Introducing the F-35 “Black Mamba.”
The Air Force chief of staff will name the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter by June 30, choosing from six monikers that range from the historic to the arcane, military and industry officials say. The Air Force and Navy both proposed Lightning II, while the Marine Corps advocated Spitfire II, said a U.S. officer familiar with the deliberations.The Air Force also submitted finalists Cyclone and Reaper, this officer said.The finalists also include two more curious suggestions – Black Mamba and Piasa.
Black Mamba? I guess Philippine Spitting Cobra and Gaboon Viper were already taken….
Hotel Tango: CDR Salamander
***Charlie adds (snarkily):
“In Africa, the saying goes ‘In the bush, an elephant can kill you, a leopard can kill you, and a black mamba can kill you. But only with the mamba is death sure.’ Hence its handle, ‘Death Incarnate.’” Pretty cool, huh?”
Or is it Black Mamba because it is sneaky and slaps people in the face while they are asleep? Wildboys (it’s a stupid show, but it would be funny if this were the case).
Spitfire II was suggested? Surely that would only work for an all-british fighter- not that there’s likely to be one again (the last was the Sea Harrier).
Admittedly, to see a black mamba in the bush, especially in strike mode, is a very impressive sight and even the bravest of men have been known to lose control of their sphincters. One of the British heroes of the Anglo Zulu war never recieved the acclaim that was his reward because after the war was over he was struck by one of these snakes and died shortly thereafter. If the USAF feels that venomous reptiles indigenous to the USA don’t make the cut call the aircraft the “Mamba”. I must admit that the “Timber Rattlesnake” is a bit of a mouthfull.
That last bit in the post sounds like it came from Kill Bill.
Charlie already linked the Kill Bill quote guys…
Stealth Fighter to JSF: “Snort. Black Mamba? I should have been motherf%$king Black Mamba.”
Better than the Black Mambo….
Holmes: I’m reminded of the curious case of the Manchurian Mambo…
Watson: Holmes, could I have a word?
Holmes: Yes, what is it?
Watson: I believe that was the Manchurian Mamba.
Holmes: Mambo, mamba. What’s the difference?
Watson: Well, very little, except that one is a deadly, poisonous snake, while the other is a rather festive Carribean dance.
Holmes: It was a night like any other, when suddenly a knock came at the door. I opened it, and there were these Manchurians, doing a rather festive Carribean dance…
-Ben Kingsley and Michael Caine in “Without a Clue”
test test test test test test test test test test test test test test test test test test test test test test test test test test test test test test test test test test test test test test test test test test test test test test test test test test
annual credit report