On Sun, 01 Feb 2009 17:33:08 GMT, Arved Sandstrom
wrote:

On Sun, 01 Feb 2009 11:01:51 -0600, Dan wrote:
[ SNIP ]
Not to mention Russia has nothing to gain using bombers instead of
ICBM and SLBM if they wish to start something stupid.

Dan, U.S. Air Force, retired

What's your take on the core question? Namely, the adequacy of F-35s for
this role?


The issues are probably will be:

1) detector coverage, AWACS, ground-based and in the interceptors

2) response time

3) weapons compatibility

The job could be done with anything from century series fighters
on, the issue with F15's is the aircraft. wearing out, and the
lower maintenance associated with newer technology.

As potential opponents move into stealth, the money will need to
go into detection (and weapons integrated into better detection).



Peter Skelton