Posted on 04/04/2017 7:53:17 AM PDT by johnk
Gun: fail. Flight: fail. Software: fail. Schedule: fail. Budget: fail. Plus 270 more fails...
“The Services have designated 276 deficiencies in combat performance as “critical to correct” in Block 3F, but less than half of the critical deficiencies were addressed with attempted corrections in 3FR6”, the report states...
The problem with the wing design makes the F-35 a challenge to fly at around the speed of sound: “All F-35 variants display objectionable or unacceptable flying qualities at transonic speeds, where aerodynamic forces on the aircraft are rapidly changing. Particularly, under elevated 'g' conditions, when wing loading causes the effects to be more pronounced, pilots have reported the flying qualities as 'unacceptable',” the report states.
As a close support aircraft, Dr Gilmore's report says, the Electro-Optical Targeting System is hamstrung by low resolution and range. That means if pilots are trying to single out a ground target, they need a first approach that's too close to use guided weapons, so they have to blow their cover, then circle back to a safe distance before launching an attack.
A pilot might revert to the cannon in such a circumstance, but at the moment, that doesn't work either.
To maintain its “stealthy” radar profile, the F-35A has a door to conceal the gun. Opening the door to fire the cannon pulls the aircraft off-target – something that needs a fix in the plane's software.
(Excerpt) Read more at theregister.co.uk ...
Do John McCain and Lindsey Graham have their fingerprints all over this?
Airforce should Get F-22. I’m a bit sad that Trump approved purchase for more F-35 with lots of problems remaining with the plane. Sure he negotiated for cheaper price, but its not worth it if the plane is poor quality
The F-35 has never been, at any time, considered an F-22 replacement. The F-22 was to replace the F-15 and the F-35 was to replace the F-16. Apples and oranges.
“I know this is UK reporting, but is there any truth to this? I didn’t realize the F-35 project was in such bad shape. “
Leftist anti-military articles can say anything and be believed on FR. As long as it is anti F-35 some people here will believe anything said by anyone.
See how many people you can convince of this statement:
The Pentagon and Lockheed Martin, along with over a dozen other countries, collaborated on the development of a Trillion dollar fighter aircraft that doesn’t work.
It just doesn’t pass the smell test.
All new fighters have issues. Always have. Always will.
This must inspire the pilots....!
Maybe they can open the canopy and drop bombs out like in WW1.
FTA: hamstrung by low resolution and range. That means if pilots are trying to single out a ground target, they need a first approach that’s too close to use guided weapons, so they have to blow their cover, then circle back to a safe distance before launching an attack.
A pilot might revert to the cannon in such a circumstance, but at the moment, that doesn’t work either.
The aerial sidecar is a 1 billion dollar option.
Eisenhower warned us against this on his way out of office. It was AFTER 8 years.
Hey Portcall24! Small world, I did GCI as well. ‘85-’92, manual and automated.
Shoulda known there would be more A.F. scope dopes on FR. Thank you for your service.
Wow. Not many around any more. I’d stopped controlling in ‘78 when MG Vandenburg asked me to come to Pentagon for a year...I stayed for 8 in Project Checkmate. Controlled in Vietnam on Hon Tre Island and then at Luke and then ANG (Autumn Control)
at Papago Park. That’s where Steve Hepburn and I did the FOT&E controlling of the Eagle. I went to Nellis and got checked out as Baron Controller for 64th Aggressors while in the ANG.
Just out of curiosity, is there any truth to the talk about many of the key components coming from China these days.
Ever since I read that I have been concerned about supply in crunch time.
I have a real hard time believing that we could be that stupid.
I know that China has a global lock on some rare metal contracts. Wasn’t sure how that affected our parts inventory for complex aircraft like the F-35.
It’s a total bunch of bullshit. The F-35 just racked up a 20:1 kill ratio at the last Red Storm - (I think that’s what its called) - in Nevada going against the best current aircraft in the world. It gives it’s pilots a situational awareness unlike pilots of any other aircraft have. The F-35 pilots helmet is a wonder of technology as it and cameras placed strategically around the aircraft allow the pilots to see 360degrees, even through the aircraft. The pilots love it and in the military aviation community most pilots want to fly it. There are a plethora of video’s on YouTube that talk about it’s performance in Red Storm and other recent realistic simulations against foreign aircraft. The greatest asset for the F-35 is the fact that it is the most stealthy aircraft ever built, it can lock-up and target missiles against enemy aircraft without ever using its own radar meaning an enemy fighter targeted by an F-35 has no idea the F-35 just targeted and launched a missile at him. The enemy pilots will not even know where the F-35’s are and you cannot kill what you cannot see. The F-35 is a great aircraft, it is an absolute game changer and has capabilities that no other tactical Fighter/Strike Aircraft in the world has, it is here to stay. Those that denigrate it are just spitting sour grapes, most of them worked on the competing projects and never let an opportunity to criticize it go by.
Nice...I did a tour at Holloman controlling F-15s, then went to Wallace A.S. in the Phillipines for a short tour, then finished up at March AFB.
I was slated to work William Tell and Red Flag but those TDYs went to folks from our HQ.
I had a great time while in the AF and would have put in at least 20 had it not been for the draw down in 92.
Controlling in VietNam...wow...the stories you could tell. Great to hear from you. Don’t be a stranger.
The F 35 is a buffet of crap, something for everyone, nothing as a result.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.