STOVL Version of JSF Flies for First Time
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: UK
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Squadron numbers
Hi,
Is it likely that we will end up with more than 4 front line squadrons, and are they likely to remain at 9 or go up to 12? I'd suggest that we would need more to meet all the commitments. Maybe 2*12 FAA and 4*12 RAF?
Cheers
Is it likely that we will end up with more than 4 front line squadrons, and are they likely to remain at 9 or go up to 12? I'd suggest that we would need more to meet all the commitments. Maybe 2*12 FAA and 4*12 RAF?
Cheers
Good discussion, all in all.
The networking problem remains unsolved - the issue is that "netcentric stealth" makes as much sense as "Trappist talk radio" and that's all there is to it. The USAF's idea is to fit the MADL datalink on a Gulfstream sitting at FL500 and carrying a Babel Fish device which then pumps that data into the net.
The B has the same internal fuel fraction as an F-16 or Typhoon. Granted this includes four internal weapons, with some net drag reduction, but not a lot. There'e a reason that the jet looks like it's eaten a few too many cheeseburgers. I have no doubt that semiconformal carriage for AMRAAMs, for instance, is more efficient than an internal bay.
My understanding is that fuel tanks will be qualified for the B, but not the A & C, which have much more internal fuel. From a flexibility viewpoint, however, a disadvantage is that the F-35B only has a two-bag configuration available - most aircraft have one, two or three-tank options.
The networking problem remains unsolved - the issue is that "netcentric stealth" makes as much sense as "Trappist talk radio" and that's all there is to it. The USAF's idea is to fit the MADL datalink on a Gulfstream sitting at FL500 and carrying a Babel Fish device which then pumps that data into the net.
The B has the same internal fuel fraction as an F-16 or Typhoon. Granted this includes four internal weapons, with some net drag reduction, but not a lot. There'e a reason that the jet looks like it's eaten a few too many cheeseburgers. I have no doubt that semiconformal carriage for AMRAAMs, for instance, is more efficient than an internal bay.
My understanding is that fuel tanks will be qualified for the B, but not the A & C, which have much more internal fuel. From a flexibility viewpoint, however, a disadvantage is that the F-35B only has a two-bag configuration available - most aircraft have one, two or three-tank options.
