Four new military aircraft took to the skies in 2015

FoxNews.com ^ | December 30, 2015 | Allison Barrie

[Berlin_Freeper]

It was a big year for military aircraft advances. Here’s a look back at four of those – the F-16 Viper, Marine Corps’ King Stallion Helo, a new stealth bomber and fifth generation fighter F-35.

[Berlin_Freeper]

F-16 Viper

Sikorsky CH-53E Super Stallion

THE NEW AMERICAN STEALTH BOMBER LRS B SHROUDED IN MYSTERY [B-2 not B-3]

The F-35 Lightning II Fighter Jet

[Reno89519]

So, the newest F-16 can go faster than 1,500 MPH while the new F-35 can only go just under 1,200 MPH? Seriously? Do we presume the F-16 can run circles around the F-35? And this F-16 is being sold to who else?

[BwanaNdege]

The link is to the CH-53E - the "Echo"

The newest version is the CH-53K - "Kilo"

Ch-53K Specifications

Aircraft Length: 99 ft. 0.5 in.
Aircraft Height: 28.3 ft.
Max Gross Weight: 88,000 lbs /39,916 kg
Speed: 172 miles/hour (150 knots)
Ceiling: 9,520 ft. MSL (HIGE 88,000 lbs)
Power Plant: Three T408-GE-400 turboshaft engines rated at 7,332 SHP each
Crew: 4 – pilot, copilot, crew chief and mechanic/gunner
Contractor: Sikorsky Aircraft
CH-53E Specifications

Fuselage Length: 73 feet, 4 inches
Overall Length: 99 feet
Height: 2 8 feet, 4 inches
Max Gross Weight: 73,500 pounds (with external load)
Speed: 172 miles/hour (150 knots)
Ceiling: 10,000 feet (without supplemental oxygen)
Range: 621 statute miles (540 nautical miles)
Power Plant: 3 General Electric T64-GE-416 turboshaft
(4,380 SHP each)
Crew: 4 – pilot, copilot, crew chief, and mechanic/gunner
Contractor: Sikorsky Aircraft

H-53 Helicopter Models - NAVAIR

[Old Sarge]

And this F-16 is being sold to who else?

The Soviets never sold their first-tier aircraft or tanks to their client states, for exactly that reason: they wanted to be able to kick their asses if it came down to an insurrection.

[ryan71]

The B-3 is a waste. Put the time and money into sensors, weapons and training. Current air frames fitted with advanced sensors and weapons will win.

[SENTINEL]

Correct, the Marine Corps upgrade model with the AH-1 is an example of efficient improvement. Same goes for the Navy's Super Hornets.

[Sine_Pari]

Amen to that. There are many who believe the best sensors (radars) coupled with the smartest longest-range surface/air-to-air missiles will gain and maintain air superiority in future conflicts. That said, the hardcore traditionalist in the USAF still hold on to the romantic notion of the fearless pilot at the controls of a technologically advanced aircraft even though the USAF hass been training more UAV pilots (commissioned officers when an enlisted man would do; http://www.airforcetimes.com/story/military/careers/air-force/enlisted/2015/09/28/enlisted-drone-pilots-decision-expected-early-next-year/72806812/) than traditional pilots (http://www.theguardian.com/world/2009/aug/23/drones-air-force-robot-planes). Unfortunately the USAF is still ruled by old mentality generals, many who desire a board seat with the aviation defense contractors. Besides, why spend more money in R&D just to have the Chinese hack and steal it from the contractors? (examples: Dark Sword, ‘Wind Blade’, Lijian ‘Sharp Sword’, and Chengdu ‘Soaring (SOAR) Dragon’ UAVs; the Chengdu J-20 stealth fighter; and the Xian Y-20 transport).

We need to spend smarter.

Regards.