F-16.net

Newbie Joined: Apr 15, 2008 Posts: 1 Status: Offline

I am doing in-depth research on the F-35 and the F-22 programs and I find this board to be a great wealth of information....I am very glad to have found this forum, so thank you for all the great insight and dialogue!

Given that TACAIR sufficiency is an issue in the 2010-2020 timeframe; that legacy fleets are exceeding service life and retiring; and budget shortfalls are compounding shortfalls in recapitalization...

I would like to ask the experts about their opinions on this question:

Are there insights and opinions as to how industry, DoD and the services can work more effectively on their TACAIR programs?

F-16.net Sponsor

This message from our sponsor will disappear if you log on as a member.

Elite 1K Joined: Jul 20, 2005 Posts: 1033 Status: Offline

Yes, its been happening for some time now. A good example is what the Air Force has done with the B-1 program. It was just named most valuable aircraft over Iraq and Afghanistan. Its ability to loiter and fast response to put munitions on target or for a show of force was key in that decision. Clearly shows renewed use for that airframe now that the cold war is over. Also, services consolodating aircraft and missions to fill in the gap/shortfall until the 22's and 35's really start assuming new/newer roles is another example.

Enthusiast Joined: Dec 31, 2007 Posts: 55 Status: Offline

That's pretty cool. Hadn't thought about that. Load up a B-1 bomb truck with JDAM, get to altitude, throw the wings out and loiter (no AtoA threat) When a call comes out sweep the wings and go like hell to the trouble spot and drop.

F-16.net

Forum: F-35 Lightning II

TACAIR question for the board of experts