Forum: F-35 Lightning II

Interesting dokument about the Amraam in the 80th

The Advanced-Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (Amraam): Current Plans and Alternatives
Staff working paper, August 1986

http://www.cbo.gov/ftpdocs/84xx/doc8461/86doc17a.pdf

Curious, will the F35 in the future also be compatible carrying the Amraam D in -/or under the F35?
As far as I know, till so far, the F35 is compatible with the Amraam C.

In the tape 6.1 configuration of the F16 MLU, EPAF countries can make use of the Amraam D. As far as I know, not any of these countries posses the Amraam D or, till so far, has plans to do so.
The F16’s will fly some more years longer in the EPAF countries ... may be they will?
I doubt either they will order the Amraam D, when not compatible with the F35.

At the other hand, a possibility carrying the Amraam D, could have been only a tactical and commonality reason with the US, when updating the F16 to tape m6.1. Useful in case of, but not specifically mend ordering the Amraam D as well?

F-16.net Sponsor

The outer dimensions of the AIM-120D and the C series are the same. Wherever a C can fit, so can a D. Officially, the F-35 will go IOC with the C7. This plan was drawn up many years ago before all the delays. The reason is that the D was not due to go IOC before Blk3 planning was finalized. With the change to SDD completion in 2016, the D may make it's way back into the fold.

However, the D has made an appearance in the Blk upgrade path. The Norway JSF Blk Upgrade plan shows Blk5 including "Six Aim-120 (+D)". The lack of a specific D and the lack of specific weapons after Blk4 may be due to UAI and no longer needed to integrate weapons with the Blk upgrades.

Spudman. Thanks for your answer Very Happy

Forum: F-35 Lightning II

Interesting report about the Amraam in the 80th