Thanks. Noted the little curiosity ie...the development of techniques required for large scale preparation and application of a Thermal Metal Spray coating (TMS), over an area in excess of 19,500m² ...
CVF Flight Deck covers 16,000 sq.M AFAIK.
F-35B/C - Naval Air Discussions (USN & USMC)
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CVF Flight Deck covers 16,000 sq.M AFAIK.
SpazSinbad
Active Member
According to the internet a 4.5 acre CVN Nimitz Class flight deck is 18,211 sq.M whilst the new FORD class will be larger so perhaps the quote refers to the future possibilities? A knowledgeable person on these matters has said that THERMION or equivalent was looked at by the UK/RN back in 2006 or so. Applying conventional non-skid flight deck coatings on CVNs is not an easy task and must be done regularly. THERMION or equivalent (TMS?) is touted to last ten years so even if more expensive there will be savings over this time - money particularly.
The F-35 Introduces Change Across the Maritime Fleet | SLDInfo
The 'intercostal' solution at the specific LHA landing spots:
It costs more than current deck coatings, but current coatings (for the RN at least) apparently need to be re-applied every 3 years so the fact this lasts 10 should offset the cost.
Hope they make it a standard coating, means we have more decks which can take an F-35B in the event of an emergency.
Hope they make it a standard coating, means we have more decks which can take an F-35B in the event of an emergency.
I'm not sure, you'd imagine to keep it level there'd be a mostly uniform coat across the deck.
SpazSinbad
Active Member
Looks to me as if THERMION or equivalent is a one coat method:
Non Skid Aluminum Coatings - Aluminum Anti Skid Spray Wires | Official Site of Thermion Inc.
Requires a steel or aluminium surface:
http://www.thermioninc.com/pdf/TH604brochure.pdf (8.5Mb)
John Fedup
The Bunker Group
Most issues seem to be finding solutions and IOC goals should be met. It will be interesting to see how the noise issue will be dealt with, sounds like the Wasp and America class ships may need to stock up with more ear protection devices than was planned for.
Noise Biggest Worry For F-35B On USS Wasp; Marines Fly Through Testing « Breaking Defense - Defense industry news, analysis and commentary
Noise Biggest Worry For F-35B On USS Wasp; Marines Fly Through Testing « Breaking Defense - Defense industry news, analysis and commentary
By all accounts theF-35B has successfully hurdled the Operational Readiness Inspection and the USMC Commandant is widely expected to declare the jet as achieving IOC status in the coming days.
Despite not enjoying 4-ship sensor fusion and with a HMD not at full capability, thr new jet acquitted itself well when pitted against a larger red force. And it apparently did well in CAS exercises as well.
Dunford Mulls F-35B IOC Decision; 4 Bs Take Out 9 Attackers « Breaking Defense - Defense industry news, analysis and commentary
WASHINGTON: During the Marine’s recent operational readiness test of the F-35B, four of the Marine aircraft went up against nine enemy aircraft.
“It went very poorly for the bad guys,” Lt. Gen. Jon Davis, deputy commandant for aviation, told me this afternoon. Davis provided few details, saying they were classified, He did say that the F-35s faced a threat that “we have never put an F-16 or a Harrier against.” The F-35Bs, he said, did a “great job.”
I asked Davis about the recent news that the F-35A did not fare that well in dogfight conditions against an F-16. “I love the F-16. It was a great airplane. Still is pretty good, but i would not want to be in a fight against an F-35.
In a clear message to A-10 advocates, Davis said the F-35B performed extremely well at Close Air Support missions using Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAMs) and laster-guided GBU-12s. The aircraft does need a cannon, he conceded, for some missions. The gun is currently undergoing its first tests mounted on an aircraft but it won’t be deployed on the plane until 2017 when the Block 3F software is installed. But Davis was unequivocal in his enthusiasm for the aircraft. “No airplane in the world will be able to touch this jet at Close Air Support,” he told reporters
more at the link.
Despite not enjoying 4-ship sensor fusion and with a HMD not at full capability, thr new jet acquitted itself well when pitted against a larger red force. And it apparently did well in CAS exercises as well.
Dunford Mulls F-35B IOC Decision; 4 Bs Take Out 9 Attackers « Breaking Defense - Defense industry news, analysis and commentary
WASHINGTON: During the Marine’s recent operational readiness test of the F-35B, four of the Marine aircraft went up against nine enemy aircraft.
“It went very poorly for the bad guys,” Lt. Gen. Jon Davis, deputy commandant for aviation, told me this afternoon. Davis provided few details, saying they were classified, He did say that the F-35s faced a threat that “we have never put an F-16 or a Harrier against.” The F-35Bs, he said, did a “great job.”
I asked Davis about the recent news that the F-35A did not fare that well in dogfight conditions against an F-16. “I love the F-16. It was a great airplane. Still is pretty good, but i would not want to be in a fight against an F-35.
In a clear message to A-10 advocates, Davis said the F-35B performed extremely well at Close Air Support missions using Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAMs) and laster-guided GBU-12s. The aircraft does need a cannon, he conceded, for some missions. The gun is currently undergoing its first tests mounted on an aircraft but it won’t be deployed on the plane until 2017 when the Block 3F software is installed. But Davis was unequivocal in his enthusiasm for the aircraft. “No airplane in the world will be able to touch this jet at Close Air Support,” he told reporters
more at the link.
John Fedup
The Bunker Group
For every good story about the F-35, there seems to be a bad one. Clearly there is BS flying from both sides but it is getting harder to filter the BS.
Here's a link contradicting the recent USMC version of successful sea trials.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/artic...eliability-found-wanting-in-shipboard-testing
John Fedup
The Bunker Group
I think the F-35B is a big step forward when compared to the Harrier despite its cost and for the RN, Italian Navy, and USMC, this aircraft is the only way to maintain maritime fast jet capability as all no longer have CATOBAR (USMC still has some minimal via USN nuke carriers).
The verdict on the A and C is still out. Software, sensor fusion, and BVR missiles all have to work as specified in order to justify the huge outlay of cash. A B version has proven its superior STOVL, has better range and payload. Sensor fusion, networking, and stealth when confirmed for the "B" are all bonus items. However, for the A and C, these latter items must work or these two versions will be failures.
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Rather, sensor fusion, networking, and stealth are the raison d'être for the entire JSF program, not mere bonuses. They are key attributes to redefining the air combat paradigm. What works for the B will apply as well to the A and C.
This is worth watching.
https://youtu.be/zxK6O5--9Z0
This is worth watching.
https://youtu.be/zxK6O5--9Z0
John Fedup
The Bunker Group
The point I am making is the B is a vast improvement over the Harrier without the main JSF raison d'être and is a sole solution for some users. Other users have options if they deem the raison d'être has not been met to their satisfaction albeit not very good ones.
John Fedup
The Bunker Group
I hope it is a success to and the odds are swinging in that direction. There is no alternative for most Western nations that need state of the art technology that can remain viable for the next 30 years. If the PAK FA, J-20, and J-31 turned out to be failures then perhaps updated Gen 4+ would do but I wouldn't want to bet on that.
Yes John the F35 is realisticly too big to fail.I hope it is a success to and the odds are swinging in that direction. There is no alternative for most Western nations that need state of the art technology that can remain viable for the next 30 years. If the PAK FA, J-20, and J-31 turned out to be failures then perhaps updated Gen 4+ would do but I wouldn't want to bet on that.
So to some extent it's a bit like talking about the supermarine spitfire in 1937.
Its unknown, but has promise.
I do have faith in stealth and data fusion so yes the foreign contenders will be on the radar to watch to see how they develope and yes no one likes flying over enemy ground with missiles coming up at them. Best not to be seen
Has the last fighter pilot being born? I don't think so but its a long way from Biggles!!!
Future aviation combat will be testing and interesting.
Now just what is Canada going to fly into the future ?
Regards S
John Fedup
The Bunker Group
Nothing will happen until after our election in October. If the current government falls, I fear the only thing the RCAF will be that stuff that hits the fan.:el
John Fedup
The Bunker Group
The NGJ better be happening at some point as the JSF's stealth is not likely to be viable in the longer term with new advances in radar likely in 10-15 years.