Equation
Lieutenant General
True, but also those S. Korea and Japan's LPH can operate with F-35B version on board (whenever they do get them).
Aircraft Carriers II (Closed to posting)
- Thread starter Jeff Head
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True, but also those S. Korea and Japan's LPH can operate with F-35B version on board (whenever they do get them).
I'm still looking for new pics of the JMSDF 22DDH project which was started building two years ago. This is the much larger version of the:
The Japanese built and commissioned two of those.
Now, they are supposed to be building two of the larger carriers (about 33% larger) and I'd love to see the current porgress on them, but can find no pictures whatsoever on it.
I know that the official keel laying ceremony (which in today's world usually means somewhat more than it used to...today, usually there are modules brought together to do this and it represetns more construction completed than what it used to mean) for the new occurred in January 2012, so they have continued work now for another nine months and somewhere there should be some pretty good photos of progress on this vessel.
Heck, it will displace 27,000 tons full load, and though it indicates only 14 helos, if the hangar deck is large enough, It will easily carry 30. I also believe, if needed, they will be able to fly the F-35B off of them.
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Equation I may be having a "senior moment", but didn't Japan order As or am I dreaming? No, they won't launch those As unless they shoot em off the bow with a giant rubber band, and I didn't think S.K. had ordered any yet?
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Equation
Lieutenant General
LOL...no you are NOT having a senior moment my friend. They did order the F-35 (don't know which version) but it hasn't arrived yet. Supposedly they will order 42 in total.
MwRYum
Major
Japan's order for F-35 is primary to fill the vacancy when the venerable F-4EJ have to retire, which its expected primary role is air defense. If to fit into the context of this topic it'd need to fulfill carrier aviation, that'd mean an offensive mission profile - which is what F-35 series are designed for - but so far Japan have yet to voice such a roadmap.
Actually they have orders for 42 A models, the Air Force version, I believe they would need Bs to operate off their carriers?
That is absolutely correct AFB.
F-35A for the Air Force. The US Air Force is already taking and deploying production F-35A aircraft. Partner nations are receiving their intial test aircraft.
F-35B for Marines or Navies requiring STOVL. These have conducted many, many tests and have qual'ed on the US Wasp Class LHD and will be used on the new America Class LHA.
F-35C for the Navy. The larger wing and beefed up landing gear mark the Naval variant for CATOBAR or perhaps even STOBAR carriers. The US Navy will be the principle, and potentially only, customer of this variant. Quals of Nimitz class carriers are to occur in 2013.
Nice find. Thanks for posting that video
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