Take a read of this Kokoda Foundation report done in 2005. (PDF here) Its purpose is to determine the proper number of F-35 squadrons needed to meet Australia's strategic security interests.
The authors should be applauded for looking into this issue. Even if they missed almost every critical item that will allow the F-35 to exist in RAAF service.
The report goes on with the grand assumption that all the bells and whistles on the F-35 will just work: networking (forgetting that it isn't the sole ownership of the F-35 and that an enemy will have it also...along with a total ignorance of NCW limitations in the real world); stealth, combat effectiveness, combat readiness. For Kododa; no real show-stoppers.The authors assume that the F-35 will show up in 2012 but that any delay shouldn't raise the expense.
The authors ignore any real details that have anything to do with developing such a complex and expensive weapons system.
They think 5 squadrons is a good number but mention the small handful of tankers and AWACs may cause some operational limitations once you get to 5. Hint: the small number of tankers and AWACs cause massive operational limitations with 3 squadrons let alone 5. That and every sip from the F-35 is much bigger when tanking because it holds much more fuel. For all the independence Kokoda wants with Defence ops, I suggest they increase their knowledge on wartime tanker ops with lots of aircraft.
The Kokoda F-35 paper is a must-read for the mere fact that there are so many unproven and unworkable assumptions which may make it eligible for a possible science-fiction award in the alternate universe category.
It is very close to 2012. There is no workable F-35 in-sight. Whatever is delivered (whenever that is) will be obsolete to the emerging threat.
I look forward to a realistic update from the Kokoda Foundation on the state of the F-35 program. Maybe it can be called, “Dude, how were we supposed to know?”
Pretty impressive how people can get taken in on a scam. Scary is that these people advise our elected officials.
3 comments:
Who is " Nicolas Brasch "
Never heard of him, nothing on th web of any significance?
Eric& Anon of 302114DEC11
Off thread I know. But maybe this explains: http://www.aussiereviews.com/article3399.html
Osmar White's "Green Armour" still works well I think.
Lest we forget.
Ely
The Kokoda Trail is now a honey-pot attracting clans from distance villagers trying to cash in on the trekking industry. Pristine jungle is being cleared for campsites, toilets are being sited on waterways and disputes are becoming the order of the day.Kokoda Treks
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