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Thanks for the picture of the F-22 tanks. I understand the intent is that two 600 gallon tanks will be used when the air threat is minimal so for pure war fighting they will not be carried. So the comment above about the jettisoning of F-22 tanks & pylons would seem to be pertinant in that will be an emergency rather than regular op.

Meteor never had forward fins except in a very early mock up that MBDA afterwards said they did to prevent any concern amongst the politicians ! I'm still waiting for word from a reliable source that it cannot fit an F-35B. IMO it doesn't matter a whole hill of beans whether it does or not but it would be nice to know. Models aren't really conclusive are they?

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Enthusiast Joined: May 16, 2006 Posts: 87 Status: Offline

I highly doubt MBDA wouldn't adapt the Meteor for the F-35 seeing as so many European partners will be operating it. They'll certainly be interested in the Meteor.

Its not even an issue. Aside from some minor funding, there is no reason to suggest it won't or can't happen.

Just like putting the AIM-9X on internal mounts. Now that it has LOAL capability, its surely possible.

There is every reason to think meteor won't happen seeing that no one is willing to step forward and pay for it.

As for the 9X, none of the customers seem to want the internal mount so I guess its a case of who cares.

Looking at the F-35B some more. The recent change to the internal bay lopped 14 inches off its length but AMRAAM C still fits. Seeing that Meteor is within an inch of AMRAAM's length, that would imply it could still fit unless width is the problem.

They will... theyre just waiting for the aircraft before committing to anything like that yet.

Your faith is very touching.

Does it make sense NOT to integrate Meteor on the F-35?

Well I can see one reason why the DoD would say not to intergrate Meteor as a "first level" weapon. And it isn't "cost". The only nations currently signed to purchase Meteor are the British, France, Sweden, Germany, Spain and Italy. Only 2 of them are currently purchasing F-35.

The next "big" europe v america purchasing war is going to be over missiles... namely Aim-120C-7/Aim-120D v Meteor. One american, one european. Now if most nations want to upgrade their missile stocks (ie. before meteor is cleared on f-35)... its a very good chance they will be a F-35 operator (Netherlands.etc)... would you A) Choose the least cost option: Aim-120 as its already cleared on the aircraft you are buying or B) The longer ranged as advanced Meteor but you will have to pay more to have it cleared on your combat aircraft fleet?

Its makes business/economic sense for US companies that Meteor isn't cleared in the "first level".

Afterall, the UK currently operate stocks of Aim-120B and C-5... Italy have Aim-120B's so from the word go there is no need to have the weapon cleared (if at all) immediately as there is an option already there.

Andy

p.s. Farnborough is next week and if what i'm hearing is correct (from eye witnesses) the BAE typhoon demo (not the RAF one) is going to be performed by IPA1 (ZJ699) a T.1 carrying 4x Amraam, 2x Asraam and 6x 1000lb LGB!!! I just hope it flies also on the public days (when im there)... usually its the manufacturers display on the trade days and the RAF display on public days Sad

Meh, the AIM-120D is fine as it is. Long range, awesome avionics and ECCM. GPS and 2-way datalinks. Meteor has a long way to go... and isnt even combat proven.

Hey Boff, I'm going to be down on the Friday (yay company paid ticket!) and I'll try to get some pics. Haven't got any special kit though so I make no promises on quality!

Lucky bu**ers Smile

Safetystick wrote:

Hey Boff, I'm going to be down on the Friday (yay company paid ticket!) and I'll try to get some pics. Haven't got any special kit though so I make no promises on quality!

Just found out, the BAE display is on TUESDAY ONLY.

Andy

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