Quote:
Originally Posted by BlackArcher101
As far as I see it, the F-35 has these main problems.
1. All of our existing support equipment will be obsolete.
|
Its going to happen anyways, the F-18's aren't going to stay in the air forever, and while the new f-18 super hornets share the same airframe, the engines, avionics and other parts are pretty different, so no matter what you do, your going to revamp.
Quote:
Originally Posted by BlackArcher101
2. All pilots, maintenance or other personnel working with the aircraft will need a new entirely revamped training program instead of some partial transfer of knowledge.
|
The new super hornets are different in performance flight avionices and maintenance, so its more then a partial transfer of knowledge. Its basically a new plane.
Some of the key differences are that the super hornet uses a completely new engine in the FE 414 (I think, going off of memory), its a whole new computer system, theres a new radar tracking and weapons system, the superhornet is about 25% larger as well.
To me, its irrelevant whether you go with th F-35 or the superhornet, there's going to be the same learning curve.
Quote:
Originally Posted by BlackArcher101
3. More expensive (but I'm not sure how much our "option" is to buy it in our existing agreement).
|
It is more expensive, however from what I've read the price reduction due to our partnership puts the f-35 into the same ballpark as the Hornet dollar wise, but its a far more capable craft then the hornet.
Quote:
Originally Posted by BlackArcher101
4. We don't necessarily need the stealth capability (but the F18 has made great improvement in that area as well).
|
While the Superhornet has done some nice things to reduce its radar signature it can never be compared to the F-35 which is pretty much second only to the F-22 in low observable technology.
Quote:
Originally Posted by BlackArcher101
5. It doesn't fit Canada's typical mission role (it's designed to replace the F16).
|
The F-35 a and C varients, and I believe that Canada would probably look at the A varient which is the standard take off and landing can carry a pretty respectable 2 2000 pound bombs in its bay, it can also carry standoff weapons, anti armour missiles, cluster munitions, it is a multi-role fighter. While the CF-18 can carry far more varied weapons systems and has up to 9 hardpoints, I'm going to take the mission specific nature of the F-35 as a strike fighter and its vastly better survivability in getting over the battle ground against advanced ground to air and air to air systems.
Quote:
Originally Posted by BlackArcher101
6. Doesn't carry as much payload.
|
I don't disagree, but the F-35 is a vastly superior strike vehicle because it has a better chance of getting to its release point, and it has better accuracy due to its superior weapons management system.
Quote:
Originally Posted by BlackArcher101
Now, Boeing is apparently planning on releasing another fighter for 2024 and in the meantime releasing a few more improvements on the Super Hornet. Canada's plan was to upgrade out A/B's to C/D's and have them in service until 2020 I think. It may be worth the way to see what Boeing has up their sleeves, as the F18 is a proven workhorse.
|
The problem is that even with the upgrades happening to the avionics and engines, the CF-18's are built on worn airframes now, they're all developing microfractures and increased maintenance/flight times. If we wait to decide to 2024 to evaluate what Boeing is coming out with, chances are they based on how Canada works we won't see the any new fighters in line for about 15 years after that. To me it just doesn't make sense. The CF-18's were put into service in 1982, as it stands the airframes are 27 years old and even by 2024 they'll be nearly 45 years old. We don't even drive cars that are older then 10 years old. The CF-18 was a great leap forward for Canadian air combat, but they're end of life and its time to start moving forward on a replacement.
