F-35 Lightning II (aka JSF)

[Jeffry Fontaine]

A bit like that shown here?

Well that certainly answers part of the question on what it would look like from the rafters. 

[Taiidantomcat]

That Pelican Tail F-35 is awesome!!!

[GTX]

Ok, not a F-35, but what could have been:



Regards,

Greg

[ChernayaAkula]

Found this while searching for something totally unrelated.



SOURCE

[Spey_Phantom]

BUMP 

just thought i would show you the many faces of the F-35 Mockup 

Australia:



Belgium:



USAF



The Netherlands



and the X-32A, for the win 



Italian Navy



South-Korea



and finally, the Royal Navy (large image)

http://www.flightglobal.com/airspace/photos/lockheedmartinf-35lightningii/images/22039/f-35-model-on-hms-illustrious.jpg

[Fulcrum]

Just noticed something on the F-35 with the canopy: it hinges upward at the front like a Mig-21F's canopy.

One question about it: will they keep it like that on their production aircraft?

[GTX]

Just noticed something on the F-35 with the canopy: it hinges upward at the front like a Mig-21F's canopy.

One question about it: will they keep it like that on their production aircraft?

They already are:




Regards,

Greg

[dy031101]

With T/W of 0.87:1 (inferior to that of AIDC F-CK-1), F-35 is NOT more maneuverable than F-16. The F-35 performs its specific missions brilliantly well when performing as part of US armed forces or US-lead international coalition, but if some fools that do not enjoy all these supports (Taiwan, Egypt, Thailand, Indonesia, to name a few) mistakenly believe F-35 could replace their F-16 in every role (including as interceptors), then I have to bowdown to LM's PR team.

Go on, tell your next joke.

Greg

Agreed with Greg, even if that stat was true... Maneuverability isn't everything. I know that sounds like blasphemy to many of you, but its the truth.

While I tend to think that thrust-to-weight ratio might not be the be-all-and-end-all to maneuverability, and that maneuverability might not be the be-all-and-end-all to air combat (like I said, I think the Vietnam War era is long gone, both literally and figuratively), I think Henry has a point with the second part of his notion.

Which brings me to another question- the F-35 has been advertised as a situational awareness platform as well.  Could it therefore act in concert with dedicated AEW/AEW&C assets to provide a better SA picture for other fighters types within an air force?

[GTX]

Which brings me to another question- the F-35 has been advertised as a situational awareness platform as well.  Could it therefore act in concert with dedicated AEW/AEW&C assets to provide a better SA picture for other fighters types within an air force?

Provided they had the means to receive data then most definitely.

regards,

Greg

[dy031101]

Yes, I think for some air forces, the F-35 should be part of the brain instead of the whole muscle.  The F-35 would contribute to the SA and take shots as the opportunity presents itself, but perhaps there should be another type- designated missile/bomb trucks, lightning bruisers, or even long range missiles- bearing the brunt of the battle.

[GTX]

A perfect such Hi/Lo mix might be F-35s/JAS-39s.

Regards,

Greg

[dy031101]

You know, in the past I've always been cheering for F-35B-and-Rafale (which AFAIK still doesn't have an export launch customer) combo for future ROCAF.  Of course F-35B might need the ROCAF to take a few pages from Sweden on how to disperse their assets in time of war to be very worthwhile.

[Taiidantomcat]

True, but it helps.

Indeed. as does speed, firepower, acceleration, stealth, versatility, Electronic warfare ability, sensor strength, and doezens of other factors. All planes are compromises from the second the task is announced,  If you want to bet everything on maneuverability buy this:



You may find it wanting in other areas though. 

[Henry Yeh]

T/W ratio affects more than just maneuverability (sustained turn rate). It also impacts speed, acceleration, climb, etc. All these affect the effectiveness of BVR AAM.
The best choice for ROCAF is F-15SE Silent Eagle.

[Taiidantomcat]

T/W ratio affects more than just maneuverability (sustained turn rate). It also impacts speed, acceleration, climb, etc. All these affect the effectiveness of BVR AAM.
The best choice for ROCAF is F-15SE Silent Eagle.

Good luck with that