USAF to Pay US$7.4 Billion to Upgrade F-22 jets

[Lankan Ranger]

USAF to Pay US$7.4 Billion to Upgrade F-22 jets

Lockheed Martin Corp., Fort Worth, Texas (F33657-02-D-0009), is being awarded a not-to-exceed $7,400,000,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract.

This action is for the development of system upgrades to existing requirements, incorporate new requirements, add capability and enhance performance in the F-22 Weapon System.

One firm was solicited and one firm submitted a proposal.

The HQ Aeronautical Systems Center ASC/WWUK, Fighter Bomber Directorate, Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (F33657-02-D-0009).

Pentagon Contract Announcement

 

[Project 627]

Is the upgrades going to fix the problem of F-22 pumping poison into pilots lungs?

 

[PERSIAN GOD KING]

The f-22 is dead. it does more harm to its own pilot than the enemy fighter jet.

 

[Chogy]

If you've got nothing else, grasp at straws like the OBOGS. That's like saying "F-22 tires fail too often. Therefore, the entire fleet of F-22's is nothing but junk."

I can understand the angst, though. I'd be creeped out by an airplane that is essentially invisible, one that can shoot down 8 of my finest interceptors with ease, and never be seen.

 

[Birbal]

If you've got nothing else, grasp at straws like the OBOGS. That's like saying "F-22 tires fail too often. Therefore, the entire fleet of F-22's is nothing but junk."

I can understand the angst, though. I'd be creeped out by an airplane that is essentially invisible, one that can shoot down 8 of my finest interceptors with ease, and never be seen.

It's never easy to shoot down a Mig-31, and that's the only interceptor Russia operates.

 

[Chogy]

"I can understand the angst, though. I'd be creeped out by an airplane that is essentially invisible, one that can shoot down 8 of my finest aircraft with ease, and never be seen."

Is that better?

 

[amalakas]

"I can understand the angst, though. I'd be creeped out by an airplane that is essentially invisible, one that can shoot down 8 of my finest aircraft with ease, and never be seen."

Is that better?

Although i never doubted the capabilities of the F-22, i have to say that shooting down eight planes would never happen... the moment you fire the first missile you made the enemy aware.

 

[Pfpilot]

Although i never doubted the capabilities of the F-22, i have to say that shooting down eight planes would never happen... the moment you fire the first missile you made the enemy aware.

Hey that's a really good point. Since Lockheed promotes the f-35 as having the sort of situational awareness that allows it to detect an aircraft as soon as it fires a missile at it and the Russians going for the same affect with multiple radars on the Pak-Fa...I am yet to fully grasp the concept of real world low observability.
Will the f-22 really remain invisible the entire time? Can a air superiority jet that exists for the purpose of shooting down the enemy aircraft over unfriendly skies, remain stealthy when it's literally going around looking for trouble?
On top of that, if two stealth aircraft are going at it...how is the Amraam going to come into play? If you can't detect an aircraft, till it is almost in WVR range, how effective are medium range missiles in such a scenario?
If anyone has any insight into this, it would be helpful.

 

[gambit]

Hey that's a really good point. Since Lockheed promotes the f-35 as having the sort of situational awareness that allows it to detect an aircraft as soon as it fires a missile at it and the Russians going for the same affect with multiple radars on the Pak-Fa...

Having multiple ACTIVE transmitting radars is not a good thing. It make you visible.

I am yet to fully grasp the concept of real world low observability.

I will do my part to explain.

Will the f-22 really remain invisible the entire time?

In radar detection, NOTHING is invisible. The issue is at what point will a body BECOME visible. Look at it this way: If far enough, a B-52 is not detectable, but as it move closer, it will become detectable. For 'stealth' aircrafts, that detectable distance is much much closer, as in missile range closer. In other words, under current radar technology, if you detect the F-22, it is too late -- for you.

Can a air superiority jet that exists for the purpose of shooting down the enemy aircraft over unfriendly skies, remain stealthy when it's literally going around looking for trouble?

Yes, it can. Keep in mind that in order to look for anything, you must transmit but if you transmit you are telling the 'stealth' aircraft where you are and how 'bright' are you while you are transmitting. In that, as long as you are telling everyone that you are looking for something or anything, the 'stealth' aircraft will be able to avoid being 'pinged' by your transmissions.

On top of that, if two stealth aircraft are going at it...how is the Amraam going to come into play? If you can't detect an aircraft, till it is almost in WVR range, how effective are medium range missiles in such a scenario?
If anyone has any insight into this, it would be helpful.

We know how to deal with this. Remember, so far we are the only air force in the world with 'stealth' aircrafts.

 

[Quasar]

Low Probability of Intercept Radar

 

[gambit]

Low Probability of Intercept Radar

Not everyone has that and that capability is not as easy as people think.

 

[Quasar]

yes thats my point

 

[Pfpilot]

We know how to deal with this. Remember, so far we are the only air force in the world with 'stealth' aircrafts.

I know this is a theoretical question more than anything...if we leave aside the unquestionable superiority the USAF enjoys and, for the sake of argument, have the Russians and Chinese go at it with their low observable aircraft and you have similar detection distances...would medium range missiles still play a decisive role? In other words, in a stealth on stealth fight between any nations, except the US, produce BVR combat consistently?

Thanks for the information, I have faced a mental block of sorts in regards to low observable combat in the past...an excess of the movie TopGun maybe responsible.

 

[ViXuyen]

Wire a bunch of radars along with S-300, S-400 then F-22 will be visible any moment. So far, F-22 "stealth" is only proven to outsiders against a bunch of banana republics with ancient hardwares.

 

[Quasar]

Wire a bunch of radars along with S-300, S-400 then F-22 will be visible any moment. So far, F-22 "stealth" is only proven to outsiders against a bunch of banana republics with ancient hardwares.

How?? please explain