Just FYI, my suggestion isn’t meant for immediate implementation in the game. It’s primarily intended to provide detailed information about this particular aircraft, which may be added in the future.
This suggestion was originally posted on the legacy forum and has been imported over here following its permanent shutdown.
Hello everybody. I’d like to suggest the F-35I Adir for the Israeli aviation tech tree in War Thunder. The Adir is a unique variant of the Lockheed Martin F-35, tailored specifically to meet Israel’s unique operational requirements. This resulted in internally drastic changes, setting it apart significantly from the standard American F-35A. If added, it would be the first and currently only 5th-generation aircraft in the Israeli aviation tech tree for the time being in the future.
Great addition +1, gaijin could give us Su35, F15EX Gripen E, J10C in the next update with new IR missiles and Fox 3, and at the end of the year add 5th generation along with larger maps, but maybe this is getting things too far ahead
Big +1, for the future ofc as this game doesn’t need 5th gen’s for another year or so preferably, and later one like the Adir can follow a bit after that preferably depending on the capabilities of its contemporaries. When capable aircraft on the same level as this are added, it will absolutely belong ingame, and I can’t wait to see it!
However I would like to note:
I’ve yet to once see solid proof of the claim the F-35I can carry any Python 5s, but it could be realistic to assume they could be carried externally in a Beast Mode configuration, if the aircraft is compatible with them that is. This aircraft exclusively uses the Aim-9X Block II in IAF service, and has yet to be seen or documented using any other IR AAM so far, unless you having something that can prove otherwise that I have not come across myself. If you can’t, I suggest you remove it from the list for the sake of accuracy.
The IAF also uses the Aim-120C-8 as of not long ago, so those should be capable of being added to the aircraft’s armament. Now I’ve also been told by someone the IAF uses the Aim-120D-3, but I need to verify this myself before I request you to make a change here regarding it. Just thought I’d mention this as I’m going to be looking into it.
You mentioned the aircraft has external hard points, but you didn’t seem to mention the capacity of armament that can be carried on them. The aircraft should be able to carry 6 more AAMs (actually I forget but it may be even more with dual racks, can’t remember if it uses them) externally of all mentioned types (muh “Beast Mode”), and various ordinance types and quantities (although it is worth noting Adir’s haven’t been seen carrying external AAMs in IAF service, the capability to do such should still be very much present). Is there a reason this isn’t mentioned, are you just unsure? I can look into specifics of quantities and types if you would like.
I assumed the F-35I’s systems could integrate Python 5s or modified Pythons for the F-35I through an Israeli software patch, but that hasn’t happened yet. Fair enough, I’ll remove it for now, and I’ll add it back when a genuine photo or credible news source appears confirming it can be mounted on the F-35I.
Adding the AIM-120C-8 for now.
Yeah, you bring up a good point. To be honest, it was my oversight not to double-check that part. I’m not certain about the exact air-to-ground types and quantities for the external hardpoints, as that’s not my area of expertise. It would be helpful if you could provide accurate loadout details to strengthen this suggestion :)
While I was thinking about this, I haven’t been able to verify whether the F-35I has been upgraded or retrofitted with the “Sidekick” weapon rack, which allows six AAMs to be carried internally. I could assume it might, since the IAF has confirmed the aircraft has flown in a “beast mode” configuration, which I believe could include this feature. However, I can’t confirm that without solid evidence.
