John Fedup
The Bunker Group
Perhaps far far away from the centre of the universe is a better work environment.
Not hard to imagine we will soon see manned and unmanned teaming concept coming up with these Loyal Wingman drones. I can see each carrying both ISR payload as well as even weapons. If each LW drone can carry a small AESA radar and 2 to 3 AIM-120s and/or couple of SDBs, you have an F-35 acting as the conductor and orchestrates the mission with 3 other LW drones, this would be a real game changer and force multiplier.Among other things, I'm very interested to see how LW integrates with F35 as a counter to 5th gen opponents. With F35s as the hunters and LW as the hounds (distributed, forward ISR screen), you might be able to guard against unpleasant surprises where opposing VLO aircraft "bump" into each other well inside missile WEZ, leading to less than acceptable exchange rates. Add munitions to the LW and things get even more interesting...
In a time where good news stories have been few and far between for Boeing, I am glad to see this showing such promise.
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Not hard to imagine we will soon see manned and unmanned teaming concept coming up with these Loyal Wingman drones. I can see each carrying both ISR payload as well as even weapons. If each LW drone can carry a small AESA radar and 2 to 3 AIM-120s and/or couple of SDBs, you have an F-35 acting as the conductor and orchestrates the mission with 3 other LW drones, this would be a real game changer and force multiplier.
Let's not get to carried away. It's got along way to go yet.Exactly. Alternatively, mix in some LW with ESM gear, an IRST and a laser rangefinder and they can go about the job of passively finding and "spotting" airborne targets for shooters further back. Possibilities abound...
2nd incident involving a RAAF SHORNET/GROWLER on the Ground, at least this time the Aircraft looks like its salvageable.Video of pilots landing and Super Hornet rolling at slow speed down the runway. Will be intersting to see why they ejected?
No obvious reason why ejection was required.
Pilots forced to EJECT as military jet emergency unfolds at RAAF base
The major incident involved a Super Hornet at an air force base in Queensland.7news.com.au
That's 2 out of 36 craft (one growler, one SH) over ten years. How does that compare to the legacy hornets?AA is reporting that the Aircraft was about 200m into its take-off run and Eyewitnesses are reporting smoke billowing from the Engine before the crew ejected.Australian Aviation – Australia's Leading News Source in Aviation
Australian Aviation is the trusted and top source of market intelligence. Delivering insights, breaking news, and information for Australia’s aviation sector.australianaviation.com.au
The answer to that is, how long is a piece of string? There really isn’t a simple answer, it’s not comparing apples with apples.That's 2 out of 36 craft (one growler, one SH) over ten years. How does that compare to the legacy hornets?
From this angle it looks like a Batmobile.Meanwhile had to post this as it's such a cool image of the business end of the Lightning II : "A RAAF F-35A Lightning II flies off the coast of Newcastle, NSW." Image Source : ADF Image Library link
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I agree she looks like she’ll fly again, the front strut appeared to have ended up in the ditch, rather than collapsing, but I think there will be more than just the seats and a new canopy needed.Aircraft does look salvageable thankfully, and no appears to be too hurt (although that eject landing wasn't particularly soft). Nose gear crumpled, but rested on the drop tank, new canopy and a couple of new seats and shes good to go!