I'd like to see the USN revisit the missiler concept instead of a manned F/A-XX.
Give it supersonic biz-jet performance, a four crew cockpit (plus a toilet ), a large internal and external weapons fit (at least twice the capacity of the F-35C), a remote gun turret on the tail or belly that can later be upgraded to laser and a comprehensive sensor and communications fit capable of controlling UCAVs and all current and future weapons.
Think of it as a Super Prowler/Viking with a touch of E-2 Hawkeye ;D
The gun turret is mainly for gunship (AC-130) type missions, it would also have a belly full of SDBs and JDAMs and rockets and missiles on the wings. The gun would come in handy for ocean patrols too, warning shots or attacking small craft.
Laser turret, hypersonic cruise missiles and long range air to air missiles could be fitted for advanced threats.
Four crew cockpit and toilet would certainly help with time over target in low intensity conflicts and could be of benefit controlling UCAVs during higher intensity conflicts.
Give it supersonic biz-jet performance, a four crew cockpit (plus a toilet ), a large internal and external weapons fit (at least twice the capacity of the F-35C), a remote gun turret on the tail or belly that can later be upgraded to laser and a comprehensive sensor and communications fit capable of controlling UCAVs and all current and future weapons.
Think of it as a Super Prowler/Viking with a touch of E-2 Hawkeye ;D
The gun turret is mainly for gunship (AC-130) type missions, it would also have a belly full of SDBs and JDAMs and rockets and missiles on the wings. The gun would come in handy for ocean patrols too, warning shots or attacking small craft.
Laser turret, hypersonic cruise missiles and long range air to air missiles could be fitted for advanced threats.
Four crew cockpit and toilet would certainly help with time over target in low intensity conflicts and could be of benefit controlling UCAVs during higher intensity conflicts.