F-35 Lightning II completes first flight

[FLYBOYJ]

My rumor contact at Lockheed told me they intended to suck the gear in on the F-35 first flight but becuase of a problem not relating to the aircraft, they decided not to.

 

[Nonskimmer]

Whatever the case, they'll have the thing straightened out in short order. Awesome aircraft.

 

[Gnomey]

Whatever the case, they'll have the thing straightened out in short order. Awesome aircraft.

Agreed NS, hopefully any minor things will be sorted quickly.

 

[Glider]

My rumor contact at Lockheed told me they intended to suck the gear in on the F-35 first flight but becuase of a problem not relating to the aircraft, they decided not to.

Seconded, My understanding is that it was to do with an air data recorder specially fitted for the test flight that went wrong. Nothing to do with the standard aircraft.

 

[FLYBOYJ]

Seconded, My understanding is that it was to do with an air data recorder specially fitted for the test flight that went wrong. Nothing to do with the standard aircraft.

You're on the money...

 

[evangilder]

Good to know that's all it was.

 

[Glider]

No doubt everyone will be glad to know that the second flight went exactly as planned with no problems at all.

Also in joint service exercises in Alaska last summer, F22's have scored 144 kills against no losses including a gun kill against an F16, which wasn't planned but the pilot had run out of missiles and decided to have some fun.

Sounds as if the US are getting the right planes for the job.

 

[the lancaster kicks ass]

it'll be interesting to see the F-22 against the F-35, have the Americans just wasted money on the F-22 perhaps?

 

[FLYBOYJ]

it'll be interesting to see the F-22 against the F-35, have the Americans just wasted money on the F-22 perhaps?

That may come up!

 

[mkloby]

That may come up!

No doubt... but the Air Force's cup runneth over with funding!

 

[Glider]

it'll be interesting to see the F-22 against the F-35, have the Americans just wasted money on the F-22 perhaps?

Dare I say, or just buy Typhoons instead.

 

[Matt308]

And settle for second best? Blasphemy.

Estimated costs for each with comparison to F-16

$30M F-16
$50M F-35
$58M Typhoon

 

[Glider]

Only $8m more per plane, bargin. How much do we reckon for the F22.

 

[mkloby]

F-22 estimated 85 million per A/C, but the final cost is very dependent on the production run.

 

[comiso90]

Now all we need is an adversary worthy of the F-22 or F-35.

I'm sure it's too technologically sensitive to export for the next decade but I'd like to see China's reaction if Taiwan were allowed to purchased a handful.

 

[DerAdlerIstGelandet]

The only think the Typhoon really lacks in is the stealth capability.

Typhoon is a great aircraft but the F-22 is still going to be the best in the air.

 

[Gnomey]

The only think the Typhoon really lacks in is the stealth capability.

Typhoon is a great aircraft but the F-22 is still going to be the best in the air.

Whilst I agree, I still think it would be interesting to see how the two were matched in a (albeit fake) combat scenario.

 

[DerAdlerIstGelandet]

I think that would be interesting. The F-22 would come out on top because of its greater maneuverability due to the thrust vectoring.

 

[Gnomey]

I think that would be interesting. The F-22 would come out on top because of its greater maneuverability due to the thrust vectoring.

Yep, I think that would be the case as well although it would be a good fight.

 

[Glider]

Their is little doubt that its F22 before the Typhoon but when you consider how few F22's are likely to be built, the F35 vs Typhoon is likely to be the important matchup.
In a BVR scenario the F22 will I believe be unmatched for quite a time, the question is though, how often do the rules of engagement allow BVR. I do not know but I would be suprised if this was common.