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IamSpazzy
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 Posted: Nov 07, 2011 - 09:51 PM
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Newbie
Joined: Mar 13, 2008 - 02:51 AM
Posts: 10
Status: Offline
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Aside the need to recapitalize the AF due to aging airframes, is there really a need to have generation 5 fighters?
In terms of an offensive posture, can't we already knock out the majority of a countries air defense with cruise missiles by hitting runways and sam sites, and the follow up any sort of air support needs with older airplanes (or newly produced versions of older planes like the F-16) |
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Sponsor
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 Posted: May 25, 2013 - 8:14 PM
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F-16.net Sponsor
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SpudmanWP
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Posted: Nov 08, 2011 - 01:55 AM
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Elite 3K
Joined: Oct 12, 2006 - 08:18 PM
Posts: 4277
Location: California
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1. 5th gen jets cost only a small fraction more to acquire (once FRP is reached) yet do much more than similarly equipped 4th gen jets.
2. Less 5th gen assets are needs to do the same job as 4th gen.
3. 5th gen is much more survivable thereby reducing pilot training costs.
4. 5th gen can be upgraded faster and cheaper than 4th gen as newer weapons and technology become available. |
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geogen
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Posted: Nov 10, 2011 - 04:21 AM
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Elite 2K
Joined: Mar 11, 2008 - 03:28 PM
Posts: 2804
Location: 45 km offshore, New England
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SpudmanWP wrote:
2. Less 5th gen assets are needs to do the same job as 4th gen.
True, but... that only improves one's deterrence value if the potential hostile force remains static. Now take into account 5th gen air defenses and next-gen air force of the potentially hostile side too. At best it becomes a wash. If you over-estimate your quality and your ability to reduce structure however, then you've lost credibility and increasing risk of being hollow.
Never underestimate the requirement for quality in quantity and for affordable reserves. It's very easy to get hooked on the simple down sizing thought due to capability upside. That's where next-gen UCAV could come into play: more affordable per unit and limited only by the quality of software investment. It's also where sufficient investment and focus in LO stand-off munitions become force-multipliers to supplement the reduced number of airframes no matter what generation the are. imho
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Last edited by geogen on Nov 10, 2011 - 04:30 AM; edited 2 times in total
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madrat
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Posted: Nov 10, 2011 - 04:23 AM
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Forum Veteran
Joined: Mar 03, 2010 - 03:12 AM
Posts: 986
Status: Offline
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| They need them because they have a declining number of airframes available to fly. It doesn't make sense to have limited runs of 5G aircraft when it drives the price skyward. Make the commitment and stick to it. |
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thestealthfighterguy
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Posted: Dec 20, 2011 - 10:30 PM
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Senior member
Joined: Sep 15, 2011 - 02:18 AM
Posts: 254
Location: Your six-O-clock
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madrat wrote:
They need them because they have a declining number of airframes available to fly. It doesn't make sense to have limited runs of 5G aircraft when it drives the price skyward. Make the commitment and stick to it.
Dido. Do it now because it always cost more later and the less you build the more they cost.
TSFG |
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