Forum: F-35 Lightning II

Scorpion1alpha wrote:

muir wrote:

I don´t think Israel is a partner, they have some kind of 'observer' status, that was put on some kind of hold when the Israel-china weapons scandal erupted. Might have changed now though.

Correct.

Quote:

Well, they have access and have provided resources to the program.

What "resources" would those be?

I don't think so.

Israel had to pay even to get observer status......... Wink

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Quote:

Israel had to pay even to get observer status

Lesson: Money does not equate to resources in the acquisition world. Two different things.

Corsair1963 wrote:

Bodizzle wrote:

FlightDreamz wrote:

The U.S. air force was (is?) considering buying some F-35B STOVL Lightning II's to replace the A-10 Warthog (SIGH! Like ANY aircraft can do that)! Maybe Israel is thinking along similar lines. The Israel Air Force always reminded me a little of the U.S. Marines in that its all about supporting the troops on the ground.

Got a source for the claim the USAF was interested in the B variant? Why isn't anyone else interested in the conventional version and why is there hardly any coverage for it?

Its was quite sometime ago. Yet, I remember the reading and discussing
the subject at great length. Of course how serious the USAF was or is about acquiring the F-35B as a A-10 replacement is subjective at best? That said, even if true. I don't think the USAF intent would be to replace F-35A's with F-35B's. More to the point to replace some A-10's with the F-35B for a more flexible fleet.

The USMC would likely have a fit if the USAF purchased F-35B's and the political fall out would not be pretty............. Shocked

In short I doubt it would happen...... Wink

There was a story a while back that the USAF would buy a squadron or two of B-variants to form the core of a "rapid deployment force" that can move into unfinished or damaged forward airbases and provide air-support.

It wouldn't replace the A-10, and with the new modernization program, and the ability to replace and construct entirely new components, they can keep those ugly bastards flying practically forever.

skrip00 wrote:

It wouldn't replace the A-10, and with the new modernization program, and the ability to replace and construct entirely new components, they can keep those ugly bastards flying practically forever.

Hey, they are not ugly and they have parents too! Let's try to show some sensitivity, please?!!! Crying or Very sad

Still, you gotta love them A-10s. Salute

Forum: F-35 Lightning II

Israel eyes STOVL variant of F-35 - Flight Int'l Article