Lot 14s are all of the weight, none of the thrust. -400s, but are the first lot with OBOGS.
The Lot 13's that I've flown have OBOGS... I believe they were the first OBOGS Lot. They too are "all the weight, none of the thrust", and with APG-65's.Lot 14s are all of the weight, none of the thrust. -400s, but are the first lot with OBOGS.
I stand corrected on the OBOGS. There were no lot 13 jets in Lemoore while I was there. However, your comments lend credence to my thoughts on the Rhino upgrade. To tell you the truth, those motors are a beast down low, especially when the jet is slick with none of the canted pylons. Up at altitude it could be better. The real fix for fuel efficiency and better performance would be to find a way to straighten those pylons out.
Lemme get this straight... You guys have to send a jet all the way to Depot level to Change a motor designed to fit in the same hole as the original? Is there a major softwear change required typically. We've got 3 different engines from the same 701 series on the Apache and its not really an issue to pull 701's off an aircraft and throw 701C's or D's on it.
Usually its an availability issue. We normaly use the internal pod if we have it. The gun doesnt come out for the internal pod. If we dont have the internal pod then we can use the external TACTS or newer TCTS pod. These pods are for training only. Usually A/A sometimes LFE's or other air wing training.
Current issue of AW&ST (June 28?) says that Navy is NOT showing interest in the upgraded F-414 engine w/ a 20% increase in total thrust. Sales of the new engine will be aimed at the export market. WTF!!?? Now, we'll have the 2nd best-turning Super Hornets in the world. Lots of electronic & avionics upgrades are being developed, though, including a super, all-purpose LCD cockpit display and a Search & Track infrared system.
Not that it matters but July 5th issue arrived at my place a couple of days ago. As far as engines, the P408 that made the Super Fox version of the A-4 and the earlier EPE engine for the Hornet were funded by the Kuwaiti Air Force interest in better performing engines for hot desert ops so it could be said that Navy wasn't interested in those upgraded engines iether (at least in funding of development/T&E costs). Once the engines are in production, it's another story as they can become preferred spares and be installed on production line. Sooo, I'd ask again after a foreign client signs up for the T&E costs.