Forum: Modern Military Aircraft

There have been 61 APG-63(v)3 kits already paid for (through FY2011). With the stoppage of the F-22 and the delay in F-35s, I doubt that they will reduce the orders.

On the IRST, it will likely be a new or highly modified design, although it will likely look similar from the outside. If it were the same as the F-15K's IRST, it could be installed without much integration work. However, looking at the FY2011 FY2011 RDT&E doc for the F-15 (page 17) shows that development will start in 2010 and last for more than 4 years.

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Spud - interesting information, I cant get that page to open up (something with my computer at home I am sure) but what is the Distro statement of that report (http://www.dtic.mil/descriptivesum/Y2011/AirForce/0207134F_PB_2011.pdf) - thanks,,,I will have to try it at work and see if it opens there

Thanks for follow-up IRST info, Spud. So that looks like FY16 install? For some reason I was going w/ an interim IRST integration, for either USAF's C/D or E, perhaps similar to the -15SG pod. I don't know if I read that somewhere or had that mis-impression. It would seem sensible in the interim anyway. Although, I'm surprised an Eagle centerline line IRST-tank wasn't designed along with the Super Hornet IRST tank (if it were feasible). It would seem that it might be of tactical interest, as a bolt-on 'multiplier' among world operators, I don't know.

But staying the course 'procurement and program wise', I guess I would remain skeptical that USAF would actually be operating (due to raw budget implications) more than 75 C/D Golden Eagles beyond 2020. I'm just convinced something would have to give in the current procurement scheme in order to maintain a larger force for an extended term. (admittedly a bit pessimistic there, all things being constant).

I got the entire report now - thanks

Forum: Modern Military Aircraft

Golden Eagle question?