Lockheed Martin F-35A, B, C and other ideas

[Mossie]

Those bays are going to keep the super detailers very very busy!

[NARSES2]

Those bays are going to keep the super detailers very very busy!

That was my thought as well plus that Jadam or whatever it is covered in dots looks as though it's smiling 

[Taiidantomcat]

F-35 on a stick! (RCS measurement)



Joint Strike Missiles on the wing

[PR19_Kit]

Ah yes, why DO they mount RCS models upside-down on that stick thing?

[Steel Penguin]

theve already paid a hughe amount of cash for it, and if they don't use it some one else will steal it....

[rickshaw]

Ah yes, why DO they mount RCS models upside-down on that stick thing?

Puts the "stick" "out of the way" when measuring radar returns when mimicking ground radars.  The emitter is usually at a higher elevation again, off to the left I suspect, out of the frame.   They re-invert it, right-way-up when mimicking air radars.  Thing is, they usually only publish the inverted pictures...

[NARSES2]

Ah yes, why DO they mount RCS models upside-down on that stick thing?

I wondered that  It's a flipping big stick 

[PR19_Kit]

It's the 'upside down' bit that I don't understand...........

[Thorvic]

It's the 'upside down' bit that I don't understand...........

To gauge for ground based and aircraft based radar systems

[McColm]

Could be an Australian marketing ploy!!

[Thorvic]

http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/paris-usmc-explores-f-35b-operating-concepts-387420/

Interesting insight into the USMC plans of note are the first unit going to Japan ASAP, the USMC will be testing the MV-22 in the AAR role soon and look to use the MV-22 to support F-35B operations. Finally i can't help thinking the USMC are eyeing up using the HMS Quuen Elizabeth to test out their over sized unit which works well for both parties as the RN get to try the QEC with a two thirds Airgroup at least.

[rickshaw]

That would be rather an interesting experience I suspect for both parties.  There'd be quite a clash of cultures there.  Afterall, HM ships are traditionally "wet" and USMC units are "dry" at sea, for a starters!   The accommodation and messing would be rather interesting as well and all that sort of thing is even before you get to conducting operations! 

[Thorvic]

That would be rather an interesting experience I suspect for both parties.  There'd be quite a clash of cultures there.  Afterall, HM ships are traditionally "wet" and USMC units are "dry" at sea, for a starters!   The accommodation and messing would be rather interesting as well and all that sort of thing is even before you get to conducting operations! 

Well there are a few perks for the USMC but they do deploy quite often onto the RN ships for the experience, plus it works both ways as the RN need to fully test the QEC with a full airgroup (or as near as) to know they can go upto 36 F-35's and we simply wont have the aircraft till 2023.

The MV-22 in the tanker/COD role is interesting, active use as such proven by the USMC will certainly peek UK MOD interest and i can see them considering the Crowsnest fit as a possibility. Unlikely bfore 2020 but may be picked up for study and maybe trials in the 2020 SDSR.

[McColm]

The USNavy have yet to decide whether replacing their Greyhounds with the Osprey in the C.O.D. role.

[Thorvic]

The USNavy have yet to decide whether replacing their Greyhounds with the Osprey in the C.O.D. role.

No but the USMC are looking to support their F-35B operations with the MV-22.

The USN MV-22 COD trials are slated for this year, would be interesting if selected as that would help reduce costs and improve reliability of the V-22 program plus as another user in another role it may stoke the intrest of other possible users. Initially i was skeptical about it compared with the Greyhound, but the one stop solution does have merits especially when dealing with other none super-carrier ships in the fleet or going ashore without the need for a full blown Airbase or Airport. We'll just have to wait and see how it does in the USN trials