Q. If the aircraft is stealthy, do we have to use onboard radar?
A. Yes, you can use AWACS and other offboard sensors or passive onboard sensors, although this may cause a compromise in operations (e.g. is an AWACS always available).
Q. You have not specified a combat range, is there a minimum we should achieve?
A. The given mission including the loiter is only 300nm combat range, but if you remove the loiter you will calculate another figure depending upon your design. This does not need to be a specific value as long as it can do the the given mission.
Q. Is the 600ft take off unassisted or can we use a catapult?
A. You can use some method of assisistance, but in your example and many other cases this will violate the requirement for no special ground service equipment.
Q. Are there any landing distance requirements?
A. No.
Q. The mission requires that we carry 6 missiles, do we need to carry more?
A. You do need only 6 to meet the spec, however typical that most NATO aircraft will carry 8 missiles - this may be due to current missile unreliability. It is your decision if you wish to carry say two more ASRAAM in case the aircraft is bounced on the return leg of a mission.
Q. Do we need a gun?
A. Well a gun has a range of 300-500m, so it is questionable as to its use in combat. However, every pilot, when asked, will say that a gun is essential. You need to make a decision based upon operational and performance criteria.
Q. Can we use existing COTS equipment made in the US, for example F-22 engines?
A. Yes, but in 2010, these engines will be quite an old design and you may want to consider new technology with higher TET etc.