F-35 Cancelled, then what ?
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Australia OZ
Age: 75
Posts: 2,586
Likes: 0
Received 53 Likes
on
46 Posts
28 Extra F-35s for Japan
A lot of new equipment purchases in latest 5-year defense plan 14 Dec 2013 KOJI SONODA
A lot of new equipment purchases in latest 5-year defense plan - AJW by The Asahi Shimbun
____________
Japan to hike mid-term defense spending by 5% ? Japan Today: Japan News and Discussion
"...The spending plan includes an additional purchase of F-35 fighters..."
"Japan's new five-year Mid-Term Defense Program includes outlays for 17 new Osprey tiltrotor aircraft and three Global Hawk surveillance drones to help it respond to China's growing presence in the East China Sea.
The plan, revealed Dec. 13, starts in fiscal 2014. It is expected to be approved in a Cabinet meeting on Dec. 17 along with the National Defense Program Guidelines....
...Further spending will include [additional to first 42] 28 F-35 Lightning fighter jets for the Air Self-Defense Force..."
The plan, revealed Dec. 13, starts in fiscal 2014. It is expected to be approved in a Cabinet meeting on Dec. 17 along with the National Defense Program Guidelines....
...Further spending will include [additional to first 42] 28 F-35 Lightning fighter jets for the Air Self-Defense Force..."
____________
Japan to hike mid-term defense spending by 5% ? Japan Today: Japan News and Discussion
"...The spending plan includes an additional purchase of F-35 fighters..."
Last edited by SpazSinbad; 15th Dec 2013 at 09:36. Reason: AddInfo
Are they going to stop dead and torch the existing airframes? No.
Will they get anywhere near 4000, or even 3200 (target for the US + original partners)? Good question.
Will the UK get its 138 aircraft? Another good question.
Would the program have been cancelled if the truth about cost and schedule had been known when this thread started, three years ago? Good question, but wades into the swamp of alt.history.
Will they get anywhere near 4000, or even 3200 (target for the US + original partners)? Good question.
Will the UK get its 138 aircraft? Another good question.
Would the program have been cancelled if the truth about cost and schedule had been known when this thread started, three years ago? Good question, but wades into the swamp of alt.history.
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Australia OZ
Age: 75
Posts: 2,586
Likes: 0
Received 53 Likes
on
46 Posts
UK F-35B Pilots Must Be Up To Scratch OR No Go
LEAP OF FAITH 17 Dec 2013 Craig Hoyle
http://www.flightglobal.com/fg-club/in-focus/uk-f-35/
"The UK's involvement in the Joint Strike Fighter's development has enabled its services to prepare the ground for their future STOVL F-35B fleets...
...Thanks to years of flight control law trials and other work performed in the UK in support of the STOVL JSF's development, the F-35B's capability as a carrier-based asset will also represent a jump from previous-generation aircraft, such as the nation's retired BAE Systems Harrier GR9. "It's taking the mystique out of VSTOL [vertical/short take-off and landing] operations," says one pilot of the new type's handling characteristics.
COMFORTABLE LANDINGS
While a vertical landing is likely to be the typical means of recovery in peacetime, a UK-pioneered shipborne rolling vertical landing technique will allow pilots to return to an aircraft carrier with its typical stores "bring-back" limit of around 2,270kg increased by between 908kg and 1,810kg. This will be achieved by approaching the carrier on a 7˚ glide path while flying at around 60kt. The use of a UK-developed "Bedford array" will enable the pilot to maintain a constant aiming point on the deck, despite vessel movements in rough sea conditions.
"Pilots will require less training and operating the aircraft will be much safer than legacy types," says Schofield.
"The aircraft, right from the outset, was developed to have high reliability and a high sortie-generation rate," another UK pilot adds, with a full prognostic support system to be available by around 2020. "Operating the aircraft at sea will be no different to landside, in terms of maintenance hours."
In order to ensure a smooth introduction and through-life employment of the F-35, the UK is making a major investment in simulation, with 50% of its pilot training planned to be performed using synthetic environments. Four full mission simulators will be acquired and installed at RAF Marham, with other equipment including a deployable mission trainer also to be purchased.
The use of advanced synthetic training devices will allow the UK's F-35 pilots to get the most out of every live flying hour, one RAF pilot notes. "When you PIN into the aircraft, if you're not booked into the training system or don't have currency on the aircraft, you cannot get into it and fly it," he adds....
...Once operational, the F-35 will receive upgrades on a two-yearly cycle, alternating between software modifications only, and both software and hardware changes which will be implemented every four years...."
...Thanks to years of flight control law trials and other work performed in the UK in support of the STOVL JSF's development, the F-35B's capability as a carrier-based asset will also represent a jump from previous-generation aircraft, such as the nation's retired BAE Systems Harrier GR9. "It's taking the mystique out of VSTOL [vertical/short take-off and landing] operations," says one pilot of the new type's handling characteristics.
COMFORTABLE LANDINGS
While a vertical landing is likely to be the typical means of recovery in peacetime, a UK-pioneered shipborne rolling vertical landing technique will allow pilots to return to an aircraft carrier with its typical stores "bring-back" limit of around 2,270kg increased by between 908kg and 1,810kg. This will be achieved by approaching the carrier on a 7˚ glide path while flying at around 60kt. The use of a UK-developed "Bedford array" will enable the pilot to maintain a constant aiming point on the deck, despite vessel movements in rough sea conditions.
"Pilots will require less training and operating the aircraft will be much safer than legacy types," says Schofield.
"The aircraft, right from the outset, was developed to have high reliability and a high sortie-generation rate," another UK pilot adds, with a full prognostic support system to be available by around 2020. "Operating the aircraft at sea will be no different to landside, in terms of maintenance hours."
In order to ensure a smooth introduction and through-life employment of the F-35, the UK is making a major investment in simulation, with 50% of its pilot training planned to be performed using synthetic environments. Four full mission simulators will be acquired and installed at RAF Marham, with other equipment including a deployable mission trainer also to be purchased.
The use of advanced synthetic training devices will allow the UK's F-35 pilots to get the most out of every live flying hour, one RAF pilot notes. "When you PIN into the aircraft, if you're not booked into the training system or don't have currency on the aircraft, you cannot get into it and fly it," he adds....
...Once operational, the F-35 will receive upgrades on a two-yearly cycle, alternating between software modifications only, and both software and hardware changes which will be implemented every four years...."
Last edited by SpazSinbad; 17th Dec 2013 at 11:25. Reason: Emboldenininining
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Australia OZ
Age: 75
Posts: 2,586
Likes: 0
Received 53 Likes
on
46 Posts
Singapore 'seriously looking' at F-35B to replace F-16 fleet
Hagel: U.S. Committed to Singapore Relationship 12 Dec 2013 Claudette Roulo, American Forces Press Service
Defense.gov News Article: Hagel: U.S. Committed to Singapore Relationship
"...Yesterday, Ng visited the Republic of Singapore Air Force's Peace Carvin II F-16 Fighting Falcon training detachment at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona, which was celebrating its 20th anniversary. The detachment also held an integrated live-fire exercise as part of the annual Forging Sabre exercise, and U.S. Marines demonstrated the F-35B Lightning II joint strike fighter aircraft, Ng said....
...Singapore is “seriously looking” at replacing its F-16 fleet with the F-35B, Ng said. But, he continued, “We're in no particular hurry, because our F-16s are still very operational, and they're due for upgrades. But it is a serious consideration.”"
...Singapore is “seriously looking” at replacing its F-16 fleet with the F-35B, Ng said. But, he continued, “We're in no particular hurry, because our F-16s are still very operational, and they're due for upgrades. But it is a serious consideration.”"
Singapore is “seriously looking” at replacing its F-16 fleet with the F-35B, Ng said. But, he continued, “We're in no particular hurry, because our F-16s are still very operational, and they're due for upgrades. But it is a serious consideration.”
Hmm, not quite what was being reported in April...
Pentagon sees Singapore's decision about buying F-35s by summer | Reuters
Hmm, not quite what was being reported in April...
Pentagon sees Singapore's decision about buying F-35s by summer | Reuters
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: by the Great Salt Lake, USA
Posts: 1,542
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
There is a difference between making the decision to buy, and actually buying them.
I don't expect Singapore to actually sign a contract for 2-3 more years, and to not receive their first aircraft until ~2020.
I don't expect Singapore to actually sign a contract for 2-3 more years, and to not receive their first aircraft until ~2020.
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Australia OZ
Age: 75
Posts: 2,586
Likes: 0
Received 53 Likes
on
46 Posts
Dr. Ng Eng Hen Quote Re F-35B Interest for Singapore
Latest quote from Dr.No hisself.... 
Transcript of Joint Press Conference between US Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel and Singapore Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen (Excerpts) 13 Dec 2013
MINDEF - Resources - Transcript of Joint Press Conference between US Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel and Singapore Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen (Excerpts) (13 Dec 13)
___________________
And this is wot El Bog Dan said in the quote above mentioned by LO:
Pentagon sees Singapore's decision about buying F-35s by summer | Reuters
Prescient huh.
Transcript of Joint Press Conference between US Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel and Singapore Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen (Excerpts) 13 Dec 2013
"...Question: For Minister Ng, could you tell us about Singapore's interest in the F-35B. I know some of you were watching that demonstrations this week in Arizona.
Dr Ng: I've said in Parliament during the last budget that Singapore is seriously looking at the F-35s to replace our F-5s. We're in no particular hurry because our F-16s are still very operational, they are due for upgrades but it is a serious consideration and during my visit here to Luke Air Base, the US marines were kind enough to have a demonstration of the F-35Bs and it's quite an engineering marvel. We recognise that there are aspects to consider and we will make our deliberate decision because as I said we are in no particular hurry but we are seriously considering."
Dr Ng: I've said in Parliament during the last budget that Singapore is seriously looking at the F-35s to replace our F-5s. We're in no particular hurry because our F-16s are still very operational, they are due for upgrades but it is a serious consideration and during my visit here to Luke Air Base, the US marines were kind enough to have a demonstration of the F-35Bs and it's quite an engineering marvel. We recognise that there are aspects to consider and we will make our deliberate decision because as I said we are in no particular hurry but we are seriously considering."
___________________
And this is wot El Bog Dan said in the quote above mentioned by LO:
"...He said he was also cautiously optimistic that South Korea could decide to buy the radar-evading F-35 in its 60-fighter competition, with a decision expected there in June...."
Prescient huh.
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Australia OZ
Age: 75
Posts: 2,586
Likes: 0
Received 53 Likes
on
46 Posts
Japan Goes the B Maybe
Perhaps some more Bs for Japanese?
News Analysis: Japan's MOD eyes F-35 multirole stealth jets as ASDF's mainstay fighter 18 Dec 2013 Jon Day
News Analysis: Japan's MOD eyes F-35 multirole stealth jets as ASDF's mainstay fighter - Xinhua | English.news.cn
News Analysis: Japan's MOD eyes F-35 multirole stealth jets as ASDF's mainstay fighter 18 Dec 2013 Jon Day
"TOKYO, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- Japan's Ministry of Defense (MOD) on Wednesday said it is mulling to increase the number of Lockheed Martin F-35 multirole stealth fighters it plans to add to its Air Self-Defense Force (ASDF) contingent, with an eye to making the fifth-generation jet its mainstay fighter.
Following approval by the Cabinet on Tuesday to broaden the scope of Japan's defense and security guidelines, the MOD is considering focusing more of its attention on achieving what it has described as "superior air-combat capability," as five year mid-term and longer-term defense and security protocols and the allocation of funds become pivotal focal points for the Cabinet and the MOD henceforth.
The MOD's new consideration is to possibly replace the ASDF's aging mainstay F-15 fighters with the F-35's, officials said, adding that they had already decided to retire the force's F-4 fighters and replace them with 42 F-35's....
...Japan's MOD is particularly eyeing two of the F-35 models for their vertical and short take off and landing ability, and officials here have said that the jet could be used along with ground troops and amphibious vehicles for rapid deployment operations to remote islands off Japan...."
Following approval by the Cabinet on Tuesday to broaden the scope of Japan's defense and security guidelines, the MOD is considering focusing more of its attention on achieving what it has described as "superior air-combat capability," as five year mid-term and longer-term defense and security protocols and the allocation of funds become pivotal focal points for the Cabinet and the MOD henceforth.
The MOD's new consideration is to possibly replace the ASDF's aging mainstay F-15 fighters with the F-35's, officials said, adding that they had already decided to retire the force's F-4 fighters and replace them with 42 F-35's....
...Japan's MOD is particularly eyeing two of the F-35 models for their vertical and short take off and landing ability, and officials here have said that the jet could be used along with ground troops and amphibious vehicles for rapid deployment operations to remote islands off Japan...."
The article seems to point to their agenda to get Mitsubishi involved in workshare in some form. That would make sense of their slightly odd decission to buy F-35 as their fighter replacement. Remember their F-15Js were build under licence - good for their employment and technology transfer. I would be interested in the negotiations that have gone on since their initial order two years ago.
Ecce Homo! Loquitur...
There's always a way to launch with a full fuel and weapon load, and a pad will do for landing for the F-35B.... 
Oh yeah. The Ruskies did it too. Nice bit of film of the MIG-19 as well...
p.s. They're actually thinking of using Shimojijima Airport/ Shimoji Air Base
Oh yeah. The Ruskies did it too. Nice bit of film of the MIG-19 as well...
p.s. They're actually thinking of using Shimojijima Airport/ Shimoji Air Base
Well, I wondered about that, but here's Stingray in front of it...
Hmmm
And a documentary on Tracy Island...
http://www.technodelic.pwp.blueyonde...racyIsland.jpg
Hmmm
And a documentary on Tracy Island...
http://www.technodelic.pwp.blueyonde...racyIsland.jpg
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Australia OZ
Age: 75
Posts: 2,586
Likes: 0
Received 53 Likes
on
46 Posts
Stratos4 TSR-2MS flight profile
Fanks 'ORAC': ThunderBirds are GO! Shimojishima Airport/Shimoji Air Base
Shimojishima Airport - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
"...
In 2010, there were renewed protests against proposals to turn Shimoji Airport into a permanent USMC post.
As of early 2013, serious consideration was being given to basing a detachment of JASDF F-15J fighters out of the Airport, in order to provide better air defense coverage over the Senkaku Islands. The airport already has a 'shadow designation' as Shimoji Air Base as part of its Type-3 status."
In 2010, there were renewed protests against proposals to turn Shimoji Airport into a permanent USMC post.
As of early 2013, serious consideration was being given to basing a detachment of JASDF F-15J fighters out of the Airport, in order to provide better air defense coverage over the Senkaku Islands. The airport already has a 'shadow designation' as Shimoji Air Base as part of its Type-3 status."
Last edited by SpazSinbad; 18th Dec 2013 at 15:38. Reason: IMagE