Delete comment from: Elements Of Power

B.Smitty said...

I'm skeptical of the notion of realistically forward basing F-35Bs. We've done it with Harriers, yes, but at a significant cost in terms of logistics. The F-35B carries twice the internal fuel per sortie and likely will require more maintenance and support.

And then one has to wonder about the ability of forward fields to stand up to repeated STOVL landings from a much heavier, runway-melting aircraft.

IIRC, during ODS, A-10s were already at King Abdul Aziz airstrip when the Harriers showed up. So forward basing isn't just for STOVL aircraft.

IMHO, it's too bad couldn't have just continued development of the Harrier.

Aug 3, 2011, 8:51:40 AM

Posted to F35B Agitprop ala Sweetman