Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF)

In his opening remarks, Garamendi voiced his concern that the services aren’t properly resourced to keep sustaining older systems, even as preparations are made for new ones. He’s worried about “overly-optimistic timelines” for introducing new platforms, and not having infrastructure in place to keep old ones going until the new ones arrive. At the same time, he said he’s frustrated that the services “pay a premium for old technology that is less capable, not fuel-efficient, dependent on a limited network of suppliers, and reliant on obsolete manufacturing processes.”

[...]

“We must ensure we can hire and train the next generation in a timely fashion,” he said. Kirkland replied that the Air Force has numerous intern, STEM, and scholarship programs with schools in the areas around its major depots to attract new line workers. The average age of employees in Air Logistics Centers is 44.5 years, he noted.
Click to expand...

www.airforcemag.com

HASC Cites ‘Enormous Concern’ About F-35; Readiness Chair Suggests Buy Cutback | Air & Space Forces Magazine

HASC is concerned about the F-35’s sustainment, and suggested Congress may cut back on purchases of the jet to let the sustainment enterprise catch up.
www.airforcemag.com www.airforcemag.com

Notice:
Kirkland, Garamendi said, “The Air Force is going to have a large number of new platforms, extremely sophisticated platforms,” in the coming years, some of which are “still classified.” The committee needs to know, he said, “What are your maintenance demands for those new platforms,” so Congress can help prepare the service to care for them? He wants the Air Force to provide an integrated maintenance plan within the next three or four months.
Click to expand...
 
The UK Strategic Defence Review has committed to buying additional F-35B above the original Tranche of 48 already accounted for, it didnt say how many and didn't commit to the original 138 planned but it should give us the 4 squadrons worth that are required for the Carrier Strike capability (plus training, spares & repairs)
 
Thorvic said:
The UK Strategic Defence Review has committed to buying additional F-35B above the original Tranche of 48 already accounted for, it didnt say how many and didn't commit to the original 138 planned but it should give us the 4 squadrons worth that are required for the Carrier Strike capability (plus training, spares & repairs)
Click to expand...
As Thorvic correctly stated, the RAF is going to purchase more than the initial order of 48. However, most news sites are saying the contrary.

https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/uk-to-increase-f-35b-fleet-beyond-48-jets/
 
Colonial-Marine said:
Grey Havoc said:
www.defensenews.com

Estimated development costs for the F-35′s modernization program increased by $1.9B in a year

Block 4 development costs will reach an estimated $14.4 billion, the Government Accountability Office found.
www.defensenews.com www.defensenews.com
Click to expand...
Why is fixing the troubled software development for this program proving to be such a great challenge? Seems to have been a bottleneck for this program since AA-1 first flew.
Click to expand...
Possible Skynet infiltration?
 
I think the sensor integration level was just too ambitious and that relatively minor changes have too many knock on effects through out the larger system.
 
Colonial-Marine said:
Grey Havoc said:
www.defensenews.com

Estimated development costs for the F-35′s modernization program increased by $1.9B in a year

Block 4 development costs will reach an estimated $14.4 billion, the Government Accountability Office found.
www.defensenews.com www.defensenews.com
Click to expand...
Why is fixing the troubled software development for this program proving to be such a great challenge? Seems to have been a bottleneck for this program since AA-1 first flew.
Click to expand...
The software fixes needed new microprocessors... At least some of the fixes. When I develope a module for a vehicle i spec out 25% excess capability than needed to avoid this problem.
 
Cavour carrier successfully completed the compatibility tests, achieving its certification. Now is heading back to Norfolk.

www.difesaonline.it

La portaerei Cavour certificata per l’impiego degli F-35B

La portaerei Cavour ha ricevuto oggi, 26 marzo 2021, ha completato le prove in mare per l’impiego operativo del velivolo STOVL (Short Take Off Vertical Landing) di 5° generazione F-35B, in sostituzione degli attuali V/STOL (Vertical/Short Take Off Landing) AV-8B Harrier II Plus.
www.difesaonline.it www.difesaonline.it
 
^ any pics or videos of the F-35B taking off from Cavour with a full load (external and internal)? I read somewhere that they did monster mode tests, which I assume means full external and internal
 
thanks, also found some more via alert5

210320-D-ZB537-1002.jpg



here is one taking off with 4 bombs, and i guess 2 more bombs and 2 missiles inside the bay and full fuel. i wonder how many of those stobar jets can do that too from the same distance. (honest question not a statement)
210315-D-ZB537-1003.jpg
 
A pair of F-35s can strike multiple targets in a contested environment with no support save, perhaps, a tanker. To get two conventional fighter jets to a similarly contested target requires 10 to 20 additional aircraft. The strike jets must be accompanied by other planes to jam enemy radar, defend the attackers, and provide situational awareness. So even if the F-35 costs twice as much per flight hour as an F-16—it’s less than that, in fact—it’s still the more cost-effective option. Buying F-35s eliminates the need for other aircraft and the personnel, acquisition, training, and logistics that go with them. No economic argument against the F-35 is viable without that calculus.
Click to expand...

www.airforcemag.com

Editorial: The Best Fighter in the World | Air & Space Forces Magazine

The radar-evading F-35’s very presence changes the nature of battle. It’s a strategic investment and combat tool, not a tactical one.
www.airforcemag.com www.airforcemag.com
 
I have difficulty with stealth characteristics while carrying a heavy weapon load, how does the fully loaded F-35 compare to a fully loaded Viper?
 
Foo Fighter said:
I have difficulty with stealth characteristics while carrying a heavy weapon load, how does the fully loaded F-35 compare to a fully loaded Viper?
Click to expand...
Logically F35 would still be better, but probably not by much. But thats not the rational, idea is on day 1 your F35 goes in stealthed, with maybe 2 weapons, thus clearing the way for later F35 flights with external stores, once radars are destroyed etc.
 
Ta, folks. What anti radiation weapons fit in the weapons bay? Taking out the radar sites would need that sort of ability on day one to enable the following days to be dedicated to support and anti air missions.
 
Foo Fighter said:
Ta, folks. What anti radiation weapons fit in the weapons bay? Taking out the radar sites would need that sort of ability on day one to enable the following days to be dedicated to support and anti air missions.
Click to expand...
AARGM-ER is planned:

www.flightglobal.com

US Air Force requests information on new anti-radiation missile for F-35A

The US Air Force (USAF) is requesting information for modifications to the US Navy's (USN) Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile-Extended Range (AARGM-ER) programme that would make that weapon suitable for its Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II stealth fighter.
www.flightglobal.com www.flightglobal.com
 
Foo Fighter said:
Ta, folks. What anti radiation weapons fit in the weapons bay? Taking out the radar sites would need that sort of ability on day one to enable the following days to be dedicated to support and anti air missions.
Click to expand...

None at the moment. An advanced, faster version of AGM-88 goes into production soon and will enable the F-35 to be easily the most capable SEAD aircraft in the world.
 
rooster said:
Colonial-Marine said:
Grey Havoc said:
www.defensenews.com

Estimated development costs for the F-35′s modernization program increased by $1.9B in a year

Block 4 development costs will reach an estimated $14.4 billion, the Government Accountability Office found.
www.defensenews.com www.defensenews.com
Click to expand...
Why is fixing the troubled software development for this program proving to be such a great challenge? Seems to have been a bottleneck for this program since AA-1 first flew.
Click to expand...
The software fixes needed new microprocessors... At least some of the fixes. When I develope a module for a vehicle i spec out 25% excess capability than needed to avoid this problem.
Click to expand...
Maybe too many programmers used to making Windows bloatware.
 
GTX said:
Foo Fighter said:
Ta, folks. What anti radiation weapons fit in the weapons bay? Taking out the radar sites would need that sort of ability on day one to enable the following days to be dedicated to support and anti air missions.
Click to expand...
AARGM-ER is planned:

www.flightglobal.com

US Air Force requests information on new anti-radiation missile for F-35A

The US Air Force (USAF) is requesting information for modifications to the US Navy's (USN) Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile-Extended Range (AARGM-ER) programme that would make that weapon suitable for its Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II stealth fighter.
www.flightglobal.com www.flightglobal.com
Click to expand...

Isn't that what SPEAR3 is for too Greg ?
 
SPEAR-EW I believe you mean - that is an option for the RAF ones at this stage as I understand it. Not sure if anyone else has shown interest yet.

MBDA working on new SPEAR-EW electronic warfare weapon | Press Release | MBDA

SPEAR-EW will integrate a cutting-edge miniaturised EW payload from Leonardo, which will act as a stand-in jammer to greatly increase the survivability of RAF aircraft and suppress enemy air defences, acting as a significant force multiplier.
www.mbda-systems.com www.mbda-systems.com
theaviationist.com

MBDA SPEAR 3 Selected As The British F-35B’s Primary Air-to-Ground Weapon

The new SPEAR 3 next-generation network enabled missile will allow the Lightning Force to perform cost efficient stand-off, high precision attacks with
theaviationist.com theaviationist.com
 
The other thing to consider is that if the aircraft itself can geo locate the emitter with good precision (likely with the help of other aircraft from the formation), an ARM type seeker is unnecessary. If the target is sufficiently localized, something with IIR or millimeter wave radar and lock on after launch capability is fine. I suspect AGM-88G as fitted to an F-35 would generally be used that way, though for self defense purposes the the passive RF search would be needed for a quick responses to sudden threats.
 
Hmmm...makes we wonder if thought has ever been given to an ARM version of AIM-132 ASRAAM or AIM-9X - essentially a modern day AGM-122 Sidearm.
 
GTX said:
SPEAR-EW I believe you mean - that is an option for the RAF ones at this stage as I understand it. Not sure if anyone else has shown interest yet.

MBDA working on new SPEAR-EW electronic warfare weapon | Press Release | MBDA

SPEAR-EW will integrate a cutting-edge miniaturised EW payload from Leonardo, which will act as a stand-in jammer to greatly increase the survivability of RAF aircraft and suppress enemy air defences, acting as a significant force multiplier.
www.mbda-systems.com www.mbda-systems.com
theaviationist.com

MBDA SPEAR 3 Selected As The British F-35B’s Primary Air-to-Ground Weapon

The new SPEAR 3 next-generation network enabled missile will allow the Lightning Force to perform cost efficient stand-off, high precision attacks with
theaviationist.com theaviationist.com
Click to expand...
Thought so --thanks
 
More details on F-35's tail planes production in Belgium:
Cette joint-venture doit permettre aux trois industriels concernés de fabriquer « de 300 à 400 » empennages horizontaux (en jargon des « Horizontal Tail Planes », HTP) pour les F-35 Lightning II destinés à l’exportation et fabriqués par Lockheed Martin ou des partenaires – ces avions sont aussi assemblés en Italie et au Japon. Ce contrat devrait avoir une valeur de 300 à 400 millions d’euros sur une quinzaine d’années, selon M Delvaux.
-----------------------

This joint venture [b/w Asco, Sabca and Sonaca] should enable the three manufacturers concerned to manufacture “from 300 to 400” horizontal tail units (“Horizontal Tail Planes”, HTP) for the F-35 Lightning II intended for export and manufactured by Lockheed Martin or partners [...]. This contract should be worth 300 to 400 million euros over fifteen years, according to Delvaux.
Click to expand...

www.sudinfo.be

Joint-venture entre le fédéral et trois entreprises pour monter à bord du programme F-35

Trois entreprises aéronautiques belges, Asco, Sabca et Sonaca, ont créé, avec l’aide de la Société fédérale de participations et d’investissement (SFPI, le bras financier de l’Etat fédéral), une entreprise conjointe pour construire plusieurs centaines d’empennages horizontaux destinés aux avions...
www.sudinfo.be www.sudinfo.be
 
[Ret. Gen. Deptula]
On the opening day of Operation Desert Storm, 20 stealthy F-117s attacked 28 separate targets; it took more than 40 non-stealth aircraft to strike a single target in the same time frame. Any reasonable cost calculus must therefore include a cost-per-effect analysis, comparing not just the unit cost per aircraft but also the number of aircraft needed to deliver an effect in an operational context. On a cost-per-effect basis, the F-35 is clearly a better value than any other combat fighter available today or within the next decade.

While the F-35 has experienced its share of developmental problems, with some still in play, the aircraft is doing well enough to deploy to combat. The reality is that it is advancing a broad range of new technologies and that is a challenging task. These hurdles are not dissimilar to those that the F-15 and F-16 experienced during their entry to service but are now hailed as great successes. When I was first flying the F-15 in the 1970s over half the fleet was grounded due to a lack of operable engines. At one point multiple F-16s were crashing each month. These challenges were solved, as will those facing the F-35.
Click to expand...

www.forbes.com

F-35 Hitmen Put U.S. And Partner Lives At Risk

The F-35 is actually excelling in combat, over a dozen countries are in line to buy it, and the price per unit is below the cost of alternative fighter designs with less capability.
www.forbes.com www.forbes.com
 
The flexibility which the B provides is an inherent advantage in the Pacific, with its rich tapestry of islands from which to operate to have the unique “F/A/E -35B” integrate into the emerging Kill Webs as expressed by Rear Admiral Manzer.
[...]
Lt. Col. Bardo, the CO of the VMF-121 Green Knights squadron:
“CAS is considered doctrinally a function which operates only in a permissive air environment.

We can expand CAS to deal with a much wider range of situations than when we would simply operate in a permissive air environment.

And we can provide greater assurance to Marines as they deploy on the ground that we can deal with a much wider array of pop-up threats than we could do with legacy aircraft.”
Click to expand...

sldinfo.com

Green Knights in Japan: The Marines Lead the Way in F-35 Introduction in the Pacific - Second Line of Defense

The Green Knights pioneered the standup of an operational F-35 squadron. They have been operating from Japan for the past four years. Capt. Anneliese Satz, a pilot assigned to the “Green Knights” of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121, is seen working with Japanese Air Self-Defence Force...
sldinfo.com sldinfo.com
 
Last month, F-35 fleet logged roughly the same total flight hours that the entire Rafale fleet had logged 2 years ago since its service introduction in 2004 (15 years):


F-35FleetWideHours_2104.jpg

1617490455646.png
 

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