So what if a F16 can out dog fight it. A WWI biplane can out dogfight an F16, but I don't want to go back to biplanes. (On a side note, our current targeting systems would have a really hard time locking on a WWI biplane, because those planes had very little metal- mostly wood and cloth.) Almost every thing is a compromise.
Additionally, I think we need to focus on drones. They are the future. The planes can take more G forces than the pilots. Manned aircraft, is sort of like the ships that had steam engines and sails. I was talking to a Marine General about ten years ago and his opinion was that the F-35 is the last manned aircraft. It takes too long to train a pilot, too much resources and no one likes to lose people.
The hard part is to reduce the lag time between the controller and the drone, due to signal distance. But I think they'll program the drones to act on their own, just like they are trying to do with cars. Also think of the weight you can save by not having systems for the pilot (hand controls, oxygen systems, evacuation seats, etc...).
I am waiting for comments from the pilots. Remember, these words are from “National Security Network, a progressive think tank.”
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Cronies perhaps, who would like to replace the F35 with another trillion dollar aircraft that will make them richer.
I think you’re probably right.
We’re not the only ones who can have them, and I don’t see this as a golden age item.
These could be very hard to defend against.
Been saying that since the X-29 made that obvious.