The other meaning of FOB

[unixronin]

According to the Reg, DARPA is working on a conventional-warhead fractional-orbital bombardment system that can be fired from a Mk.41 vertical-launch tube.  If the tech can be made to work (and the SM-3 Standard's existing capabilities argue that it probably can), the new ArcLight program (yes, they re-used the name) could theoretically enable the US to put a 100lb precision-guided warhead anywhere in the world on thirty minutes' notice.

Comments

FOB Old Idea

[ratseal.livejournal.com]

One of the problems, heck really the *only* deal killer is a conventionally armed FOB system is indistinguishable from a nuke. Several of the scenarios for the start of open hostilities start with a FOB EMP strike across the enemies sensor suite and infrastructure. The targeted country is then forced into a very rapid 'use it or lose it' scenario for their own weapons.

I saw a proposal for a similar system that could put a reinforced company of asault troops anywhere in 180 minutes - basically a suborbital spaceplane - the limiting factor was the level of acceptable acceleration.

Re: FOB Old Idea

[unixronin.livejournal.com]

Sure, it's an old idea ... basically dates back to the Nazi skip-bomber idea.

One of the problems, heck really the *only* deal killer is a conventionally armed FOB system is indistinguishable from a nuke.

Well, to a point. It would necessarily produce a very similar radar, visual and IR track. Once it lands, though, it's going to be pretty clear it was a conventional warhead. At this point in time, as far as we know, only the US and Russia have the probable capability to intercept an incoming FOB warhead.

I saw a proposal for a similar system that could put a reinforced company of asault troops anywhere in 180 minutes - basically a suborbital spaceplane - the limiting factor was the level of acceptable acceleration.

Yeah, I think I probably saw the same article. Wasn't it in one of the Popular Wild Speculation magazines a while back...?

[shadowcat48li.livejournal.com]

interesting, they're already using a 4 shot Evolved Sea Sparrow cluster to fire from the SM series tubes in the Mk.41 VLS

[perspicuity.livejournal.com]

course, they could put ANY kind of payload in such a thing, and deliver it... diet coke... pathogens... a really nasty exploding burrowing flechete thing for mini-coups... hunting elk... killing whales... sinking drug running boats :>

AND deny they had anyone in the area at the time.

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[house-pundit.livejournal.com]

AT&T cell phones.

o/~ Reach out, reach out and touch someone... o/~

BOOM!!!

ooops. They were the Mossad's AT&T cell phones.

Oh well.

o/~ Reach out... o/~