Perhaps he knows the test pilot or he read the article from last April? LO, You can slag off an ex-F-16 and current FA-18 pilot if you like. But it doesn't have any currency with me.
http://aviationweek.com/defense/f-35...hter-maneuvers
Why would anyone be disappointed with testing and recommending improvements on early Flight Control Laws, LO? I haven't seen anyone credable say that the F-35 isn't second to the F-22 and claim another platform is second in A2A.
As the pilot said.
http://fightersweep.com/2574/f-35-vs...ting-thoughts/
The report is available to read and it is self-evident what is stated.
http://aviationweek.com/site-files/a...0Maneuvers.pdf
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
-The F-35 was at a distinct energy disadvantage in a turning fight and operators would quickly learn that it isn't an ideal regime. Pitch rates were too slow to prosecute or deny weapons. Loads remained below limits and implied that there may be more maneuverability available to the airframe.
Rl: Increasing pitch rate and available Nz would provide the pilot more options, especially considering the inherent energy deficit.
-Though the aircraft has proven it is capable of high AOA flight, it wasn't effective for killing or surviving attacks primarily due to lack of energy maneuverability. Perhaps, with a faster AOA onset, there may be some advantages to choosing higher alpha when fighting a bandit.
R2: Consider increasing alpha onset.
-The high AOA blended region was not predictable primarily because it seemed too close to the ideal fighting AOAs and not intuitively "high" to the pilot while he remained focusing on the bandit rather than the displayed AOA.
R3: Consider increasing the beginning of the blended region to 30 degrees or greater.
-Significant anti-spin control authority has been demonstrated on this and other high AOA flights. The effect is abrupt, responsive, and powerful whereas pilot input seems to be sluggish and gradual.
R4: Consider increasing pilot yaw rate control authority.
-HMO and canopy configuration is detrimental to visual lookout. The combination should be evaluated to see if it can be improved. HMO BST FAULTs can prevent weapons employment during maneuvering.
R5: Improve HMO Boresight performance to account for dynamic maneuvers and consider improving rearward visibility by creating more space for helmet motion.