Typerated,
Maybe chasing the wrong history. A short while ago we were treated to this,
Bill Flynn, Lockheed test pilot responsible for flight envelope expansion activities for the F-35 claimed that all three variants of the Joint Strike Fighter will have better kinematic performance than any fourth-generation fighter plane with combat payload, including the Eurofighter Typhoon (that during last year’s Red Flag Alaska achieved several simulated kills against the F-22 Raptor) and the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet.
“In terms of instantaneous and sustained turn rates and just about every other performance metric, the F-35 variants match or considerably exceed the capabilities of every fourth-generation fighter,” Flyinn said.
According to the Lockheed pilot, (besides its stealthiness) the F-35 features better transonic acceleration and high AOA (angle-of-attack) flight performance than an armed Typhoon or Super Hornet.
It seems the arguments have moved on and, frankly, I feel more comfortable and familiar with the stance being taken now.
There was certainly a time, not very long ago when F-35 was being hawked as the wonder jet. I have no doubt it will do a good job, but it will only fulfil the RN's requirements if they are not severely tested in their defence of the fleet role. Suggestions here about the current state of potential enemy orbats need to take account of the timeframe involved for the FAA's IOC, let alone any meaningful capability.
How times have changed.