Message posted by Zorro (Member since 10/09/2019) on December 06, 2022 at 20:05:39 PST:
I know P/ISR has been repeated over and over in regards to the “RQ-180”. Smythers has been hinting for quite some time (with bread crumbs and links) about what we now know to be a revolutionary development in comms, laser command specifically. I forget who posted tonight (I think casper_n), but it was mentioned that the airframe could be modular in a sense. When you take into account, the need to replace BACN (which “RQ-180” was believed to fill), expanded upon the battlefield management / situation awareness, and connect beyond LOS with assets…. My mind starts to just think of the possibilities. We have known of a stealth airframe that has always been framed as the “RQ-180” in a P/ISR role, now people are hinting that what we were shown isn’t a B-21 as we think we know it. Could it be true that this airframe has flown? Is it modular with different payloads (bomber, EW, SEAD) that have yet to be test flown (in bomber config and that’s the B-21?). Are we being shown something that’s not even a B-21? I will say, after using photoshop, which I’m very proficient with… I see what Smythers is referring to regarding the canopy. I don’t think they are windows at all. If you compare all the photos from the roll out and the Dvids releases, under some digital alterations, it’s not the same. Light refractions and lack there of tell. This whole discussion creates more questions than answers. Perhaps not by coincidence. Last question to ask, could this be the NGAD? A highly modular airframe that is super stealth and handles many roles based on payload/sensors and runs under many designations? Same destination, different setups? There is something peculiar about what has been said and the way they said it by AF, NG officials and what has been alluded to by astute members of this group. All we know for certain is that NGAD is a program. They call it a “family of systems”. What does “family” mean to the Air Force? Why did they release an article dropping the escort drones? Please, I welcome anyone to correct me if I’m wrong, I’m merely speculating. Until we see behind the actual curtain or get answers, I guess time will tell when the grey becomes white.
In Reply to: Re: Well played Northrop, well played posted by SMW on December 06, 2022 at 18:46:33 PST:
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