not too long ago, there was debate whether the second follow up should use catobar and the 35C version.

In the end the reasons for going with Dave were:
35B is easier to train pilots for
35B has faster turnaround times for faster war time temp
35B is less expensive for both aircraft and ship maintenance
35B simpler logistics with the existing carrier
35C range advantage reduced considering how closer ships can operate to combat zones

do you agree or still think the 35C was a missed opportunity?

You forgot too late to modify QE class to CATOBAR without extensive and expensive modification.

Black

I’ve aways wanted a black car but buying second hand has always meant that colour is the lowest on my list of criteria

I’ve got a black car now and it deals with potholes and speed bumps better than any of my previous ones. And it’s easy to get in and out of, has plenty of headroom and carries me, wife, three boys and approximately a ton of youth football kit easily

Black cars are best

But no claim about washing less?

Now just need everyone to acknowledge that my red car goes faster…

Anyway. My point was, its not a very common type of ammo that is widely used. Hense, its not cheap at all.

Again, GAU-22 is the best option…

It was meant to be a joke 😉

Ahh…

In all seriousness, does anyone actually think they will be competitive?

The GAU8s would all fire on the same side. You’d also want a side looking AESA with GMTI & GMTT and good SAR aperture and a six shot AASM pylon under the wing.

Nic

I don’t any reason to use the GAU-8, it would make far more sense to use the GAU-22. There will be a couple of thousand GAU-22 built, it has an active production line, modern ammunition, is lighter, far more accurate, has a similar range and could be mounted on a much smaller platform that the GAU-8.

Dear Bring on it, I think the problem there is about what we consider CAS.

Why are we arguing about the definition of CAS. It is very clear.

Close air support (CAS) is air action by fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft against hostile targets that are in close proximity to friendly forces and requires detailed integration of each air mission with the fire and movement of those forces.

https://fas.org/irp/doddir/dod/jp3_09_3.pdf

Another 340 odd pages after the above quote.

How about mobile SAM like 9K330 Tor ?.Let say the SAM truck can move at speed of 50 km/h, in 4.89 minutes they still only move about 4km from initial location , simply not enough to out run the bombs

Probably less reaction time than that given the Tor is unlikely to know it is being directly targeted until the weapon is a lot closer.

Given that block 3F is going to be delayed

That is yet to be determined. Gilmore claimed it would be but he has so far been wrong on most of the date claims he has made.

I wonder if it wouldn’t make sense to try to do a release now with what’s available. 4 AMRAAMs and internal SDBs would be the most important if possible.

The jet is capable of 4 AIM-120 now. SDB would be nice but not necessary, the JDAM is more than capable for missions the F-35 will conduct, such as SEAD conducted at Red Flag.