The need for speed (and other wizardry)

[Junkball]

WTF are you talking about dude? The #1 UAE has been fielding Block 60 F-16s with phased-array radars for years. #2 It's far easier to upgrade existing model aircraft than to design a new one from scratch... look at Super Hornets getting re-modded with AESA, aft JHMCS, and ludicrous software upgrades as we speak while the F(not A)-22 is still trying to figure out how to get on the ramp.

WTF are YOU talking about?
#1 You're quite correct, the UAE has taken delivery of its Block 60's, but they've been in service for less than 4 years. Unfortunately, we are discussing the USAF here. A new U.S. order would be stowed in line behind LM's current order backlog to 2011. Even after construction it would take a few more years to field them. The F-16E won't be so hot in 2015.
#2 Yeah but yeah. It's also really difficult to upgrade a 30 year-old type that has reached the absolute maximum potential of the design, which is the case with the Block 60. There was simply no more room internally to fit more stuff in... which is basically why they have to start packing on external compartments like the dorsal avionics bay. The Super Hornet is a very poor comparison, as it is basically a completely new design with the designator left intact for Congress' sake. New aircraft generally have a lot of room left inside for preplanned avionics expansion with a corresponding increase in capability.

I wouldn't call the F-22 out on fielding. It was declared FOC over a year ago.

I wonder if the the RCS-ed rhombus-shaped intakes of the Rhino increase drag over the C/D. It's outrageous that the -G is saddled with the toed pylons. It won't even be releasing munitions from the inner pylons!

heyjoe, which thread was my original post moved from?

 

[bunk22]

WTF are YOU talking about?
#1 You're quite correct, the UAE has taken delivery of its Block 60's, but they've been in service for less than 4 years. Unfortunately, we are discussing the USAF here. A new U.S. order would be stowed in line behind LM's current order backlog to 2011. Even after construction it would take a few more years to field them. The F-16E won't be so hot in 2015.
#2 Yeah but yeah. It's also really difficult to upgrade a 30 year-old type that has reached the absolute maximum potential of the design, which is the case with the Block 60. There was simply no more room internally to fit more stuff in... which is basically why they have to start packing on external compartments like the dorsal avionics bay. The Super Hornet is a very poor comparison, as it is basically a completely new design with the designator left intact for Congress' sake. New aircraft generally have a lot of room left inside for preplanned avionics expansion with a corresponding increase in capability.

I wouldn't call the F-22 out on fielding. It was declared FOC over a year ago.

I wonder if the the RCS-ed rhombus-shaped intakes of the Rhino increase drag over the C/D. It's outrageous that the -G is saddled with the toed pylons. It won't even be releasing munitions from the inner pylons!

heyjoe, which thread was my original post moved from?

My question is why do we have a wannabe, namely Junkball, talking like he knows what he is talking about? Let the actual Naval Aviators, specifically those who either drive or drove fighters, deal with this. A warning, stay out of it or you'll take a seat.

 

[HeyJoe]

heyjoe, which thread was my original post moved from?

It was split from the NY Times article thread. We can post a "split thread" notice if you like. Note: The Flash vs Phrog MV-22 slugfest was also split as worthy of its own thread as was yours.

 

[Single Seat]

Nope, didn't say that at all. Just commented on why it’s that way. Speed performance is relative anyway and you need to define whether you’re concerned about top end, acceleration or whatever. If most of your tasking is to hang on the blades and as a weapons platform on call, persistence is likely more important than speed. Regardless, unless some other country like Kuwait is willing to pay for enhanced performance (like they did for A-4 and F/A-18C), you’re stuck with the motors you’ve got.

IMO, overall top end speed is overrated in majority of missions. Air Force is enamored with super cruise, which has a narrow application (again, IMO), but suits their Air Superiority mindset.

As we rolled into the 60s, the leading manufacturers were all chasing Mach 2 performance with considerable penalty (or trade options) to achieve what wasn’t used operationally. Tomcat lugged around a complicated series of inlet ramps and a variable geometry wing for a design speed of Mach 2.4 that only made sense for a dash speed for a Deck Launched Interceptor (DLI) role (never used).

Check your signposts. We can’t help you there!

All true statements, save for that Flanker/F-10 threat everyone is talking more and more about. Although I'll feel better if someone tells me the Mach 2+ capability that's advertised is as realistic as the 1.8 advertised for the Hornet.

 

[Junkball]

My question is why do we have a wannabe, namely Junkball, talking like he knows what he is talking about? Let the actual Naval Aviators, specifically those who either drive or drove fighters, deal with this. A warning, stay out of it or you'll take a seat.

"Wannabe"... that's fair enough, but I think I've done my HW. I don't really understand why you're warning me, considering I'm the OP of the split thread. Please point out where I'm wrong in my post and contribute something to the discussion.

 

[bunk22]

"Wannabe"... that's fair enough, but I think I've done my HW. I don't really understand why you're warning me, considering I'm the OP of the split thread. Please point out where I'm wrong in my post and contribute something to the discussion.

Talking about capabilities of aircraft, especially when it comes from reading, and you talk as if you know what you are talking about because you've done your "home work". Heyjoe flew in Tomcats, Single Seat is a Hornet driver and not only have done their homework but have been there, done that. Leave it to the experts to tell someone else to STFU. Learn how to post. Got it??

 

[Single Seat]

Talking about capabilities of aircraft, especially when it comes from reading, and you talk as if you know what you are talking about because you've done your "home work". Heyjoe flew in Tomcats, Single Seat is a Hornet driver and not only have done their homework but have been there, done that. Leave it to the experts to tell someone else to STFU. Learn how to post. Got it??

Junkball... Shut the fuck up. You don't know what you're talking about and to explain it would require comprehension, experience, and a security clearance, none of which you have. Quit arguing with the guy.

 

[bunk22]

Junkball... Shut the fuck up. You don't know what you're talking about and to explain it would require comprehension, experience, and a security clearance, none of which you have. Quit arguing with the guy.

LOL, or you could say it that way

 

[scoolbubba]

Ahhh bitch you got jacked bitch!
-stewie griffin

 

[Junkball]

Well, if someone asks me a direct question as in the 2nd post, I'm damn well going to answer him. For now though, foot's going in the mouth because as Bunk asks

Got it??

I "GOT IT."
Thread title should be 'Junk gets ass handed to him'

 

[Single Seat]

Well, if someone asks me a direct question as in the 2nd post, I'm damn well going to answer him.

His question was rhetorical, and in simpler terms that you can understand meant "you don't know WTF you're talking about."

 

[Birdog8585]

man this popcorn is good....