Can someone please explain to me the reason behind the various numbers for Fighter Jets?
That is, after the F-22 they went straight on to the F-35.
I don't understand how it works.
By
18Karl |
Dec 24 2014 5:10 PM:
Two theories. I really do not know. My first theory is that the names, like F-23, F-24, F-25.....F-34 are already used by other products. My second theory is that they named the unsuccessful prototypes F-23, F-24......etc. until they get a good one, which in this case, is the F-35
"Oi you! Yeah you! How many commies have you shot today"
18Karl:
What I know is this:
"F" stands for "Fighter". It is not the military which develops these aircraft, but rather military industry companies like Boeing and Lockheed. Unsuccessful prototypes and their numbers are discarded, as you said.
The F-16, F-22, and F-35 are pretty much the three kinds of US Fighter Jets in the "F" series which are still in use, mostly due to factors such as age (heck, the F-16 was created in the late 1970s).
Boeing and Lockheed had a competition to develop the best prototype so that they could win a contract with the Pentagon. Lockheed won with its prototype which it called the "X-35", and that eventually became the F-35 Lightning II.
Based on this, I've been trying to find the latest experimental models by Lockheed and Boeing so that I can figure out what the F-35's success will be. I haven't had much success.
Dang. They still use the F-15 as well.
By
1-up |
Dec 26 2014 10:52 AM
They have names, the f-15 is called the eagle. Usually the manufacturer names it. The service which employs it uses a numbering system each had its own, but the DOD changed the numbering system so all similar planes had the same designation. Before, A plane used by the USAF might have a certain designation, but in the navy a different one.
Dunning-Kruger effect.
