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.
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While the US and Canada are pretty much locked to the F-35, it is not too late for Australia to replace the RAAF's Classic Hornets through a proper competitive process.
This would require a rigorous set of KPI's based on strategic need that include not only performance but also price and delivery schedule.
As with Japan, Korea and India, a number of manufacturers would put forward aircraft: eg F/A-18E/F, F-15E, F-15SE, F-16, Eurofighter Typhoon, Rafale, Gripen NG - and the F-35.
It's time to make an informed choice.
Pretty big claims for no real sources.
What is the current end-result of the helmet & DAS issues?
I understand that the plan is to initially employ a simpler, reduced-capability system as a temporary stopgap. However, I haven't seen any description what this system's capabilities will be.
Any information on that?
The images out a few weeks ago showed a system with a monicker behind NvGs. An actual improvement on capability from JHMCS where its HMS OR NvGs.
Interesting in their Fighter Generations "discussion" there is no mention of the real airborne threats - the Flankers, Su-35S, T-50 PAK-FA and, now, the Chengdu J-20.
Why is that, I wonder?
Apollo - you have eyes and a brain. Suggest you use them, in that order.
Would also be a good idea opening your eyes, first, and taking off the blinkers along with those rose coloured glasses.
Not a pretty picture for OZ going either with the vaporware F-35 at a rapidly increasing price point, or the F-18E/F which has been very well described by Eric as a "dragomatic" fighter.
Looking at the vast airspace around Australia needing coverage the F-15SE equipped with the APG-63(V) 3 would be a good alternative IF Australia wanted to stay with a US built fighter.
RIP F-22 Raptor...
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