Japan is rapidly wearing out its F-15Js due to a high recent tempo of intercepts/escort outs of intruding Chinese and Russian aircraft. The 147 x F-35s Japan is buying are not as aerodynamically suited to peacetime intercept then escort out role.
Glib statements theat F-35s can intercept aircraft with missiles, often beyond visual range are of no help to the delicate task of manoeuvring close to intruding aircraft in peacetime and of course being seen by the intruder to do so. The F-35 does not fill the F-15's peacetime intercept role well.
Basically and in addition to the 147 x F-35s Japan needs faster more manoeuvrable twin jet aircraft to take over the existing F-15J role. Japan has very limited replacement options, as:
- the US does not trust its allies to have F-22s.
- Japan cannot develop a duplicate of the F-22 (eg. the X-2 Shinshin) in under 2 or 3 decades and at
huge cost
- the Eurofighter Typhoon looks tempting noting its Rate of climb: 62,600 ft/min is better than
the F-15's and Typhoon Thrust/weight is 1.15
- but alliance pressures with associated and trade/foreign exchange pressures may mean another
purchase of available US aircraft is the only politically realistic course.
So, in addition to the 147 x F-35s Japan may need to buy (say 50?) US aircraft. Maybe:
- Super Hornets. BUT its Rate of climb of 44,882 ft/min is only marginally better
than the F-35's 45,000 ft/min and the Super Hornet's Thrust/weight: 0.93 at 1.1 is not much better
than the F-35s Thrust/weight of 0.87 to 1.07. Also Japan is not familiar with the Super Hornet and
does not have logistic infrastructure for it.
OR
- New F-15s. These are better suited for the peacetime intercept niche/role noting Japan's
F-15J's Rate of climb is >50,000 ft/min and Thrust/weight: 1.12. F-15s can climb and move faster,
manoeuvre and slow down more quickly to escort intruders out more quickly.
So obtaining near new F-15s (which may mean new parts to assemble in Japan) and could mean the F-15SE "Silent Eagle".
Alternatively cheaper/less advanced F-15s or even return to Typhoons as options?
Pete
Glib statements theat F-35s can intercept aircraft with missiles, often beyond visual range are of no help to the delicate task of manoeuvring close to intruding aircraft in peacetime and of course being seen by the intruder to do so. The F-35 does not fill the F-15's peacetime intercept role well.
Basically and in addition to the 147 x F-35s Japan needs faster more manoeuvrable twin jet aircraft to take over the existing F-15J role. Japan has very limited replacement options, as:
- the US does not trust its allies to have F-22s.
- Japan cannot develop a duplicate of the F-22 (eg. the X-2 Shinshin) in under 2 or 3 decades and at
huge cost
- the Eurofighter Typhoon looks tempting noting its Rate of climb: 62,600 ft/min is better than
the F-15's and Typhoon Thrust/weight is 1.15
- but alliance pressures with associated and trade/foreign exchange pressures may mean another
purchase of available US aircraft is the only politically realistic course.
So, in addition to the 147 x F-35s Japan may need to buy (say 50?) US aircraft. Maybe:
- Super Hornets. BUT its Rate of climb of 44,882 ft/min is only marginally better
than the F-35's 45,000 ft/min and the Super Hornet's Thrust/weight: 0.93 at 1.1 is not much better
than the F-35s Thrust/weight of 0.87 to 1.07. Also Japan is not familiar with the Super Hornet and
does not have logistic infrastructure for it.
OR
- New F-15s. These are better suited for the peacetime intercept niche/role noting Japan's
F-15J's Rate of climb is >50,000 ft/min and Thrust/weight: 1.12. F-15s can climb and move faster,
manoeuvre and slow down more quickly to escort intruders out more quickly.
So obtaining near new F-15s (which may mean new parts to assemble in Japan) and could mean the F-15SE "Silent Eagle".
Alternatively cheaper/less advanced F-15s or even return to Typhoons as options?
Pete