I was thinking of the Teen jets starting with the Eagle and Tomcat onwards. Anyway, my crystal ball doesn't see that far into the future.well F-111, F102 F106 F107 F108
all in reduced numbers or killed at birth
I was thinking of the Teen jets starting with the Eagle and Tomcat onwards. Anyway, my crystal ball doesn't see that far into the future.well F-111, F102 F106 F107 F108
all in reduced numbers or killed at birth
I was thinking of the Teen jets starting with the Eagle and Tomcat onwards. Anyway, my crystal ball doesn't see that far into the future.
There are some in government and likely the USAF as well that feel there are not enough F-22s to synergistically network to F-35s. If stealth is compromised by new emerging detection technologies, is there a need for jets with better kinematic performance or is the networking and sensor fusion along with new jamming technology make this unnecessary. The more knowledgeable posters here will have to weigh in on this. Regardless of what the answers are, the costs involved with a restart are likely a show-stopper.I don't see the benefit of a F-22 with F-35 derived mission systems justifying the cost. In their current configuration, networked F-22s and F-35s complement each other synergistically.
If that day ever comes, kinematic performance would likely have graduated to the hypersonic arena to make a difference. The smart money is going into enhancing LO sensors, avionics, etc. for good reason. The limited numbers of the F-22 fleet explains why the AF is adamant about standing firm on it's projected F-35 buy.There are some in government and likely the USAF as well that feel there are not enough F-22s to synergistically network to F-35s. If stealth is compromised by new emerging detection technologies, is there a need for jets with better kinematic performance or is the networking and sensor fusion along with new jamming technology make this unnecessary. The more knowledgeable posters here will have to weigh in on this. Regardless of what the answers are, the costs involved with a restart are likely a show-stopper.
The argument against the F-22, then, would be that an unmanned vehicles has far more potential - there's only so much the human body can take.If stealth is compromised by new emerging detection technologies, is there a need for jets with better kinematic performance or is the networking and sensor fusion along with new jamming technology make this unnecessary.
its pretty dumb when the systems are no longer in development and on limited support.Costing a restart isn't dumb, but doing it after you've already ceased production is.
I do wonder what a new F-22 would look like. I can only assume it would be F-22 in airframe and engines, F-35 in most electronics packages, and new build whatever it takes to make it all work together. There'll be some big improvements from lessons learnt from F-35 on whatever is built next, but it wouldn't be cheap!
no, its about the overall CONOPs - future tactical constructs and whether the cost to bring that specific capability supports that future combat and warfighting visionThe argument against the F-22, then, would be that an unmanned vehicles has far more potential - there's only so much the human body can take.
yep, agility has been redefined some time ago, its not about kinematics and physical manouvreabilityIf that day ever comes, kinematic performance would likely have graduated to the hypersonic arena to make a difference. The smart money is going into enhancing LO sensors, avionics, etc. for good reason. The limited numbers of the F-22 fleet explains why the AF is adamant about standing firm on it's projected F-35 buy.
Apologies, 4th test aircraft.Errr . . not quite the final KC-46. The final KC-46 test aircraft.
But will LockMart be willing to divert resources to build such a beastie? Where does it say about foreign involvement? At present the F22 cannot be exported by law and that law would have to be changed by Congress.Apparently the out going USAF chief thinks a Raptor restart isn't a "totally wild idea". In addition to reporting a cost feasibility the airforce is also to report on possible foreign involvement by Jan 1 2017. Maybe an improved Raptor will become the "sort of 6th gen fighter.https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/usaf-warms-to-f-22-raptor-revival-proposal-425794/
My apologies I stand corrected on the foreign involvement. The article that I linked to in Defence News states:It seems that foreign involvement is to be considered but Congress would have to pass a law for this. From the article, "Congress is considering a provision in its fiscal year 2017 defence policy bill that would require the air force to provide a cost breakdown and even consider foreign involvement in the project by 1 January 2017, but Welsh expects an answer about the cost sooner".
As for LM diverting resources, I doubt they would want to. Boeing and NG would probably be happy to but I really can't see where the money would come from domestically. Perhaps an ultra secret survey is needed on possible foreign buyers, if offered, will you buy and how many? The down stroke is the effect on F-35 orders which is why this restart is unlikely.
and the Flightglobal aaticle you linked to states:The other obstacle is that Lockheed itself may not be on board with an F-22 restart. The company is focused right now on getting the F-35 across the finish line, and an F-22 revival could siphon funds away from the joint strike fighter.
Hence there are many issues to be sorted before even getting your flight suit and helmet on John. The US have to get through an election yet.Lockheed Skunk Works, which is leading the world’s largest defence contractor’s F-X efforts, has proposed upgrades to existing types like the F-22 and F-35 as the best way to achieve air superiority in the 2030s. Other combat aircraft manufacturers like Northrop Grumman and Boeing would probably prefer a competition to introduce a next-generation warplane.