One of the limits of stealth aircraft, including the F-35, is that they have to carry their armaments in internal bays if they want to remain in full stealth mode. While it’s possible to mount external hardware on the aircraft, doing so hurts its stealth profile. The problem with the internal bays is that they don’t hold much in the way of ordinance. The F-22 carries six beyond-visual-range missiles, while the F-35 can currently hold just four.
Over the weekend, the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) used its Demonstrator Laser Weapon System (DLWS) to shoot down several missiles in flight.
When it comes to reusable rocket technology, SpaceX has led the way, and the U.S. Air Force wants to follow suit. The Air Force Space Command, according to its chief, is committed to using pre-flown rockets for future missions.
SpaceX launched an unmanned space plane for the U.S. Air Force Thursday morning, as Hurricane Irma took aim at Cape Canaveral.
Interesting. Wonder if the military has been monitoring the effects of global warming all this time. It would make sense considering they believe it is a huge threat to national security. That would also explain the lengthy missions.
Arsenal.....Arsenal!