Monday, April 08, 2013

Pic of the day. Navy Advanced Tactical Fighter.


The above pic from "The Dew Line" blog has got to be some of the best strategic marketing I've seen in a while.  Notice the Navy markings?  Not an exactly subtle hint to the Navy to skip the F-35 'cause Boeing has something awesome waiting for them.

Real slick.
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4 comments :

  1. SpudmanWPMonday, April 08, 2013 9:43:00 AM

    That's 20 years away.

    The F-35 is to replace the F-18A/B/C/D and the FA-xx is to replace the Super Hornet.

    The Navy cannot wait 15-20 years more to replace the Hornets.

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    Replies
    1. SolomonMonday, April 08, 2013 10:33:00 AM

      i'm not sure about that. between fielding a new UAV on carriers and continued Navy perceived reluctance when it comes to the F-35, it MIGHT happen.

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  2. LaneMonday, April 08, 2013 2:48:00 PM

    They're different programs to replace different aircraft flying different missions. The F-35 is a strike fighter which will replace the older F/A-18's and the USN will mid term operate 2 F-35 sqdn's and 2 F/A-18E/F sqdn's. The program to replace the E/F's used to be called NGAD (now it's F/A-XX)for next generation air dominance and is an aircraft optimized for air to air combat, not a strike fighter.

    Specifically the F/A-XX is a program for a twin engine, dual crew (also optionally manned), 6th gen fighter that is supposed to share many systems with the later USAF F-22 replacement. LM may very well put an F-35 derivative into the competition but based on requirements the USN is looking for a rather different aircraft.

    I entirely agree the USN can't wait to replace the Hornets. The F-35 is likely to be an excellent replacement (although I think NAVAIR has some real concerns over long term cost per flight hour) but frankly the USN doesn't need the F-35C and would probably have been content buying more F/A-18E/F's. This isn't to say the F-35C isn't more capable but the USN has made an effort the past 20 years to go with the more affordable option at the direct expense of the more capable.

    In any case the USN isn't going to skip the F-35C if for no other reason than doing so means less overall F-35's and marginally higher costs for all other customers including the USAF.

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  3. SpudmanWPMonday, April 08, 2013 5:39:00 PM

    If they think the F-35 CFFH is large, wait till they get a hold of FA-XX (Heavier, faster, thirstier, and two crew).

    ReplyDelete

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