These guys make AIPAC look like amateurs

Rent-seeker update for the F-35C; It's all happy flowers:

An update on the effort to base the Navy’s F35C Joint Strike Fighter squadron at Naval Air Facility El Centro will be presented at a Board of Supervisors meeting Monday, following a recent trip to Washington where members of the Joint Strike Fighter Coalition met with government officials.

No question of the F-35C being a valid weapon (beyond platitude) is mentioned.

The coalition is hoping to assure decision-makers “how we are embracing this,” Gallinat said, referring to basing the squadron at NAF El Centro. It is important, she said, that decision-makers are engaged and they know the willingness and support the community has about locating the squadron in Imperial County.

And least we forget, the politicians. They need work too:

The report also lists the endorsement of Rep. Bob Filner, D-Chula Vista, Rep. Duncan D. Hunter, R-El Cajon, and Rep. Brian Bilbray, R-Solana Beach, as well as some 14 local cities and associations who back basing the squadron here.

The Cause...and all that:

Meanwhile, fundraising efforts for the coalition have “stalled just a little bit,” she said, adding the organization is still actively looking for funding.

Those interested in funding the Joint Strike Fighter Coalition effort can contact the El Centro Chamber of Commerce at 760-352-3681.

Maybe by 2014 we will find out if the C can trap on a carrier. Maybe by 2016-17 we will know if the new hardware (TR-2) can drive a watered-down Block 3 software definition.

Then from there, a few more years, we might see OPEVAL.

Or not.

Slow

We could have fought all of the Pacific effort in WWII by the time these guys get this figured out. And then some.

If they get it figured out. No more extra money and all that.

F-35C not compatible with French carrier

Besides what I tweeted on the right, note that the UK thinks that if they go with the F-35C, it won't be compatible with the French aircraft carrier.

A reassessment of the programme, ordered by the Prime Minister, found the F35C would only provide one operable carrier, rather than two, and would carry an extra cost of up to £1.8billion, the Times reported. The review also found the programme would not be compatible with France's aircraft carrier and the new vessel would not be likely to come into service until 2025.

EMALS, critical to F-35C success in the U.S. Navy? Oh wait. Someone has to prove that you can trap an F-35C.

Thana marketing continues with the F-35

Thana Marketing continues with the F-35 program. Here is a new  video of the F-35C. Since they did not include all of it, I have to assume the F-35C take-off roll sucked (lots of back-stick?).

Not to worry. This take-off roll of an F-22 is much better. And it doesn't need crap music as a backup. Have a great day.

2008 Navy League Briefing on the F-35

Just a bit of history to review. The 2008 Navy League briefing on the F-35. Amazing claims.

Damage control mode

Took awhile for the message to get out, but those that spin are now on the story. Even if they are not very convincing.

Aboulafia--who is about as accurate as a Vietnam era Sparrow when talking about mil-aerospace issues--thinks the YF-17 is the same issue.

Get out the popcorn.

U.S. Navy and U.K. Royal Navy F-35 unable to get aboard ship

My latest for F-16.net

F-35C Hook Location

Deep thoughts.

Admiral Greenert not very well informed

The deception continues...or maybe Admiral Greenert just isn't very smart on things that he should be smart about... like history.

"Greenert said the Navy has “no alternative” to the F-35, saying if “we fail to bring it home,” the service would need to develop a brand new — and likely costly —“stand-off weapon” that could be delivered by F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighter jets."

Done.

The Navy originally backed away from JASSM (budget issues). But it seems like that could change.


JASSM on Super Hornet.

The JASSM isn't perfect (with USAF still having to sort out some issues). However there is a production line, over one thousand of them delivered to USAF and a longer range one being developed. It amazes how Greenert is either deceiving our elected officials or is really just that poorly informed about the history of JASSM with the Navy. The J is of course for Joint; like JSOW and JDAM.

Good luck with your new job Greenert.

UPDATE: Also an LM press release on the troubled JASSM program.
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First F-35C catapult launch