USN cuts its F-35C order by a third!

In news that will surely have repercussions to the JSF program, the United States Navy has chosen to cut back their F-35C orders until 2020 by as much as a third. 

Instead, the USN will pursue more stand-off weapons (ie: ALCMs). 

The news can be seen here:  http://aviationweek.com/defense/f-35cs-cut-back-us-navy-invests-standoff-weapons

"The Navy’s budget priorities reflect the views of Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jonathan Greenert. In June 2012, shortly after he was appointed as CNO, Greenert published an article in the Naval Institute’s Proceedings magazine that downplayed the importance of advanced platforms, including stealth aircraft, in favor of “payloads” including standoff weapons."

In order for the F-35 to meet its production goals over the next few years, those USN sales will have to be made up some other way. Otherwise, its price will remain high, resulting in the "death spiral" or, at least, a "zombie shuffle". 

Published: By: Unknown - 3:24 PM

F-35C lands on a carrier for the first time? That's cool... I guess.

Given that the F-35's engine will not fit in a C-2 Greyhound, the USN may need to revisit this.

Just sayin'....

No hook...  No catapult...  No problem.

Published: By: Unknown - 1:29 PM

F-35C lands on carrier... Doesn't explode!

What?  You were expecting it to crash?  Explode?  Plunge into the watery depths?

Carrier trials would simply not have happened if simulated tests performed on land did not pass with flying colors.  Infamously, the F-35C's initial land trials were a bit of a bust.  This forced a tailhook redesign.

There it is.

The newer tailhook is more heavily dampened and boasts a sharper "hook".  This addresses two of the F-35C's three major issues with its tailhook.  Earlier models were unable to snag the arresting wires reliably enough to be deemed carrier-worthy. As it was, oscillations created by the rear landing gear wheels created a bouncing effect that made it difficult catch the wire.  This is exacerbated by the short distance between the landing gear's rear wheels and a tail hook that was too dull.

The fix?

This does not mean that the F-35C is out of the woods yet.  The aircraft needs to not only demonstrate the capability to reliably catch the wire, but to do so in rough weather and without causing undue stress to the aircraft.  Even it the JSF can land perfectly 100% of the time, it means little if the resulting stresses cause cracks in the bulkheads or engines.

The real results likely will not be known until a thorough inspection is done after carrier testing is complete.  Also, while the the landing trials will be receiving all the headlines, more mundane tasks need to be tested as well.  As it is, the JSF's large single engine and stealth coating may prove to be difficult maintain in a wet and salty environment.

We will have to wait and see. Published: By: Unknown - 8:09 PM

The USN and the rough road ahead.

Thanks for the link Canuck Fighter!

http://www.cnas.org/sites/default/files/publications-pdf/CNAS_CarrierAirWing_white.pdf


For those who missed it, commenter Canuck Fighter posted a like to this excellent white paper regarding the United States Navy and the decision it will have to make regarding its carrier air wing.

For those of you not willing to delve into the report, here is the general gist of the USN's options.

Option 1:  Damn the torpedoes...  Full speed (slowly) ahead. 

The F-35 is already late, and may not see wide use from American super carriers until at least 2025, possibly even later. By then, the USN's current legacy Hornet fleet will be worn out and obsolete.  Without the JSF waiting in the wings, fighter capability will be severely reduced as the USN's current Super Hornet fleet will be tasked with pulling double-duty.

This does have the option of being the "easiest" route to follow, as well as reducing spending in the short term.  Unfortunately, much like Canada's current military procurement strategy, the USN will have to simply make do with what they have for the next few years.

Option 2:  Enhance networking capability. 

The EA-18G Growler is a definite source of pride for the USN, but it's capabilities need a shot in the arm to stay relevant in the evolving electronic battlefield. Ditto the E-2D Hawkeye.  With the F-35C still years away, now would be the prudent time to kick-start development of the next generation jammer (NGJ).  Under this plan, the USN could see a few more Growlers and Hawkeyes built.

This would greatly enhance the USN's electronic warfare capability, but it would likely be paid for by a reduction in the fighter fleet.  

Option 3:  Double down on the Super Hornet. 

Instead of waiting for F-35Cs, the USN could simply fill that gap with more Super Hornets. Boeing would very much like to keep the production line open, and it keeping two fighter manufacturers in business has strategic value.

The stumbling block here is there is only so much budget (and carrier room) for fighters. Additional Super Hornets (possibly Advanced Super Hornets) would likely be paid for by reducing F-35C orders, a scenario that could lead to the infamous "death spiral".

Option 4:  Send in the drones. 

While the F-35C has seen its share of issues, testing of the USN's UCLASS demonstrator, the X-47B, has gone off surprisingly well. Sooner or later, the USN will need to get its feet wet with UCAVs, the only questions are how soon and how much.

Which will it be?  Who knows...  A lot will ride on the upcoming F-35C carrier trials coming up in the next few weeks. 

Stay tuned. 

CNAS CarrierAirWing White by Doug Allen

Published: By: Unknown - 5:40 AM