Therein lies the problem, trying to force fit one airplane into missions that are vastly different for three services.
Last time we did this was the F111 program which resulted in a less than adequate strategic bomber, a very tough and fast, but extremely limited tactical aircraft, and a naval version, so deficient that it caused the Navy to reach out to Grumman and develop the Tomcat
Therein lies the problem, trying to force fit one airplane into missions that are vastly different for three services.
That's assuming the aircraft are not superior aircraft.
The F-35A is an outstanding strike fighter and the STOVAL F-35B is a breakthrough aircraft technology that so outclasses the AV-8B it replaces that there is no comparison.
The jury is still out on the F-35C Navy variant but it should be much better than the F-18 it replaces.
Therein lies the problem, trying to force fit one airplane into missions that are vastly different for three services.
In the past those efforts have generally failed.
This time one of the failures, IMHO was the shutdown of production of the F-22 so as not to potentially impede the acceptance and production of the F-35.
An all purpose jet by committee. Its a total waste of money with the F 22 already flying and perfectly capable of the mission the F 35 is being built for. Shame!
Fact is: Any airplane that needs this much defense and propaganda that it really is a good airplane.... ISN’T.
This thing is an Albatross that wants to be an Eagle.
“trying to force fit one airplane into missions that are vastly different for three services. “
Exactly. The aerodynamics of low speed loiter flight are greatly different from transonic and especially supersonic flight. And what do you need stealth for when you are just whacking backward camel humpers? Jack of all trades master of none.