For military, 'Lightning' strikes again

The Washington Times ^ | September 18, 2006 | W. Thomas Smith Jr.

[SuzyQ2]

Nothing on the planet can see the F-22, much less outfight it. But when the F-35 comes online, the two will literally dominate the skies. The F-35 will be able to see virtually hundreds of airplanes at distances far exceeding the scope of previous fighter systems. Tracking distances are classified, but the new aircraft's sight range is said to be twice that of existing fighters (about 40 miles in every direction for existing aircraft).

[jakerobins]

Sounds cool. Waiting for NyTimes article telling a terrorist the proper technique of how to down the plane with an surface to air missle. Or calling using the new weapon against terrorists using dissproportionate force.

[Joe Boucher]

I might even trade my RV6A in for one of these babies.

[rawhide]

Besides the United Kingdom, countries that have become vested partners in the F-35 program include Australia, Canada, Denmark, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway and Turkey. Israel and Singapore are also participants.

I find it interesting that Turkey is included in this list? I would question this country internal volatility, and would be very hestitant to include them as a partner. I, of course, am assuming if you are a partner, then you will be able to purchase this fighter at a later date?

[Blueflag]

The article states the F-35 will replace the A-10 Warthog.

So I guess the A-10 will be moved over to US Army Air Cav squadrons and the Marines ;-)

As a grunt, which airplane (plus wingman) do YOU want loitering overhead when you call in CAS?

[xzins]

calling...disproportionate force...

Or a form of "torture."

It's cruel and unusual to use a weapon that can't be seen. Therefore, since it can't be seen, that means that the enemy is helpless before the attack. That "technically" makes the enemy a "prisoner" before the attack takes place.

To burn up a "prisoner" with the "fire" of an explosion, is to torture them with "fire."

Against the Geneva conventions, and the schematics must, therefore, be turned over to the NYTimes to be revealed for the safety of the world.

[ryan71]

Nice fighter but I still fail to see how a "go fast" with a fancy radar can replace the A-10.

[ryan71]

I'd love nothing more than to see "MARINES" stenciled across every A-10 fuselage.

[Blueflag]

And the fast movers tend to be a lot more fragile than the A-10. We all know how rugged, durable and survivable the A-10 is.

[Tenacious 1]

[The article states the F-35 will replace the A-10 Warthog.

So I guess the A-10 will be moved over to US Army Air Cav squadrons and the Marines ;-)]

I believe the Warthog has been retired twice before, hasn't it? They just keep dusting them off when needed. As far as cost go, I thought the A-10 was the cheapest plane our military has in service. Does anyone know?

[Liberty Valance]

[ryan71]

F-35 Unit Cost FY94$ $28M(USAF) $35M(USMC) $38M(USN)
A-10 Unit cost FY98$ $13M

Per fas.org

The A-10 price is probably not much more today since it was developed over 30 years ago, but I'm sure the F-35 price has risen a lot since '94.

[Walkingfeather]

marines will have the VTOL version that will be able to go as slow, (Stop in mid air) and the A-10. I agree though it will not be able to carry the same amount of lead to the target as the A 10.

[r9etb]

"A pilot in the F-35 cockpit will focus more on being a tactician and less on things like keeping the airplane airborne and going in the right direction."

At some point, there's going to be no need at all for a pilot to be actually in the plane.

[MattinNJ]

For the foreseeable future, we will have total air superiority within days no matter who we fight. Once that is done, the ground pounders can fly with impunity. I see no need to replace the Warthog. That plane is so ugly it's beautiful. Who wants to see their enemy wiped out in a supersonic blur. Better to have it come from a big, slow, puss ugly, monster belching forth streams of hot lead with impunity.

....but maybe it's just me.

[Blueflag]

OTOH, there is is certain element of magic and terror at work today sans low-and-slow CAS aircraft. Think of the videos you have seen where a 500 or 250# JDAM hits the EXACT building the Jihadi's were in. NO warning at all. Just boom! ... wipe yourself off, you're dead. The Iraqi's tell stories of American magic, for real.

But I like the idea of a feasome Warthog prowling the skies, just waiting. Kinda like the Spectre gunship :-)

[I-spy-guy]

....but maybe it's just me.

Nope, It's not just you :)

[CholeraJoe]

The USMC version of the F-35 can take off vertically like a Harrier.

[Phsstpok]

I find it interesting that Turkey is included in this list? I would question this country internal volatility, and would be very hestitant to include them as a partner. I, of course, am assuming if you are a partner, then you will be able to purchase this fighter at a later date?

I take your point, but Turkey is a member of NATO.  You've got a whole lot bigger set of problems to work through with them than what to do about the F35.

That's going to be one big hairy mess if the Jihadi's get firm control.  They've been rattling sabers recently about Iraqi Kurdistan.  When they were originally asked about sending troops to Lebanon as part of the UN "peace keeping" force for this latest cease fire they said publicly that they were more likely to be sending troops into Northern Iraq to fight the Kurds than into Lebanon to stand between Hizbollah and the Israelis.  Wouldn't that be ducky?  Our troops aiding the Iraqi Kurds and the Iraqi (Shia) army to fight off NATO ally Turkey.  That assumes, of course that the Iraqi (Shia) army would be working with us and the Kurds against the Turks and not with the Turks against us and the Kurds.

Man, Winston Churchill really screwed things up with his "creative" mapping skills!

[MattinNJ]

I cannot even fathom being on the receiving end as the Warthogs make a long slow pass and the AC-130 circles above blasting away.

Man, it's great to be an American (except for the annoying libs).