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I expected at least the canopy coating and inlet tunnel treatment. But of course what kind of tactical usefullness from the reduction is open to question.
Okay, yes, I agree with the canopy coating, and frankly I can see a coated canopy being a general refit over time as the non-coated ones get scratched up. Simpler to make all the new ones with the coating.I expected at least the canopy coating and inlet tunnel treatment. But of course what kind of tactical usefullness from the reduction is open to question.
Can't they paint them in Have Glass V and call it a day?
I think it's that weird silvery paint job some planes are getting photos in.What is Have Glass V?
I believe HG5 is just a thermal effect, not an RCS thing.Can't they paint them in Have Glass V and call it a day?
What is Have Glass V?
Informative article - thanks! MarkIt's the new(ish) dark grey paint scheme applied to the F-16 that apparently involves some sort of RAM paint (seems like a modern version of iron ball).
Have Glass: Making the F-16 less observable
You can’t turn an F-16 into a stealth fighter, it will always show up on enemy radar, but by reducing its radar signature, you can make it a lot less visible. We explain how the USAF has set aboutwww.key.aero
Okay, so what's that weird silvery paint if it's not Have Glass?It's the new(ish) dark grey paint scheme applied to the F-16 that apparently involves some sort of RAM paint (seems like a modern version of iron ball).
Have Glass: Making the F-16 less observable
You can’t turn an F-16 into a stealth fighter, it will always show up on enemy radar, but by reducing its radar signature, you can make it a lot less visible. We explain how the USAF has set aboutwww.key.aero
Obligatory Warzone article
One would think not, but not everything is predictable. It doesn't hurt to be able to if needed.But why? It's not like they need range to reach the Russian border!
I'm thinking as AMRAAM trucks for the F-35s. The F-15EX can carry at least a dozen AMRAAMs, and let the F-35s spot targets for them.I can’t see a need for F-15s when F-35s are on order. The F-15 has more payload and range, but I don’t see how that’s useful for Poland or why they’d want to have an entirely new parts and training stream. The only thing I can think of is that they want to be able to deliver ordnance to Moscow…
It could probably carry more if it's equipped with those modified FAST packs modified as missile-pods being developed by the South Koreans under contract with Boeing.The F-15EX can carry at least a dozen AMRAAMs, and let the F-35s spot targets for them.
Absolutely, that was only 2x AMRAAM per FAST pack, AMRAAMs on the Sidewinder "shoulder" pylons on the fuel tank pylons on the wings, and a twin pack of AMRAAMs on the outboard wing pylons.It could probably carry more if it's equipped with those modified FAST packs modified as missile-pods being developed by the South Koreans under contract with Boeing.
Absolutely, that was only 2x AMRAAM per FAST pack, AMRAAMs on the Sidewinder "shoulder" pylons on the fuel tank pylons on the wings, and a twin pack of AMRAAMs on the outboard wing pylons.
If you don't need the drop tanks, that's another 4x AMRAAMs, plus however many more you can rack on the FAST packs. Probably a total of 4x AMRAAM per fast pack. Oh, and one more pair of AMRAAMs on the centerline pylon, total of 22x AMRAAMs(!)
Not if you want the F-35 to keep stealth.Can’t you just load F-35 with external AIM-120 if that is what’s desired?
Not if you want the F-35 to keep stealth.
There may also be some desire for heavy bunker busters or something else that is only cleared for the F-15.Yes, but my point is that an entire additional fighter type would not be necessary if all that was desired was a dozen AAMs.
F-15EX with 22 AMRAAM is faster than F-35 with 14 AMRAAM + 2 AIM-9XCan’t you just load F-35 with external AIM-120 if that is what’s desired?
F-15EX with 22 AMRAAM is faster than F-35 with 14 AMRAAM + 2 AIM-9X
So, this 2011 slide from LM shows 12 AMRAAM -- eight external on four twin pylons plus 4 internal in the two bays. Upgrading the bays with the Sidekick triple rack makes for 14 AMRAAM. Plus a pair of AIM-9 or ASRAAM. And they've shown the same basic idea in 2017 as "Beast Mode."Since when can a F-35 carry 14 or 16 AAMs ? never thought one could hang so many missiles below a F-35... ?!
There may also be some desire for heavy bunker busters or something else that is only cleared for the F-15.
But what I am expecting is them to normally carry close to two dozen ARMAAMs as the CAP of Doom(tm).
Indeed. Comparing unrealistic load outs on both platforms is pointless.I severely question the use case of a dozen AIM-120s on either airframe.
F-15EX has been heavily shown with "all the AMRAAMs," at least 12x on the wings alone.Indeed. Comparing unrealistic load outs on both platforms is pointless.
kinda depends on just how stealthy the F-35 is. We're talking about a ~50nmi distance between EX and F-35.and i feel showing the "AMRAAM truck" mode is not an ideal presentation. At least from RCS respect. It could be the first to get detected and if the enemy do have longer ranging missiles. The first to die.
Some form of new missile is required if one wish to take the advantage of being a flying arsenal.
Still an unrealistic operational load outF-15EX has been heavily shown with "all the AMRAAMs," at least 12x on the wings alone.
For the US? Agreed. The USAF needs lots of range/loiter time so the inner wing pylons and centerline pylon are likely to be occupied by fuel tanks (if the centerline isn't carrying the big Legion IRST pod), not the 2x AMRAAM racks.Still an unrealistic operational load out
For anywhere. And remember that Poland has not committed to purchase any F-15s yet.For the US?
How long can an F-15 fly with CFTs and max internal fuel?For anywhere. And remember that Poland has not committed to purchase any F-15s yet.
How long can an F-15 fly with CFTs and max internal fuel?
If your "air policing" orbit area is 10 minutes away from your air base, there's less demand for drop tanks.
This being a fantasy aside:kinda depends on just how stealthy the F-35 is. We're talking about a ~50nmi distance between EX and F-35.
And of course, AIM260s will be an interesting discussion. Don't they have 50-100% more range than ARMAAMs?
I don't know that the rotaries can carry more than 8x twin rails.This being a fantasy aside:
The ultimate missile truck would be B-21s modified with massive internal rotary launchers. Enemy doesn’t even know they are there until a few hundred AIM-260 are headed their way.