Is this thing any good? What does this do that the F22 does not do? Do we need both?
The F-35 A and C are fine, but its the F-35B that is hanging everything up. I say go into production with the F and C models and leave the B model behind. I think that we should have the F-35 and F-22 in the USAF inventory.
The F35 is a bean counters dream, one aircraft for all 3 service branches performing all roles (badly).
>>Is this thing any good?
Not as being considered.
>>What does this do that the F22 does not do?
Nothing. The F22 could do the F35 mission and then shoot the F35 down. All while the F22 pilot is still in the shower.
>>Do we need both?
Not really. As usual, since the 70s when we created the fantastic F16, F14, F18 and the still ruling F15 (not to mention the SR71), military aircraft are not only subject to physics but the petty infighting of Congress.