The F-35B is about 300lb below its KPP weight, which isn't very much for growth. However the lift fan and engine are capable of another 10% growth in VLBB, but its not required or requested. The KPP bring back includes 6% engine degradation, apparently.
Rolling landings will/could increase bring back by 2-4000lb.
Originally Posted by SpazinBad
Still no specification of the 'growth margin'. How about that detail.
Indeed. I thought the main growth factor was adding electronics for additional weapons which is impossible with the F-35 as it has to be done with (weightless) software. The other is structural improvements, the recent of which was quite low weight.
Originally Posted by LO
What is to discuss is how South Korea's entire procurement process was overturned in weeks. Or how the budget for 60 Eagles suddenly covers only 40 super-affordable wonder jets.
The only sure thing here is that this decision has Sweet Fanny Adams to do with economics or operational effectiveness.
Why are they doing it? Why are so many countries so keen on the F-35 despite the issues and costs. Do they know something we don't?