tailgate wrote:No Basher, I just think that they knew that the 22 was off the table. They have requirements that they laid down and the 35 meets those requirements.
Jim
I wrote some detailed blog entries addressing this topic in 2007, mostly because the domestic political choices of the time were becoming toxic and warped due to extensive partisan dis-info, on air combat proposals.
Basically, what RAAF wanted was clearly the correct choice, for it and the ADF. And if the F-35A had been available sooner the F/A-18F also would not have been acquired.
The interesting fact (of the time) was that the critics of the F-35A, and F/G Super Hornets were arguing for an updated 'F/A-22B' plus F-111 combo. But the network and avionics updates proposed (by them) were very much in line with what the F/A-18F could already do (which they greatly criticised and rejected), plus F-35A would innately be designed to do precisely as they proposed, only better. But which neither the F-111 or F/A-22B type combo would be unable to provide any time soon, or for twice the cost and time, with massive technical risk.
The requirements RAAF (and joint ADF) were describing, was that of an F/A-18F type capability (or perhaps F-15E), which the F-22A did not provide, and could not be made to do so any time soon.
As for hitching an old F-111 to an F/A-22B conception ... well ... the F-35A is more survivable, faster, has similar un-refuelled range, flies efficient hi-hi-hi profile, and has potentially more weapon payload (post 2025) than an F-15E ... or F-111 ... bomber!
The F-22A was a clear non-starter, and if it came to air dominance ROLES, then the F-35A would be effectively as deadly in a regional context as having the F-22A, as it could provide a clear air dominance capability relevant to RAAF's needs.
So who needs an F-22?
I watched it taking off locally, several times, a few months back. Short field takeoffs, vertical by 2 k ft, then below 350 kt to 10 k ft, then you hear engines spool back up to accelerate to transonic, fast vertical climb. Engine sound directly above suddenly stops about a minute later, presumably level at ~60 k ft.
yeah ... that was compelling
http://www.geocities.ws/e/l/element1loop/index.html/