The USAF’s F-35A Just Saw Combat for the First Time

Popular Mechanics ^ | 05/01/2019 | Kyle Mizokami

[BenLurkin]

According to U.S. Central Command, the target was an “entrenched tunnel network and a weapons cache” in Iraq’s Hamrin mountain range. Two F-35As dropped a Joint Directed Attack Munition on the target, described as a “location able to threaten friendly forces.” JDAMs are regular unguided “dumb” bombs fitted with a GPS-based guidance system and steerable tail fin kit. The pilot enters the GPS coordinates of the target into the JDAM and the guided munition will steer itself to the target. Military GPS is typically accurate to within 3 meters, making JDAMs extremely accurate.

The Air Force is considering purchasing the OA-X light attack aircraft, a cheaper to buy and cheaper to fly plane better suited for such low-threat missions, but the program has dragged on for years with no decision in sight.

[thoughtomator]

We dropped $100k bombs on a $1 tent again didn’t we.

[Telepathic Intruder]

I hope it was worth the $1.5 trillion.

[Reno89519]

Combat? Dropping bombs may be “combat” but when is last time US aircraft engaged othe aircraft?

[Blurb2350]

Photos or it didn’t happen.

[PIF]

the rest of the story:
USAF F-35As Flew First-Ever Combat Strikes With Radar Reflectors And Sidewinders Fitted
The F-35As flew in a less than stealthy configuration as the aircraft's low observable capabilities weren't needed - at least not yet.
By Tyler Rogoway April 30, 2019

"The aircraft are clearly seen fitted with AIM-9X air-to-air missiles on their wingtip pylons and radar reflectors bolted on atop and below their fuselages. This gives them a large radar signature, which makes sense as they are operating over areas like Iraq where low-observability isn't an advantage as air superiority is largely assured."

[Bulwyf]

I don’t classify this as combat either. No opposition. It’s not like those brave rascals in WW2 cramming themselves into a bomber knowing your odds of returning in one piece were slim. They went anyways. That’s combat. That’s examples of men who are exceedingly rare today.

[mindburglar]

That plane sucks.

[Daffynition]

FYI-ness SG

[Georgia Girl 2]

Call me back when an F-35 has a successful sortie and shoots down a MIG. I don’t trust that platform for chit.

[SanchoP]

I don’t classify this as combat either. No opposition. It’s not like those brave rascals in WW2 cramming themselves into a bomber knowing your odds of returning in one piece were slim. They went anyways. That’s combat. That’s examples of men who are exceedingly rare today.

Rave on,Rambo.

[PIF]

Call me back when an F-35 has a successful sortie and shoots down a MIG. I don’t trust that platform for chit.

---

What about a MiG-29 or a SU-35 or a SU-57? That would be quite a feat for a plane not designed for air superiority, wouldn’t it. The F-35 is meant to be a bomb truck - all other missions are just tacked on.

[Vision]

That refueling style seems difficult to pull off. The old basket style makes more sense to me but what do I know about these things.

[jz638]

There must be a better and cheaper way to slaughter a goat halfway around the world.

[Robert A Cook PE]

On the othrr hand, artificially INCREASING a near-stealth aircraft’s radar signature with bolt-on hardware when you don’t need full stealth , but the enemy can see you and the tanker, means you can unholy it quickly .

Didn’t think the usaf could think ahead that way.

[PIF]

The old basket style?

Is that where some airman climbed down the drogue and filled the planes bucket by bucket?

[Telepathic Intruder]

It’s a multi-role designed to replace the F-16. That includes ground attack and air superiority. The F-16 was pretty good at it but I have reservations about putting too much capability into one vehicle.

[tet68]

Considering the fact that should the pilot have to
bail out over that territory, he would likely be cut
to ribbons I’d say that was combat.

[for-q-clinton]

I’d say it is combat. The US air force is just so good no one can compete in the air with it so they don’t.

Is a good thing... Having the adversary challenge you for air superiority doesn’t make it real combat. It just makes it more deadly combat and one where your nation didn’t help give you the upper hand.

[ShadowAce]

JDAMs are regular unguided “dumb” bombs fitted with a GPS-based guidance system and ...

huh?