The F-35 was never intended as an air superiority fighter. Its role is primarily strike/CAS, and unlike many previous aircraft in this role, its stealth allows it to do things that no other plane in this role could do before. Its stealth capabilities also render the superior manoeuvrability of other fighter aircraft a moot point in most cases. I’d love to see how it compares to a Eurofighter in the air superiority role.
~Its role is primarily strike/CAS, and unlike many previous aircraft in this role, its stealth allows it to do things that no other plane in this role could do before~
CAS? Imagine this thing supporting troops at low altitude and meets some sanddigger with a 50 cal or 23mm cannon. I would like to see how it’s stealth or other extraordinary capabilities would be any helpful to survive encounter.