"U.S. Army plans to use blimps JLENS system to protect..." Topic
13 Posts
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Tango01 | 19 Dec 2014 12:05 p.m. PST |
…Washington D.C. against cruise missiles. "The U.S. Army plans to launch two stationary blimps next week to better protect the Washington, D.C. area from cruise missiles and other possible air attacks. The aerostat, part of the "Joint Land Attack Cruise Missile Defense Elevated Netted Sensor" system, referred to as JLENS for short, is a nearly 250-foot blimp-like vehicle that will stay aloft for a three-year evaluation period. Experiences in Operation Iraqi Freedom demonstrated that even conventional cruise missiles with limited reach could have disruptive tactical effects, in the hands of a determined enemy. Meanwhile, the proliferation of cruise missiles and associated components, combined with a falling technology curve for biological, chemical, or even nuclear agents, is creating longer-term hazards on a whole new scale. Intelligence agencies and analysts believe that the threat of U.S. cities coming under cruise missile attack from ships off the coast is real, and evolving. The JLENS is designed and manufactured by the American Company Raytheon. JLENS, which is short for Joint Land Attack Cruise Missile Defense Elevated Netted Sensor System, is a system of two aerostats, or tethered airships, that float 10,000 feet in the air. The helium filled aerostats, each nearly as long as a football field, carry powerful radars that can protect a territory roughly the size of Texas from airborne threats…"
Main page link Amicalement Armand |
Stryderg | 19 Dec 2014 12:56 p.m. PST |
Wouldn't a small rocket be able to punch a few holes in the blimp, dropping the defenses and allowing a follow up cruise missile to get through? What about a cruise missile that fires the small rocket, then circles for a while? I'm sure they've thought of that, though. |
gamershs | 19 Dec 2014 1:30 p.m. PST |
I suspect that if the blimp is shot at/down this would trigger a warning which is what this system is for. The idea is that it is a long term warning system and the air force would get aircraft up if it were triggered. As far as circling cruse missiles – another name for them are target practice. |
Lion in the Stars | 19 Dec 2014 1:37 p.m. PST |
A cruise missile able to fire a small rocket to take down a blimp at 10k feet and then circle a while is a very sophisticated thing. It's about the technical equivalent of a Tactical Tomahawk, which is cutting-edge US tech. That's not something that a terrorist group could easily bodge together. So the threat back to the launching organization is different (coming in nuclear flavors). I suspect that the blimps are also cold enough to not be easily tracked via MANPADS. |
OSchmidt | 19 Dec 2014 1:47 p.m. PST |
You miss the point The Blimp will not contribute to global warming, and you can give the kiddies rides on it . |
Legion 4 | 19 Dec 2014 2:53 p.m. PST |
I saw this on CNN today. The US ARMY has been working on this Blimp-tech for some time. Flown high out of terrorist/insurgent ADA range, knowledge and sight. It can loiter for a long time. And most likely carry a number of loads like US drones can. Can be used for Early Warning, Recon/Surveillance and Weapons Strikes. If it flies, like with the first drones a few years back, you will eventually put a weapon of it. Soon in the near future, not only Daish, AQ, Talis, etc. will continue to be "Droned" … but "Blimped" as well … |
Mako11 | 19 Dec 2014 3:47 p.m. PST |
Hmmm, those will make interesting obstacles for jet airliners, I suspect. |
Charlie 12 | 19 Dec 2014 6:13 p.m. PST |
Definitely something to keep well away from any air corridors. Didn't DHS or the Border Patrol fool around with the same idea for providing coverage against airborne drug smugglers? |
Lion in the Stars | 19 Dec 2014 7:13 p.m. PST |
Hmmm, those will make interesting obstacles for jet airliners, I suspect. They're a good 8000 feet below airliner cruising altitude, though DC is in a ginormous fustercluck of air routes. |
tuscaloosa | 19 Dec 2014 7:41 p.m. PST |
I'm trying really hard to think of what potential enemy might fire cruise missiles with limited range at Washington DC, but I can't think of a one. And why fire them from ships when you can load the ship with a tactical nuke, and sail it right into harbor? |
Legion 4 | 19 Dec 2014 9:28 p.m. PST |
Frankly I think the anti-cruise missile mission is a bit of disinformation. And will actually be used more for Surveillance … but I could be wrong … |
Mako11 | 21 Dec 2014 4:59 p.m. PST |
Hmmmm, I can see the headlines now. One of our blimps is missing, creating a huge air traffic control "no-go" zone around it, until the fighters can be scrambled to shoot it down. I suspect this is in response to those Russian bomber sorties, carrying cruise missiles, as well as worries that other nations like Iran, NK, etc. might put some aboard a cargo vessel. Legion may be correct though, to allay any fears over more government spying. Big Brother is here. |
Legion 4 | 22 Dec 2014 8:50 a.m. PST |
Some gals may have to stop sun bathing sans bikini, etc. on roof tops and such though … |
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