Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning and F-22 'Raptor' : News & Discussion
- Thread starter Nick
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The bays are smaller and the range is less though. That's the main reason it looks better.
OK for the bays. For the range..... nothing official as for now.
About bays, I think the best solution is to have bays for 4 to 6 AAM or maybe 2 SDB like bombs and 2 AAM and that's all. A config usefull for the very first days of a conflict, when you need to destroy the radars, C3I centers etc... After that, you can embark the A to G weapons under the wings. The real interest of bays is to carry AAM every time, and AAM are protected. The "big" bays of F35 are a penalty during peace time (ie 99,9% of the life time of the plane).
A retarding chute is a standard feature on Norwegian Aircraft because we have an operational requirement for airframes to land in conditions like this:
Conditions aren't always that bad, but there is frequently ice on runways so a little added braking doesn't hurt.
Wetness is also a common problem either due to storms, humidity, inversion or snow.
The weather around here is so poor at times that this is considered a "good day". Our aircraft have to be able to operate in these conditions.
At times there's enough snowfall and accumulation to bury your house.
The chutes are now fully integrated and operational on Norwegian F-35ANs, and offered to, but not used by any other nation.
I, as a Indian citizen, have deep respect for your people how they survive in such harsh terrain, Canada & Russia as well(though with huge landmass) and yet your excel with flying marks.A retarding chute is a standard feature on Norwegian Aircraft because we have an operational requirement for airframes to land in conditions like this:
Conditions aren't always that bad, but there is frequently ice on runways so a little added braking doesn't hurt.
Wetness is also a common problem either due to storms, humidity, inversion or snow.
The weather around here is so poor at times that this is considered a "good day". Our aircraft have to be able to operate in these conditions.
At times there's enough snowfall and accumulation to bury your house.
The chutes are now fully integrated and operational on Norwegian F-35ANs, and offered to, but not used by any other nation.
Related but also unrelated, I was watching a documentary on the Apache Gunship on the Smithsonian Channel last night. And at approximately the same stage in its life as the F-35 is at now (1989), the Apache was criticised as an expensive and unreliable machine that cost 5 times as much as the Soviet tanks it was designed to destroy. Food for thought.
Japan selects F-35B for STOVL requirement | Jane's 360
Japan selects F-35B for STOVL requirement
Alessandra Giovanzanti, London - Jane's Defence Weekly
20 August 2019
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The Japanese Ministry of Defense announced on 16 August that it has selected the F-35B variant of the Lockheed Martin Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF), which was the only contender for its short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) requirement.
The procurement of STOVL aircraft and the conversion of the two Izumo-class helicopter carriers to accommodate them were outlined under the 2019–23 Mid-Term Defense Plan (MTDP) published in December 2018.
The document said the STOVL aircraft would “improve air operation capability, particularly on the Pacific side of Japan, where the number of airbases is limited”. It said the plan is to acquire 18 STOVL aircraft alongside 27 conventional take-off F-35As over the five-year period.
Japan selects F-35B for STOVL requirement
Alessandra Giovanzanti, London - Jane's Defence Weekly
20 August 2019
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RSS
The Japanese Ministry of Defense announced on 16 August that it has selected the F-35B variant of the Lockheed Martin Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF), which was the only contender for its short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) requirement.
The procurement of STOVL aircraft and the conversion of the two Izumo-class helicopter carriers to accommodate them were outlined under the 2019–23 Mid-Term Defense Plan (MTDP) published in December 2018.
The document said the STOVL aircraft would “improve air operation capability, particularly on the Pacific side of Japan, where the number of airbases is limited”. It said the plan is to acquire 18 STOVL aircraft alongside 27 conventional take-off F-35As over the five-year period.
Poland cleared to buy F-35 fleet
Poland cleared to buy F-35 fleet
By: Aaron Mehta 23 hours ago
2.5K53
Poland wants 32 F-35A models to replace its legacy Russian fleet of fighters. (Tech. Sgt. Matthew Plew/U.S. Air Force)
WASHINGTON — The U.S. State Department has OK’d Poland to buy the F-35, America’s most advanced fighter, setting up the country as the newest customer for the fifth-generation jet.
The proposed order covers 32 of the conventional-takeoff-and-landing F-35A variants, with an estimated price tag of $6.5 billion, according to a Wednesday announcement on the website of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency. As with all DSCA notifications, quantities and dollar figures can change during negotiations.
While Congress can still act to block the sale, it’s expected to run smoothly through Capitol Hill.
“This proposed sale of F-35s will provide Poland with a credible defense capability to deter aggression in the region and ensure interoperability with U.S. forces,” the DSCA announcement reads. “The proposed sale will augment Poland’s operational aircraft inventory and enhance its air-to-air and air-to-ground self-defense capability.”
Poland formally sent its request for the F-35 in May with the goal of replacing its legacy MiG-29 and Su-22 fleets. Procuring the F-35 is part of a broader defense modernization effort from Warsaw, which will see the country spend $47 billion by 2026 on new equipment.
Poland cleared to buy F-35 fleet
By: Aaron Mehta 23 hours ago
2.5K53
WASHINGTON — The U.S. State Department has OK’d Poland to buy the F-35, America’s most advanced fighter, setting up the country as the newest customer for the fifth-generation jet.
The proposed order covers 32 of the conventional-takeoff-and-landing F-35A variants, with an estimated price tag of $6.5 billion, according to a Wednesday announcement on the website of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency. As with all DSCA notifications, quantities and dollar figures can change during negotiations.
While Congress can still act to block the sale, it’s expected to run smoothly through Capitol Hill.
“This proposed sale of F-35s will provide Poland with a credible defense capability to deter aggression in the region and ensure interoperability with U.S. forces,” the DSCA announcement reads. “The proposed sale will augment Poland’s operational aircraft inventory and enhance its air-to-air and air-to-ground self-defense capability.”
Poland formally sent its request for the F-35 in May with the goal of replacing its legacy MiG-29 and Su-22 fleets. Procuring the F-35 is part of a broader defense modernization effort from Warsaw, which will see the country spend $47 billion by 2026 on new equipment.
Lockheed Martin Continues Advanced EOTS Development - Sep 17, 2019
Lockheed Martin Continues Advanced EOTS Development
The company estimates Advanced EOTS will save over $1 billion in life cycle cost
BETHESDA, Md., Sept. 17, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) has continued development of its Advanced Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS), which offers crystal clear resolution, unmatched multi-spectral range and significant cost savings for the F-35 Lightning II.
Advanced EOTS includes a larger aperture and provides pilots with multi-spectral sensing options such as high-resolution Mid-Wave IR, Short-Wave IR and Near IR. Utilizing the same volume and weight, Advanced EOTS is effortless to integrate into the F-35 Lightning II with the "plug and play" feature.
"We understand the importance of providing pilots with the most advanced technologies available today," said Michael Williamson, vice president of Sensors & Global Sustainment at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control.
Lockheed Martin is prepared to integrate Advanced EOTS on the F-35 should customers require the upgrade as part of F-35 follow on modernization. Advanced EOTS was funded through internal investment and was vetted through Operational Analysis against the most demanding F-35 missions. It provides enhanced performance for both air-to-air and air-to ground day and night missions.
With Advanced EOTS, customers get significantly expanded capabilities, greatly increased performance, higher reliability and sizable sustainment savings.
About Lockheed Martin
Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 105,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.
Lockheed Martin Continues Advanced EOTS Development
The company estimates Advanced EOTS will save over $1 billion in life cycle cost
BETHESDA, Md., Sept. 17, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) has continued development of its Advanced Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS), which offers crystal clear resolution, unmatched multi-spectral range and significant cost savings for the F-35 Lightning II.
Advanced EOTS includes a larger aperture and provides pilots with multi-spectral sensing options such as high-resolution Mid-Wave IR, Short-Wave IR and Near IR. Utilizing the same volume and weight, Advanced EOTS is effortless to integrate into the F-35 Lightning II with the "plug and play" feature.
EOTS-and-AEOTS-Building
"We understand the importance of providing pilots with the most advanced technologies available today," said Michael Williamson, vice president of Sensors & Global Sustainment at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control.
Lockheed Martin is prepared to integrate Advanced EOTS on the F-35 should customers require the upgrade as part of F-35 follow on modernization. Advanced EOTS was funded through internal investment and was vetted through Operational Analysis against the most demanding F-35 missions. It provides enhanced performance for both air-to-air and air-to ground day and night missions.
With Advanced EOTS, customers get significantly expanded capabilities, greatly increased performance, higher reliability and sizable sustainment savings.
About Lockheed Martin
Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 105,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.
D-Day: Exploding the myths of the Normandy landings - CNN
Navy Considering Marine CAC2S System for Amphibs to Exploit Strike Fighter’s Capabilities
Posted on September 19, 2019 by Richard R. Burgess, Senior Editor
F-35Bs conduct flight operations aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp. Navy officials say the service is considering installing a modern Marine Corps command and control system on amphibs to take advantage of the F-35’s capabilities. U.S. Navy/Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Daniel Barker
QUANTICO, Va. — Navy officials said the service is considering installing a modern Marine Corps command and control system on large-deck amphibious assault ships.
“The Navy is looking to purchase CAC2S [Common Aviation Command and Control System] and put those on L-class ships so that they can do some of the same things we do on L-class ships the CAC2S can pull down off an F-35. It will help build situational awareness for the SWOs [surface warfare officers] on the ship,” said Col. Kurt Schiller, director, Air Combat Element/Maritime Expeditionary Warfare Division in the Capabilities Development Directorate, speaking at a panel discussion sponsored by the Amphibious Warfare Industrial Base Coalition at the Modern Day Marine expo at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia.
CAC2S, built by General Dynamics Mission Systems, provides a complete and coordinated modernization of Marine Air Command and Control System (MACCS) equipment.
CAC2S provides the MAGTF Aviation Combat Element with the hardware, software and facilities to effectively command, control and coordinate air operations integrated with naval, joint and/or combined C2 units.
CAC2S is made up of standardized modular and scalable tactical facilities, hardware and software to significantly increase battlefield mobility and reduce the physical size and logistical footprint of the MACCS.
“The F-35B brings extraordinary situational awareness capability,” Frank DiGiovanni, deputy director, Expeditionary Warfare, said during the panel discussion. “The CAC2S that the colonel was talking about brings the ground common operational picture to the ship and to the rest of the Navy.”
Navy Considering Marine CAC2S System for Amphibs to Exploit Strike Fighter’s Capabilities
Posted on September 19, 2019 by Richard R. Burgess, Senior Editor
QUANTICO, Va. — Navy officials said the service is considering installing a modern Marine Corps command and control system on large-deck amphibious assault ships.
“The Navy is looking to purchase CAC2S [Common Aviation Command and Control System] and put those on L-class ships so that they can do some of the same things we do on L-class ships the CAC2S can pull down off an F-35. It will help build situational awareness for the SWOs [surface warfare officers] on the ship,” said Col. Kurt Schiller, director, Air Combat Element/Maritime Expeditionary Warfare Division in the Capabilities Development Directorate, speaking at a panel discussion sponsored by the Amphibious Warfare Industrial Base Coalition at the Modern Day Marine expo at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia.
CAC2S, built by General Dynamics Mission Systems, provides a complete and coordinated modernization of Marine Air Command and Control System (MACCS) equipment.
CAC2S provides the MAGTF Aviation Combat Element with the hardware, software and facilities to effectively command, control and coordinate air operations integrated with naval, joint and/or combined C2 units.
CAC2S is made up of standardized modular and scalable tactical facilities, hardware and software to significantly increase battlefield mobility and reduce the physical size and logistical footprint of the MACCS.
“The F-35B brings extraordinary situational awareness capability,” Frank DiGiovanni, deputy director, Expeditionary Warfare, said during the panel discussion. “The CAC2S that the colonel was talking about brings the ground common operational picture to the ship and to the rest of the Navy.”
First F-35As for US Air National Guard
First F-35s for the Air National Guard
by David Donald
- September 20, 2019, 6:21 AM
The first aircraft earmarked for the Vermont ANG made its first flight at Fort Worth on July 31. (photo: Lockheed Martin)
On September 19 a pair of Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning IIs landed at Burlington Air National Guard Base (located at the city’s international airport) to begin the equipment of the first Air National Guard unit to receive the type. The F-35s are the first two of 20 to be assigned to the 158th Fighter Wing, Vermont ANG.
The wing is scheduled to receive seven aircraft before year-end, the first new-build fighters to be delivered to the ANG for several years. The 158th FW is scheduled to become the second operational wing to operate the F-35A, following the 388th FW (and its Air Force Reserve Command associate 419th FW) at Hill AFB, Utah. The next active-duty operational bases are to be RAF Lakenheath, England (48th FW) and Eielson AFB, Alaska (354th FW).
“The arrival of the F-35 is a significant milestone for the Green Mountain Boys of the Vermont Air National Guard and state of Vermont. The incredible hard work and dedication from our airmen and the support from our families and community have brought us to this very moment,” said Colonel David Smith, 158th Fighter Wing commander. “The F-35 provides tremendous capability and secures our future for decades.”
On arrival at Burlington the F-35s were greeted by the flag of the Green Mountain Boys militia, which was founded in the late 1760s prior to the establishment of the Vermont Republic. (Photo: Air National Guard)
Burlington becomes the 19th base in eight countries to host F-35 operations, and more than 425 aircraft have been delivered. The 158th FW and its 134th Fighter Squadron flew F-16s in various models from 1986 until the last F-6C/D Block 30s left Burlington on April 6 this year to allow the base to prepare infrastructure for the arrival of the F-35A. Pilots and maintainers trained on the F-35A with the 33rd Fighter Wing at Eglin AFB, Florida.
F-35As will supplant F-16s throughout the active-duty and reservist units over the coming years. The next two ANG bases to receive the type have been named as Truax Field ANGB in Madison, Wisconsin, and Dannelly Field in Montgomery, Alabama. Under current plans both locations will receive F-35As in 2023, the Wisconsin location being first. Gowen Field (Boise, Idaho), Selfridge ANGB (Michigan) and Jacksonville ANGS (Florida) were also considered, and are likely to be in the next tranche of ANG bases to receive the F-35. The first Air Force Reserve base is to be Naval Air Station-Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas.
The “Green Mountain Boys” flew F-16s for more than three decades. (Photo: U.S. Air Force)
First F-35s for the Air National Guard
by David Donald
- September 20, 2019, 6:21 AM
The first aircraft earmarked for the Vermont ANG made its first flight at Fort Worth on July 31. (photo: Lockheed Martin)
On September 19 a pair of Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning IIs landed at Burlington Air National Guard Base (located at the city’s international airport) to begin the equipment of the first Air National Guard unit to receive the type. The F-35s are the first two of 20 to be assigned to the 158th Fighter Wing, Vermont ANG.
The wing is scheduled to receive seven aircraft before year-end, the first new-build fighters to be delivered to the ANG for several years. The 158th FW is scheduled to become the second operational wing to operate the F-35A, following the 388th FW (and its Air Force Reserve Command associate 419th FW) at Hill AFB, Utah. The next active-duty operational bases are to be RAF Lakenheath, England (48th FW) and Eielson AFB, Alaska (354th FW).
“The arrival of the F-35 is a significant milestone for the Green Mountain Boys of the Vermont Air National Guard and state of Vermont. The incredible hard work and dedication from our airmen and the support from our families and community have brought us to this very moment,” said Colonel David Smith, 158th Fighter Wing commander. “The F-35 provides tremendous capability and secures our future for decades.”
On arrival at Burlington the F-35s were greeted by the flag of the Green Mountain Boys militia, which was founded in the late 1760s prior to the establishment of the Vermont Republic. (Photo: Air National Guard)
Burlington becomes the 19th base in eight countries to host F-35 operations, and more than 425 aircraft have been delivered. The 158th FW and its 134th Fighter Squadron flew F-16s in various models from 1986 until the last F-6C/D Block 30s left Burlington on April 6 this year to allow the base to prepare infrastructure for the arrival of the F-35A. Pilots and maintainers trained on the F-35A with the 33rd Fighter Wing at Eglin AFB, Florida.
F-35As will supplant F-16s throughout the active-duty and reservist units over the coming years. The next two ANG bases to receive the type have been named as Truax Field ANGB in Madison, Wisconsin, and Dannelly Field in Montgomery, Alabama. Under current plans both locations will receive F-35As in 2023, the Wisconsin location being first. Gowen Field (Boise, Idaho), Selfridge ANGB (Michigan) and Jacksonville ANGS (Florida) were also considered, and are likely to be in the next tranche of ANG bases to receive the F-35. The first Air Force Reserve base is to be Naval Air Station-Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas.
The “Green Mountain Boys” flew F-16s for more than three decades. (Photo: U.S. Air Force)
RanulfC said:Now as the above article notes you'd essentially be launching 'mini-missiles' on some of the more sophisticated examples, (which some critics pointed out would be a 'better' idea anyway) with a simple and robust "launcher" that gives a more efficient initial speed boost than a simple rocket motor which has a lower detectability than a missile launch.
Combine this with the computerized weapons aiming system (F15-era Integrated Flight and Fire Control, INTEGRATED FLIGHT AND FIRE CONTROL) mentioned by Kcran567 (The future of aircraft mounted guns) and Low Observable (The future of aircraft mounted guns) and current data-sharing technology and it has a potential of being quite the potent weapon system. (And defensive as well. Imagine a flight of aircraft detecting one or more BVR missile launches, the Cannon Fighter aims and fires several 'beehive' rounds along the detected approach vectors where the shell internal seeker aligns and then detonates the warhead and each BVR runs into several large clouds of high closing speed flechettes, not to mention the launching aircraft getting some tossed their way too)
You could also achieve that with micro missiles:Combine this with the computerized weapons aiming system (F15-era Integrated Flight and Fire Control, INTEGRATED FLIGHT AND FIRE CONTROL) mentioned by Kcran567 (The future of aircraft mounted guns) and Low Observable (The future of aircraft mounted guns) and current data-sharing technology and it has a potential of being quite the potent weapon system. (And defensive as well. Imagine a flight of aircraft detecting one or more BVR missile launches, the Cannon Fighter aims and fires several 'beehive' rounds along the detected approach vectors where the shell internal seeker aligns and then detonates the warhead and each BVR runs into several large clouds of high closing speed flechettes, not to mention the launching aircraft getting some tossed their way too)