Posted on 05/08/2010 4:59:20 PM PDT by ErnstStavroBlofeld
Boeing has started publicly marketing two concepts for a stealthy, tailless, supercruising strike fighter to replace its F/A-18E/F Super Hornet after 2025.
Both twin-engine concepts, which feature optionally-piloted cockpits, resemble a modern-day replacement for the ill-fated A-12 Avenger. The carrier-based stealth bomber project was cancelled in 1991 amid cost overruns and technical problems.
But the provisionally 9g-rated airframes also reflect the air-to-air performance once provided by the Grumman F-14, which the Super Hornet finally replaced in 2006, says Dave Thieman, a programme development official in Boeing's advanced global strike systems division.
Talk of replacing the F/A-18E/F, which entered service from 1999, may seem premature, but the earliest stages of the navy's acquisition process have already started, Thieman says.
"They're going to need [replacement] vehicles beyond 2025," he says.
Here is the Link:
http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2010/05/07/341580/boeing-displays-concepts-for-fa-18ef-replacement.html
Can’t wait to get 30 or so of these. After all according to Gates we wouldn’t want to have a superior military capability.
crap...why is there a human in it.....we need PERSISTANCE...crap...
I hate tailless stealth, wish the Russians would hurry up and make stealth obsolete so we can have good looking planes.
optional pilot...ok that’s better...
There is a human in it. I think that this the coolest concept for a warplane.
I LOVE A/C, but...I just want that baby to have helllllla range, cuz the new ASM’s they have popping up all over the place are going to just be murder for the carrier, ya know?
Yeah, because if a plane LOOKS good, we win!
Pffft.
Give me one that beats every other machine in the sky. THAT'S beauty!
This is the “Hot Rod” warplane of the 21st century.
Good looking planes historically do win!
P-51
F-15
F-86
F-16
Sopwith Camel
etc
neither one looks like it has good pilot visibility to the rear or down...
Close to the Hollywood concept in "Stealth".
Not to worry. Boeing also has an unmanned concept as well. The lower aircraft is an unmanned version of the upper manned aircraft. There is also talk of an optionally manned platform, where there is a cockpit but it can also operate remotely.
Hmmmm....what word is missing from this story?
Hint: It starts with “F” and ends with “35.” I thought the F-35 was going to the replacement for the Super Hornet. Right?
I think the Pentagon is re-thinking whether to continue the F-35 program if they have their eyes on other projects.
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