BK-1 is out.
Looks like the previous proposal for the U.S. to trade BK-1 to the USMC failed. The trade idea was hatched when the U.K. dumped the F-35B STOVL (138 orders previously 150) in favor of the carrier F-35C variant.
They should have traded.
BK-1 will need a wing fix; a bulkhead fix and who knows how many other mistake-jet fixes.
4 comments:
Just read this on Defense News:
".....Over the next two decades, the F-35's sensitive technology will look less revolutionary compared to how it does now, Aboulafia said. Eventually, that could open the door to selling a detuned version of the stealthy jet to regional players, he said. That aircraft likely will have major security features added to satisfy Israel's inevitable concerns about such potent fighter in Arab hands, Thompson said.
"Even a vanilla version of the F-35 is so stealthy that it could penetrate airspace of any country in the region without being detected," he said. The only country on Earth that has the technical expertise to track the F-35 is the U.S. itself, Thompson said."
Wow!!! Thompson and Aboulafia must be seeing some top level information to make that kind of statement. If they are, shouldn't they be under investigation for disclosing this info or are they just pulling it out of their asses?
Aboulafia is pretty good when it comes to civilian aviation news and comments but I always find him out of his element when it comes to military systems. Thompson knows the military side even if and when I disagree with him but these comments seem WAY out there.
Still confused why Britain couldn't trade/swap out F35B for an F35C? You think it could have been arranged between both countries.
Look on the bright side, it will make a fantastic gate guardian at whichever RAF base is left after the austerity measures and scrimping to pay for this idiocy close the others. Thats about the only thing it will be useful for.
What a fantastic investment the UK made in this program. At least a billion dollars, 10 years, the almost complete destruction of the fleet air arm put on ice to help pay for it and all they have to show for the effort is a single prototype that they cant use, no longer plan to use and wont really help them even plan for it's now preferred cousin successor.
You do all realise that someone will probably get an OBE for this?
Wasn't the plan to trade BK-3? UK changed it's mind too late and long lead items etc had already been ordered for the first two B models?
As I recall discussions are still underway for the UK to trade it's 3rd F-35 B for a C.
I imagine they can still do normal conventional takeoff flying operations, maintenance training and what not with the first two B models can't they? Maybe mission systems depending on what software load is available when it's released to them? I believe the Block II software load is getting quite close, which should allow JDAM and AMRAAM training and releases from recollection.
Ceainly not ideal though.
I don't see why everybody's complaining.
After all, the $180M US the Brits are getting for 72 operational late-model Harriers will almost pay for a gold-plated pogo stick that a few test pilots will be able to play with
It might not be quite as militarily useful as 72 fighter-bombers, but at least it's almost free...
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-15876745
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