Ainen
I really should change my personal text
- Joined
- 25 August 2011
- Messages
- 699
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More is always possible(for additional usd), but here I think we did more of a thought experiment on the most affordable navair boost program.Agree but I expect there is some fat so close to 60k for the Mk7 should be doable.
Was thinking though if you are going F135 size why then go F135, you might as well use the XA100/101. More expensive again than the F135 but you would design the platform to make full use of the adaptive advantage. That is a step change in range. The timeframe to productionise that engine would be suitable for F/A-XX.
Which is probably to do a f-14a like program: existing radar/missile, engine off the shelf, but result is still an f-4 improved in every single way - especially those that matter.
New goodies can wait, first priority is to cover up for things f-35 and bug can't do well enough in westpac.
Which is (1) operational gaps (still left from tomcat and intruder/prowler retirement) and (2) some technical issues (twin big engine design will hardly have onboard power problems, especially if we pay attention to it from day 1).
40t class naval fighter is an attractive capability, especially since heavier aircraft isn't the same as proportionally larger aircraft.
F-110s can be added later.
If it's feasible - it is simply a way how usn can field something meaningful fast enough and within available budget.