F-35B (Non-US) Pocket Carriers

[spazsinbad]

The 'immense heat of F-35B VL on deck' meme will never die for some - I await the zombie 'melting decks' meme next.

Japan To Ponder F-35B Buy; Korea’s First F-35A Takes Flight
22 Mar 2018 David Donald

"Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party has presented a proposal at an internal national security panel that seeks to enhance the nation’s defenses in light of the growing tension in the region created by North Korea’s missile program and China’s expanding maritime presence. The purchase of F-35Bs, and a new multi-purpose aircraft carrier/hospital ship, are included. The plan is expected to be presented to parliament in late May....

...Serving primarily as helicopter carriers for anti-submarine warfare, search and rescue, and for disaster relief, the two Izumo-class vessels resemble a traditional aircraft carrier and feature a large flight deck. Lead-ship Izumo was commissioned in March 2015, with Kaga following two years later. For some time there has been speculation that the vessels have incorporated design features that would allow them to be modified to operate fixed-wing aircraft. However, extensive alterations would be needed to adapt the vessels for F-35B operation, particularly with regard to the immense heat [extremely large or great, especially in scale or degree] generated by the aircraft during vertical landings. Each vessel could accommodate around 10 F-35Bs....

...In the meantime, the first F-35A destined for Japan’s neighbor, South Korea, undertook its first flight on March 19. The flight was performed at Fort Worth by Lockheed Martin chief test pilot Alan Norman. The aircraft is one of 40 ordered by South Korea in 2014, all of which are due to have been delivered by 2021. In December 2017 Korean newspaper Joongang Ilbo reported that the country’s defense acquisition agency had began the process of purchasing an additional 20 F-35As.

Source: https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news ... kes-flight

[SpudmanWP]

While it's not going to "melt" the deck, there are structural weakening issues to consider and reinforcements needed due to the concentrated heat loads. All current LHA/LHDs are getting these updates.

[spazsinbad]

I'm aware of all of that - I guess EXAGGERATION on the part of the reporter is good for his soul and clickbait for the rest.

And yet the reporter gives no details whereas we are told these DDHs have been designed for the F-35B and require minimal mods such as better deck paint maybe. Go figure. This is a quote from SHINbum article on previous page:

"...- In those days, the U.S. F-35B stealth fighters, which could take off and land vertically, were in development, leading to a design conception of the Izumo on the premise that it could be converted to handle landings and takeoffs of the F-35B and other aircraft, such as the Osprey transport aircraft.
- The approximately 250-meter long Izumo’s elevator connecting the deck with the hangar was designed to accommodate the F-35B fighter, which measures about 15 meters in length and about 11 meters in width.
- Paint that can withstand the exhaust heat generated from F-35 fighter jets during landings and takeoffs was selected for the deck of the Izumo.
- It has also been expected to retrofit the Izumo with a sloping deck for takeoffs (ski-jump), the former MSDF executives said...."

[spazsinbad]

Via E-mail but in Italian with an English translation of sorts: Cost to refit CAVOUR over two years for F-35B operations.

"Italian MoD has released costings for Cavour's upcoming F-35B refit, due from late this year to 2020 (it's actually part of a huge, scheduled refit). Full document attached, along with a screenshot showing the sum total (the capital 'M' next to the euro symbol stands for millions). Also a handy screenshot.
Comes to the mighty, bank-busting total of ........................................................................ 74 million euros. That's about USD 90-ish million at current rates.
Main works include;
(1) Flight deck mods, including either Thermion or UK thermal nonskid and deck strengthening for extra weight,
(2) JP5 stowage modifications. Unclear what this entails,
(3) Hangar and dedicated workshops and parts storage changes,
(4) Electrical system. Unclear what this entails, and
(5) Extremely high security "special access" areas for ALIS, et al."

[spazsinbad]

Study looked at turning Izumo into a flattop to help U.S. in war
28 Apr 2018 Takateru Doi & Hirotaka Kojo THE ASAHI SHINBUM

"...The report states that the Defense Ministry's precondition for the study was to look into how the Izumo could be used to provide rear-line support to the U.S. military. The company was asked to provide estimates for the cost and construction schedule if changes were made to allow U.S. F-35B stealth fighter jets to land vertically on the deck and to use elevators to transport aircraft to their hangars. No mention was made in the study for having the SDF use the improved Izumo.

Some portions of the released report were redacted, including details on what changes would be needed to transform the Izumo into an aircraft carrier, as well as the costs to make the changes and the duration of the project. The Defense Ministry had contended that it never considered converting the Izumo, and officials maintained that position even with the release of the study report. One official said the study was conducted because, with the deployment of F-35B fighter jets to U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni in Yamaguchi Prefecture, the need might arise to use the Izumo as a carrier during joint Japan-U.S. military training or when U.S. aircraft experienced mechanical problems. [This is why Australian LHDs need to be prepared to deal with F-35B 'emergencies'.]

However, one government source did not rule out the possibility of the Izumo eventually being converted into an aircraft carrier....

Source: http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/AJ201804280031.html

[spazsinbad]

LHD Juan Carlos I, bound for Kuwait, deployment
Spanish Navy May 2018

[e-mail info] “JCI ferrying some Chinooks and Cougars (medium lifters) for army stabilisation force. Six Harriers and four (I think?) CAG Sea Kings. DDG for roundtrip escort, and an AOR for the Med leg(s).”

[spazsinbad]

[spazsinbad]

TCG Trakya, On The Way
22 May 2018 C4Defence

"As Turkey counts down for delivery of the first F-35 Lightning II aircraft, another development came into light of the Turkish Navy front. According to the information obtained by C4Defence, the service plans to supply [buy] a total of 32 short-takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) aircraft. Today, there are two aircraft models with this feature and one is to retire. For this reason, the service is considering Lockheed Martin's F-35B aircraft program.

According to the information obtained, the service informed Chief of General Staff about the need to begin the construction of TCG Trakya, the twin of Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) TCG ANADOLU. The Navy stated that the timing of construction of the second ship would have many advantages both in terms of construction time and program cost.

The second phase of the program will include the supply of vertical landing aircraft to be deployed on TCG Trakya. Accordingly, the total number of F-35B aircraft demanded by the service will also be revised.

Although it is not officially requested from the US yet, the Navy plans to buy 16 aircraft per LHD. If all goes as planned, Turkey will have purchased 100 F-35As and 32 F-35Bs....

Source: http://en.c4defence.com/Agenda/tcg-trak ... way/6374/1

[Corsair1963]

TCG Trakya, On The Way
22 May 2018 C4Defence

"As Turkey counts down for delivery of the first F-35 Lightning II aircraft, another development came into light of the Turkish Navy front. According to the information obtained by C4Defence, the service plans to supply [buy] a total of 32 short-takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) aircraft. Today, there are two aircraft models with this feature and one is to retire. For this reason, the service is considering Lockheed Martin's F-35B aircraft program.

According to the information obtained, the service informed Chief of General Staff about the need to begin the construction of TCG Trakya, the twin of Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) TCG ANADOLU. The Navy stated that the timing of construction of the second ship would have many advantages both in terms of construction time and program cost.

The second phase of the program will include the supply of vertical landing aircraft to be deployed on TCG Trakya. Accordingly, the total number of F-35B aircraft demanded by the service will also be revised.

Although it is not officially requested from the US yet, the Navy plans to buy 16 aircraft per LHD. If all goes as planned, Turkey will have purchased 100 F-35As and 32 F-35Bs....

Source: http://en.c4defence.com/Agenda/tcg-trak ... way/6374/1

Wonder if Turkey would consider a Joint Force (F-35) like the UK???

[spazsinbad]

Page 36 this thread has some more on MARADO: viewtopic.php?f=22&t=20426&p=310896&hilit=Marado#p310896

With another tidbit elsewhere recently here: viewtopic.php?f=58&t=24682&p=385059&hilit=Marado#p385059

ROK Navy Considers Adapting Dodko-class LPH for F-35B Aircraft
17 Aug 2018 NAVYrecognition

"The Republic of Korea Navy (ROK Navy) is looking to adapt its two Dokdo-class LPHs to deploy the F-35B STOVL aircraft. According to Yonhap News Agency, the ROK Navy issued a public notice of tender through an electronic defense procurement system of South Korea's Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), citing moves by neighboring countries to consider running F-38Bs aboard their vessels.

The tender calls for a research project to explore the possibility of operating F-35B stealth aircraft aboard its amphibious landing ship following some modifications.

The ROK Navy has two Dokdo-class amphibious assault ships: ROKS Dokdo lunched in July 2005 and commissioned in July 2007 and ROKS Marado which was launched in May this year and is set to be commissioned in 2020. Both were built by local shipyard Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction (HHIC) in Busan....

...Marado and Dokdo have a length of 199 meters, a width of 31 meters for a displacement of 14,500 tons . Their maximum speed is 23 knots, their range range is 10,000 nm at 18 knots. The crew complement is 300 sailors. The second vessel features several improvements. “The Marado is basically similar to the Dokdo, but equipped with improved equipment and an improved system,” a DAPA official said during the launch ceremony.

Dokdo payload capacity is: Up to 720 fully equipped marines, 10 tanks, 10 trucks, 7 AAVs, 3 artillery systems. Well-deck has capacity for 2 LCU type landing craft or 2 Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC). All types of vehicles (Jeeps, IFV, MBTs, APCs, Engineering) as well as soldiers can be loaded into landing craft inside the well-deck and taken to shore. Below deck hangar capacities for up to 15 helicopters (including some V-22 for the Marado). Flight deck to accommodate simultaneously up to 5 helicopters of all types in service with NATO.

One major difference is that Marado's flight deck has been adapted to accomodate the Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey tilt rotor aircraft. Several DAPA images show the Osprey on the flight deck. For this reason, and the fact that vessel is still at fitting out stage, Marado would probably require less time, work and budget to be converted for F-35B operation....

...Regarding the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) originally ordered 40 F-35A while a further 20 were ordered in December 2017. No order has been place yet for the F-35B short take off vertical landing (STOVL) variant however. The first ROKAF F-35A was rolled out in March this year."

Source: https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.p ... craft.html

[spazsinbad]

A 'bumblebee buzz' says the flight deck 'may be' extended by 25 metres - I guess that means forward - into the space.

Carrier Cavour enters port for F-35B refit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_IZZdvfA5c

[weasel1962]

Next to ask the question of whether F-35B....the Thais.

https://aagth1.blogspot.com/2019/01/f-35b-av-8b.htm

Translation here:
http://defense-studies.blogspot.com/201 ... akri.htmll

[spazsinbad]

Your BAD URL to English Translation page does the same - goes wonky to nothing much - however the page exists here:

http://defense-studies.blogspot.com/201 ... hakri.html [TRY THIS ONE?] I see 'HTMLL' at end of your OP URL above.

F-35B Fighter Aircraft for the HTMS Chakri Naruebet ?
29 Jan 2019 NurW

"[not great English here]" my understanding of long screed about Harriers is.... NOPE to F-35Bs - which is understandable.

Source: http://defense-studies.blogspot.com/201 ... hakri.html

[spazsinbad]

TRIESTE at Fincantieri's ‘Castellamare di Stabia’ yard near Naples, Italy - Feb 2019 more info: https://oidagroup.com/works-for-the-lhd ... di-stabia/

[spazsinbad]

As per above this page this thread: viewtopic.php?f=22&t=20426&p=394815&hilit=Anadolu#p394815

Will Turkey Really Get an Aircraft Carrier Armed with F-35s?
21 Feb 2019 Robert Farley

"Whether or not Turkey finally gets its hands on the F-35B, Anadolu will become one of the most important ships the Turkish navy has ever operated. The missions she eventually undertakes will depend very much on political decisions in Ankara; how close to remain to the United States, how to manage tensions with Greece, and how to handle Russia. But Anadolu is a useful enough platform that she can make an important contribution to any of these problems....

...Within two years, the Turkish Navy will accept the delivery of TCG Anadolu, the largest and most
formidable warship to join the fleet in over one hundred years. But the future of the Anadolu depends to great extent
on the strength of the relations between Ankara and Washington, and the future of that relationship has come intro
grave doubt....

...The Turkish navy debated going with an all-amphibious design before deciding on a platform that could operate the F-
35B Joint Strike Fighter....

...Anadolu is reportedly expected to operate in two different configurations, light carrier and amphibious assault. In the
latter, she will carry a complement of helicopters and a variety of amphibious equipment. In the former, reports differ
on how many F-35Bs Anadolu could carry, with a high of twelve. But whether Turkey will get the F-35Bs remains in some question.

But What of the F-35B?
Turkey is unlikely to have any interest in acquiring old Harriers, so Anadolu’s carrier role is entirely dependent on the acquisition of the F-35B. Turkey is a tier-three partner in the F-35 project, and has long expected to acquire the F-35A. The Navy’s interest in the B model stems mainly from its desire to operate Anadolu as a light carrier. The problem with Turkey’s F-35 participation lies in the increasingly tense relations between Ankara and the United States....

…Anadolu’s Future Missions…
...Anadolu will offer the Turkish Navy unprecedented amphibious assault capability in the Black Sea and the Eastern Mediterranean. While relations between Russia and Turkey have seen substantial recent improvements, Anadolu would represent a major NATO asset in the Black Sea, whether or not she carries F-35s. If Turkey goes the other direction, and tensions with NATO (and in particular Athens) increase, then Anadolu could present a formidable problem for Greek military planning. In any case, Anadolu offers a focus for Turkey’s dedicated humanitarian assistance/disaster relief capabilities across the region.

Turkey’s means of supporting Anadolu in a combat capacity are limited; the primary escort ships in Turkish service are three-thousand-ton frigates that lack the Aegis air-defense system. Unless Turkey acquires larger air defense warships, Anadolu would best be served by cooperative task forces with other NATO navies. When operating close to home, Anadolu would also have the advantage of support from land-based air....

...Much depends on the F-35 decision. For a modern VSTOL fighter, the F-35B is essentially the only game in town.... In order to maximize the capability of its new carrier, Turkey needs to make nice with the United States.

Wrap
Whether or not Turkey finally gets its hands on the F-35B, Anadolu will become one of the most important ships the Turkish navy has ever operated. The missions she eventually undertakes will depend very much on political decisions in Ankara; how close to remain to the United States, how to manage tensions with Greece, and how to handle Russia. But Anadolu is a useful enough platform that she can make an important contribution to any of these problems."

Source: https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/ ... -35s-45172