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Norwegian industrial contracts

Hi

I think I have read in an interview with the chief of LM, that Norway will get their industrial contracts if they can compete with other contractors.

My question is; do you think that the Norwegian industry can compete with other contractors?
Innsendt av: OE

YES! Norway can compete and is competing! The industrial package being delivered to Norway this month will be over 20 billion kroners in direct JSF work. I would say that is pretty competitive.
 

JSF vs Eurofighter

Hello. What do you think is the most important quality that the JSF has, but the Eurofighter doesn't?
Innsendt av: Erlend

Technology (network-centricity) and Stealth
 

Main advantage

What do you consider to be JSF's main advantage over the EF?
Innsendt av: Eirik E.N.

Technology and technological adaptations over the next 40 years.
 

Colour

Do you only deliver it in grey, or do you have other colours too?
Innsendt av: Jørgen

Hi,
Well, I could ask, but there aren't many Norwegian pilots who want to fly a pink JSF.
 

Thank you

I just wantet to thank you for taking your time to answare some good and some bad queations. I hope we buy the jsf planes.

Innsendt av: Atle

Thank you for writing!
 

JSF

If Norway buys the JSF, when will it be ready and deliverd?

I realy hope the Norwegian politicians understands that our old F-16's with the newest MLU already is superior to the Eurofighter in serveral areas.


Innsendt av: Håkon

The first US deliveries will begin in 2009. If Norway purchases the JSF then Norwegian planes will arrive here in 2015 through 2018...in time to replace F-16's.
 

Weapons

I wonder how much payload the JSF will have compared to the F-16 and Eurofighter.
Innsendt av: Hans Edvard Hagtvedt

The payload will be less because the JSF uses an internal weapons bay. Lessons learned from the last two gulf wars shows that precision is more important than capacity.
 

Runway

How long runway does the JSF need for takeoff and landing?
Innsendt av: Per Gunnar

The conventional JSF will require about the same distance as the F-16.
 

Payload

Which aircraft (JSF of Eurofighter) can carry the most payload, and which has the longest range?
Innsendt av: Dag Eirik

The Eurofighter has a larger payload because it is carried externally, and is therfore less stealthy. When carrying equal loads, the JSF has twice the range of the Eurofighter (unrefueled).
 

Ground Equipment

If we should go for your JFS fighter, do we ned to change much of our line/ground equipmetnt compared to Eurofighter, or will most of our old "American" F-16 equipment do the trick? If yes, wot extra cost will this have on our budget?
Innsendt av: Cluster

Some equipment will be transferrable. Much of the maintenance test equipment will need to be changed. The cost for this is included in the sustainment package being briefed to the government this month.
 

Difference

What is the difference between 4th and 5th generation?
Innsendt av: Kenneth

In a nutshell, a 5th generation aircraft incorporates all of the technology and STEALTH of previous generations plus network-centric warfare capability. All of our 4th generation planes lacked stealth and had an adhoc combination of technologies added over many years. A 5th generation plane is completely integrated for day/night operations and will plug into a global grid of information for worldwide operations.
 

Other options?

As a government representative for the JSF program you are probably well aware of the pros and cons of your competitors aircrafts.

If JSF was not an option and you were to decide based on technical and not poltical aspects. Which aircraft would you have chosen for Norway? Gripen, Rafale or Eurofighter?

Innsendt av: Christian

Good Question! I would not have chosen any of them. I would have purchased F-16 Block 60 aircraft currently being produced in Ft. Worth Texas. The Block 60 is far superior to any of today's F-16's and has a service life of about 30 years. This would not give Norway the industrial participation or offset requirements that they demand for military purchases...but it is a better plane.
 

Supersonic

Hey !
As far as I have understood the JSF will not have supersonic capability. Does this mean that the airplane is a dogfighter only and not suitable for other missions like bomber interception or air-to-ground hit and run missions ? What about the fan ? Is this technology now up running like it was intended or is there still development work to be done ?
Innsendt av: S. Todenes

The JSF will be supersonic. If you are referring to the Vertical TO/Landing Fan...it is working well.
 

Military alliances

I think the future will create new kind of military alliances. Americans spend too much time on technology and branding(sivilian life). I belive in the Brotherhood of Europe and we don´t understand the American way. JSF sure is the best plane, but i hope Norway choose one of the other candidates.

Kjetil...
Innsendt av: Kjetil...

Thanks for writing! Remember that the "brotherhood" of Europe tried to kill eachother in WWII.
 

Do you need pilots?

Dear Col. Harris

I am not an expert in fighter aircrafts, but of course you would want to minimize your own losses in combat. My impression is that modern fighter aircrafts are decreasingly dependent on pilots, and I've seen the development of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles where everything is operated from a control center on the ground. Can the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter be operated without a pilot?

Sincerely
Innsendt av: Kristian Kahrs

The JSF needs a pilot. I suspect in the next 25-30 years a pilotless JSF may be developed...although decision making software needs to go a long way before that happens.
 

Which fighter plane does Norway need?

JSF is the biggest plane among its competitors. But does Norway really need such a powerful plane for its mainly defensive role? And will we get the same plane as the US, or will it be a downgraded version?
Innsendt av: Lt Gjessing

It will be the same plane as the US. Norway is currently investing the Oil Fund for future generations...why not protect future generations by investing in the JSF? Yes, powerful today, but it may be a needed asset in the future...do you want to bet on that?
 

Maintenance costs

Your Swedish competitor Gripen is designed to have easy maintenance, and SAAB claims many jobs can be done by ordinary soldiers. In service since 1996, Gripen seems to have proven this concept of low-cost maintenance. In an Air Force with shrinking budgets, how will JSF match Gripen's low maintenance costs?
Innsendt av: Lt Gjessing

I am not familiar with Gripen's maintenance schedule. This is of course important, but a bigger question is will Gripen be able to operate in a 21st century environment? If the plane gets shot down there won't be any maintenance to be done.
 

Aviator

Hi! The JSF looks hopeless, and my believe is that you (USA/Lockheed) are lying about the progress and reality and cost of the JSF-project, and it actually is going the same way as that abandoned stealth helicopter project that was supposed to replace the 20 years old, but much better Hughes Apache. When JSF is «ready», it will be outdated (UAV aircraft will take over) and you know it. Eurofighter is ready now, and is as good as the JSF will ever be. I belive USA is lying about cost and performance. Yes lying! As USA have done systematically lately. To friends and allies, and everybody.
And, why should Norway send billions to a nation who more and more obviously loves war, behave irresponsible and dangerously, vetoes (sabotages) important UN Security Council resolutions, lie notoriously, systematically ignore/sabotage UN and international law and human rights, torture and kills prisoners (of war, or not, is irrelevant) around the world, support the last colonizing racist/fascist nation in the world (Israel), and never supported Norway with the latest developed technology for those expensive F-16? Eurofighter will be supported with the newest technology always, it wil be cheaper, and better quality and performance – and is reality and ready now! Why should anyone trust USA and the repeating propaganda? Do you have any facts at all about this fantasy-project? USA torture, lie, murder.. If you walk like a criminal, talks like a criminal... then what is USA? What happened to the nation who gave the world the UN ??? Maybe USA should stop wars instead of starting wars? Then you can come back as a trustworthy friend, and not as a lying desperate criminal.

Innsendt av: Howard Hughes

I'm sorry that you feel this way. If you believe we are lying then nothing I say will disuade you. Thanks for writing.
 

Why?

The F35 will cost far more than the Eurofighter in the long run, especially in the cost of maintenance. What needs do we, Norway, have that justifies the price tag of the F35?


Innsendt av: Thomas

??? Let me see, the Eurofighter has two engines, and a maintenance system designed on 1980's technology. I think you need to take another look at the facts. The Norwegian MOD will receive a request for information (RFI) package in May showing them exactly what the plane will cost to buy, and maintain for 20 years....that value is about $6B USD (to buy and maintain for 20 years). It will cost Norway $6B USD just to buy the Eurofighter....how much do you think 20 years of maintenance will cost with two engines?
Norway needs to buy a replacement for their F-16's and the JSF fits perfectly....and is the best plane with the best price.
 

JSF Norwegian Version

Hi, the SJF comes in 3 different versions depending on which US branch it will be used by. What about the Norwegian version? Is it stripped of all the technical and electronical goodies just to make it cheap. What are the differences and how much will an upgrade cost?
Innsendt av: Per A

Norway will get the USAF version....it will have all the goodies that the US has.
 

coldd weather

Are th J S F tested for operation in cold areas ?
Innsendt av: Arnljot

YES! We take them to North Dakata and Alaska. Much colder than Norway.
 

yo man!

some russian fighters got an helmetmountet sighting-system that can fire in 30 degrees to either side, in combination with agile r73 missiles and superb manuverbility at low speeds. -I have seen a video of an f18 fireing an aim9x-missile(or something) that turns all the way round and a russian r73 fired from behind a su27...

How are the JSFs main CLOSE combat characteristics compared to this? -Is it for example more agile than the EF?
Innsendt av: ASRAAM :D

I would say that the JSF is not as agile as the Eurofighter in close-in combat. Why does it need to be? The JSF will have off-boresight capability with a helmet mounted sight, however, with it's superior onboard sensor and detection system enemy fighters will be detected by no later than 25 miles...they won't get close enough to do any dogfighting.
 

F-22

Why cant Norway just buy F-22 Raptor?
Innsendt av: Kalle

You could...however, it is a one-dimensional aircraft (air superiority) and does not do Norway much good without a multirole fighter to support other operations.
 

Technology sharing

I am concerned about what the final cost of the program will be, in light of the fact that concerns over the maturity of the design of the aircraft prompted the GAO to recommend delaying funding for production and production capability, until after the three different versions have been proven in flight testing. The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) recommended slowing funding for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter due to "signifigant developmental risk" and the likelyhood of cost and scheduling overruns. Do we have any guarantee that we will get the JSF for 20 billion NOK? JSF might be an superior aircraft, but we need to take in account what norwegian industry can benefit as well. Personally I don`t think Norway`s ability to defend it self comes down to whether or not we have Eurofighter or JSF, but I think international operations, industry collaboration is of more importance. Norway has already done work on the Eurofighter program, but very little on the JSF program. Also there has been raised concerns, not only from Norway, but from Great Britain about denied access to technology used in the aircraft, such as source codes for the software. Do you think the U.S govenment and Locheed Martin might be able to open up some more allowing Norway, as a good allied, to participate more from a technology standpoint, and to give Norway access to the same "full spec" aircraft as U.S will operate?
Innsendt av: Kent Andersen

Wow. Let me say that the JSF is on schedule and that it has full funding for development. Could that change...maybe, although effects to the program are smaller than you think. If the US cut 500 aircraft from the purchase, the result would only be a 3% raise in price...that is not much of a penalty.
I believe that Norwegian industry is very happy with the JSF program and stands to gain quite a bit from the partnership. Please remember that JSF is only in its 4th year of a 10 year development program....and a major reason why NOrwegian industry has not participated yet...just wait....when we build 5000 JSF, NOrwegian industry will have their hands full.

Read my earlier answer on tech transfer and industry. Norway will get a Full Spec aircraft, same as the US.
 

Downgrades?

Hi, I would like to say the I think the F-35 is the best purchase for Norway. I think the F-35 is a better fighter, not only because of the huge development-budget (far greater than the EF-programs' d-budget), but the fact that the F-35 got stealth-abilities. Therefore, I am a bit concerned that Norway, as a low-level contributer, will recieve downgrades on our planes. Will a version meant for the RNoAF (our airforce), recieve full stealth-abilities?
Innsendt av: Hakon

YES....FULL Stealth!
 

Close combat and cost

Will the JSF bee manuverable enough to handle a close combat situation with the worlds most mannuverable plane, the Suckhoi SU 27 / 33 / 35 ???

and is it covered from Electric magnetic pulse attacks (nuclear strike?)

can it handle the cold climate we have here in Norway?
Innsendt av: Stian H. Thaen

Assuming that SU 27/33/35 planes survive to get close enough, then the JSF defensive systems would make it a tough competitor. EMP is tested in all US military aircraft. Actually, I think it's colder in Minnesota...but yes, it can take these Norwegian winters.
 

Opensource?

Will the complete source code for the aircraft's computer systems be made available for auditing and/or modifications if requested by the DoD?
Innsendt av: Ferdinand

Complete. Probably not. Requests for modification are possible with DoD, but they must be programmed and paid for. Why would a partner want to change computer software that might make them less interoperable with the rest of the world?
 

Specs

Compared to the other competitors, whats the fighters speed, operation radius and air operation time? How adaptable is it to unknown future kinds of equipment, weapons and materials? Can it drop parashoters?

Innsendt av: Not Expert

The question depends on mission type and payload. JSF carries 3 times the fuel of the F-16 and is more stealthy, so long range missions will far esceed that of current day fighters. No it can not drop parachuters. As far as the future goes, I'm sure it will be as adaptable as the F-16, which underwent 5 major modifications over the last 25 years.
 

Superiority

Dear Richard,

I was just wondering in which way(s) the Join Strike Fighter is superior to the Eurofighter. Can you give me some specific pointers on what the your plane can do that the Eurofighter cannot, and how the two planes (even though this is a unrealistic scanerio) would "perform" against eachother in combat?

Thanx for your answer!
Innsendt av: Paul

Hi,

Here goes....briefly..

Stealth: If you can't see me I can operate independently.
Night: Internal FLIR and Sensors
Weapons: Precision guided and integrated into the night and stealth systems
Interoperability: Global. There will be 5000 of these built...nice club to fight a war with
NetCentricity: A flying computer node for intelligence gathering, precision strike capability, data coordination. A flying internet node capable of using radar a targeting data from unlimited number of sources.

Colonel Harris
 

Test drives?

How much and how many will norwegian pilots be able to test the fighters before purchase?

(And I don't mean flight simulators ;-)


Innsendt av: Taxpayer

The test plan is being worked out this year. Norwegian test pilots are in the plan for flying. In fact, my office is working to get a Norwegian pilot through the USAF test pilot school for exactly that.

Colonel Harris
 

air force

Good morning colonel!

Why are they making a air force version of this great plane? We all know that air force pilots can¿t fly

Go navy! :-)

Innsendt av: LtCmdr

Hi,

We can't fly well on ships...that talent I'll relinquish to the Navy

Colonel Harris
 

Dronification

Some people predicts that drones (pilot-less remote controlled) will have a larger role in the coming years. How easy or hard will it be to adapt JSF into drones?
Innsendt av: Mick

The JSF has two key features: Stealth and Network-centric capability. I imagine that drones will be integrated in core JSF missions, in the future, allowing critical information to be passed both ways....in fact, it's not beyond the realm of belief to see JSF's controlling drones real-time in the future.

Colonel Harris
 

The Pentagon Wars

Have you seen the comedy movie "The Pentagon Wars"? Any relevance for JSF? (Starring among others Kelsey Grammer)


Innsendt av: Mr Chance

No I have not...I guess I'll go rent the movie.

Colonel Harris
 

R&D

I am just wondering roughly how much money that is spent on R&D (Research and Development) on the JSF.

To put it bluntly, exactly how much bigger is your R&D budget than the Eurofighter (or are they equal)?

Innsendt av: techman

Well, the US spends more on R&D than all of Europe combined....and has for the last 20 years. The Eurofighter was developed from fighter technology from the 80's and 90's...developed during the 70's. It would take Europe another 20 years to develop a JSF...if they starting investing now.

Colonel Harris
 

JSF

Hi

What I can see it is a big difference in the price, and the european (eurofighter) plane is produced a lot closer. What can you promice us about delivery like spare parts and amunision?

And what is the big difference between these to panes
Innsendt av:

European JSF partners are in discussion now to develop a European JSF support consortium for logistic and maintenance support...that's pretty close.

Your F-16 program receives spare parts from the US today, and that is a successful prorgam. The 5th Generation JSF will outperform all of the 4th generation competitors (Eurofighter) in capability, maintainability, and cost. It provides Norway with a 21st century fighter for the next 40 years...as well as good business opportunities for NOrwegian Industry...why not choose the JSF?

Colonel Harris
 

2nd rate version of F-35

Dear Colonel Harris,
The Economist has claimed that the UK, the Netherlands, Canada and Norway are the countries the U.S. will share most military military technology with. Even so there is little doubt that Norway will be offered a second rate version of the F-35 compared to the one used by the U.S. Forces. Will this second rate F-35 be better than a first rate Eurofighter? Also - does the improved technology really justify buying an expensive F-35 compared to cheap JAS 39 Gripens mothballed by the Royal Swedish Air Force? Thanks for taking time to answer these questions!
Innsendt av: Anders

Hi,

Norway will receive a first rate fighter...with the SAME TECHNOLOGY AS US FIGHTERS. The JSF, when operational in 2010, will be almost 30 years ahead of the Eurofighter in technology....I think that justifies the purchase...it's less expensive too.

Colonel Harris
 

Legality and quality issues.

As far as I understand, most of the USA's traditional allies are involved in this project. As far as I gather, Israel joined it in 2003.
Now, with the political and military situation Israel is in, there's a question if Norway can even participate in this project, considering our own laws and several UN resolutions. Is the plane really so good our own politicians have forgotten this?

Oh, and will this be yet another case of 20 million parts all supplied by the lowest bidder, like the old Starfighter project?
Innsendt av: Willy André Bergstrøm

I can't answer the Norwegian political questions, but as far as 20 million parts goes, I hope not. I flew the F-16 for 20 years and never had any doubts that the plane was well built...I have confidence that JSF will be in the same league, if not better.

Colonel Harris
 

JSF Technology?

Hi,
I was wondering if you could mention a few specs that makes JSF superior to "older" planes like F15.
Thanks in advance.
Innsendt av: OJRF

Hi,

Anything in particular..there are so many. Stealth and network capability come to mind. The JSF is virtually invisile compared to the F-15 in the stealth area. Also, the data exchange and global communication capability of the JSF far exceeds and in some cases outdoes the F-15. The JSF is a flying super-computer compared to the F-15 with is just a calculator.

Colonel Harris
 

American International Politics vs Longterm Political and Military Bond

America has been more and more nationalistic lately, and does not seem to care what decisions the international community; ie foreigners, favors. Considering this, will it be wise if foreigners like us get stuck with a relationship with americans, a financial and military bond - which will last 30, maybe 50 years?
Innsendt av: Curious

Politics change with governments...look at Norway in the past year. I'm sure that if you don't like American politics, just wait 4-years and it will change.

Colonel Harris
 

technology

is it true that the strike fighter edition that Norway will receive will be second rated compared too the ones USA will use.
(heard it will not have all the technology features that will be standard on the us planes)
Innsendt av: daniel

NOT TRUE. The NOrwegian JSF will have the same capability as the US aircraft.

Colonel Harris
 

Price, integration, and capabilities

Colonel Harris, I'd like to start by thanking you for making yourself available to the public in this manner. I have several questions for you concerning the Joint Strike Fighter.

1. Lockheed-Martin has recently stated that its offer for 48 JSF to the Norwegian Air Force will be at a price of NOK 20 billions - at current exchange-rates that is roughly USD 3.25 billions, or USD 67.3 millions per airframe. What is included in this price? Is it just the airframes, or are there other items included, such as spares, training for conversion from F-16 to JSF, etc?

2. Is integration/certification of systems important to Norway included in the price? I am thinking particularly of the Norwegian Strike Missile (NSM), a low-observable SSM currently under development. Can the NSM be carried internally? Can IRIS-T be carried internally?

3. How confident can Norway be that the price will not increase significantly after signature of contracts, if development costs increase significantly?

4. Will the JSF be able to carry more than two air-to-air missiles (AAMs) internally when on pure air-to-air missions? I understand that the current design makes it possible to carry two AAMs and two bombs internally at the same time, but am under the impression that the bomb-stations can not accept AAMs. In a pure air-to-air role it would have obvious advantages to be able to carry more than two AAMs internally - that would make it more possible to do air-to-air missions without having to either (a) give up stealth and suffer increased drag, or (b) have very low endurance.

5. It seems likely that if Norway acquires JSF, it will be the mdoel F-35 A, like the USAF. Can you say something about the differences that will be between the aircraft for the USAF and those for the Norwegian Air Force? I am interested both in differences caused by specific Norwegian requirements, and differences caused by US technology export legislation.

6. Will the JSF for Norway carry an internal gun?

Best regards.
Innsendt av: Christian Stubø

Hi,

So I don't write a book, let me give you some short answers:

1) The fly-away cost of the plane is $47M per plane. The sustainment package and spares is separate and will be briefed to the Norwegian government later this month.
2) NSM should be able to go internal on the JSF...study is underway now. Not sure about the IRIS-T, but I suspect yes. Will Norway have to pay for integration...yes, but that can be offset by other partners/buyers of the missile.
3) Prices always tend to inch up in these large programs...but not as high as smaller programs. Norway stands to earn recoupment on every plane sold to non-partner countries through foreign military sales...maybe up to $1M per plane....that should more than offset any cost increase if 5000+ planes are sold.
4) In the current plan, there are 2 AAM stations and the 2 bomb pylons. Countries can always carry extra on external pylons with some loss of stealth.
5) The versions for partners will all be the same as the US. Norway is best suited for the conventional (USAF) version due to the existing infrastructure and training.
6) Yes on the internal gun.

Colonel Harris
 

Upgrades

Will the JFS be dependant upon similar upgrades as the F-16? The technology for the JFS might be state of the art, but time does not stand still. The F-16 was once ahead of it's time as well.
The government say they do not want to make themselves dependant upon L-M for a/c updates. Is this at all a likely solution? Will other countries/partners be able to offer a/c upgrades? To me this seems like a very unreal wish.
Innsendt av: Petter

Hi,

As we all know, technology eventually requires upgrades. The Norwegian government would work with the US government as usual and offer upgrades as they are available....that is if Norway wants to pay for them. I'm sure that as time goes on other European countries may offer upgrades...but that's a long way off.

Colonel Harris
 

We should not suport

America. Since you are fighting an illegal war. Killing inocent ppl every day shouldt exactly get you much credit. Whats your word on that?


Innsendt av: Kjell

Hi,

Thanks for your comments.

Colonel Harris
 

Hva med konkurrenten?

Si tre gode egenskaper med Eurofighter, altså din konkurrent ?
Innsendt av: Stein Gunnar Espe

Jeg vet ikke

Colonel Harris
 

F22 vs Supermarine Spitfire

Would you say the F22 is the Spitfire of our generation?

Keep up the good work and I hope you get the deal!
Innsendt av: Cuban Eight

Hi,

Thanks...a spitfire? Not sure....but I wouldn't want to tango with either.

Colonel Harris
 

JSF

Heisan
JSF er et kjempefly og med den stelt-teknologien er det bare helt rått. Ber til Gud om at Stortinget skal velge denne typen.
Problemet er at det på Stortinget sitter for mange kommunister og styrer. Disse blir det største hinderet.
Innsendt av: Trond Aure

Amen.

Colonel Harris
 

Foold again?

Why would we trust the americans at this deal? Last time we bought planes, (f16) we was prommised that USA would by tecnology and goods from Norwayfor millions. You did not so.. we was foold..
Why would we trust you on this deal this time????
Innsendt av: Erik Hovdahl

Hi,

Not sure what you are referring to. As far as I am aware of, any offset committments on the F-16 program were honored. Do you have details?

Colonel Harris
 

JSF - The functional advantages

I've read in a scientific magazine that JSF has a more unstable "balancing point" for making tighter turns, and is totally dependent on computers to fly because of this. This is described, together with cutting edge technology as the main advantage for "the next generation" fighters. The competitioners, like Eurofighter and Gripen, has a classic Fighterplane balance, and are therefore not really innovative compared to f.ex F-16.
How imperative/significant is this difference? Is it really better to have a fighterplane that can not fly, if it's computers are set out out function?
Innsendt av: Fighter enthusiast Ole

Ask the Norwegian Air Force. The F-16 is staticly unstable and requires a flight computer to operate. They do pretty well. In fact, I have flown the F-16 for 20 years and never had a problem.

Colonel Harris
 

Defensive roles

Both JSF and Eurofighter are great planes. What does JSF have that sets it apart from the alternative? And being as most Norwegians prefer to think of their airforce as a defensive military measure, not one meant to engage in wars overseas, what adaptions can be made to make JSF ideally suited to the Norwegian geography and climate?
Innsendt av: Petter Ulleland

The JSF is a 5th generation multirole fighter, with stealth and 21st century net-centric capabilities. Since the JSF is being designed to operate globally, there are very few adaptations that will be needed on the Norwegian planes.

Colonel Harris
 

The JSF or a JSF lookalike

Will the aircraft offered to Norway have operational capacities similar to the US version? And what is the main operational advantage of the JSF compared to the Eurofighter Typhoon?
Innsendt av: Bjørn Benjaminsen

Hi....Same capabilities as the US plane! The JSF is 5th Generation compared to the Eurofighter (4th generation).

Colonel Harris
 

Inferior models

The models of JSF destined for export are said to be inferior in technology to their American counterparts, thus excluding the most advanced equipment. Why should Norway be satisfied with and choose models inferior to those offered to the US military?

Further, will Norwegian armed forced be dependent on American support, software upgrade etc, e.g., will there be full disclosure of information about the planes to their buyers?
Innsendt av: Simen

Norway will get the same plane as the US and other partners.

NOrway will join a global community for JSF supprt and therefore receive everything they need to operate and maintain the plane. There are talks to set up a European JSF logistic support system for continued maintenance, so Norway will have many options for support.

Colonel Harris
 

HUD

Is it true that the F35 will not have a HUD like other fighters have, and that all information will be given to the pilot by the display in the helmet?

How will the A/G-capabilities be compared to that of the F16 and the F15E? Is it an improvent compared to the F-16, and will the stealt-capabilites be lost since the weapons have to be carried on pylons istead of inside the weapons bay?

If the F35 meets the Russian Su-35, which plane will be victorious? Both in BVR and in a dogfight? The same if it meets the Eurofighter?

There has been some speculations that the export versions will lack some of the stealt-features the US versions will have, and that the export versions will be stripped of the most secret and efficient technologies, is this true?

By the way, love the looks of the plane! It is much better looking than the Eurofighter! Just hope the norwegian governement chooses the F35!
Innsendt av: Morten Berglie

Hi,

True...no hud. A 7" by 17" LCD display on the instrument panel will be supplemented by the helmet mounted display. The pilot will be able to see around him, 360 degrees, with sensors and cameras on the outside of the plane...in essence he can look between his legs and see the ground. With target tracking improvements and highly developed sensors (that operate day or night) the JSF will have superior A-G capabilities over the F-16 and F-15E.

I won't discuss specific 1 against 1 scenarios, but 4th generation fighters will not have much of a chance against the JSF.

The Norwegian JSF will be the same as the US variants.

Thanks for your comments!

Colonel Harris
 

Siste jagerflykjøp vs nytt?

Siste gang vi handlet med USA, F16, så lovet USA gjennkjøp av Norsk deler/teknologi for millioner av kroner. Der ble vi grundig lurt.. Vil USA lure oss i gjenn? Hvilke garantier har vi denne gangen fra USA?


Tross lovnader så håper jeg at vi ikke er like blåøyd denne gangen! Gi ossordere for lovet gjennkjøp først, så kan vi handle fly tilbake...
Innsendt av: Erik Hovdahl

I believe most people associated with the Norwegian F-16 program are completely satisfied with their dealings with the US. Our two governments make the arrangements and industry and the military follow the arrangements. The F-16 partnership in Europe has been successful...I think the JSF global partnership will be even better.

Colonel Harris
 

What is the different JSF and Eurofighter?

The JSF concept have the last few years been promoted as the best concept between JSF and Eurofighter by US and lockhead-martin. What is better in the JSF concept contra Eurofighters airplain?
There have been a lot talk about the better opertunity for the norwegians company to have better options regarded to the industry. How would that be better then Eurofighters contracts to norwegian industry?
Innsendt av: Øyvind Aspen

The JSF brings with it Stealth and Technology advantages over the Eurofighter. Lockheed Martin is the manufacturer of the airplane, however, the JSF is backed by the US Government.

I cannot speak for Eurofighter Industrial Offers. The JSF program, however, has offered Norwegian Industry almost 22 Billion Kroner in industrial opportunites directly related to the JSF and high technology. This offer will provide Norway and the defense industry more than 40 years of work.

Colonel Harris
 

JSF VS Eurofighter

What are the main differences between these two airplanes?

Are there any significantly advantages of buying the JSF, and will the JSF cost more than the Eurofighter since it's the newest model of those two?

I'd prefer the F18 Hornet :)
Innsendt av: Bjarne Sømme

JSF is a 5th Generation Multirole Fighter. The Eurofighter is 4th generation built on old technology from the 1980's & 1990's.

Being in the JSF partnership allows Norway many options for the future...from a coalition and partner perspective as well as a industrial participation one. The JSF will cost about $47M per airplane and is almost 2 1/2 times cheaper than the Eurofighter. You are getting a better plane for a better price.

Colonel Harris
 

Radar Cross Section

Why should Norway pay a lot of money for the low radar cross section technology on the JSF when our possible enemies don¿t have radars (Taliban in Afghanistan as an example)? I am here assuming that enemies of the US are not necessarily enemies of Norway. You build your weapon systems to fight any kind of treat, but our NATO/UN assignments have another character than yours and a low RCS is a waste of money.

With Regards
SF
NATO AWACS Radar Test Engineer.

Innsendt av: Stig Falck

Hi,

So are you confident of who our possible enemies will be in the future? Stealth is always a tactical attribute....against any enemy. Norway may be in a coalition with the Dutch against a Dutch enemy....you might want stealth then.

Colonel Harris
 

A rumour I heard

I was told that Norway would not be given sufficient information about the fighter to do repairs on it themselves, and that the fighter thus, if anything malfunctions either has to be sent to the US, or we would need to get US technicians sent here.. The reason being that the US do not want to reveal to much about the technology..

Is this just a silly rumour, or is there some basis in truth here? I don't know much about these things, so I wouldn't know whether this is common practice, but it does sound somewhat odd..

Innsendt av: Martin

This is a rumor. Norway will have full capability to operate and maintain the aircraft. They will not have the ability to repair circuit cards and other sensitive equipment...but no one else will either.

Colonel Harris
 

Operativ råderett

Hvis Norge velger å kjøpe JSF, vil Norge da ha den fullstendige operative råderetten over flyene? Altså, kan norske myndigheter selv bestemme hvor, hvordan og når flyene skal benyttes uten at USA teknisk må godkjenne hver mission?

Innsendt av: Undrende

Yes, you will have full use of the JSF! Doesn't Norway do this now with their US F-16 aircraft? Yes.

Colonel Harris
 

Donwgraded version?

As far as I understand, the version of JSF Lockheed is offering Norway, is a downgraded version of the on offered to the US, with less stealth abillity? Is this correct, and if so why? Just to make sure the US is still superior in the air? Even against allies?
Innsendt av: Future pilot

Hi,

Not True! We want to superior....with our allies!

Colonel Harris
 

Unstable world..

Hi!

I am in the belive that Norway should buy their weapons from geografical close allies.

I also belive that the US is not an allied to trust. As the superpower can decide wether or not to follow international law and standards, I think Norway should stay away from US arms if possible. What will happen to issues like spareparts and services if the economic powers, EU and US is in a conflict?

Shortly..I think we should stick to our closest allies..EU or Sweden.


Innsendt av: Geir Atle

Hi,

I respect your beliefs. Thanks for writing.

Colonel Harris
 

Export version

There has been talk of differences between the exported and domestic versions of the F35. Is that true?
Innsendt av: Svein Berge

Hi,

Yes, lots of talk, however, the US and Partner aircraft are the same...

Colonel Harris
 

Trust..

Hello Mr. Richard Harris.

I've noticed some concerns from England and other partners that the US and Lockheed Martin will keep the airplanes software codes a secret. Rumors says that the US can turn the planes off when ever they see fit. Much like the GPS-system. Is there some truth to these rumors? And if yes, why don't you trust your friends and allies with the codes? My personal opinion is that if you've measured us to be trustworthy enough to own the aircrafts,
then you also should trust us with the technology which made it possible to make those aircrafts.

In my opinion this is somewhat similar to the antitrust case with Microsoft vs. EU, US and other parts.

But this is a matter of national security for the countries involved in this project. and as we all know, national security doesn't come cheap. In terms of numbers, the acquisition of the aircrafts will exceed two and a half billion dollars.

So to my conclusion. Fork over the codes :)

Hope you enjoy your stay in Norway.

Best regards,
Svein - A
Innsendt av: Svein - A

HI,

I am enjoying Norway very much! Many of the people complaining about technology transfer is the defense industry. The US spends more on R&D that all of EUROPE combined. The US taxpayer is the one that pays for this technological edge...why should we just give it away? Shouldn't EUROPE invest in their own technology? Foreign industry knows that they can't match US R&D, so they try to make up the gap by asking for technology "hand-outs." The Government of Norway will get the best plane, and all the technology they need to operate and maintain it. Norwegian industry will get all the technology they need to compete and win contracts (by the way, their total is up to about 20 Billion Kroner through the life of the program). So why should we give away our hard earned investments....TRUST? Well, we have been with Norway and EUROPE for 50 years...remember the Cold War. Trust us now when we say that JSF is the best program with a great ally.

Colonel Harris
 

Technical differences.

In what ways are Joint Strike Fighter jets technical superior to Eurofighter?
Innsendt av: Loke Bilfrost

HI,

This short question requires a lot of time...so I'll be brief:
1) Stealth
2) Network-centric capabilities
3) Onboard sensors and electronic jamming
4) Combat range
5) Interoperability on a global scale
6) Ease of Maintenance
These are the big differences...there are others, but I'm short on time....

Colonel Harris
 

Position finding

By what intenational accepted right does USA consider they have a right to have means for continous position finding on warplanes sold to a sovereign state?
Innsendt av: Kåre R. Nilsen

Hi,

Not sure what you mean? If you are asking about some device on the JSF that allows the US to do tracking....it does not exist.

Colonel Harris
 

Do we need the JSF?

I'm sure that the JSF is the most sophisticated piece of weaponry available to any airforce as you claim.
What, however, is your argument for a small country like Norway for buying these planes? Norway is a country which a. is unlikely to fight any offensive wars abroad like the US b. depends on its airforce merely as a defensive measure and c. depends on its contacts in NATO and the UN should a conflict arise. Wouldn't buying the JSF be a bit of overkill for little old (and peaceloving) Norway? In essence, what do we need it for? Thank you for your reply.
Innsendt av: Lars Gustavsen

Hi,

My Norwegian employees always tell me about the embarrasment to Norway during the 2nd world war...unable to defend themselves or help their allies. Well, don't you think Norwegian's have a duty to future generations to make sure that the mistakes of WWII do not happen again? No one can predict the future...what may be overkill today could be an asset or life-boat in the future.

I want all of our nations to be prepared in the future for whatever lies ahead...have you read the paper about IRAN lately?

Colonel Harris
 

Hr

(1) Will JSF be technologically superior to Eurofighter,

(2) Will the aircrafts delivered to Norway have a lower technological level than the ones to be used by US Air Force, due to secrecy concerns about the technology?
Innsendt av: Arne Grønn

Hi,

1) Yes...JSF technologically superior to Eurofighter. JSF is a 5th generation fighter compared to Eurofighter (4th generation). Windows 95 would be a 4th generation software compared to Windows Vista (5th generation) due out later this year.

2) The Norwegian JSF fighters will be the same as the US planes...we will all operate together with the same capability.

Colonel Harris
 

F-35 vs Typhoon

The F-35 will have the AIM-120 C/D Amraam as its only medium range air to air missile. The Eurofighter Typhoon will have the Meteor in addition to the Amraam. The Meteor has twice the range of the Amraam. Given that the F-35 will not have the same level of stealth as the F-22 Raptor, wouldn't this give the Typhoon an advantage in air to air combat?
Innsendt av: Håvard Z

Twice the range does not equal twice the lethality.

Future coalitions with JSF partners (US certainly a main partner) will operate with F-22 aircraft in an air-superiority role. As we have seen now in two Gulf Wars....there is no air threat after day 1, rendering the Meteor missile as excess equipment. Besides, other technologies may exist that extend the range of AIM-120s....

Colonel Harris
 

NSM and JSF

Will the Norwegian NSM missile be integrated with The F-35?
Innsendt av: Håvard Z

Hi,

Discussion and agreements are being made with Kongsberg to do just that. The are other JSF partners interested in this capability and missile, which is why I believe it will be a big success for Norway

Colonel Harris
 

Israel

Why are not Israel invited to be a level 3 partner, when the Israeli Air and Space Force is among the most experienced in the world? Wouldn't the JSF-programme gain a lot from an Israeli participation?
Innsendt av: Håvard Z

Good Question. I am not sure I have a good answer, other than to say that Israel is a strategic partner in the JSF program, and as such does not have a voice in the development of the plane, and the other JSF partners are happy with tha.

Colonel Harris
 

Source codes

Will USA share the source codes of he F-35 with foreign air forces?
Innsendt av: Håvard Z

Hi,

The US will share some software technology with JSF partners...enough for them to conduct independent operations and maintenance...but that is very little. Actually, there are discussions with Norwegian industry to possibly write source code for JSF training and maintenance equipment. Please understand that much of the JSF maintenance will be circuit card remove and replace so release of "source code" would not help anyone....

Colonel Harris
 

Stealth

Will the F-35's that are to be sold to non-US forces keep the same stealthiness as the US versions?
Innsendt av: Håvard Z

YES. Absolutley.

Colonel Harris
 

Air Superiority versus Strike

While the F-22 is the US fighter for securing air superiority, the JSF is, as given by the name, a strike aircraft. For protecting norwegian airspace against the latest Sukhoi and MiG fighters, isn't the JSF the wrong aircraft for the job? Wouldn't the USAF always choose the F-22 instead of the JSF to defend against the newest russian fighter aircraft?
Innsendt av: Frode Liland

In an air-superiority war, I would agree with you. Have we ever had an air-superiority war? History continues to show that best-value lies in a multirole aircraft. Given the fact that the JSF is fed with F-22 technology, and that sensor and intelligence capability is improved in the JSF over the F-22...I would rather have 48 JSF than 12 F-22's....more options for when the air-superiority war never comes.

Colonel Harris
 

Joint Strike Figther!

IT rules! I just can'y understand that our stupid government haven't taken the offer you are presenting... It's embarrassing, really! Well, the question anyway; What is the best thing with JSF, compared to Eurofighter?
Innsendt av: The Stig

Hi,

I like your government! Honestly, I think they are just taking their time to make sure that 18 Billion Kroner is spent wisely. JSF is a 21st century fighter, a flying computer node with the stealth and lethality unmatched in the world. Instant access to a global intelligence capability makes this plane almost 30 years ahead of its competitors. Why not go into the next coalition with the best? When Norwegian F-16's are retired the Eurofighter will be almost 40 years old, by design....can you think of a better reason to buy JSF?

Colonel Harris
 

"light"-version

Is it so that The US reserves the right to sell so-called light version to the other buyers of the JSF? By this I mean that you sell a less advanced version to others and keep some of the technology secret and to yourselves. If this is correct, why should smaller countries like Norway continue helping you develop a plane that we will get a "lesser" version of?

Regards Tom
Innsendt av:

NO. Guarentees in the JSF partnership and numerous Memorandums of Understanding between governments ensure that there is no "lite" version of the JSF for Norway.

Colonel Harris
 

Technology

How can you claim that JSF is superior to Eurofighter (in the sense of calling it fighter of the future, whilst calling Eurofighter a "fighter of today") without giving the customers complete access to every detail surrounding the fighter platform? Looking at the Eurofighter vs. JSF debate currently in Norway, why shouldn't Norway choose Eurofighter, who guarantees full access to every detail and also has very wide spread utilization of European industry, i.e. involvement of Norwegian manufacturing and engineering industry?
Innsendt av: Henrik Gundersen

Hi,

The US Government and Norwegian Government are the real partners in JSF. Guarentees are Gov't to Gov't. The Norwegian Air Force Colonel stationed at the JSF office in DC has access to every detail surrounding the plane, and transmits that back to the RNoAF and MOD. We have no secrets from our JSF partners. Please understand that NOrwegian officials and military officers receive classified information from which to make decisions. The public at large must trust the Norwegian Military and MOD to make the right decision. I can personally tell you that every Norwegian F-16 pilot I have talked to believe that JSF is the way to go....if you can't trust your own warfighters, who can you trust.

Finally, Norwegian industry will get the details they need to compete and participate in the JSF program, the same as all other partners. This keep competition fair and balanced.

Colonel Harris
 

Cheap version of the plane ?

Thanx for answering these questions, sir


Rumour has it that there will be one version for the US airforce and one version for export, and that there are major differences in what you want to export and what you will have yourself.

It is said, that Norway will only get to buy a cheap version that does not include the stealthtechnology and that you Americans are not willing to share control of the technology that makes the plane work.

Is this true ?


Personally I think your plane would be a good choice, however only if we get control of the planes ourselves.

I'm sure you understand, sir that no nation will be willing to let the USA have a switch off button on the panes that you export.
Innsendt av: Morten

Not True. Norway and the other partners will get the same plane as the US. The technology issue always comes up when foreign companies want to boost their capability (marketability) by getting a technology handout. The US will give Norway and the other partners all the information and capability they need to operate and maintain their planes...but you can't expect the keys to the technology store.

Please understand that there is no "off-button" that we build into the JSF....your Air Force Colonel stationed in DC would be the first one to cry foul....

Colonel Harris
 

Favorisation

is the version that norway and other countries buys going to be equal in performance and quality as the ones the U.S.A buys, or is there going to be inferior versions of the american ones?
Innsendt av: Ming

NO. All 8 partners will be getting the same version as the US....

Colonel Harris
 

Subsidiering

Er det vanskelig å selge et produkt når man ikke kjenner kjøperens egentlige intensjon og behov, så som subsidiering av egen våpenindustri?

Innsendt av: Johan Braanen

Yes, it's tough, but planning for the future by partnering in the best fighter with the best technology is a safe bet.

Colonel Harris
 

Unmanned aircraft

I think the future is for unmanned aircrafts... why should Norway not keep their F16's and develop own technology towards unmanned fighter/bomber?
Why the Eurofighter?
Innsendt av: Trond

I think the unmanned stuff is really 40-50 years away. I have no problem with Norway developing their own fighters/bombers...great! But, you will need a capable fighter in the interim....JSF.

Colonel Harris
 

VTOL

I personally think that JSF will be the best choice for the norwegian air force. It can take of in the woods vertically(2/3 of norway is covered with woods, so that is one of the reasons). But will norway need this fighter? I know the mid-east is very angry with us because of the caricatures of muhammed, but I don't think that they will invade us. Norway is a peaceful country, and it doesn't need state-of-the art jet fighters or weaponry, we haven't been in war for 41 years, and the UK, US and the former soviet hepled us in the war. so why? And that goes for eurofighter too
Innsendt av: Øystein

Hi,

Well, no one can predict what will happen in the future and what enemies we will face (remember 9/11?). By choosing the JSF, Norway will ensure two things....many allies with which than can do operations and the technological edge in future situations. Wouldn't you want the best if you have to defend oil/gas/fish reserves?

Colonel Harris
 

Why should Norwat choose JSF?

Hei,

Why should Norway choose JSF?
The JSF is just a "paper plane" Norway cant protect its airspace with a landingwheel contract.

Eurofighter on the other hand is a ready to use fighter, it have a higher combat radius, higher operational alltitude, its faster and lighter.
So why is the JSF better?

Mvh Ivar
Innsendt av: Ivar Åsbu

Hi,

First, its a paper plane we need...and we need about 2,500 of them. The Eurofighter is only building between 700-800 planes....with 20-year old technology. The US will build this plane and it will be the best. Norwegian F-16's are far superior to the Eurofighter, and will be good for another 15 years or so....why settle for yesterday's technology ....tomorrow? Stay with the JSF and get the best in 15 years.

Colonel Harris
 

Gadgets

Hello,

Typically all the latest and hottest technology in the civilian market has been used and testet by secret branches of the US military for 5-15 years before the public even knows it exists. So was the case for the SR-71, the B2, F117, thermal imaging devices (which are introduced and declassified for civilian market just these days), G2-3 NV and the various guidance systems for bombs and missiles (laser and GPS) was kept secret for a while, although those systems have little civilian usability.

My question is, how old is the F35 technology offered to foreign contries measured in years, compared to the state of the art being developed for prototype use within the USM today?

And can you give examples of the newest technology available to the foreign military markets, with or without Non-Disclosure-Agreements? Target pods, like the Pantera, has been tested on the current fleet of F16's in Norway, but contrary to the official praise, the pilots have found them difficult to use and had problems utilizing them efficiently. Considering the size of the US military budgets, I'd guess the development would have gone far beyond the "not able to hold stabilized image"-problems.

While I wholeheartedly believe the US aircrafts are superior to anything the european wierdos can come up with, I question how much more advanced technology the new fighters will bring to Norway. If the Pantera is the "state of the art", that art aint very impressive if you ask me. The relevant question is to what extent the protection of US military technology will prevent Norway from taking part in the future gadget-fiest. Perhaps by building airplanes in cooperation with close nations like Great Britain and Germany, Norway will be able to develop and use even more advanced equipment because they will not be restricted by export license restrictions placed on the US gadgets.

As a guide to the response I desire, I certainly hope you can disclose something cool about new weapon technology in development 8-) (yeah right)
Innsendt av: Bjarne Samuelsen

Hi,

I wish someone would tell me about the cool stuff too. As you indicate, a lot of technology is kept behind closed doors for many years before it is finally fielded. The current estimates on the technology gap between US and NATO is 10-15 years...and that's on the fielded stuff. You can imagine what's in the labs.

I think Norway's best investment is to stay with JSF and that genre of technology. The Eurofighter group may tell a good story, but they have been telling it for 20 years....where does that put them technologically with the US....about 30 years behind the JSF.

Colonel Harris
 

Vertical takeoff?

hello mr. Harris, i've always been intereses in the fuss about the x-35's capability to takeoff and land vertically, is this a new feature to the x-35 or is it a feature that already excists in the F-22 raptor?
Innsendt av: Marius

This is a new feature in the F-35. There are three variants of the F-35:
CTOL - Conventional take-off and land
CV - Carrier Version
STOVL - Short Take-off Vertical Land
The F-22 has always been a conventional takeoff-land aircraft. Norway plans to purchase the CTOL.

Colonel Harris
 

Supercruise

Do you think that the JSF's inability to supercruise limits its capabilities as an air defense and air supremacy fighter?
Innsendt av: Even Hvinden

No. Supercruise sounds nice and was an asset during the cold war, but operations of the future will rely more on intelligence, information and stealth. I can put an AMRAAM on a cesna and defeat half of the foreign air forces in the world...can't say that the cesna sufers from a lack of supercruise capability if weapons can make up the difference.

Colonel Harris
 

ekstra kostnader

Først og fremst kan man vel si dette er en joint strike bomber, mtp de flyegenskaper denne maskinen innhar.

Men det jeg lurer på, er kostnadene for alt "ekstra" utstyret som kommer i tillegg, samt de håpløse vedlikeholds kontraktene US Airforce bestanding prakker på RNoAF. Ikke nekt, jeg sitter selv som teknikker i Luftforsvaret og har deltatt i flere prosjekter, hvor Norge betaler hue & ræv, sammenligned med hva man kan få ifm eurofighter.
Innsendt av: tommy jensen

Vær så snill, på engelsk.

Colonel Harris
 

G-Force Capabilities?

What kind of G-Force will the new JSF be capable to handle?
Will the pilots have some new kind of G-Force reduction technologies applied to enhance maneuvrability?

And finally what would a natural evolution of the fighter jet be?
Innsendt av: Rune

The JSF is expected to be a 9-G aircraft. Yes, there are new space-age technologies coming with JSF for g-tolerance...a lot of it from NASA.

I believe that manned fighters will continue for at least another 50 years until our computing and decision capability allows for unmanned aircraft. UAV's can accomplish some missions today, but we still need human eyes and brains making decisions.

Colonel Harris
 

Export version.

Is it true that you (USA) will be able to passify some or all of the jsf's you sell at will by remote ?

And the contract's that you wave around you are already promised to Turkey?
Innsendt av: Yochim Bèle

Hi,

No. There is no remote control that turns off Norwegian capability. Your planes are yours!

As a partner, Turkey competes and bids for contracts the same as Norwegian Industry. Contracts that are awarded to foreign industry are unique and separate.

Colonel Harris
 

In an interview you said:
Men for oss handler det om å kunne forsvare friheten og måten vi lever på.
"To defend our freedom and our way of life."
In fact thats a political position and not adequate for a supplier of weapons to express.
So learn that the US freedom and way of life has caused a lot of pain allover the earth. Why should Norway join your cursade around the world for your selfish "values" based on that a conflict eventually threatening your "values" allway is based on that the other are the bad guy
If you dont know Galtung, do your lesson!
Innsendt av: Egil Astad

Hi,

I am not sure what interview you are referring to; however, my position here in Norway is to advise the Norwegian military and government on the US/Norway partnership and military cooperation. Perhaps if you had a question on JSF, I could be more helpful.

Colonel Harris
 

Relations

USA is our most important ally. Do you think it will have negative consequenses for the relationship between USA and Norway if we choose Eurofighter?
Innsendt av: ret. sarge

NO. Norway is a close friend and ally, and that will not change. What will change is our ability to do things together in the future, technologically, militarily, globally. We will always be friends, but if Norway chooses another fighter other than JSF, we may have to play in separate yards.

Colonel Harris
 

Differences

In what aspect will the JSF have the most advantage over the Eurofighter? I'm thinking multirole environment, pilot interface, small nation, cost effectiveness.
Innsendt av: Lars Holten

HI,

Short question, but it requires a long answer. I suppose that if Norway's only threat were airspace violations and national sovereignty, the Eurofighter would do just fine...but...
We live in a different world now that is constantly changing. Global activities and military coalitions now guide how we do business, and no one can tell what capability we will need 20 years down the road. The biggest advantage the JSF has over the Eurofighter, other than cost, is technology. The JSF gives us many options for a changing world....the Eurofighter does not. What threats will Norway face to their oil reserves or fishing zones in the future? No one knows, but I can tell you that buying 20 year old technology today will put you in an awkward position 20 years down the road.

Colonel Harris
 

Stealh

If the stealh technology was to be compromised, will the JSF still be worth the cost? What compromises have been done because of the Stealh technology, like on the B-2 and the F/A-117, where the planes have a top speed of about 0.9 mach (which hopefully ins't the case on the JSF :)
Innsendt av: Kaare

HI,

Well, that is one reason why we are reluctant to "give away" technology. The US has the lead on stealth....and everyone else wants in. The JSF partners will have access to the best fighter in the world, together with stealth capability that does not compromize other mission capabilities.

Colonel Harris
 

winning

Why,will the pilot of a Jsf, have a better chanse of winning an airfight than the eurofighter pilot???
Innsendt av: tintin

Hi,

Steath, onboard sensors, precision, weapons capabilities, access to global information real-time, global deployability, more partners to fight next to.

The Eurofighter was designed for a static war with Russia. The 21st century demands that we do things in coalitions around the globe.

Colonel Harris
 

b plain.

It seems like we are almost forced to buy jsf because we have to ceep good relationship to the US. But do we get the best plane, or do US have something that Norway wont get in the plain. Do we get the A plane, or do we get an B version?
For me it seems like jsf is better than euro for Norwegian use, but we should get the best plane and not a B version when we are spending these amount of money.
Innsendt av: Marius

Hi,

You will get the A-Plane! We want our friends and JSF partners to have the same capability. This allows global coalitions to be more effective and WIN. The Balkan war showed how much of a gap existed between the US and NATO...the JSF is a major step to correct that.

Colonel Harris
 

Technology Holdbacks

Dear Mr. Harris,
I guess I am partial to the JSF, being a Norwegian/American living in the U.S. However, I have heard speculations and rumors, that the JSF version which will go to other countries, will not have the same "cutting edge" technology on board, as the ones who will be used by the U.S. Air Force.

Is there any hold to these rumors?
Innsendt av: Thor Johnsen

Hi,

No truth! The US wants to ensure that JSF partners can conduct the full spectrum of operations at the same level as the US...we will all be flying the same planes, technologically. There will be some adaptations by nations, however, these will be specifically for weapons integrations or other unique operational factors (drag-chutes).

Colonel Harris
 

JSF-Performance

What is the peformance advantages for the new JSF aircraft compared with the "old" F-16 ? (Why should we replace our existing aircrafts at all ?)

Best reg
Arne Gylseth
Innsendt av: Arne Gylseth

Hi,

First, your F-16's, like ours, will be running out of flight over the next 10-15 years and will no longer be air-worthy (you cannot simply replace fighter wings and components like larger aircraft ex. C-130). Coalitions and future military operations will require new technology and capability...why do we continue to upgrade home computers....newer does more things better!

Colonel Harris
 

Great Britain

Great Britain paricipates in the programmes of both planes. Will they choose one type, or go for both in the end?
Innsendt av: Kristian

I believe they will be operating both planes. The Eurofighter meets short term needs and the JSF will play a larger role for their future objectives and naval carrier.

Colonel Harris
 

Why buy JSF?

I have two questions:

It seems that the Lockhead Martin JSF fighter aeroplane that is offered to non-US countries are downstripped version of the US version.

It may be that the socalled "old/obsolete" Eurofighter is better with all its features installed.

1) Why should a non-US customer buy this plane? What are the features (of the non-US version of JSF) that will make this the best choice?

Assuming in the following that the current Eurofighter version is less advanced than the current non-US JSF version.

It may still be better for an european country to buy & maintain an european aerofighter due to the changing and unpredictable US rules & regulations, on what to export (and not to export/maintain) to non-US countries.

Therefore in the future, there is no guarantee that the non-US JSF will not be stripped further down (comared with the US-version) and the Eurofighter becomes more advanced (if not so already).

It may be a risk to buy an US fighter instead of an european fighter.

What is your comments on this?

Thanks for your answers.
Innsendt av: J J

Hi,

First let me say that Norway will get the same version as the US. The guarentee for that is all in the memorandums and contracts we are signing between our governments. Also, you should know that a Norwegian Air Force Colonel sits in the JSF office in Washington DC and makes sure that Norway is getting the best. Two of Norway's biggest allies, the Dutch and Danes are buying JSF. Today, Norway does a tremendous amount of training and deployments with them in the F-16...I do not see this level of cooperation or interoperability continuing with a Norwegian Eurofighter. The US has been with Norway for a long time, I would hope our government guarentees with the program are worth something.

Colonel Harris
 

Bad deal?

All in all it sounds like the JSF package is a worse deal than the european offer. I hope you can clear out some points and prove me wrong.

There's been a lot of confusion about an offset agreement. I've heard Lockheed Martin (LM) arguing that they will make the fighters as cheap as possible, is that even possible if they're using Norwegian services/parts? If no; how will you fulfill your obligations in an offset agreement? I've also read that LM has already broken several points of an existing offset agreement?

Another point is the techology and export version of the F-22. Is the information that only US technicians will have access to "our" planes software true? Won't that make us dependant on US service for many years to come? This will in my opinion lessen Norways political choices to change a strategic defense partner in the future to for example the EU (how realistic or not that might sound). Won't we buy planes and get continued dependancy of a foreign state in the bargain?

Is it also true that foreign nations - allies or not - will only be able to buy the export version, which has a lower combat capability than the US version?

I can understand that USA must put US interests first both techologically and economically, but so does Norway surely?
Innsendt av: Howard Bjerke

HI,

First, the JSF program is NOT an offset program and relies on "Best Value." This means that as a JSF partner bids on work, it is awarded to the company with the best price and capability. This is good and bad, especially if you have high labor costs like Norway....but good if you have a highly educated population and industry willing to find niche work. Norway is doing that succcessfully. Best value is also good in the sense that Norway gets work directly connected to JSF...and not an offset aimed at some other sector of the economy. Maybe Eurofighter is offering %100 percent offset, I don't know, but selling a billion kroners of ski poles to Europe (as an offset) will not do Kongsberg or the defense industry any good.
The Norwegian MOD and trade unions specifically said that they want to keep the defense industry alive in Norway....staying in the JSF program with an estimated industrial contract package nearing 40 billion kroners meets that goal.

Norway will get all the software and maintenance capability they need to be independent. Please be assured that Norway will get the same JSF version as the US as well.

Colonel Harris
 

Internal weapons bay.

-Sir, will the F-35A weapons bay be able to carry two(2) AMRAAMs AND two(2) Kongsberg NSM missiles internally at the same time?

Thanks in advance for answering.
Innsendt av: Engineer

Hi,

Kongsberg is currently engaged with studies to determine this. They have a strong partnership with Lockheed Martin, and the aim of the study is to determine just that...how? how many? how soon?

I think at a minimum the bay will carry two AMRAAM's and one NSM....

Colonel Harris
 

Is the stealth tecnology good enough?

Hello, I would be very very happy if you could answer these questions:

Do the F-35 solve the problem with old longwave radars that can track down "stealth" planes?

How is it going to defend itself against the SA-3, since one of them managed to shot down an F-117 in the Kosovo war?

Is it capable to win a combat against the Russian SU-47 Berkut, and if so, what's the odds?

What's the biggest threat to the F-35?

What's the point with these highly advanced stealth-fighters? Is it to show who's the boss, or are we afraid of another cold war?
Wouldn't it be better to focus on improving the armor of the soldiers, since it is them who takes the biggest casualties?

Thank you so much.
Innsendt av: Olav

Hi,

All good questions. I will not address the questions regarding capability, since as you know many are classified. I will tell you that JSF stealth design is focused on survivability and exceeds all previous stealth aircraft designs.

Biggest threat to the F-35: US Congress!

Body armor is needed, but ask yourself whether Norwegian soldiers in Afghanistan wnated more body armor or fighter aircraft support when they were attacked 2 months ago....I believe the fighter support got there quicker and actually dispersed the angry crowd...there is a need for all types of equipment...the F-16's are wearing out, so let's replace them with the modern stuff!

Colonel Harris
 

VS Eurofighter

Hi

What do you think is Eurofighter's biggest advantage compared with Joint Strike Figher ?

And vice versa?

Is it hard for the groundcrew and pilots
to convet from F16 to JSF?
Innsendt av: nebzen

Eurofighter advantages? Well, they are available to anyone....the US and JSF partners are the only ones cleared to buy at this time....what does that tell you?

The JSF will have almost a fully automated maintenance capability. Faults and failures will be data-linked to ground crews before the plane lands...maintenance crews will be waiting with parts and fuel. I think you'll find the transition from F-16 to JSF to be very easy...since the JSF is replacing mostly F-16's worlwide, Lockheed Martin and the USAF are making sure this transition goes well.

Colonel Harris
 

Technology

Will the technology in the Norwegian JSF be any different from the technology installed in the American aircrafts? Secondly will the RNAF have access to the same technology when the aircrafts will need an upgrade?
Innsendt av: Former Officer

YES! The same technology.
YES! The same upgrades...why would the US want to go into future coalitions with less capable friends and allies? We don't!

Colonel Harris
 

About F-35 JSF

Hey! I some questions about the F-35 JSF. I am very interested in combat airplanes so therefore I have "more than average"- number of questions...

*Why is F-35 less expensive than the Eurofighter? One JSF costs about 40 -50 million $ with equipment, but an EF 2000 will cost nearly 75 mill. $. The Eurofighter is not a stealth-plane (...), and I have read that the JSF (in some parts of the aircraft) has even more advanced technology than the EF 2000.
Eventually, the JSF is supposed to the less advanced because of the lowered price - but it is just up there with the Eurofighter for a much lower price, how.. ??

*The JSF is supposed to be a stealth plane... Is it entirely/completely stealth on radar or does it have a just much lowered radar signature?

*Is the JSF at it´s best as a fighterbomber or an interceptor?

*I´ve read that the top speed of JSF is mach 1.7, an I´m wonering - Why such low? The fighterplanes in the previous decades was much faster..
- How does the JSF manouver compared to the EF 2000? Can it take approximately 9 or 10 G´s.

* Do you need stelthness in dogfighting?
If not, honestly who would be best in a dogfight - the Eurofighter vs JSF or the JSF vs F-16????

* How much an what kind of weapons can the JSF carry?

*Can the JSF be used as a reconaissanse aircraft??

*I´m wondering much about the performance on the JSF.
Do you have any numbers on acceleration??
- I am specially interested in numbers for 0-60 mph., 0- mach 1 and 0- top speed

*Finally what makes the JSF better than the Eurofighter?

Thank you for answering!!


Innsendt av: Nadan Dervoz

Hi,

Yes! The JSF will be an intelligence magnet! Not only will onboard sensors and displays allow the pilot to conduct reconaissance, but any information gathered can be instantly sent to anyone worldwide....a global internet of sorts.

I do not have specific acceleration numbers for the plane. Sorry. Ask me again in about a year after test and evaluation begins to publish them.

JSF better then Eurofighter? YES, and here's why:
1) 5th Generation Fighter Technology
2) Interoperability with the US and 7 international partners on a global scale
3) Cost! $47M per JSF....I believe the Eurofighter is well over $100M per plane.
4) Industrial benefit to Norway -- JSF provides Norwegian industry with 40 years of high tech work directly related to JSF (value somewhere around 40 Billion Kroner).
5) Enhanced partnership with the US and allies for the next 40 years....globally.

Colonel Harris
 

Personlige egenskaper

Hvilke krav stiller dere til personlige egenskaper, evner og ferdigheter hos pilotene ?
Innsendt av: Ole Christian

Please ask again in English!

Takk

Colonel Harris
 

JSF

The JSF is undoubtably a great fighter, and have the 'looks of the future'.
But is it not primarily an air-to-ground fighter ? How does it compare to Typhoon in air-to-air ?
If they are comparable, heck, we should order 100 f-35s.

Seriously, if it was up to me, it would be JSF all the way.

Innsendt av: Knut Loiefjes

Hi,

The JSF is designed as a multirole fighter and performs equally well in both Air-Air and Air-Ground. In Fact, technology and the radar from the F-22 is being used in the JSF development, and the F-22 is by some estimates 40 years ahead of other enemy competitors in the world. Since the F-22 (air-air) technology has flowed down to JSF, and since JSF has global access to intelligence and sensor information, my money would be on JSF in an air-air fight....all the way. Can Typhoon defeat existing enemies and technologies of today....probably, but we are not building the JSF for today....it's the future, and no one walks into ELKJOP and says "I want to buy last years computer."

Colonel Harris
 

Remote control

As the most advanced fightingmachine today, isn't it a designflaw that the JSF is dependent on a pilot, and not remote-controlled? How long would you estimate it will be before all new fighters are designed for remote control?
Innsendt av: Henrik

Hi,

If you mean unmanned vehicles, we are doing that today. Unfortunately, computer power and sensors cannot replace the eyes and brains of a pilot...yet. I expect the JSF to be that last manned fighter aircraft produced in this century.

Colonel Harris
 

Dogfight

Which plane would win in a dogfight? JSF or Eurofighter?
Innsendt av: Dawg

Good question. As an F-16 pilot I always consider that when fighting an opponent. I imagine that in-close combat with guns and IR missiles could be won by Eurofighter...but the bigger question is would there even be a fight if Eurofighter were shot down 40 miles from the in-close fight? The JSF will have access to multiple intelligence and satellite sources, real-time. They will know where the Eurofighter is, before the Eurofighter (1980's) radar can even see the JSF. Using technologies and weapons I can't discuss here, the Euorfighter will be dead before it even sees the JSF....so bottom line: It doesn't matter who would win a dogfight...

Colonel Harris
 

New features ++

What is the features and new inventions of tomorrows fighter planes? Can both increased speed AND better manouverability be achieved simultanously?
Innsendt av: Per Ivar

Hi,

Yes, to some extent, speed and manuverability can be achieved simultaneously, but that is not what defines the new fighters of the 21st century. Network-centric capabilities (information gathering and sharing), stealth, self protection and weapons precision are key to operating over the next 40 years.

Colonel Harris
 

Advantages

Apart from the VTOL-, "stealth"- and supercruise abilities, what are the other advantages JSF has over other modern fighter jets?
Innsendt av: skrangel

Hi,

Network-centric capabilities. The US is building (has built) a global information grid (global internet) for intelligence, targeting, area information, and the list goes on. The JSF will be able to plug into this global information real-time....as well as pass information it collects globally. Want to know who is cruising the Barents...just do a google search in your JSF and find out.

The are other significant enhancements in terms of pilot awareness, self defense and weapons...to numerous to discuss here. Needless to say that by some estimates, the JSF will be almost 30 years ahead of the Eurofighter when it is operational in 2010...that's the difference between an ME-109 and an F-4....what do you think?

Colonel Harris
 

Lukket kildekode

- Det sies at Norge ikke vil få full tilgang til teknologien og softwaren i flyene som kjøpes.

Mitt spørsmål er:
Hvordan kan norge, dersom vi ikke får full tilgang til teknologien og softwaren i disse flyene, vite at det ikke av produsenten er lagt inn en trojansk hest eller en annen skjult svakhet i flyene?

(Vær så snill å la være å inkludere svada om at vi jo er nasjoner som har et godt forhold til hverandre, at man uansett må stole gjensidig på hverandre ved en slik avtale osv.. Det er irrellevant, sikkerhetspolitiske forhold i verden konstant endrer seg, og det er vel nettopp mye pga av muligheten for slike endringer at vi faktisk trenger et forsvar.)
Innsendt av: FlygerFredrik

HI,

Norway will get the same technology package as the US!

Colonel Harris
 

Why?

Is it true that we will not get the full package if we decide to buy this F22 Raptor? Like you built better for yourself and sell crap to us!

If so why should we buy a half product?

I think we should buy from the swedes, much more trust worthy and they deserves it more!

Innsendt av: Svein

Hi,

Last time I looked, the Swedes were not in NATO. The US has been here for Norway for the last 60+ years and longer. The JSF continues our military partnership well into the 21st century and provides Norwegian industry a significant industrial package worth over 20 Billion Kroner. Can the Swedes do that...and watch your back?

Colonel Harris
 

Downgraded?

I've heard that the JSF offered to Norway is actually a downgraded version compared to the one being built for the US Airforce. Is this true or is it just an adaption to our requirements? And if so, what are the differences in the two versions?
Innsendt av: Marius

Its the same plane as the US! Norway has an Air Force officer stationed in Washington DC at the JSF program office who watches over Norway's interest in the program. Norway has some different requirements for the plane, and the liaison in DC makes sure they are inputed into the program.

Colonel Harris
 

Opensource software?

Hi!

Will all the programmable circuitry on your fighter be delivered with open source software? So that the user can recompile and reprogram as he feels?
Innsendt av: FlipFlap

Hi,

Norway will be given what they need to "Norwegianize" the plane, but you must understand that some software and circuitry will be reserved US only. It's only fair since US taxpayers paid for the development of the technology...why should we just give it away.

Colonel Harris
 

Halvveis

Hvorfor skal norge kjøpe "papirfly", fly som ikke engang er ferdige?

Hadde vert komisk den dagen norge får bruk for flyene sine, å mens andre tar av for målet står vi der å vifter med en landingshjul avtale...

Dette er satt litt på spissen men sånn rent teknisk er vell eurofighter best? lavere vekt, raskere, høyere operasjonshøyde osv?
Innsendt av: Ivar

Hi,

I prefer the question in English, but to answer your first question: Why should Norway buy a paper plane that is not ready and complete. Your friend and ally the US is committeed to building and buying the best 5th generation airplane in the world (actually, the only 5th generation in the world). Look at the US aviation history....we don't build planes for profit, we build them to win. The JSF is under development and will be in production starting next year...it will be built, it will be the best, and we want our friend Norway to be in the club.

Colonel Harris
 

JSF and F22

JSF is in many ways a watered down version of F22. I understand that elements in F22 can not be sold to other countries, as the technology is very advanced, and the US wants to keep its edge. My question is, as time goes by, will the US be willing to downgrade these elements, and potentially upgrade the JSFs of its allies?
Innsendt av: John Berntsen

Hi,

Well, watered down? The JSF is its own airplane. Technology from the F-22 has flowed down to the JSF to keep the price low, but I would hardly say it is watered down. The Norwegian JSF will be the same as the US, with guarentees for upgrades as technology changes...I'm not sure that the Eurofighter (industrial) consortium can guarentee that

Colonel Harris
 

Source Code

I was just wondering if you would be handing out the source code for the software along with the planes?

Since the plane is not able to fly without it, will you deliver it closed or open for the buying countrys?

Best of luck with the deal, my five cents are on you.
Innsendt av: Marius

Thank you for your vote! When you buy an IPOD, do you get the source code? No, and it works just fine...if it breaks, then you have warranties and guarentees from the company. Norway will receive everything they need to operate and maintain the JSF....source code is not needed to do that.

Colonel Harris
 

Norwegian subsupplying

Hey, i seen it been told norwegian subsuppliers are way too expensive. This is typical companies like Kongsberg etc. Im from a mid size norwegian company, we are sure we can supply example maritime equipment services to LockheedMartin group .To competetive prices and high technology.
Is the buyback neccesaery to be just aviation technology (engine parts, aviontics etc) or can it be maritime technology that we are competitive in ?
Ive seen in denmark they do transport services for the program

Innsendt av: Geir

As a partner in JSF, Norway will be partnered to support mainly JSF business and activities. However, as you know in business, associations made and cultivated in JSF will definately lead to other Norwegian industry opportunities in the future, especially as Norway expands JSF work in the European JSF partner consortium. Lockheed Martin is a big company, and are always looking for partners in all areas.
Norwegian subsuppliers can be more expensive, but in my experience they are extrememly smart when it comes to finding niche products and services to offer international companies...I am positive there are ample opportunities to win with JSF.

Colonel Harris
 

Joint Strike Fighter is ...

Personally I find the eurofighter typhoon a lot better looking than the JSF, yet, I've heard and read of various forums that both JSF AND EFT lacks ethical precision in live-combat.

Do you think that the JSF will KILL less civilians than the eurofighter typhoon if ever used in combat?

Fredrik
Innsendt av: Fredrik Sele

YES. The JSF will have 21st century capability and intelligence gathering capabilities. This alone will ensure that if it is used in combat, the strike will be with precision and minimum casualties. Look at History. The Second World War saw a lot of civilian casualties from aircraft bombings....as technology got better in the 60's, 70's and 80's, so did civilian casualties. Desert Storm in 1991 saw tremendous precision with F-16's ( a 4th generation fighter). The JSF (a 5th generation fighter) will continue to improve on targeting and intelligence. The Eurofighter is still a 4th generation fighter (F-16 like), and will be 30 years behind the JSF when the JSF becomes operational in 2010.

Colonel Harris
 

Hello!

What can you offer that neither Rafael, Gripen or the Eurofighter have? Primary stealth-technology, others?

If Norway decides choose your aeroplane it will most probably be the multi-role model. In general, what kind of mission is it capable of doing? Cost? Weapons?

OK, wheels for an aeroplane = a lot of money. But this doesn't help us if we
don't get to build these things. If we proceed with the program and give you our money, what will we end up with?
Innsendt av: hola

The JSF offers 5th generation stealth and technology. What does that mean? Well, it is almost the same technology difference between a 1950's radio and an IPOD. They both play music, but the IPOD has a tremendous capability out of the kitchen. I realize this simplifies the explanation, but 21st century problems will require access to information and intelligence that demands a fundemental change in fighter aircraft capability. The JSF delivers on that capability.

Norwegian JSFs will be capable of the same mission that Norwegian F-16s perform today...PLUS, they will have access to a global information net of intelligence awareness data. Want to know who is cruising around in the Barents? The JSF will have real-time information onboard that shows pilots just about everything...with the ability of transmitting what they find to anyone in the word...a flying internet capability.

The JSF will cost Norway about $47M per plane. A total of 48 planes will be around $2.7B dollars, or about 18 Billion Norwegian Kroner. Compare this to Eurofighter at around 40 Billion Norwegian Kroner and you'll see that you get a better plane with less money, backed by an ally, the US. What is the decision here?

Colonel Harris
 

Wich plane from the JSF program are you offering

Hi
Seeing I am very interested in military equipment and history im very interested in what kind of technology USA and LM are offering to Norway for the huge sum of aprox 40 milliarder NOK (about 240 billion dollars if im not mistaking)

The Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) is a multi-role fighter optimized for the air-to-ground role but it can be equipped to meet many demands and situations. The USMC has ordered a Multi-role Short Take-Off & Vertical Landing (STOVL) version of the LM's F-35. Seeing USA is the home for the development for this technology will allies of the USA recive the same equipment as USA or will we be given downgraded equipment or lesser performance?

Also seeing Norway dont have the same military budget as USA and cant afford to buy the same plane with different platforms how can Norway be guranteed that whe we order 48 Multi-role fighters wich will perform au-pair with what our F-16 today does. The F-16 is in no way an outdated fighter, it still boosts amazing thrust to weight ratio, has amazing turn rates and can solve BARCAP/CAP missions as well as CAS mission. I have no doubt about the F-35 and its performance on paper but a plane built to complement the F-22. The short story about the JSF and i quote "The 1993 Bottom-Up Review (BUR) determined that a separate tactical aviation modernization program by each Service was not affordable and canceled the Multi-Role Fighter (MRF) and Advanced Strike Aircraft (A/F-X) program. Acknowledging the need for the capability these canceled programs were to provide, the BUR initiated the Joint Advanced Strike Technology (JAST) effort to create the building blocks for affordable development of the next-generation strike weapons system. After a review of the program in August 1995, DoD dropped the "T" in the JAST program and the JSF program has emerged from the JAST effort. Fiscal Year 1995 legislation merged the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Advanced Short Take-off and Vertical Landing (ASTOVL) program with the JSF Program. This action drew the United Kingdom (UK) Royal Navy into the program, extending a collaboration begun under the DARPA ASTOVL program." What is said here is the JSF program was created to cancle the multi-role fighter and focus on platforms for each situation. USAF will use the F-35 to complement the F-22, but Norway cant afford another platform. So what makes the F-35 so much better than the Eurofighter wich is a plane built for multi-role.. I'm a fan of USA development on Air Force technology but when my country is about to spend that kind of money on a deal like this it's nice to know that whats beeing bought is the best for us and the terrain it will be used it

Regards
Peter
Innsendt av: Peter Å. Bang

Hi,

First, the JSF price for Norway is only about 18 Billion Norwegian Kroner. The Eurofighter will cost Norway over 40 Billion Norwegian Kroner. The JSF is a better plane for less money.

Norway will receive the same equipment as the US! The US expects all future military activities to be in coalitions, and therfore desire for all our allies to have the same equipment. After all, Norway will not only be supporting other Norwegians, but the US and NATO allies as well. Why would we want to offer you less of a plane...everyone could be in jeopardy.

Let me say that US guarentees are assured to Norway through contracts and government agreements. I think Norway is safer with a JSF offered by a friend and ally, the U.S. Government, then they are from a Eurofighter being offered by an industrial consortium.

Lastly, the JSF is being developed for network-centric warfare in the 21st century. It is a flying computer with access to worldwide intelligence and information at internet speeds. It is the only 5th generation manned fighter that will be built in the 21st century. The Eurofighter has been looking for a market for 20 years and is based on 4th generation technology...Norway's F-16's are today superior to the Eurofighter...I know, I've flown your planes and have taken the F-16 into combat. History has shown that when you plan to fight the last war you are destined for failure....Eurofighter is the equipment of the last war.

Colonel Harris
 

Acceleration VS Acrobatic

What is the acceleraton of the US plain in a distanse of 500m.

Asuming a sharp turn and then accelerating for 500m ?

I believe the Eurofigter is better suited for this
Innsendt av: Akhil

Interesting question. I imagine this is a good quality if your desire is to turn and run from the enemy. Honestly, I don't think this criteria has been measured in the JSF

A better question would be "does the Eurofighter have the technology to join network-centric coalitions in the 21st century?" NO

"Can the Eurofighter conduct multirole operations better than today's fighter aircraft (like the F-16)?" NO

"Is the Eurofighter interoperable with other allies on a global level?" No

Pure questions on acceleration and turn performance no longer have any meaning in todays environment.

Colonel Harris
 

Joint Strike Fighter

How you would ensure the norwegian people that buying Joint Strike Fighter from US is a much better option than Eurofighter?

In this case, what would you say we'll earn on this?
Innsendt av: Andreas

Good Question. The US Government and 7 other partners are committed to making JSF a success. The US needs JSF to replace its aging fighter fleet, and therefore is working to produce the best multirole fighter in the world. Today, the US expects to produce over 5,000 JSFs in the next 40 years. That guarentees sustained industrial participation in a high-tech fighter for the same period. By contrast, the Eurofighter will only build between 700-800 planes, based on 1980-90's technology.
Eurofighter is being offered by an industrial consortium
JSF is being offered by a friend and major ally
Who do you think will stand by their promises in 40 years?

Colonel Harris
 

radarusynlighet

er ikkje deres fly best ,når det gjelder
radarusynleghet ,hva seier testene om
det ,regner med dere veit litt om
konkurenten.
Innsendt av: einar kåre heggedal

Can you please ask your question in English?

Colonel Harris
 

Endurance

Hello!
One of the main capabilities stated in earlier studies, voiced a urgent need for at least 1:40 Hour CAP ops at a distance of 200NM from base. Is this a valued capability combined with also a need for air-to-air refuling capability in a Norwegian AD inventory?
Innsendt av: ln

If your question is regarding JSF capability to meet this requirement, then YES, this requirement will be met by JSF. The JSF has air-air refueling capability, and almost 3-times the internal fuel of the current Norwegian F-16's.

Colonel Harris
 

Missiles

Hello. Will the missiles already in use fit the new fighter without adaptation? The software used in JSF, will it be open-sourced?
Innsendt av: Paal Kristian Saethern

HI,

Yes, most of Norway's missiles will fit in the new fighter, although I believe that the IRIS-T, recently purchased by Norway may need some integration work. Much of the software in the JSF will not be open source; however, software for training and logistic support will be.

Colonel Harris
 

JSF game

Have you tried the JSF flight simulator by the norwegian company Innerloop, and if yes, do you think the flight model is realistic compared with the real JSF?
Innsendt av:

No, I have not. You might be interested to know that the Real JSF Cockpit simulator is coming to Oslo 29 May. You can fly it and judge for yourself....it is a trip!

Colonel Harris
 

The Real Thing

Why are you unwilling to sell the Top Spec version to Norway?
Innsendt av: Arvid Lone

Norway is getting the Top-Spec Version! The US recognizes that we cannot fight alone anymore and wants our allies fighting along side with the best. Norway and the other 7 JSF partners will be getting US SPEC aircraft...we want our friends and allies interoperable with us when we have to fight together.

Colonel Harris
 

Stealth Capability

The JSF airplanes are modelled after the F22 Raptor, which is primarily a stealth fighter aircraft. Now, based on what I've heard, the JSF will only have a severely limited version of this "new" and "revolutionary" stealth technology that the Raptor is so widely known for.

Thus, leaving us with an air superiority fighter modelled after a stealth fighter. Doesn't this moot the whole point of having an aircraft based on the F-22 Raptor?
Innsendt av: Eirik Steen-Olsen

The Joint Strike Fighter was designed around STEALTH. Yes, many technologies that went into F-22 development flowed down to the JSF, but remember that the JSF is being designed as a multirole fighter...and thus utilizes different aspects of F-22 stealth and technology. Needless to say, the JSF will be far superior to any other multirole fighter in the air today.

Colonel Harris
 

Norwegian JSF

Will the Norwegian JSF be like the American? Or will it be different?
Innsendt av: Petter

It will be the same as the American! In today's world, the US recognizes it cannot fight terror and other enemies alone. Our allies will fight next to us with the SAME equipment and technology. The US Government is making a committment to that.

Colonel Harris
 

hey

why do you mean joint Strike Fighter are better then eurofighter??
do the us army youse this plane to?
I know! i suck write english:)hehe
Innsendt av: dag inge

Hi,

The Joint Strike Fighter is replacing multirole aircraft in the US Air Force, Navy and Marines. It is also replacing the aircraft in 8 partner countries (Norway, Denmark, Netherlands, Italy, UK, Turkey, Canada, and Australia). The aircraft will have 5th Generation Technology. Eurofighter is still a 4th Generation plane, and still does not have the capability of Norway's current F-16. What do you think?

Colonel Harris