F-35 more problems
12-19-2011, 08:51 PM
#42
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Joined APC: Mar 2008
Position: Curator at Static Display
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Politics and Aircraft Selection
The JASDF has about 110 F-4s, 160 F-15s, and 76 F-2s (Japanese F-16 look-alike).
The RF-4s are being retired, leaving about 90 F-4Es. They are admittedly long in the tooth. The Eagles are about 20 years old; still very capable.
The F-2 was a controversial program to bring F-16-type technology to Japan, as well as offset some of the cost of buying F-16s. Unfortunately for Japan, the aircraft ended up costing more than twice what a Block 50 would have cost, if they had just bought them from us.
Worse, of the 94 F-2s delivered, 18 were flooded by the Tsunami. 12 are being scrapped; the other 6 will require a lot of money to restore to flight status.
What would make the most sense for the JASDF would probably be a buy of Block 50 or 60 F-16s to replace the F-4Es, and augment the F-2s. The Eagles could get the radar improvements the US has added over the years.
However, I am guessing the US hinted that if Japan didn't buy the F-35, their access to future acquisitions could be hindered. Just a guess.
Curious that the only US airplane competing was the Hornet. Don't get me wrong---I am a Mac-Air guy, and the Hornet is a great jet for carrier ops. But it generally has less range/payload compared to land-based jets for a land-based air force.
The RF-4s are being retired, leaving about 90 F-4Es. They are admittedly long in the tooth. The Eagles are about 20 years old; still very capable.
The F-2 was a controversial program to bring F-16-type technology to Japan, as well as offset some of the cost of buying F-16s. Unfortunately for Japan, the aircraft ended up costing more than twice what a Block 50 would have cost, if they had just bought them from us.
Worse, of the 94 F-2s delivered, 18 were flooded by the Tsunami. 12 are being scrapped; the other 6 will require a lot of money to restore to flight status.
What would make the most sense for the JASDF would probably be a buy of Block 50 or 60 F-16s to replace the F-4Es, and augment the F-2s. The Eagles could get the radar improvements the US has added over the years.
However, I am guessing the US hinted that if Japan didn't buy the F-35, their access to future acquisitions could be hindered. Just a guess.
Curious that the only US airplane competing was the Hornet. Don't get me wrong---I am a Mac-Air guy, and the Hornet is a great jet for carrier ops. But it generally has less range/payload compared to land-based jets for a land-based air force.
12-20-2011, 04:26 AM
#43
Prime Minister/Moderator
Joined APC: Jan 2006
Position: Engines Turn Or People Swim
Posts: 39,261
Originally Posted by UAL T38 Phlyer
However, I am guessing the US hinted that if Japan didn't buy the F-35, their access to future acquisitions could be hindered. Just a guess.
They want nothing less than exactly what US forces are getting...anything else even if it makes more financial sense is distasteful to them.
If they want to pay for it, I have no problem giving it to them...out of all our allies they (and the Aussies) are probably the most reliable. They live in a bad part of town, and none of their neighbors like them.
01-28-2016, 03:16 PM
#44
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jun 2008
Posts: 3,716
09-19-2016, 04:47 PM
#45
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jun 2008
Posts: 3,716
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