Forum: General F-35 Forum

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The F-35B will conduct a short takeoff or an ordinary runway takeoff at max weight if one is available and long enough in both cases. Exactly how long these short runways need to be is not clear but the USMC point to the usefulness of short runways for example.

http://www.informationdissemination.net/2012/06/what-is-potential-and-what-are.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+InformationDissemination+%28Information+Dissemination%29&utm_content=Google+Reader


Navy plans to purchase 340 of these airframes and eventually equip two out of four squadrons of each CVW with them.

The modularity of the carrier platform ensures its continued adaptability to emerging threat environments. Traditionally, a CVN has operated as a regional strike platform that can project power with short-range tactical aircraft. For instance, tactical strike-fighters were used during the initial stages of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and continued to provide close air support as these conflicts continued. Currently, the CVW has four squadrons of roughly 10-12 F/A-18 fighters, of which the current E/F variants cost $80M apiece. In the years ahead, the new F-35C will be entering the fleet to provide a low signature complement to the F/A-18. At roughly $130M per copy, the Navy plans to purchase 340 of these airframes and eventually equip two out of four squadrons of each CVW with them. While the internal (stealth) payload of the F-35 is more limited than the F/A-18, its sensor package and stealth capability are a quantum leap beyond the F/A-18. However, because of its sophisticated power plant, C4ISR systems, and low-observable characteristics, the operations and maintenance costs of the F-35C will be about $35,000 per flight hour, or twice the O&M costs of the F/A-18........

NO!, I don't know how much a "Bee" can takeoff with vertically

CPFH comparisons are invariably inaccurate because one number is historical and budget constrained while the other is an estimate of what 'might' happen in the future. That's before we discuss who did the comparison, who paid for the comparison, who set the GR&A, and who got a chance to scrutinize the results in detail before they were published.

I've been under the impression that the self diagnostics and automated logistics system and commonality of the F-35 variants were going to drive DOWN O&M costs, not double them! Perhaps SpudMan can comment, if he knows. This really bothers me.

The F-35B does not NEED to fly down low in order to provide effective CAS. With the combination of UAV, helo, and its own EOTS and EODAS sensors it will have the best picture of the battlefield possible. Remember that the current USMC CAS is provided by the AH-1W and the AV-8B. In the future they will have the AH-1Z and the F-35B. In every respect they are getting a better platform. Throw in UCAVs and it gets even better.

On the 2x1000lb front, those are only needed for the biggest of targets, otherwise it can load up on 6-8 SDB(1&2)/SPEAR3s, Brimstone/JAGM, APKWS/LOGAS, etc.

As far as AAA goes, the F-35 is in the unique position of automatically tracking AAA and telling the pilot exactly where it came from, it it's headed towards him, and how to avoid it. AAA will not live long in the world of EODAS, EOTS, and SDB/JAGM/2.75PGM/SPEAR3.

Spud,

Have you ever had to call for CAS? Like where you were in contact down in the dirt and the dust without artillery support. Let me tell you, it is not an exact science if you don't have a ground FAC and his designating equipment with you. In such cases, you give the FCS the best target grid you can based on your pos and where your enemy is. Then, the bird will often have to get down low and ID the target visually. This is where the A-10 excels. Apaches/Cobra are good too, but they are much more vulnerable and have very limited range and payload at altitudes such as we had in Afghanistan. In my experiences there, we had either British Harriers or A-10s when we called for CAS. There was a huge difference. The Harriers has very short duration on station and tended to stay higher and were much less effective. The A-10s could loiter for an hour or more. The only downside to the A-10 (if you can call it that) is that the enemy was petrified of them and would simply disappear as best they could as soon as the A-10 arrived. They weren't stupid.

And why exactly won't AAA last long? In a mid to high intensity conflict, the enemy can put hundreds of gun systems around high priority areas and on the likely air avenues of approach to them. Does the F-35 have some kind of directed energy weapon to engage them all, or are we going to fly hundred of sorties at 2 JDAM per and kill them all? No, AAA will be there like it always has. The F-35 may be able to avoid it well and yes often launch outside of the AAA's range envelop, but it's not going away no matter how much technology you pack into the bird.

Spud,

Have you ever had to call for CAS? Like where you were in contact down in the dirt and the dust without artillery support. Let me tell you, it is not an exact science if you don't have a ground FAC and his designating equipment with you. In such cases, you give the FCS the best target grid you can based on your pos and where your enemy is. Then, the bird will often have to get down low and ID the target visually. This is where the A-10 excels. Apaches/Cobra are good too, but they are much more vulnerable and have very limited range and payload at altitudes such as we had in Afghanistan. In my experiences there, we had either British Harriers or A-10s when we called for CAS. There was a huge difference. The Harriers has very short duration on station and tended to stay higher and were much less effective. The A-10s could loiter for an hour or more. The only downside to the A-10 (if you can call it that) is that the enemy was petrified of them and would simply disappear as best they could as soon as the A-10 arrived. They weren't stupid.

And why exactly won't AAA last long? In a mid to high intensity conflict, the enemy can put hundreds of gun systems around high priority areas and on the likely air avenues of approach to them. Does the F-35 have some kind of directed energy weapon to engage them all, or are we going to fly hundred of sorties at 2 JDAM per and kill them all? No, AAA will be there like it always has. The F-35 may be able to avoid it well and yes often launch outside of the AAA's range envelop, but it's not going away no matter how much technology you pack into the bird.