4 ms·

This is a new thing, not sure if Canada considered it or not: https://www.military.com/equipment/military-aircraft/everything-you-need-know-about-air-forces-new

This is a new thing, not sure if Canada considered it or not: https://www.military.com/equipment/military-aircraft/everything-you-need-know-about-air-forces-new-f-15ex.html https://www.military.com/equipment/military-aircraft/everyth...

JohnBooty 4y ago
It's not stealthy, particularly when loaded with munitions. So it fills a much different role. However, it is a bonkers airborne munitions truck that can carry a loooot of missiles and bombs. A common bit of speculation is that eventually what you could see is the F-15EX used in conjunction with stealthier fighters like the F-35 (and/or drones?) in mixed formations. The F-35s only carry 4 missiles in the internal bays. The F-35s can scout and relay targeting information to the F-15EX, which can then deliver the hurt from a safe distance.
- lumost 4y ago
  For a crazy comparison, it's worth taking a look at the B-1R concept. It was a b-1 refitted for air to air combat. In a bvr battle of missile trucks, it may be beneficial to have separate platforms optimized for sensing and attack. Maneuverability may not be required if the aircraft can remain high and fast.
  - JohnBooty 4y ago
    Yeah! Exactly. Imagine trying to fight a layered airborne force with airborne refueling, a fleet of aircraft carriers, AWACS, "missile trucks", agile manned stealthy fighters, and drones. Most of this is possible today and the rest is close. The cost is obviously insane, and that's part of the appeal for the US. For the moment they own the skies in a comprehensive way that nobody else can even remotely afford to challenge. Look at the US's dominance in Desert Storm, and consider that the gap has probably widened since then. I'm neither endorsing this nor criticizing it by the way. The US does this while a lot of its citizens don't even have healthcare, for example. The ethical issues are infinite!

JohnBooty 4y ago

It's not stealthy, particularly when loaded with munitions. So it fills a much different role. However, it is a bonkers airborne munitions truck that can carry a loooot of missiles and bombs. A common bit of speculation is that eventually what you could see is the F-15EX used in conjunction with stealthier fighters like the F-35 (and/or drones?) in mixed formations. The F-35s only carry 4 missiles in the internal bays. The F-35s can scout and relay targeting information to the F-15EX, which can then deliver the hurt from a safe distance.

lumost 4y ago
For a crazy comparison, it's worth taking a look at the B-1R concept. It was a b-1 refitted for air to air combat. In a bvr battle of missile trucks, it may be beneficial to have separate platforms optimized for sensing and attack. Maneuverability may not be required if the aircraft can remain high and fast.
- JohnBooty 4y ago
  Yeah! Exactly. Imagine trying to fight a layered airborne force with airborne refueling, a fleet of aircraft carriers, AWACS, "missile trucks", agile manned stealthy fighters, and drones. Most of this is possible today and the rest is close. The cost is obviously insane, and that's part of the appeal for the US. For the moment they own the skies in a comprehensive way that nobody else can even remotely afford to challenge. Look at the US's dominance in Desert Storm, and consider that the gap has probably widened since then. I'm neither endorsing this nor criticizing it by the way. The US does this while a lot of its citizens don't even have healthcare, for example. The ethical issues are infinite!