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Pax River quietly doubles its F-35B "population"

WinterMute

New Member
So, can anybody in the fleet comment on if this is actually going to happen by 2012?

http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=55684

Basically, if you want the highlight, the Honorable Mr.Gates along with the DOD PR department say that the USMC will have "Initial Operational Capability" by 2012 with the F-35B. The report dates from August 31st of 2009.

Now, last time I checked Aviation Week the F-35B variant was having some airframe problems because of the difficulties inherent in cutting a big hole through load bearing spars for a giant lift fan, in addition to concerns about engine vibration.

http://web02.aviationweek.com/aw/ge...l&headline=F-35B Ready to Begin Stovl Testing

So what is this chatter about?

What is "Initial Operation Capability" entail in any case? Does that mean a unit using the craft that can be deployed? As in "F-35B possibly in theater by 2012"?

Other sources have the vehicle being introduced operationally as late as 2016, not to mention GAO studies that say that all the public schedules are incorrect, by perhaps as much as two years...

Anybody got the inside scoop?

The search function here was of little utility, but never mind, Google tells me that this thread addresses some of my questions:

http://www.airwarriors.com/forum/showthread.php?t=152106&page=1

If someone has more to add, feel free, as it addresses my questions, but does not really answer them.
 

HeyJoe

Fly Navy! ...or USMC
None
Super Moderator
Contributor
So, can anybody in the fleet comment on if this is actually going to happen by 2012?


http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=55684

Basically, if you want the highlight, the Honorable Mr.Gates along with the DOD PR department say that the USMC will have "Initial Operational Capability" by 2012 with the F-35B. The report dates from August 31st of 2009.

The thread already talks about this and more (like SECDEF's recent announcement restructuring the program to shift more resources to R&D before ramping up production. When a Program manager sets an IOC date, the program is basically on "Critical Path" to get there and in a program this big and significant to so many countries, it's getting lots of scrutiny, but nobody has a crystal ball to tell you if it will "actually" hit that date and if you're trying to align your career by it, don't waste your time.

Now, last time I checked Aviation Week the F-35B variant was having some airframe problems because of the difficulties inherent in cutting a big hole through load bearing spars for a giant lift fan, in addition to concerns about engine vibration.

http://web02.aviationweek.com/aw/ge...l&headline=F-35B Ready to Begin Stovl Testing

So what is this chatter about?

That article is very detailed and what AvWeek prides itself on so you'll have to go to Program Office if that doesn't satisfy you.

What is "Initial Operation Capability" entail in any case? Does that mean a unit using the craft that can be deployed? As in "F-35B possibly in theater by 2012"?

RTFT - this has been defined and discussed already

Other sources have the vehicle being introduced operationally as late as 2016, not to mention GAO studies that say that all the public schedules are incorrect, by perhaps as much as two years...

Anybody got the inside scoop?

SECDEF isn't good enough for you? Check your dates on thoise sources as IOC dates can be moving targets, but SECDEF isn't going to sugarcoat anything as evidenced by his recent decision.

The search function here was of little utility, but never mind, Google tells me that this thread addresses some of my questions:

http://www.airwarriors.com/forum/showthread.php?t=152106&page=1

If someone has more to add, feel free, as it addresses my questions, but does not really answer them.

Yes, please don't start new threads when same topic is already in play.
 

WinterMute

New Member
...
Yes, please don't start new threads when same topic is already in play.

*Start Excuses

Indeed that would be wise, I checked the search function first but "f-35b" didn't return anything, which I thought odd. I Googled later and found this thread, making my post mostly pointless.
I would have deleted the thread had I been aware of how to do so.

*End Excuses

Excellent information here though. I'll go back to lurking now.
 

Clux4

Banned
Thanks for the link HJ. My info on the JSF being delayed came from a couple buddies, one at BAE & the other at LM. The F-35B is dragging & slowing the whole JSF acq. process down.

I just wish the Corps would wake up and realize it's gonna be delayed for a couple years. There are a lot of dudes with wings who are gonna get f'd over the next few years because of the current fixed wing situation in the Corps... less jets, too many pilots...

SF
Active augmentation is coming back in full force(read: shitty numbers), so all that should be worked out.
 
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