Redlands18
Well-Known Member
I suspect anything already produced would go into the probable UK purchase.
Military Aviation News and Discussion
- Thread starter ngatimozart
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John Fedup
The Bunker Group
Japan, the U.K., France and Germany are all looking into developing 5th GEN fighters. Given the high cost of development, joint efforts make sense. However, as the attached link shows, the French-German effort is already facing difficulties.
Europe’s next-gen fighter jet is stuck in the bickering phase
Europe’s next-gen fighter jet is stuck in the bickering phase
One problem is that the Germans need a Tornado replacement and the aircraft they choose could have a big bearing on whether or not they become involved in designing their own fifth-generation fighter.
German defense ministry gets bids for Tornado fighter jet replacement | Reuters
There seems to be a belief that if the Tornado is replaced by the F-35 then the Germans will not go forward with developing a new fifth-generation fighter with France. A lot seems to hinge on how long it would take for the Typhoon to be certified to carry nuclear bombs.
SpazSinbad
Active Member
USN NavAv seems to get no luv here so here is some (at 1:10 F-35C sunset burner flyby)
Hornet Carrier Ops 2018 West Coast Strike Fighter Ball JOPA
Hornet Carrier Ops 2018 West Coast Strike Fighter Ball JOPA
John Fedup
The Bunker Group
Boeing’s failure to deliver the KC-46 has not gone unnoticed by the competition. It will be interesting to see what a LM and Airbus joint marketing effort will accomplishes. A larger proven tanker to fuel thirsty F-35s and numerous other aircraft. What’s not to like, especially in the Pacific theatre?
Airbus Looks to Pounce As Boeing Struggles to Deliver First Tanker
Airbus Looks to Pounce As Boeing Struggles to Deliver First Tanker
Ananda
The Bunker Group
I always wondered why Airbus don't try to offer MRTT based on A340.
There are many surpluses A340 in market, that they can be offered a new life as MRTT.
I know four engine is less economics than twin ones..which basically why A340 being abandoned by airlines..but Military used won't be that affected by the airlines tight operational cost margin.
Using those A340 as based also can be cheaper to acquire. A340 known also to be found as civilian cargo..why not offered them as MRTT..
There are many surpluses A340 in market, that they can be offered a new life as MRTT.
I know four engine is less economics than twin ones..which basically why A340 being abandoned by airlines..but Military used won't be that affected by the airlines tight operational cost margin.
Using those A340 as based also can be cheaper to acquire. A340 known also to be found as civilian cargo..why not offered them as MRTT..
John Fedup
The Bunker Group
The operational costs are likely considerably more and there is the conversion costs as well. Unless the the airframes are low hours and cycles, probably better to buy new or convert used A330s which should be easier.
John Fedup
The Bunker Group
A F-18 and C-130 have crashed during a Aerial refueling. Two of the seven crew involved have been rescued so far, probably the two Hornet crewmen. Hopefully the other members will be found ok as well.
Reports: C-130 And F/A-18 Involved In A Mishap During Aerial Refueling Off Iwakuni, Japan. Seven Missing.
Reports: C-130 And F/A-18 Involved In A Mishap During Aerial Refueling Off Iwakuni, Japan. Seven Missing.
Millennium7
Member
I am not surprised.
There are radical strategic differences between the two countries. The only reason why they are trying to come up with a common solution are tied to petty politics and not to the long term vision.
The most likely outcome is a broken program, where both partners will their way at some point.
Millennium7
Member
The A340 is not cheap but it is definitely a good and durable design. It would be am ideal platform for conversion!
It’s my understanding that the plumbing for the wingtip hoses uses the fuel lines that go to the outer engines on the A340.
As such for a probe and stogies you may run into issues with plumbing and/ or with distances from the hose/refueller to the jet wash of the outer engine or wingtip vortice.
John Fedup
The Bunker Group
This article summarizes the current status of stealth development and why it, in conjunction with other technologies, will continue to be very difficult to defeat.
World's Best Air Defenses Still Can't Hit Stealth? - Warrior Maven
World's Best Air Defenses Still Can't Hit Stealth? - Warrior Maven
Millennium7
Member
There is an element that it is often overlooked: tactics.
Stealth is a smaller cloak then commonly believed. Force a fighter to fire a missile, and stealth is gone. Force it to use full ABs, and it becomes detectable to IRSTs. All the factors required to gain full advantage from Stealth may not be there, particularly in a long war. While the whole kill chain to destroy a stealth plane is difficult to achieve, it is also difficult to have the kill chain that let a stealth plane act effectively.
BTW Some times a go I made a video about the kill chain concept
Mod Edit: Embedded link promoting a YouTube channel deleted.
-Preceptor
Last edited by a moderator:
John Fedup
The Bunker Group
The V-280 continues to make progress as LM-Sikorsky’s compound rotor helicopter has its first flight delayed until early 2019.
Bell V-280 to focus on manoeuvrability after flying 250kt
Bell V-280 to focus on manoeuvrability after flying 250kt
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #195
John Fedup
The Bunker Group
This article summarizes what is expected for the ITEP program. A decision is expected shortly. If the winning vendor can actually deliver on this requirement then helicopter aviation will see a huge advancement and current equipment will remain viable for a significant period into the future. This will be appreciated in the economic restraints that are likely coming in the next 4-8 years.
Army's Decision On Huge Helicopter Engine Program Will Impact GE, Honeywell, United Technologies
Army's Decision On Huge Helicopter Engine Program Will Impact GE, Honeywell, United Technologies
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #198
Not joking, but ruling family shopping trip a possibility?
John Fedup
The Bunker Group
Gold is heavy so hence the C-17.
One thing that's just occurred to me is transport of armoured limousines, Qatari bigwigs for the use of.