Is it true that the F-35 can carry as many weapons as a FA-18 with longer range and using internal bays only?
Someone must have taken a day or two to come up with this acronym. Guess what, it was worth it!
First, let's take a look at the Combat Radius for the F-35C (it doesn't make a helluva lot of sense to compare the A or B models to any model of Hornet because the A model will replace the F-16 while the B will replace the AV-8B, and C will replace Hornets): Approx 600 nm.
Now, let's look at the F/A-18C/D Hornet's Combat Radius: 290 nm.
Now, let's take a look at the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet's Combat Radius: 390nm
So, now that we've established that: yes, the combat radius of the F-35C significantly exceeds that of all current F/A-18C/D-E/F Hornet/Super Hornet Models.
So let's say that the mission requirement is a precision strike on a particular building being indetified by a group of Special Operators (SF, SEALs, Rangers, Raiders, USAFSOC, etc.) that has an evil guy in it and he needs to die. Oh, and by the way; the area is swarming with SAMs and enemy fighters.
Keeping that mission in mind, let's take a look at the internal payload capabilities of the F-35C: 2x AIM-132 ASRAAM (for self-defense), and 2x GBU-31/32/38 JDAM. This is just the internal capacity; the F-35 has a total of 6 external underwing hardpoints.
Now, let's look at the weapon payload for this mission of the F/A-18F Super Hornet (I'm going with the two seat version because, why not): M61 Vulcan 20mm (520 rounds), 2x AIM-9 Sidewinder, and 6x GBU-31/32/38 JDAM.
So, the Super Hornet might have the greater self-defense capability because the M61 comes standard, but the F-35 has greater Combat Radius and survivability due to its stealthy nature.
Thank you for your time, have an excellent day.
Keep up The Fire
- Guardian
ope :ar15 :gun
"Mortis Prius Infamia"
Sources:
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/aircraft/f-18-specs.htm
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/aircraft/f-35-specs.htm
http://www.navy.mil/navydata/aircraft/fa18/fa18ord.html
http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=1100&tid=1200&ct=1