The F-16/JSF comparison is illuminating.
Demonstrator contracts were issued in 1972 for the F-16 and 1996 for the JSF - so we are now at D+16.5 for JSF, which would be some time in 1988 for the F-16.
By that time the F-16 had been successfully used in air-to-air and air-to-ground operations. The first major upgrade model (Block 25) had been developed, deployed and completed its production run. The alternate engine was in production for the Block 30/32 and the first precision-night-strike-capable Block 40s were being delivered.
Ah ha, say the JSF supporters, the JSF will have precision strike at IOC! But the difference is that LANTIRN was new technology back then, while the JSF doesn't offer much if anything on the offensive end (weapons and sensors) that isn't already in the field.
Last edited by LowObservable; 29th Apr 2013 at 14:27.