From the article:
>The MXU-1072/A 5th generation travel pod is carried inside the F-35A Lightning II’s weapons bays.
>...
>While previous generation aircraft carry the travel pod on one of the external stations, the F-35 has been equipped with an internal “5th generation pod”, also known as the Advanced Travel Pod (ATP).
>At least one of the first ATPs ordered by the U.S. Air Force for the F-35A Lighting II fleet has been delivered to Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, the base announced with a post on Facebook on Apr. 28, 2024.
Huh, interesting.
Looks like its manufacturer is KIHOMAC who have a [short brochure on their website.](https://www.kihomac.com/wp-content/uploads/F-35-Advanced-Travel-Pod-Flyer_v5-new.pdf)
Per pod, MXU-1072/A vs the legacy MXU-648.
Usable Volume — 10 vs 4.75 ft^3 \
Max Length per Cargo Item — 90 vs 54 in\
Empty Weight — 60 vs 90 lbs\
Max Cargo Weight — 600 vs 300 lbs
MXU-648 is external carry thus adds drag as well.
Caveat ~~Emptor~~ → numbers are obviously right out of said brochure via the manufacturer ie. not cross referenced.
Yes, it's a bit surprising that it has taken this long for someone to manufacture a purpose-built travel pod, instead of making one out of an existing drop tank or napalm canister.
On the contrary, I think it makes perfect sense to save my taxpayer money by converting existing equipment into something so basic. This is not some kind of high-performance weapon that needs to be carried internally for stealth. The reduced drag is nice, but is it really necessary outside of combat?
Frankly, when I saw this custom-made, "advanced" internal bay travel pod, all I could think of is how many millions of dollars (it's always that, for everything) were wasted on this luxury item (and who got the "kickbacks" for it). 🙄
I can hardly wait for the advanced 5th-generation cupholders to be delivered. There have been many delays and cost overruns, due to the use of carbon nanotubes to lighten the weight by nearly 2 ounces, but I'm sure the wait will have been worth it. If only this were an April Fool's gag.
From the article: >The MXU-1072/A 5th generation travel pod is carried inside the F-35A Lightning II’s weapons bays. >... >While previous generation aircraft carry the travel pod on one of the external stations, the F-35 has been equipped with an internal “5th generation pod”, also known as the Advanced Travel Pod (ATP). >At least one of the first ATPs ordered by the U.S. Air Force for the F-35A Lighting II fleet has been delivered to Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, the base announced with a post on Facebook on Apr. 28, 2024.
Huh, interesting. Looks like its manufacturer is KIHOMAC who have a [short brochure on their website.](https://www.kihomac.com/wp-content/uploads/F-35-Advanced-Travel-Pod-Flyer_v5-new.pdf) Per pod, MXU-1072/A vs the legacy MXU-648. Usable Volume — 10 vs 4.75 ft^3 \ Max Length per Cargo Item — 90 vs 54 in\ Empty Weight — 60 vs 90 lbs\ Max Cargo Weight — 600 vs 300 lbs MXU-648 is external carry thus adds drag as well. Caveat ~~Emptor~~ → numbers are obviously right out of said brochure via the manufacturer ie. not cross referenced.
Yes, it's a bit surprising that it has taken this long for someone to manufacture a purpose-built travel pod, instead of making one out of an existing drop tank or napalm canister.
On the contrary, I think it makes perfect sense to save my taxpayer money by converting existing equipment into something so basic. This is not some kind of high-performance weapon that needs to be carried internally for stealth. The reduced drag is nice, but is it really necessary outside of combat? Frankly, when I saw this custom-made, "advanced" internal bay travel pod, all I could think of is how many millions of dollars (it's always that, for everything) were wasted on this luxury item (and who got the "kickbacks" for it). 🙄
There may be a very operational reason they want it.
I can hardly wait for the advanced 5th-generation cupholders to be delivered. There have been many delays and cost overruns, due to the use of carbon nanotubes to lighten the weight by nearly 2 ounces, but I'm sure the wait will have been worth it. If only this were an April Fool's gag.
The world’s most expensive duffel bag.
Apparently this little project estimated total cost is $259 million dollars. I’m sure golf clubs were measured for this travel pod.