Does the F22  have a frame less canopy?? cant see on the pics ive found - perhaps its a function of size if the canopies are larger??.

 

I believe the probe has to be metal for more electrical reasons.

 

You do not want a big static discharge between refueler and receiver so you need good electrical contact ie metal to metal between the two.

 

lightning strikes may also be a factor.

 

next time youre at an airport have a look at the refuelling ops they allways bond the aircraft to the tanker  (or should) to ensure they are at the same potential.  in flight the problems even greater and as for rotary wing they. !

 

Now WRT the above i may be wrong (perhaps the french have devised a highly conductive non radar reflective polymer ) but on this im pretty sure im correct (for once).

 

 

Incidently composite aircraft are an arse bonding wise in general.

 

next guess was cost

 

It won't obscure the the view more than the metal frame on the Hornet, Gripen, Typhoon or Eagle. The reason for a seperate windscreen is probably the same as on the Typhoon, enough strength to provide bird strike protection during low level operations.

Quite correct, plus, the need for a shatter cap for an ejection event as well as some bullet proofing. Sometimes sectional canopies work better. Not every solution Dassault chose was unreasonable, its just that they market without the actual truth: about what they do (make a fighter for a Gabon threat) something like LockMart did with the F-22.

 

The SM-1 hit the drone on auto. It worked even if it was bever intended to be the chaser, MK. The Mica coupldn't acquure which was why the SM-1 fired to kill the drone, instead.  The Taipei Times referred to this obliquely. The MICA was an IR version.  

 

That was in reference to Canopy.

Not knowing a great deal about RAM I dont know how it reacts to Jet fuel, however knowing how Kero, Hydraulic fluid and various cleaning Solvents can damage some materials, I see no reason to doubtHamilcar on this.