EyeRelax

EyeRelax





Rules...

Perform eye check with monitoring chart after each 10 days cycle.

Visit an optometrist for eye check with improvement of 3 lines and more

Training - Cardio

Running at Lentor





Round 1 - Warm up

Round 2 - Intense (Shorter but faster strides)




Breaking in the new Gel-Kayano XII (Lightning/Quick Silver/Orange Peel)

Wohoo!

Health Tips - Eye Health

Eye Health




How can I improve my vision?

Work the muscles inside your eyes.

Hold up one finger at arm's length and shift your focus from that fingertip to something across the room five to 10 times. This maintains flexibility of the muscles that encircle the lenses and control vision.

Look straight ahead andwithout moving your eyes, take in as many peripheral details as possible. This maximises the amount of visual infomation the brain can pick up at one time.

...

WTF!!!

Diet Tips

Diet Tips




Consuming 9g of fish oil daily will help boost metabolism


Coromega, some US brand...

Diet - Tips

Diet Tips




Breakfast

To eat within 1 hr of waking. This is the time the body sets its metabolism for the day. Skimping of food will set the body into "starvation" mode and any food consumed after will be stored as fats.

Training - Upper Body

Upper Body Training



Plank - Short Version

Standard Plank, remember to keep abs tight.
1 set = 4 times of 6 secs with 20 secs rests.
Total of 3 sets, 2 - 3 times a week.

Training - Weights

Weights Training at home



Pullup

1 x 10

Chinup

1 x 8

Crunches

20 x 3

Chinese New Year 2007

Happy New Year Baby!

Training - Weights

Weights Traning at home



Bicep Curls

12 x 10kg 10 x 12.5kg 23 x 10kg (to exhaustion)

Tricep Curls

12 x 10kg 10 x 12.5kg 13 x 10kg (to exhaustion)

Plank

1 x 30 sec 1 x SAC opening song

Training - Cardio

Running at Lentor






Map of running route




S = Start Point, Red Arrows = 1st Half, Blue Arrows = 2nd Half, E = End Point

Round 1 - Warm up

Round 2 - Intense

Newton (N)

The newton is the unit of force derived in the SI system; it is equal to the amount of force required to give a mass of one kilogram an acceleration of one metre per second squared. Algebraically:

Singapore Airlines Boeing 747-400 / 747-400F

The 747-400 was announced by Boeing Commercial Airplanes in October 1985.

Compared to the 747-300 the 747-400 has 6 feet (1.8 m) wing tip extensions and 6 feet (1.8 m) winglets, and a glass cockpit which dispensed with the need for a flight engineer.

Role: Airliner (Medium-long haul)
Manufacturer: Boeing Commercial Airplanes
First flight: 29 April 1988
Status: In service
Unit cost: US$230 million (2006)
SIA 747-400 (Megatop): 15
SIA 747-400F (Freighter) (Mega Ark): 14

The 747-400 also improved on the -300 with tail fuel tanks, revised engines, an all-new interior, revised fuselage/wing fairings and newer in-flight entertainment. Like the 747-300, the passenger version of the 747-400 included the stretched upper deck (SUD) as a standard feature. The SUD was almost twice as long as the standard upper deck. It had previously been offered as a retrofit and first appeared on two Japanese 747-100 SR models. While the wingspan was increased, the overall weight of the wings was decreased due to the use of composites and aluminum alloys.

It was rolled out in January 1988 and first flew on 29 April 1988. Certification was received on 10 January 1989 with PW4000 engines, 18 May 1989 with CF6-80C2s and 8 June 1989 with RB211-524Gs. The first 747-400 was delivered to Northwest Airlines on 26 January 2989, with service entry on 9 February.

The extended range freighter (ERF) entered service in October 2002. The next month, the extended range (ER) passenger version entered service with Qantas, the only airline ever to order the passenger version of the 747-400ER. Qantas uses the aircraft on its Melbourne-Los Angeles and Sydney-San Francisco flights, which are too long to operate using a standard 747-400.

The Boeing Signature Interior was later made available on the 747-400, either as interior refitting on existing 747-400s or as a "fresh-from-installation" option on newer 747-400s and 747-400ERs. One example, China Airlines's four newest Boeing 747-400s (tail number B-1821x), also the last four passenger 747-400s built, were newly built with Boeing Signature Interior. One of these (B-18210) has a hybrid livery, with China Airlines' tail and Boeing's fuselage liveries.

747-400F

The 747-400F (Freighter) is an all freight version which uses the fuselage design of the 747-200F. The aircraft's first flight was on 4 May 1993 and it entered service with Cargolux Airlines on 17 November 1993. Major customers include Atlas Air, Cargolux, China Airlines, Korean Air, Nippon Cargo Airlines, Polar Air Cargo and Singapore Airlines. The -400F can be easily distinguished from the passenger -400 by its shorter upper-deck hump.

Singapore Airlines operates a wide-body aircraft fleet from four aircraft families: the Boeing 747, the Boeing 777, Airbus A380 and the Airbus A340.In keeping with its policy of maintaining a young fleet, which stands at an average of 6 years 5 months as at 31 March 2008, it renews its fleet frequently.

The airline names its fleet according to plane makes. The Boeing 747-400s were called "Megatop", the Boeing 777s were called "Jubilee" and the Airbus A340-500s were named "Leadership". Names for airliners previously flown by the airline include: "Superbus" for the 8 Airbus A300, "3TEN" for the 23 Airbus A310-300, "Celestar" for the 17 Airbus A340-300,"Super B" for the 23 Boeing 747-200B, "Big Top" for the 14 Boeing 747-300.

Singapore Airlines has never painted an aircraft without its tail livery. Even special liveries such as the Tropical Megatop and the Star Alliance livery still retain the signature stylised bird on their vertical stabilizers.

The Boeing 747s have been the primary long-range aircraft for the airline since their introduction into the fleet, first with the -212B variant in 31 July 1973. Singapore Airlines was, at one time, the world's largest operator of the -400 variant when the 34th airframe was delivered on 13 October 1994 and was the first to fly the aircraft on a commercial trans-Pacific flight.

Specifications

Cockpit crew: 2
Seating capacity: 416 (3-class)
SIA seat configuration: 375
(P12/J50/Y313)
Length: 231 ft 10 in (70.6 m)
Wingspan: 213 ft 0 in (64.9 m)
Height: 63 ft 8 in (19.4 m)
Weight empty: 393,263 lb (178,756 kg)
Maximum take-off weight: 875,000 lb (396, 890 kg)
Cruising speed: Mach 0.85 (491 kt, 910 km/h)
Maximum speed: Mach 0.92 (590 kt, 1093 km/h)
Takeoff run at MTOW: 3,018 m
Range fully loaded: 7,260 NM (13,450 km)
Max. fuel capacity: 57,285 US gal (216,840 L)
Engine model (x4): PW 4062
Engine thrust (x4): 63,300 lbf

RSAF - F-5S/T Tiger II (Fighter)

Northrop F-5 Tiger II





Role: Fighter / attack aircraft
Manufacturer: Northrop
Introduction: 1962
Status: Operational
Unit cost: F-5E US$2.1 million

Singapore has approximately 49 modernized and re-designated F-5S (single-seat) (reconnaissance variations are named Tigereye) and F-5T (two-seat) aircraft. Upgrades include new GRIFO radar, updated cockpits with multi-function displays, and compatibility with the Rafael Python and AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to-air missiles.

Paya Lebar Airbase
144 Squadron 15 F-5S (Interceptor) 7 F-5T (Training/Interceptor)
149 Squadron 15 F-5S (Interceptor) 1 F-5T (Training/Interceptor)

Characteristics

Dimensions:
Length: 14.62 m
Wing Span: 8.53 m
Height: 4.08 m
Wing area: 17.28 m²
Empty weight: 4,349 kg
Max takeoff weight: 11,187 kg
Powerplant: 2 x General Electric J85-GE-21B turbojet
Dry thrust: 15.5 kN (each)
Thrust with afterburner: 22.2 kN (each)
Zero-lift drag coefficient: 0.0200
Drag area: 0.32 m²
Aspect ratio: 3.86
Internal fuel: 2,563 L
External fuel: 1,040 L (per tank) (up to 3 tanks)

Performance:
Max speed: Mach 1.6 (1,700 km/h)
Range: 300 Nm
Combat radius: 450-570 Nm
Service ceiling: 15,800 m
Rate of climb: 175 m/s
Lift-to-drag ratio: 10.0
Radar: FIAR Grifo - F

Armament

Guns: 2 x 20 mm Pontiac M39A2 cannon in the nose, 280 rounds/gun - twin seater fighter only.

Missiles (total up to 3,200 kg of ordnance).

AIM-7M Sparrow (Air to air)
AIM-9M /AIM-9X Sidewinder(Air to air)
AGM-65B/D/G Maverick (Air to ground)
AIM-120C AMRAAM (Air to air)

Bombs

M129 Leaflet bomb
225 kg Mk82
900 kg Mk84
CBU-24/49/52/58 cluster munitions

RSAF F-16C/D (Fighter / Interceptor)

Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon







Role: Multirole fighter
Manufacturer: General Dynamics / Lockheed Martin
Introduction: 17 August 1978
Status: Operational
Unit cost: F-16A/B: US$14.6 million
F-16C/D: US$18.8 million (1998)

The Republic of Singapore Air Force operates 70 F-16 Fighting Falcons, 62 of which are advanced F-16C/D block 52 aircraft.

Changi Air Base (East)
145 Squadron: 20 F-16D block 52+ (Strike)

The F-16D+ is equipped with state-of-the-art Conformal Fuel Tanks, an enhanced radar with greater detection range and improved mapping capabilities, and an improved targeting pod, which will enable the squadron to conduct precision day and night operations at a greater combat range and duration.

145 squadron is unique in the RSAF as all the aircraft are tandem seats and every mission is flown with a Pilot and WSO(FTR).

Tengah Air Base
140 Squadron: 7 F-16C (Interceptor), 5 F-16D Blk 52 (Strike)

The F16s in 140 Squadron are primarily responsible for Air Defence, Fighter Sweep and Escort and Counter Air Operations/Strategic Interdiction/Maritime Air Operations.

143 Squadron: 2 F-16C (Interceptor), 10 F-16D Blk 52 (Strike)

The Squadron now flies the single-seat C and double-seat D models of the F-16 Fighting Falcon.

RSAF Black Knights (aerobatic team). 6 F-16C

Luke Air Force Base (USA)
425 FTS: 5 F-16C, 5 F-16D (Peace Carvin II F-16 Training)

Peace Carvin I

In January of 1985, the government of Singapore ordered eight F-16/79 fighters and took an option for 12 more. The F-16/79 was a cost-reduced version of the Fighting Falcon powered by the General Electric J79 turbojet rather than the F100 turbofan. In mid-1985, it became apparent that the F100-powered version would be made available, and Singapore changed its order to eight F-16A/B block 15OCU aircraft (four single-seaters and four two-seaters). This purchase was under the Peace Carvin I Foreign Military Sales program, and was intended to replace the ageing Hawker Hunters still serving with the Republic of Singapore Air Force.

Singapore took delivery of its first Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-220 powered F-16 (a two seater) on February 20th, 1988. Although all aircraft are block 15 models, they actually have strengthened block 30 airframes. The machines were initially delivered to Luke AFB, where the RSAF trains its F-16 pilots (see Operational Service below). Singapore also leased nine F-16A's previously used by the Thunderbirds flight demonstration team from 1993 to 1996, for training at Luke AFB, Arizona. The first F-16s were not transferred to Singapore until January 1990. Soon after delivery in 1990, two of the F-16A's were involved in a mid-air collision over the South China Sea. One of the F-16s was lost while the other made it back to base. Surprisingly, in 1994, when the Peace Carvin III order was announced, it was revealed that the F-16A/B's would be sold once the C/D's were operational. As reason it was quoted by Dr. Yeo, that it is expensive to support both the A/B and C/D's together (which is a rather strange argument since the RSAF still has the F-5S/T and the TA/A-4SU in service). A more logical solution would be to upgrade the F-16A/B's through the MLU program, which would bring the aircraft to more or less the same standards as the C/D airframes. Up to now the A/B models are still serving with the RSAF, although more C/D models have been delivered since. In December of 2004 a contract was signed between the Singapore and Thai government for the acquisition of the 7 remaining A/B airframes by the RTAF.

RSAF four-ship of the original Peace Carvin I program over the Singapore skyline. Alpha's #881 and #882 and Bravo's #885 and #887

Peace Carvin II

In 1993, Dr. Yeo Ning Hong, the Defense Minister, announced plans for 11 F-16C/D's (5 F-16C's and 6 F-16D's). In addition, he announced plans for two additional machines to replace the one lost over the South China Sea. When neighboring Malaysia ordered MiG-29N and F/A-18D aircraft, Singapore hastily reopened its fighter competition to include the F/A-18C/D. RSAF pilots were sent to China Lake to evaluate the Hornet. However, the Ministry of Defense stuck with the F-16C/D, but increased the order to 18 Block 52 machines (8 C's and 10 D's). The 1994 decision was reportedly based on price (Lockheed Martin offered a price of USD $23m). The 18 block 52 machines will be powered by the F100-PW-229 engine and will have a down rated version of the LANTIRN pod system (probably the Pathfinder/Sharpshooter combination). The aircraft are AIM-120 AMRAAM and AGM-88 Harm capable. The first of these 18 aircraft, a D-model serialled #638, was accepted by Chief of Defense Force Lt-Gen Bey Soo Khiangon on April 19th, 1998, during a rollout ceremony at Lockheed's Fort Worth facilities. Deliveries are scheduled to run until December. On August 14th, 1998, the first three Delta's and a single Charlie arrived at Tengah AB.

Lease & Buy

At the end of the F-16A training at Luke, a dozen USAF Block 52's were leased to be based at the same location for training. However, the USAF could not honor the lease as they needed the machines elsewhere. Instead, a deal was struck with Lockheed Martin to lease a dozen new-built F-16C/D Block 52's (4 Charlie-models and 8 Delta-models) with options to buy them later. The aircraft were leased for a 2.5 year period, for an estimated cost of USD $12.3m. In 1997, under Peace Carvin III, the RSAF's training capabilities in the US have expanded, including an extension of the training contract for Luke till 2018. Since it is very unlikely that LMTAS will lease aircraft for such an extended period, the RSAF has probably exercised its right to buy the 12 aircraft. The fact that LMTAS officially lists the Block 52 inventory of Singapore as 42 aircraft (12+18+12) seems to point in the same direction. Due to the fact that these aircraft were purchased directly from LMTAS, they do not fall under the normal FMS procedures and therefore do not have a Peace Carvin program number assigned to them.

Peace Carvin III

On October 29th, 1997, the government of the Republic of Singapore announced it would buy another 12 F-16C/D Block 52 aircraft, 10 C-models and 2 D-models. Delivery would start in 1999. Singapore's new F-16C/D order is worth USD $350 million, and includes besides 12 aircraft also support equipment, spare parts, training, mission equipment and other associated items. Rumor went that the order included an option for 12 more aircraft, but this never materialized. The 12 additional aircraft would be based at Cannon AFB for pilot training. On November 19th, 1997, the Pentagon said that Singapore seeks $287 million in services and support for its F-16C/D fighters including a new 20mm cannon, modifications and maintenance, training, spare parts and support equipment.

RSAF F-16D #96031 on take-off. RSAF F-16Ds are based at Cannon AFB in New Mexico for training, operated by the 428th FTS. Notice the tailband, a smaller version of the RSAF lion roundel in red on a black background.

Peace Carvin IV

On July 21st, 2000, Singapore revealed that it was up to ordering another 20 F-16s. At first it was not clear whether it would be a mix of C-models and D-models, but eventually the Singapore government decided to make it an all D-model lot. Just like the D-models from the Peace Carvin III aircraft, these will be equipped with the extended spine to accommodate an extensive ECM-suite. Deliveries of the aircraft will commence at the end of 2003. The aircraft are of the Block 52 variant, powered by the Pratt&Whitney F100-229 engine. All aircraft were received before the end of 2004.

RSAF F-16D block 52 - note the dorsal spine, the IFF antennae in front of the canopy, and the Helmet Mounted Sight sensors just above the pilots.

Specifications (F-16C Block 30)

General characteristics

• Crew: 1
• Length: 49 ft 5 in (14.8 m)
• Wingspan: 32 ft 8 in (9.8 m)
• Height: 16 ft (4.8 m)
• Wing area: 300 ft² (27.87 m²)
• Airfoil: NACA 64A204 root and tip
• Empty weight: 18,200 lb (8,270 kg)
• Loaded weight: 26,500 lb (12,000 kg)
• Max takeoff weight: 42,300 lb (19,200 kg)
• Powerplant: 1× Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-220 afterburning turbofan
  • Dry thrust: 14,590 lbf (64.9 kN)
  • Thrust with afterburner: 23,770 lbf (105.7 kN)
• Alternate powerplant: 1× General Electric F110-GE-100 afterburning turbofan
  • Dry thrust: 17,155 lbf (76.3 kN)
  • Thrust with afterburner: 28,600 lbf (128.9 kN)

Performance

• Maximum speed:
  
  • At sea level: Mach 1.2 (915 mph, 1,460 km/h)
  • At altitude: Mach 2+ (1,500 mph, 2,414 km/h)
• Combat radius: 340 NM (295 mi, 550 km) on a hi-lo-hi mission with six 1,000 lb (450 kg) bombs
• Ferry range: >2,100 NM (2,420 NM, 3,900 km)
• Service ceiling: >50,000 ft (15,239 m)
• Rate of climb: 50,000 ft/min (254 m/s)
• Wing loading: 88.2 lb/ft² (431 kg/m²)
• Thrust / weight: For F100 engine: 0.898, For F110: 1.095

Armament

• Guns: 1× 20 mm (0.787 in) M61 Vulcan gatling gun, 511 rounds
• Rockets: 2¾ in (70 mm) CRV7
• Missiles:
  
  • Air-to-air missiles:
    • 2× AIM-7 Sparrow or
    • 6× AIM-9 Sidewinder or
    • 6× IRIS-T or
    • 6× AIM-120 AMRAAM or
    • 6× Python-4
  • Air-to-ground missiles:
    • 6× AGM-45 Shrike or
    • 6× AGM-65 Maverick or
    • 4× AGM-88 HARM
  • Anti-ship missiles:
    • 2× AGM-84 Harpoon or
    • 4× AGM-119 Penguin
• Bombs:
  
  • 2× CBU-87 Combined Effects Munition
  • 2× CBU-89 Gator mine
  • 2× CBU-97 Sensor Fuzed Weapon
  • Wind Corrected Munitions Dispenser capable
  • 4× GBU-10 Paveway II
  • 6× GBU-12 Paveway II
  • 6× Paveway-series laser-guided bombs
  • 4× JDAM
  • 4× Mark 84 general-purpose bombs
  • 8× Mark 83 GP bombs
  • 12× Mark 82 GP bombs
  • B61 nuclear bomb

RSAF A-4SU Super Skyhawk (Trainer)

The Singapore Aerospace A-4SU Super Skyhawk is a major upgrade of the A-4S Skyhawk attack aircraft developed for and was used exclusively by the Republic of Singapore Air Force.

Role: Fighter-bomber
Manufacturer: Douglas Aircraft Company / ST Aerospace
Introduced: 1989
Status: Training as of 2007
Unit cost: US$860,000 each for the first 500 units (A-4 Skyhawk)

150 Squadron currently operates the TA-4SU / A-4SU as advanced trainer from Cazaux Air Base in La Teste-de-Buch (France) [18 Trainers / Stored (30 Fighter-Bombers / 10 Trainers)].

Design and development

A-4S & TA-4S

Starting in 1973, the RSAF began to acquire A-4 Skyhawks for use. The first batch of over 50 airframes (ex-US Navy A-4Bs & TA-4Bs) was ordered and was subsequently requisitioned from the Military Aircraft Storage and Disposition Center (MASDC) at Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona which was released to the Lockheed Aircraft Service (LAS) Company at Ontario, California and its subsidiary Lockheed Aircraft Service Singapore (LASS) at Seletar Airfield, Singapore for a major overhaul and refurbishment.

These aircraft would later emerged as the A-4S single-seater (44 airframes) and the TA-4S two-seat trainer (3 airframes), all having more than 100 changes incorporated (these included a slightly longer nose to house a new avionics package, five stores hardpoints instead of the usual three, a saddle style Automatic Direction Finder dorsal hump, cockpit armour plating, spoilers, cranked refueling probe, AIM-9 Sidewinder capability, brake parachute housing below the jetpipe and 30 mm ADEN cannons in place of the original Colt Mk 12 20 mm cannons) into the standard A-4B airframes. A later order of 4 two-seat trainer airframes was placed in 1976, and these joined the RSAF in 1977.

The TA-4S trainers were not the standard TA-4 with a common cockpit for the student and instructor pilot, but were instead rebuilt by Lockheed with a 28-inch fuselage plug inserted into the front fuselage and a separate bulged cockpit (giving better all round visibility) for the instructor seated behind the student pilot. This arrangement was not the first by Lockheed as it had built the SR-71B Blackbird trainers utilising the same layout of stepped cockpits prior to refurbishing the A-4S for the RSAF.

In 1974, the RSAF received enough refurbished A-4S to form the 142 Sqn and 143 Sqn, which were based at Tengah Air Base and Changi Air Base, respectively. In RSAF service, the A-4S / TA-4S were given 3-digit serial starting with 6 (Eg. 600, 651).

A-4S-1 & TA-4S-1

A second batch of 70 airframes was ordered (mix of ex-US Navy A-4Bs and A-4Cs) in 1980, these were shipped directly to Singapore for rebuilding with the A-4Cs being rebuilt as the A-4S-1s while the A-4Bs was to remained in storage for use as spares. Along with a small number of TA4S-1s, these newer Skyhawks (characterised by its straight refueling probe instead of the cranked refueling probe found on the original A-4S / TA-4S) would join the RSAF as attrition replacements from 1982 onwards with the balance being allocated in 1984 to form a new unit - 145 Sqn which was also based at Tengah Air Base.

In 1983, a third order of 16 stored TA-4Bs from the Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Center (boneyard) would see it being converted and rebuilt as the TA-4S-1 trainers (8 airframes). In RSAF service, the A-4S-1/TA-4S-1 were given 3-digit serial starting with 9 (eg. 918, 950). All in all, approximately 150 airframes (all A-4Bs and Cs) were acquired by Singapore.

A-4SU & TA-4SU Super Skyhawk

In 1985, as a result of four A-4S being written off in separate accidents, coupled with the low serviceability of the original batch of A-4S. Investigations conducted by RSAF reveal that the Wright J65 turbojet engines in use by the Skyhawks were too old and it was this very reason that the RSAF decided to upgrade the A-4S / TA-4S rather than to replace them.

With Singapore Aerospace contracted as the main contractor for the upgrading project and a non-afterburning General Electric F404-GE-100D turbofan engine selected as the new engine, the upgrading project would later be extended to cover the entire fleet of newer A-4S-1s as well as taking the opportunity to completely modernise the avionics package (newly installed equipment now included a laser seeker mounted in the nose, Inertial navigation system (INS), Tactical Air Navigation (TACAN) system, fore & aft Radar warning receivers (RWR) and chaff / flare countermeasures which were mostly of Israeli origins) of the aircraft which had been in use since the late 1950s, note that these are ex-US Navy airframes.

The modernized A-4SU and TA-4SU versions with its new F404 turbofan engine had 29% more thrust, which resulted in a 30% reduction in takeoff time as well as an increase in usable payload, range and maximum speed. The maximum speed now at sea level is 610 knots (1130 km/h), and maximum cruise speed at 30,000 ft (10,000 m) is 446 knots (826 km/h).

Thus modernised, the new A-4SU Super Skyhawks began rolling out to re-equip the 145 Sqn first, followed by 143 Sqn and 142 Sqn of the RSAF from 1989 onwards. The type was also utilised by the RSAF Black Knights aerobatic display team for precision aerial manoeuvers from 1990 to 2000.

End of front-line service

After 31 years of operations, the RSAF officially withdrew its fleet of A-4SU Super Skyhawks from operational combat service in Singapore on 31 March 2005. The A-4SU's achievements included flying directly from Singapore to the Philippines, incorporating the RSAF's first air-to-air refuelling mission in 1986, as well as the aerobatic display of the 'red and white' Super Skyhawks flown by the RSAF Black Knights during Asian Aerospace 1990, 1994 and 2000, it was last used by the Black Knights during Singapore's National Day Parade held on 9 August 2000. A month before its retirement, the Skyhawk squadron (145 Sqn) won the top honours in a strike exercise against its more modern F-16 and F-5 counterparts and emerged as the Top combat squadron in the Singapore Armed Forces Best Unit Competition, an honour it has held since year 2000.

In 1998, the French government offered the use of facilities at Cazaux Airbase in the south of France. A 25-year lease for basing rights of 18 A-4SU aircraft and approximately 250 RSAF personnel and their families was signed later that year. Back in Singapore, 142 Sqn was disbanded in 1997, and its aircraft were handed over to 150 Sqn, which had given up its SIAI Marchetti SF.260 basic trainers. The new squadron then took up the role of advanced jet training, using its aircraft as a lead-in fighter trainer for RSAF pilots. This made it the prime candidate for moving to France, and the first of 18 aircraft were "packed" and sent to France by ship in mid-1999 as part of the RSAF's Advanced Jet Training Program. The four remaining training aircraft are scheduled to retire in 2007.

On 5 October 2005, one A-4SU Skyhawk was delivered to Singapore Polytechnic as a teaching aid. Subsequently, Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Temasek Polytechnic and Nanyang Technological University would each receive a A-4SU Skyhawk as well.

Also, two of the retired A-4SU Super Skyhawks were donated to the French Aeronautics Museum (Musée de l'Air et de l'Espace) for static display.

Specifications (A-4SU)

Characteristics

• Crew: 1 (2 in TA-4SU)
• Length: 41 ft 9 in (12.72 m)
• Wingspan: 27 ft 6 in (8.38 m)
• Height: 15 ft 0 in (4.57 m)
• Wing area: 259.8 ft² (24.1 m²)
• Empty weight: 10,250 lb (4,650 kg)
• Max takeoff weight: 22,500 lb (10,205 kg)
• Powerplant: 1× General Electric F404-GE-100D turbofan, 10,800 lbf (48.4 kN)

Performance

• Maximum speed: 1128 km/h (609 kts, 701 mph)
• Range: 1,700 nm (2,000 mi, 3,220 km ferry range with 3 drop tanks)
• Service ceiling: 12,192 m (40,000 ft)
• Rate of climb: 55 m/s (10,913 ft/min)
• Wing loading: 70.7 lb/ft² (344.4 kg/m²)
• Thrust/weight: 0.55

Armament

• Guns: Tw 30 mm ADEN cannons, 150 rounds/gun
• Missiles: Two AIM-9 Sidewinders
• Bombs: 9,900 lb (4,490 kg) of payload on five external hardpoints

Avionics

• Stewart-Warner AN/APQ-145 Mapping & Ranging radar
• GEC/Ferranti 4510 Head-up display (HUD)/weapons delivery system
• Litton LN-93 Inertial navigation system (INS)
• BAE Systems MED-2067 Multi-function displays (MFD)

RSAF F-15SG Strike Eagle

The F-15SG (formerly the F-15T) is a variant of the F-15E, currently ordered by the RSAF after a seven-year evaluation period involving five other fighter aircraft under consideration.


The F-15SG was chosen on 6 September 2005 over the Dassault Rafale, the only remaining aircraft still in contention.

Role: Strike fighter
Manufacturer: Mcdonnell Douglas / Boeing IDS
Introduced: April 1988
Unit cost: F-15E: US$31.1 million (1998)
F-15K: US$100 million (2006)

The F-15SG is similar in configuration to the F-15K sold to South Korea, but differs in the addition of the APG-63(V)3 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar developed by Raytheon. The F-15SG will be powered by two General Electric F110-GE-129 29,400 lbf (131 kN) thrust engines.

Pending news on Lockheed Martin's F-35's progress, the RSAF has placed an order of 12 aircraft with an option for 8 more to replace its A-4SUs. The purchase is part of the New Fighter Replacement Program, worth about US$1 billion and which will be the most expensive single fighter aircraft purchase by the RSAF.

On 22 August 2005, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified US Congress about a potential Foreign military sales (FMS) of weapons, logistics and training in the event that the Boeing F-15 was selected by Singapore. Since the F-15 purchase has now been confirmed, it can be assumed that Singapore will follow up on this proposed weapons and logistics package, worth a further US$741 million if all options are exercised.

Weapons in this package include:

• 200 AIM-120C Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM)
• 6 AMRAAM Captive Air Training (CAT) Missiles
• 50 MK-82 GBU-38 Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM)
• 44 AN/AVS-9(V) Night Vision Goggles
• 24 Link 16 Multifunctional Information Distribution System/Low Volume Terminals (Fighter Data Link Terminals)
• 30 AGM-154A (JSOW) Joint Standoff Weapons with BLU-111 warheads
• 30 AGM-154C (JSOW) Joint Standoff Weapons
• 200 AIM-9X SIDEWINDER Missiles
• 24 AIM-9X SIDEWINDER CAT and Dummy Missiles

The Singapore Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) on 22 October 2007, exercised the option to purchase eight more F-15SG fighters which was part of the original contract signed in 2005. Along with this buy, an additional order of four F-15SGs increases total to 24 fighters on order.

F-15E Strike Eagle

The F-15E Strike Eagle is a modern American all-weather strike fighter, designed for long-range interdiction of enemy ground targets deep behind enemy lines. A derivative of the F-15 Eagle air superiority fighter, the Strike Eagle proved its worth in Desert Storm, carrying out deep strikes against high-value targets, performing "Wild Weasel" (SEAD) patrols and providing close air support for coalition troops. The F-15E Strike Eagle can be distinguished from other U.S. Eagle variants by its darker camouflage and the conformal fuel tanks mounted along the engine intakes.

Development

In March 1981, the USAF announced the Enhanced Tactical Fighter program to procure a replacement for the F-111 Aardvark. The concept envisioned an aircraft capable of launching deep interdiction missions without requiring additional support by fighter escort or jamming. General Dynamics submitted the F-16XL, while McDonnell Douglas submitted a variant of the F-15 Eagle. On 24 February 1984, the USAF awarded the ETF to McDonnell Douglas's F-15E Strike Eagle.

The F-15E's first flight was on 11 December 1986. The first production model of the F-15E was delivered to the 405th Tactical Training Wing, Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., in April 1988. The "Strike Eagle", as it was dubbed, received initial operational capability on 30 September 1989 at Seymour Johnson AFB in North Carolina with the 4th Tactical Fighter Wing, 336th Tactical Fighter Squadron.

The F-15E will be upgraded with the Raytheon APG-63(V)4 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar after 2007. It combines the processor of the APG-79 used on the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet with the antenna of the APG-63(V)3 AESA being fitted on the F-15C. The radar upgrade is expected to begin in 2008.

While most of the F-15C/Ds are being replaced by the F-22 Raptor there is no slated replacement for the F-15E. The Strike Eagle is a more recent variant of the F-15, and has a sturdier airframe rated for twice the lifetime of earlier variants. The F-15Es are expected to remain in service past 2025. The Air Force is currently pursuing the 2018 Bomber, a medium bomber concept which could also take over the Strike Eagle's "deep strike" profile. The "A" variant of the F-35 Lightning II, which is projected to eventually replace many other attack aircraft such as the F-16 and A-10, could also take over much of the F-15E's role.

Design

The F-15E's deep strike mission is a radical departure from the original intent of the F-15, since the F-15 was designed as an air superiority fighter under the mantra "not a pound for air-to-ground." The basic airframe, however, proved versatile enough to produce a very capable strike fighter. While designed for ground attack, the F-15E retains the air-to-air lethality of the F-15, and can defend itself against enemy aircraft.

The F-15E prototype was a modification of the two-seat F-15B. Despite its origins, the F-15E includes significant structural changes and much more powerful engines. The back seat is equipped for a Weapon System Officer (WSO pronounced Wizzo), or known to some as the "guy in back" (GIB), to work the new air-to-ground avionics. The WSO uses multiple screens to display information from the radar, electronic warfare or infrared sensors, monitor aircraft or weapons status and possible threats, select targets, and use an electronic "moving map" to navigate. Two hand controls are used to select new displays and to refine targeting information. Displays can be moved from one screen to another, chosen from a "menu" of display options. Unlike earlier two-place jets (like the F-4 Phantom II and Navy's F-14 Tomcat), whose "backseater" lacked flying controls, the back seat of the F-15E cockpit is equipped with its own stick and throttle so the WSO can take over flying if necessary, albeit with reduced visibility.

To extend its range, the F-15E is fitted with two conformal fuel tanks (CFTs) that hug the fuselage, producing lower drag than conventional underwing/underbelly fuel tanks. They carry 750 U.S. gallons (2,800 liters) of fuel, and house six weapons hardpoints in two rows of three in tandem. However, unlike conventional fuel tanks, CFTs cannot be jettisoned, so increased range comes at the cost of degraded performance as a result of the additional drag and weight versus a totally "clean" configuration. Similar tanks can be mounted on the F-15C/D and export variants, and the Israeli Air Force does exercise this option on their fighter-variant F-15s as well as their F-15I variant of the Strike Eagle, but the F-15E is the only U.S. variant to be routinely fitted with CFTs.

The Strike Eagle's tactical electronic warfare system (TEWS) integrates all countermeasures on the craft: radar warning receivers (RWR), radar jammer, radar, and chaff / flare dispensers are all tied to the TEWS to provide comprehensive defense against detection and tracking. This system includes an externally mounted ALQ-131 ECM pod which is carried on the centerline pylon on an as needed basis.

An inertial navigation system uses a laser gyroscope to continuously monitor the aircraft's position and provide information to the central computer and other systems, including a digital moving map in both cockpits.

The APG-70 radar system allows air crews to detect ground targets from longer ranges. One feature of this system is that after a sweep of a target area, the crew freezes the air-to-ground map then goes back into air-to-air mode to clear for air threats. During the air-to-surface weapon delivery, the pilot is capable of detecting, targeting and engaging air-to-air targets while the WSO designates the ground target.

The low-altitude navigation and targeting infrared for night (LANTIRN) system, mounted externally under the engine intakes, allows the aircraft to fly at low altitudes, at night and in any weather conditions, to attack ground targets with a variety of precision-guided and unguided weapons. The LANTIRN system gives the F-15E exceptional accuracy in weapons delivery day or night and in poor weather, and consists of two pods attached to the exterior of the aircraft. At night, the video picture from the LANTIRN can be projected on the HUD, producing an image identical to what the pilot would see during daytime.

The navigation pod contains terrain-following radar which allows the pilot to safely fly at a very low altitude following cues displayed on a heads up display. This system also can be coupled to the aircraft's autopilot to provide "hands off" terrain-following capability. Additionally, the pod contains a forward looking infrared system which is projected on the pilot's HUD which is used during nighttime or low visibility operations. The AN/AAQ-13 Nav Pod is installed beneath the right engine intake.

The targeting pod contains a laser designator and a tracking system that mark an enemy for destruction as far away as 10 mi (16 km). Once tracking has been started, targeting information is automatically handed off to infrared air-to-surface missiles or laser-guided bombs. The targeting pod is mounted beneath the left engine intake; configurations may be either the AN/AAQ-14 Target Pod, AN/AAQ-28 LITENING Target Pod or the AN/AAQ-33 Sniper Pod.

For air-to-ground missions, the F-15E can carry most weapons in the U.S. Air Force inventory. It also can be armed with AIM-9 Sidewinders, AIM-7 Sparrow and AIM-120 AMRAAMs for self-defense (though the Strike Eagle retains the counter-air capabilities from its Eagle lineage, it is rarely if ever used for counter-air missions). Like the F-15C, the Strike Eagle also carries an internally mounted General Electric M61A1 20 mm cannon which is effective against enemy aircraft and "soft" ground targets.

Specifications (F-15E)

Characteristics

• Crew: 2
• Length: 63.8 ft (19.4 m)
• Wingspan: 42.8 ft (13.05 m)
• Height: 18.5 ft (5.63 m)
• Wing area: 608 ft² (56.5 m²)
• Airfoil: NACA 64A006.6 root, NACA 64A203 tip
• Empty weight: 31,700 lb (14,300 kg)
• Max takeoff weight: 81,000 lb (36,700 kg)
• Powerplant: 2× Pratt & Whitney F100-229 afterburning turbofans, 29,000 lbf (129 kN) each

Performance

• Maximum speed: Mach 2.5+ (1,650+ mph, 2,660+ km/h)
• Ferry range: 2,400 mi (2,100 nmi, 3,900 km) with conformal fuel tank and three external fuel tanks
• Serivce ceiling: 60,000 ft (18,200 m)
• Rate of climb: 50,000+ ft/min (254+ m/s)

Armament

• Guns: 1× 20 mm (0.787 in) M61 Vulcan gatling gun, 510 rounds of either M-56 or PGU-28 ammunition
• Hardpoints: 2 wing pylons, fuselage pylons, bomb racks on CFTs with a capacity of 24,250 lb (11,000 kg) external fuel and ordnance,
• Missiles: 2 x AIM-9M Sidewinder, 2 x AIM-120 AMRAAM, and
  • Up to 4 AIM-7M Sparrow or 4 additional AIM-120 AMRAAM
  • Up to 6 AGM-65 Maverick
  • AGM-130
  • AGM-84 Harpoon
  • AGM-84K SLAM-ER
  • AGM-154 JSOW
  • AGM-158 JASSM
    
• Bombs:
  
  • B61 nuclear bomb
  • Mark 82 bomb
  • Mark 84 bomb
  • CBU-87 CEM
  • CBU-89 Gator
  • CBU-97 SFW
  • CBU-103 CEM
  • CBU-104 Gator
  • CBU-105 SFW
  • GBU-10 Paveway II
  • GBU-12 Paveway II
  • GBU-15
  • GBU-24 Paveway III
  • GBU-27 Paveway III
  • GBU-28
  • GBU-31
  • GBU-38
  • GBU-39 Small Diameter Bomb

Cluster Bomb (Bomb)

Cluster munitions or cluster bombs are air-dropped or ground-launched munitions that eject a number of smaller submunitions: a cluster of bomblets. The most common types are intended to kill enemy personnel and destroy vehicles. Submunition based weapons designed to destroy runways, electric power transmission lines, deliver chemical or biological weapons, or to scatter land mines have also been produced. Some submunition based weapons can disperse non-munition payloads, such as leaflets.

Because cluster bombs release many small unexploded bomblets over a wide area, they can kill or maim civilians long after a conflict has ended. Unexploded submunitions are very costly to locate and remove.

Cluster bombs are prohibited under the Convention on Cluster Munitions, which was adopted in Dublin in May 2008 and will open for signature in December 2008. The general rules of international humanitarian law aimed at protecting civilians also apply to cluster bombs as they do to all weapons.

Development

The first cluster bomb used operationally was the German SD-2 or Sprengbombe Dickwandig 2 kg, commonly referred to as the Butterfly Bomb. It was used during the Second World War to attack both civilian and military targets. The technology was developed independently by the United States of America, Russia and Italy. Cluster bombs are now standard air-dropped munitions for many nations, in a wide variety of types. Currently produced by 34 countries and used by at least 23.

Artillery shells that employ similar principles have existed for decades. They are typically referred to as ICM (Improved Conventional Munitions) shells. The US military slang terms for them are "firecracker" or "popcorn" shells, for the many small explosions they cause in the target area.

Types of cluster bombs

A basic cluster bomb is a hollow shell containing from three to more than 2,000 submunitions. Some types are dispensers that are designed to be retained by the aircraft after releasing their munitions. The submunitions themselves may be fitted with small parachute retarders or streamers to slow their descent (allowing the aircraft to escape the blast area in low-altitude attacks).

Modern cluster bombs and submunition dispensers are often multiple-purpose weapons, containing mixtures of anti-armor, anti-personnel, and anti-material munitions. The submunitions themselves may also be multi-purpose, such as combining a shaped charge, to attack armour, with a fragmenting case, to attack infantry, material, and light vehicles. Modern multipurpose munitions may have an incendiary effect.

A growing trend in the design of submunition-based weapons is the smart submunition, which uses guidance circuitry to locate and attack particular targets, usually armored vehicles. Recent weapons of this type include the U.S. CBU-97 sensor-fused weapon, first used in combat during the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Munitions specifically intended for anti-tank use may be set to self-destruct if they reach the ground without locating a target, theoretically reducing the risk of unintended civilian deaths and injuries. Although smart submunition weapons are many times more expensive than standard cluster bombs, which are cheaper and simpler to manufacture, far fewer smart submunitions are required for defeating dispersed and mobile targets in an area, offsetting this cost.

Incendiary

Incendiary cluster bombs are intended to start fires, just as conventional incendiary bombs (also called firebombs). They are specifically designed for this purpose, with submunitions of white phosphorus or napalm, and they often include anti-personnel and anti-tank submunitions to hamper firefighting efforts. When used in cities they have often been preceded by the use of conventional explosive bombs to break open the roofs and walls of buildings to expose flammable contents to the incendiaries. One of the earliest examples is the so-called Molotov bread basket first used by the Soviet Union in the Winter War of 1939-40. This type of munition was extensively used by both sides in the strategic bombings of World War II. Bombs of this type were used to start firestorms in cases such as the bombing of Dresden in World War II and the firebombing of Tokyo. A modern development of the incendiary cluster bomb is the thermobaric weapon. In these types of weapons, submunitions are used to deliver a highly combustible aerosol, which is subsequently ignited, resulting in a high pressure explosion.

Anti-personnel

Anti-personnel cluster bombs use explosive fragmentation to kill troops and destroy soft (unarmored) targets. Along with incendiary cluster bombs, these were among the first forms of cluster bombs produced by Germany during World War II. They were famously used during the Blitz with delay and booby-trap fusing to prevent firefighting and other damage control efforts in the bombed areas. They were also used with a contact fuse when attacking entrenchments. These weapons were most widely used during the Vietnam War when many thousands of tons of submunitions were dropped on Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam.

The CBU-24 (Cluster Bomb Unit-24) is a weapon developed by the United States for anti personnel purposes.

The weapon contains 665 BLU-26 tennis ball-sized submunitions, each designed to detonate with 600 metal fragments for an anti-personnel / anti-materiel effect.

Anti-tank

Most anti-armor munitions contain shaped charge warheads to pierce the armor of tanks and armored fighting vehicles. In some cases, guidance is used to increase the likelihood of successfully hitting a vehicle. Modern guided submunitions, such as those found in the U.S. CBU-97 can use either a shaped charge warhead or an explosively formed penetrator. Unguided shaped-charge submunitions are designed to be effective against entrenchments that incorporate overhead cover. To simplify supply and increase battlefield effectiveness by allowing a single type of round to be used against nearly any target, submunitions that incorporate both fragmentation and shaped-charge effects are produced. In United States Army and Marine Corps Field Artillery units, this is a common type of shell used in ground warfare.

Anti-runway

Anti-runway submunitions such as the British JP233 are designed to penetrate concrete before detonating, allowing them to shatter and crater runway surfaces. In the case of the JP233, the cratering effect is achieved through the use of a two-stage warhead that combines a shaped charge and conventional explosive. The shaped charge creates a small crater inside which the conventional explosive detonates to enlarge it. Anti-runway submunitions are usually used along with anti-personnel submunitions equipped with delay or booby-trap fuses that act as anti-personnel mines to make repair more difficult.

Mine-laying

When submunition-based weapons are used to disperse mines, their submunitions do not detonate immediately, but behave like conventional land mines that detonate later. The submunitions usually include a combination of anti-personnel and anti-tank mines. Since such mines usually lie on exposed surfaces, the anti-personnel forms, such as the US Area Denial Artillery Munition normally deploy tripwires automatically after landing to make clearing the minefield more difficult. In order to avoid rendering large portions of the battlefield permanently impassable, and to minimize the amount of mine-clearing needed after a conflict, scatterable mines used by the United States are designed to self-destruct after a period of time from 4-48 hours. The internationally agreed definition of cluster munitions being negotiated in the Oslo Process may not include this type of weapon, since landmines are already covered in other specific international instruments.

Chemical weapons

During the 1950s and 1960s, the United States and Soviet Union developed cluster weapons designed to deliver chemical weapons. The Chemical Weapons Convention of 1993 banned their use. Six nations declared themselves in possession of chemical weapons. The US and Russia are in the process of destroying their stockpiles, although they have received extensions for the full destruction.

Anti-electrical

An anti-electrical weapon, the CBU-94/B, was first used by the U.S. in the Kosovo War in 1999. These consist of a TMD (Tactical Munitions Dispenser) filled with 202 BLU-114/B submunitions. Each submunition contains a small explosive charge that disperses 147 reels of fine conductive fiber, either carbon fiber or aluminum-coated glass fiber. Their purpose is to disrupt and damage electric power transmission systems by producing short circuits in high-voltage power lines and electrical substations. On the first attack, these knocked out 70% of the electrical power supply in Serbia. There are reports that it took 500 people 15 hours to get one transformer yard back on line after being hit with the conductive fibers.

Leaflet dispensing

The LBU-30 is designed for dropping large quantities of leaflets from aircraft. (Dispensing leaflets from the air is a common propaganda tactic in wartime.) Enclosing the leaflets within the bomblets ensures that the leaflets will fall on the intended area without being dispersed excessively by the wind. The LBU-30 consists of SUU-30 dispensers that have been adapted to leaflet dispersal. The dispensers are essentially recycled units from old bombs. The LBU-30 was tested at Eglin Air Force Base in 2000, by an F-16 flying at 20,000 feet (6,100 m).

Mark 84 Bomb (Bomb)

The Mark 84 is an American general-purpose bomb, the largest of the Mark 80 series of weapons. Entering service during the Vietnam War, it was nicknamed "Hammer" for its considerable power.

Specification

Type: Low-drag general purpose bomb
Unit cost: US$3,100
Weight: 2039 lb (927 kg)
Length: 129 in (3280 mm)
Diameter: 18 in (458 mm)
Filling: Tritonal, Minol or H6
Filling weight: 945 lb (429 kg)

Development & deployment

The Mark 84 has a nominal weight of 2,000 lb (908 kg), but its actual weight varies depending on its fin, fuze options, and retardation configuration, from 1,972 lb (896 kg) to 2,083 (947 kg). It is a streamlined steel casing filled with 945 lb (429 kg) of Tritonal high explosive.

The Mark 84 is capable of forming a crater 50 ft (15.2 m) wide and 36 ft (11 m) deep. It can penetrate up to 15 in (380 mm) of metal or 11 ft (3.3 m) of concrete, depending on the height from which it is dropped, and causes lethal fragmentation to a radius of 400 yards (366 m).

Many Mark 84s have been retrofitted with stabilizing and retarding devices to provide a precision guidance capabilities. They serve as the warhead of a variety of precision-guided munitions, including the GBU-10 and GBU-24 Paveway laser-guided bombs, GBU-15 electro-optical bomb, GBU-31 JDAM and Quickstrike sea mines.

The Mark 84 bomb is produced under license in Pakistan by the Air Weapon Complex.

Mark 82 Bomb (Bomb)

The Mark 82 (Mk 82) is an unguided, low-drag general-purpose bomb (dumb bomb), part of the U.S. Mark 80 series.

Specification

Type: Low-drag general purpose bomb
Unit cost: $268.50
Weight: 500 lb (241 kg)
Length: 87.4 in (2220 mm)
Diameter: 10.75 in (273 mm)
Filling: Tritonal, Minol or H6
Filling weight: 192 lb (89 kg)

Development & deployment

With a nominal weight of 500 lb (227 kg), it is the smallest of those bombs in current service, and one of the most common air-dropped weapons in the world. Although the Mk 82's nominal weight is 500 lb (227 kg), its actual weight varies considerably depending on its configuration, from 510 lb (232 kg) to 570 lb (259 kg). It is a streamlined steel casing containing 192 lb (87 kg) of Tritonal high explosive. The Mk 82 is offered with a variety of fin kits, fuses, and retarders for different purposes.

This photograph shows an unfused, museum display Mk. 82 with its usual combat paint scheme. For display purposes, the optional low-drag tailfins used for high-altitude release are shown.

The Mk 82 is the warhead for the GBU-12 laser-guided bombs and for the GBU-38 JDAM.

Currently the Mk 82 bomb body is manufactured by 17 plants worldwide. Currently only the General Dynamics plant in the Garland, Texas is DoD certified to manufacture bombs for the US Armed Forces.

The Mk 82 is currently undergoing a minor redesign to allow it to meet the insensitive munitions requirements set by Congress.

Variants

BLU-111/B- Mk 82 loaded with PBXN-109 (vs H-6); item weighs 480 lbs. PBXN-109 is a less sensitive explosive filler. The BLU-111/B also is the warhead of the A-1 version of the Joint Stand-Off Weapon JSOW.

BLU-111A/B- Used by the U.S. Navy, this is the BLU-111/B with a thermal-protective coating added to reduce cook-off in (fuel-related) fires.

BLU-126/B- Designed following a U.S. Navy request to lower collateral damage in air strikes. Delivery of this type will start no later than March 2007. Also known as the Low Collateral Damage Bomb (LCDB), it is a BLU-111 with a smaller explosive charge. Non-explosive filler is added to retain the weight of the BLU-111 so as to give it the same trajectory when dropped.

M129 Leaflet Bomb (Bomb)

The M129 is capable of holding approximately 60,000 to 80,000 leaflets and is dropped from fixed wing aircraft including B-52s, F-16s, F-18s and A-6s. The bombs explode at a lower altitude through the use of a timer allowing the rolled leaflets to be released and scattered.

General Electric J85 (Engine)

The General Electric J85 is a small single-shaft turbojet engine. Military versions produce up to 2,950 lbf (18 kN) of thrust dry, afterburning variants can reach up to 5,000 lbf (22 kN). The engine, depending upon additional equipment and specific model, weighs between 300 to 500 pounds (140 kg to 230 kg), giving it the highest thrust-to-weight ratio of any production turbojet in the world. It is one of GE's most successful and longest in service military jet engines, the civilian versions having logged over 16.5 million hours of operation. The United States Air Force plans to continue using the J85 in aircraft through 2040. Civilian models, known as the CJ610, are similar but supplied without an afterburner, while the CJ700 adds an uncommon rear-mounted fan for improved fuel economy.

General characteristics

• Type: Afterburning turbojet engine
• Length: 45.4 to 51.1 inches (depending on accessory equipment installed)
• Diameter: 17.7 inches
• Dry weight: 396 - 421 pounds (depending on accessory equipment installed)

Components

• Compressor: 8 stages (9 in J85-21)
• Combustors: annular
• Turbine: 2 stages

Performance

• Thrust: 2850 - 3100 lbf thrust (dry)
• Specific fuel consumption: 0.96 - 0.97
• Thrust-to-weight ration: 7.5(-21),6.6(-5),6.8(-13),7(-15)