via Flight Global.
The documents released on 9 September list focus areas for individual TIMs, including modification of current aircraft and specifically names the Boeing F/A-18E/F and F-35C. Another of the meetings will focus on the possibility of building a new-start aircraft. The service is also asking for information on the projected technology readiness level of each proposal for 2020.Read the whole thing but it seems to me that the Navy is hedging its bets on two fronts. The first that the F-35 will be the failure I believe its destined to be and secondly, its getting ready for sequestration to continue.
Some possible modifications of the existing carrier-based fleet have already appeared. The navy has discussed stealth modifications to the F/A-18E/F, while GE has studied more powerful engines enabled by expanded inlets
The US budget is about to be pressured by several things....Obamacare not meeting budget goals, the economy not rebounding as predicted, a new war in the Middle East (so much for that peace dividend) and further social spending because of the lagging economy.
The Navy is the only service (well, besides the Army) that is planning actively for a worse case scenario. The Advanced Super Hornet might be the savior of the carrier air arm and not only its workhorse.
