USAF Mayhem Program: New Members

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USAF Mayhem Program: New Members
New concept aircraft Mayhem from Leidos


In the recent past, it became known that the US Air Force was going to develop a promising hypersonic aircraft or UAV for reconnaissance and, possibly, strike missions. The Mayhem cipher project is still in its early stages, but is now moving into full development. Recently, the Air Force selected the main contractors and issued them contracts for the work. Over the next few years, they will have to complete and submit the finished project.



In the early stages


A promising program for the development of a multi-purpose hypersonic complex started in August 2020 with a request for proposals. The project was ordered by the US Air Force, the overall coordination of work was entrusted to the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). It was planned to involve a number of scientific and commercial organizations in the implementation of the project.

Initially, the project received the designation Expendable Hypersonic Multi-Mission Air-Breathing Demonstrator ("Expandable multi-purpose hypersonic technology demonstrator with an air-breathing engine"). Later, the name indicated reconnaissance and strike capabilities - Expendable Hypersonic Multi-mission ISR and Strike. All stages also used the short designation Mayhem ("Mayhem").

Boeing, Lockheed Martin and Raytheon, which have some experience in the field of hypersonic technologies, were invited to the project. By the beginning of 2021, they had prepared and submitted their Mayhem product concepts to AFRL, after which they received contracts for further development of projects. 15 months were given to complete these works.

Based on the results of this stage, the Air Force planned to select the two most successful projects for further development. Preliminary design was to be completed in the spring of 2022, and then contracts for further development could be signed.


Boeing hypersonic variant

However, the contracts were not signed within the specified time frame. did not appear and news about the course of the Pogrom project. The reasons for this are unknown. Perhaps the secrecy of the work affected - or the contractors, due to the complexity of the project, did not meet the deadlines. Anyway, the next news came only a few months after the expected date.

New contracts


Recently, in mid-December, it became known that the Air Force will attract new participants to the Mayhem project. As reported, their task is also to create a full-fledged project of a promising aviation complex that meets the requirements of the customer. The first contracts under which the work will be carried out have already been issued.

So, on December 16, the Air Force and Leidos signed a contract to develop a new version of the Mayhem complex. These works are estimated at 334 million dollars and 51 months are allocated for them. Calspan, Draper and Kratos Defense & Security Solutions will participate in this project as subcontractors and performers in certain areas.

It is reported that in the near future a group led by Leidos will analyze the technical requirements and determine the main features of the future Pogrom. The timing of such work is not specified, but they will spend $ 24 million. Then a concept project will be created that meets the requirements of the customer. Taking into account modern trends and requirements, the development will be carried out entirely in a digital environment.

On January 17, some details of the distribution of roles in the project from Leidos became known. Thus, The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc. will take over the development of electronic systems. It will prepare the materiel and environment for digital design. Then Draper will develop various electronic components of the future aircraft - navigation, guidance, control, etc.


Hypersonic concept from Raytheon

The goals and objectives of other members of the "conglomerate" led by "Leidos" have not yet been specified. At the same time, all companies speak of their readiness to use all the accumulated experience in a promising project and develop completely new ideas, which will allow creating aviation complex that fully meets the wishes of the customer. Whether they will be able to fulfill such promises, time will tell.

hypersonic platform


The Mayhem project is generally classified, and most of the information of primary interest has not yet been made public. However, to date, the customer has disclosed part of his requirements, and the developers have published some of their ideas of a technical nature. In general, at the moment it is only a technology demonstrator that will show how viable new ideas are.

It is planned to develop a small or medium-sized platform aircraft. It will take off with the help of a carrier aircraft and, after a reset, perform an independent flight. If there are technical possibilities, it will be made returnable. Otherwise, "Pogrom" will be one-time.

For the Mayhem product, a new airframe will be developed with the required aerodynamic, strength, and other characteristics. Probably, when creating this product, various kinds of existing developments will be used. As a result, the airframe and the aircraft as a whole will be similar to previous experimental samples of the American design.

The dimensions and weight of the product have not yet been specified. The mention of takeoff with tactical aircraft indicates the possible dimensions drone. The mass can reach several hundred kilograms. However, strategic bombers can also become carriers of Pogrom. In this case, it will be possible to increase the dimensions of the product, and its mass will change in tons.


One of the developments of Lockheed Martin

As the name of the program suggests, the device will receive a hypersonic ramjet engine. The development companies will have to create a new unit of this class, which has the necessary technical and operational characteristics. In particular, Leidos plans to create a scramjet engine with increased parameters, which will give an increase in flight range and payload, as well as form the basis for further development.

The technology demonstrator will be unmanned, which places special demands on its avionics. The need for a completely new set of controls has already been reported. At the same time, the role of a technology demonstrator and an experimental model implies the development of new components and devices for combat aviation.

If the experimental drone confirms the calculated characteristics, the Mayhem project will be developed. A hypersonic aircraft is considered as a promising platform for deploying reconnaissance equipment or weapons. In theory, such an aircraft is capable of carrying optical or electronic intelligence, but the implementation of such ideas is associated with a number of difficulties.

It is possible that Pogrom will be equipped with weapons, but this task is quite difficult. Flying at hypersonic speeds makes it drastically difficult to drop weapons - if at all possible under such conditions. However, the possibility of creating a disposable aircraft is being considered, in which case it itself can become a missile - carrying only a warhead, without its means of delivery to the target.

Making up for lost


Despite the mass of research programs and experimental samples, in the field of hypersonic weapons, the Pentagon found itself in a position of lagging behind. Now the department and various scientific and commercial organizations are trying to catch up and catch up with world leaders. To this end, several new projects of various kinds are being developed, both research and intended for future implementation in the troops.

The promising hypersonic aviation complex Expendable Hypersonic Multi-mission ISR and Strike or Mayhem is being developed in the interests of the Air Force and should give them new opportunities in the field of reconnaissance and destruction of ground targets. Certain hopes are pinned on him, but there are no reasons for optimism yet. The project is experimental and only recently moved to the stage of full development. It will take several more years for further activities, and only after that will tests begin that can show the real potential of the complex. And only after that it will become clear whether the US Air Force will receive a fundamentally new aviation complex.
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17 comments
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  1. -2
    24 January 2023 05: 14
    Americans are cheaters, they can do anything for themselves at the expense of unreasonably many printed dollars, while many honestly earn their money in order to develop or build something ...
    1. KCA
      0
      24 January 2023 06: 22
      For some reason, they still cannot make an air-launched hypersonic missile, not only above or underwater, especially for PGRK, apparently printed money does not solve everything, but in Russia all these types of missiles already exist for honestly earned money
  2. +2
    24 January 2023 05: 43
    Expendable = single use.
  3. 0
    24 January 2023 14: 25
    it’s certainly interesting that the Americans are mastering new hypersonic projects
    but in the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation in 2023 they should already transfer the 3rd and 4th Brigade S-500 air defense systems
    since 2021, the 1st S-500 Brigade as part of the 15th Army of the VKS,
    consists of 5 divisions of 12 launchers each = 60 x 2 PR = 120 anti-missiles
    4 S-500 brigades are already 240 launchers = 480 77N6-N1 anti-missiles (7,8 km per second)
    they say in 2023 under the Christmas tree they can also transfer the 5th S-500 Brigade
    300 launchers = 600 anti-missiles
    1. 0
      28 February 2023 00: 02
      Ah, this wonderful world of dreams in your comment. It's a pity the cruel reality is completely different and has nothing to do with it. In Engels, at the airfield where strategic bombers were based, if it’s not a secret, were the S-500s also standing when the drones attacked?
  4. ASM
    -1
    24 January 2023 19: 15
    I drank the dough. They still do not have a single product that has passed the test, not that it has been put into service. On the basis of what they were going to make an airplane? Based on our Vanguard, or Mbr? Pure corruption in all its glory.
  5. The comment was deleted.
    1. -1
      April 8 2023 20: 46
      How does a hypersonic aircraft engine work?
      The engine of a hypersonic aircraft is a propulsion system capable of operating in a wide range of speeds and altitudes, using air as a working fluid or an oxidizer. There are different types of hypersonic aircraft engines such as:

      "A hypersonic ramjet engine (scramjet) is an engine that compresses and heats the air entering through the inlet and mixes it with fuel in the combustion chamber. The mixture then exits through a nozzle, creating thrust. The scramjet can operate at speeds from 5 up to 25 Max.
      A rocket engine is an engine that uses a chemical reaction between fuel and oxidizer to create gas that exits through a nozzle, creating thrust. The rocket engine can be liquid, solid propellant or hybrid. The rocket engine can operate at any speed and altitude.
      A combined cycle is an engine that combines different types of engines for different flight modes. For example, a frame rocket engine (RRE) is an engine that operates like a rocket engine at low speeds and like a scramjet engine at high speeds. RRD can operate at speeds from 0 to 15 Mach."
      1. -1
        April 8 2023 20: 49
        What fuels are used in hypersonic engines?
        "Fuels used in hypersonic engines vary by engine type and flight mode. Some examples of hypersonic fuels are:

        Hydrogen is a high energy density fuel that can be used in liquid propellant rocket engines or hypersonic ramjet engines (scramjet engines).
        Hydrogen has a low density and requires special storage and transportation conditions.

        Methane is a low specific energy but high density fuel that can be used in liquid propellant rocket engines or scramjet engines. Methane has the advantage over hydrogen in that it is more readily available and easier to store and transport.

        Kerosene is a moderate specific energy and density fuel that can be used in supersonic ramjet engines (SCRJ) or scramjet engines. Kerosene is widely available and economical, but has a low autoignition temperature and requires flame stabilizers.

        Synthetic fuels are fuels derived from various sources such as coal, natural gas or biomass. Synthetic fuels can have different properties depending on the production method and composition. Synthetic fuels can be used in a scramjet or scramjet engine to increase efficiency and reduce emissions."
        1. -1
          April 8 2023 20: 52
          What are the safety concerns of hypersonic aircraft?
          “Hypersonic aircraft have a number of safety concerns related to their high speed, control complexity and environmental impact. Some of these issues are:

          High temperatures and pressures on aircraft surfaces that can damage or destroy materials and systems.
          The difficulty of ensuring the accuracy of guidance and control at hypersonic speeds, especially when maneuvering.
          High levels of noise and vibration, which can adversely affect the health and comfort of pilots and passengers.
          High levels of emissions of harmful substances into the atmosphere, which can contribute to environmental pollution and climate change.
          High risk of accidents and technical problems due to technological complexity and insufficient reliability of hypersonic engines and systems."
          1. 0
            April 8 2023 20: 57
            comparison and selection of the optimal type of fuel in comparison of scramjet and scramjet
            "Comparison and selection of the optimal type of fuel in comparison of a scramjet and a scramjet depends on a number of factors, such as:

            Flight speed - SPVRD operates at speeds from 1 to 5 Mach, and scramjet - from 5 to 25 Mach. Therefore, for hypersonic flights, it is necessary to use a scramjet or a combined cycle with switching between a scramjet and a scramjet.
            The specific energy of a fuel is an indicator that characterizes the amount of energy released during the combustion of a unit mass or volume of fuel. The higher the specific energy of the fuel, the greater the thrust and range of the aircraft. Hydrogen has the highest specific energy among known fuels, but has a low density and requires special storage and transportation conditions. Kerosene has moderate specific energy and density, but has a low autoignition temperature and requires flame stabilizers. Methane has a low specific energy, but high density and availability. Synthetic fuels can have different properties depending on the production method and composition.
            Combustion conditions are parameters that affect the process of mixing, ignition and combustion of fuel in the combustion chamber. These include temperature, pressure, speed, compression ratio, degree of dissociation and ionization of air. In a scramjet, the combustion conditions are more complex and extreme than in a scramjet, so higher requirements for combustibility and fuel stability are required.
            The environmental factor is the impact of fuel on the environment during its production, storage, transportation and combustion. Fuel must have a minimum level of emissions of harmful substances into the atmosphere, which can contribute to environmental pollution and climate change.
            Thus, the choice of the optimal type of fuel in comparison with scramjet and scramjet is a compromise between various factors that may vary depending on the goals and objectives of the flight. It is impossible to unambiguously say which fuel is best for all cases, so it is necessary to conduct a detailed analysis of each specific project and choose the fuel that best meets the requirements for speed, efficiency, safety and ecology.
            1. -1
              April 8 2023 21: 23
              compare dual fuel engine with single fuel

              "A dual-fuel engine is an internal combustion engine that can run on two types of fuel, usually natural gas and diesel. A single-fuel engine is an engine that runs on only one type of fuel, such as diesel or kerosene. Comparison of dual-fuel and single-fuel engine can be carried out according to the following criteria:

              Economical - A dual-fuel engine can use cheaper, cleaner fuels such as natural gas when available, and switch to diesel when none or insufficient is available. A single-fuel engine is dependent on the cost and availability of a single fuel, which may be disadvantageous in some circumstances.
              Efficiency - A dual-fuel engine can be more efficient than a single-fuel engine, as it can adapt to different operating conditions and make optimal use of fuel energy. A single-fuel engine has a fixed mode of operation and cannot change its parameters depending on the fuel.
              Reliability - A dual-fuel engine may be less reliable than a single-fuel engine, as it has a more complex design and control system that must allow for compatibility and switching between different fuels. A single-fuel engine has a simpler design and control system that works with only one type of fuel.
              Environmental friendliness - A dual-fuel engine can be more environmentally friendly than a single-fuel engine, as it can use cleaner fuels such as natural gas, which have fewer harmful emissions to the atmosphere. A single-fuel engine may have more harmful emissions into the atmosphere, especially if it is running on heavy diesel fuel or heating oil.
              Thus, the choice between a dual-fuel and a single-fuel engine depends on the goals and operating conditions. A dual-fuel engine may be more economical, efficient and environmentally friendly, but requires more sophisticated and expensive engineering and maintenance. A single-fuel engine may be more reliable and easier to use, but requires more expensive and polluting fuel and has lower efficiency."
              1. 0
                April 8 2023 21: 27
                compare a dual-fuel hypersonic twin-engine with a single-fuel hypersonic engine
                "A dual-fuel hypersonic engine is a hypersonic ramjet engine (scramjet) that can run on two types of fuel, such as natural gas and liquid oxygen. A comparison of a dual-fuel and single-fuel hypersonic engine can be made according to the following criteria:

                Economical - A dual-fuel hypersonic engine can use cheaper, more readily available fuel such as natural gas when available in sufficient quantity, and switch to more expensive and rarer fuel, such as liquid oxygen, when needed to achieve higher speeds. A single-fuel hypersonic engine is dependent on the cost and availability of a single fuel, which may be limited or unavailable in some regions.
                Efficiency - A dual-fuel hypersonic engine can be more efficient than a single-fuel hypersonic engine, as it can adapt to different operating modes and optimally use fuel energy depending on airspeed and altitude. A single-fuel hypersonic engine has a fixed mode of operation and cannot change its parameters depending on the fuel.
                Reliability - A dual-fuel hypersonic engine may be less reliable than a single-fuel hypersonic engine, as it has a more complex design and control system that must allow for compatibility and switching between different fuels. The single-fuel hypersonic engine has a simpler design and control system that works with only one type of fuel.
                Environmental friendliness - A dual-fuel hypersonic engine can be more environmentally friendly than a single-fuel hypersonic engine, as it can use cleaner fuels such as natural gas, which have fewer harmful emissions to the atmosphere. A single-fuel hypersonic engine may have more harmful emissions into the atmosphere, especially if it runs on liquid hydrogen, which can cause ozone to form in the stratosphere.
                Thus, the choice between a dual-fuel and single-fuel hypersonic engine depends on the goals and operating conditions. A dual-fuel hypersonic engine may be more economical, efficient and environmentally friendly, but requires more complex and expensive engineering and maintenance. A single-fuel hypersonic engine may be more reliable and easier to use, but requires more expensive and polluting fuel and has lower efficiency."
                1. -1
                  April 8 2023 21: 35
                  electric or nuclear hypersonic propulsion

                  "An electric or nuclear hypersonic engine is a hypothetical type of hypersonic ramjet engine (scramjet) that uses the energy of electricity or nuclear fusion to heat the working fluid1. A comparison of a dual-fuel and an electric or nuclear hypersonic engine can be made according to the following criteria:

                  Efficiency - An electric or nuclear hypersonic engine may be more economical than a dual-fuel hypersonic engine as it does not require propellant to be carried on board and can use energy from external sources such as solar panels, lasers or microwave beams1. A dual-fuel hypersonic engine requires fuel to be carried on board and is subject to fuel availability and cost2.
                  Efficiency - An electric or nuclear hypersonic engine can be more efficient than a dual-fuel hypersonic engine, as it can heat the working fluid to higher temperatures and achieve higher speeds1. A dual-fuel hypersonic engine is limited by the melting point of materials and the rate of fuel combustion2.
                  Reliability - An electric or nuclear hypersonic engine may be less reliable than a dual-fuel hypersonic engine, as it has a more complex design and control system that must supply and regulate power from external sources1. The dual-fuel hypersonic engine has a simpler design and a control system that works only with fuel on board2.
                  Environmental friendliness - an electric or nuclear hypersonic engine may be more environmentally friendly than a dual-fuel hypersonic engine, as it does not emit fuel combustion products into the atmosphere and does not pollute the environment with radioactive waste1. A dual-fuel hypersonic engine emits fuel combustion products into the atmosphere that can be harmful to health and the climate2.
                  Thus, the choice between a dual-fuel and an electric or nuclear hypersonic engine depends on the goals and operating conditions. An electric or nuclear hypersonic engine may be more economical, efficient, and environmentally friendly, but requires more complex and expensive technology and maintenance. A dual-fuel hypersonic engine may be more reliable and easier to use, but requires more expensive and polluting fuel and has lower efficiency."
                  1. The comment was deleted.
                    1. -1
                      April 8 2023 21: 44
                      how to reduce the infrared thermal visibility of the KA 52 helicopter engines?

                      "It is possible to reduce the infrared thermal visibility of the Ka-52 helicopter engines using the following methods:

                      Installation of an engine exhaust cooling system that reduces the temperature and intensity of thermal radiation.
                      Installation of a heat-seeking missile defense system, which includes sensors for detecting laser radiation and heat traps, as well as a fire control and maneuvering system.
                      Covering the body of a helicopter with a radiation-reflecting material that reduces radar and infrared visibility.
                      The use of an optoelectronic and radar complex for detecting and hitting targets at long distances, which makes it possible to avoid close contact with the enemy and his air defense systems.
                      1. The comment was deleted.
                      2. The comment was deleted.
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                      4. -1
                        April 8 2023 21: 59
                        Disadvantages
                        "The disadvantage of the Ka-52 over the Ka-50 can be expressed as follows:

                        The Ka-52 is heavier and less maneuverable than the Ka-50 due to the presence of a second crew member and additional equipment.
                        The Ka-52 has a lower speed and ceiling than the Ka-50 due to its greater drag and weight.
                        The Ka-52 has a higher price and maintenance complexity than the Ka-50 due to more modern and expensive systems.
                        The Ka-52 has a higher probability of losing both crew members during an ejection or accident than the Ka-50, in which one pilot can escape.
                      5. -1
                        April 8 2023 22: 03
                        the ability to connect AI instead of a co-pilot
                        "The possibility of connecting AI instead of a co-pilot in civil aircraft is the subject of research and development in Russia and other countries. The Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade has announced a tender for 2,8 billion rubles to study this possibility and develop technologies for creating a virtual co-pilot based on AI. Head of the Ministry of Industry and Trade Denis Manturov admitted this possibility, but noted that everything depends on standards and mentality. Experiments are also being conducted in the United States using AI as a co-pilot on U-2 type aircraft.

                        AI in KA52?
                        The possibility of using AI in KA 52 helicopters has not been officially announced by developers or customers. However, the KA 52 helicopter has modern navigation, aiming and defense systems that can use AI elements to increase the efficiency and safety of flight and combat. For example, a helicopter has an Arbalet airborne radar, which can detect and track air and ground targets1. Also, the helicopter can interact with other combat units via satellite communications and receive data on the situation on the battlefield.
                        Currently, the helicopter is being upgraded to the level of KA 52M, which provides for improving the characteristics and capabilities of the machine. In particular, it is planned to strengthen the armor protection of the cabin and install new engines with increased power.
                      6. 0
                        April 8 2023 22: 07
                        how to improve the recognition and detection of targets on a KA 52 helicopter using AI
                        "Improving the recognition and detection of targets on the KA 52 helicopter using AI may be possible through the development and implementation of new technologies in the field of optoelectronic systems, radar and communications. For example, AI can help in the analysis of images from a thermal imager, radar and other sensors, identifying and classifying targets by type, distance, and threat AI can also help coordinate actions with other helicopters and combat units by transmitting and receiving data on the situation on the battlefield.In addition, AI can help select the optimal weapons and firing mode for engagement goals with minimal risk to themselves.
                        However, such technologies require long and complex development, testing and certification. They can also increase the cost and complexity of operating a helicopter. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct a thorough analysis of the needs and possibilities of using AI on the KA 52 helicopter."
                      7. The comment was deleted.

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