August 20, 2010 at 10:28 am
In addition to the F-15 SE, Boeing has also suggested the “Silent Super Hornet”:
The most visible change is an externally mounted pod mounted on the Super Hornet’s centreline hardpoint. The pod is able to carry either a mix of two Mk82-class bombs and two AIM-120 missiles, or four AIM-120 missiles.
Which begs the question: Could we do the same with the Rafale and Typhoon?
Perhaps one could use even three bays: Two small under each wing root and one center, for a total of six internal pylons. Range would drop however CFTs could be put on top of the wing roots.
The F-15 SE will have four internal pylons, two in each weapons bay.
According to this presentation the following loadouts would be possible with the F-15SE (using the Conformal Weabons Bays only)
2 AIM-9 + 2 AIM-120 or
4 AIM-120 or
2 AIM-120 + 2 1000 lbs JDAM or
4 500 lbs JDAM or
8 SDB
So, what do people think?