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Post by vultee43 on Mar 4, 2022 6:12:54 GMT 12
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Post by mcmaster on Mar 13, 2022 15:42:09 GMT 12
The RAAF responded to this total hyped rubbish reporting. Also the “white elephant” has been deployed to Estonia by the USAF and RAF to bolster NATOs flank. The Israeli’s had first combat kill..an Iranian drone..Countries lining up to buy it.. etc etc Australian F-35A flying hours cut but not because of problems, RAAF chief says www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/australian-f-35a-flying-hours-cut-but-not-because-of-problems-raaf-chief-saysThe expected flight hours of the Royal Australian Air Force's (RAAF's) fleet of Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters (JSFs) have been cut by 25% in the current financial year, according to budget estimates filed by the Australian Department of Defence (DoD) on 12 February. Rejecting media speculation that the planned reductions were because of maintenance issues, RAAF chief Air Marshal Mel Hupfeld said that the revised figures were based on the RAAF's maturing understanding of the F-35A capability requirements and the buildup of the capability. To date, Australia's F-35A programme has delivered 44 of a contracted 72 aircraft and two operational squadrons, with the third scheduled to enter service later this year. “Forward estimate flying hours are based on training and capability requirements, not availability,” Air Mshl Hupfeld said in a media statement. “To use the basic singular metric of flying hours, to suggest that the F-35A is not satisfying its operational and training requirement is misleading and simply false.” “I can confirm the JSF programme has met all of its tasking commitments such as exercises, verification and validation activities, and training requirements,” he added. As set out in DoD budget estimates for 2021–22, F-35A flying hours – originally projected at 11,823 – have been reduced to an anticipated 8,773. Since 2018, the RAAF's F-35As have clocked more than 15,000 flight hours. DoD comments accompanying the 2021–22 revised estimate refer to fleet availability issues, various roles undertaken by EA-18G electronic attack aircraft, and (the) ramp-up hours curve from introduction to service.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Mar 13, 2022 16:02:50 GMT 12
So there's no chance the RAAF will dump them and sell them cheap to NZ any time soon then?
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Post by Antonio on Mar 13, 2022 17:41:57 GMT 12
So there's no chance the RAAF will dump them and sell them cheap to NZ any time soon then? ?
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Post by vultee43 on Mar 13, 2022 18:41:50 GMT 12
So there's no chance the RAAF will dump them and sell them cheap to NZ any time soon then? They ain't no A4 Dave. Time will tell but I would wager that the colloquial nickname will change from Lightning to Dumbo.
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Post by vultee43 on Mar 13, 2022 18:45:54 GMT 12
The RAAF responded to this total hyped rubbish reporting. Also the “white elephant” has been deployed to Estonia by the USAF and RAF to bolster NATOs flank. The Israeli’s had first combat kill..an Iranian drone..Countries lining up to buy it.. etc etc Australian F-35A flying hours cut but not because of problems, RAAF chief says www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/australian-f-35a-flying-hours-cut-but-not-because-of-problems-raaf-chief-saysThe expected flight hours of the Royal Australian Air Force's (RAAF's) fleet of Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters (JSFs) have been cut by 25% in the current financial year, according to budget estimates filed by the Australian Department of Defence (DoD) on 12 February. Rejecting media speculation that the planned reductions were because of maintenance issues, RAAF chief Air Marshal Mel Hupfeld said that the revised figures were based on the RAAF's maturing understanding of the F-35A capability requirements and the buildup of the capability. To date, Australia's F-35A programme has delivered 44 of a contracted 72 aircraft and two operational squadrons, with the third scheduled to enter service later this year. “Forward estimate flying hours are based on training and capability requirements, not availability,” Air Mshl Hupfeld said in a media statement. “To use the basic singular metric of flying hours, to suggest that the F-35A is not satisfying its operational and training requirement is misleading and simply false.” “I can confirm the JSF programme has met all of its tasking commitments such as exercises, verification and validation activities, and training requirements,” he added. As set out in DoD budget estimates for 2021–22, F-35A flying hours – originally projected at 11,823 – have been reduced to an anticipated 8,773. Since 2018, the RAAF's F-35As have clocked more than 15,000 flight hours. DoD comments accompanying the 2021–22 revised estimate refer to fleet availability issues, various roles undertaken by EA-18G electronic attack aircraft, and (the) ramp-up hours curve from introduction to service. An F35 shooting down an Iranian drone is the warfare equivalent of a C172 taking out a paper plane. Either way as has been evidenced in the Ukrainians Invasion, it really comes down to the pilots. History has shown it is not always those with the best aircraft who win. However it usually helps if they can get into the air in the first place.
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Post by mcmaster on Mar 13, 2022 19:08:23 GMT 12
So there's no chance the RAAF will dump them and sell them cheap to NZ any time soon then? They ain't no A4 Dave. Time will tell but I would wager that the colloquial nickname will change from Lightning to Dumbo. Not that facts feature much in your F35 hatefest but the aircraft in question is the Lightning II. What evidence do you have that they are not flying?
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Post by mcmaster on Mar 13, 2022 20:05:15 GMT 12
The RAAF responded to this total hyped rubbish reporting. Also the “white elephant” has been deployed to Estonia by the USAF and RAF to bolster NATOs flank. The Israeli’s had first combat kill..an Iranian drone..Countries lining up to buy it.. etc etc Australian F-35A flying hours cut but not because of problems, RAAF chief says An F35 shooting down an Iranian drone is the warfare equivalent of a C172 taking out a paper plane. Either way as has been evidenced in the Ukrainians Invasion, it really comes down to the pilots. History has shown it is not always those with the best aircraft who win. However it usually helps if they can get into the air in the first place. I concede the drone action is a bit lame. Anyway on the topic of wagering and also evidence of the F35 being a white elephant lemon that can’t get into the air, a very handy exercise starts tomorrow and runs through to April. Diamond Shield 2022 will run and all the action will be observed by various geeks FB page from the Williamtown fence. We’ll be able to see what goes up and down except might be hard at night. To date the tempo seems to be similar to the Classic Hornet ie bunch of F35s goes up morning and arvo Monday to Friday or sometimes they knock off early Friday due POETS day. If we see not much F35 action or the same one aircraft rego everyday I’ll say you might be on to something. RAAF F35s also went to Guam in February for an ex with JASDF and USAF etc. Agree the quality of pilots is key as well as giving them the best kit we can. Cheers
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Post by vultee43 on Mar 14, 2022 17:33:34 GMT 12
It will be interesting. My biggest concern for the F35 programme is the ongoing cost and content need for upgrades. To use another metaphor it seems it will be like a car that constantly needs recalls and patch ups. I have no doubt it is a very competent platform and is on top of the game as a 5th Generation combat aircraft. I guess my concerns are cost and serviceability issues, which with such a small fleet would render our strike force impotent.
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Post by saratoga on Mar 14, 2022 18:26:28 GMT 12
Still reckon it has to be one of the ugliest aircraft around...'F-35, the Edsel of the skies'.
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Post by snafu on Mar 14, 2022 18:28:29 GMT 12
It will be interesting. My biggest concern for the F35 programme is the ongoing cost and content need for upgrades. To use another metaphor it seems it will be like a car that constantly needs recalls and patch ups. I have no doubt it is a very competent platform and is on top of the game as a 5th Generation combat aircraft. I guess my concerns are cost and serviceability issues, which with such a small fleet would render our strike force impotent. Geez if you think updating hard & software makes it a problematic plane I hate to think what you say about E7A open architecture means it’s constantly upgraded overtime
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Post by Antonio on Mar 14, 2022 18:55:48 GMT 12
Still reckon it has to be one of the ugliest aircraft around...'F-35, the Edsel of the skies'. If your going to be a fugly... Be GREAT at it:
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Post by vultee43 on Mar 14, 2022 19:03:38 GMT 12
It will be interesting. My biggest concern for the F35 programme is the ongoing cost and content need for upgrades. To use another metaphor it seems it will be like a car that constantly needs recalls and patch ups. I have no doubt it is a very competent platform and is on top of the game as a 5th Generation combat aircraft. I guess my concerns are cost and serviceability issues, which with such a small fleet would render our strike force impotent. Geez if you think updating hard & software makes it a problematic plane I hate to think what you say about E7A open architecture means it’s constantly upgraded overtime It is more the cost blow-outs and constant need for solutions to keep them flying that has me worried. A combat aircraft need to be able to participate in combat. An enemy force is not going to wait until you sort out programming bugs.
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Post by mcmaster on Mar 14, 2022 19:04:22 GMT 12
Incremental upgrades to software and hardware for the Classic Hornet were the key to its longevity and I hope its the same for the Supers, Growlers and F35s. Certainly kept the RNZAF A4 in the game until she clapped them out. I contrast this with our Mirages which we basically left as is to age quickly except for adding wiring for some new AA missiles. The PAF quickly updated ours and some operators added canards etc
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Post by snafu on Mar 14, 2022 20:06:45 GMT 12
Geez if you think updating hard & software makes it a problematic plane I hate to think what you say about E7A open architecture means it’s constantly upgraded overtime It is more the cost blow-outs and constant need for solutions to keep them flying that has me worried. A combat aircraft need to be able to participate in combat. An enemy force is not going to wait until you sort out programming bugs. Which cost blow outs for the RAAF, the F35 has continued to sit within the budget with inflation for the program overall, you can lookat the expense of the first few airframes whilst in LRIP you have to lookat the program once all aircraft have arrived then average it out Yes it was delayed but this is the first program where they have built the aircraft whist in development the cost blowouts were born by the USG our participation at level 3 in the partnership program never exceed the parameters. Name one modern aircraft that hasn’t had problems whilst in devolopment every aircraft has suffered from it in various degrees
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Post by snafu on Mar 14, 2022 20:34:00 GMT 12
F35A cannot be doing too bad thanks to Mr Putin zee German are buying it now
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Post by mcmaster on Mar 15, 2022 0:13:03 GMT 12
So in Europe that’s now F35s for Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, UK, Germany and Switzerland is close.
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Post by snafu on Mar 15, 2022 8:26:42 GMT 12
So in Europe that’s now F35s for Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, UK, Germany and Switzerland is close. Don’t forget the Italian F35’s
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Post by flyinkiwi on Mar 15, 2022 8:48:27 GMT 12
So in Europe that’s now F35s for Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, UK, Germany and Switzerland is close. Don’t forget the Italian F35’s And it wouldn't surprise me if Spain eventually follows Italy's lead and acquires the B model to replace their Matadors.
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mroz
Flying Officer
Posts: 59
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Post by mroz on Mar 17, 2022 3:20:28 GMT 12
So there's no chance the RAAF will dump them and sell them cheap to NZ any time soon then? They ain't no A4 Dave. Time will tell but I would wager that the colloquial nickname will change from Lightning to Dumbo. They ain't no "A4" - hope not, A4 wouldn't last to tea on the first day, in 2022!
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