F-111s beyond 2012

[The_Jet]

Word is SDB is on the RAAF's wishlist and may be acquired once the US Navy has cleared it off the Hornet.

I wouldnt be surprise if the Government orders SDB when we order the Joint Strike Fighter!

 

[111Lover]

F-35A - Joint Strike Fighter

AGM-154 JSOW
Brimstone
GBU-31/32/38 JDAM
GBU-39 SDB
CBU-87/89 CBU
CBU-103/104/105 WCMD
AGM-65 Maverick
AGM-88 HARM
AGM-158 JASSM
Storm Shadow
GBU-10/12/16/24 LGB
Mk 82/83/84 GP
CBU-99/100 Rockeye II
+ some more, IIRC

GD, a question, how many of each weapon type will the JSF be able to carry in it's internal weapons bay at one time? (besides the JASSM and Storm Shadow, of course).

Word is SDB is on the RAAF's wishlist and may be acquired once the US Navy has cleared it off the Hornet.

If I remember correctly, the Pig was actually the test aircraft for the SDB, being the only fighter-sized aircraft with an internal weapons bay.

 

[Magoo]

GD, a question, how many of each weapon type will the JSF be able to carry in it's internal weapons bay at one time? (besides the JASSM and Storm Shadow, of course).

Not JASSM, not Storm Shadow, not GBU-28, probably not JSOW, probably not HARM.

If I remember correctly, the Pig was actually the test aircraft for the SDB, being the only fighter-sized aircraft with an internal weapons bay.

Yep, one of the test aircraft, but not because of its size. It was because it was the only western aircraft with a bomb bay which can be opened at supersonic speeds in service at the time. This is mentioned earlier in the thread.

Magoo

 

[Aussie Digger]

Not JASSM, not Storm Shadow, not GBU-28, probably not JSOW, probably not HARM.



Yep, one of the test aircraft, but not because of its size. It was because it was the only western aircraft with a bomb bay which can be opened at supersonic speeds in service at the time. This is mentioned earlier in the thread.

Magoo

From my understanding, aren't LM are making a version of the JASSM to fit into the internal bays of the F-35? I seem to recall they were, though it won't have the full range capability of the standard version, it is likely to still be pretty good...

 

[Grand Danois]

GD, a question, how many of each weapon type will the JSF be able to carry in it's internal weapons bay at one time? (besides the JASSM and Storm Shadow, of course).

Globalsecurity has a specification sheet here.

JASSM and Storm Shadow will probably be used at standoff ranges, which mitigates the increase in RCS by hanging them on external hardpoints.

The variation in munitions give a wider range of methods to attack targets appropriately and allows for customers with a specific threat matrix to tailor their inventory accordingly.

As I perceive it, the USAF is focused on getting Raptor airframes, not upgrading it for air to ground work. IIRC, the upgrades that may be done are all focused on air to air. This makes sense as it is supposed to do air superiority/dominance missions, which it cannot do if loaded up with air to ground ordnance. The F-35 is to be the multirole fighter which the variety of munitions, avionics and sensors suggest.

Is the F-22A prepared for an integrated Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS) to do air to ground work?

Edit: Brimstones are mounted on racks with three missiles each, so I would guess they mean 2 X 3 = 6 Brimstones.

 

[Magoo]

From my understanding, aren't LM are making a version of the JASSM to fit into the internal bays of the F-35? I seem to recall they were, though it won't have the full range capability of the standard version, it is likely to still be pretty good...

Yes, but the 'mini-JASSM' concept LockMart was talking about a couple of years ago has evolved into a new system who's name escapes me for the moment. It is likely to be a loitering weapon with a foldout wing kit.

Magoo