USMC & USAF Pilots on the capabilities of the F-35

[PR3D4TOR]

How many AMRAAMs does an F-16 normally carry? After all that's the main type the F-35A is replacing. It can carry a maximum of six, but then it would have to leave its wing tanks at home. OK for short range point-interception I guess, but not much else.

[Vraciu]

How many AMRAAMs does an F-16 normally carry? After all that's the main type the F-35A is replacing. It can carry a maximum of six, but then it would have to leave its wing tanks at home. OK for short range point-interception I guess, but not much else.

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Viper can also carry Sidewinders and it has a gun that works.    Why no tanks?   They'll fit it appears.

The "strike" aspect of the A-35 goes away with four AMRAAMs.    Trying to shoehorn this airplane into a fighter role (F-22/F-15) isn't gonna' work. 

[Zimme83]

6 AMRAAMS should be enough, if you need more than that on a mission you will be in it deep.

[Vraciu]

6 AMRAAMS should be enough, if you need more than that on a mission you will be in it deep.

 

[PR3D4TOR]

6 AMRAAMS should be enough, if you need more than that on a mission you will be in it deep.

Good. We agree on something. The F-35 will get its six internal AMRAAMs in a block upgrade.

[PR3D4TOR]

A very short range F-18 you got there. Pretty much only useful for point-interception of mass bomber formations. However it is a couple of missiles short of what the F-35 can carry in a similar configuration.

[PR3D4TOR]

Viper can also carry Sidewinders and it has a gun that works.    Why no tanks?   They'll fit it appears.

Weight restrictions? I've never seen a Viper with six AMRAAMs and bags on. I have seen a two-bag Viper with four AMRAAMs and a pair of winders, but most carry only four missiles total.

[PR3D4TOR]

And I've never heard anyone say the F-16 is under-armed in the A2A role.

[Vraciu]

Weight restrictions? I've never seen a Viper with six AMRAAMs and bags on. I have seen a two-bag Viper with four AMRAAMs and a pair of winders, but most carry only four missiles total.

I've seen the latter also.   2 4 2.

[PR3D4TOR]

You have a picture? (And I assume you meant the former... I.e. six AMRAMMs + bags?)

[Vraciu]

A very short range F-18 you got there. Pretty much only useful for point-interception of mass bomber formations. However it is a couple of missiles short of what the F-35 can carry in a similar configuration.

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Short range and F-18 are synonyms unfortunately and the WTF-35 doesn't solve this problem. 

[Vraciu]

Good. We agree on something. The F-35 will get its six internal AMRAAMs in a block upgrade.

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I will believe it when I see it.   

They need to solve the thermal issues and slow door opening speed first.

[Vraciu]

You have a picture?

I am saying two 9s, four 120s, and two bags on the wings. 

[PR3D4TOR]

Ok.

[PR3D4TOR]

I just want to add that I think the 14 missile F-35 loadout is a fantasy. I'm sure it is (or will be) able to carry that, but I see no real-world application for that loadout. Just like that 12 missile F-18 loadout.