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originally posted by: Zaphod58
a reply to: thebozeian
Most of what I've seen says the F-35 will go to 6, which is the same as with Sidekick, but just about anything added internally will be a huge boost. If it's 8, that would be even better. I'd love to see what they changed about the propellant and motor.
...
Where this gets really interesting is if they decide to modify Peregrine's software to support a secondary ground attack role a la the Sidewinder coupled with the AMRAAM datalink, and then... And since you don't need to retain the same kinetic energy in that role, the range could be quite staggering.
Though, again, if it gets any sort of air-to-ground/surface capability, simply loading a bundle makes for interesting possibilities operations -wise. Imagine a sea control flight over the South China Seas with two Raiders stuffed to the gills -- with or without a data link taking advantage of other assets in the area to be your eyes. You don't have to sink a ship to make it ineffective.
Seems someone is thinking along the same lines as us RR.
Speaking hypothetically about future capabilities, Fendley also says the recently unveiled Raytheon Peregrine, a half-sized, medium-range, air-to-air missile, could be carried in the XQ-58A’s weapons bay. The Lockheed Martin Cuda might be another air-to-air missile candidate, he says...
The UAV’s weapons bay is sized to carry four small diameter bombs, but could fit at least two Peregrine-sized air-to-air missiles, says Fendley. Adding air-to-air missiles to the XQ-58A would help fulfill one of its envisioned roles as an escort wingman for manned aircraft such as the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lighting II or Boeing Super Hornet F/A-18E/F.