This paper presents a high-performance, fully passive athermalized long-wave infrared (LWIR) optical system for military and aerospace use. The design transitions from a paraxial framework to a realistic thick-lens configuration for high-fidelity optimization. The resulting system comprises only three lens elements and a single aspherical surface, achieving an aggressive aperture of f/1.2 and a 100 mm focal length. Rigorous evaluation via Zemax demonstrates that the design maintains near-diffraction-limited image quality and exceptional uniformity across an ultra-wide operational temperature range from −30 °C to 100 °C. By eliminating the need for active focusing mechanisms, this compact and lightweight solution offers superior reliability for long-range surveillance and aerial reconnaissance in extreme environments.
This paper discusses two special approaches developed by the author to assess the similarity and functional capabilities of a free-flying, dynamically similar model (FDSM) in the design of aircraft flight dynamics modelling. When implementing the first approach, the motion of the FDSM is constantly influenced by the control laws of the FDSM Automatic Control System (ACS), similar to those of a real aircraft, or it simulates the pilot’s behavior of the aircraft itself. The second approach assumes the failure of aviation equipment (including ACS), the loss of flight crew capability, and the aircraft entering critical or dangerous uncontrolled flight modes. The re-sults of calculations for FDSM in real design are considered as an approbation of the obtained determining conditions.
This paper investigates the superplastic behavior of AA6061 aluminum alloy processed by cyclic expansion-extrusion, a severe plastic deformation method producing ultrafine-grained structures. Cylindrical specimens underwent up to four cyclic expansion–extrusion cycles at room temperature. The average grain size decreased from ~100 μm (annealed state) to 5–6 μm after four cycles, with nearly 75 % higher and more homogeneous microhardness. The refined microstructure fulfils conditions for superplasticity dominated by grain boundary sliding at elevated temperatures. Tensile tests showed a maximum elongation of ~330 % at 530 °C and strain rate 10−3s−1, with a low maximum flow stress of 9.5 MPa. The results confirm cyclic expansion–extrusion as an effective route to enhance microhardness and enable superplastic forming of lightweight AA6061 alloys.
This paper presents an open conceptual design of a multi-mission tactical quadcopter addressing payload limitations in existing commercial loitering munitions. Using Components-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) components, the design achieves 400–600 g payload capacity – a 120 % increase over commercial alternatives – enabling compatibility with standard military ordnance such as the Indonesian GT5-PEA2 defensive grenade (430 g). The modular design supports three mission profiles: ISR, payload delivery, and kamikaze operations, with a foldable configuration stowing within 180 mm for infantry portability. The ISR configuration achieves 30 min endurance and 6 790 m range. Unit production cost of 774 USD represents a 68% reduction versus commercial alternatives. Complete design documentation is publicly available to accelerate collaborative development.
Modern warfare is shaped by a convergence of digital connectivity, multi-domain operations, and persistent cyber threats, which undermine information reliability and command and control coherence. This article develops a theoretical framework that reconceptualizes Network-Centric Warfare as a socio-technical system composed of four interdependent layers: cognitive, organizational, technological, and cyber. Drawing on cyber warfare research, chaos theory, and knowledge management, it explains how forces can sustain decision advantage when contested networks degrade, misinform, and cascade failures across units. The framework challenges classical NCW assumptions of stable networks, trustworthy information, transparent operational pictures, and advances an integrated model with research propositions linking cyber resilience and network redundancy to organizational adaptability and cognitive performance. It informs future design of C4ISR and multinational cyber cooperation.
