F-35B Lightning (RAF & RN)
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Re: F-35B Lightning (RAF & RN)
How many squadrons would be required if the F35B was to be deployed only for RN?
(For now I am assuming that Typoon and eventually Tempest will meet RAF needs).
If we had four squadrons, that means RN could deploy two to each CSG.
Would that be sufficient or would we need to rotate squadrons for active duty across the CSG's?
Am I right in thinking that typical squadron is 12 planes at full strength? If so would CSG normally deploy with additional planes and/or reserve pilots to cover maintenance / illness?
I say normal, recognising that we only have CSG21 to currently refer to and that was with only one incomplte UK squadron plus USMC Squadron.What about previously with Harriers on Invincible Class carriers?
(For now I am assuming that Typoon and eventually Tempest will meet RAF needs).
If we had four squadrons, that means RN could deploy two to each CSG.
Would that be sufficient or would we need to rotate squadrons for active duty across the CSG's?
Am I right in thinking that typical squadron is 12 planes at full strength? If so would CSG normally deploy with additional planes and/or reserve pilots to cover maintenance / illness?
I say normal, recognising that we only have CSG21 to currently refer to and that was with only one incomplte UK squadron plus USMC Squadron.What about previously with Harriers on Invincible Class carriers?
Re: F-35B Lightning (RAF & RN)
Depends on if the FWUAS (VIXEN) delivers and how many will be purchased / available.wargame_insomniac wrote: ↑11 Dec 2021, 16:37 How many squadrons would be required if the F35B was to be deployed only for RN?
Assuming, a full wartime load of 60 a/c - this could be a mix of 24 F35b + 24 Vixen + 12 Merlins HCA4/HM2, would mean 2 x 12 F35b a/c per carrier, four front line squadrons in total, plus an OCU/reserve squadron (No. 207) and a trials squadron (No. 17).
”We have no eternal allies, and we have no perpetual enemies. Our interests are eternal and perpetual, and those interests it is our duty to follow." - Lord Palmerston
Re: F-35B Lightning (RAF & RN)
I'm not quite sure that question makes sense? Please explain.wargame_insomniac wrote: ↑11 Dec 2021, 16:37 How many squadrons would be required if the F35B was to be deployed only for RN?
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Re: F-35B Lightning (RAF & RN)
I thought currently the UK F35B's are being shared by the RN and RAF?topman wrote: ↑11 Dec 2021, 19:11I'm not quite sure that question makes sense? Please explain.wargame_insomniac wrote: ↑11 Dec 2021, 16:37 How many squadrons would be required if the F35B was to be deployed only for RN?
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Hence why this very topic is in Joint Service section rather than Royal Navy?
I even stated in my previous query which you did not quote:
"(For now I am assuming that Typoon and eventually Tempest will meet RAF needs)."
So I am assuming nil F35B's for RAF and all F35B's bought by UK being used for RN.....
I hope that clarifies what I meant.
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Re: F-35B Lightning (RAF & RN)
So if 6 squadrons including reserve and trials squadrons, would that mean 6*12 = 72 aircraft fielded, and thus 80-90 F35B's needed to be bought to cover maintenance and attrition?Repulse wrote: ↑11 Dec 2021, 17:22Depends on if the FWUAS (VIXEN) delivers and how many will be purchased / available.wargame_insomniac wrote: ↑11 Dec 2021, 16:37 How many squadrons would be required if the F35B was to be deployed only for RN?
Assuming, a full wartime load of 60 a/c - this could be a mix of 24 F35b + 24 Vixen + 12 Merlins HCA4/HM2, would mean 2 x 12 F35b a/c per carrier, four front line squadrons in total, plus an OCU/reserve squadron (No. 207) and a trials squadron (No. 17).
Re: F-35B Lightning (RAF & RN)
I think i understand what you mean, but i think you're looking through the wrong end of telescope.
Anyway moot point, it's joint service and that's not changing.
Anyway moot point, it's joint service and that's not changing.
Re: F-35B Lightning (RAF & RN)
I thought you meant that the F35B was exclusively for carrier ops - let’s leave the FAA vs RAF discussion to the past where it belongs IMO.
”We have no eternal allies, and we have no perpetual enemies. Our interests are eternal and perpetual, and those interests it is our duty to follow." - Lord Palmerston
Re: F-35B Lightning (RAF & RN)
Bae wins contract for Block 4 electronic warfare systems................
https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/air- ... w-systems/
https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/air- ... w-systems/
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Re: F-35B Lightning (RAF & RN)
http://psk.blog.24heures.ch/archive/202 ... 72260.html
Rumors obviously.
Japan getting extremely serious.
Many more A's and a total of 84 F-35 B's potentially.
Rumors obviously.
Japan getting extremely serious.
Many more A's and a total of 84 F-35 B's potentially.
Re: F-35B Lightning (RAF & RN)
Apologies if I have missed this somewhere, has the F35 been given an official type designation in UK service - e.g. GR Mk 1 or similar? No mention even on the RAF website. Cheers.
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Re: F-35B Lightning (RAF & RN)
None so far. Quite a few to choose from...FGR, FG or in FAA parlance FA.
Been a trend recently e.g. C-17 or C-130J (even though its actually the C4 or C5). Then Reaper gets RG.1....someone needs to get a grip of it.
Re: F-35B Lightning (RAF & RN)
I just hope it isn't the RAF and FAA failing to agree on what the designation should be! All part of the joy of smooshing together two different arms with two different roles, I guess.Timmymagic wrote: ↑30 Dec 2021, 15:26
None so far. Quite a few to choose from...FGR, FG or in FAA parlance FA.
Been a trend recently e.g. C-17 or C-130J (even though its actually the C4 or C5). Then Reaper gets RG.1....someone needs to get a grip of it.
Re: F-35B Lightning (RAF & RN)
Just make it the FRS1 like the Sea Harrier originally was. That would seem to cover things nicely and shows the RAF who has dibs on the aircraft.
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Re: F-35B Lightning (RAF & RN)
The S denoted Strike (i.e. nuclear weapons delivery). FA would be the most FAA one. I suspect given the F-35's prodigious reconaissance ability FGR will be chosen eventually...
Re: F-35B Lightning (RAF & RN)
Never understood why "Strike" always denoted nuclear delivery. The Tornado had that role yet was given GR as its role shortcut.
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Re: F-35B Lightning (RAF & RN)
Same reason Buccaneer was S1 and S2. Naval aircraft. RAF used different designation system.
Re: F-35B Lightning (RAF & RN)
Or more likely - the operators have better things to worry about than the internet fan bois.KiwiMuzz wrote: ↑30 Dec 2021, 20:33I just hope it isn't the RAF and FAA failing to agree on what the designation should be! All part of the joy of smooshing together two different arms with two different roles, I guess.Timmymagic wrote: ↑30 Dec 2021, 15:26
None so far. Quite a few to choose from...FGR, FG or in FAA parlance FA.
Been a trend recently e.g. C-17 or C-130J (even though its actually the C4 or C5). Then Reaper gets RG.1....someone needs to get a grip of it.
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Re: F-35B Lightning (RAF & RN)
Am waiting with bated breath for you to explain why I'm a fan boi for speculating why established naming protocols are apparently being ignored.downsizer wrote: ↑31 Dec 2021, 12:54Or more likely - the operators have better things to worry about than the internet fan bois.KiwiMuzz wrote: ↑30 Dec 2021, 20:33I just hope it isn't the RAF and FAA failing to agree on what the designation should be! All part of the joy of smooshing together two different arms with two different roles, I guess.Timmymagic wrote: ↑30 Dec 2021, 15:26
None so far. Quite a few to choose from...FGR, FG or in FAA parlance FA.
Been a trend recently e.g. C-17 or C-130J (even though its actually the C4 or C5). Then Reaper gets RG.1....someone needs to get a grip of it.
Re: F-35B Lightning (RAF & RN)
Because those involved in the project are busy delivering actual outputs rather than worrying about a meaningless designation that only fan bois on the net care about.KiwiMuzz wrote: ↑31 Dec 2021, 21:57Am waiting with bated breath for you to explain why I'm a fan boi for speculating why established naming protocols are apparently being ignored.downsizer wrote: ↑31 Dec 2021, 12:54Or more likely - the operators have better things to worry about than the internet fan bois.KiwiMuzz wrote: ↑30 Dec 2021, 20:33I just hope it isn't the RAF and FAA failing to agree on what the designation should be! All part of the joy of smooshing together two different arms with two different roles, I guess.Timmymagic wrote: ↑30 Dec 2021, 15:26
None so far. Quite a few to choose from...FGR, FG or in FAA parlance FA.
Been a trend recently e.g. C-17 or C-130J (even though its actually the C4 or C5). Then Reaper gets RG.1....someone needs to get a grip of it.
Re: F-35B Lightning (RAF & RN)
They probably already have one but simply still referring to them as the F-35 or Lightning is more easily understood by the media and public at large.
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Re: F-35B Lightning (RAF & RN)
That would work as it could be seen as giving the Navy priority in their use.