So have have you put the extra 16,000 lbs of thrust back into the equation? CFTs are an interesting piece of science. Their drag index is is a bit vague in that they do some area ruling magic. For the C model, they actually improved range in some areas of the envelope, so once empty they represented a small mass penalty, but the drag difference was not really an issue. Apart from the stuff hanging off them, the CFTs aren't going to make big difference.
It doesn't really matter anyway because we don't have any real figures to compare for the F-35. There is still a long way to go. It is not an Air Superiority fighter, so don't hold your breath.
A couple more big issues to deal with, but they will have to wait until tomorrow.
Last edited by Courtney Mil; 30th May 2013 at 20:48.