MigBuster

Can you provide a quote from a current F-35 pilot worrying about missing this extra wing area and perceived lack of horizontal turn rate in a realistic A-A exercise please? Being an aerospace engineer (Boing related by any chance?) doesn't make you an authority on what is actually important in a combat aircraft in 2016 or the near future considering what has been discussed so far. In terms of kinetic metrics like acceleration and turn rate which seem to be your priority metrics for A-A a USN pilot who flies both puts the SH about equal with the higher thrust FA-18C. I'm sure there were positives about the FA-18A procurement but going with your line of reasoning it was compromised and could have been a lot better. There are a ton of positives the F-35 brings..that you cant even bring yourself to admit can you! The FAA didn't have F-4Ks and the Ark Royal at the time of the Falklands so what I stated still stands regardless of what you want to dream about. Politics or whatever determined the way the force went and the only fixed wing jet that could do the job was the Harrier simple as. Again this alternate reality about the SH being good value when everything shows it representing extremely poor value considering the published cost to real performance ratio......can you provide something! anything! (Are the JDAM SHs drop on the 3rd world cheaper as well?) Retrofitting avionics...well you might get far if you chuck enough money at it.......and the politics allow it. Just because you can assume it can be done doesn't mean anyone is stupid enough to spend that money on an obsolete aircraft. Thus F-22 as is publically known performs functions combined with its other attributes that are unique and the F-35 will likely do it better in some respects. So you think the F-16V being touted has the internal space and structural design to carry EODAS/EOTS/BARRACUDA do you....and still retain enough internal fuel............... With the F-16ES (Enhanced Strategic to you) they tried to internalise both LANTIRN pods and I'm certain today they could do it............but the point is mute...who is going to spend the money on an airframe clearly at the end of its life with an RCS the size of the moon when carrying all that external stuff. You should know this just like with your beloved Hornet external stores vastly reduce and compromise performance including range, acceleration, cruise etc etc. Why do you think the SH was more radical redesign than the XL............?

F-35 Pilots have flown 4/5 Gen (A-10 to F-22) and likely don't give a **** about having bigger wings............because those in the know probably get it by now. You are right the FA-18A is a good example of a jack of all trades master of very little that was compromised by being designed as a LWF and used in a different role........didn't stop it being an exceptional aircraft though did it. The redesign to the SH was nearly as radical as the F-16XL to make it fit its role better and had some similar goals such as better high AoA handling and reduced RCS. Notice they were happy to have pretty much the same performance as the FA-18C (somewhat less than the F-35A)........but unfortunately couldn't add in all the sensors, fuel and RCS shaping to remain relevant. Super Hornets are not as cheap to procure as you like to think..........the point is mute anyway as already stated. Regardless of these compromises the Sea Harrier still performed when it had to despite the perceived lack of kinetic ability and payload from those scratching their heads. Some of the F-16s left might be taken to a 12,000hr SLEP but they will be replaced in the USAF by the F-35 regardless. F-22 has very good sensor and information sharing capabilities it would seem compared to other US jets. "Unfortunately, that's not how the game works: One airplane for each service would have outperformed the F-35 and donse so at a lower total price. Looks like this has to be learned anew by each generation of generals and politicians." Well nobody plays your game it seems. ....and regarding the cost is also wishful thinking and something you couldn't prove anyway.................

30 year old F-16s don't last forever and run for free you know..there are only so many SLEPs before they have to be replaced......and so they will be. What little is known about F-22 deployment suggests it brings some very unique capabilities (not just Stealth and a limited AG role) particularly in areas where there are high end Air Defence systems in Syria (like S-400 etc). Logically you could assume the A and C have been compromised but the end results don't suggest there is anything particularly bad about it.....just proves what an achievement it really has been. They rightly put more emphasis on the AG role and went for similar performance as 4th Gen (regarding old fashioned metrics) . The A has a smaller wing........but find a single F-35A / B pilot feeling compromised in the A-A arena at this or any moment in time. There is no point trying to point out what a waste of tax payers money the F-35 is and then basically say it would be better off wasted on Advanced Super Hornets which look neither cost effective or value for money........(the figures for the Saudi deal were eye watering!)

How about comparisons after it has been in service for a good period......because anything else is clutching at straws. No evidence the F-35 sucks at anything at all in reality.............say they didn't have the VTOL requirement how would it be better?...because it is also funny how people think that better means faster, TV and a few more degrees per second in a horizontal turn. You can question why they are bringing a manned fighter online despite the advances in computing tech to put in Drones....but for the next few years they remain a complement only as they always have been (for a few airforces). As for throwing money at LM that can be questioned too.............as long as it isn't followed by the notion they should just throw similar or more at Boeing for a pretty much obsolete airframe in the SH.

An ex F-102 pilot did claim about 60 miles for a B-52 head on on IRST back in the 1960s but this just serves to give the wrong impression (USAF ditched them till the F-35) . IRST has no doubt come on...........but if the EF with weapons shows up like a barn door on everyones radar (GCI/AWACs etc) a few hundred miles before it can get anything useful from a limited scan IRST then it really isn't levelling the field. The F-35 is certainly not reliant on just RF/IR Stealth for survival..........certainly a big part of it sure.

Happy New Year to all

Christmas Sale last days! Dear pilots! We are happy to remind you that the DCS World Christmas Sale will last until Tuesday, 3 January 2017 with up to 60% discounts! Get 40% off on all DCS E-Shop items, with the following exceptions: DCS: Flaming Cliffs 3 - 60% off DCS: Combined Arms - 60 % off DCS: Hawk by VEAO - 60% off DCS: MiG-21bis – 50% off DCS: A-10C Warthog - 50% off DCS: Black Shark 2 – 50% off DCS: NEVADA Test and Training Range Map – 30% off DCS: F-5E Tiger II – 30% off DCS: Spitfire LF Mk. IX - 20% off All Campaigns – 50% off DCS: World War II, a Year in Review and Looking Forward As 2016 closes, we are looking back to what we have done during the past year and reveal some of plans for 2017. We completed several new tasks in 2016 for DCS: WWII. This included the official release of DCS: Bf 109 K-4, which was preceded by extensive work on flight model, skins, and training missions. We also added two FW 190 D-9 rocket types for air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. The main event this year though was the Early Access release of DCS: Spitfire LF Mk. IX. The huge project to recreate this legendary British fighter included the virtual reconstruction of the external model, cockpit, systems and flight dynamics. We are proud to add this to our stable of DCS World War II aircraft. In 2017, our Spitfire work will continue with bug fixes and the addition of bombs and an external fuel tank. Our next big World War II event will be the Early Access release of the DCS: Normandy 1944 map in the 1st quarter of 2017. The postponement of this release was the result of two primary factors: DCS: Normandy 1944 will be the first DCS World map to use our new lighting system. As a result, we have had to remake all landscape textures and objects. This has been a massive task, but we believe it will be worth the time and effort. As our first map for DCS: World War II, a great deal of time and effort has gone into creating many new period objects like tanks, trucks, air defense units, trains, ships, and AI bombers. We are also creating many objects that make up the "Atlantic Wall" along the Normandy coast. We believe these objects are essential for making great missions. We hope these efforts will bring DCS: World War II to new level for us. We are also still working on other previously announced features: New aircraft damage model systems. This new system will be based on a much more precise system of positional agregats within an aircraft structure such that it will give players a new level of realistic air combat damage modeling- especially with machineguns. Because this system will dramatically change simulation balance, the system will be released for all World War II planes simultaneously. Unpaved airfields. This feature will provide the ability to place additional, small airfields on flat ground surfaces via the Mission Editor. Such airfields were used by all sides in World War II for refuelling, emergency, and dummy airfields. This is only a small part of our plan for 2017. Our goal is to create an entire World War II environment for our warbirds which will continue our strategic goal of creating an air combat simulation that spans the world and across the decades. Strap in! Happy New Year! The Eagle Dynamics Team

The War Zone reported on the existence of a second rendition of China’s Shenyang FC-31 Gyrfalcon stealth fighter when pictures of the design under construction surfaced during the Zhuhai Air Show in early November. Now that aircraft—which features substantial upgrades in its low observable shaping and manufacturing quality—has flown for the first time, as evidenced by the photos and video below. http://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/6673/chinas-highly-evolved-fc-31-stealth-fighter-makes-its-first-flight

Happy Christmas and New Year to all.

DCS World Christmas Sale - up to 60% off! You've waited all year for the big sale discounts, and they are here today with the start of our Christmas Sale! Get 40% off on all DCS World E-Shop items, with the following exceptions: DCS: Flaming Cliffs 3 - 60% off DCS: Combined Arms - 60 % off DCS: Hawk by VEAO - 60% off DCS: MiG-21bis – 50% off DCS: A-10C Warthog - 50% off DCS: Black Shark 2 – 50% off DCS: NEVADA Test and Training Range Map – 30% off DCS: F-5E Tiger II – 30% off DCS: Spitfire LF Mk. IX - 20% off All Campaigns – 50% off The Christmas Sale starts today at 1500 GMT and will last until 3 January 2017 at 1500 GMT. DCS World 1.5.5 Update This weekend we are releasing a new update to version 1.5.5 of DCS World with the primary focus on correcting several Mission Editor triggers. DCS: AJS-37 Viggen is now available for pre-purchase! Leatherneck Simulations, in association with The Fighter Collection and Eagle Dynamics, are pleased to announce the AJS-37 for DCS World is now available for pre-purchase! The pre-purchase provides a 20% discount off the retail price! DCS: AJS-37 Viggen will launch on January 27th for $59.99. Pre-Purchase now for $47.99 and save 20%! Pre-purchase from DCS E-Shop Pre-purchase launch video: DCS: AJS-37 Viggen The AJS-37 Viggen is a Swedish double-delta supersonic attack aircraft from the late Cold War. It was the backbone of the Swedish Air Force during the Cold war, serving as the main attack and anti-ship platform. The AJS is the 90’s upgrade of this 70's era aircraft, adding several advanced weapons and systems functionalities. The aircraft was designed around the pilot, with an excellent man-machine interface, supporting the pilot through the smart use of autopilot systems, radar and HUD symbology in order to deliver the ordnance onto targets from treetop level with high speed attack runs. The aircraft is armed with multiple weapon systems ranging from programmable stand-off weapons such as the RB-15F antiship missile to the BK90 Cluster munitions dispenser to various bombs, rockets and missiles for a wide range of target types. The aircraft can also carry gun pods and the Sidewinder series of infrared-guided missiles for air defence and self-protection purposes. more screenshots Key Features of the DCS: AJS-37 Viggen include: Highly detailed and accurate 6-DOF (Degrees of Freedom) cockpit. Extensive and highly detailed aircraft modelling systems such as: CK37 aircraft computer with navigation data, time on target, and fuel calculation systems. Data input / output interface and pre-planned data cartridge functionality. Automatic dead reckoning navigation and terrain contour matching position update system. Flight instrument systems. Electrical and hydraulic systems. TILS Tactical Instrument Landing System. Advanced RM-8A jet engine modelling with thrust reverser, compressor surges and stalls. Sophisticated high-resolution air-to-ground radar technology modelling the PS-37/A radar including: Multiple radar amplifications and filter settings. Obstacle detection mode. Memory mode. Air-to-Air mode. Highly accurate advanced flight model based on real performance data and documentation. Maritime reconnaissance capabilities to determine position, course and speed of vessels. Advanced programmable weapons such as the RB-15F anti-ship missile with multiple waypoints and the configurable BK-90 "Mjolnir" Cluster munitions dispenser. Detailed modelling of over 14 unique weapons and miscellaneous stores with multiple versions and delivery methods, ranging from rockets, bombs, to advanced air-to-ground missiles such as the command-guided RB-05A and the TV-guided RB-75 "Maverick" missiles. Comprehensive 400+ page flight manual. Extensive interactive & voiced training tutorials. Several campaigns and missions including: Caucasus campaign* Mini NTTR DACT campaign* Mini Caucasus introduction campaign.* Instant action and single player missions. * may not be available in early access. This is the product of several years of passion and dedication and we are incredibly excited to bring it to life in DCS World! We hope that you will have as fun learning and flying the aircraft as we have had in recreating it. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays with best wishes for the new year, The Eagle Dynamics Team more screenshots

Hope you get better soon.....plenty of time to watch the film so no need to panic.

Technically it had Active and Semi Active modes. Probably a reason for being left out (if it fully is) would be that in SF2NA the default player flying the F-14 is only firing at AI aircraft.

Yeah really liked it..........few nice surprises in there!

Roger Cruickshank talks about Red Flag and intercepting Russian aircraft and many other things.

Web site reports a Beta might be due? http://seveng-f18.com/

That video of the F-35 is pretty much 90% pure BS....maybe someone should do a video nit picking all the negatives of the A-10 over the years....it wouldn't look pretty would it!! Why is it when the people who fly these things actually comment it is a different picture 'GREEN BATS' IN THE EYE OF THE STORM | 422nd TES & F-35A May 2016 Steve Davies COMBAT Aircraft Monthly Magazine "The co-location of all fighter types within the ranks of the 422 means the F-35 is ideally placed to develop its position in the Combat Air Force." "This spring, the USAF’s 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron ‘Green Bats’ will report to Gen Herbert ‘Hawk’ Carlisle, commander of Air Combat Command, on the readiness of the Lockheed Martin F-35A to work up toward initial operating capability.... "...This particular F-35 was a Block 1B, so about as immature as they come, but this F-35 pilot was a former A-10 WIC IP [Weapons Instructor Course instructor pilot] and CSAR IP. ‘No kidding, he shows up and within a few minutes on station he’s quarterbacked the whole thing, they’ve rescued the survivor and everyone goes home. It was a fascinating data point — that F-35 was running an immature, never-made-for-prime-time, incrementally developed tape. But he was able to run the CSAR force through his training and SA [situational awareness], using some of the F-35’s strengths, and mitigating its challenges.’... ..."[Maj Samuel ‘Rally’ Chipman, F-35 SPO] ‘I looked at the stats of how we are ‑fighting CAS in Afghanistan, and I know that this is a party-line answer, but the majority of CAS is not ­flown by the A-10. It is ­flown by platforms that have fewer rounds than the A-10. In fact, a lot of them don’t have a gun. Day after day, we’ve executed CAS with zero rounds, so I ‑find it difficult to get wrapped around the axle of playing the numbers game between who has the most rounds.’ As for loiter characteristics — the ability to stay low and slow enough to remain ‘eyes on’ the target — Chipman is not fazed by public criticism. ‘The sensor suite on the aircraft affords me a little more stand-off range, and speed is always relative to the threat, so if I am getting shot at, being able to stay fast is good. If I am offset to the threat, then I can slow down to where I am not going 0.9 Mach. The A-model has 18,000lb [8,165kg] internal gas, giving me at least a 1.5-hour loiter on a 200-mile [322km] radius — and that’s comparable to the A-10 if I am not using afterburner’. He continues, ‘It’s all about the threat. If I don’t need to get any closer than, let’s say, four to seven miles, I am going to stay at 18,000ft [5,486m] in my A-10 and be looking in my targeting pod to build a picture. I would do the same thing in the F-35, only I can stand offeven further.’ To round off the trio, what about the extremely limited internal weapons loads? ‘What environment am I going in to?’ shrugs Chipman with his hands raised, palms out. ‘If we have troops on the ground and they are operating inside a ‘double-digit’ SAM ring, I am not going to have anything external because survivability is going to take the priority; stealth will be more important than weapons load. The same thing is true for the A-10 — I am not going to be up at 18,000ft, I am going to be at 100ft trying to talk to a JTAC over a ridgeline, unable to see the target until I am up and over that ridgeline. So, it’s a trade-off, as it always is in any tactical situation’. He concludes, ‘I have to be able to survive a contested environment in order to be able to affect the battle on the ground. Once we’ve reduced that threat and the environment is more permissive, we now put four external pylons on the jet and carry just as many bombs as an Operation ‘Inherent Resolve’ combat-loaded A-10’...."" Source: Combat Aircraft Monthly MAY 2016 This thing may cost the earth but nothing flying matches its capability in AA or AG...............guess you get what you pay for........... get over it people.

The USAF are phasing the F-16 out according to one roadmap they have released by around 2025............as ever may be subject to change but they are holding back on some vital upgrades....of course no point wasting money if the replacement (F-35) is so superior. The A-10 has some areas of A-G it is very good at like CSAR but don't forget the F-16 was primarily A-G in USAF service from the start and has been and is superior in some A-G missions (Just like the F-15E). The C-130 is still around because it can still carry a useful cargo load.........aerial combat on the other hand has changed beyond all recognition from the 1970s driven by a massive change in technology.

Great man - achieved so much - massive respect!

Yes kinda why I find it so funny - the negativity in the report is mostly based on ignorance nothing more - just like most of the reports regarding the F-35.

Just had to laugh really. From July 1980: Brian Stewart reports on the controversy surrounding Canada's newest fighter jet, the McDonnell Douglas F-18A.

Respect to the guy, aviation would not be the same without those classic designs. RIP

https://theaviationist.com/?p=40526 We Visited the USS America with 12 F-35Bs on Board! The rumble of the MV-22B reverberated off the flight deck of the USS America (LHA-6). The 12 F-35Bs onboard represented more F-35s than had ever gathered at sea. The F-35B moving steadily towards deployment represents an unprecedented leap in capability, the future of formidable maritime power.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=40&v=7xtm39eUDJk

Groovy