Yes, from what I understand, the issue was the new G-suit. They were trying to make sustained G’s effortless, but once activated it didn’t fully release. Thus limiting the pilot to short shallow breaths that would be typical of a person when not exerting. Unfortunately, air-to-air combat is a near constant high level of effort, causing an oxygen deficit. I only have two gripes with the F-22: We bought too few and the internal weapons bay is too small. A smart tactician would give up a little stealth for more missiles on the external wing stations.
“Unfortunately, air-to-air combat is a near constant high level of effort, causing an oxygen deficit.”
Actually, A/A combat is not constant. . .but it is intense. A/A engagements, if you closed to the merge, usually last 30-sec or less. During that 30-sec’s you will be exposed to massive G's and pressures upon your body. . .hence the G-suit. And with the F-22, it can sustain G's at a much higher rate and for longer periods of time than other fighters. Even in a 30-sec engagement, other fighters have to extend for energy, ease off a little here and there, do something to get back their energy.
Anyway, most times, especially with the F-22, you make BVR kills and take advantage of your L/O capability to avoid a knife-fight (dog-fight).
“I only have two gripes with the F-22: We bought too few”
Yup. Congress and their infinite wisdom and all that.
“and the internal weapons bay is too small.”
The weapons bay is actually a result of expanding the area in the belly. You see, “not a pound for air-to-ground” was the mantra when the Air Force issued the first studies and proposals. It was to be a A/A platform—ONLY. No A/G mission at all. Then things changed and the bay was modified to accept weapons. Limited amount for sure, but all PGMs.
“A smart tactician would give up a little stealth for more missiles on the external wing stations.”
As a short note, 5th gen jets are L/O for a reason and adding any amount of external reflective surfaces, and missiles would be a huge external reflective surface, would be like adding day-glo stripes on the jet. . .not good and destroy any capability you might have for L/O.
Cheers