Originally Posted by
Lookleft
When the F-18 was the new rooster in the hen house I stood on the roof of the DCA workshop in Canberra and watched a display of military hardware that Defense Minister Beazley wanted to show off. The Mirage started behind the F-18 and within 2 1/2 turns the F-18 was on the Mirage tail, all within the airport perimeter. I wonder if the F-35 could do the same?
Against the Mirage, probably!
Against the F18, I suspect not. From all the videos of displays I've seen of the F35, it's not that remarkable in the manoeuvrability area for this day and age, and those tip streamers would be a dead giveaway. It's forte is in the systems it has on board and of course, stealth.