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What are peoples thoughts here?
As FlyboyJ said, the replacement for the F/A-18 is the F-35 CV which will still be in production in 2025. Most likely next generation carrier aircraft is looking to be a UCAV, probably based off X-45.
From the responses on the thread it seems that people are interpreting this as an unsolicited proposal from Boeing.
Boeing has started to air its thoughts on how it will replace the F/A-18E/F after 2025.
Its not, its a response to a USN requirement, currently referred to as F/A-XX that is intended to find a Superbug replacement. This is not currently intended to be the F-35C, but I can see it becoming that, or a version of it.
As I understand it, the F-35C is set to replace the F-18C whereas the E/F are to remain in service. There is currently no F-35 two seater, as an eventual replacement for the F and G models, though I would expect to see one eventually.
I also foresee a future RAF requirement for a two seater (F-35, not F/A-XX) from what I have seen, though that would naturally be few in number and would also depend on an operational UCAV evolving either from Taranis or elsewhere and so would be absolutely dependant on a US need for a two seater in order to be satisfied.
Ultimately, I think that buying more F-35's as a SH replacement is probably more likely than an all new type, but the totally tailless design direction, pioneered by Boeing on the X-44 and continued here, is interesting.
No worriesYes FlyboyJ, if I'd added "if it wins an order through F/A-XX" to that line it would have been clearer. For some reason I assumed people already knew about F/A-XX. My mistake.
But otherwise I'm not sure what you are saying in response to the other part you quoted?
I love the first one!
There may be a parallel of sorts. It strikes me that F/A-XX is a similar sort of programme/requirement as the UK's FOAS in some respects. Although, in the finest British tradition, FOAS is no more, we are still pursuing the 'preferred option' that FOAS identified for our future needs. This involves a manned two seater that operates as a 'UCAV Leader' (for want of a better term) whilst itself being fully combat capable in its own right.
Taranis is the, current programme that, it is hoped, will lead to an operational UCAV. Either as a development of it or as a lead in to UK participation in an international venture (penny pinching again? what us? lol)
Do you mind if I ask where you're getting this information? I'm not aware of anything being released on this subject.
Sort of. Taranis is a technology demonstrator more than anything else (really effective at destroying wind turbines as well if you believe the press). Yet to fly but the programme seems to have been pretty successful. It puts the UK onto a similar level as the US for UCAV design so it doesn't just have to buy whatever comes out of X-45.
I'd assess the possibility of a two seat JSF as extremely unlikely
For a joint manned-unmanned air system? The technology has moved on since then.
Given the long lead times of aircraft (15 years is very little), I'd expect something based off X-45 for the USN's UCAV or the requirement to slip and more JSF (or developed JSF) being purchased.
It seems a logical progression to me, most types have a two seat counterpart. I'm not saying its certain, by any means, but I have haven't yet thought of a reason for them not to make one.
Not in this day and age. Nav/RIO duties have become a one man show and a single pilot can easily take care of that as a second crew member can possible handle the drones.Please forgive my ignorance (for I have a lot of it), but how would a manned aircraft lead UCAVs in combat? The picture I have in my mind is of a two-seat combat aircraft with a flight of 'drone' wingmen behind it. But assuming the guy in the front of the manned a/c is actually flying it, that leaves the guy in the back carrying out a nav/RIO role forthe a/c he is in, AND directing 1-3 drones. Surely that is too much work for one person, even assuming a degree of intelligence in the drones?
Red Admiral, thats true enough regarding Flight and speculation, but speculation is what I intended this thread to be about.