AF declares the F-35A ‘combat ready’

US Air Force Public Affairs ^ | August 2, 2016 | Air Combat Command Public Affairs

[Edward.Fish]

As an aside. The F22 has had some issues with its oxygen delivery systems. A pilot died in Alaska and other pilots (multiple, including some whistleblowers) complained about hypoxia. It's never a good thing to hear pilots don't like to fly a new toy.

I do recall hearing about that.

That said, while McCain hated the thing, the Air Force and its contractors screwed the pooch on this plane. Took 26 years to produce and was waaaaaaayyyyy over budget.

Yeah, it was over-budget... but I actually blame Congress for that: just like they've entered into absolutely terrible trade-agreements, they've also written up absolutely terrible contracts for development. (And they should certainly be more competent with budgeting.)

I like great military aircraft as much as the next guy, but this program was poorly managed in production and implementation. I suspect the Air Force got a spanking over this one.

I agree that there was poor management, but that seems to be because mismanagement isn't punished and, in the cases of those horrible contracts, can even be profitable for the company developing it.

[Edward.Fish]

It was quite premature to declare the gun obsolete in the ‘60s. In 2016, if you’re fighting a modern adversary the gun is only there as an absolute last resort.

Except it's being touted as the next great CAS platform, capable of and intended to replacing the A-10… which has a lot going for it in CAS.

[doorgunner69]

Probably right, or just light venting?

[Secret Agent Man]

Not venting, just kind of dismayed they are labelling it combat ready, given where it’s (not) at.

[hattend]

Wingtip vortexes, not fuel.

[PreciousLiberty]

“Except it’s being touted as the next great CAS platform, capable of and intended to replacing the A-10… which has a lot going for it in CAS.”

Not really. See my post above.

The A-10 was designed to bust tanks, not for CAS. It’s 30mm cannon isn’t a great design for AP use.

[Edward.Fish]

>> “Except it’s being touted as the next great CAS platform, capable of and intended to replacing the A-10… which has a lot going for it in CAS.”
>
> Not really. See my post above.
>
> The A-10 was designed to bust tanks, not for CAS. It’s 30mm cannon isn’t a great design for AP use.

Busting tanks and APCs is really great for infantry. The 30mm is also good for busting up light/medium fortifications and entrenched positions, and its other ordinance for busting larger stuff. (There's a reason that infantrymen love the A-10.)