Australian LHDs?

Supe said:
Alexsa: If the Spanish ship is chosen, I reckon we might see the 'jump ramp' omitted to free up space for an extra helo spot.
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You could be right but I thought both versions had 6 NH-90 size spots on deck. The ramp is locate well forward and takes up what is focsle and 'vacant land'. If this is the case then fitting the ramp makes sense even if it is only done to support allied forces.

Cheers
Alexsa
 
Sea Dog said:
Oy boy! 10 years from today you're going to wake up and realize that there are no F35B's on the flightline at Williamstown-and that we won't be sending any on the way. In the meantime do something useful like counting wallaburragas, jirimumbas, chazzwozzers, or whatever the hell you call the critters over there. :nutkick
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You get a little too easily revved up there mate.
 
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FYI: GlobalSecurity.org page on SPS

Alexsa: Hey, I could be wrong. It just looks like the ramp will be rather redundant if there's no concrete plan to acquire F35B's. I don't have inside knowledge, nor am I part of the defence establishment but I just can't see the defence budget (even at 3%) being able to encompass an F35B acquisition. Not when it is competing with other big budget programmes.
 
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knightrider4 said:
You get a little too easily revved up there mate.
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Nah, just having fun....but I've been waiting for years for the opportunity to use "chazzwozzers" in a sentence. It's from a "SIMPSON's" episode.
 
Sea Dog said:
Nah, I think I know. I don't see AUS having 3 sq of one model and 1 sq of another. No F-35B's for AUS. Just the AF version.
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Mate, how do you think the RAAF Air combat group is structured right NOW? 3x operational F/A-18 Sqn's and 1x operational F-111 Sqn, you couldn't ask for much different aircraft...

IF the F-35B were to be purchased (and this is one of many issues still being studied), this is the EXACT structure you'll see in the future RAAF air combat group...

Former Defence Minister Robert Hill said exactly that only a few months ago. The new Australian DCP out sometime soon (supposedly) should clarify this now that the US QDR has come and gone, but bear in mind that we have $16 billion set aside soley for our future air combat capability, and this doesn't take into account any of the rumoured budget increases coming the ADF's way...
 
Aussie Digger said:
Mate, how do you think the RAAF Air combat group is structured right NOW? 3x operational F/A-18 Sqn's and 1x operational F-111 Sqn, you couldn't ask for much different aircraft...

IF the F-35B were to be purchased (and this is one of many issues still being studied), this is the EXACT structure you'll see in the future RAAF air combat group...

Former Defence Minister Robert Hill said exactly that only a few months ago. The new Australian DCP out sometime soon (supposedly) should clarify this now that the US QDR has come and gone, but bear in mind that we have $16 billion set aside soley for our future air combat capability, and this doesn't take into account any of the rumoured budget increases coming the ADF's way...
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What is the replacement for the F-111's? Nothing.

So if you guys get the F35B, come to DC and I'll take you out to "Ben's Chili Bowl" for lunch.

BTW, the USAF has repeatedly brought up the issue of just a few of the F35B's for just a couple of squadrons, and was shot down on the spot by the higher-powers-in-being (read: USMC lobby on the Hill). Now the USAF is feeling the waters about purchasing all three versions (A, B, and even the Navy's "big wing" C). But the USMC's cheerleaders are worried that the USAF will use their purchase of F35B's to poach upon their mission and budget, and the Navy does not want to share their production line with the USAF. This USAF stunt is not going to happen. And I doubt that the RAAF will also go in the direction of anything other than the land version.

I'll even sweeten the offer for you: If the USAF gets either B's or C's, I'll give you a great tour of the city.

I'm 95% confident that I ain't going to be buying it, but prove me wrong, and you get the meal and a great tour of DC.
:dbanana

FYI: the first production F35 rolled out this past Sunday from the Fort Worth plant.
 
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Sea Dog said:
What is the replacement for the F-111's? Nothing.

So if you guys get the F35B, come to DC and I'll take you out to "Ben's Chili Bowl" for lunch.

BTW, the USAF has repeatedly brought up the issue of just a few of the F35B's for just a couple of squadrons, and was shot down on the spot by the higher-powers-in-being (read: USMC lobby on the Hill). Now the USAF is feeling the waters about purchasing all three versions (A, B, and even the Navy's "big wing" C). But the USMC's cheerleaders are worried that the USAF will use their purchase of F35B's to poach upon their mission and budget, and the Navy does not want to share their production line with the USAF. This USAF stunt is not going to happen. And I doubt that the RAAF will also go in the direction of anything other than the land version.

I'll even sweeten the offer for you: If the USAF gets either B's or C's, I'll also buy you lunch at "Ben's".

I'm 95% confident that I ain't going to be buying it, but prove me wrong, and you get the meal and I'll even throw in a great tour of DC.
:dbanana

FYI: the first production F35 rolled out this past Sunday from the Fort Worth plant.
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Deal. You're wrong on one point already though. The F-111 is to be replaced by F-35 JSF, not "nothing". There's simply going to be a gap between when the F-111 is retired and it's F-35 replacements receive their IOC...

I saw the F-35 was nearing readiness. Any idea when she'll fly???
 
Aussie Digger said:
I saw the F-35 was nearing readiness. Any idea when she'll fly???
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Well the first one (F35A) is getting some fresh Texas air after being cooped up in the barn. Lockheed plans to fill the plane with fuel at the Fort Worth facility and then give the fuel system a thorough check. Ground-vibration and structural coupling testing will then take place before the aircraft takes to the air in the fall.

The first work on the 35B just started at BaE.
 
Aussie Digger said:
but bear in mind that we have $16 billion set aside soley for our future air combat capability, and this doesn't take into account any of the rumoured budget increases coming the ADF's way...
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Don't forget, going by the Abrams, a massive chunk of the $16 billion is for lifetime support & that 100 fighters was the initial estimate at a long gone price.
 
rossfrb_1 said:
Navantia & Tenix have set up a website spruiking their 'product'

www.lhd.tenix.com

I just noticed the propellor setup. Sort of dual - contra rotating (?).
Is this common?

rb
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The is being covered in the BPE thread. The props are not contra rotation but interconnceted and rotate in the same direction. Nice picture here:

http://www.g2mil.com/podded-drive.htm

I don't know what brand they are proposing for the BPE but Schottle have a double ended podded drive ssytem rated up to 20MW.

http://www.ship-technology.com/contractors/propulsion/schottel/
 
Sea Dog said:
I'm 95% confident that I ain't going to be buying it, but prove me wrong, and you get the meal and a great tour of DC.
:dbanana

FYI: the first production F35 rolled out this past Sunday from the Fort Worth plant.
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Yes but does that also include an armed escort? :D
 
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