[GOPGuide]

What is your opinion of the F-35? Is it stealthy and how manueverable is it? How does it compare to the F-22 and Grippen?

[Hulka]

I'll be bold here and jump in for my take on this: F-35 is local-reach-local-power. In other words, not very long legs, which is fine because of A/A refueling capability, but it also has a very light load of A/G weapons. Unless, of course, if you strap on externals, but then you lose the 5th generation stealth. Oh, yeah, no super-cruise for the JSF. Not really a factor but something to consider.

F-22 and JSF are not to be compared, as they are totally different aircraft for vastly different missions.

Grippen is a 4.5 generation jet that a) would not make it to the merge with an F-22, and a JSF for that matter, and b) even if it did, it simply can't perform like the F-22/F-35.

There is a lot more to both jets than is generally known.

The F-35 is over-weight and running late, and will be more costly than the F-22 when all is said and done, but with an air force of those aircraft, nothing can stop them.

F-22 is a “kick down the door” weapon, opening gaps in the defenses that other jets, like the venerable and hardworking F-15E carrying lots and lots of weapons.

My take on it, though not asked, thought I would offer.

Cheers.