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This is just the first workout of the F-35 on the boat. For now, the testing is on best case launch and recovery. Later, they’ll explore the worst case, making it tougher and tougher. Say what you will about the F-35 development program, but here’s something interesting. The C model will carry an astonishing 20,000…
This is just the first workout of the F-35 on the boat. For now, the testing is on best case launch and recovery. Later, they’ll explore the worst case, making it tougher and tougher.
Say what you will about the F-35 development program, but here’s something interesting. The C model will carry an astonishing 20,000 pounds of internal fuel. By way of contrast, the A-6 had an internal capacity of about 15,000 pounds.
That was my first thought, What is its fuel burn rate? How does it compare to the A-6 burn rate?
Paul
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According to Wiki, the A-6 has a range of 2,819 nautical miles.
The F-35 has three ranges listed; one for each variant. F-35A @ 1,200 nmi, F-35B @ 900 nmi, and F-35C @ 1,400 nmi. Those numbers are when using internal tanks only.
The -A model carries 18,498 lbs of fuel, while the -B takes a whopping 13,326 lbs. I imagine that’s because of the VTOL hardware.
The -35s single turbofan 28,000 lbs dry thrust, and 43,000 with afterburner. Compare that to the Intruder’s (combined) thrust of 18,600 lbs. That, I think, explains the mileage. 🙂 On the gripping hand, the A-6 clocks in at 563 knots max speed, while the Lightning II pegs the dial at 1,042 knots. We’re trading range for speed.
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Load it up and it won’t make 1,042 kts. Hang external stores and it won’t beat 563 by much. Hope like hell it turns out to be a great aircraft. Lotta tradeoffs there though.
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Our local ANG base (VTANG, Burlington International Airport) is slated to replace its Vipers with A-model F-35s. Despite the ritual handwringing from the Useful Idiots ’round here (they’re too noisy, we hate war, our mommas didn’t spank us as often as we needed), I will be standing with my nose pressed to the boundary fence when the first flock flies in.
When I moved here the ANG still flew F-4s. None of the Useful Idiots are old enough to remember this. The F-35 might annoy a town/city. The F-4 annoyed entire counties.
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XBradTC 
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