The F-35 thread

garyc said:
https://aviationweek.com/defense/aircraft-propulsion/trump-floats-major-new-upgrades-f-35-f-22


Trump also mentioned the new Chinese jets, so this may be in part a response to these.
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Just a pity no one else seems to know about them

www.defensenews.com

Pentagon silent, aviation experts baffled by Trump’s fighter comments

“President Trump appears to have been speculating out loud about future airplanes that, as far as I know, don’t exist," said former SECAF Frank Kendall.
www.defensenews.com www.defensenews.com
 
Slipping this in: Currently working in Townsville, Queensland . There is a RAAF base here. The other day I was picking up my SO from the airport (she landed from Sydney) and got full sight of a F35... Lord, what a beautiful piece of art. They are so loud! My daughter (13 months) was frightened out of her mind when 1 took of the other day (they were at swimming, which is close to base). You also know when a lead and wingman pass over, they, so loud!
 
Blu82 said:
Not making much of this since there is a F-18s with F-22 kill and a A-10 with an F-15 kill out there.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1958803925735272518
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This may make some sense. The wing load on an F-35A with 50% fuel is about 410 kg/m2, while with the Rafale in a similar state it is about 280 kg/m2. This lower wing loading, together with the canard configuration, can give the Rafale some advantages in instantaneous and often sustained turn capabilities.

On the other hand, the F-35 has a very large angle of attack envelope which will give very favorable nose pointing capabilities post merge. In other words, if the Rafale had not got into the correct position in that photo then the F-35 might have won the fight.

A simple model that is sometimes used to compare the combat performance of aircraft is the energy-maneuverability theory. If you compare the two aircraft with this it can be seen that the Rafale is no slouch.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Energy–maneuverability_theory
 
So a small problem for the F-35 in the modern battle space. It can't carry the APKWS rockets to cheaply down drones forcing it to use either it's gun or more expensive AIM9.'s.
 
Blu82 said:
So a small problem for the F-35 in the modern battle space. It can't carry the APKWS rockets to cheaply down drones forcing it to use either it's gun or more expensive AIM9.'s.
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Bit of a waste using F35’s to chase drones, that really isn’t their job.
 
Blu82 said:
So a small problem for the F-35 in the modern battle space. It can't carry the APKWS rockets to cheaply down drones forcing it to use either it's gun or more expensive AIM9.'s.
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It's already a dinosaur by the current state of warfare. Simply too expensive, but still a good deterrent i guess. Like having nukes
 
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