Asw F-18...hmmmmmm

[Tuck]

Ok, so there is a topic going on HS about the S-3 Viking being retired and Lynn Ritger made the comment about makign a 4-seat ASW F-18......

Oh, that sounds like a NEAT what-if concept!  So, if it's a 4-seat, put 2x2 in tandem ala the Prowler or 4 in a row?  Widen the fuse for 2x2 tandem?  Hmmmm could be neat!

Ok, back now, with a drawing!

[Jeffry Fontaine]

Sometimes it is better to leave these things to your imagination.  Now that you have provided a concept image I am horrified.  It looks like a sex toy with wings.  

[B777LR]

Lol, looks like an egg plane

But why not? The Rhino has taken so many roles in the US navy, it could just as well replace the S-3 as well ^_^
S/A-18H Hornet
And how about an E/A-18I? (with radar dish!)

[ysi_maniac]

This design is beautiful and it is doable. Look at this http://www.whatifmodelers.com/forum//index...10&hl=stardelta

Fascinating really        

[kitnut617]

That's a really neat idea, but I would have used the SuperBug as a base, bigger everything to work with.

[Tuck]

Sometimes it is better to leave these things to your imagination.  Now that you have provided a concept image I am horrified.  It looks like a sex toy with wings.

         

BZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ!


It's the only aircraft my wife likes.....wonder why?    

[gunfighter]

Superbug+Platypus nose?

[upnorth]

Superbug+Platypus nose?

Sort of what I was thinking. Not just the Platypus nose, but the tail spike between the burners. It would be perfect for the MAD gear.

[GTX]

Interesting when one also considers the Su-32FN was supposedly to have an ASW role including carrying torpedos and sonobouys - this could be the USN equivalent.

Regards,

Greg

[noxioux]

This is a great idea, but that does look like a hasegawa egg plane at first glance. . .

Why does it need 4 crew?  How about 3 in tandem on a slightly stretched superbug?  Or do you need the extra crewmen at all?

Part of the most interesting aspect of this whiff concept will be the weaponry and stores.  I think you've got something with some serious potential here.

[MAD]

Interesting when one also considers the Su-32FN was supposedly to have an ASW role including carrying torpedos and sonobouys - this could be the USN equivalent.

Regards,

Greg

Not really efficient for ASW ops, in both cost and loitering time/time-on-station.
An efficient ASW platform requires prop or high-bypass turbofans, and the ability to fly at low speeds!
I think the USN has pushed the idea of standardization with the F/A-18E/F just about as far as it can with the Growler (F/A-18G) design.
With the continues growing strength and capability of the PRC (Peoples Republic of China) and the aspirations of Russia to once again to play with the 'Big Boys', perhaps (and I hope!) the US Military will once again wake up and smell the roses!
Especially the USN and its complacency when it comes to its carrier wings and specialized aircraft that are needed to operate from carriers.
Once again I am sad to say that the US Military has forgotten important and costly lessons of the past. This became very apparent to me when they decided that a dedicated fixed-wing ASW aircraft was no longer needed, with the end of the Cold War – Even though the modern submarine and sub-launched missiles have become prolific all around the world. Especially when the likes of France and Russia are prepared to sell its most advanced systems and weapons to anyone that has the cash!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


M.A.D

[MAD]

Ok, so there is a topic going on HS about the S-3 Viking being retired and Lynn Ritger made the comment about makign a 4-seat ASW F-18......

Oh, that sounds like a NEAT what-if concept!  So, if it's a 4-seat, put 2x2 in tandem ala the Prowler or 4 in a row?  Widen the fuse for 2x2 tandem?  Hmmmm could be neat!

Ok, back now, with a drawing!

Although I do not like the concept of a ASW F/A-18E
I love your drawing!
Any chance of a side-on view of your idea to go with the top and frontal view?

M.A.D

[gunfighter]

I like the concept of an all-superbug flight line, but if you are looking for endurance, 4 men crew and housing for sensors, why don´t they use the Hawkeye airframe?. I´m planning a CO-IN aircraft for Irak, from the basis of an E-2C. It will be a mix Hawkeye-Invader, with wing tip tanks and lots of underwing ordnance. It may also have a turret for a Bushmaster gun, similar to one I saw on a B-57 special derivative. What do you think?    

[Joe C-P]

The adapted Hawkeye is intriguing; the C-2 cargo version is a more likely variant to use because of its shape. But I don't know if they're structured to be able to carry armament on the wings.

There must be other candidates, aircraft of more modern design than the S-3.

One possibility is the V-22. Close up the aft ramp, since it's not needed, and add the standard systems from the ASW helos: MAD, sonobuoy dropping system, dipping sonar, and a couple ASW torps. It has more speed and better range than a helo, yet can also hover to dip and prosecute. Maybe I'll write an article for Proceedings magazine.  :ar:  

[Gary]

Think drone