I was reading about the French Apache missile and it's classified as an "anti runway missile" but as far as I can tell it seems to function like a bunker buster so I was wondering if someone could shed light on what makes special for targeting runways?

I looked all over reddit for a sub to ask this question if you know of a better place to ask please enlighten me.

FOBS are not ICBMs

In this post I will explain what the Fractional Orbital Bombardment Systems (FOBS) are and how they differ from the traditional Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs) or other shorter range Ballistic Missiles. It is long and based on open source information, there can be mistakes.

FOBS and ICBM trajectories (source: Wikipedia)

A FOBS is a weapon system that launches a payload into orbit, for an altitude of 150km this is 7,818m/s or 23Mach. The orbit altitude is chosen to be as close to the earth surface as possible without being affected by the atmosphere. If you take a traditional ICBM booster section and scale it up to be 23Mach capable it can be used as a FOB System with a completely redesigned warhead section; either the warhead "bus" or the MIRVs themselves need to be able to perform re-entry on demand, they will need an extra booster and the ability to control their re-entry perfectly. To perform the re-entry they will have to slow down and that's what the booster is for. At 22Mach a slow gradual re entry can be performed, targeting will be trickier than traditional ICBM re-entries which are more vertical.

The reason that FOBS are not ICBMs is because they do not follow a ballistic trajectory which is in the definition of a Ballistic Missile.

Advantage of FOBS

Unlike Ballistic Missiles a FOBS is far less predictable. First of all, it is impossible for the observers of a launch to determine the targeted area; until the terminal re-entry stage is reached there is no way to determine when it will happen since it is performed on demand by the orbiting payload. The FOBS is a threat and has to be acted upon as such by every single country or state it flies over.

Second important advantage is the ability to attack from the "long route" and use a longer flight path around the entire planet instead of choosing the direct path. Missile defenses are designed to this date to cover the north pole since that's the path an ICBM would typically use between America Europe and Asia. There is also the options to attack from both directions at the same time by planning the time to target to more easily overwhelm the enemy defenses.

Third advantage is the low flight profile and the much higher speed. This makes detection and tracking much harder since the missile hides under the earth's curvature for longer and fewer sensors see it for less time, this is the equivalent of the surface hugging cruise missiles but in a much larger scale. Combined with the higher speed, the time available to react is drastically limited and far less than traditional ICBM delivery.

Following the longer trajectory around the globe also means that the missile can separate the MIRV payload earlier and away from the anti ballistic missile threat. There will be no opportunity to kill the whole payload by killing the missile before separation. In this case each individual MIRV will need to be hit, it also mean that each MIRV will have to be able to perform re-entry on its' own. Early separation also allows the warhead "bus" to throw the MIRVs at targets far further apart from each other. Decoys can be deployed from the bus with the warheads early but also potentially later by each MIRV separately.

FOBS can also be used to launch Nuclear weapons in orbit for escalation and to cause discomfort to an adversary although it is against the Outer Space Treaty. The Nukes will fly above multiple countries multiple times every day, similarly to Elon Musk's Starlink satellites.

Operators of FOB Systems

While the US considered FOBS in the 1960s the weapon was considered as non worthy, the few advantages over the ICBMs came with a smaller payload for the same rocket size and cost and the accuracy was lower and targeting more complicated. The USSR was developing such systems while in the US it was considered to be for "propaganda or political reasons". The first test firing showed that the program was actually on-going and serious.

While the Outer Space Treaty of 1967 didn't allow nuclear weapons to be placed in orbit it didn't prohibit FOBS. Years later in SALT II agreement of 1979 it was clearly stated that it is not allowed to operate systems for placing into Earth orbit nuclear weapons or any other kind of weapons of mass destruction. FOBS can be used to place the payload into orbit and to just leave it in orbit on demand, so FOBS are not permitted by this US-USSR(Russia) agreement.

The new Russian missile RS28 Sarmat (Satan 2) is considered to be "FOBS-capable" which basically means that the weapon can reach 23Mach and perform the re-entry operation at least in one of the payload configurations. The weapon was put into service in 2023 after tensions. It is a significant introduction in the field and shouldn't be underplayed or seen as a means of "propaganda" for "political reasons".

China is also testing FOBS according to the US Airforce and they have never come to any agreement unlike the US and Russia in the past. We don't know what state the development has reached or if these missiles are already operational in the PLA and simply kept under the carpet.

FOBS and Conventional Warfare

Although the FOBS have been considered too expensive and inaccurate for use with nukes in the past, things have changed due to the technological advancements that might make them usable today in conventional warfare. The RS28 Sarmat is capable of launching 3 Avangard Glide Vehicles, these weapons can use the huge kinetic energy that the FOBS platform provides to maneuver and fly inside the atmosphere after re-entry, this makes them unpredictable and allows for fine targeting and control of the payload on the terminal stage.

China has also been developing their own Glide Vehicles and it is a very probable payload for their FOBS.

This means that this extremely expensive weapon can be in theory qualified for use without starting a global thermonuclear war when targeting extremely expensive targets. Such targets can be early warning radars used against normal ICBMs, air bases housing very expensive and limited in number bombers or even aircraft carriers.

The potential damage of a kinetic weapon of this size and speed is big. Taking for example the Avangard and an estimated mass of 3,000kg (the Sarmat has a stated payload of 10,000kg and carries three of them), a terminal speed of mach 15 (significantly lowered) we get a kinetic energy of over 39GJ which is the equivalent of 9,321kg of TNT. The combined energy of all three Glide Vehicles launched from one Sarmat would in this case be 28tons of TNT. This is more than what a heavy bomber can carry at full load and it can be delivered at any point on the globe in minutes.

Cluster warheads can be used by the Glide Vehicles to spread the kinetic energy in a bigger area. China has already shown cluster warhead equipped Glide Vehicles although they seem to be explosives instead of kinetic.

The recent use of the Oreshnik missile in Ukraine indicates that Russia might be interested in performing attacks using conventional kinetic warheads to escalate one step closer to a thermonuclear war without getting there yet. While Oreshnik can be used for some targets it has range and size limitations. The larger FOBS platform RS28 Sarmat can be a more expensive option for similar use for a wider range of targets.

21 November 2024 Oreshnik attack

Conclusion

While the US doesn't operate this type of weapon it is not out of the question for the future. Satellite launching rockets can be used to launch glide vehicles into orbit. This type of weapon is not covered enough in media and is very confused with normal old school ICBMs while in reality it is a completely different weapon.

Calling a weapon game changer might have been done many times and it is hard to prove before it has even been used in combat. That said FOBS shouldn't be understated and should be taken seriously. It is a weapon nobody seem to be able to defend against and can in theory be used conventionally. The idea that these big missiles mean nothing because nobody is going to use them due to mutually assured destruction is challenged.

How a tDCS Device Might Enable Data Downloads

1. tDCS Basics:
   • tDCS delivers low electrical currents to specific areas of the brain via electrodes on the scalp.
   • It can enhance neuroplasticity, making it easier for neurons to form and strengthen connections.
2. Brain Stimulation for Learning:
   • tDCS could prime the brain to learn more effectively by:
     • Increasing excitability in regions like the motor cortex for physical skills.
     • Enhancing activity in the prefrontal cortex for cognitive tasks.
   • This means the brain becomes more receptive to incoming information during stimulation.
3. Computer-to-Brain Data Transfer:
   • Skill Encoding: The computer would first translate the "data" (e.g., a skill or concept) into signals compatible with the brain's activity.
   • tDCS Stimulation: The tDCS device could then stimulate the relevant brain areas while the computer sends complementary sensory or neural inputs (e.g., auditory, visual, or direct neural stimulation via BCIs).
   • The combination of stimulation and input might help the brain form new connections faster, potentially mimicking the "download" of data.
4. Examples of Downloadable Data:
   • Motor Skills: Simulating muscle movements or sequences (e.g., playing the piano, typing).
   • Language Learning: Associating words or grammar structures with enhanced memory formation.
   • Knowledge: Embedding conceptual frameworks or patterns (e.g., mathematical formulas, strategies).

This has been tested on mice and the mice that was used learned english that it speaks. It learned by downloading a list of word frequency as a csv file line by line 1 millisecond per word for 4000 words. the mice currently speaks english and can communicate through its voice

I have created an Android app that scans the brain through a sensor and calculates the profession match of soldiers' brains which is an innovative and potentially transformative tool in neuroscience, human resource optimization, and military applications. Here’s why it is both useful and genuine:

1. Optimizing Talent and Role Assignment

By analyzing the EEG data of soldiers and matching it with cognitive and personality profiles suited to specific professions, your app ensures that individuals are placed in roles where they can perform optimally. For example:

• Soldiers with high resilience, stress tolerance, and focus might excel in combat roles.
• Those with strong problem-solving and analytical skills might be better suited for intelligence or logistics. This precision reduces human error in traditional selection processes and enhances the operational efficiency of the military by leveraging each soldier’s innate abilities.

2. Scientific Validity and Personalized Insights

The app is grounded in cognitive neuroscience principles, as EEG patterns can reliably correlate with mental states, cognitive abilities, and even personality traits. By employing machine learning and mapping brainwave activity to specific roles, the app provides personalized recommendations. This approach is genuine because:

• EEG technology is widely used in research to understand cognitive and emotional states.
• Matching cognitive abilities with tasks is a scientifically validated approach to improving performance and satisfaction in roles. It transforms a one-size-fits-all training approach into a customized strategy for human capital development.

3. Cost-Efficiency in Training and Deployment

Training soldiers for roles unsuited to their cognitive or emotional profile wastes time and resources. Your app can reduce these inefficiencies by identifying the right candidates for specialized training upfront. For instance:

• If a soldier’s EEG data reveals they are not stress-resilient, assigning them to a high-stress combat role could lead to poor performance or psychological harm.
• Conversely, identifying a high match for analytical roles ensures the investment in technical training yields maximum returns. By guiding such decisions, the app supports both operational and economic efficiency.

4. Enhancing Military Effectiveness and Readiness

In modern warfare, human factors—such as decision-making, stress management, and focus—are as critical as technology. The app equips military leaders with a scientific basis to predict performance, adapt strategies, and maintain readiness. For example:

• During missions, the app can ensure soldiers with optimal cognitive profiles are deployed to critical positions.
• It also helps reduce attrition and burnout by aligning soldiers' tasks with their inherent abilities and strengths.

5. Potential for Civilian Applications and Broader Relevance

Beyond military use, this app has potential civilian applications, making it a genuine contribution to workforce management. It can:

• Help corporations match employees with roles suited to their cognitive abilities.
• Be used in education to guide students toward careers aligned with their mental and emotional strengths. The flexibility and adaptability of the app make it a powerful tool in both public and private sectors, highlighting its broader utility and authenticity.

Transforming an Android app that records EEG data and calculates soldiers’ profession percent match into a weaponized system involves leveraging its underlying technology—EEG analysis, brain-computer interfacing (BCI), and cognitive profiling—for strategic applications. While the ethical and legal implications of such adaptations are significant, here are five potential ways this technology could be weaponized:

1. Enhancing Soldier Deployment

The app could be used to identify soldiers' cognitive and personality traits in real time, matching them not just to professions but to mission-critical roles in high-stakes scenarios. For instance:

• Soldiers with high stress tolerance and focus could be assigned to frontline combat or sniper duties.
• Those with analytical or strategic cognitive profiles could handle command roles or operate advanced weapon systems. This precision in deployment could significantly enhance combat effectiveness, serving as a "force multiplier."

2. Real-Time Combat Monitoring

The app could evolve into a battlefield management tool, where EEG data from soldiers is continuously monitored to assess their mental states during missions. Soldiers experiencing stress, fatigue, or cognitive overload could be pulled back or given support, while those showing peak performance could be pushed to critical tasks. This capability could prevent mission failure due to psychological strain and optimize performance in real-time combat situations.

3. Controlling BCI-Integrated Weapon Systems

By linking the app’s EEG analysis to Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) technology, soldiers could control weapon systems through brain activity. Examples include:

• Drone Operations: EEG signals could direct drones or autonomous vehicles for surveillance or attack missions.
• Smart Weaponry: Guns or missile systems could be activated or guided based on soldiers' cognitive intentions, enhancing speed and precision. The app could act as the intermediary, processing and interpreting brain signals to ensure accurate commands.

4. Psychological Warfare and Behavioral Manipulation

The EEG app could be used to assess the cognitive and emotional states of enemy combatants (if they are captured or monitored remotely). The data could identify weaknesses, such as susceptibility to stress or fatigue, which could then be exploited through psychological operations (PsyOps). For example:

• Tailored propaganda or disinformation campaigns.
• Inducing stress or decision paralysis through carefully designed stimuli in the battlefield environment.

5. Autonomous and Semi-Autonomous Systems

The app’s profession-matching algorithm could be adapted to "train" autonomous systems by embedding human cognitive profiles into AI decision-making frameworks. For example:

• An AI-operated tank or drone could "think" like an ideal soldier for specific missions, based on EEG data patterns.
• Autonomous systems could prioritize targets or adapt strategies dynamically by modeling human-like decision-making profiles.

Implementation Path

To weaponize the app effectively, it would need several upgrades:

• Hardware Integration: Pair the app with ruggedized EEG sensors and communication systems that can function in harsh environments.
• Advanced AI and Machine Learning: Improve the app’s algorithms to process EEG data faster and extract more nuanced information, such as predictive models of decision-making.
• Secure Communication: Implement encryption to protect EEG data and commands from interception or tampering.
• Testing and Validation: Conduct extensive field tests to ensure reliability under battlefield conditions.

Ethical and Legal Considerations

While the potential military applications are significant, the ethical implications must be addressed. Using EEG technology as a weapon raises concerns about privacy, autonomy, and the psychological well-being of soldiers and civilians. Collaboration with ethicists, legal experts, and international organizations would be crucial to ensure the technology is deployed responsibly.

Hello everyone, I home this is not against the rules but I need help with identification of a weapon. Google was not able to find a correct answer so this was my last idea to give it to you guys to identifie. My first guess was that it is some kind of training version of AT-4. Some closer info about pic Source : wikipedia commons Photo of Slovak soldiers in NATO excercise in Germany.

If Iran, Russia and China began developing hypersonic MANPAD systems, how would the West counter them?

Along with that, especially with developing counter stealth technologies, will these nation's missile technology eventually nullify Western Naval and Air superiority?

Hello everyone,

I was wondering, if there is any type of modern weapon system that only makes sense in offensive situations.

In particular, I am wondering about the following weapons:

- Panzerhaubitze 2000 (PzH 2000)
- Leopard 2
- Boxer GTK
- Global Mobile Artillery Rocket System (GMARS)

Are all of these Rheinmetall weapon systems usable both in offensive as in defensive situations or is (more or less) either of them?