In article , "John Carrier"
wrote:

"John" wrote in message
ups.com...
On Jul 5, 10:07 pm, wrote:
See:

http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/blogs...plckController...

This means the F-35C will have a bigger wing than the F-15.

Crap . . . Don't even want to think what this redesign will cost. I
think JSF is an airplane we need, but does anyone recall the last time
a "clean sheet" design came even close to the estimated cost. I
understand part of the problem rests with the vendors trying to
underbid each other . . . and another part of the problem is that it
would be nice for the customer to have a better developed idea of what
he wants. Problem with that idea development process . . . is that it
costs money too. Dang . . . almost Catch 22

Sorry for the rant . . . take care all

John

One of my oldest and best friends is part of the F-35C carrier suitability
group. There are a lot of issues with the aircraft, many of which stem from
the design team's unfamiliarity with carrier operations and the design
requirements imposed: approach speed, attitude on touchdown, wingfold to
reduce deck multiple, maintenance implications ... the engine size makes R&R
difficult ... etc.

I went through Carrier Suitability training back in the 90's as a prelim to the
JAST program, which eventually morphed into JSF.
A very interesting class.


While the aircraft should introduce many capabilities that strike aviation
would love to have, I wonder if we'll be able to afford it in its final
configuration or live with the several OBTW's that will undoubtedly
accompany its introduction.

Note that the F-35C will be the last version produced. The Navy has F/A-18E/Fs
and it may well come to pass that they would rather continue to buy F-18s
than pay through the nose for F-35Cs.
I personally predict that few F-35C's will be built.

--
Harry Andreas
Engineering raconteur