Low-level combat usage

[bf-fly]

I think the goal should be to not emmit at all. Didgetized maps, GPS and an occaisional flash over multiple frequencies by an AESA with controlled low level output (as stated) with some stealth airframe features and LL pen is back in BIDness

[HunterFN]

While a nice idea, I'm rather certain even digitized maps will not able to compete with low level radar altimeters for a long, long time. It's just a matter of resolution and being up to date. You can navigate canyons and valleys but for sure not as low as with a terrain following radar.

[bf-fly]

True, but you can actually recieve accurate altitude information from GPS. GPS crossreferenced with digitalized geographic info provides position as well as precise altitude, route, with an occiasional frequency hopping radar altimeter flash for cross reference to check accuracy. Even without GPS, altitude can be maintained with modern computing power in conjunction with older technology. Just like a submarine or an Inertial Nav system they need periodic updates for accuracy, it can be done just as easily for altitude.
As a "drift" or error or as a submarine, a "circular error of probibility" is detected, the altitude of the aircraft will increase relative to the error until an update is attained. An anaroid barameter/altimeter (old tech) can actually be used as a cross reference as well. An optimized (passive) IR Lantirn pod can also be used for checkpoint cross reference with a stored digitized map. (Lantirn pods can provide precise topografic views)

Stealth fills the inaccuracy void for protection. Consider an aircraft with the mixed capabilities of the F-117, B-2, and F-22 optimised for low level penetration. A hi,low, hi profile can be used for range. I have no doubts the the minds that brought us the SR-71, F-117 and F-22, can easily bring a new generation of low altitude penetrators. Fuel economy is a greater problem than anything else in my mind. I suspect that an aircraft such as a F-22 varient could be used, but I think a clean sheat of paper would be required for effective long range interdiction and strategic attack

[bf-fly]

Radar altimeters and radar terrain following radars are not the same. A radar altemeter shoots directly out of the bottom of the a/c for instantaneous alt readout, terrain radar has to project out in front at a renge relative to the speed and turning capabilities of the a/c. iI's that that must be first done away with. A downward, low power, frequency hopping, intermitant beam is much easiler to hide. precise position accuracy and a cross reference position database is all that's required to avoid obstacles. Altitude cross reference just keeps you from hitting the ground at any given moment.

[munzy06]

That B-1 pilot was feeding you some BS. The B-1 has a top speed of mach 1.1, flying at ground level greatly reduces your top speed, the only planes that can fly supersonic at ground level are the Tu-160, F-111, Su-32/34 and maybe the Tu-22m. Even at full power the B-1 would never reach that speed and will not get very far because of all the fuel he was using.

[osuorsa]

Hey, glad to find this older thread!

About low-flying. It is indeed still and propably will be practiced in future too. I don't see any reason why not. Yes, it still is the best way of interdiction. To fly below the ground radars searching beams, hopping between mountains and hills at tree-top-level...Very beautiful videos and pictures....But also very important skill to maintain and extremely dangerous...

It ain't impossible nowadays to fly tree-top-level missions on a hostile territory. As you guys have already told there's radar beam-sharpening and radar ground mapping techniques to be used. Since the 1999 war in Kosovo it got more and more common to use FLIRs like LANTIRN and NVGs on night missions to have near 'day-like' vision at night without using any emitting systems. So, in Kosovo the Aviano based F-16C Block 40s, F-15Es and Marine corps F/A-18Ds used these techniques freguently in good success. But if you want to be alive after a mission...you need at least one emitting system which is the RA (radar altimeter)...Without that you cannot know the real height you're flying...

On more modern planes (lets take the Rhino for instance) there's these digital moving maps (that also Bf-fly mentioned) to be used. It is created by gathered satellite 3D views of the given area and put into the pilots memory unit, thus available during mission. Some multirole planes have also terrain proximity warning systems etc. but they're of course emitting systems...But, put the digital map and integrate it with the GPS and INS, ATFLIR (or other FLIR), RA and good autopilot which responds automatically to a hill etc.

[osuorsa]

Low-level flying ain't just for interdiction. It can be effective against fighters too. Today, there's no many 5th gen fighters or new AESA radars fielded yet, so, you can actually try to get closer to your opponent by flying below your enemy's level of flight. Yes, the pilot would try to make the best use of its radar's doppler BUT it won't be easy! Firstly finding an a/c with radar is very hard if knowing where it exactly should be. And if it is flying low its even harder because your radar has to do very hard work of trying to 'pick' the a/c out of the ground clutter. And even modern (not speaking about AESA) radars have some limitations on doppler searching. It's all based on the velocity difference between the target and the clutter (ground). If you fly very slow, the enemy's radar propably wont see you because the velocity difference is not strong enough etc. If you get a warning that someone has detected you, its very common tactic to try to brake the lock by turning 90 degrees against the searching beam, and it will get another while it will try to find you again...