Take an aircraft that is in production and has some warts on it, and it completely beats anything that the F-35 program can ever be.
Why? Because the F-35 program is deficient.
Neither aircraft will be able to stand up to major threats in the coming years; yet there is a lot of need for second tier fighter aircraft. And we don't need a second-tier strike-fighter at an outrageous cost.
When looking at the chart below, it is hard to believe that the F-35 has sensor fusion when the DAS / helmet fiasco has ruined any claim of greatness. Check your 6? Good luck with that.
If you are flying the F-35B or C, you may have left the deck that day without a gun.
Close air support? Nothing of value here that a Super Hornet--especially a 2 seat variant can't do better--and safer.
The Joint Commander will not see F-35 networking of worth until Block 4 thru 6...if it ever gets that far.
As for combat radius... well since the claims below do not come from the F-35 faith-based community, they can only be wrong?
All something to consider for Canada; who do not have much in writing stating they must maintain regional air superiority. Since they have stated they are not in the market for the F-22, that issue is settled.
