July 21, 2010 at 1:24 am
IYHO what will be the next evolution of the F-35? is there a market for more variants? how can the current flight testing be used? what will the F-35D and F-35 E look like here are my thoughts.
F-35D: Optimized for A2A
Customers : Japan, Israel, Singapore, SK, USAF ( to replace golden eagles)
Features: Smaller weapons bay to lessen weight ( 1k LB class) Upgraded engine performance,TV nozzles, racks designed to hold 6 AAMs in the bay.
Possible removal of the Lift fan area fuel tank if further weight savings are needed.
F-35D: 2 seater variant
Customers: Israel?
Features: The Lift fan fuel tank is removed and a 2nd seat is added. The 2nd seat could either be a RISO or a 2 seat trainer, everything else would be the same.
F-35D EW variant
Customers: USN, USAF
Features: the air craft is already wired for future EW upgrades. The most likely scenario would be to add the podded equipment from the F-18E into the air frame since there is rumored cavity space in the plane
F-35D laser variant
Customer: USAF
Features: its the concept that was thrown around years ago remove the F-35s lift fan engine and place a laser turret inside powered by same clutch system the lift fan uses.
F-35D Modified stovl variant
Customer: USAF
Features: there was talk months ago about a B version with a lot of AF changes. I think the AF stood down with pressure from the other partners
Which one of these will be a D,E model? which is most likely and which is a non starter? discuss