some F35 info

[GrauGeist]

And like I mentioned earlier, their mission profile (as well as countermeasures) have changed considerably since their inception.

We won't be seeing these bombers striking at targets en-masse anymore. Additionally, free-fall bombs is no longer a primary warload, either. Nowdays, it's smart-bombs, cruise-missiles and other stand-off ordnance.

In a modern conflict, we'll see a composite effort, where, for example, the F-35 will eliminate AAA & SAM sites while the F-22 maintains top cover, followed by elements such as the B-2 for precision target elimination - once the lead elements have successfully neutralized threats, then the B-52 will conduct deep cleaning.

And to be entirely honest, the B-17, B-24 and B-29 operated in hostile airspace and still acheived success. There was a price to be paid, of course but again, that was a different time and a different strategy.

 

[jetcal1]

And like I mentioned earlier, their mission profile (as well as countermeasures) have changed considerably since their inception.

We won't be seeing these bombers striking at targets en-masse anymore. Additionally, free-fall bombs is no longer a primary warload, either. Nowdays, it's smart-bombs, cruise-missiles and other stand-off ordnance.

In a modern conflict, we'll see a composite effort, where, for example, the F-35 will eliminate AAA & SAM sites while the F-22 maintains top cover, followed by elements such as the B-2 for precision target elimination - once the lead elements have successfully neutralized threats, then the B-52 will conduct deep cleaning.

And to be entirely honest, the B-17, B-24 and B-29 operated in hostile airspace and still acheived success. There was a price to be paid, of course but again, that was a different time and a different strategy.

The only way the older aircraft will survive to be used as a standoff delivery vehicle or as a bomb truck will only after there is complete control of the air and a reduced possibility of MANPADs and other portable anti-air weapons. Decades ago my CV participated in a two CV COMPTUEX that utilized the predecessor of the current cooperative engagement capacity. Using "rings" (Think of Okinawa Radar Pickets.) we killed the B-52 and B-1's that were targeted against us. And, please consider that the last major upgrades have mostly been airframe/weapons integration, with the upgrades over the last few decades mostly geared towards airframe modernization.

Based on the results of a decades old exercise and the current state of the B-52 stand-off systems? IMO, any type of layered/defense in depth deployed to defend a target that can reach out to a point more than 90 NM (Conservatively small distance.) from the intended impact point will put a B-1 at risk and will most likely kill a B-52. (Also, consider that any continuous use of a B-52 at low altitude with wartime loadouts will probably render any surviving aircraft structurally unairworthy within a few weeks. (That might as well be a shoot-down.)

The problem with the enmasse bombing compared to today is that each "Strategic Bomber" has become a "Strategic Asset" almost as valuable as a CV.

 

[michaelmaltby]

Playing politics with defense .... oh Canada
Ottawa changes requirements for new fighter jets to help European firms to qualify

 

[Greyman]

"The bottom line should be what is best for our Air Force and get on with it," he said.

Amazing how hard this is for so many governments.

 

[GrauGeist]

What I find interesting, is that the Canadian government has already entered into an agreement with the F-35 program. This latest "change" will not only cause delays, but create additional costs while adding even more chefs to the kitchen.

 

[michaelmaltby]

... all true but our current PM CAMPAIGNED against the F-35 in 2015 and then further muddied the procurement picture by declaring war on Boeing over the Bombardier Regional Jet, having just announced that the PM's gov't was prepared to buy SuperHornets from Boeing, full, un-negotiated price, which was then cancelled in favor of well-used RAAF Hornets.

IMO, when acquiring weapons there is really only one competition that matters .... WINNING with them.

 

[FLYBOYJ]

https://www.bizjournals.com/dallas/...b-deal-with-most-of.html?ana=yahoo&yptr=yahoo

 

[Torch]

F-15E Strike Eagles unable to shoot down the F-35s in 8 dogfights during simulated deployment

 

[Greyman]

'Lethal' Joint Strike Fighters touch down in Australia

 

[GrauGeist]

'Lethal' Joint Strike Fighters touch down in Australia

Good article that puts the F-35 acquisition into perspective.

 

[Greyman]

Digging around the 72 pages and couldn't find what I was looking for - so just reposting:

 

[Torch]

some video..Instagram Videos of USAF F-35 Demo Team Practice Leak Some New Maneuvers.

 

[buffnut453]

Yeah...cos the deadbeat F-35 has such poor manoeuverability!

I remain impressed at the ability of this jet to point it's nose in unusual directions while still staying in the air.

 

[buffnut453]

Had to share this because it's just too damn funny.

Upgraded J-20 fighter jet 'overwhelmingly superior' to US F-35: analysts - Global Times

I particularly like the bit about the F-35's radar absorbent surface coating having to be replaced after every flight.

But it's on the internet so it must be true....and this could never be Chinese propaganda, could it?

 

[GrauGeist]

Considering that Global Times is the internet outlet of the People's Daily News, which is the official newpaper of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China...

 

[Torch]

Video Surfaces of F-35 Hitting Five Precision Targets at Once, Including Moving One.

 

[vikingBerserker]

WOW!

 

[Torch]

Interesting Images Show U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Launching From USS Wasp In "Beast Mode"

 

[michaelmaltby]

worth noting ....
German F-35 decision sacrifices NATO capability for Franco-German industrial cooperation

 

[buffnut453]

worth noting ....
German F-35 decision sacrifices NATO capability for Franco-German industrial cooperation

Yeah...saw this and really laughed at some of the points being made. For example "The Luftwaffe without F-35s would be hard-pressed to fight alone in a contested air environment." Where on earth would the Luftwaffe ever go it alone? I mean, really? For decades after WW2, Germany was prohibited from operating overseas. Now there are (rightly, IMHO) calls for Germany to be more active militarily on the world stage. But does anyone seriously envisage Germany "going it alone" anywhere in the world?

Unsurprisingly, the article is written by 2 Americans and, frankly, I'd have expected better analysis from 2 alleged experts. Sadly, this just reads like a sales job on behalf of Lockheed Martin (shades of the F-104 sales pitches of the past, perhaps?).