Reply With QuoteF-35C Formation Flight
90 is indeed the latest number, at least to my knowledge. I wouldn't be surprised, though, if Italy reduces its order even more, considering its economic troubles.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-0...se-revamp.html
F-35C Formation Flight
I understand, I hope not, maybe when Mario leaves we can raise the number a bit more..Originally Posted by TheCorruptedOne
DSCA Notification
Japan – F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Aircraft
DSCAWASHINGTON, May 1, 2012 – The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress April 30 of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Japan for a possible sale of an initial four F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Conventional Take-Off and Landing (CTOL) aircraft with an option to purchase an additional 38 F-35 CTOL aircraft. The estimated cost is $10 billion.
All aircraft will be configured with the Pratt and Whitney F-135 engines, and 5 spare Pratt and Whitney F-135 engines. Other Aircraft Equipment includes: Electronic Warfare Systems, Command, Control, Communication, Computers and Intelligence/Communication, Navigational and Identifications (C4I/CNI), Autonomic Logistics Global Support System (ALGS), Autonomic Logistics Information System (ALIS), Flight Mission Trainer, Weapons Employment Capability, and other Subsystems, Features, and Capabilities, F-35 unique infrared flares, reprogramming center, and F-35 Performance Based Logistics. Also included: software development/integration, flight test instrumentation, aircraft ferry and tanker support, spare and repair parts, support equipment, tools and test equipment, technical data and publications, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated cost is $10 billion.
A STOVL aircraft is heavier because of the additional lift systems. It is a good ton heavier than the A. Also it's MTOW is 3 tons short of the A and C.
I can't see the advantage of the B, except for the VT capability, to the other versions.
GKN Aerospace - Filton commences production for F-35 Lightning
GKN AerospaceGKN Aerospace at Filton, UK, has commenced production of precision machined titanium structures for BAE Systems, a principal subcontractor to Lockheed Martin, for the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter aircraft (JSF).
Rolls-Royce supplying F-35B componentsSourceRolls-Royce has received a $315 million contract for technology that enables a variant of the F-35 aircraft to perform short take-offs vertical landings.
The order for 17 Rolls-Royce LiftSystems for F-35B Lightning II jets was given by engine-maker Pratt and Whitney. The LiftSystem comprises a Rolls-Royce LiftFan, Roll Posts and a 3-Bearing Swivel Module.
Last edited by Rapier55; 05-02-2012 at 11:35 AM.
Royal Canadian Air Force still wants F-35 fighter jet
TheStar“Currently from an air force perspective we are focused on delivering the transition to the F-35,” Lt.-Gen. Andre Deschamps, Royal Canadian Air Force.
Well that's about it.I can't see the advantage of the B, except for the VT capability, to the other versions.
If you do not need short field op capability then go with the A.
If you want longer range/payload than the A and are willing to sacrifice Gs, an internal gun, and a little more ca$h, then go for the C.
Yep. One advantage of the B is it will allow countries like Japan and South Korea to get into the fixed wing carrier business relatively easily.
You're right on the weights. Not sure what I was thinking.
Australia to push back F-35 decision by two years
By: Greg Waldron Singapore
3 hours ago
http://www.flightglobal.com/news/art...-years-371402/Australia will delay its acquisition of 12 Lockheed Martin F-35A aircraft by two years to save costs associated with the programme.
According to media reports citing defence minister Stephen Smith, the decision to buy the 12 aircraft will be made in 2014-2015, as opposed to later this year.
Canberra has only committed to two F-35As, which will be delivered in the USA and used for ground and aircrew training. Plans call for it to buy an additional 12 under Project Air 6000 Phase 2A, and a subsequent 58 under Phase 2B.
so... I just found out that there will be a phase 2B so is it possible that Italy will be more in this future phase?
Pretty much impossible to say, but I doubt it. I can see the number going only down, in my opinion. Of course, everything depends on finances...
The first Dutch F-35 continues its way to first flight. The aircraft recently underwent engine runs.
AN-1 is due to be handed over to the Dutch military after the summer, the defense ministry says, after logging its first flight while still under Lockheed Martin ownership.
F-35 Lightning II Flight Test Update
FORT WORTH, Texas, May 8, 2012 – Lockheed Martin’s [NYSE: LMT] F-35 Lightning II flight test program continues to make progress during the first four months of 2012. In March, the program completed 123 test flights totaling 223 flight hours, setting a record for the most System Development and Demonstration (SDD) flights and flight hours for a single month.
- On Jan. 17, demonstrating the ongoing maturation of the F-35 integrated sensor suite, AF-3, an F-35A conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) test jet, completed the first low Distributed Aperture System (DAS) approach.
- On Jan. 18, the first night flight in the history of the F-35 program was completed at Edwards AFB, Calif.
- On Feb. 16, at Edwards AFB, Calif., AF-1, an F-35A CTOL test jet, flew the first external weapons test mission in F-35 program history.
- On March 6, the 33d Fighter Wing at Eglin AFB, Fla., flew its first local F-35 Lightning II sortie, marking a major milestone.
- On March 22, AF-4, an F-35A CTOL jet, completed the first night refueling mission when it successfully connected to an Air Force KC-135 tanker and received fuel through the F-35’s boom receptacle.
- On March 28, BF-4, an F-35B short takeoff/vertical landing (STOVL) test jet based at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md., completed the first F-35 flight with two unarmed air intercept missiles known as AIM-120 Instrumentation Measurement Vehicles (IMVs). The IMVs are used to measure environmental influences such as temperature, vibration and acoustics of the aircraft on the weapon to ensure they do not impact the weapon’s ability to be carried and employed by the aircraft.
- On April 1, the first F-35 Lightning II for the Netherlands rolled out of the F-35 production facility. The Netherlands will use this CTOL jet, known as AN-1, for training and operational tests for pilots and maintainers.
- On April 5, the program completed in-flight refueling of an F-35B STOVL while configured with external weapons at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md. The mission tested the flying qualities of the aircraft while maneuvering with external weapons.
- On April 10, two F-35A CTOLs from the 33d Fighter Wing assigned to Eglin AFB, Fla., completed the unit’s first formation flight. The mission was part of a continuing process to validate pilot syllabus objectives in preparation for future training.
- On April 11, an F-35A CTOL from the 33d Fighter Wing assigned to Eglin, AFB, Fla., completed the unit’s first air-to-air refueling mission with a KC-135R Stratotanker.
- On April 13, BK-1, the United Kingdom's first F-35 Lightning II production aircraft, flew its inaugural flight. The U.K. Ministry of Defence will use this short takeoff/vertical landing jet for training and operational tests at Eglin AFB, Fla., beginning later this year.
- On April 18, for the first time, two F-35C Lightning II carrier variant test aircraft launched together and conducted formation flying at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md. The mission tested flying qualities of the aircraft while taking off, landing and flying in formation for more than one hour.
- On April 21, the program completed the first in-flight refueling of F-35A CTOL aircraft while configured with external weapons at Edwards AFB, Calif. The two-hour mission tested the flying qualities of the aircraft while maneuvering with external weapons.
Cumulative flight test activity totals for 2012 through April 30 are provided below:
- F-35A CTOL jets have flown 164 times.
- F-35B STOVL aircraft have completed 122 flights, 114 of which began with a short takeoff. Additionally, F-35B STOVL aircraft have conducted 49 vertical landings.
- F-35C carrier variant (CV) jets have flown 87 times.
Cumulative flight test activity totals for the duration of the program through April 30 are provided below:
- F-35A CTOL jets have flown 811 times.
- F-35B STOVL aircraft have completed 711 flights, 533 of which began with a short takeoff. F-35B STOVL aircraft have also conducted 328 vertical landings.
- F-35C CV jets have flown 279 times.
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