F-35 Joint Strike Fighter News, Videos and pics Thread

[Jeff Head]

The Rafale in particular has true sensor fusion. For eg: The radar's ranging is very accurate, however the IRST's angular information is more accurate than a radar. The Rafale's fusion engine combines the two to give a very accurate reading on the target. This does not exist on most other aircraft that claim sensor fusion. However it is still being developed for the F-35.

etc., etc., etc. ...blah, blah, blah.

ABB, Your can write 100 pages, post 20 pictures, and go on and on about this.

It will not settle the issue.

The Rafael is a very good aircraft in what it brings to the table in terms of its sensors......but as good as it may be (and I concede it is very good), its algorithms and computational capability in terms of its ability to present data to the pilot, and inform him/her of the full picture and all of the options available, is still not on par with what the F-35 is contemplating bringing to the table.

As I said above, there is clearly a difference in interpretation of what the term means and what folks think is going to be available versus what some other aircraft may have now.

No sense in arguing it. No sense in quoting all the "experts," in the world or posting their diagrams at this point. Let's just let it rest now.

The proof will be in the pudding when the pilots and OPFOR people start talking once the JSF is operational and competing.

We can touch base again then on this issue.

Let's let that be the final word on this issue.

 

[Jura The idiot]

the most recent news:
F-35 Mission Software Needs Some Debugging, Cost-Cutting Process Working Around the Edges

The F-35 needs some code rewrites before it can be released as initially combat ready, according to the head of Lockheed’s aeronautics division. The radar tracking parts of the mission systems software had problems, but the Lockheed executive said the problem was manageable before the July date. That said, when

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if it could mean another delay, he said a decision could be expected in weeks whether a separate update would be required. On the good news side of the ledger, Lockheed

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it was on track to save about one quarter of one percent of the cost per F-35 via improved manufacturing techniques. They hope to bring costs down a total of one percent of the cost with the next low rate initial production contract (LRIP 9). Lockheed expressed the ambition of lowering the incremental cost per fighter with engines to $80 million by 2019. Those figures do not count weapons and other systems that can cost more than the fighter, nor do they include the overhead costs of program development.

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quotes

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and

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[Jura The idiot]

Jeff?
Idaho Air Force jobs could be saved by F-35 introduction

UPDATED: Feb 19, 2015
Idaho delegates say they are doing everything in their power to keep the Gem state's Air Force bases in tact. With the looming retirement of the A-10 Thunderbolt, their focus has now shifted to attracting the F-35 aircraft.

The U.S. Air Force secretary visited Gowen Field and the Mountain Home Air Force base this week.

As Deborah Lee James toured the facilities, her guides stressed how strong the airmen and airwomen's abilities are and how much the community supports them.

"It's very well understood that the A-10 is going to be phased out of the military's infrastructure and inventory over a period of time," said Sen. MIke Crapo, (R) Idaho.

With 21 A-10's currently stationed at Gowen Field, this could mean a loss of hundreds of jobs.

That's why Idaho's delegation is vying to house the newest generation of joint-strike fighters, which is the F-35.

"We insist, practically, that they put another mission in here before they pull the A-10 out," said Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter.

With the anticipated introduction of the F-35 comes a selection process.

While the Gem State's leaders have not received any guarantees, they have been told that Gowen Field holds down a spot in the top three picks on their list.

Even members of the business community had an opportunity to voice their concerns. They reenforced to James that Idahoans support the Air Force and any mission they send our way.

"I think everyone made the point that the military and especially the Air Force get the best bounce for their buck right here in Idaho, whether it's Mountain Home or Gowen Field," Otter said.

With the focus on the future, one thing in for sure, Idaho will remain competitive in the bid for ground support of the F-35.

"One of the things I was really encouraged by today was the recognition by the secretary of the tremendous infrastructure assets and personnel assets that we have here in Idaho," said Sen. Jim Risch, (R) Idaho.

If Air Force officials pull out of the area, it would impact the local economy by an estimated $210 million.

Either way, the A-10's will start to be phased out next year.

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[Jeff Head]

Yes...there is a lot of talk about this around here.

I am still hopeful that the A-10 will be saved.

if it is not...at some point they may be able to get some F-35s based here.

 

[Jura The idiot]

the most recent on the "B"
Sea Trial for F-35B to Precede Initial Operational Capability

The Marine Corps’ F-35B Lightning II strike fighter will go through its first operational test at sea before its scheduled initial operational capability (IOC) in July.
The short-takeoff/vertical-landing F-35B will go through Operational Test -1 onboard the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp this spring, said Lorraine Martin, executive vice president and general manager of the F-35 program for Lockheed Martin, the builder of the F-35.

Before the first operational F-35B squadron, Marine Fighter-Attack Squadron 121 (VMFA-121), is ready, the Block 2B software for the F-35B needs to be certified for fleet release. The F-35 test team is conducting final weapons separation tests for the Block 2B software.

The regional mapping component of the software for the squadron’s upcoming deployment to Japan still is being finalized, Martin said. The primary mission of VMFA-121 at IOC will be day and night close air support.

Eight of VMFA-121’s F-35Bs have received upgrades, including lightning protection, from the Fleet Readiness Center at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C. Two others are receiving the upgrades at the Air Logistics Center at Hill Air Force Base in Ogden, Utah.

The Navy’s carrier-based F-35C version also will return to sea this year, with Developmental Test-2 scheduled for the third quarter, probably in August, onboard the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower. Developmental Test -3 will be conducted during the third quarter of 2016.

IOC for the F-35C is scheduled for the third quarter of 2018.

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[Air Force Brat]

defense-aerospace.com, not my own, view of the F-35

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Nice try Kato, but you'll not defeat the Pink Panther with these surprise attacks in the middle of the night? Inspector Clouseau is on the job 24/7 five days a week, yes I do take weekend off, and so:
1. The source of your article happens to be a "Frenchman, named---- Giovanni de Briganti-- yes, that Giovanni de Briganti, publisher of the source of your story??? eehhhh? you were perhaps unaware of his connection----defense-aerospace has made a small fortune attempting to undermine zie faboulous F-35 ThunderHogge II, and is a major proponent of a French aircraft, ummmh, yes indeed the Dassault Aviacion Rafael...which continues to promote the Rafael as an alternative to the F-35???
2. The title of the article will give you a "clue" as to the "tone" of the article--- "Rudderless??? huummmhhhhhh!" indeed as I thoughtfully and reflectively take a long draft off my pipe???
3. Yes, yes, as to your question?? why pit the Admiral against the General???? well indeed the Admiral is trying to protect his 11 carrier group fleet, and his submarine fleet? from having their funding undermined by the F-35C ThunderHogge II carrier aircraft??? don't you see Kato??? and the Air Force General is very happy with the Stealth, that he has, but only appeals for more sensor-fusion??? yes?? Yes????
4. And so you see that the only way to protect the Rafael, which is in trouble???? is to "submarine the Thunder Hogge II, aaahhaa!

 

[Jeff Head]

Despite continued attempts by detractors...the F-35 is moving forward briskly and is becoming more and more obvious that it is going to be one t=of the US military's most historic success stories.

 

[Jeff Head]

defense-aerospace.com, not my own, view of the F-35

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This was already discussed several pages ago, and I responded to it HERE

Old news, already discussed and put to rest...but detractors will continue to point to it nonetheless...but we do not need to rehash it here.

 

[Jeff Head]

the most recent on the "B"
Sea Trial for F-35B to Precede Initial Operational Capability

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Yes, further operational tests will be held at sea on the Wasp...and this is not surprise.

But it is not at all the first time the Bravo has been to sea...and on the USS Wasp.

​

 

[Jura The idiot]

Yes, further operational tests will be held at sea on the Wasp...and this is not surprise.

But it is not at all the first time the Bravo has been to sea...and on the USS Wasp.
...

Jeff, am I wrong when I think this time they'll shoot something? (I think so because of this part of

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:

Before the first operational F-35B squadron, Marine Fighter-Attack Squadron 121 (VMFA-121), is ready, the Block 2B software for the F-35B needs to be certified for fleet release. The F-35 test team is conducting final weapons separation tests for the Block 2B software.

sorry if I misunderstood)