S. Korea Eyes F-35B Fighter Jet for Landing Ship Options

[CJK]

South Korea is looking at introducing the U.S. Lockheed Martin-built F-35B fighter variant, to fly from its 14,000-ton Dokdo large-deck landing ship, along with the F-35A air force version, as part of mid- and long-term force improvement plans, a source here said Sunday.

The move comes as the country's arms procurement agency, Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), is preparing to open the third-phase F-X fighter acquisition program in the coming years, he said. DAPA said earlier that it would launch the next-phase F-X bid by 2011, with the aim of deploying the planes between 2014 and 2019.

In a related event, a group of Pentagon officials gave a briefing on the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program to DAPA officials in Seoul early last month at the request of the arms agency, said the source.

``The agency is conducting preliminary research on the next-phase fighter acquisition program and collecting information about foreign fighters, including the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter,'' the source told The Korea Times on condition of anonymity.

As for the JSF, which is under development, he said, the agency previously focused on the F-35A conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) variant for the Air Force but is now thinking also about the F-35B short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) variant for the Marine Corps or Navy. There will be another variant for the Navy, the F-35C, to fly from aircraft carriers.

Japan, Israel and Taiwan are reportedly interested in the F-35B version.

``The F-35B is a fifth generation fighter that will provide a quantum leap in capability, basing flexibility, and mission execution across the full spectrum of conflict,'' a U.S. Marine Corps official said, asking not to be named.

South Korea's Navy launched its first Dokdo Landing Platform Helicopter (LPH 6111) in 2005 and wants to have one more Dokdo-class carriers by 2016. The 199-meter-long, 31-meter-wide vessel is the largest helicopter transporter in Asia and will serve as a light aircraft carrier to orchestrate the Korean Navy's future strategic mobile squadron.

Experts have said when the landing ship is equipped with a ski jump module, vertical or short takeoff and landing aircraft such as the Harrier or the F-35B will be able to be launched from the deck.

Observers say the latest move appears to reflect Seoul's strong interest in the JSF, also known as Lightening II, as a candidate for the upcoming F-X deal, for which Boeing's F-15K NF III, Saab's Gripen NG, Eurofighter's Typhoon and others are also expected to compete.

The F-X aims to equip the South Korean Air Force with 120 advanced high-end fighters by 2020 to replace its aging fighter fleet. The U.S. Boeing Company won South Korean orders for batches of 40 and 21 F-15s in two previous deals.

Lockheed's F-22 Raptor is also on the list of candidates, but chances for Seoul to buy the fifth-generation stealth fighter are slim due to financial and legal problems. U.S. technology protection law forbids the export of the world's most advanced F-22s, whose per-unit cost is some $200 million.

In that context, the F-35, with similar capabilities to those of the F-22, has often referred to as a viable candidate.

The fifth-generation F-35, fitted with radar-evading stealth technology, is a single-seat, single-engine multi-role fighter jet that can perform close air support, tactical bombing and air defense missions.

The price tag for the F-35A is about $60 million, while those for the F-35B and F-35C are expected to cost in the upper $80 to $90 million range, respectively, according to Lockheed Martin officials.

The F-35B version is slated to enter service first with the U.S. Marines in 2012, followed by the F-35A in 2013 and the F-35C in 2015.

The JSF development is being funded by nine major partners, the United States, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Italy, Canada, Turkey, Australia, Norway and Denmark. The partners plan to acquire over 3,100 F-35s through 2035, according to reports.

Lockheed officials say delivery of the conventional-takeoff-and-landing F-35A for South Korea would begin in 2014 if a contract is signed before 2010.

gallantjung@koreatimes.co.kr

[MyEmpire2000SP1]

F-35 is hardly a true 5th gen, it can not do supercruise nor it can do post-stall speed maneuverability, actually its maneuversablity is not better than any good 4th gen fighter

Therefore at best it can only achieve 2 out of the so-called 4 main features for a true 5th gen fighters

[indacut]

F-35 is hardly a true 5th gen, it can not do supercruise nor it can do post-stall speed maneuverability, actually its maneuversablity is not better than any good 4th gen fighter

Therefore at best it can only achieve 2 out of the so-called 4 main features for a true 5th gen fighters

The insecurity of empire is very strong.


Atleast were not being sued for copyright infridgements on our own military hardware.


http://www.airliners.net/aviation-forums/m....main/103232/1/


Also please cite your information on its incapability of "supercruise".

[mausoleotardy]

he's just an insecure sewage rat. trolling every chat section.

[MyEmpire2000SP1]

The insecurity of empire is very strong.
Atleast were not being sued for copyright infridgements on our own military hardware.
http://www.airliners.net/aviation-forums/m....main/103232/1/
Also please cite your information on its incapability of "supercruise".

I just pointed out the obvious, dont get so defensive due to your insecurity

Of cause F-35 can not do suopercruise, almost everyone who remotely follow the military news should have already known this, as for sources, there are numerous sources, for instance, this is from the F-35's official website:

http://www.jsf.mil/contact/con_faqs.htm

Dont forget the F-35 is just a low-cost stealth attacker, unlike F-22s, the USAF has never intended to use F-35 as an air-superiority fighter, thats why its performance against fighters a generation before is just so-so.

As for your second link, China copy Su-27?

Actually the performance of the original Su-27(J-11) from Russia is quite poor thats why we terminated the producation of Su-27, change virtually everything within otherthan its aerodynamic profile to save our time.

And we called J-11B (Russian version Su-27 is called J-11), and even the russian laterly dont accuse us of "copying" their Su-27, all through partly because they have other business interests in China .

Also you should have known, most, if not all military techniques are not patented

This post has been edited by MyEmpire2000SP1: Mar 2 2009, 01:14 PM

[mausoleotardy]

took the whole 15min to google it huh. thought the rat was making a new account

[MyEmpire2000SP1]

he's just an insecure sewage rat. trolling every chat section.

And you are just a lil coping rat who can not even invent your own account name without copying others

[Skylegend2]

Forget MyEmpire, F-35 isn't true 5th generation fighterjet, but more like in between 4th and 5th generation, or 4.5th generation.
It's replacement for F-16/F-18 fighters, and it's can be 5th generation once it can modify with better engine.

South Korea have been asking for F-22 from US at same time both Australia and Japan were asking for same.
There is high possibility that Australia, Japan, Israel and South Korea will get the F-22 first than anyone else, but that depends on Japan & Korea's indigenous fighter developments.

However, South Korea have KF-16 and F-15K as main multi-role fighter/bomber, South Korea will continuously use 60 X F-15Ks until 2020 and develops new indigenous fighters, however in mean time South Korea needs replacement for KF-16s, so will try getting F-35A/B and replace the rest with A-50s.

MyEmpire, do me favor, please GTFO and go back to C-chat.

[mkfk1]

US wont even sell F-22 to Israel or Britain, I doubt they will sell it to SK.

F-35 on the other hand is more like a 4.7 gen fighter with stealth...but definitly lack behind F-22. A few more years, and F-35 will start being sold to major US allies including Japan and SK.

But by then, the Russian, the Indian, and the Chinese should have their own version of 5th-gen fighter.

Infact, I heard the japanese and the SK have their own 5th gen- development program.

[Skylegend2]

US wont even sell F-22 to Israel or Britain, I doubt they will sell it to SK.

F-35 on the other hand is more like a 4.7 gen fighter with stealth...but definitly lack behind F-22. A few more years, and F-35 will start being sold to major US allies including Japan and SK.

But by then, the Russian, the Indian, and the Chinese should have their own version of 5th-gen fighter.

Infact, I heard the japanese and the SK have their own 5th gen- development program.

Well, we don't know that for sure. US already shown some sign of opening to Australian.
But at the moment no way they can get access to F-22s.

Yes, F-35 is in between 4th & 5th generation.
yes, by then India, Russia and China will have 5th generation fighters, I'm sure about that.
This is why these US allies will try to push US to release the block sale of F-22, by then US end up selling it because by then they will have newer fighter.

Both Japan and Korea is currently trying to develop their own 5th gen fighters but still long way, may be in 2020.
So in between they will to have something to replace their aging F-16, F-15 etc..
Australia also need to replace their aging F-18.

[mkfk1]

Yes, F-35 is in between 4th & 5th generation.
yes, by then India, Russia and China will have 5th generation fighters, I'm sure about that.
This is why these US allies will try to push US to release the block sale of F-22, by then US end up selling it because by then they will have newer fighter.

That depends when will the US release their next set of fighter design. As long as they have something that is better then the F-22, they will be willing to sell F-22 to allies. Is either that or US actually let someone else have the same superior fighters as the USAF. Depends how many war hawk are in wasington. I am guessing it will take many years (5-10) before the US will allow F-22 into allies market.

It also depends if Russia, India, and China willingness to sell their version of stealth when they come out respectively 2009-2015.

But my bet is that if Russia, India, and China is not selling their best fighters, then the US might not sell their F-22.

[Skylegend2]

That depends when will the US release their next set of fighter design. As long as they have something that is better then the F-22, they will be willing to sell F-22 to allies. Is either that or US actually let someone else have the same superior fighters as the USAF. Depends how many war hawk are in wasington. I am guessing it will take many years (5-10) before the US will allow F-22 into allies market.

It also depends if Russia, India, and China willingness to sell their version of stealth when they come out respectively 2009-2015.

But my bet is that if Russia, India, and China is not selling their best fighters, then the US might not sell their F-22.

well, that's the main reason for Korea wanting to develop it's own fighter.
for the mean time, Korea will stick with A-50, KF-16, F-15k & perhaps F-35A/B.
even US allows sale of F-22 in 5~10 yrs time, Korea doesn't have to stick with just US built planes.

Korea is very picky when it comes to choosing next generation war machines.
We don't just look for best available fighter planes, we have to include availability, modification, options, attachments, equipments, training, engines, range of weapons and spare parts.

Russian and French have very bad reputation in sale/supply of spare parts and armaments, that's why Korea never trust them.
And it's highly unlikely Korea ever choose French, Russian or even Chinese fighters even they are cheaper than US-British offerings.

US already asked Korea and Japan to join in their Joint Fighter program in development of F-35, but both refused because at least Korea knew it's going tobe long wait and billions dollars will be lost in time. This is because Korea was already looking to develop it's own fighter.

Let's see how Korea defense industry is leading into in near future, because it will be interesting.
There is even talk of joint development with Israel because even Israel didn't joined the JSF, but ended up signing SCP with JSF program.
But again this was all talk.

I think at this point, it's hard to say Korea wanting to deploy F-35s, but surely Korea is interested in buying some F-35B for remote areas such as Dokdo.

[mkfk1]

well, that's the main reason for Korea wanting to develop it's own fighter.
for the mean time, Korea will stick with A-50, KF-16, F-15k & perhaps F-35A/B.
even US allows sale of F-22 in 5~10 yrs time, Korea doesn't have to stick with just US built planes.

Korea is very picky when it comes to choosing next generation war machines.
We don't just look for best available fighter planes, we have to include availability, modification, options, attachments, equipments, training, engines, range of weapons and spare parts.

Russian and French have very bad reputation in sale/supply of spare parts and armaments, that's why Korea never trust them.
And it's highly unlikely Korea ever choose French, Russian or even Chinese fighters even they are cheaper than US-British offerings.

US already asked Korea and Japan to join in their Joint Fighter program in development of F-35, but both refused because at least Korea knew it's going tobe long wait and billions dollars will be lost in time. This is because Korea was already looking to develop it's own fighter.

Let's see how Korea defense industry is leading into in near future, because it will be interesting.
There is even talk of joint development with Israel because even Israel didn't joined the JSF, but ended up signing SCP with JSF program.
But again this was all talk.

I think at this point, it's hard to say Korea wanting to deploy F-35s, but surely Korea is interested in buying some F-35B for remote areas such as Dokdo.

Well, top rate weapon sell depends on politics. US wont sell F-35 to Iran, or Vietnam. The same way that Russia wont sell S-400 to Japan or SK. The world as we know it is pretty much divided into 3 political parts: Pro-NATO, Pro-SCO, or neutral. If you want advanced weapons, you pretty much have to "pick" a side. The only exception in todays world is India, who is playing both side to get as much benefits as they can.

Regarding JSF for F-35...why waste money in development, the americans got it all figure out....Just buy it when it comes out lol...SK should have no problem buying F-35...

SK with F-35 should once again make NK think twice before any aggresive move. Not that war is likely to occured in the first place.

[Skylegend2]

Well, top rate weapon sell depends on politics. US wont sell F-35 to Iran, or Vietnam. The same way that Russia wont sell S-400 to Japan or SK. The world as we know it is pretty much divided into 3 political parts: Pro-NATO, Pro-SCO, or neutral. If you want advanced weapons, you pretty much have to "pick" a side. The only exception in todays world is India, who is playing both side to get as much benefits as they can.

Regarding JSF for F-35...why waste money in development, the americans got it all figure out....Just buy it when it comes out lol...SK should have no problem buying F-35...

SK with F-35 should once again make NK think twice before any aggresive move. Not that war is likely to occured in the first place.

correct.
After all SK is war with NK not China or Japan.

I don't know about India, they are seem neutral but they too have their own ambition.
I wouldn't trust India either.

[mkfk1]

I don't know about India, they are seem neutral but they too have their own ambition.
I wouldn't trust India either.

Their ambition is to play both side.

See how they are getting S-300, Joint PAK stealth with the russian, and Nuclear deal with USA.

They are in a very good position politically. Their only enermy is pakistan. But they, are friendly to both SCO and NATO...enough that the Indian gets tec from both side. Very very smart...Just like how China in the 1970s....first got help from the USSR...then split and get tec from NATO.... India will play like this....they will get PAK- from the russian...and F35 from the US. They will continued to get both tecs if they play it right.

A future reunified Korea...can actually do what India is doing now...play both side, and get tec from both side meanwhile constantly playing it in the middle...

[baybal]

>and it's can be 5th generation once it can modify with better engine.

Just like stinger manpads which are capable of knocking down only gen3 planes without being reprogrammed, and absolutely unusable without battery which itself have very limited shelf life. It looks like something like safety mechanism. But a engine upgrade would change everything in U turn way. X35 have far more superior geometry than F22.

[ccL1]

No one has updated this in a long time.

Lockheed offers 2014 delivery date for South Korea's first F-35s

Lockheed Martin remains confident that South Korea will select its F-35 Joint Strike Fighter for the third phase of its F-X competition, with the company saying that Seoul could even get access to the aircraft from 2014 if required.

"The F-35 is the best value fighter for South Korea. The country has received a classified briefing, and studies are under way to see if the aircraft can fit the various capabilities required by the air force. This will continue into 2010," says Steve O'Brien, Lockheed's vice-president of F-35 business development.

"There are slots available in 2014 for the first FMS [Foreign Military Sales] customer to take delivery of the F-35. We've given a number of different briefings to different customers on this issue, and it is up to the customers if they would like to come on board."

Just as it has with Japan, Lockheed is dangling the prospect of South Korean industry possibly participating in the F-35 programme by becoming second-tier suppliers. It could also allow some form of assembly work to take place in South Korea, similar to its agreement with Italy.

South Korea is looking to buy around 60 fighters through its next F-X programme. However, there are worries in Seoul about possible delays to the F-35 programme, and that early versions of the type may not be as sophisticated as later models.

That could pave the way for Boeing and its new F-15 Silent Eagle, which the company has proposed with countries such as South Korea in mind. The F-15K was selected for the first two phases of South Korea's F-X competition, and Boeing is pushing Seoul to consider the F-15SE as an alternative to the F-35.

Industry sources say Boeing is willing to offer South Korea some work in the co-development of the stealth technology that it plans to use in the F-15SE, an offer that could help the country when it begins to work on its proposed KF-X light fighter.

"Boeing looks forward to Korea's anticipated competition. We are developing an advanced F-15, which we hope will fulfil Korea's defence capabilities and needs for many years to come," says Greg Laxton, vice-president Korea business development at Boeing Integrated Defense Systems.

"We are committed to building on the success of the F-15K next fighter I and II programmes, by working with our Korean industry partners to continue to strengthen Korea's aerospace industry."

Lockheed points out that only the F-35 and its F-22 Raptor are truly fifth-generation stealth fighters, while the F-15SE has only some "stealth elements", a fact that Boeing accepts.

"Stealth systems must be designed into the aircraft. This cannot be replicated in fourth-generation fighters. And the F-35 is about 10 years ahead of the F-22 in this regard," says O'Brien. "We won't comment on our competitors' products, but what I know is that the US government is going to purchase only fifth-generation aircraft and that is the F-35."

Let's see what happens.

[sinowarrior]

What's this talk of Japan and Korea develope their own fighters when they have no experience developing 4 th generation fighter and no experience in jet engine development?

[Dokiroimaka]

What's this talk of Japan and Korea develope their own fighters when they have no experience developing 4 th generation fighter and no experience in jet engine development?

WT?
Both Japan and Korea produce their jet engines under license.

Samsung & GE Honda Korea produce jet engine in Korea
http://www.samsungtechwin.com/prd/link/eoh...asp?cat_biz=EOH

Honda & Mitsubishi produce jet engines under license too.

[sinowarrior]

WT?
Both Japan and Korea produce their jet engines under license.

Samsung & GE Honda Korea produce jet engine in Korea
http://www.samsungtechwin.com/prd/link/eoh...asp?cat_biz=EOH

Honda & Mitsubishi produce jet engines under license too.

Are those engine good enough for 5th generation?

I only knows Korea has produced a trainer jet before.

This post has been edited by sinowarrior: Oct 29 2009, 06:19 PM