The F-35 thread, Mk II

[Flugzeug A]

Originally Posted by RAFEngO74to09

Another "fleets within fleets" issue ahead for the UK (and others) if the new AESA AN/APG-85 cannot be retrofitted to earlier lots than Lot 4.u

F-35 Will Get New Radar Under Massive Upgrade Initiative | The Drive

If it can’t be fitted to ‘early aircraft ’ ( a laughable term , as they’re pretty new anyway) , what are the consequences?
Given it was / is touted as the most whupass piece of kit since the invention of the fighter , will NOT upgrading these aircraft be a massive loss to its unequaled capabilities?
Would the buyers of these now ancient early lot aircraft been warned that they’re taking delivery of something that the manufacturers will be ensuring is second class only a few years later , and if so , would they have been prepared to wait for later models?
Sorry if it was there & I missed it , but what’s the upgrade cost per aircraft?
How many aircraft in the UK fleet are hit by this & what will we do with them?
Thanks...