Originally Posted by
etudiant
While watching the RN getting its F-35s up to speed is interesting, I found the ongoing Finnish fighter competition more informative.
According to Aviation Week, the F-35 sales effort was with a 4 aircraft detachment, but did not shine. (
https://aviationweek.com/defense-spa...er-trials-data )
Only two F-35s arrived, but one went unserviceable and the remaining unit was unable to complete all the flights.
It seems that even with 500 aircraft produced, the type is still well short of operational reliability.
Only one aircraft doing what it can. Where others had many and even AEW. Does anyone really think the F-35 won't be chosen as the best aircraft, when everything is assessed?
It had 90% availability at red flag
https://www.janes.com/article/94680/...very-milestone
Also 90% on deployment.
https://www.airforcemag.com/deployed...istics-system/
F-35s from Hill’s 4th Fighter Squadron deployed to Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates, for six months last year. The jets almost instantly began conducting airstrikes while 70 percent of the fleet was able to conduct its mission, said Brig. Gen. David Abba, director of the Air Force’s F-35 Integration Office. By the end of the deployment, that rate had climbed to more than 90 percent.