the f-35 haters aren’t going to like this.
I suspect that this report is as accurate as Obama’s economic reports.
This isn’t an aspect of hate of the F-35 from my perspective, but the results most definitely beg the question about the scenario assumptions of the engagements in each integral part.
What level of performance filter was applied to the F-15Es with respect to whatever “Red” opposition they were supposed to emulate? What tactics were the “red” pilots limited to? We’re filters applied to F-15E radars and weapons systems to conform to what “red” platform?”
Who put the engagement scenarios together? Lockheed Martin? The government? What group? Were tactic and capabilities from cognizant intel communities consulted?
I’ll tell you. I’ve been involved in “tests” like this in the past. I can even tell you I was in a ground radar station once when the operators were getting briefed on the scenario. After the briefing, the head operator asked the test engineer, “do we get to take our blindfolds off at any time during this test?”
I have not been a fan of the F-35, but if this was a valid test against F-15Es, it says the F-35 is a serious aircraft, for sure.
Israel takes deliver of F-35s starting early next year. Best to wait for leaks from Israel about its actual performance under fire.
This was an F-15E. The two seat strike-interdiction version of the F-15, optimized for air to ground and intended as the replacement for the F-111 Aardvark.
The air superiority/air supremacy versions of the F-15 are the single seat A and C models. Very different performance characteristics than the E, which is kind of a pig in the air unless all the extra pylons/conformal fuel tanks and sensor pods are stripped off.
So please don’t read too much into articles like this.
I suspect the mission profile of the F-35 was ground attack though and they didn't mix it up where the F-15 excels. The F-15E is a superb dogfighter, in it's multirole mode, but you can't hit what you can't see.