Joined: Mar 11, 2008 - 03:28 PM
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Location: 45 km offshore, New England
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I'd have to concur with BDF in his response to the qeustion asked above: 'Probably not'. Leave it to BDF to give some of the highest quality analysis.
True, the gas rate burned while under full augmentation is multiple times greater per second, than even when under max mil power. Aerodynamics and the specific cruise altitude flying at come into play too of course. (economical cruise altitude of F-22 being higher than F-35s). Lastly... the F-22 can drop it's tanks and pylons going into an acutal combat situation (giving the F-22 superior range to a clean F-35), while apparently the SDD-mature IOC F-35A is not even planned to be cleared for external fuel tanks!
As far as the rest of this thread goes... I'd have to say, it is arguably one of the most interesting and quality discussion threads on either the F-22 or F-35 I've read in awhile.
_________________ The Super-Viper has not yet begun to concede.
Lastly... the F-22 can drop it's tanks and pylons going into an acutal combat situation (giving the F-22 superior range to a clean F-35), while apparently the SDD-mature IOC F-35A is not even planned to be cleared for external fuel tanks!
Truly? Not even for ferry purposes? That seems incredible to me. Are the wing stations plumbed?
SpudmanWP
Posted: Jan 26, 2011 - 08:35 PM
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Joined: Oct 12, 2006 - 08:18 PM
Posts: 4277
Location: California
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The inner stations are plumbed and the tanks have been pushed to Blk4, IIRC. They might be accelerated if Israel funds it as they have specified the need for longer range right away. They have even sparked interest in CFTs for the F-35.
_________________ "The early bird gets the worm but the second mouse gets the cheese."
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