Scandals, intrigues, investigations
Unlike Russian realities, the US nuclear triad is based not on silo-based and mobile-based ground-based complexes, but on submarine ballistic missiles (SLBMs). However, the United States Air Force continues to operate the LGM-30G Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). It is now the only type of ICBM in service with the US Air Force. As of 2008, the Americans had 450 Minuteman III missiles with 550 nuclear warheads.
This is a very serious arsenal, which in itself provides America with the possibility of a guaranteed retaliatory strike in the event of a global war and the subsequent complete destruction of the enemy, even without taking into account the naval component of the nuclear triad in the form of submarines.
The ground-based component of the US nuclear forces is often criticized. Recently, the media reported that in Wyoming, US military personnel were guarding Warren Air Force Base, where Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles with nuclear warheads are located, while under the influence of drugs. They used LSD, ecstasy and cocaine. Some publications even announced a whole "drug syndicate" supplying the American military. At the same time, during the proceedings, they themselves admitted that they could not fulfill their direct tasks, being under the influence of drugs. It is also noteworthy that the scandal erupted against the background of President Donald Trump's call to "strengthen the country's nuclear shield", which was caused by tensions with North Korea.
Anything happens, of course, but for some reason such an incident is difficult to imagine in the case of the crew of one of the Ohio-class nuclear submarines. Or with the servicemen who are guarding these boats.
In general, it is not surprising that one of the main problems that periodically "pop up" in the media is the issue of the security of the Minutemans. Experts, among other things, draw attention to the fact that the security teams are using UH-1N Huey helicopters. This is a deep modification of the Bell UH-1N Twin Huey, which was actively used during the Vietnam War. In those days, the car was optimal for such purposes, but now it is morally outdated in many important indicators, such as speed. No one is torn to use the promising super-high-speed S-97 helicopters to protect mines. Moreover, they are still not in serial production, just as there are no tasks for such helicopters yet. But the US Air Force does not mind upgrading to the current level.
New time - new solutions
Some details of the competition became known back in 2016. Then the requirements for the new car were announced:
It is worth noting that a number of requirements were classified, although it is unlikely that they were talking about something extraordinary. In general, as it has already become clear, the US Air Force intends to obtain modern helicopters, with the help of which it would be possible to increase the safety of ballistic missiles. Three options claim to win the competition. Sikorsky offers the latest HH-60U Blackhawk helicopters, while European defense giant Leonardo teamed up with Boeing to offer the MH139 helicopter, based on the AW139 multipurpose helicopter.“Designed in Philadelphia, this aircraft is sized to meet US Air Force requirements and save nearly a billion dollars in procurement and 30 years of operation over other helicopters in the tender,” said the vice president and general manager. by David Koopersmith's Boeing Vertical Lift. A third contractor, Sierra Nevada, is offering the decommissioned UH-60A Army Black Hawks, which they intend to upgrade to the state of the art. The updated helicopters will receive new General Electric Aviation T-701D engines, glass cockpits and related new equipment.
Bell Helicopter did not respond to the request due to the availability of resources and the apparent inconsistency of the available solutions with the requirements of the US Air Force. The Bell V-22 Osprey tiltrotor might be suitable for such an important mission as the defense of ballistic missiles, but it is complex, "capricious" and just insanely expensive, even by US standards. Recall that the price of one such aircraft can be compared with the cost of the fifth generation F-35 fighter.
The new helicopters are slated to enter service in 2020. It is not known which option the Air Force will eventually choose. However, knowing the Americans, they are unlikely to skimp on their safety. It is not surprising that experts see the HH-60U as the main candidate for victory. This helicopter, roughly speaking, is a version of the UH-60M rotorcraft, designed specifically to meet the requirements of the US Air Force. Detailed information about the features of the HH-60U can be found on the Lockheed Martin website if desired, although, without a doubt, it has an advertising character and extols the merits of the brainchild of the LM. As for the UH-60M, this aircraft made its first flight in 2008. She received a digital two-channel EDSU Hamilton Sundstrand and a new cockpit. The helicopter was equipped with advanced General Electric T700-701 engines with a digital control system.
Recall that until 1985, the US Army purchased more than 300 UH-60 helicopters, and by the mid-1990s. built more than 2,600 of these machines. The price of a helicopter is highly dependent on the modification. According to available data, one UH-60 as of 2012 could cost about $ 20 million. AW139 as of 2013 costs 12 million dollars, but then it was a civilian version of the helicopter. It goes without saying that MH139 with new equipment can cost at least a third more expensive. Although, as we have already noted, the price is unlikely to be a decisive factor in this case.
Much more important is the other. The victory of one of the proposed Blackhawk modifications seems more likely also because the US armed forces are not only actively, but very actively exploiting the Black Hawk Down. And the desire for unification "at any cost" has already been noticed for the Yankees, which, however, is unreasonable to blame them. Having one model of a tank (albeit of different modifications), one basic military transport helicopter and one main fifth-generation fighter is much better than a motley fleet of different vehicles with dozens of modifications to boot. Even in peacetime, not to mention the war. History has proven this more than once.
