One of the key bits of info from the F-16 vs F-35 debate which seems to have been missed in the vitriol of previous pages was the test pilot's conclusion that the flight envelope of the F-35 can be opened up by further tweaking the flight control software. That's why AF2 (a Development Test asset) was used. The continued progress of Development Test, which then feeds into the Operational Test environment, which then flows into the frontline will mean that the frontline pilots do not have to make it up as they go along or work it out for themselves. No doubt there is plenty of DACT being flown so that further enhancements can be made.
Versions of ALIS have been in use since the start of the Development Test program, another system that is being finessed as problems are encountered and where direct hands-on experience from Military maintainers embedded at the Integrated Test Forces (Edwards and Pax River) is always listened to. Likewise the Reliability and Maintainability teams have been collecting data since AF1,BF1 and CF1 first started flying. Reality vs models of sustainment is a full time job for more people than you might think. One of the key tests for the recent OT1 embarkation on WASP was to see how ALIS worked in that environment. Remember that ALIS is really a system of systems, not one giant,stand alone chunk of software.
Given that the decision of the UK, taken back in 2003, was that the carriers would not need an organic A-A/swing role platform and hence JFH could safely go to an all GR9 force, the UK is taking a huge leap forward with F-35B. It is still the only UK fighter to be fitted with an AESA radar for a start, trials with ASRAAM and PW4 have already started. In fact the dates between Typhoons and F-35 dropping PW4 weapons were surprisingly close.
People really should start looking at the positives for the UK and the other partner /export nations.