Posted on 07/31/2017 7:00:06 AM PDT by Carbonsteel
The Air Force is accelerating development of a special, high-tech, on-board threat library for the F-35 designed to precisely identify enemy aircraft operating in different high-risk areas around the globe - such as a Chinese J-20 stealth fighter or Russian T-50 PAK FA 5th Gen fighter, service leaders said.
Described as the brains of the airplane, the "mission data files" are extensive on-board data systems compiling information on geography, air space and potential threats in areas where the F-35 might be expected to perform combat operations, Air Force officials explained.
"Mission data files are the key that unlocks the F-35," Brig. Gen. Scott Pleus, Director of the F-35 Integration Office said.
(Excerpt) Read more at scout.com ...
Tech is a wondrous thing until it fails. There is a certain quality about rugged simplicity in quantity.
“Tech is a wondrous thing until it fails. There is a certain quality about rugged simplicity in quantity.”
Fighter aircraft can no longer be “simple” and compete. The next decisive edge will revolve around advanced IR sensors, millimeter wave sensors, and/or quantum radar. Conventional radar, whether for search or targeting, will be much less useful as stealthy aircraft become widespread. I wonder if there’s a plan for dual-mode AMRAAM seekers...
The F-35 is an expensive platform with which to replace the entire inventory of AF, Navy and Marine fighter and attack aircraft.
But …
For it’s air superiority mission, it is awesome. It gives the President a tremendous option in considering threats as they arise.
Without identifying the country, let’s say the Organization of American States authorizes the use of force to restore democracy to a particular country in this hemisphere, equipped with Russian military equipment.
With a squadron of F-35s, the President could be pretty confident of controlling the airspace over this unnamed country. In the meanwhile, F/A-18s - more robust in terms of munitions packages and time over target - made sure that tanks and other armored vehicles remained in place.
I’m getting the feeling we are about to find out.
Given that the Russians have just a few of their aircraft and not much more coming then it would make more sense to ask “Who cares?”.
OTOH, the Chinese aircraft should make a target rich environment for the F-35.
I live out near Nellis Air Force Base and F35 fly over all the time... I’ve always been in to airplanes and I always watch them (all types) and the F-35 does seem to have a distinct kind of Snappy (bee like) performance in their maneuvers
“For it’s air superiority mission, it is awesome”
The F-35 isn’t an air superiority fighter. The role you describe is the job of the F-22.
Both are.
The F-35 is officially designated multi-role, which would have to be the case since it is (or, was) supposed to replace practically all other fighter and attract aircraft. One of these roles is air superiority.
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