Replacement

I was too lazy to do this because there are so many examples.

Over to Sol.

That's not what Col. Gary Cooper II, F-35 combined test director said in 2009. via Airman Magazine...

"We expect the F-35 to be operationally capable by 2013," said Col. Gary Cooper II, F-35 combined test director.

Developed by Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company, the F-35 is single-engine fighter designed to be an affordable, state-of-the-art replacement for air-to-ground aircraft such as the Navy's F/A-18 Hornet, A-10 Thunderbolt II and the F-16C Fighting Falcon.

It has improved combat maneuverability over present fighters, it has increased range and the heads-up display is not viewed in the cockpit but inside the pilot's helmet visor.

And then this from the same article...

"Overall, I was impressed by how well the entire first flight came together," said Jon Beesley, Lockheed Martin's chief test pilot for the F-35. "The test team told me I taxied out to the end of the runway much faster than I did for any of the taxi tests. But I was ready to go and so was the airplane. And it was a thrill to fly."

Much of this is due to the fighter's advanced avionics, advances that give the F-35 greater agility and the ability to outperform opposing forces with unmatched aerial maneuvering.

More witnesses for the prosecution.... if they cut a deal...

Soon.

.