It seems that HB changed the wepon payload of this jet. Nice Try. However, they still fail to fix those awkward bumps. Also, the seam between wings and main body is still obvious. The engine nozzles are still smaller than the real deal.
I don't think the F-35 is one of HM's best, which is a shame because unlike many I actually really like the F-35. I have an F-35B and would love a F-35A, but I will definitely wait to see if HM can improve it before I pull the trigger again.
I don't think the F-35 is one of HM's best, which is a shame because unlike many I actually really like the F-35. I have an F-35B and would love a F-35A, but I will definitely wait to see if HM can improve it before I pull the trigger again.
TBH I'm mainly waiting until some operator (don't care who) actually paints them in something other than grey. I have hope's Israel will oblige!
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If at first you don't succeed......have you selected the correct ordinance!?
Boeing supplies the RAM paint coating, radar absorbent material, for the F-35 and it is only color is multi tone grey. Operational USAF and the F-35 program when using the ram paint cannot modify or paint over with other paint without taking away a stealth element that ram coat provides. Unless Israel ask for and can get a colored ram paint, all future F-35's will have that grey coat in allied nation inventories.
There was an issue with the paint at one time in the ram paint program loosing it's stealthy capabilities because a chemical additive to the paint was changed by a supplier without Boeing being told until that ram batch had been issued and placed on aircraft. It took a bit of sleuthing for them to figure out what had happened and they are now extremely strict with suppliers on what goes into that mixture.
The HM F-35 model would require major changed to the molds to eliminate the bumps and gaps, something I don't think they will ever tackle. The only fix they could provide fairly easily would be the undersized nozzle.
Ah, the ole Ford ethos...you can have anything you want so long as it's grey!
The Ram coating issue is interesting but probably not an insurmountable obstacle. It would be ironic if all that stealth tech was ultimately let down and susceptible to the ole Mk1 eyeball! I suspect Israel will find a way, they usually do.....have you seen the size of their lobby! Boeing will be inundated by 'requests' from upon high!
__________________
If at first you don't succeed......have you selected the correct ordinance!?
Boeing supplies the RAM paint coating, radar absorbent material, for the F-35 and it is only color is multi tone grey. Operational USAF and the F-35 program when using the ram paint cannot modify or paint over with other paint without taking away a stealth element that ram coat provides. Unless Israel ask for and can get a colored ram paint, all future F-35's will have that grey coat in allied nation inventories.
There was an issue with the paint at one time in the ram paint program loosing it's stealthy capabilities because a chemical additive to the paint was changed by a supplier without Boeing being told until that ram batch had been issued and placed on aircraft. It took a bit of sleuthing for them to figure out what had happened and they are now extremely strict with suppliers on what goes into that mixture.
The HM F-35 model would require major changed to the molds to eliminate the bumps and gaps, something I don't think they will ever tackle. The only fix they could provide fairly easily would be the undersized nozzle.
Now USN has announced VFA-147 Argonauts as their IOC/first fleet squadron, I hope we may see a new generation of F-35 starting with a USN F-35C. Obviously this needs to be a new mould due to the entirely different wing, so hopefully they will rework it then..
That said, I am buying this as it's the USAF IOC squadron, to join my USMC VMFA-121 example. However, I do hope the A will get a facelift in time for RAAF IOC with No 3 Sqn!!