USN Showdown between Super Hornet and F-35

[Swanee]

By the way, the "F-22 + B-2 + AWACS" combo sounds like an awfully poor mission package for NEO/HADR, among other contingencies. You're still gonna need the MEU in the 21st century (and I am not a Marine saying that).

The argument was never that the MEU should go away.

 

[pilot_man]

I thought those 6 F-35Bs on the LHA were mainly there to provide the air envelope around the LHA so it could operate, protected, in any littoral totally independent of a CSG/ without needing air cover from a nearby CVN; also, for projecting limited air power ashore as needed.

Yes, those F-35Bs would be "part of the day one package" because day one might include deterring/defeating Mr. Fencer, Mr. Flanker, Mr. Frogfoot, etc. from shooting to pieces the LHA and Marines ashore.

Once the operating environment calms down, and those Marines on ship/shore have a less-contested airspace, then by all means load up your 6 F-35Bs with SDB IIs and JDAMs instead of AIM-9Xs and send them hunting.

By the way, the "F-22 + B-2 + AWACS" combo sounds like an awfully poor mission package for NEO/HADR, among other contingencies. You're still gonna need the MEU in the 21st century (and I am not a Marine saying that).

Ok, fine. I wasn't going to say anything because of classification stuff, but whatever. Yes, those 6 F-35s will provide a cloaking device around the entire ARG and allow it to operate unmolested anywhere it wants. They are so amazing that they even transfer that stealth to the rest of the MEU helos. And those 6 F-35s are so capable they can defend against any sort of threat. Including in the air, on the sea, and even under the sea. Don't worry about the number of missiles required for this. They will be equipped with the latest in light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation, also known as laser beams. They can basically cover the entire airspace of the PRC so no worries there with Mr. Flanker. Don't worry about those pesky DF-21 either. With their advance EA capabilities they will be able to upload images of Justin Bieber into the DF-21 targeting computers so they won't be able to guide on the LHAs. They will just fall into the water looking for the Biebs. Obviously, with this capability, the F-35s will fly inland and bring the fight to the threat and yet still be able to cover the Marines on the beach. Being manned will just get into the way so they already have a AI master who will blend the 6 aircraft into 1 killing force. Also, since fuel would be an issue these JSF are nuclear powered. (this is very classified so keep it to yourself.)

Everyone knows that all of the O plans have the Marines leading the charge on that Day 1 package. Why try to clear the airspace or sea space in front of you if you have a fucking cloaking device and laser beams.

And you are right, the F-22 + B-2 + AWACS combo is a bad team for NEO / HADR so that is why the MEU needs Stealth fucking fighters. Thank you for defending the Marines. They needed that.

 

[Max the Mad Russian]

day one might include deterring/defeating Mr. Fencer, Mr. Flanker, Mr. Frogfoot, etc. from shooting to pieces the LHA and Marines ashore.

Ashore yes, but not LHA herself. Neither of noted airplanes has a specialised weapon accurate enough to hit the sea targets. That is why it is important to see not only 6 F-35Bs on LHA, there should be the an ad hoc base ashore where those F-35Bs can be rearmed and refueled.

 

[whitesoxnation]

I thought those 6 F-35Bs on the LHA were mainly there to provide the air envelope around the LHA so it could operate, protected, in any littoral totally independent of a CSG/ without needing air cover from a nearby CVN; also, for projecting limited air power ashore as needed.

Yes, those F-35Bs would be "part of the day one package" because day one might include deterring/defeating Mr. Fencer, Mr. Flanker, Mr. Frogfoot, etc. from shooting to pieces the LHA and Marines ashore.

Once the operating environment calms down, and those Marines on ship/shore have a less-contested airspace, then by all means load up your 6 F-35Bs with SDB IIs and JDAMs instead of AIM-9Xs and send them hunting.

By the way, the "F-22 + B-2 + AWACS" combo sounds like an awfully poor mission package for NEO/HADR, among other contingencies. You're still gonna need the MEU in the 21st century (and I am not a Marine saying that).

That's some funny shit.

 

[danpass]

It's kinda funny how much put-down there is for the concept of a thru-deck 'carrier' w six supersonic stealth fighter-bombers on board.

It's amusing because when you think of the reverse, say for example the Chinese having their very own version of such a combination, the threat level changes 'all of a sudden'. I believe an AW member even pointed out how somebody, like Taiwan, would get real nervous with such a thing floating around.

They weren't too happy when the current Chinese carrier went on it's most recent trip.

 

[pourts]

It's kinda funny how much put-down there is for the concept of a thru-deck 'carrier' w six supersonic stealth fighter-bombers on board.

It's amusing because when you think of the reverse, say for example the Chinese having their very own version of such a combination, the threat level changes 'all of a sudden'. I believe an AW member even pointed out how somebody, like Taiwan, would get real nervous with such a thing floating around.

They weren't too happy when the current Chinese carrier went on it's most recent trip.

Are you high? Have you looked on a map how far Taiwan is from China? They care a lot more about the ballistic missiles and diesel submarines.

 

[Randy Daytona]

Article out today.

Clear the Decks: Super Hornet to Challenge F-35 (UPDATED)
March 2017

http://www.nationaldefensemagazine....s/CleartheDecksSuperHornettoChallengeF35.aspx

 

[sevenhelmet]

Article out today.

Clear the Decks: Super Hornet to Challenge F-35 (UPDATED)
March 2017

http://www.nationaldefensemagazine....s/CleartheDecksSuperHornettoChallengeF35.aspx

Click bait. The article talks as if the Block 3 Rhino could supplant the JSF. That's unlikely, especially if it's a retrofit vs. new airframe construction. Again, this isn't an "either X or Y" type of problem. Neither airplane is a panacea for 100% of the airwing's strike needs. I've always thought we'd only ever have 1 JSF squadron per airwing on average (maybe CVW-5 will get 2), and the rest of the fighters would be block 2, and maybe someday block 3 Rhinos. The JSF isn't a replacement for our strike fighters, it's a supplement. Having JSF allows the wing added flexibility, and limited diversification and mission specialization, which is good for training to in-depth knowledge and reducing requirements creep throughout the life cycle of both airframes.

Keep the Super Hornet line open... that's the number one thing this could accomplish. That's good (read: less bad) for the long-term health of the air wing.

 

[Randy Daytona]

Another take on the subject.

U.S. Marines Want to Pack 20 Stealth Fighters on One Assault Ship
Amphibious vessels could become light carriers

http://warisboring.com/u-s-marines-want-to-pack-20-stealth-fighters-on-one-assault-ship/

 

[jmcquate]

No they don't. That's just Pentagon mental masturbation.....if it's legit in the first place. The more Marine TAC air becomes Navy TAC air, the stronger the argument to get rid of Marine TAC air.

 

[Hotdogs]

No they don't. That's just Pentagon mental masturbation.....if it's legit in the first place. The more Marine TAC air becomes Navy TAC air, the stronger the argument to get rid of Marine TAC air.

Wait that an actual "argument?"

 

[jmcquate]

Wait that an actual "argument?"

Sorry. My apology to the skid community. Fixed wing TAC air.

 

[Pags]

Another take on the subject.

U.S. Marines Want to Pack 20 Stealth Fighters on One Assault Ship
Amphibious vessels could become light carriers

http://warisboring.com/u-s-marines-want-to-pack-20-stealth-fighters-on-one-assault-ship/

Cute picture. Good thing this planning is being done by someone who's never been an an L-class since the pic doesn't show the two spots you lose to your tanker V-22s and it also assumes that the hangar bay will be filled with airplanes as opposed to all manner of other crap.

 

[Treetop Flyer]

Cute picture. Good thing this planning is being done by someone who's never been an an L-class since the pic doesn't show the two spots you lose to your tanker V-22s and it also assumes that the hangar bay will be filled with airplanes as opposed to all manner of other crap.

There are 22 jets in that diagram, and not all the hangar space is taken.

 

[Treetop Flyer]

No they don't. That's just Pentagon mental masturbation.....if it's legit in the first place. The more Marine TAC air becomes Navy TAC air, the stronger the argument to get rid of Marine TAC air.