USMCFLYR

From an e-mail received:



Not sure why it didn't come in for a vertical landing


USMCFLYR

Slice

Got 'Bobsled' flashbacks from the first pic!

Photon

awesomeness thanks for sharing!

AZFlyer

Very cool! Interesting that the tip vortices are so easily seen on the F-35 in such an ordinary flight attitude compared to the Hornet.

Dubes

Thanks for sharing these USMCFLYR, both the hornet and lightning are butes!

subicpilot

What's the scoop on this thing? Over-priced jack-of-all-trades-master-of-none, or cost effective multi-role multi-service platform? I have heard rumblings that his thing is not as capable as the public is lead to believe, and quantum leaps less capable than the Raptor.

Dubes

Simply put, the F-35 Lightning II is an all-round machine built with price in mind rather than utmost quality, (aka the Raptor). From what I understand, the Raptor program was halted after 160 something models because the Obama administration and select others didn't see the price of $250+ million dollars per model, (taking into account the average at price from today compared to development), as a valuable long-term asset. The F-35 Lightning II is supposed to be around 65-120 million each.

Also, many parts made for the F-22 are only compatible with that aircraft. The F-35 Lightning II had that error in mind, and a myriad of parts are exchangeable with other aircraft, (which is an extremely valuable asset in dire times).

In my opinion, both the F-22 and F-35 are amazing examples of the leaps and bounds in aviation over the past 60 years. Both airplanes excel in different categories, but they are still fantastic. And they look great too, (unlike Boeing's attempt in the JSF program, that thing looked like a beluga mated with a fox 0.o)

AZFlyer

So we'll get around 300 copies of the F-35. Perfect.

USMCFLYR

Part of this last sentence is absolutely UNTRUE. The F-35 will be well ahead of the Raptor in overall capability. As far as not as capable as the public has been led to believe - - I'm not sure what they are telling the public.
It is a MULTI-ROLE aircraft no doubt. Personally - I am NOT a fan of the 'B' version. Since I'm almost out and the Marine Corps can't come after me I'll go on record here on APC saying that I believe the USMC will not be happy with their decision in the future of putting ALL of their eggs in one basket with this aircraft.

Dubes - I'll have to diagree with you on the looks contest though. I didn't EITHER player looked very good. Watching all the parts having to move around on top and that telescoping /revolving/turning/spinning looking exhaust nozzle just plain scares me.

subicpilot - Overpriced? Oh heck yes......but then again what aircraft isn't in this day and time.

This post is partly fact, partly conjecture, and mostly hearsay and my opinion; but then that is what the internet is all about

USMCFLYR

Kasserine06

I like the way the F-22 looks, but I am not happy with the appearance of the F-35. Its fat body and stubby wings makes it look awkward, but I can forgive it if it looks that way for stealthy/aerodynamic reasons, but I think the main reason I don’t like it is because it does not have a bubble canopy.

What do you fighter pilots think? Will this be a disadvantage or has modern air combat changed making a bubble canopy no longer cost effective?