The fifth-generation stealth fighters today can carry four AIM-120 radar-guided air-to-air missiles, but the new weapons rack — Sidekick — will allow the aircraft to hold an additional Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile in each of the aircraft's two internal weapons bays.
That would raise the number of Amraams the F-35 can carry to six from four, giving the fighter more to throw at an enemy fighter or drone in air combat.
Launching an "ouch stick."
I was reading the other day that the Japanese were stripping the radars and fire control systems off all of the F-35 they have on the ground now(number unknown) and using them to "upgrade" the Japanese clone of the F-16. If you haven't read up on it is bigger stronger faster and all around better than the US F-16. They really don't want the F-35. Just the Radar and Fire control.---Ray
ReplyDeleteof late, DOD has been spending money on what twenty years ago was considered very advanced weapon systems. acquisition programs spend more on acquisition rule compliance than on the hardware. ever wonder how the skunk works at lockheed always came in under budget in many of the projects early in it's history? for one, the boss-Mr.C Johnson-refused to deal with the USN because they had assholes running acquisitions who would drive you nuts with running changes. If you knew what you wanted at the outset and were willing to pay for it, he was the go too guy.
ReplyDeletelook at it now. just another top heavy bureaucracy prostituting their staff for everything they can suck out of the customers pocket. does anybody really believe the F-35 is worth what we are paying for it? does anybody believe the F-35 is a more capable weapon system than what it is replacing?
This comment has been removed by the author.
Delete