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In reply to the discussion: So, what should replace the F-35? [View all]FarCenter
(19,429 posts)69. To intercept airliners and general aviation aircraft doesn't require an F-35
You can use existing fighters to do that.
However, for air superiority combat the identification of non-friendly forces has to be done by other than visual means.
Beyond Visual Range
The keys to success in the BVR environment lie in a fighter aircraft achieving first sight, first shot, and first kill. These keys require fighter aircraft to meet certain criteria.
Firstly, exemplary communications and sensors (including secure and jam-resistant data links - to be first to seek out the enemy). Additionally, exceptional supersonic dash and agility capability (to be first to optimum AAM launch conditions), and a weapons suite with the operational "edge" (to ensure first kill). Finally, the persistence in the fight with retained advantage, should further fighting be necessary. Eurofighter Typhoon meets these needs in full.
The keys to success in the BVR environment lie in a fighter aircraft achieving first sight, first shot, and first kill. These keys require fighter aircraft to meet certain criteria.
Firstly, exemplary communications and sensors (including secure and jam-resistant data links - to be first to seek out the enemy). Additionally, exceptional supersonic dash and agility capability (to be first to optimum AAM launch conditions), and a weapons suite with the operational "edge" (to ensure first kill). Finally, the persistence in the fight with retained advantage, should further fighting be necessary. Eurofighter Typhoon meets these needs in full.
As long ago as the introduction of the F-14 it was said that enemy fighters would not close to visual range. The F-14 was equipped with the Phoenix missile to engage distant targets.
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Conservatives claim that leaving the money with the public creates more growth and jobs
Kolesar
Feb 2013
#2
Nothing. The JSF is not the problem, it is a symptom. Few people can really grasp just how
Egalitarian Thug
Feb 2013
#5
Buying overpriced hardware built by incompetent numbnuts won't help fix that problem.
bemildred
Feb 2013
#51
If you can get out of the absurd mindset that has been fostered, you would also consider
Egalitarian Thug
Feb 2013
#52
The next gen of air superiority and ground attack will be remotely piloted vehicles.
leveymg
Feb 2013
#6
Actually, human lag time is worse. Pilots take longer than automonous drones in decision-making
Ikonoklast
Feb 2013
#56
How would the Su-30 and Mig-29 do against the Patriot missile -- which is an autonomous drone?
FarCenter
Feb 2013
#61
The patriot is not a drone. A drone is a weapons platform, not a weapon. A patriot is a weapon. nt
stevenleser
Feb 2013
#74
A drone is any unmanned vehicle under its own guidance and optionally remote guidance
FarCenter
Feb 2013
#76
I disagree. Even with the rapid communication links we have now, a pilot is quicker.
Gorp
Feb 2013
#46
The drones will rapidly become autonomous -- there is no need for a pilot on the ground
FarCenter
Feb 2013
#55
I dont know how rapidly we will be able to build the following AI into a drone...
stevenleser
Feb 2013
#58
And that is easier said than done in terms of identifying what is an enemy target at that range.
stevenleser
Feb 2013
#71
That's a good point. Even in chess there are a limited amount of possible moves.
stevenleser
Feb 2013
#73
And that's before the subjectives like rules of engagement and other shades of gray
Posteritatis
Feb 2013
#75
Yeah, that is another reason not to implement artificially intelligent killing machines...
stevenleser
Feb 2013
#70
Reforestation would sequester the CO2 as would algae growth from dumping iron powder into the sea
Kolesar
Feb 2013
#25
Yes, it is probably too late and too costly to salvage the Air Force and Navy versions
FarCenter
Feb 2013
#24
Well said, but with one minor correction. For the cost of the F-35, it would be WAY more than 140K.
Gorp
Feb 2013
#47
As an act of patriotism I'll offer my '93 Toyota pickup and put on fresh duct tape.
Tierra_y_Libertad
Feb 2013
#34
More F-15s. They're proven, highly effective, reliable, and relatively inexpensive.
Gorp
Feb 2013
#41