I’ve noticed Harriers in vertical taking off and landing in an unstable manner, rotating horizontally, pivoting 10-15 degrees in each direction while the F-35 does it without the slightest instability as if on railroad tracks.
There is a much better flight control system (stabilizing software) in the new jet, obviously...We’ve learned a ton on how to operate aircraft like this off these Amphibs for years...
It will be nice to see a better capability for the Marine Air detachments, and the Navy will love phasing these in as well...
I’m still not convinced about the unmanned drones though operating off the carriers though...
Maintenance, cost effectiveness, getting the CVN’s and the airwings to handle only a few different types of aircraft is way better in the long run for national defense...