Jets & Planes but no UAV's here. - Page 44

FASTBOAT TOUGH · #1 August 20th, 2019, 08:53 PM

Thank You! That'll make it easy with just a simple date change to the right. My timeline for a decision is simply based on the fact that Congress is in Summer recess until after Labor Day here. Looks like they'll also need the F-16C/D in the OOB, that'll be around until games end. My understanding once (If) they get the new or start getting them, their F-16C/D will be overhauled, again, to what we think will be the F-16V.

This should an interesting story to follow.

Regards,
Pat

FASTBOAT TOUGH · #2 August 26th, 2019, 08:52 PM

I brought this up in Post #502 above, now JANE's is reporting that Taiwan could be the second customer behind Bahrain to fly the most advanced F-16 version in the world, the F-16 BLOCK 70. These will be new airframes designed to fly until 2070. They will have onboard many of the electronic components used on the F-22.

First from JANE's....
https://www.janes.com/article/90631/...caf-operations

For perspective...
https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/products/f-16.html
https://nationalinterest.org/blog/th...has-f-22-26419

More about the jet and Bahraini deal and mostly for the 5 articles at the very bottom. Also Don I haven't forgotten about you there's a couple of great shots of Bahrain's F-16 jets in the air in their camo! We like doing pictures!!

https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zon...existing-fleet

China has indicated these particular fighters would be a "red line" for them. Maybe theirs aren't so good after all.

Regards,
Pat

Imp · #3 August 28th, 2019, 01:26 AM

I would say low observability from the front only makes it a very specific plane patrolling etc with it is pointless, perhaps one to direct cheaper planes with its radar. It’s mission is simple point the nose at the enemy and attack this is a SEAD aircraft if ever there was one.

FASTBOAT TOUGH · #4 September 17th, 2019, 08:56 PM

By way of an update, the U.S./TAIWAN deal for the latest version of the F-16 fighter is still on track and as the lead article indicates the Taiwanese government is clearing the last hurdles to ensure these planes will be fully funded. This plane will be more capable then the current models as part of this deal will include the latest munitions pkg. available.

Also note under the "Contracts Section 2014-2019" that these pods will give those jets "game wise" a TI/GSR value of at least 40 minimum.
https://www.defenseindustrydaily.com...ization-04250/

Unfortunately no news on the M1A2. Though Taiwan is prepared to go forward with this deal, we might be taking a more political look at the "big picture" on these deals allowing for my thought process, I can foresee that with these jets Taiwan will close the gap/or reach parody with China, also remember as already posted above, these jets are designed to operate until 2070. With that in mind, I can see the tank deal potentially, being put off a couple of years at least with supplying them with additional JAVELINS to maybe even include "older" BRADLEYS instead.

It's again just a possibility or option I can see.

Remember we've already sold them a whole "bunch" of JAVELINS already.

Regards,
Pat

FASTBOAT TOUGH · #5 October 8th, 2019, 01:41 AM

I was going to post some stuff before heading out of town later this week but, not sure as some things have come up.

But I just checked my papers and came across this significant article concerning the F/A-18 HORNET specifically the A-D series versions.

They are ALL retired as of 2 Oct 2019 from the USN. They will remain operational with the USN Reserves and Blue Angels (Non game issue for both.) but, more importantly for the game the USMC will still be flying them.

As normal, DID puts their links within the articles/paras etc.

From the "lead" as quoted, note where the links are in the article are shown as highlighted below...
"October 8/19: Retirement The US Navy has retired its fleet of Boeing F/A-18A-D Hornet combat aircraft from active service. The USN announced on October 2 that the final flight took place out of Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia. The retirement of the ‘classic’ Hornets brings 35 years of frontline service with the USN to an end and comes just over a year since the service performed its final carrier deployment of the type earlier in 2018. While the Hornet has been retired from the USN’s active unit inventory, it will remain operational with the Navy Reserve, the Blue Angels display team, and the US Marine Corps (USMC)."
The F/A-18 E/F and F/A-18G are still operational and will be for at least 10 or more years.
https://www.defenseindustrydaily.com...-flying-02816/

NAVAIR has not started reporting any stories for Oct. as of this very moment. However one of the last stories for the month of Sep. concerning the maintenance of the AV-8B indicates the "last" major maintenance cycle should be or is expected to completed by the end of 2021.

This simply means it'll be around after games end. I thought I came across an article awhile back that indicated a targeted retirement date of 2028.

Regards,
Pat

FASTBOAT TOUGH · #6 October 14th, 2019, 10:02 PM

The ONLY reason I'm posting this, as I consider the matter closed on the F/A-18E/F HORNETS, is to show in the very first story listed (0ctober14/19:Rudders) what it replaced/what makes it different from the F/A-18A-D series ("Classic") and finally a fine comparison to the A-6 INTRUDER which was the USN's top SEAD/BOMBER for so many years leading up to it's retirement in the 90's. I found it to be somewhat worthwhile for only being a para long.
https://www.defenseindustrydaily.com...-flying-02816/

Regards,
Pat

Suhiir · #7 October 15th, 2019, 01:04 AM

My understanding is the USMC intends to replace it's F/A-18's with F-35C's ... eventually (gotta love budgets). Thus will B's will be their primary ground support aircraft and C's their primary air superiority/SEAD aircraft.

While everyone (competent) knows the F-35 is not even in the same league as an F-22 and not as good as an F-15 or F/A-18 when it comes down to "furballs" the USMC really isn't intended or equipped to face "First Line" opponents in other then short-term engagements, long enough for the US Army/US Air Force to arrive, so top tier air superiority aircraft are something it can do without. If they're doing "beachhead" duty for the US Army the USN and USAF will be heavily supporting them.

While nothing currently in the USN/USMC inventory comes close to matching the bomb load of the A-6 these days bombs are a LOT more accurate then they were during Vietnam.

FASTBOAT TOUGH · #8 October 15th, 2019, 02:15 AM

Well you'll "love this"...
http://www.navair.navy.mil/product/FA-18EF-Super-Hornet

Nice picture but the USAF gives more specific data on their planes such as ordinance payload weights.

But note on the lower left corner and this is fairly new, they offer a "slick sheet" on the type. Taken from the next ref., I was close in my 10yrs. or more projected service life but NAVAIR has something different to say about it...
"...the aircraft is expected to be in service beyond 2035. Open architecture design principles enhance future development capabilities.", well close enough for "government work" and hand grenades I think!?!

http://www.navair.navy.mil/sites/g/f...eet_FA18EF.pdf

Regards,
Pat

Suhiir · #9 October 15th, 2019, 02:44 AM

I stand corrected !

The F/A-18E has a significantly higher Max Takeoff Gross then I'd been led to believe (probably "old" A-D data).

WilliamB · #10 October 17th, 2019, 09:42 AM

The website Key.Aero is reporting that Indias first two Rafales were officially handed handed over on October 8th. The current start date for the Rafale in the India OB (unit 594) is 3/2018. This site is also reporting that the U.S.A.F. is modifying the A-10 to carry the GBU-39 SDB. The modification program is said to have begun during the summer.