F-35B Lightning (RAF & RN)

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Ron5
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Re: F-35B Lightning (RAF & RN)

Post by Ron5 »

downsizer wrote:B-21 I think.....
Medium bomber? Yikes !!

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Re: F-35B Lightning (RAF & RN)

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Timmymagic wrote:
jonas wrote:Of the six aircraft due this year, how many have been delivered up to the present date.
Zero.
Just seen something on SM that said next 3 are on their way over to the UK.

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Re: F-35B Lightning (RAF & RN)

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Bring Deeps wrote:Just seen something on SM that said next 3 are on their way over to the UK.
That will be it for this year by the sounds of it.

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Re: F-35B Lightning (RAF & RN)

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The 3 aircraft (down from the expected 6 this year) will be on the way shortly. RAF have taken delivery.


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Re: F-35B Lightning (RAF & RN)

Post by Timmymagic »

And weirdly I actually saw this Dutch F-35 trail heading out in the opposite direction on Monday, over Whitby. The KC-10 taking them over is a USAF one, and not the last Dutch KDC-10 that was in air at the same time on its way to Omega Air in Duluth. The F-35 are heading to the US for training (8 F-35 with 2 KC-10 from the USAF).


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Re: F-35B Lightning (RAF & RN)

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Made a rod for my own back here....time to update this again...

Here's the delivery timeline again...any changes since last time in Red

So of the UK's '48' here's the status:
Note - Delivery is 'usually' a minimum of 2 years after order.

Delivered to date (N.B. Dates below are order date)

LRIP 1 - April 2007 - No UK Orders, (US F-35A only)
LRIP 2 - July 2007 - No UK Orders (6 F-35B for USMC, first F-35B order)
LRIP 3 - May 2008 - 2 x UK F-35B order - Test aircraft for ITF (not combat capable)
LRIP 4 - Nov 2009 - 1 x UK F-35B order - First 'Combat Capable' aircraft - BK-03
LRIP 5 - Dec 2011 - No UK Orders
LRIP 6 - Sept 2013 - No UK Orders
LRIP 7 - Sept 2013 - 1 x UK F-35B Order - Additional Test aircraft for ITF (not combat capable)
LRIP 8 - Nov 2014 - 4 x UK F-35B Order
LRIP 9 - Nov 2015 - 6 x UK F-35B Order
LRIP 10 - 2016 - 3 x UK F-35B Order
LRIP 11 - 2017 - 1 x UK F-35B Order
LRIP 12 - Nov 2018 - 3 x UK F-35B Order
LRIP 13 - Nov 2018 - 3 x UK F-35B Order - Part order delivered in Oct 21 consisting of 3 a/c, 3 a/c pushed back into 2022

Total - 24 Delivered - Consisting of 21 'Combat Capable' F-35B and 3 F-35B ITF test aircraft.

On Order, Not delivered - (N.B. LRIP's 12, 13 and 14 were ordered simultaneously as a 'Bulk Buy')

LRIP 13 - Nov 2018 - 3 x UK F-35B Order - Part order delivered in Oct 21 consisting of 3 a/c, 3 a/c delivery pushed back into 2022
LRIP 14 - Nov 2018 - 8 x UK F-35B Order - 3 a/c from this order likely to be delivered in 2022 (along with the 3 remaining LRIP 13 a/c), the remaining 5 a/c will be delivered in 2023

N.B. - LRIP 13 and 14 have been affected by COVID delays. Given the completion dates of the LRIP 13 a/c delivered in Oct 21 it is possible that we might see the remaining 3 a/c of that LRIP delivered in the first part of 2022 rather than at the tail end of the year that we have gotten used to. LRIP 14's 3 a/c for delivery in 2022 might turn up at the back end of the year.

Total - 11 contracted, being manufactured

Next Steps
Full Rate Production Orders (FRP) - (N.B. Will be placed once pricing agreed, dates are est. delivery dates)

FRP Delivery 1 - 2023 - 2 x UK F-35B
FRP Delivery 2 - 2024 - 4 x UK F-35B
FRP Delivery 3 - 2025 - 7 x UK F-35B - These were all previously expected by 2024 at latest

N.B. - Worth noting that the production timeline appears to be 2 years from order to delivery. For FRP Delivery 1 to take place in 2023 the order looks likely to need to be placed by the end of 2021. However, this is dependent on Full Rate Pricing being agreed....which has been a long running, dismal saga to date....it looks likely that FRP Delivery 1 of 2 a/c in 2023 is still supposed to happen as well...they need to get them ordered very soon... All FRP 2 and 3 a/c will be delivered by December 2025 according to MoD. Important to note that most deliveries to the UK tend to happen at the end of the year. This should be taken into account when standing up of new Sqn's is mentioned.

Total - 13 Promised/Confirmed will be ordered by MoD

Since last time the only change has been the confirmation from MoD that they do intend to procure more than 48 F-35B, with additional buys being explored. A total in service of 60 has been mentioned. The 138 figure now appears to have been abandoned even in MoD comms. For my money if they want to get to 60 (although even then thats not perfect, a fleet of mid 70's would be good, with mid 90's ideal, though spectacularly unlikely...) they need to order them in 2026-2029. After that Tempest will start to suck the Combat Air budget dry.

However....the recent budget actually cuts the MoD's funds for the next few years in real terms, so I'd guess unless the MoD can do some very fancy footwork that any orders beyond 48 are back in the 'unlikely' category any time soon...

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Re: F-35B Lightning (RAF & RN)

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Much appreciated :thumbup:

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Re: F-35B Lightning (RAF & RN)

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https://www.defensenews.com/air/2021/10 ... 35-engine/

WASHINGTON — The Air Force may decide that it can’t afford to build an entirely new, advanced engine for its F-35A Lightning II fighter jet, the Raytheon Technologies chief executive said Tuesday.
In 2016, the Air Force awarded Raytheon-owned Pratt & Whitney and General Electric Aviation each a billion-dollar contract to develop a new F-35A engine under the Adaptive Engine Transition Program. This engine is intended to deliver better fuel efficiency and thrust by using a third stream of air.

However, Raytheon CEO Greg Hayes said in a call with analysts Tuesday morning paying for the new adaptive engine will be a “tough putt” for the Air Force.
Because the adaptive engine could not be used in the F-35B, the Marine Corps’ vertical takeoff and landing variant or the Navy’s carrier-based F-35C, Hayes said the Air Force would bear its entire development cost.

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Re: F-35B Lightning (RAF & RN)

Post by Timmymagic »

The 3 new aircraft are at Marham. Should be 13 there at present (for the remainder of the 24 UK owned aircraft 3 are in the US, 8 on QE).


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Re: F-35B Lightning (RAF & RN)

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Timmymagic wrote:Made a rod for my own back here...
Many thanks :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

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Re: F-35B Lightning (RAF & RN)

Post by Jdam »

SW1 wrote:https://www.defensenews.com/air/2021/10 ... 35-engine/

Because the adaptive engine could not be used in the F-35B, the Marine Corps’ vertical takeoff and landing variant or the Navy’s carrier-based F-35C, Hayes said the Air Force would bear its entire development cost.
Surprised about the C engine I always thought the A and C shared the same engine. Anyone know the difference?
Timmymagic wrote:The 3 new aircraft are at Marham. Should be 13 there at present (for the remainder of the 24 UK owned aircraft 3 are in the US, 8 on QE).

These F-35's will have 3F software?

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Re: F-35B Lightning (RAF & RN)

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SW1 wrote:Because the adaptive engine could not be used in the F-35B, the Marine Corps’ vertical takeoff and landing variant or the Navy’s carrier-based F-35C, Hayes said the Air Force would bear its entire development cost
Oops... and I don't mean the Bs in USMC service.
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Re: F-35B Lightning (RAF & RN)

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Jdam wrote:Surprised about the C engine I always thought the A and C shared the same engine. Anyone know the difference?
Apparently its to do with the arrestor hook area. No space.
Jdam wrote:These F-35's will have 3F software?
Yes, Block IV is not released yet. However these aircraft have been built with it in mind. But even then its likely, in terms of hardware, they will need a new processor, new DAS and EW improvements (including additional aerials) to hit the Lot 17, Block IV standard that the UK should be aiming for.

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Re: F-35B Lightning (RAF & RN)

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SW1 wrote:https://www.defensenews.com/air/2021/10 ... 35-engine/

WASHINGTON — The Air Force may decide that it can’t afford to build an entirely new, advanced engine for its F-35A Lightning II fighter jet, the Raytheon Technologies chief executive said Tuesday.
In 2016, the Air Force awarded Raytheon-owned Pratt & Whitney and General Electric Aviation each a billion-dollar contract to develop a new F-35A engine under the Adaptive Engine Transition Program. This engine is intended to deliver better fuel efficiency and thrust by using a third stream of air.

However, Raytheon CEO Greg Hayes said in a call with analysts Tuesday morning paying for the new adaptive engine will be a “tough putt” for the Air Force.
Because the adaptive engine could not be used in the F-35B, the Marine Corps’ vertical takeoff and landing variant or the Navy’s carrier-based F-35C, Hayes said the Air Force would bear its entire development cost.
My take on Raytheon comments
Raytheon which is the parent company of Pratt & Whitney saying USAF might no be able to afford the new gen multi-billion Adaptive Engine Transition Program intended to replace the F-35 P&W F135, ADTP sized to fit F135 hole and to deliver a 25% improvement in fuel efficiency, a 30% increase in aircraft operating range and a 5-10 % increase in thrust by using a third stream of air. The P&W ADTP XA101 could not be used in the F-35B or F-35C, whereas the GE saying their ADTP version XA100 could be used in both F-35A and F-35C, again no mention fitting in F-35B.

P&W saying best if USAF stick with an upgraded F135 with more cooling and thrust which would be at significantly lower cost than the ADTP, which will be important as F-35 Block 4 version is rolled out.

The above Raytheon comments reflect the possibility 50% chance P&W XA101 will lose out to the competing GE XA100 if ADTP goes ahead, may make sense for USAF to stick with upgraded F135 for the F-35 but both USAF/USN want the new gen ADTP for their new 6th generation fighters (mention that the GE second prototypes of its XA100 engine to be under test before year end, operational time frame target 2027/2028).

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Re: F-35B Lightning (RAF & RN)

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NickC wrote: both USAF/USN want the new gen ADTP for their new 6th generation fighters
I think you got to the gist on this one
... I was quite taken aback by the sudden negativity.
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Re: F-35B Lightning (RAF & RN)

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Timmymagic wrote:Since last time the only change has been the confirmation from MoD that they do intend to procure more than 48 F-35B, with additional buys being explored. A total in service of 60 has been mentioned. The 138 figure now appears to have been abandoned even in MoD comms.
From today's Select Committee session, Jeremy Quin at 17:15:40.

- Decision on future numbers not to be made till 2025 (which suggests a gap in procurement unless LockMart is keeping some slots for us)

- 138 Lightnings "still there"; "as a defined number"; "not dismissing that number".

- Admiral Radakin talks of a "second carrier airwing", composed of "jets and drones".

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Re: F-35B Lightning (RAF & RN)

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Re: F-35B Lightning (RAF & RN)

Post by Ron5 »

My advice is to not read Minister Freer's Twitter feed like I did :?

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Re: F-35B Lightning (RAF & RN)

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Jensy wrote:
Timmymagic wrote:Since last time the only change has been the confirmation from MoD that they do intend to procure more than 48 F-35B, with additional buys being explored. A total in service of 60 has been mentioned. The 138 figure now appears to have been abandoned even in MoD comms.
From today's Select Committee session, Jeremy Quin at 17:15:40.

- Decision on future numbers not to be made till 2025 (which suggests a gap in procurement unless LockMart is keeping some slots for us)

- 138 Lightnings "still there"; "as a defined number"; "not dismissing that number".

- Admiral Radakin talks of a "second carrier airwing", composed of "jets and drones".
Is 2025 the next defence review?

PS yes it's defined by the UK commitment to buy that many

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Re: F-35B Lightning (RAF & RN)

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LM are pushing the F-35 to 4 new countries in Europe at the moment. Obviously Finland with the HX Competition is one, the other 3 are the Czech Republic, apparently for 40 F-35A, Greece (no surprise) and Spain.

The Spanish numbers quoted were an eye opener, remember this is LM's proposal, not a Spanish competition/requirement at present....25 x F-35A and 25 x F-35B. The 25 x F-35B would be a replacement for the AV-8B+ fleet, but....the number seems high. The Spanish Navy only has 12 AV-8B+ in service and the Juan Carlos I can't handle much more than that. They can make that number work as they never have more than 8 at sea, and like the French, have synced the major maintenance cycles of the ship and aircraft together. Not sure if the Juan Carlos 1 could handle 12 x F-35B efficiently with any helo's attached. The only reason I can see for the 25 F-35A mentioned would be a speculative offer to try and head off the purchase of 20 Typhoon Tranche 4 that Airbus has been trying to negotiate to replace the oldest EF-18's in Spanish Air Force service. Despite being mentioned a long time ago the contract has yet to be concluded.

https://www.janes.com/defence-news/defe ... -customers (subscriber content)

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Re: F-35B Lightning (RAF & RN)

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Jensy wrote:- Decision on future numbers not to be made till 2025 (which suggests a gap in procurement unless LockMart is keeping some slots for us)
Given the c2 year lead time that means no deliveries in 2026. However, it might be the fact that the current re-profiling to the UK's deliveries over the next couple of years feeds into the years beyond to a degree, wouldn't be surprised to see some of 2025's deliveries slip into 2026. Given that an order for F-35B is expected soon for South Korea, and there is a likely order for Spain in the works I don't think there will be slots open on spec.
Jensy wrote:- 138 Lightnings "still there"; "as a defined number"; "not dismissing that number".
First time its been heard for a while...wonder how much longer MoD can keep up the pretence...

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Re: F-35B Lightning (RAF & RN)

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Timmymagic wrote:4 new countries in Europe at the moment. Obviously Finland with the HX Competition is one, the other 2 are the Czech Republic, apparently for 40 F-35A, Greece (no surprise) and Spain. The Spanish numbers quoted were an eye opener....25 F-35A and 25 F-35B.
The Spanish number seems like the Italian one.. ever shrinking. But keeping the balance (between the navy and the AF)
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Re: F-35B Lightning (RAF & RN)

Post by Jensy »

Timmymagic wrote:Given the c2 year lead time that means no deliveries in 2026. However, it might be the fact that the current re-profiling to the UK's deliveries over the next couple of years feeds into the years beyond to a degree, wouldn't be surprised to see some of 2025's deliveries slip into 2026. Given that an order for F-35B is expected soon for South Korea, and there is a likely order for Spain in the works I don't think there will be slots open on spec.
With the ongoing A model engine fracas I'd be fairly relaxed about delaying until it's certain that there isn't an enhanced power plant option for the B. However the RAF fast jet fleet is not exactly overflowing with aircraft post-IR.
Timmymagic wrote:
Jensy wrote:- 138 Lightnings "still there"; "as a defined number"; "not dismissing that number".
First time its been heard for a while...wonder how much longer MoD can keep up the pretence...
Cynically I'd wager till when (if) Tempest numbers start being discussed. Replacing Typhoon would appear to be the only way UK Lightning numbers are going to get to three figures, much less 138.
ArmChairCivvy wrote: The Spanish number seems like the Italian one.. ever shrinking. But keeping the balance (between the navy and the AF)
We seem destined to be the only, sole B user. Will be interesting to see how the small split fleets work out.

I wonder what would irk France more, Spanish F-35As or more Typhoons..? Poor Luftwaffe, everyone else is getting what they supposedly wanted....

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Re: F-35B Lightning (RAF & RN)

Post by ArmChairCivvy »

Jensy wrote: With the ongoing A model engine fracas I'd be fairly relaxed about delaying until it's certain that there isn't an enhanced power plant option for the B.
Exactly.
Jensy wrote: Poor Luftwaffe, everyone else is getting what they supposedly wanted....
Been out of the [Mach :D ] loop for a third of a year... are they still on with their SuperHornets, that come with the B-1 ground-hugging radar?
- you know, penetrating 'air'... what was it that the Americans had in their designation for the nxt-gen ;)
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If everyone is thinking the same, then someone is not thinking (attributed to Patton)

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Re: F-35B Lightning (RAF & RN)

Post by Timmymagic »

ArmChairCivvy wrote:The Spanish number seems like the Italian one.. ever shrinking. But keeping the balance (between the navy and the AF)
This is the first time I've seen a number for the Spanish...and its about 3 times larger than I ever expected...

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