via Janes.
The UK is expected to obtain authority to procure its first squadron of Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF)/Joint Combat Aircraft (JCA) before the end of 2013, IHS Jane's was told on 18 April.
Speaking at BAE Systems' Warton production facility in Lancashire, Craig Smith, the head of F-35 Sustainment Programme Development UK/EU, said that military officials with industry support are working on the Main Gate 4 approval process for the procurement of an additional 14 F-35Bs to stand up the UK's first squadron in 2016.
"Main Gate 4 is being worked on right now, and should be submitted to the Treasury later in 2013," he said. "Another 14 aircraft will be ordered to stand up 'Squadron A' [the Ministry of Defence has yet to assign a unit designation] in 2016, with support to run through to 2020."
Overall platforms numbers for the UK remain the subject of speculation, beyond the initial 48 announced by Defence Secretary Philip Hammond in 2012. The programme of record remains at 138 aircraft, but no firm numbers will be announced until the Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR) in 2015.
With three UK F-35B aircraft already delivered, a contract for the fourth is expected in the coming months.
The Brits seem to be in a bit of a rush. I wonder what the story is.
this is good news.
ReplyDeleteprobably buying up, expected slack from slowdown from USMC purchasing decisions
there isn't going to be slowdown in USMC buying of the F-35B. that's my main issue. we have Harriers that we can fly with no worries well past 2025 (thanks to the Brits...love those guys) and we have a need to get our armor house in order now.
Deletewe have to prioritize and in my minds eye that means armor first, CH-53K second, AH-1Z/UH-1Y third, F-35B fourth and MV-22 last.
I suspect the main driver is the potential political public relations nightmare of a new carrier going into service in about 4yrs with no embarcable aircraft.
ReplyDeleteI might not be the biggest fan of the F35 (Its not a Buccaneer :D)but this is a major step forward away from what could be a seriously embarrassing cockup.
that makes sense but bodes ill for the things. the USN's LHA's are similar but different from the Elizabeth Class Carriers. i wonder if getting carrier qualified on US boats will make transition to the UK carrier easier? if so then i expect a full sized squadron temporarily based at Yuma Marine Base.
DeleteI was under the impression that over the next few years there would be increased cross-decking of crew from the RN (and the RAF too I guess ;) )to both the USMC and USN. This will help greatly, not only by preparing the RN for "larger" deck operations and keeping deck skills current, but also to allow the type of pilot skill set cross-decking you mentioned. Direct transferable qualification won't happen however as we do still have the Rolling landing and ski jump to deal with.
DeleteMy biggest worry about the program at the moment is that from a UK and USMC point of view VTOL is still a big event every time it happens. Within the next year or two that needs to start becoming the norm for every single evolution. Those "production" test airframes and engines need to have the crap hammered out of them because that exactly how those aircraft are going be expected to live their lives out at sea. Airframe and engine problems occurring in service because we were too light on the testing will be too bloody late for the both our beloved services. Any glitch will ground half the UK's usable fixed wing combat air assets ( 100% of its naval fixed wing) and half the USMC's
good point but cross decking is a fantasy of joint operations. lets face it. when the Queen Elizabeth is up and operating it won't have room to take on additional USMC F-35's. same with the LHA's that the Marine Corps will have.
Deletewith the USN's big deck carriers it became fashionable because they're operating with 60 aircraft when they're designed to carry 100 plus. there you can cross deck with little trouble...smaller carriers it becomes problematic.
It would be nice to think cross decking would continue to some degree. Although your quite right the QE's don't have quite the available space onboard as the USN. I would imagine there will be some space available during peacetime or very low level conflicts, where a QE will probably only embark a single squadron of F35's (10-14) plus a few helo's (let's say 4 SAR/ASW, 4 EAW & 4 Junglies) rather than a full war load of 40 aircraft. Hell the only thing that has been guaranteed about those ships is that there will be lots of space.
DeleteSol, as Guthy says, plenty of room for cross decking because during the service life I expect it to sail at full war load of British aircraft under 3 circumstances:
ReplyDelete1) A photo op is required.
2) The Argentinian's get up themselves again.
3) We pick a fight we really shouldn't.
The RN has stated the RE class will normally sail with a sqdn of 12 and will only go to 36 F-35's when needed so there will be plenty of room for USMC F-35's if that is desired. The QE's are built for sustained operations with a lot of space for fuel and weapons. It's great they're buying the B's on time to support their carrier but far as I know they still don't have a replacement for the Sea King ASaC.7 although most assume the Merlin will be the new platform.
ReplyDelete