearly 500 million flight hours of experience gained on the entire GE product line, from the GE90, the world's largest, most powerful engine, to the CF6 and CFM56, the best-selling, most reliable engines for 100-plus passenger aircraft. Key CF34-10 design features include: a wide-chord fan for higher thrust and high tolerance to foreign object damage; 3-D aerodynamic design airfoils in the high-pressure compressor, providing highly efficient, stall-free operation, as well as better fuel burn and higher exhaust gas temperature margins; a highly durable single annular, low-emissions combustor that meets or surpasses the most stringent emissions standards; and a single-stage high-pressure turbine for lower operating cost." GE CF34-8 Fan/Compressor Stages 1/3/9 Low-Pressure Turbine Stages 4 High-Pressure Turbine Stages 1 Maximum Diameter (Inches) 57 Length (Inches) 90 Dry Weight (Lb.) 3,800 Maximum Power at Sea Level (Lb.) 18,500 Overall Pressure Ratio at Max Power 26.7 Bypass Ratio 5 Specific Fuel Consumption at Maximum Power 0.38 GE TF34-100 Fan/Compressor Stages 1/14 Low-Pressure Turbine Stages 4 High-Pressure Turbine Stages 2 Maximum Diameter (Inches) 50 Length (Inches) 100 Dry Weight (Lb.) 1,421 Maximum Power at Sea Level (Lb.) 9,065 Overall Pressure Ratio at Max Power 20.0 Bypass Ratio 6.42 Specific Fuel Consumption at Maximum Power 0.37 Note the significant weight difference between the two engines. I'd imagine that alone would be enough to disqualify this engine, would it not? ~Thud Edited by - Thud on Apr 05 2004 11:37 PM

Author:	MrMudd [ 05 Apr 2004, 23:51 ]
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<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote><font size=1 face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>Where is Mudd ? He'd know..............he knows almost everything. <hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote></font id=quote><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" size=2 id=quote> I was put on a time out...WT probation <img src=newicons/anim_lol.gif border=0 align=middle><img src=newicons/anim_lol.gif border=0 align=middle><img src=newicons/anim_lol.gif border=0 align=middle> My propulsion engineering knowledge with Jet engine design has more to do with What I have been doing in the last 2 years since retirement. Small Jet engines in the under 2500lb class.. It is a totaly differnt world than Fighter designs. Differnt requirements and technologies. turbines is a career field you could spend the next 50 years in and only know a 1/4 of the theory and technologies. You would be amazed at the number of resources that are required to theorize, design, manufacture, test, and field. From my experiance. You build 1 engine and spend the next 20 years refining it. Havnt been involved with higher thrust class engines since I left active duty. Its really not my field of study. I only equate envelopes and duration, payload/mission/duration weight into my work. We use the contracted Engine manufacturers to provide what we need for refinements. I wouldnt be the best person to talk to about it. So i'll bow my knowledge to others on this topic <img src=newicons/anim_bow.gif border=0 align=middle> "The power to Destroy the planet, is insignifigant to the power of the Air Force----Mudd Vader

Author:	M21 Sniper [ 06 Apr 2004, 03:23 ]
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"The CF34-10 combines the most advanced technology available today with nearly 500 million flight hours of experience gained on the entire GE product line, from the GE90, the world's largest, most powerful engine, to the CF6 and CFM56, the best-selling, most reliable engines for 100-plus passenger aircraft." And we're selling them to the chinese? Oh that's just freakin' swell. We never learn. Why oh why do we never learn? "It should come as a surprise only to the fools among the men of our generation that we liked war." Major V. 'Popski' Poniakov, British LRG, WWII

Author:	Dice [ 06 Apr 2004, 05:25 ]
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This is what's really going on.......no I can't! <img src=newicons/saevil.gif border=0 align=middle><img src=newicons/anim_lol.gif border=0 align=middle> HMFIC

Author:	a10stress [ 06 Apr 2004, 08:26 ]
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The dash 8 engine looks intriguing. It would be a major mod to incorporate, probably including a new aft fuselage along with the nacelles.(not cheap) It's the only engine candidate I've ever seen that could match the sfc's the A-10 needs. Is it really a TF-34 though? They seem to have replaced every component. The TF must stand for "The Frankenstein".

Author:	30mike-mike [ 06 Apr 2004, 09:15 ]
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Where in IL, Raven? If it's anywhere near ScottAFB, we need to do lunch, or something! I have a CJTF 180 Leadership Targeting Cell coin for you.<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle> "...government without arms is an inconsistency." James Logan (circa 1740)

Author:	TheLastRaven [ 06 Apr 2004, 12:27 ]
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30MM: Sorry, I'm about 3 hours away, up in Champaign. Looking into flights out to Vegas for next week...then hopefully I can get all squared away within a week or two and be up and running like a "normal" human being. --Raven "'When it comes to my turn, will you want me to go?' 'For democracy, any man would give his only begotten son.'"

Author:	30mike-mike [ 06 Apr 2004, 13:21 ]
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Bummer<img src=icon_smile_sad.gif border=0 align=middle>. Oh, well. Fire me an addy when you get settled and I'll mail it to you. <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle> "...government without arms is an inconsistency." James Logan (circa 1740)

Author:	majormadmax [ 06 Apr 2004, 13:54 ]
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Champaign-Urbana? Home of the Fightin' Illini? I was at Chanute back in Jan 82. Damn, it was cold, but I just got off (STS) leave in Florida so surfing one day and clomping through the snow the next makes the comparison miserable! I bought a blue/orange scarf as those are the colors of my alma mater (Florida), but all the Illini fans liked it as well! We were confined to the dorms during the heavy snows, so we ordered from Dominoes and the drivers would drive right up to the building, despite the road being 70 feet or so away from the entrance! Great times, enjoy the visit but Nellis calls! Remember, all the casinos accept the Goverment credit card! <img src=icon_smile_tongue.gif border=0 align=middle> Cheers! M2

Author:	TheLastRaven [ 06 Apr 2004, 21:46 ]
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30MM: Will do! MadMax: Yup...I remember Chanute closing. I was born and raised here in Champaign, and heard of a few guys that went through Chanute. I need to replace my Illini hat again, too. That's two that I've lost... BTW, isn't that WHY I have a GTC?? <img src=newicons/anim_lol.gif border=0 align=middle><img src=newicons/anim_lol.gif border=0 align=middle> --Raven "'When it comes to my turn, will you want me to go?' 'For democracy, any man would give his only begotten son.'"

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