A peek into the future when 140 SQN of the Republic of Singapore Air Force converts from their F-16s to the new F-35B.
Taking these Wikipedia articles (below) together, it is not hard to imagine the F-35B operating off the Navy's new Endurance LHD or light aircraft carrier.
Only time will tell...
Instructions:
Drop "F-35B RSAF 140 SQN" into your community folder.
Wikipedia (RSAF):
On 18 January 2019, MINDEF officially confirmed the procurement of F-35s for a full evaluation of their capabilities and suitability before deciding on a full fleet to replace the aging F-16 fleet. On 1 March 2019, MINDEF announced that they will send a Letter of Request(LOR) to purchase 4 F-35s with an option of 8 more after the evaluation. On 9 January 2020 the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency approved a possible sale to Singapore of four F-35B short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) variants with the option to purchase an additional eight F-35Bs and up to 13 Pratt & Whitney F135 engines and other related equipment for an estimated cost of $2.750 billion.
Wikipedia (Paya Lebar Air Base):
The airbase will be relocated from 2030 onwards. Expansion works are ongoing at Tengah Air Base and Changi Air Base to prepare for the eventual relocation of RSAF's assets after the closure of the airbase.
Wikipedia (Endurance-class landing platform dock):
The Endurance-160 is a proposed landing helicopter dock (LHD) variant of the Endurance class. A model of it was first displayed at the 2014 Singapore Airshow. It is longer than the Endurance class (retrospectively named the Endurance-140), with a full-length flight deck for helicopter operations. The Singapore Ministry of Defence would neither confirm nor deny that a vessel of the type would be built.
As Singapore is interested in acquiring the F-35B STOVL fighter aircraft, it is thought that such an LHD could be used as a light aircraft carrier. The STOVL F-35B needs a minimum of 168 m (551 ft) of runway to take off. It is thought that Singapore would need one to maintain sea lines of communication, as well as cope with fewer air bases in the future. However, operating the F-35B would incur greater procurement and operating costs compared to the conventional takeoff variants and greater fuel consumption needed for vertical take-off, which could result in fewer aircraft being purchased. The design of the Endurance class would also have to be considerably revamped with a larger space to operate and store fixed-wing aircraft with a larger elevator and a ski ramp.
Beautiful work and really good research. Didn't know about the RSS Endurance! Really appreciate doing this! Thank you!
2 years ago
totheskies