I'm "sure" the L/M is a good aircraft but counter rotating fans and a clutch to deliver 20,000BHP Hmmmm. Doesn't take a genious to see something is supect here.
Not to mention the complexity of the rear nozzle.

The Boeing looked like a pig but made about twice as much sense.

Lets see boeing dead weight due to STOVL capability in cruise = two short hot nozzles and some stability ducting.

LM dead weight = a great big fan shaft gearbox and clutch! + stability control ducting.

FYI I am in no way affiliated with either Boeing or LM

NS2000X

 

I work for G.E. and they are suppose to be laying off approximately 5,000 people at their aircraft engine plant in Evansdale, OH. I understand these new jets are to have Pratt & Whitney engines. Good for them, bad for G.E.

 

Sorry to hear. Lay-offs are never nice. Fingers crossed.

From what I understand the choice of a PW F119 derivative engine was solely to maintain comonality with current US Airforce engines.

NS2000X

 

Hope it makes my "Lazy L" stock go up.

 

Sadly, the U.S. gov't has long awarded airplane (and ship)contracts based on keeping the major players afloat, rather than based on the best design. Now that there are so few players, I guess the gov't is just going to award the contract to whichever company's finances suck worse. Gotta love bureaucracy!!

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by NS2000X
[B]Sorry to hear. Lay-offs are never nice.

 

I think there was a lot more to L/M winning than just flying qualities, and at that flying qualities of the stovl model. The L/M design was inherently stealthier, from the proposed sensor package, to the engine intake design (boeing's intake is more exposed to radar, but uses some unique tricks to defeat it) to the overall profile. The one advantage of the L/M lift fan is going to be a less harsh shipboard environment for the Marines.

And in the end, the Boeing one was just too fugly! Hehe. I remember at the Tailhook convention in 2000 a few of us were making fun of how bad it looked at their booth during the mixer. After a few beers we were trying to steal it.

Don't think Boeing is out, though. They are going to be building Super Bugs (Hornet E/F) for a long time and they're still deeply involved in a number of other military products- Apache, Commanche (I think), a number of weapons, the T-45, tankers, etc... But, in the end, they make their real money in the airline industry.

 

This is true, but with the loss of this contract what do you think the US Gov. will do to help Boeing fight the European Airbus onslaught? In terms of expansion I understand (from a public view point) that all that Boeing have planned is the "Supersonic Cruiser" (M#0.95). Which from my understandings is an ill advised design point as far as engine efficiency is concerned.

a little off topic.

NS2000X

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Roceye
[B]Boooooooooo hiss !

My wife, some friends and S2KI board members work for Boeing
Military Aircraft and missiles division. The news today was a

 

Yeah, and the A10 was a real beauty queen wasn't she