Internal? External pod -- a la F-35-type multi-use LO pod?
IOC by ??
Indeed your plan of developing (IOC by ??) and fielding a credible force of advanced F-15s is far better/cheaper/faster.
I'm going to stick my neck out in saying our fundamental approach to solving such recap/modernization problems is probably in disagreement.
I admit I can't match your buzzwords
You apparently tend to say 'stay the course', push ahead (rigid mindset) with Plan A no matter the cost or delay, come hell or high water
Yes, my opinion is not at all based on logically comparing the alternatives.
(or catastrophic TACAIR implosion)...
such a flair for the dramatic.
while others more critical in their assessments are simply arguing... Ok, do that, just also ensure absolutely that there is a credible stopgap solution (hedge) to 'augment' an unexpectedly insufficient (and potentially uncertain/risky) plan A.
is that what you think you are doing? because your "arguments" have been proven false time and time again on a myriad of threads on this board. moreover, many times you have been called out on the claims you make, both the hard facts and the dramatics ("tacair implosion"!!) Several times, your alternatives have been explored, and no matter how many times you repeat the formula it has never worked, at which point you disappear for a month or two before returning to spew the same stuff, often verbatim. We get it, there is a seemingly infinite amount of upgrades and developments that could be applied older aircraft, should the desire exist. But the demand isn't there. We know that upsets you because it can't "Revitalize us TACAIR" as you always say.
If you really want to look at this as "more critical in their assessments are simply arguing... Ok, do that, just also ensure absolutely that there is a credible stopgap solution (hedge) to 'augment' an unexpectedly insufficient (and potentially uncertain/risky) plan A."
Its been explored, time and time again. And if you compare it fairly,and lay off the bold claims (Tomcats are cheaper) and dramatics (Tacair implosion!) And actually look its fairly clear.
So what is the cost, entry date, and numbers of these advanced variant F-15s that would "hedge" the F-22 getting an IRST? how does the advanced F-15 "escort" the super cruising F-22s? why does it make sense to by a whole separate fleet of aircraft rather than add one feature to the fighter that actually needs the upgraded feature? Wouldn't the advanced F-15s simply be used to replace the older F-15s still in service, Many F-15s that aren't even stationed near F-22s? Wouldn't the F-22 still need upgrades in order to coordinate and share data with the new F-15s to make the most of the F-15 IRST? Why even suggest advanced F-15s? how is that being "more critical in their assessments"?