f-35 jsf

Matt308 · 12-11-2006, 11:10 AM

I wasn't gonna say anything. It's not like the UK is the only country to delve into STOVL technologies.

Bf109_g · 12-11-2006, 03:16 PM

Hi guys!

I was just thinking. If the F-35 JSF is brought by the USAF, does that mean the Tomcats, Eagles, Falcons and Hornets would all be replaced??

James.

mkloby · 12-11-2006, 04:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bf109_g

Hi guys!

I was just thinking. If the F-35 JSF is brought by the USAF, does that mean the Tomcats, Eagles, Falcons and Hornets would all be replaced??

James.

F-14s are already out w/ the USN. USAF is replacing F-16s and A-10s, plus others I think w/ the F-35, and the F-15 is supposed to be replaced by the F-22 eventually.

Glider · 12-12-2006, 05:10 AM

I suspect that some of the F15's will be replaced by F-35 simply because they are not buying enough F-22's.

Matt308 · 12-12-2006, 10:01 AM

EA-18 Growler will be around for quite some time with the new ICAP III technology. F-18s will still serve as the dumptruck and fleet point defense.

F-16s will likely be relegated to ANG over a phased change over to F-35. F-15Es will remain for quite some time along with F-15Cs upgraded with AESA radar. There is even some talk of upgrading F-15s to K version equivalent, though money for that is doubtful at this time. But there is quite a bit of life left on the F-15 airframe. A-10s have just been upgraded with airframe, avionics and precision targeting capability, though they did not fund engine upgrades which were noted as mandatory. A-10s have proven VERY successful and popular for an airframe that was almost phased out over 10 years ago.

F-35 is slated to assume an A-10 type role with directed energy weapons powered from the 40,000lb thrust engines via the transmission coupling. Weapons such as High Power Microwave and Lasers are currently on the drawing board.

davparlr · 12-12-2006, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mkloby

F-14s are already out w/ the USN. USAF is replacing F-16s and A-10s, plus others I think w/ the F-35, and the F-15 is supposed to be replaced by the F-22 eventually.

I am not a fan of replacing the A-10 with the F-35. We had F-86s and F9Fs in Korea and still needed the A-1. In Vietnam we had F-4s, A-7, and A-4s but still needed the A-1, so much so that a new plane was needed, the A-10. The down in the dirt fighting has not changed that much since then. The F-35 will not be hovering around the battlefield giving encouragement (and firepower) to the grunts and depressing the enemy (who is receiving the firepower). The plane continues to prove itself on the modern battlefield. My recommendation, give it to the Army and Marines, I'll bet they would like to have it.

Matt308 · 12-12-2006, 01:50 PM

F-35s are not going to take over the A-10 role. Supplement maybe. Can't afford to shoot down one of those babies in the near term. Last I saw A-10s were slated to be on the books until 2030.

Glider · 12-12-2006, 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davparlr

I am not a fan of replacing the A-10 with the F-35. We had F-86s and F9Fs in Korea and still needed the A-1. In Vietnam we had F-4s, A-7, and A-4s but still needed the A-1, so much so that a new plane was needed, the A-10. The down in the dirt fighting has not changed that much since then. The F-35 will not be hovering around the battlefield giving encouragement (and firepower) to the grunts and depressing the enemy (who is receiving the firepower). The plane continues to prove itself on the modern battlefield. My recommendation, give it to the Army and Marines, I'll bet they would like to have it.

Have to agree with this. Close support is a dangerous game and you can expect to take hits, with this in mind the A-10 has clear advantages as long as you have control of the skies.
As its very unlikely that anyone will be able to challenge the US in air to air combat, the A-10 would get my vote over the F35.

Glider · 12-13-2006, 05:03 PM

Just read that the USA have signed an undertaking with the UK to hand over the technology that we would need to be self supporting iro the F-35.

With this sorted out there shouldn't be any problems completing the purchase assuming that the Chancellor releases the money to pay for it. For those in overseas who may not know, he is most likely to take over from Blair as Prime Minister as does have a well earned reputation for being the ultimate bean counter.

mkloby · 12-13-2006, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Glider

Just read that the USA have signed an undertaking with the UK to hand over the technology that we would need to be self supporting iro the F-35.

With this sorted out there shouldn't be any problems completing the purchase assuming that the Chancellor releases the money to pay for it. For those in overseas who may not know, he is most likely to take over from Blair as Prime Minister as does have a well earned reputation for being the ultimate bean counter.

you can "bean count" the leaps in capabilities this will give you over harriers!