Article timed out airframes F-18Cs

[MAKO69]

Article timed out F-18Cs[

[+ST0RM]

While this is old news, with the on-going delays with the F-35 and F-22 issues, the age of our combat aircraft keeps coming up in the media. This really comes down to the DoD not standing firm enough with the budget committees and telling them the opposite of what they want to hear. We CANNOT keep up with the ops tempo with the current fleet of aircraft. Even the recently purchased C-17s are aging at an advanced rate, never thought of before.

 

The C-models are trapped out and the Blue Angels had to give back their A-models and swap with C-models, because their F/A-18As had traps left on the airframes. The best solution right now is to purchase interim Super Hornets to fill the gap and ground the Charlies.

[Bravo2009]

That works great for the Navy, but not for the Marine Corps.

[+ST0RM]

That works great for the Navy, but not for the Marine Corps.

 

Why not?

 

A V/STOL aircraft is a holdover from the Cold War. The USMC has been operating from shore bases or cross-decking onto the CVNs. The job of the Amphib carrier can be done with a CVN. Just change up the airwing and add more helos/Ospreys.

 

The B just doesnt bring much to the fight. It's short legged and weight restricted.

 

IMO, an all F-35C purchase by all 3 services would be the winner. Add the internal gun from the A and you have a sweet jet.

[fallenphoenix1986]

Add the RN and RAF to that list.... after anouncing the switch from B to C during the SDSR our head muppet anounced an about face back to the under performing overweight, toothless soon to be hangar queen.... way to many moving parts involved in the VL systems to be a good idea

 

 

Craig

Edited May 12, 2012 by fallenphoenix1986

[+JediMaster]

C costs a lot more than the A. There's no way the USAF will go for that as it would mean fewer planes for the same money.

[+ST0RM]

C costs a lot more than the A. There's no way the USAF will go for that as it would mean fewer planes for the same money.

 

At this point, who cares? The USAF will not get the jet in the numbers they want anyhow. If we havent learned from the F-22, then we're completely lost.

 

I still feel the C is the best of the lot.

[Viggen]

I know the Hornets get worn out due to the carrier life which is different, but how are the USAF's F-16s doing? Are the equally worn out?

[+ST0RM]

Take a look at the all of the scab patches over the upper fuselage. That is a pretty decent answer.

 

The last USAF F-16 purchased is a '01 serialed Block 50, delivered in 2005. 7 years of constant flying and overseas ops has taken it's toll on the Viper fleet.