Forum: F-35 Design & Construction

Well such a possibility would be great considering that many airforces around the word are operating the hose & drogue system and potential customers will most likely select the F-35, though a couple of current F-16 operators are operating boom tankers.

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Scorpion82 wrote:

Hi all,
it is known that the F-35A has the AAR intake on the top for boom refueling. But what about the F-35B/C? The USMC and USN as well as many other nations are used to probes for the drogue/basket system. I suppose the B/C will get a retractable probe in the right forward fuselage, but has this been confirmed? And is there any chance that F-35As will be offered with this for export?

You must of missed much of the debate on this issue? Some seem to think to offer the Probe/Basket Refueling System to the landbased F-35A would require extensive (i.e. costly) modifcation. Personally, I am no so sure? As all models of the F-35 share a very common airframe. Further, if all three models are to be constructed on the same assembly line. I believe its very likely either system could to used. That said, I am not privy to F-35 so that my best guess. Wink

Of course it would be just one more selling point for the Lightning. Thereby, giving the "Customer" the options that best suit its needs and wants.......... Very Happy

I would say that installing either aerial refueling system is the LEAST of their worries in developing and building these aircraft right now. Wink

StolichnayaStrafer wrote:

I would say that installing either aerial refueling system is the LEAST of their worries in developing and building these aircraft right now. Wink

The F-35 is hardly in trouble! As a matter of fact as fighter programs go its doing reasonably well. Remember, its not uncommon to lose aircraft during developement and sometimes aircrew. Sad

Considering how complex it is and with three very different models. I would have to say its doing very well! Wink

Corsair1963 wrote:

StolichnayaStrafer wrote:

I would say that installing either aerial refueling system is the LEAST of their worries in developing and building these aircraft right now. Wink

The F-35 is hardly in trouble! As a matter of fact as fighter programs go its doing reasonably well. Remember, its not uncommon to lose aircraft during developement and sometimes aircrew. Sad

Considering how complex it is and with three very different models. I would have to say its doing very well! Wink

I think Stoli is just saying that out of all the systems on the aircraft, the refueling system one of the lowest risk systems. I think Stoli is also trying to say to that they are focused on building to the designs they have now, not ones that may come in the future. But yes, given the requirements and resources dealt to the program, they are on par with past programs that werent subjected to off-based criticism.

LMAggie wrote:

Corsair1963 wrote:

StolichnayaStrafer wrote:

I would say that installing either aerial refueling system is the LEAST of their worries in developing and building these aircraft right now. Wink

The F-35 is hardly in trouble! As a matter of fact as fighter programs go its doing reasonably well. Remember, its not uncommon to lose aircraft during developement and sometimes aircrew. Sad

Considering how complex it is and with three very different models. I would have to say its doing very well! Wink

I think Stoli is just saying that out of all the systems on the aircraft, the refueling system one of the lowest risk systems. I think Stoli is also trying to say to that they are focused on building to the designs they have now, not ones that may come in the future. But yes, given the requirements and resources dealt to the program, they are on par with past programs that werent subjected to off-based criticism.

That is no doubt the case...........As LM needs to get the line going! Rolling Eyes

It would be kinda nice I guess, if the C mod at least, could be refuelled by the SuperH probe sys?

geogen wrote:

It would be kinda nice I guess, if the C mod at least, could be refuelled by the SuperH probe sys?

Both the B and C Model of the F-35 will be equipped with the Standard Probe/Basket System as the Super Hornet and most Allied Countries use....... Wink

Here's hoping that it stays in service as long as the AV8A Harrier.

The Harrier entered service on 01 April 1969 with #1 Squadron, and was declared operationally available the following year. - 39 years and counting

Guiness

Forum: F-35 Design & Construction

Refueling probe