F-35B Lightning (RAF & RN)

[CameronPerson]

IMG_1034.PNG

[ArmChairCivvy]

Free beer... tomorrow:

http://www.defense-aerospace.com/articl ... 4206m.html

[Gabriele]

Looks like 207 Sqn will stand-up on F-35. Probably as the OCU, but we will know within the day.



Born Royal Naval Air Service, then RAF, to keep with the joint spirit.

[downsizer]

Interesting choice given the normal seniority wrangling.

[downsizer]

Confirmed, OCU will be 207 Sqn.

[sea_eagle]

Future home for the F-35B:

41D849BB00000578-4646526-image-a-38_1498674923300.jpg

There are 3 hotspots for VTOL landing when required. These are all on the port side where the helicopter landing spots 1-5 are clearly marked. I wonder why they did not make the heli spot 6 (on the aft starboard side) as one of the hotspots? This would allow for an emergency VTOL while allowing for take-off operations to continue? Or why only 3 hotspots would it really cost much to add a fourth?

If you notice the dotted white line across the deck just aft of the Flyco, I assume this is the launch position. Does anyone know if for a rapid launch could 4x F-35B line up one behind the other?

[ArmChairCivvy]

A great shot! Shows how vast those lifts (taking two f-35s at a time) are

[Timmymagic]

There are 3 hotspots for VTOL landing when required. These are all on the port side where the helicopter landing spots 1-5 are clearly marked. I wonder why they did not make the heli spot 6 (on the aft starboard side) as one of the hotspots? This would allow for an emergency VTOL while allowing for take-off operations to continue? Or why only 3 hotspots would it really cost much to add a fourth?

If you notice the dotted white line across the deck just aft of the Flyco, I assume this is the launch position. Does anyone know if for a rapid launch could 4x F-35B line up one behind the other?

UK STOVL operation has always meant an approach from the port rear with the aircraft coming abreast it's landing spot over the water before then 'sliding' across above the deck to it's designated spot. The last thing you want to do, particularly in an emergency, is introduce another element to go wrong. It's also safer for the ship in an emergency if the aircraft has had a failure for it to fall in the water rather than on deck. There's always going to be different airflow from the islands and exhausts on that side too, it would introduce more complications.

There's no jet blast deflector so they won't be lining up directly behind, Sea Harrier used to 'queue' at the stern in the middle or starboard side. All they had to do then was go turn onto the runway and quickly launch. It's such a quick launch and recovery procedure, especially compared to cats and traps, that it doesn't add that much time. Obviously it's a lot safer to do it that way as well. Remember F-35's engine will putting out a lot of heat and thrust to the rear on the initial takeoff run, they don't use AB though, from what we've seen to date the jet nozzle points down 30 degrees before rotating to over 45 degrees when the F-35 clears the ramp. Not sure if they wouldn't use some AB initially if they were heavily loaded with stores or fuel. But either way it will have shut off by the time the ramp is reached as it hasn't been treated with the titanium based coating.

[MRCA]

Think we have to be careful not to conflate routine with emergency. The area with extra treatment are likely to be subject to repeated landing, that does not mean you can't land anywhere else it would just mean that area would degrade faster with repeated use as it did with harriers

[SKB]

A great shot! Shows how vast those lifts (taking two f-35s at a time) are

The lifts are larger than those found on Nimitz or Ford class carriers. In fact, they are the world's largest.
http://www.mactag.com/91_AircraftLifts.html

[ArmChairCivvy]

they are the world's largest.

We did get there, not snatching many of those or "firsts" these days...

[ArmChairCivvy]

Had to move over here, when there was a blanket comment on the Typhoon threat that all discussion relating to improved deep strike capability by Typhoon was hogwash

... assuming that is true, perhaps we should team up with Israel, who are continuing in the tradition of fitting Strike Eagles with conformal tanks:
" domestic Israeli defense contractors are working with Lockheed to develop country-specific add-ons to the aircraft’s frame, including possible new external and conformal fuel tanks. If engineered correctly, this flush design could significantly extend the F-35I’s unrefueled range while hopefully keeping its low-observable characteristics intact. Lockheed’s proposed external wing tanks compromise the jet’s stealthy shape. Extra fuel on board the aircraft eases pressure on the Israeli Air Force's relatively small aerial tanker fleet, too.

Coupled with stand-off weapons, this added range in full stealth mode could be a great benefit to the Israeli Air Force, which routinely conducts preemptive strikes in various countries, such as Syria, which have increasingly potent air defense networks."
http://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/10 ... -any-other

[Timmymagic]

Not a modification we'll see but interesting none the less. Particularly the size of the installation, and the care that has to be taken to install what is usually a small module on other jets. Also illustrates how sticking anything else on the F-35 is likely to be very expensive.

Braking chute tests for the Norwegians (and presumably Canadians if they ever get fully on board).

[R686]

Not a modification we'll see but interesting none the less. Particularly the size of the installation, and the care that has to be taken to install what is usually a small module on other jets. Also illustrates how sticking anything else on the F-35 is likely to be very expensive.

Braking chute tests for the Norwegians (and presumably Canadians if they ever get fully on board).

Looks like a major PITA if someone has to go a pick it up all the time.

[Defiance]

Small price to pay given the alternative of not having it

[ArmChairCivvy]

given the alternative of not having it

Canadians also have arrestor gear; never read about the Norgies using other than chutes.

[topman]

They wouldn't be used day to day, just as an emergency back up. It's not uncommon for military aircraft to have them.

[SKB]

[Dahedd]

I take it that the new hawk( T2?) with the longer nose is more advanced & has a cockpit layout much like the F35 then ?

[LordJim]

The T2's cockpit is much nearer the current generation of fast jet cockpits than the T1, but considering the latter's cockpit is still steam driven it is not surprising. The ability to mimic the displays of other platforms to a degree using the LCDs as well as imitate hardware functions also helps.

[CameronPerson]

https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/governm ... ign=social

Are we all agreed that fundamentally this would be a damn right stupid move? Is the fact that this is even being considered, a sign that the Royal Navy may have to swallow a very bitter pill on carrier strike at some point?

[Gabriele]

Unforgivably idiotic idea.

[MRCA]

That bitter pill will be much worse than limiting the f35bs to 48 a/c but that has been obvious to anyone with half a brain who didn't drink the Cool aid since before the carriers were laid done.

The whole set of requirements that were the basis for constructing the carriers have been detached from uk fastjet force and budget reality for years.

[RetroSicotte]

This would cripple carrier strike at a completely core level.

Unlerss there are enough F-35Bs to max out both carriers, then this is nothing but a drastic cut.

Why even want the A to increase costs of having the second airframe type long term anyway? We don't even use anything that it specifically fits and it's not like the F-35B and Typhoon are short on range.

[cockneyjock1974]

You're all seeing the technical side of things which is impressive, but the simple matter of it is...the A is cheaper! Game set and match to the bean counters.