Mon Jul 10, 2006 12:08 pm
Since the BAe Lightning was never in US Air Force service, I have to think that the "Lightning I" is the ol' Peter Three Eight.
Mon Jul 10, 2006 12:15 pm
Vulture would have been me pick. 
Mon Jul 10, 2006 12:45 pm
Randy Haskin wrote:Since the BAe Lightning was never in US Air Force service, I have to think that the "Lightning I" is the ol' Peter Three Eight.
Yes, I think you're probably right, but I understand that Britain has been a big partner in the F-35 development.
I think the RAF is going to fly it, too (?)
Mon Jul 10, 2006 1:37 pm
That's it, I can't take it any longer. Two pages on the topic w/o a pic of the aircraft in discussion.
Well here it is:
USAF version (F-35A)
USMC version (F-35B)
USN version (F-35C)
That's better
t~
Well here it is:
USAF version (F-35A)
USMC version (F-35B)
USN version (F-35C)
That's better
t~
Mon Jul 10, 2006 2:49 pm
As reported on the Wings/Airpower magazine website:
“The F-35 Lightning II will carry on the legacy of two of the greatest and most capable fighter aircraft of all time,” said Ralph D. Heath, president of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co. “Just as the P-38 and the British Lightning were at the top of their class during their day, the F-35 will redefine multi-role fighter capability in the 21st century.”
Wouldn't that make it the Lightning III?
“The F-35 Lightning II will carry on the legacy of two of the greatest and most capable fighter aircraft of all time,” said Ralph D. Heath, president of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co. “Just as the P-38 and the British Lightning were at the top of their class during their day, the F-35 will redefine multi-role fighter capability in the 21st century.”
Wouldn't that make it the Lightning III?
Mon Jul 10, 2006 2:52 pm
No wonder it's so far over budget,... those people can't even count to 3 ! 
Mon Jul 10, 2006 3:13 pm
blacksheep wrote:...Wouldn't that make it the Lightning III?
Indeed. Thanks for clarifying this.
Mon Jul 10, 2006 3:30 pm
Originalboxcar wrote:That's it, I can't take it any longer. Two pages on the topic w/o a pic of the aircraft in discussion.
I think the name Gremlin is more fitting...it's quirky appearance reminds me of the classic car...or those bad-ass alien thingies from the movies with the same name.
Mon Jul 10, 2006 5:38 pm
I hope it isn't the lemon that the B-! is.
Tue Jul 11, 2006 9:35 am
It will be interesting to see what the crews name it - "Jug" vs. Thunderbolt, "Warthog" vs Thunderbolt II, "BUFF" vs Stratofortress, "Sluf" vs. Corsair II. Should be interesting!
Tom P.
Tom P.
Tue Jul 11, 2006 4:56 pm
blacksheep wrote:Wouldn't that make it the Lightning III?
Not unless the BAe Lightning was
A) In the US Inventory
B) Called the "Lightning II" to begin with.
Tue Jul 11, 2006 5:49 pm
Randy Haskin wrote:blacksheep wrote:Wouldn't that make it the Lightning III?
Not unless the BAe Lightning was
A) In the US Inventory
B) Called the "Lightning II" to begin with.
Randy- I believe the "googly eyed" smilie means he was making a (very good) joke.
Tue Jul 11, 2006 6:46 pm
Maybe they could squeeze by on a technicality, since the British named both the Lockheed and the BAe airframes. And yes, I'm trying, in a miserable manner I guess, to provide humor...
Tue Jul 11, 2006 10:28 pm
Too bad the Army co-opted Native American tribal names for helicopters. The F-35 Apache sounds pretty darn cool to me.
Sat Jul 22, 2006 10:48 am
Lightning II sucks (what would they have called the X-32?), but really gets me is that it'll be the F-35 (think we skipped a few numbers there, unless there are an awful lot of fighters I've never heard of)