19FortyFive

The year 1945 was pivotal for people around the world. For many, it marks the conclusion of World War II. For others, it signifies the dawn of the atomic age. Additionally, it is often seen as a time when many significant wartime, political, and economic changes occurred, leading to the rise of U.S. influence on the global stage. After years of focusing on regional defense, we revived our mission during the challenging times of the Coronavirus pandemic in 2020.

National

English

Online/Digital

Outlet metrics

Domain Authority

Ranking

Global

#20498

United States

#7442

Law and Government/National Security

#19

Traffic sources

Monthly visitors

Articles

F-16XL Fighter Has a Message for the U.S. Military

1 day ago | 19fortyfive.com | Brent M. Eastwood

Key Points – The F-16XL, an experimental derivative of the F-16 developed in the early 1980s, featured a radical cranked-arrow delta wing that nearly doubled the wing area of the standard model. -This design allowed for twice the payload and significantly greater range. -Two prototypes, built by General Dynamics with NASA assistance for the Air Force’s Enhanced Tactical Fighter competition (to replace the F-111), showcased these enhanced capabilities.
The Air Force's 'New' B-52J Bomber Won't Fly Until 2033 and Is Now Way Over Budget

2 days ago | 19fortyfive.com | Brent M. Eastwood

Key Points: The US Air Force’s crucial B-52J radar modernization program has triggered a “significant” Nunn-McCurdy cost breach, with costs reportedly rising 17% above baseline, exceeding the 15% threshold. -Making matters worse, the new bomber won’t fly until 2033. -This necessitates formal congressional notification by May 24th and places the upgrade—replacing the B-52’s obsolete AN/APQ-166 radar with Raytheon’s AN/APQ-188 AESA system—under intense scrutiny.
Who Has the Fastest Hypersonic Missile? Russia, China, or America?

2 days ago | 19fortyfive.com | Brent M. Eastwood

Key Points – While Russia and China surged ahead early in the hypersonic weapons race, recent American advances are quickly closing the gap. -Russia’s Mach-8 Zircon missile and China’s DF-17 previously dominated headlines, but the U.S. Army and Navy are now successfully testing hypersonic glide vehicles and scramjet-powered cruise missiles.
'Stunning Breakthrough' Could Allow B-1B Lancer Bombers to Carry 36 Hypersonic Missiles

2 days ago | 19fortyfive.com | Brent M. Eastwood

Key Points – The B-1B Lancer, a Cold War-era bomber scheduled for retirement by 2036, could see a dramatic revival as a hypersonic missile platform. -Recent Air Force testing explores equipping the bomber with Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missiles, leveraging modular pylons that allow it to carry up to 36 hypersonics simultaneously. -This capability significantly extends the bomber’s combat relevance, enabling swift, powerful strikes at speeds exceeding Mach 5.
The Biggest Threat to The U.S. Military Might Be Over (Not Russia or China)

2 days ago | 19fortyfive.com | Steve Balestrieri

After years of missing recruiting goals, sometimes as much as 25 percent for the Army, military recruiting across the board is up. In early February, the US Army Recruiting Command (USAREC) announced its best December in 15 years, enlisting 346 soldiers daily. By the end of Fiscal Year (FY) 2024, the Army also met its goal of recruiting 55,000 new active-duty soldiers.
The Royal Navy's Astute-Class Submarine Has a Message for Russia's Stealth Subs

2 days ago | 19fortyfive.com | Steve Balestrieri

Key Points – The Royal Navy urgently needs its Astute-class submarines to maintain naval dominance amidst global threats like those from Russia’s undersea forces. -Built by BAE Systems and powered by advanced Rolls-Royce nuclear reactors, these submarines feature remarkable stealth, agility, and striking power.
Too Expensive? The 'New' B-52J Bomber Is Sending An 'SOS' to the U.S. Air Force

2 days ago | 19fortyfive.com | Steve Balestrieri

Key Points – The U.S. Air Force’s modernization of the iconic B-52 bomber into the B-52J is running into major hurdles, triggering a Nunn-McCurdy cost breach due to expensive radar upgrades. -Intended to keep the bomber operational into its 100th year alongside the stealthy B-21 Raider, the modernization includes radar and engine enhancements. -However, significant cost overruns in Raytheon’s radar modernization program (RMP) could force Congress to slash the number of upgraded bombers.
USS Forrestal 'Supercarrier': The US Navy Aircraft Carrier That Broke All the Rules

3 days ago | 19fortyfive.com | Kris Osborn

Key Points – Today’s advanced U.S. Navy aircraft carriers trace their origins to the groundbreaking USS Forrestal (CVA-59), the first supercarrier launched in the 1950s. -Forrestal introduced critical innovations, such as the angled flight deck, steam catapults, and the optical landing system, enabling safer, more efficient jet fighter operations. -Nicknamed “First in Defense,” the carrier operated across global theaters before retiring in 1993.
The Walls Are Closing in on the F-22 Raptor Fighter

3 days ago | 19fortyfive.com | Kris Osborn

Key Points – The U.S. Air Force’s F-22 Raptor remains arguably the world’s finest air dominance fighter, yet only 185 were produced—far fewer than initially planned. -Early termination resulted from short-sighted budget decisions following the Cold War’s end, similarly impacting other critical platforms like the B-2 bomber and Seawolf submarine. -Unlike the widely exported F-35, the F-22 was restricted to U.S.-only use due to classified technologies, limiting production and raising costs.
Limitless Upgrades: The Navy's Virginia-Class Submarine Has a Secret Weapon

3 days ago | 19fortyfive.com | Kris Osborn

Key Points – The U.S. Navy’s Virginia-class attack submarines have continuously advanced with each new “Block,” introducing game-changing capabilities without requiring entirely new hull designs. Block III boats feature computerized fly-by-wire navigation, advanced bow sonars, improved stealth coatings, and enhanced special operations facilities. -Block V submarines further extend capabilities by significantly increasing Tomahawk missile capacity with additional Virginia Payload Modules.