UAI requires that each weapon have special code written for it which is uploaded to the jet when the mission files and weapons are loaded. UAI does not work with the native weapon code.

UAI is like print drivers in Windows. Each Weapon interfaces with the UAI system using a standard set of protocols. Only certain features are supported in each UAI block, so if you have an additional feature, it can not be used via UAI. The UAI system then passes the info along to the main mission computer for use as normal.

btw, UAI is running on all F-15Es right now as they are the UAI testbad.

Here is the state of UAI testing in 2011

Other Sources

http://aadl.sei.cmu.edu/aadl/documents/ALWI-CIBriefing%20to%20AS-2C_Jan2007.pdf

Page 12: http://www.dsp.dla.mil/APP_UIL/content/newsletters/journal/DSPJ-07-05.pdf

http://www.omg.org/news/meetings/workshops/Real-time_WS_Final_Presentations_2008/Session%208/08-01_Raistrick.pdf

Your mistake is applying LRIP pricing to FRP production rates. Per the latest budget docs, an FY2018 F-35A will have a Gross Weapon System Cost (notice that I am not using the Rec Flyaway of $86) of $107 mil in “Then Year” dollars (inflation included). Partner nations buy at the same price as the USG.

@Tempest414: They would have to delay a fighter decision till 2020 in order for them to get them in 2023. I don’t see that happening. Attached below is the schedule for Canadian deliveries if they buy before 2015.

@PhilipG: The ramp up is prudent and fits in line with Partner buy plans. I think a 50% increase per year in production is a good plan. LRIP 6 is the first Block3i. Block 3F is on schedule to be completed by 2017

@halloweene: The specifics of what types of test points are done when are not known, just that overall they are ahead of the plan.

That chart on #11 is CFTs only, no EWPs.

In other words, it’s a clean airframe and not combat configured.

You all missed the point.

PhillipG made two general mistakes about interception.
1. After detecting an intruder, that only one plane was sent.
2. Each F-35 only carries 2 AMRAAMs internally for interception.

And the big one he missed… There will be F-35s on standby when an intruder is detected. If the Interceptors detect numerous planes inbound, the standby planes will launch before the first Interceptor even fires a missile. If the ****e hits the fan, then all F-35s will scramble.

As far as pK goes: Against bombers coming over the pole, very good.

F4F top speed 331 mph. F6F top speed 380 mph. Both from Grumman. Super Hornet and F-35 are not from the same company. Super Hornet top speed Mach 1.8+. F-35 top speed Mach 1.6+. IMO Super Hornet looks more elegant than F-35 despite being a much older design.

The SH cannot go m1.8 while armed, but can only reach a speed of m1.55 ish at a limited altitude. Since it won’t be carring EFTs, forget about range.

Yes I did read the whole page and I did not say “good news” either 🙂

One thing I did take note of

Lockheed began work on the project last month using its own funding to ensure that the new system would be ready by the first quarter of 2015, in time for the Marine Corps to start using the F-35 B-model in combat by the middle of that year.

I also noted that the existing model was never referred to as “not-fit-for-purpose previous model”, only:

Military officials have pressed for a more “deployable” version of those individual computer units since the new planes will eventually be used on a variety of Navy ships and at other locations around the world, where space is limited.

In other words, the previous system was usable, but they wanted a better, lighter version.

Glass half empty much 😉

The LRIP6 F-35s (the first with TR2) had their hardware ordered in FY2011. So yes, they will sit on the tarmac waiting for the software if they have to.

However, built into TR2 may be the ability to run earlier blocks, so.. maybe.