F-35: How the fifth-generation fighter jet might take RSAF to the next level
In the first of a three-part series on the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter, Channel NewsAsia’s Aqil Haziq Mahmud visited Lockheed Martin’s production facility for an in-depth look at the fighter jet and how it could be a battlefield game changer.
(Updated: )
Ricky Lim
Ricky Lim
(1) I agree by replacing F16 with F35 will be indeed a big step forward in Air Superiority and indeed a "game-changer" - in terms of :-
(a) sensor superiority - and aggregate information
(b) One aggregate and consolidated, unambiguous battle scenario context - presented to pilot where pilots do not need to make decision on the battle situation as the battle situation is unambiguously presented to him. Pilot only need to decide on the execution and determine when to press the button to release his weapon to deliver the kill.
(c) Stealth capability that can go in and out - that will give surprises undetected.
The decision is whether to procure :-
(1) F35A --- which is predominantly procure by many Countries - that have :-
(a) Longer range - 2,200km
(b) more weapon arsenal
(c) more experience and track record gather from many forces flying it - and the planes will be more refined through improvement and more robust
or we are buying :-
(2) F35B - where we do not need a conventional airfield - where we can land anywhere like a helicopter (in case airfield is destroyed).
But we have to live with :-
(a) shorter range of only 1600 km
(b) lesser weapon arsenal - as main lift, auxillary lift, nozzle - for vertical lift and air ducts for plane stability take up the spaces.
(c) as lesser airforces buying the F35B variants --- Singapore is taking a bit of risk in terms of the robustness of this variants -- as more airforce buy the planes, more experience, more issues or teething problems can be ironed out. But if less airforce buy this variant, Singapore may take the hit as we will have to face more issues or more teething problems that may surface as we fly the planes.
Thinking aloud, will Mindef and RSAF consider :-
(1) 50% F35A &
(2) 50% F35B ?
I know that if buy all F35A or all F35B --- will be more cost effective as having 2 variants is like having 2 different brand of planes to maintain and manage and require different logistics and maintaneance tools - which will mean more costs.
But isn't it the same like we buy F16s, but we also buy F15s - to satisfy different operational needs.
Like · Reply · 1m
(1) I agree by replacing F16 with F35 will be indeed a big step forward in Air Superiority and indeed a "game-changer" - in terms of :-
(a) sensor superiority - and aggregate information
(b) One aggregate and consolidated, unambiguous battle scenario context - presented to pilot where pilots do not need to make decision on the battle situation as the battle situation is unambiguously presented to him. Pilot only need to decide on the execution and determine when to press the button to release his weapon to deliver the kill.
(c) Stealth capability that can go in and out - that will give surprises undetected.
The decision is whether to procure :-
(1) F35A --- which is predominantly procure by many Countries - that have :-
(a) Longer range - 2,200km
(b) more weapon arsenal
(c) more experience and track record gather from many forces flying it - and the planes will be more refined through improvement and more robust
or we are buying :-
(2) F35B - where we do not need a conventional airfield - where we can land anywhere like a helicopter (in case airfield is destroyed).
But we have to live with :-
(a) shorter range of only 1600 km
(b) lesser weapon arsenal - as main lift, auxillary lift, nozzle - for vertical lift and air ducts for plane stability take up the spaces.
(c) as lesser airforces buying the F35B variants --- Singapore is taking a bit of risk in terms of the robustness of this variants -- as more airforce buy the planes, more experience, more issues or teething problems can be ironed out. But if less airforce buy this variant, Singapore may take the hit as we will have to face more issues or more teething problems that may surface as we fly the planes.
Thinking aloud, will Mindef and RSAF consider :-
(1) 50% F35A &
(2) 50% F35B ?
I know that if buy all F35A or all F35B --- will be more cost effective as having 2 variants is like having 2 different brand of planes to maintain and manage and require different logistics and maintaneance tools - which will mean more costs.
But isn't it the same like we buy F16s, but we also buy F15s - to satisfy different operational needs.
Like · Reply · 1m
Like · Reply · 1m · Edited
Ricky Lim
By having 50% F35Bs and 50% F35As ---- we are not putting "all eggs in one basket".
Eg. :-
(1) If all our airfields come under attack -- our F35Bs from other places (not airfields) can survive the attack - to do counter attack.
(2) In case, if F35Bs encounter some teething manufacturing problems that we discover after we procure, run-in and after performance guaranteed period is over - it will not impair our investment, as at least we have 50% F35As in full operation and will not impair our operational requirements.
This is the risk management that will like to propose - to prevent putting "all eggs in one basket".
But the only downside -- will be :-
(1) higher maintaineance cost
(2) higher logistic cost
(3) need to train 2 sets of pilots - one to fly F35As and one to fly F35Bs --- or can cross trained - but means higher training cost.
Eg. :-
(1) If all our airfields come under attack -- our F35Bs from other places (not airfields) can survive the attack - to do counter attack.
(2) In case, if F35Bs encounter some teething manufacturing problems that we discover after we procure, run-in and after performance guaranteed period is over - it will not impair our investment, as at least we have 50% F35As in full operation and will not impair our operational requirements.
This is the risk management that will like to propose - to prevent putting "all eggs in one basket".
But the only downside -- will be :-
(1) higher maintaineance cost
(2) higher logistic cost
(3) need to train 2 sets of pilots - one to fly F35As and one to fly F35Bs --- or can cross trained - but means higher training cost.
Like · Reply · 1m
Ricky Lim
In fact, procuring the F35s - whether F35As or F35Bs - will not only ensure :-
(1) Air superiority
--- it can do more than that :-
(2) It is a full spectrum "game changer" - that increase and improve the winning of battlefield and even the entire war in :-
(a) land combat
(b) naval combat
(c) air combat
--- as the sensor detected, sharing of aggregated information and consolidated presentation of unambiguous and full battlefield situation --- through sensor fusion transmitted through the secured, difficult to jam communication channel known as multi-function advanced datalink that also can talk to the conventional datalink (with the land forces, naval forces, air defense forces and other conventional airforces) ------ will make the Generals, Pilots, Admirals, Combat troops jobs so much easier.
The whole Army, Navy, Airforces and Air Defenses - can fight as One Integrated Forces - where they can position themselves at the right places, right times and press release their weapon payloads at the right moment --- to deliver the kill ----- and win the war with precision and deadly overwhelming forces - with the element of surprises.
This is what F35s --- can deliver.
(1) Air superiority
--- it can do more than that :-
(2) It is a full spectrum "game changer" - that increase and improve the winning of battlefield and even the entire war in :-
(a) land combat
(b) naval combat
(c) air combat
--- as the sensor detected, sharing of aggregated information and consolidated presentation of unambiguous and full battlefield situation --- through sensor fusion transmitted through the secured, difficult to jam communication channel known as multi-function advanced datalink that also can talk to the conventional datalink (with the land forces, naval forces, air defense forces and other conventional airforces) ------ will make the Generals, Pilots, Admirals, Combat troops jobs so much easier.
The whole Army, Navy, Airforces and Air Defenses - can fight as One Integrated Forces - where they can position themselves at the right places, right times and press release their weapon payloads at the right moment --- to deliver the kill ----- and win the war with precision and deadly overwhelming forces - with the element of surprises.
This is what F35s --- can deliver.
Like · Reply · 1m
Tord S Eriksson
A worrying problem for the USAF F-35s, as yet, is that the entire computer system resets, at around 10 hours, on average. That means you can not see where the enemies are, or friends, not shoot, not communicate with anyone, or anthing, till the system gets online again. Happily, the controls and the engine still continue to work, but that is the only parts that as yet haven't had any issues.
I don't think any other F-35s work better, not even those in Singapore!
I don't think any other F-35s work better, not even those in Singapore!
Ricky Lim
You mean the F35As sensors, computer systems and helmet visors will shutdown and cannot access the data every 10 hours?
Wonder how to sustain a combat operation that normally exceed 10 hours?
What happen when the computer systems shut down?
Is it :-
(1) Sensors not working
(2) Pilot helmet visors no data
(3) Multi-function advanced datalink - cannot transmit and received data
(4) Can weapons system be activated and fire?
(5) Can the plane still fly and land?
F35s in USAF are operational fighters and predominantly are F35As.
Wonder how to sustain a combat operation that normally exceed 10 hours?
What happen when the computer systems shut down?
Is it :-
(1) Sensors not working
(2) Pilot helmet visors no data
(3) Multi-function advanced datalink - cannot transmit and received data
(4) Can weapons system be activated and fire?
(5) Can the plane still fly and land?
F35s in USAF are operational fighters and predominantly are F35As.
Like · Reply · 1m
Lynn Lee
We should buy F22 and Stealth bomber. F35 is even slower than F16, with a steakth radar, it can be shot down easily.
Petjay Catarbas
F22 is not for export. To maintain an edge, no country will sell the best technology to others.
Reply · 12h
Petjay Catarbas
用李 it's in their National Security interest to maintain an edge on weapon systems over adversaries by keeping the best for themselves. What US can export are considered non cutting edge technology.
US is the world's largest arms exporter and they wouldn't share these lucrative business with anyone so that you will have to keep going back to them for upgrades, including F35 software.
US is the world's largest arms exporter and they wouldn't share these lucrative business with anyone so that you will have to keep going back to them for upgrades, including F35 software.
Reply · 8h
Ricky Lim
US has stopped production of F22 Raptor - and USAF has only bought 187 F22 Raptor (where 125 are combat coded and the rest on extensive maintenance) - where each Raptor cost twice as much as F35s in terms of cost and maintenance.
F35s are considered more versatile than F22 - and operate as all functional warplanes.
Now USAF is in full scale production of F35s - where 300 F35s have been produced.
There are planned orders for 3156 F35s - 70% are for USAF.
Thus US is not supplying 2nd rated plane to itself and to the World.
F35s will be the mainstay 5G warplanes for many decades to come.
But the Pentagon has still not issue the F-35 for Full Rate Production orders yet - The U.S. Air Force declared F-35A Initial Operational Capability (IOC) in August 2016.
The U.S. Marine Corps declared F-35B IOC in July 2015.
F35s are considered more versatile than F22 - and operate as all functional warplanes.
Now USAF is in full scale production of F35s - where 300 F35s have been produced.
There are planned orders for 3156 F35s - 70% are for USAF.
Thus US is not supplying 2nd rated plane to itself and to the World.
F35s will be the mainstay 5G warplanes for many decades to come.
But the Pentagon has still not issue the F-35 for Full Rate Production orders yet - The U.S. Air Force declared F-35A Initial Operational Capability (IOC) in August 2016.
The U.S. Marine Corps declared F-35B IOC in July 2015.
Like · Reply · 1m
Ricky Lim
China 5G stealth plane - J-20 is built like a heavy stealth bomber and J-31 as a fighter jet.
Unlike F35s are a hybrid.
20 Chinese J-20’s are in Low Rate Initial Production - but their engine are still not ready - and other than flying - have not seen to be in operational status.
In addition J20, J31 (which is still far from development) - are not for sale.
Russia SU-57 design to be stealth - have not seen stealth yet.
9 F35 have seen combat operated by Israel.
Unlike F35s are a hybrid.
20 Chinese J-20’s are in Low Rate Initial Production - but their engine are still not ready - and other than flying - have not seen to be in operational status.
In addition J20, J31 (which is still far from development) - are not for sale.
Russia SU-57 design to be stealth - have not seen stealth yet.
9 F35 have seen combat operated by Israel.
Like · Reply · 1m
Ricky Lim
In short, the only real 5G stealth warplanes in the World that have attained operation and combat ready - are the US stealth planes - namely the F22s and F35s (still not in Full Production Order yet).
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Ricky Lim
Ricky Lim
F35s whether F35A or B will indeed be a "full spectrum game changer" not only in air battlefield and could even be the entire war. Also F35s have virtually not vulnerable to any air defense today.
But there are some information that surface that will have to be taken into consideration :-
(1) Pentagon has still not issue the F-35 for Full Rate Production orders yet - The U.S. Air Force declared F-35A Initial Operational Capability (IOC) in August 2016.
The U.S. Marine Corps declared F-35B IOC in July 2015.
(2) 900 deficiencies in the F35s not yet ratified.
(3) Block 3i software fix achieve stability to double the time before the F35 software restart - affecting sensors, comms etc. - but it still will restart during combat operations.
(4) One F35B crash due to faulty fuel tube.
Not sure will RSAF consider waiting till Pentagon issue the F-35 for Full Rate Production orders - for both F35As and Bs?
Will the wait impact Operational Readiness?
If not it may be worth the wait - as it is a long term heavy investment.
But there are some information that surface that will have to be taken into consideration :-
(1) Pentagon has still not issue the F-35 for Full Rate Production orders yet - The U.S. Air Force declared F-35A Initial Operational Capability (IOC) in August 2016.
The U.S. Marine Corps declared F-35B IOC in July 2015.
(2) 900 deficiencies in the F35s not yet ratified.
(3) Block 3i software fix achieve stability to double the time before the F35 software restart - affecting sensors, comms etc. - but it still will restart during combat operations.
(4) One F35B crash due to faulty fuel tube.
Not sure will RSAF consider waiting till Pentagon issue the F-35 for Full Rate Production orders - for both F35As and Bs?
Will the wait impact Operational Readiness?
If not it may be worth the wait - as it is a long term heavy investment.
Like · Reply · 1m
Taggerson Jade
Finally, someone who brings valid points to the discussion table. (I know I shouldn't expect much here, but still).
As far as anyone knows, the purchases are not finalized yet, nor the actual kits we will be getting.
Also, such purchases come with continued consultancy and services... Especially if they know how retain customers, so expecting upgrades is not unrealistic (though at what additional costs).
At least with US planes, the reports have been transparent due to the open press... Compared to say China and Russia where any incident with their military planes would be covered up. (Especially since the companies developing them are most likely state linked as well).
As far as anyone knows, the purchases are not finalized yet, nor the actual kits we will be getting.
Also, such purchases come with continued consultancy and services... Especially if they know how retain customers, so expecting upgrades is not unrealistic (though at what additional costs).
At least with US planes, the reports have been transparent due to the open press... Compared to say China and Russia where any incident with their military planes would be covered up. (Especially since the companies developing them are most likely state linked as well).
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