Jets & Planes but no UAV's here.

[DRG]

Originally Posted by FASTBOAT TOUGH

Don or Andy,
In the game does the OOB Gulf States refer to the "real" Gulf States under the GCC? The current countries that make up the Gulf States are Saudi Arabia (Separate OOB.), Kuwait, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Bahrain and Oman.

yes

[FASTBOAT TOUGH]

Don,
Thanks! I'll have to verify first that none of the other countries are still flying the JAGUAR before submitting any changes when the time comes.

Regards,
Pat

[dmnt]

Just something to keep an eye on:

Finland looking for a replacement for F/A-18.

http://yle.fi/uutiset/finnish_defenc..._fleet/7535139

Originally this was supposed to happen in 2020, but for some reason (*cough*) this time schedule was adjusted a bit earlier.

Speculated options have been F-35 (if it ever gets completed), F-22 (if it ever gets exported), Swedish JAS Gripen NG, Eurofighter Typhoon, Dassault Rafale. In the current political situation Russian fighters are unlikely to be picked, but Sukhoi PAK FA and SU-35 are possible.

[dmnt]

Damn, meant MiG-35, not SU-35.

[FASTBOAT TOUGH]

To go along with tracking the F-35, I've also been tracking for years now the PAK-FA/FGFA (India) + T-50 (Russia) for many years now as well. If there's a fighter to compete with the F-22 it's this one (Much on this topic and the next in this Thread.) however like the F-35 it's been beset with many of the same issues in technological development compounded also by cooperative issues between India and Russia. It appears the last after at least a year+ has reached a resolution. Again the following will unlock to the general public soon just check back (This also indicates the article has been updated.) in a few days or so. And yes date changes will be required and or deleted further down the road. It's also ironic to think that the USMC whom normally gets the "leftovers" in equipment might possibly be the only OOB to have the F-35(B)operational by this games end. Anyway here's a taste...
https://www.defenseindustrydaily.com...133/#more-3133

The "Doc" saw fit to have to give me a shot in the eye this evening (Pesky scar tissue.) so I'll leave it at this. Have a good night!

Regards,
Pat

[FASTBOAT TOUGH]

Other than technical issues, Congresses attempts to keep the A-10 flying could upset the IOC for the USAF F-35A. The GAO as already posted, predicts a later date and the A-10 issue would probably push this back at least a year or more to get the additional maintenance personnel inducted into the service and trained. We should know more by this winter I would think on this ever changing situation with the F-35 series..
http://www.janes.com/article/45198/a...a-ioc-for-usaf

Regards,
Pat

[Suhiir]

Originally Posted by FASTBOAT TOUGH

It's also ironic to think that the USMC whom normally gets the "leftovers" in equipment might possibly be the only OOB to have the F-35(B)operational by this games end.

Actually the USMC generally keeps it's aircraft and helos pretty much up-to-date, it's the grunts, tanks, and artillery that make do with old equipment.
You can get by with a slightly outta date tank but given the reliance on air support and lack of significant AA assets you can't afford to have aircraft that can't achieve air superiority (or at least parity).

[shahadi]

Originally Posted by Suhiir

You can get by with a slightly outta date tank but given the reliance on air support and lack of significant AA assets you can't afford to have aircraft that can't achieve air superiority (or at least parity).

My reading on the F-35B is that it has decreased the capability of the A and C variants due mainly to the concept of shared or common design principles. The engineering to lift what 20 tons near vertical and then expect STEALTH and supersonic speeds is daunting. The Navy and the Corps do not need a STEALTH supersonic close aircraft.

Conceptually, what is the need for STEALTH close air support and VTOL when the big boat carrier has assets to provide air superiority and STEALTH (needed to penetrate and strike deep). Especially, at 150 mil a piece, why sacrifice the payload capability of the F-35C to achieve VTOL in the B is beyond me, unless you're living in Fort Lauderdale, an employee of Lockheed Martin, or a congressman from that district.

It seems the Navy has an incessant need to put fixed-wing aircraft on assault ships while forgetting the air craft carrier is designed for that species.

This talk of the advanced JSF, the F-35 and in particular the F-35B can drive a teetotaler to reach for the George Dickel.