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F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF)

  • Thread starter Thread starter Sharpey
  • Start date Start date
More Italian F-35 woes.

http://www.defensenews.com/article/20120515/DEFREG01/305150010/Italian-AF-Navy-Head-F-35B-Showdown?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE

Italian AF, Navy Head for F-35B Showdown


ROME — Italy’s decision to slash its overall F-35 Joint Strike Fighter order from 131 to 90 jets has kick-started a debate over how the Italian Air Force and Navy can divide a shrinking number of F-35B short-takeoff, vertical-landing (STOVL) versions in the package.

With both services wanting the jet and neither likely to get the number they want, talks are underway at the Ministry of Defense to find a solution, with a pooled fleet a growing possibility, officials and analysts said.

Before Defense Minister Giampao-lo di Paola announced the JSF reduction in February, prompted by defense spending cuts, the Air Force had planned to acquire 69 conventional F-35As to replace its Tornados and 40 F-35Bs to replace its AMX fighter bombers, citing a need to field STOVL aircraft to exploit short landing strips. That left the Navy with 22 STOVL versions to replace its aging AV-8 Harriers on its new carrier, the Cavour.

In a recent interview with the Italian publication Airpress, Air Force chief Gen. Giuseppe Bernardis said, “The Air Force will have 75

F-35s, of which 15 will be B, adding to the Navy’s 15.”

His prediction, however, followed statements from Rear Adm. Paolo Treu, head of Italian naval aviation, that 22 STOVL aircraft, not 15, is the absolute minimum number the Navy can order. That suggests the talks at the MoD will be heated.

“If the Navy is asked to go down to 15 aircraft, it will fight to the very end against it,” said Silvio Lora-Lamia, who has covered Italy’s JSF acquisition for Bologna-based defense publication Analisi Difesa.

Bernardis’ prediction envisions the Air Force losing nine F-35As and 25 F-35Bs. The Navy would lose fewer STOVLs — just seven. But Navy officials claim that 22 F-35Bs is just enough to keep a full contingent aboard Cavour during operations.

With three aircraft likely to be kept in the U.S. as a contribution to a pilot training pool and five predicted to need maintenance at any given time, 14 would be left. They and six helicopters complete Cavour’s line-up.

While Cavour awaits its JSFs, the vessel has completed qualification to host Italy’s AV-8s as a stopgap before they are retired from service around 2020. Qualification had not been completed during last year’s Libyan conflict, meaning that Italy’s older carrier, the Garibaldi, was called in to launch AV-8 missions over Libya.

If the STOVL fleet is 30 aircraft, neither the Navy nor the Air Force would be able to manage, one analyst said.

“If the Air Force wants a squadron, 15 aircraft is not enough,” said former Italian military chief of staff Gen. Vincenzo Camporini, now a vice president at the Italian think tank IAI.

The only solution, he said, is for the two services to operate one pooled fleet. “This has to be the future, otherwise it is unsustainable,” he said. “There should not be a problem for pilots if their aircraft was being used by another service the week before an operation.”

A pooled fleet, he said, would mean one shared air base. Currently the Navy plans to host its JSFs, when on land, at its Grottaglie base in southern Italy. The Air Force is eyeing its Amendola base, also in southern Italy, as one of two JSF bases.

A senior defense source confirmed the aircraft would be interchangeable. But pilots will not be, due to the different skills involved in flying from land and from a carrier deck.
 
With regards to the ongoing flight testing, does anyone know if the OBOGS on the F-35 has created the same issues as on the F-22.  I have found several articles referencing the "Raptor Cough" (made famous now by 60 minutes) from the F-22 pilots but nil about the F-35.  Anyone know if it is the same system as they are reporting in the MSM?

HH
 
Different system.

I was reading about it yesterday, but cannot remember the source.
 
Weber said that of the aircraft named, the F-35 is most likely at risk for a similar problem.

Both the F-22 and F-35 use late-model OBOGS designs built by Honeywell. The other aircraft are at less risk because they are older systems which are built by another manufacturer: Cobham.

http://www.defensenews.com/article/20110510/DEFSECT01/105100302/Analysts-Chew-Over-USAF-S-OBOGS-Groundings
 
F-35 problems on their way to being fixed

By:  Dave Majumdar Washington DC
05:07 18 May 2012

The F-35 Lightning II is making good progress through flight testing this year, a top Lockheed Martin official says. Most of the biggest challenges faced by the program should be well on their way to being fixed by the later part of the year.

One major issue that has recently popped up on the US Navy's F-35C variant is that the aircraft's tail-hook has had to be redesigned. That is because the existing design has failed to catch an arresting cable during trials. Lockheed is working on a new improved hook design that should fix the problem.

"We have modified the hook point with a lower center of gravity," says Steve O'Bryan, Lockheed's vice president for F-35 program integration and business development. Additionally, "we've redesigned the hold-down damper."

The new design is scheduled for its preliminary design review in "the summer." That will be followed by a critical design review in the fourth quarter.

After the new hook design undergoes shore-based qualification trails, the F-35C will undergo sea trials on a carrier in late 2013 or early 2014.

Lockheed is also set to test fixes to the jet's troublesome helmet-mounted display (HMD) this summer, O'Bryan says. Lockheed has reached an agreement with the US government on the HMD requirements, which will help the company to fix imagery lag on the helmet by tweaking the system's software, he says.

The company is also adding micro inertial measurement units (IMU) to the helmet and pilot's seat to dampen out jittery images. "We're going to fly those micro-IMUs this summer," O'Bryan says.

Lockheed hopes that the new ISIE-11 camera, which replaces the existing ISIE-10 cameras, will resolve jet's night vision acuity problems. The new system will undergo testing at MIT's Lincoln Labs later this summer. The system will now consist of two ISIE-11 cameras, one of which will be mounted in the helmet and another on the canopy bow, and imagery pumped in from the F-35's six distributed aperture system (DAS) infrared cameras.

"We're optimistic, we've got a good plan," O'Bryan says.

Meanwhile, the pilots have started to test the imagery from the distributed aperture system. Initial results look to be very promising, O'Bryan says. But there will need to be tweaks as flight tests reveal potential issues.

Other avionics tests are proceeding well. The F-35 has already started testing the Link-16 data-link and will soon start to test the variable message format link which is needed for the close air support mission. There are also ongoing tests with the radar, electronic warfare, and infrared targeting system, which are needed for the release of the Block 2A training software.


On the flight sciences side, the US Marine Corps short take-off vertical landing (STOVL) F-35B test program is further along than that of the F-35C. The previously troubled B-model is now running 20% ahead of this year's planned test schedule, O'Bryan says.

The F-35B has flown at altitudes over 49,000ft and has hits speeds of Mach 1.4. That's just shy of the F-35's required 50, 000 ft ceiling and Mach 1.6 design speed limit, he says. The B-model has also flown at its maximum airspeed of 630 knots and has achieved its maximum 7G limit.

"It's about over 50% complete with its clean-wing full-envelop test points," O'Byan says.The F-35C is also about 20% ahead of this year's flight test plan, O'Bryan says. Like the F-35B, the C-model has flown out to 630 knots, but the naval variant is required to hit 700 knots. The C-model has also flown at 45, 000 ft and at speeds of Mach 1.4. It has also hit its maximum 7.5G limit.

That means the USN version has completed about 40% of its clean configuration flight envelope test points, O'Bryan says.

Out at Edwards AFB, California, F-35A will have completed 45% of the totality of its flight test points by the end of the year. By the fourth quarter, the F-35A should have competed its first full lifetime of durability testing, O'Bryan says. There have thus far been no new issues that have arisen as a result of the tests.

'That, I'm happy to say, is going well," he says.

The all versions of the jet have started flying with external stores. Later this year, the aircraft will enter into high angle of attack testing up to 50 degree angle of attack, O'Bryan says. The program will also start wet runway tests, engine air starts, and weapons releases.

http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/f-35-problems-on-their-way-to-being-fixed-372074/
 
F-35B Finally Flies At Eglin Training Base
By Amy Butler abutler@aviationweek.com

May 22 , 2012

The F-35B conducted its first flight out of Eglin AFB, Fla., May 22, marking one of several steps needed to officially stand up pilot training for the Lockheed Martin stealthy jet there.

The first F-35A conventional-takeoff-and-landing aircraft arrived at Eglin in July 2011 and the first B variant, optimized for the Marine Corps’ short-takeoff-and-vertical-landing requirement, arrived in January. Twelve F-35s are now at the base. Though pilot training was slated to start last fall, concerns raised by the Pentagon’s test community about the maturity of the aircraft and its software prompted the Air Force and Navy to delay this milestone.

The first F-35A “orientation” flight at Eglin took place in March. The goal is to start an operational utility evaluation (OUE) this summer using six F-35As.

The OUE will be managed by Air Force and Navy flight-testing experts, and the outcome of the exercise will determine whether Air Education and Training Command approves the initiation of formal pilot training. Though not a “go-to-war” configuration, the early training and OUE will use the Block 1A software, which allows for basic flight controls but lacks advanced capabilities such as weapons release.

The start of training is a key milestone for the F-35 program, which has suffered from production and testing delays. Trained pilots and maintainers are needed for the services to declare initial operational capability (IOC) with their F-35 versions. The Marine Corps will likely be the first, with a goal of IOC as soon as the next couple of years. Once F-35s begin entering the fleets, the services can begin retiring older fighters that are costly to maintain.

To date, 47 F-35A sorties have been executed at Eglin in addition to today’s F-35B flight, says Chrissy Cuttita, a spokeswoman for the base.

During the lull between deliveries and flights, the 33rd Fighter Wing used the aircraft for ground-based maintenance training.

Article Link
 
She'll look real purdy all dressed in RCAF livery flying over Cold Lake or Bagottville.

http://vimeo.com/42805692

 
Haletown said:
She'll look real purdy all dressed in RCAF livery flying over Cold Lake or Bagottville.

http://vimeo.com/42805692

Despite any issues, it *IS* a sharp looking aircraft.  I wouldn't mind getting strapped into one!  :nod:
 
The latest news (?)....
An infamous 2010 news conference to announce Canada's plan to buy 65 stealth fighters cost taxpayers more than $47,000.

The figure was revealed by Defence Minister Peter MacKay in a written response to an opposition question, tabled late Monday in Parliament.

Liberal defence critic John McKay asked for details about the event, which saw MacKay, Public Works Minister Rona Ambrose and Treasury Board President Tony Clement pose with a fake F-35 built by manufacturer Lockheed Martin.

The response shows Lockheed Martin offered up the model and transported it "to Ottawa via flatbed transport truck" at no charge.

Jay Paxton, a spokesman for the defence minister, says almost half of the $47,313 spent by National Defence went to the audio-visual company that helped stage the event.

He says the expense was necessary because the news conference involved a number of national media outlets, as well as more than 100 invited guests.
The Canadian Press, 5 Jun 12
 
Dutch unit price for the F35-A: 61.5 MEUR = 79.25 MCAD at today's rate of exchange (1.288 CAD/EUR)
Dutch cost of buying 85 units = 85 x 79.25 = 6.7 BCAD

Dutch project estimate for 85 A/C : 7.5 BEUR = 9.7 BCAD
Interestingly that is the same as, or slightly lower than a year ago.

Estimated operating costs (described as hard to quantify) for a 30 year life cycle: 13.6 to 14.6 BEUR or 17.5 to 18.8 BCAD
By interpolation annual operating cost per aircraft = 18.8/85/30 = 7.4 MCAD and therefore, for a fleet of 65, 480 MCAD per year.

The annualized unit cost of purchase = 9.7/85/30 = 3.8 MCAD
The annual unit cost of ownership = 3.8 +7.4 = 11.2 MCAD  or 728 MCAD per year for the fleet of 65


The operating costs do not include the cost of pilots or coffee.

Link
 
Such a sad day in CBC land, the pinheads will be popping all over the place. Wonder if our glorious MSM will apologise to the PM and to the DND officials who they claimed just wanted "toys for the boys"

http://www.forbes.com/sites/lorenthompson/2012/06/11/pentagons-best-kept-secret-f-35-fighter-is-progressing-nicely/

Maybe we should take up a collection so Stevie over at the Rideau "We Despise the Military" Institute can go away and recover on a vacation.


/sarc off.
 
That would be an answer to the "ZOMG! It will cost bazillions!" crowd. The "toys for the boys" crowd will need to see a reason the RCAF needs that particular aircraft and no other will do. The Air Force and government haven't shown that yet.
 
In an effort to add financial credibility to the F-35 procurement team the government has, according to a Globe and Mail report, hired former Auditor General Denis Desautels as "one of two independent experts Ottawa is hiring for the new government body that’s taking over the job of verifying whether the F-35 jet is the best choice for Canada."

DenisDesautels-boardad.jpg


Desautels is Chairman of Laurentian Bank of Canada and a director of Groupe Jean Coutu (PJC) Inc. and a member of the Boards of Governors of the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and the University of Ottawa. he is also a Corporate Director Bombardier Inc.
 
Alan Williams, who signed the original deal for the F-35 (also attached if link doesn't work), on what SHOULD be done:
If the government were serious, it would have:

[list type=decimal][*]Appointed a trusted minister not tainted by the past (i.e., from outside DND, PWGSC or Industry Canada) to lead the initiative.
[*]Appointed a trusted DM not tainted by the past (i.e., from outside DND, PWGSC or Industry Canada) to report to the minister and lead the bureaucratic effort.
[*]Agreed to provide quarterly updates to parliament.
[*]Agreed to provide annual independent audits.
[*]Prepared “terms of reference” specifying that the government is committed to undertaking an open, fair and transparent competitive process to sustain a Canadian Forces fighter capability. As an immediate first step, it would have committed to modify the statement of requirements to allow for such a process to begin.
[*]Agreed to prepare and make public realistic cost estimates before parliament rises. These estimates are readily available. The information gained by the recent visit of the bureaucrats to the Joint Strike Fighter Program Office coupled with information assembled through discussions with the Pentagon, through a review of their Selected Acquisition Reports (SAR), through discussions with the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) and through a review of their GAO reports will provide a solid foundation for the estimates. I would also advise the government that rather than continually understating the costs it should provide the highest, most comprehensive reasonable forecast along with any appropriate explanatory notes. It is much better to come in under the estimate then having to justify why its cost estimate is low. As these cost forecasts change (as they inevitably will) the government should keep the public informed. Better that we hear and read about it from the government than through third parties.[/list]

The government’s seven-point action plan and its terms of reference are a continuation of the same government strategy we have seen to-date ....
From his bio....
Alan Williams is a former ADM (Materiel) at DND. He is now president of The Williams Group, providing companies with procurement expertise ....
 
estoguy said:
Despite any issues, it *IS* a sharp looking aircraft.  I wouldn't mind getting strapped into one!  :nod:

I agree. Even though the F-35 might have had a history of delays and faulty parts, it is still by and large a very advanced aircraft, probably more capable than anything other countries besides the US can field in terms of a strike role. However, it barely has a role in Canada, where the long shorelines call for a heavier air superiority fighter to do what we are meant to do: defend airspace. Even then the F-35 has some advantages over the F-22, such as its larger AESA radar and its EODAS system that gives the pilot three hundred sixty degrees of situational awareness.
 
Retired AF Guy said:

That's a good thing, the F-35s are now being used in an evaluation unit. That means that induction date won't be long and that they are pretty satisfied at its current situation; hopefully all the bugs like the cracked bulkhead are fixed in time.
 
Virtuoso said:
I agree. Even though the F-35 might have had a history of delays and faulty parts, it is still by and large a very advanced aircraft, probably more capable than anything other countries besides the US can field in terms of a strike role. However, it barely has a role in Canada, where the long shorelines call for a heavier air superiority fighter to do what we are meant to do: defend airspace. Even then the F-35 has some advantages over the F-22, such as its larger AESA radar and its EODAS system that gives the pilot three hundred sixty degrees of situational awareness.

I'm sorry but....

On what basis do you know any of this?
 
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