Navy’s new Growler is almost home

South Whidbey Record ^ | 24 May 2008 | Spencer Webster

[OCC]

I hope the JSF (F-35) does not end up like the TFX (F-111)!

[Strategerist]

I’m beginning to see some paranoia that the USN will pull out of the F-35 project in the defense media. The USN has a habit of bailing on “joint” projects (often wisely, such as with the F-111 and JASSM.)

[AntiKev]

That’s hearsay from what I’ve read on the issue. There is no physical reason why it shouldn’t.

I have a feeling that they are confused with the regulation preventing aircraft from going supersonic over land (don’t know exactly what the rule is in the US, but here in Canada it’s at all, over there it might be under 10,000ft). Aerodynamically it should be possible.

[BIGLOOK]

The F-111B was designated for Navy carrier service but passed over for the F-14s. Many think the reevaluation of the Aardvark was due to losses (one) in Combat Lancer which was over hyped by the press. There was however a loss of three AF F-111s in VN that caused quite a stir.

[OCC]

I never realized the AIM-54 was developed for the F-111B, always thought it was an F-14 thingy.

[RichInOC]

I’ve got to admit I like the idea of America dropping a Growler on enemy radar.

[ex-NFO]

I wonder how efficient the EW suite is, since so much of it is automated now with only two crewmembers. I went through the Navy’s EW school and was in Desert Storm, and the automated EW suites on most of the tactical aircraft were constantly misidentifying emitters.

[A.A. Cunningham]

You are mistaken. Suggest you read the entire article I linked to. Based on the real life experience of the authors, I put more stock in what they have to say than I do in your speculation.

The Authors

In 1951, Bob Kress joined Grumman, where he worked on the F9F-6, XF10F-1 and F11F-1, the proposed STOL ASW flying boats and the Army Mohawk Observation Aircraft; he also helped to design STOL and VTOL aircraft and the TFX. He managed LM Systems Simulation for the lunar module and was project engineer for LM Guidance Navigation and Control. From the F-14A's inception until 1971, he was the program's engineering manager, after which he was appointed F-14 deputy development program manager.

Adm. Paul Gillcrist served 33 years as a Navy carrier pilot and retired in 1985 as a rear admiral. His cruise box contains a pilot's logbook that lists more than 6,000 flight hours in 75 different types of airplane, 962 arrested landings on 16 aircraft carriers and 167 combat missions flown in an F-8 Crusader in the Tonkin Gulf (for which he earned 17 combat awards). He has commanded a fighter squadron and a carrier wing, and at one time, he was in operational control of all Pacific Fleet fighter squadrons.

[bigbob]

The F/A-18 is a well-proven platform, and this baby is Sierra Hotel!

[Chode]

iirc it was designed for the YF-12...

[Squantos]

Logistically a great move , I am assuming the basic spares etc are common to the F18.

Stay safe AA !

[sionnsar]

Say WA? Evergreen State ping

FReepmail sionnsar if you want on or off this ping list.

Ping sionnsar if you see a Washington state related thread.

[Mr Rogers]

I’ve seen the tape of the F-111B landing on a carrier. I was scared just watching it.

I enjoy giving the US Navy grief, but they do a hell of a job and do it very well.

[OCC]

The YF-12 launched an AIM-54, but I couldn't find anything about it being designed specifically for it.

[Supercharged Merlin]

I hope the JSF (F-35) does not end up like the TFX (F-111)!

I sure hope no, too. I'm headed down to FW tomorrow to finish a machine installation for the program, and we are looking forward to a second one in 2009.

[JSteff]

“They should kick the F-18 to the curb and start up F-14 production again.”
My parents saw what the later heard was the list F-14’s fly into Oceana. My Dad said they were still beautiful planes, my mom said she shed a few tears.

The Navy was stupid. Then they spend a ton of money destroying or dismantling the F-14’s so the Iranians could not steal and export the parts!

Ironic and sad that we destroyed the F14’s but the Iranians try to pay millions to get stolen parts to refurb theirs.

Wasn't the F14 shut down, like the SR71 shut down started under the clinton’s? If so doesn't that just figure.

[OCC]

There was a show on the Military Channel today mentioning that the F-35 production could reach 6,000 planes eventually (with foreign purchases).... your job should be safe for awhile!

[JSteff]

“often wisely, such as with the F-111 “

Why “wisely”? I thought the F-111 ended up being a great aircraft.

[JSteff]

correction “the later heard was the list”

“THEY later heard was the LAST”

[cynwoody]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZaiqhaekdc