Hi guys,
Abit has been touted about the low maintainence requirements for operating the JSF. Can anybody define "low" and then after they have done that make a break it down into laymans terms or a "fixing jets and stuff for idiots" (about my level).
And is anyone able to put it in perspective to the nearest competitor Typhoon, F-18 SH, and the perfect girlfriend (ultra low maintainence- the dream of every man) type Gripen?
What I am looking for but can't find is a man hour break down of each of the major trades or skill sets to keep it flying and mean time before 2nd or 3rd line deep cycle maintainence (by the way I have no experience with this above trucks, diggers and not much else).
Curious as to its operational sustainability for the smaller nations (I wish NZ was one).
Think it would be important if Israel's concern over base targeting does swing them to get the B variant as an example. If there bases were nulified I imagine logistics would also be under strain in that sort of scenario.
Also are there any two seaters yet? havent seen a single publicity shot. And if so how does the extra man affect range and load? If not is this normal in aircraft development to tackle a two seater later?
And any postulation as to the effect UCAVs will have to its future? In my ignorance I would have thought there would be more concern with signal disruption and manipulation with UCAV control (as the man in the loop that the laws of war possibly require) would guarantee some support for the man future fighters. But UCAVS offer a simpler (cheaper), more numerous , less risky proposal to conventional fighters once the technology and doctrine regarding their use matures (when... I dunno).
Cheers,
Shane
LOL, You want what low maintenence in laymens terms, then ask for a breakdown by hours spent by trade and comparisons to the other major fighters. Not a problem, just write to Lockheed Martin and ask, I'm sure they will give you the figures.
As with many new systems the low maintenence is expected to come from diagnostic tools as well as on board computor systems that will isolate problems as they arise. This makes the swap a part or circuit board much quicker than in the past.
Other areas of advance concern less overall parts that make up the aircraft in relation to LRUs that can be used. (line replacement units).
Many items such as reliability, durability, and easy access to componants also insure quick repair and turnaround times.
There will be a period of time before enough data is collected to determine which parts wear out the fastest or where modifications are needed before it is determined to be mature in the sense of repairability. Give it a couple of years then ask for comparisons.
