F-35 gun/software issues
12-31-2014, 07:12 AM
#1
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F-35 gun/software issues
F-35's Latest Glitch: Fighter Jet Can't Fire A GunUntil 2019 LMT - Investors.com
The F-35 has state of the art stealth features, but won't be able to fire a gun for four more years, according to reports.
Lockheed Martin's (NYSE:LMT) F-35 is expected to enter combat with the Marine Corps in 2015 and Air Force in 2016. But the software on the high-tech fighter jet isn't capable of shooting the 25mm cannon on board. Officials from the Air Force told the Daily Beast that the software support won't be finished until 2019.
The plane will still have weapon capabilities, including two Raytheon (NYSE:RTN) long range air-to-air missiles and two bombs, according to the report.
The weapon software issues are the latest in a series of setbacks for the overbudget and behind-schedule plane — the world's most expensive weapon program ever.
"To me, the more disturbing aspect of this delay is that it represents yet another clear indication that the program is in serious trouble," said an Air Force official cited by the Daily Beast.
The F-35 has state of the art stealth features, but won't be able to fire a gun for four more years, according to reports.
Lockheed Martin's (NYSE:LMT) F-35 is expected to enter combat with the Marine Corps in 2015 and Air Force in 2016. But the software on the high-tech fighter jet isn't capable of shooting the 25mm cannon on board. Officials from the Air Force told the Daily Beast that the software support won't be finished until 2019.
The plane will still have weapon capabilities, including two Raytheon (NYSE:RTN) long range air-to-air missiles and two bombs, according to the report.
The weapon software issues are the latest in a series of setbacks for the overbudget and behind-schedule plane — the world's most expensive weapon program ever.
"To me, the more disturbing aspect of this delay is that it represents yet another clear indication that the program is in serious trouble," said an Air Force official cited by the Daily Beast.
12-31-2014, 10:05 AM
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The F-35 is another example of trying to make one platform do everything. Its also another example of the taxpayers getting the shaft while the politicians foist a program on the military that they don't even want.
12-31-2014, 11:03 AM
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It doesn't even seem to start with the politicians...it's as though the Chiefs of all the services are under the control of a Futurama-style brain-slug named "Lockheed-Martin."
They chant in Borg-like unison: "We.......need....F.......35...."
The politicians just go along with it because parts are built in so many Congressional districts.
What I can't figure out us why the Army isn't protesting---loudly---since CAS capability is about zero.
Unless the Army wants it to fail, so they can argue for their own indigenous CAS platform.
Besides the huge financial burden this atrocity brings, the real tragedy will be the American and Allied troops lost in CAS against non-state insurgents.
They chant in Borg-like unison: "We.......need....F.......35...."
The politicians just go along with it because parts are built in so many Congressional districts.
What I can't figure out us why the Army isn't protesting---loudly---since CAS capability is about zero.
Unless the Army wants it to fail, so they can argue for their own indigenous CAS platform.
Besides the huge financial burden this atrocity brings, the real tragedy will be the American and Allied troops lost in CAS against non-state insurgents.
12-31-2014, 11:09 AM
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80 kts:
The only real reason for the gun was to justify it for CAS, to kill the Hawg.
Good luck....it will only carry 180 rounds.
Here is an excellent read. You'll have to wait 10 seconds for the ad to go away. Extremely well researched.
Lengthy, but I'd say spot-on when he talks hardware, and about 95% talking about the public, the military, and the void between.
The Tragedy of the American Military - The Atlantic
The only real reason for the gun was to justify it for CAS, to kill the Hawg.
Good luck....it will only carry 180 rounds.
Here is an excellent read. You'll have to wait 10 seconds for the ad to go away. Extremely well researched.
Lengthy, but I'd say spot-on when he talks hardware, and about 95% talking about the public, the military, and the void between.
The Tragedy of the American Military - The Atlantic
12-31-2014, 06:42 PM
#6
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Originally Posted by UAL T38 Phlyer
Here is an excellent read. You'll have to wait 10 seconds for the ad to go away. Extremely well researched.
The Tragedy of the American Military - The Atlantic
12-31-2014, 07:19 PM
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Originally Posted by 80ktsClamp
What's worse is that if you read more about it, they don't care about the gun since it's about as maneuverable as an F-4 and would lose in close combat anyways. 
What a waste.
What a waste.
01-01-2015, 11:39 AM
#8
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Meanwhile children go hungry, illegal aliens get drivers licenses, Federally prohibited drugs are used recreationally in certain states, and You get fined for not buying health care "insurance". One messed up schizophrenic country.
01-01-2015, 01:45 PM
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The production tooling, or jigs to make parts, are the most or second-most expensive parts of an airplane's development.
Typically, the US Government mandates that all the jigs be destroyed when the program is completed. I'm not sure why.
Boeing destroyed all of the 757 tooling to ensure sales of the 737NG.
Fairchild no longer exists, and I think even the factory in Farmingdale is gone. Could the tooling be rebuilt? Yes. Would the airplanes be cheap? No. Would it take almost as much time as developing a new airplane? Probably half.
Does anyone want this done? Yes: US troops who have been suported or saved by the A-10, the A-10 pilots who were there for them, and military and civilian bystanders who understand its importance.
But the pursestrings are controlled by Generals who see CAS as "not my problem," and are more worried about a hypothetical war with China.
Typically, the US Government mandates that all the jigs be destroyed when the program is completed. I'm not sure why.
Boeing destroyed all of the 757 tooling to ensure sales of the 737NG.
Fairchild no longer exists, and I think even the factory in Farmingdale is gone. Could the tooling be rebuilt? Yes. Would the airplanes be cheap? No. Would it take almost as much time as developing a new airplane? Probably half.
Does anyone want this done? Yes: US troops who have been suported or saved by the A-10, the A-10 pilots who were there for them, and military and civilian bystanders who understand its importance.
But the pursestrings are controlled by Generals who see CAS as "not my problem," and are more worried about a hypothetical war with China.
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