Problems with the combat capability of the F-35 fighter

Report to the Deputy Minister of Defense on Procurement, Technology and Logistics, Minister of the Air Force, Chief of Staff of the Air Force

Theme of the memo: Achievement of full combat effectiveness of a strike fighter Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) is at considerable risk

While the United States Air Force recently announced the initial combat readiness of the “basic” capabilities of Block 3i, most of the limitations and shortcomings of the F-35A in the Block 3i configuration, stated in my annual report for the 2015 fiscal year and at the congressional hearings, remain and will be adversely affect combat effectiveness and compliance. In fact, the program is not on the road to success, but on the path to disrupting the development of the Block 3F configuration, for which the Ministry of Defense will pay almost 400 billions of dollars towards the end of the development and demonstration of the system scheduled in 2018. If the initial operational tests and evaluation of the aircraft in the Block 3i configuration were carried out today, and the Air Force recently announced the initial combat readiness of this configuration, the system was most likely assessed as ineffective and inappropriate throughout the entire range of combat missions and against present time threats. In real combat, a fighter in the F-35 Block 3i configuration, which is equivalent in terms of the Block 2B configuration capabilities, will need support to identify and capture modern threats, avoid threats, and conduct combat with enemy fighters due to highly inadequate combat capabilities and limited ammunition (ie, two bombs and two air-to-air missiles). Block 3i's unresolved shortcomings regarding information fusion, electronic warfare, and weapons use lead to uncertainty when displaying threats, limited ability to respond effectively to threats, and in some cases, the need for remote sources for issuing accurate coordinates for a high-precision attack. Although the program has recently resolved some Block 3i configuration problems, there are many significant flaws, to which are added other flaws identified by test teams and combat pilots, many of which must be corrected if the program is going to provide the expected “full combat capabilities” described in the “Operational Requirements Document”.

The evaluation of the combat capabilities of the F-35A in the Block 3i configuration and the problems that the program faces before completing the system design and demonstration stage is based on the results of observations and data from final testing, limited operational tests and actual operation. Autonomic Logistics Information System (ALIS) is based on observations and demonstration data from ALIS equipment in Version 2 (V2) configuration in a standard operating unit for Block 2B and Block 3i airplanes, testing computer security, which will complete the development of the remaining necessary capabilities Alis. In addition, this assessment is fully consistent with the findings contained in the report of the Air Force on the assessment of readiness for the transition to initial combat capabilities.

System overview

Block 3i is an intermediate feature set designed to work on the newer TR-2 processors of the F-35 production aircraft starting with the Lot 6 part and later, which is equivalent to the capabilities set of the Block 2B implemented on the previous production aircraft. Block 3i also includes newer helmet-mounted 3-generation HMDS Gen III (Helmet Mounted Display System Generation III), which began shipping on Lot 7 aircraft. The Gen III HMDS Helmet is designed to replace Gen II HMDS displays deployed on previous aircraft that have significant flaws. F-35 aircraft in Block 3i configuration can carry a combination of two AIM-120 air-to-air missiles and either two laser-guided bombs GBU-12 or two GBU-31 bombs (on F-35A / C) or GBU -32 (on the F-35B) with a set of steering wheels and a Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM) guidance system.

The ALIS version 2.0.1 software serves the Block 2B and Block 3i aircraft. The next increment of capabilities, ALIS version 2.0.2, was planned to be released before the initial operational readiness of the Air Force, but it continues to lag behind the schedule due to engine and data integration problems. As a result, ALIS 2.0.2 was divided into releases to ensure continuity of the update, but without integrating the ALIS 2.0.2 engine characteristics, which is now expected at best in October 2016. Then at the end of the year there will be another release with the integration of the characteristics of the power plant. Delays in the development and testing of ALIS 2.0.2 add risks to the ALIS 3.0 release schedule.

F-35, fully compatible with the Operational Requirements Document, is planned to be fully operational in the Block 3F configuration, which is still under development, as it is undergoing flight tests, as well as in the ALIS version 3.0 software, which has not been developed yet. - for delays with the version of ALIS 2.0.2. Despite continuing delays in the F-35 development and testing program, the production rate of the F-35 is increasing, which forces the military to take and deploy production aircraft in a Block 3i configuration at an increased rate, most of which will require large and expensive upgrades. At the end of July, the Air Force received 48 aircraft in the Block 3i configuration, which were added to 44 aircraft in the earlier Block 2B configuration. The Air Force will also accept 35 airplanes in the Block 3i configuration, before the program is scheduled for January 2018 to begin shipping aircraft in the Block 3F configuration of the Lot 10 lot.

Evaluation of Block 3i features

Since the Block 3i configuration is an intermediate feature based on the Block 2B, it has numerous fatal limitations that will reduce combat effectiveness and require workarounds if the F-35A in the Block 3i configuration is involved in the fighting. These restrictions affect the following combat missions described below.

Direct aviation support (NAP). The F-35A in the Block 3i configuration has numerous limitations that make it less effective in NAP tasks than most aircraft currently in service, such as F-15E, F-16, F-18 and A-10, conducive to the task or low-level threats, where NAP is usually conducted. The following observations are consistent with the US Air Force report:

Limited combat load, two bombs (along with two missiles for self-defense), reduces the combat effectiveness of the F-35A Block 3i in many NAP tasks. Compared to the existing fighter, which has many weapons of different types and class on the suspension, the limited load of Block 3i means that only a limited number and types of targets can be effectively attacked.

The lack of effectiveness of the gun complex. The gun mounted in the aircraft is the main weapons for some NAP scenarios, when bombs cannot be used due to the risk of indirect losses or when the enemy is “dangerously close” to their forces. The gun can also be an effective weapon for attacking moving targets. However, even if it is installed inside the Block 3i F-35A aircraft, significant revision of the gun system and the aircraft itself, as well as software for high-precision firing (WDA) in the Block 3F configuration, is required. For these reasons, WDA tests with the necessary modifications and programs should be conducted in the autumn of 2016 (as soon as possible).

Limited capabilities in the fight against moving targets. Although the F-35A Block 3i does not have a workable cannon, it can carry a GBU-12 laser-guided bomb that can be used for moving targets. However, Block 3i does not have a proactive laser-guided automatic tracking function (i.e., automatically calculating and positioning a laser spot in front of a moving target in order to increase the chance of hitting a target) to hit moving targets with a GBU-12 bomb, unlike most existing aircraft that are currently performing the tasks of the NAP. Advance laser guidance is not planned for Block 3F. Instead, the F-12 pilots are forced to use only basic empirical methods (by eye) to destroy moving targets with a GBU-35 bomb, which leads to a reduction in combat effectiveness.

To confirm the correctness of information transmission via digital communication, sometimes voice communication is necessary. Problems with the message passing format and the Link-16 channel, including lost information or incorrect formats, sometimes force pilots to use workaround methods to confirm or "resubmit" information on the radio station, which precludes a completely digital operation.

Limited night vision. Although airplanes, starting with the Lot 7 batch, come with a Gen III HMDS helmet mounted display, which has corrected the flaws of the previous Gen II HMDS system, night vision limitations remain. Pilots using a Gen III helmet for night operations report lower optical sharpness compared to existing night-vision goggles used on existing aircraft, which makes identifying targets and markings difficult and sometimes impossible. Also still of concern is the “green glow” - a condition where light leakage around the edge of the display in low light conditions makes reading the projected information difficult. Finally, precision testing guns with the HMDS display have not yet been completed, although they are scheduled for the end of 2016. The verification of the aiming accuracy of the gun in the combination of the HMDS display and the information displayed on the glass of the flashlight has not yet been carried out in scenarios of firing from the gun at air and ground targets.

Lack of labeling capabilities is a key opportunity for advanced aviation gunners and NAP. Existing NAP platforms can mark targets with rockets, signal tracer and / or infrared signs. At the moment, this is nothing on the F-35. The F-35 has a laser pointer, but for targeting a GBU-12 bomb or targeting another aircraft. At this stage, the elimination of this restriction is not planned.

Limited time in a given area and a large dependence on the tanker. Although this limitation is not only characteristic of the Block 3i configuration, the F-35 has high fuel consumption and low air refueling speed, which increases the refueling time and reduces the total time spent in a given area, which can affect combat effectiveness.

Other combat missions. In addition to the limitations of the Block 3i configuration related to the performance of NAP tasks, the following limitations of Block 3i will also adversely affect the combat capabilities of the F-35A when performing other tasks:

Bad geolocation capabilities for certain types of emitters and with a certain dislocation of threats.

No weapons are used beyond the reach of weapons. Having only direct attack bombs, F-35 in the Block 3i configuration will be forced to fly much closer to destroy ground targets and, as a result, will be able to destroy only uncovered objects or objects covered by near-air defense systems.

The 3i F-35's limited combat load makes the effective pursuit of many types of targets in a typical theater of operations difficult.

Pilots report that the mismatch between the pilot interfaces and the disadvantages of the tactical situational display reduce the level of situational awareness and increase the burden on the pilot. Bypass solutions to eliminate these shortcomings take a lot of time and reduce the effectiveness of the combat mission.

The 3i Block configuration has significant flaws that need to be fixed. In addition to the limitations listed above, Block 3i also has hundreds of flaws, the most significant of which must be corrected in Block 3F in order to achieve the full combat capability required of the F-35. These disadvantages include, but are not limited to:

1. The possibility of merging sensor data is still unacceptable.
2. The capabilities of electronic warfare, including electronic attacks, are insufficient and in some cases ineffective against a mandatory set of targets.
3. Communication channels are not working properly. Messages sent by MADL (communication channel between several aircraft) are often skipped or come inaccurate.
4. Development, optimization and testing of data for the flight does not meet the requirements.
5. Numerous software fixes for Block 3F functional systems are needed before testing of high-precision weapons delivery begins. Also, there is still no similar configuration information for Block 3i.

The US Air Force identified seven deficiencies coming from Block 2B, which must be corrected in Block 3i to meet the requirements of initial combat readiness. The condition of these seven defects is presented below.

1. Failure to positively confirm target designation coordinates for the next opening of fire - decided
2. The azimuth radar review sector seems to the pilot incorrectly - partly decided
3. The pilot does not have an indication of a confluence of data on the tactical situation - improvements regarding the stability and indication have reduced the effect of this problem.
4. The pilot does not have an indication of failure or degradation of the characteristics of the integrated main processor - improvements regarding stability and indications have reduced the effect of this problem.
5. Indication of the state of weapons - not fully decided
6. The pilot does not have an indication of a malfunction of the radar - it has not been completely decided, improvements will eliminate the need for this indication
7. Due to the long duration of the flight data transmission, the task completion report takes too long to complete - not resolved; revision options are considered

Recommendations

The F-35 airplane program must immediately obtain the financial year on 2017 fiscal year with the resources necessary to complete the development, testing, troubleshooting, and deployment of all Block 3F configuration capabilities. In particular, the program should be provided with sufficient resources to complete the following actions:

1. Continue to eliminate the weaknesses in the merging of data that currently have a negative impact on the tactical situational awareness presented to the pilot on the displays;
2. Provide adequate funding for the proper completion of the development of Block 3F, including a plan for correcting and verifying deficiencies that will be discovered during an EDP before Block 4;
3. Before the start of the PEIO, to finance and execute all the actions stipulated by the contracts in order to carry out all the necessary modifications for all airplanes scheduled for the PEOR;
4. As soon as possible to provide funding and completion of contract work for the reprogramming laboratory needed for several years already;
5. Complete the development and testing of the ALIS 3.0 autonomous logistical information system program;
6. Provide planning, search for resources and carrying out appropriate testing of the telemetry container and data collection in order to be ready for the PIE;
7. Provide planning, search for resources, description and implementation of the integration of the aircraft gun systems in all three versions prior to certification and official EIP;
8. Operational resolution of current and emerging functional system malfunctions, ALIS systems, which were determined by combat pilots and test teams.

Signature:
Michael Gilmour
Director of Operational Testing and Evaluation

Inspection of F-35A aircraft systems before operational tests at Mountain Home base

Materials used:
www.assets.documentcloud.org
www.airforcemag.com
www.wikipedia.org
en.wikipedia.org

Comments

[sergeyzzz]

2. Provide adequate funding for the proper completion of the development of Block 3F, including a plan for correcting and verifying deficiencies that will be discovered during an EDP before Block 4;
3. Before the start of the PEIO, to finance and execute all the actions stipulated by the contracts in order to carry out all the necessary modifications for all airplanes scheduled for the PEOR;
4. As soon as possible to provide funding and completion of contract work for the reprogramming laboratory needed for several years already;

In short, the cut was clearly not enough or not enough for everyone
So they stand with outstretched hand - give a few more lards.

[Kasym]

They spent more than a trillion on this F-35, if the media don't lie. And what will happen if the Russian Federation, with the help of electronic warfare systems or "weapons based on new physical principles", learns to knock down this "flying supercomputer"?
As for the stealth, the generals and specialists of Almaz-Antey have already said everything.

[Blackmokona]

They lie. More than a trillion, this is the figure of the total cost of the program, from the beginning of development to the disposal of the last many times modernized F-35 at the end of the 21st century. Including everything and everything related to the F-35

[bouncyhunter]

Quote: BlackMokona

They lie.

From the cartoon about the Kuzyu domain:
- They say that happiness has come to you?
- Unscrupulously lie!

[arkadiyssk]

What trillions? We have spent 40-50 billion so far, this includes the cost of already built aircraft.
Trillions across all our media are from the figure that the Americans laid down as the total cost of the program for the construction of 3000 sides and their operation over a 30-year service life.
You can estimate how much the same program for the Russian Federation will cost us - there will be a comparable figure.

[Orionvit]

And for me, so let me wrap my "super system", because every engineer knows that the more complex the system, the more it is prone to various failures. Let them mold. Recently, there was a significant case with the "light" US Air Force server. They will screw up that then their entire global system can be disabled with one blow. So let them "try".

[NEXUS]

sergeyzzz

In short, the cut was clearly not enough or not enough for everyone

I wonder how the problems of Lightning are solved by other shareholders of this project, such as Israel, for example.

[Aaron Zawi]

Quote: NEXUS

I wonder how the problems of Lightning are solved by other shareholders of this project, such as Israel, for example.

These are software issues. We put our own. Level 3F. In general, if you carefully read the message, you can see that the F-35 problems remained only in the integration of the new software version. This is compared to those problems that were a trifle.

[Kasym]

Aron, how do all these messages "fit" with the already adopted aircraft in service? They seem to have accepted a squadron in the United States - how they operate them (training desks, most likely).
Does Israel have its own missiles for the F-35? Okay, "shutting down" the electronics of the aircraft - we will consider it impossible, but there is a conviction that the old American missiles against Russian electronic warfare will not work. This comp. There is no electronic warfare account anymore. On that Su-25SM3 they write some kind of "Vitebsk" set. It seems to me that the Russians, the designer, "dismantled these American missiles" - otherwise why are they massively put these complexes (President-S, now some kind of "Vitebsk" has come out, on the ground "Krasukha" some - I understand that different tasks perform)? I am afraid that close air combat is indispensable.
Composites, in my opinion, are more important for weight loss. I badly believe that they will greatly complicate the life of the radar there, especially the powerful ground ones. After all, they "pass" the rays, but there is enough "iron" in the planes. Yes, and that Konashenkov frightened that stealth is not a problem - F-22s fly there and for certain everything is "worked out" on detection.

[Fitter65]

I don’t want to say anything about their F-35. I would like to ask how many years the Su-34 (aka Su-32NF) made its way into the troops. Or about the Ka-50 helicopter? Now when they went into series, so they modestly recall different kosyachki and the flaws inherent in these machines. I am silent about the T-10. Namely about the T-10. Is the T-27S the prototype for the Su-10C or the Tu-144? After all, the first supersonic passenger plane took off on 31.12.1968/144. 19 differed from the serial Tu-22 about the same as a beaver from a muskrat. During the first years of operation of the MiG-XNUMX, or will we remember cooler than the Tu-XNUMX? Therefore, at the expense of drinks, first we look at it, then we criticize it. We created the end of the quarter by the next date (years, anniversary of the revolution, Lenin’s birthday, a gift to dear Leonid Ilyich) a model of technology. Well done !!! We are introducing it into the series! Beauties !!! And now we will upgrade it every year, moreover, getting money for it. Main thing is to put the device in, and then we will improve it in the process, although all this was still in development during the development. So there is nothing new in this world drank dough. And they laugh at the mattresses in this regard equivalent to what our president said, they don’t see the log in their eyes ...

[Wiskar]

Quote: Kasym

there is a belief that the old American missiles against Russian electronic warfare will not work.

Judging by the fact that the rocket was classified, this one can well be put ultimately on the F35

13 March 2016 g

The Israeli Aviation Industry (IAI) state defense concern has unveiled the SkySniper air-to-ground missile, Israel Defense reported.

This high-speed missile is equipped with GPS and INS navigation systems, it is capable of accurately hit targets in any weather conditions.

The combat aircraft can fly up to four SkySniper missiles. This missile is optimized for the American F-15, F / A-18 and F-16 aircraft, for the Israeli "Kfir", as well as for the Russian MiG-29 and Su-30.

IAI says that SkySniper missiles allow you not to fear for the safety of the aircraft and the lives of pilots, as they hit targets at a distance that is inaccessible to existing anti-aircraft missile systems.

In connection with this statement, Israel Defense expresses certain doubts, recalling that the maximum range of the S-300 is about 150 km, the S-400 is up to 240 or even 400 km, depending on the modification. IAI does not provide SkySniper range information.

Israel Defense draws attention to the fact that the IAI press service removed the SkySniper launch video, which was published on YouTube in 2013, from free access.

The press service of the IAI of NEWSru.co.il editorial office stated that this was not a new rocket, there was no SkySniper presentation, and the concern did not publish new information about this product in recent years.

Other sources indicate -

The description of the new weapon indicates that it can be programmed to defeat specific targets even before being mounted on an airplane. After launch, each of the missiles becomes completely autonomous and flies "along a ballistic trajectory unique to weapons of this class, misleading the enemy’s tracking system."
The length of the rocket is about 4 m, the declared range is 150 km. The warhead can be activated by contact with the target or remotely, undermining in the air. The manufacturer positions SkySniper as a cheap, simple and universal weapon for hitting ground targets.

[Kasym]

Thanks. I wonder how they will make it "cheap" if they themselves write that it is a high-precision one with different navigation systems, and a warhead with remote detonation? There is no doubt that there are specialists in Israel, but the Yankees may not let them "turn around".
The F-35 is too contradictory, but I will only be glad if the "bad" plane will be used by NATO.

[Winnie76]

Quote: Aron Zaavi

This is compared to those problems that were a trifle.

What about the roominess problem? Or 2 missiles, or 2 bombs ... Have you already decided too?

[Aaron Zawi]

Quote: Winnie76

Quote: Aron Zaavi

This is compared to those problems that were a trifle.

What about the roominess problem? Or 2 missiles, or 2 bombs ... Have you already decided too?

To break through and suppress the air defense system is more than enough. And then you can hang bombs on the external sling.

[sir.jonn]

Quote: Aron Zaavi

To break through and suppress the air defense system is more than enough. And then you can hang bombs on the external sling.

This is to bomb the Papuans. And if in the current situation in Syria the F-35, F-22 successfully bombarded by neutralizing the Russian "air defense", then where will it return? What is the prospect of such large-scale projects if the result is an apocalypse?

[NIKNN]

Quote: Aron Zaavi

To break through and suppress the air defense system is more than enough.

Whose air defense?

And then you can hang bombs on the external sling.

What about F16? F18? A10? then with a much greater load will not be pulled .. ???

[HAPA]

Quote: Winnie76

What about the roominess problem? Or 2 missiles, or 2 bombs ... Have you already decided too?

Quote: NIKNN

What about F16? F18? A10? then with a much greater load will not be pulled .. ???

And the F-16 is much larger? And with such a load, the F-16 is worse than the TTX

[VP]

Well, firstly, not only software. Secondly, do you think that Israel has much larger and much more qualified software development teams?
Thirdly, do Americans give you complete specifications for all the equipment?
Fourth, how many are projected to be debugging, testing and dopilivaniya?

[HAPA]

Quote: NEXUS

sergeyzzz

In short, the cut was clearly not enough or not enough for everyone

I wonder how the problems of Lightning are solved by other shareholders of this project, such as Israel, for example.

so there were problems, mainly in software, even with the most pessimistic forecasts, this will be resolved in 2018. BLOCK 3F tests are in full swing.

[dmi.pris1]

Didn’t you have enough to suck this F-35? We have enough of our shortcomings, are we fixated on the Amers?

[Forest]

Firstly, this is our main adversary for the coming decades, and secondly, if we write only about our own people, a howl will rise, as everything is bad with us, and in the West everything is clean and smooth.

[KomodPoGo.wd]

I completely agree with you, if we had spent so much money, maybe our drones would fly farther, higher and longer than everyone else ... In the meantime, alas, we lag behind and very far away and they are very close, over the Crimea, quietly flying at high altitudes ..
It’s nonsense to grind verbal n .... it doesn’t mean that we are one step ahead, we need to spend, we must go this way of failures and, as our designers say, SU-40 would never appear if there were no SU-37 and if there will be no SU-38, SU-39 ..
The Americans have laid great potential in the F-35, they will spend the same amount but they will achieve the result.
You can smile maliciously or jealously envy, write an article about how American unmanned vehicles fly into space, have been quietly there for more than a year, collect a bunch of information about our, Chinese and other satellites, conduct live surveillance of planet Earth and then calmly return to earth and however, you will never hear about the results of their work.

[TARSUS]

Well, "peramoga" over America, what else can you expect))

[VP]

No, not enough. Our counteraction capabilities are calculated based on the prospects of the adversary. F-35 is their perspective.

[Titsen]

I don’t even know how to react - top secret information is distributed in the open press ...

Desa?

And if true, then allies-pokuerteli of the above miracle should yell: where is the money Zin?

Or is it another stuffing for cutting the budget?

[arkadiyssk]

This is not a disinformation or a secret. This is a regular memorandum to Congress on the status of the program for developing something, open information to which any media has access. Of course, we are not used to this, but maybe this is the right way not to hush up someone’s bumbling behind a veil of supposedly secrecy. Secrecy is the performance characteristics of the product and its location, and the rest is fear for its stars.

[nivander]

and after such cuts they blather about corruption in the Russian Federation

[orado]

The more jambs, the better. Definitely.

[Cobalt m]

Dryers rule. Unpretentiousness, prime cost + add electronic warfare system. Goodbye f35. If we also bring to mind the laser weapon, the samples of which were presented at the "Army-2016". The sky is ours.

[Forest]

I will surprise you - but American planes have always been more reliable than ours, except for a few miscarriages of the aviation industry, and are served faster.

[saturn.mmm]

Quote: Forest

I will surprise you - but American planes have always been more reliable than ours, except for a few miscarriages of the aviation industry, and are served faster.

Based on what did you make such a conclusion?

[Forest]

Less accident rate, faster flight preparation time. While F-15 holds the latest record. Well, in terms of reliability - since the time of WWII, Americans far overtook everyone.

[Voyager]

So maybe it’s not the quality of the aircraft themselves, but the quality of service, which is influenced by many factors.

[Forest]

Read about the development of the MiG-29 - because of the lack of a reliable engine, I had to put two. Well, my father served in the maintenance of aircraft.

[Simpsonian]

The Americans on the F-15 and F-18, the French on Rafal and the Germans on Typhoon, probably also put because of this ...

[Forest]

Quote: Simpsonian

The Americans on the F-15 and F-18, the French on Rafal and the Germans on Typhoon, probably also put because of this ...

Because these are heavy fighters. And 29 is an easy front-line. Its counterpart in the tactical niche is just Lightning.

[saturn.mmm]

Quote: Forest

Because these are heavy fighters. And the 29th is a light frontline.

Empty weight
Rafal 10 kg Typhoon 000 kg F-11 000 kg[16] F-9 979 kg MiG-42 18 kg

[Forest]

Not a mass matter. More importantly, what niche does the airplane occupy. So Panther and IS-2 were quite comparable in mass, but in different tactical niches.

[saturn.mmm]

Quote: Forest

Not a mass matter.

In aviation, it is precisely the mass of the matter that does not reach the average of 15 tons, and even more so, to the heavy one of 18-20 tons.

[Simpsonian]

in identical, the issue of differences in classification by country

[Simpsonian]

Because with two engines a fighter has better thrust-to-weight ratio and maximum speed. It, like the Su-27 (but to a lesser extent) has no analogues, its normal first modifications can fly from field airfields.
Lightning is a "light" and slow bomber / striker.

[Forest]

Quote: Simpsonian

Because with two engines a fighter has better thrust-to-weight ratio and maximum speed.

Not necessary. The MiG-29 engine alone produces only 5 tons of thrust and, in total, 1,02 thrust-weight ratio, can lift 2 t loads, F-16 - 7,9 t, thrust-weight ratio 1,03 and 6-7,8 load t.

Quote: Simpsonian

It, like the Su-27 (but to a lesser extent) has no analogues, its normal first modifications can fly from field airfields.

MiG-29 - the most fighter of its generation. Not only that, while the Su-27 fly - the MiGs begin to fall apart the fuselage, so also avionics inferior. In disasters, they lost about 30-35 aircraft. In air battles with aircraft of their generation, there is practically no chance at all, unless you equip the AIM-120. The attack aircraft, bombers, MiG-21 and -23 heroically shot down, but not of their generation.

Quote: Simpsonian

Lightning is a "light" and slow bomber / striker.

Lightning has a thrust ratio up to 1,07, which is higher than all except the Su-35. The speed in the 1900 is not a minus, given that he can use his weapons on supersonic, unlike others that need to be reduced to 800-900 km / h. In general, modern air combat is to shoot missiles and try to get away from the enemy.

[Simpsonian]

The thrust-weight ratio of the MiG-29 is 1,32 at the very first there were problems because of the materials, and at all because of the recoil of a too powerful gun

F-35 is the worst

almost every aircraft can use its weapons in supersonic sound.

[user1212]

Quote: Forest

Read about the development of the MiG-29 - because of the lack of a reliable engine, I had to put two

They made fun. Thank. Will there be more bikes?

[Voyager]

And what exactly to read? To be honest, I highly doubt that this is how you can take and throw the concept of a single-engine fighter and suddenly put a second engine "just for sure."

Well, my father served in the maintenance of aircraft.

What I’m talking about. The knowledge that your father told you is more from the service sector, rather than development and production standards. These are borderline but different things.

[Forest]

If I am not mistaken, I read Ivanov's MiG-29 and MiG-29 in combat units. I remember that in the early 90s, when all the secrets were given out to NATO, the MiG designers told the Americans that they would put one engine on the 29th if it was similar in reliability to Prat Whittney.

Quote: Voyager

What I’m talking about. The knowledge that your father told you is more from the service sector, rather than development and production standards. These are borderline but different things.

Actually, production quality also meant.

[Simpsonian]

better let them say why the heck they put on the fighter low-firing 30mm barrel instead of 23 or 20mm
especially the one that’s light,
fighter this is not an attack aircraft

[Simpsonian]

This is probably why the F-15 held the title of "hangar queen" until the release of the F-22
With the advent of the F-35, they decided to forget about this challenge title according to the training manual ...
In terms of reliability, there was little that could compare with the R-39, until it was completed by Soviet field aircraft.

[saturn.mmm]

Quote: Forest

faster flight preparation time.

See from 30.50

[Forest]

This applies to the MiG-21 2-th generation - the car was reliable. The Americans of this generation had electronics not yet fully developed, which, to put it mildly, was stupid. And now you can compare the raid and the number of disasters F-15 and Su-27. About the MiG-29 generally keep quiet.

[saturn.mmm]

Quote: Forest

And now you can compare the raid and the number of accidents F-15 and Su-27. I am silent about the MiG-29.

It was lost 117 f-15 and 29 Su-27, 563 F-16 and 38 MiG-29, even if we compare the raid and the number of accidents, then not everything is so rosy among the Americans.

[MarioG]

Quote: saturn.mmm

, even if we compare the raid and the number of disasters then

you are modestly silent about the number of f15-1500 and f16 around the world.

[saturn.mmm]

Quote: MarioG

you are modestly silent about the number of f15-1500 and f16 around the world.

In percentage terms, it’s still not in favor of the Americans, the F-15 and F-16 are very decent cars, but Russian planes can do as well as the engines for them.

[Forest]

Wow, where's the 100500 downed B-2?

[saturn.mmm]

Quote: Forest

Wow, where's the 100500 downed B-2?

And why bring them down, they themselves fall.

[Simpsonian]

F-117 is still forgotten
In these fallen F-15 and F-16, by the way, a part of the shot down

[voyaka uh]

Compare how many F-16s were produced - 4570 units.

[Simpsonian]

How many MiG-21?

[saturn.mmm]

Quote: voyaka uh

Compare how many F-16s were produced - 4570 units.

As a percentage, think about it, I'm not saying that the F-15, F-16 are bad planes, but the fact that they were clearly not made by aliens is a fact, but the epic with heavy transport planes in the USA suggests that they are not very good with resistance, it's good that in the severe 90 were able to spy on "Ilyushin", then they were allowed everything.

[Nitarius]

Generals Cottages are not built for all sons in the USA)) now they ask again .. Nda .. the world is the same everywhere))

[Deck]

Quote: Nitarius

Generals Cottages are not built for all sons in the USA)) now they ask again .. Nda .. the world is the same everywhere))

Are you talking about whose generals?

[ksa4004]

If you read it, then an interesting report shows the formation and appearance of new types of systems for network-centric wars. Yes, not everything is smooth, but doher dough (but why it is loaded if the printing press is a row)) .... but they move on. And electronic warfare in which so many believe so sacredly, is not a panacea :)

[Skubudu]

Lockheed continues successfully ...

[Kir1984]

can this duck, deliberate distortion of facts so to speak

[Simpsonian]

so it is - it's all the little things ... in fact, the penguin has disgusting aerodynamics, and the muzzle as a twin-engine F-22 shoved forward just with one movement
but the general also wants deneh and hasn’t recorded

[voyaka uh]

For aerodynamics, a long nose is not required. Just before radars
were large, so the 4th generation is so long-nosed.
When Russia manages to make a compact AFAR, Russian fighters also
will become "penguins".

[Simpsonian]

"brilliant" ...

[Simpsonian]

aerodynamics require a narrow body

the big "ear" hears better, and Russia can do it,

[Pimply]

Quote: Simpsonian

so it is - it's all the little things ... in fact, the penguin has disgusting aerodynamics, and the muzzle as a twin-engine F-22 shoved forward just with one movement
but the general also wants deneh and hasn’t recorded

Actually no. Maneuverability "penguin" makes a very playful F16

[Simpsonian]

F-16 is the most frisky of the western
But in general, even the MiG-21 will do F-35

[Pimply]

Quote: Simpsonian

F-16 is the most frisky of the western

Exactly. So the F-35, according to the Norwegians, is doing it.

Quote: Simpsonian

But in general, even the MiG-21 will do F-35

Gygygy, good joke

[HAPA]

Quote: Pimply

Exactly. So the F-35, according to the Norwegians, is doing it.

The F-16 c, combat load + PTB 0,8 mach at maximum and 1,2 at afterburner.
The F-35 is almost better in everything than the F-16, and it turned out to be the most massive and successful 4-generation aircraft. .

[Simpsonian]

How is it better? The fact that it has a maximum speed without suspensions of a WHOLE Mach 1,6 and the F-16 has "only" 2.0?

[HAPA]

Quote: Simpsonian

How is it better? The fact that it has a maximum speed without suspensions of a WHOLE Mach 1,6 and the F-16 has "only" 2.0?

and what kind of combat mission can the F-16 fly without suspensions and PTB with its combat radius of 550 km?

[Simpsonian]

all the same, you have not tried to compare the numbers of those that Mach?

[HAPA]

Quote: Simpsonian

all the same, you have not tried to compare the numbers of those that Mach?

But what is the meaning of a combat mission that the F-16 can carry out without weapons?

[Simpsonian]

didn’t forget about his gun? and about the fact that completing the task or left without pendants, you need to do legs?

waiting for you to work in the Pentagon, Lockheed will pay you

[Simpsonian]

Who are the Norwegians? No kidding.

[Operator]

Full paragraph - the dimensions of the Penguin's internal armament bays do not accommodate gliding bombs, and therefore the aircraft will be forced to operate directly in the enemy's air defense zone.

And this is not removable (in contrast to the theoretical possibility of eliminating glitches in the software).

The confidence of the inhabitants of the dwarf country of Israel smiled in the comments that they would then develop their kosher software without glitches from scratch

[HAPA]

Quote: Operator

Full paragraph - the dimensions of the Penguin's internal armament bays do not accommodate gliding bombs, and therefore the aircraft will be forced to operate directly in the enemy's air defense zone.

And this is not removable (in contrast to the theoretical possibility of eliminating glitches in the software).

[Wiskar]

Quote: Operator

Smiled residents' confidence the dwarf country of Israel, expressed in the comments, that they will then from scratch develop their kosher software without glitches

Israel specializes in aircraft software .. Do not envy

[Damir]

when I look at these financial figures I feel like an astronomer ....

[Sars]

Quote: M2 Bradley

Have the cranes already been repaired at home? Is the elevator clean?

No, not yet - the bear was kicked out of the entrance and went to the store for vodka.

[Serzh_R]

Yes, it flies and okay, in extreme cases they will be "exploited" as a target :).

[Tambov Wolf]

Zemvolt was just as unsuccessful as he came out. He, however, was good. Our crooks are up to the US rogues like the moon.

[NIKNN]

Quote: Tambov Wolf

The same unsuccessful and Zemvolt came out

Excuse me, but I do not agree with you ... As for F35 and Zamvolta, there are such investments in R&D ... that we never dreamed of ... What is there in the end we will lag behind in R&D for a long time (this will affect not today and not tomorrow, but you will have to catch up ...) Everything that has been worked out on these products (even if they do not work or go unsuccessfully) can be applied on the following modifications (or new products) even on the next modifications F16, A18, f15. ... even on "Berks" (Zamwolt's casemo). And we still have to go this way
By the way, America missed the 3rd generation of aircraft and immediately began to build the 4th ... how much did they catch up?

[demiurg]

Has the after-sales service reached out to aviation?
At first there were cars in service.
Then came the operating systems with daily updates with patch notes and other patches.
Now production aircraft will be brought to mind for years.

A lightning fast penguin will make a good plane, with money and a fence you can make it fly. But will it be relevant by that time?

[KomodPoGo.wd]

Quote: orado

The more jambs, the better. Definitely.

Definitely

[Zaurbek]

remember the joke .. the patient is very ill, but will come to your funeral. Hoping that it will be a crippled plane is completely harmful.

[Bradypodidae]

P and ndos just need to install the Jove modpack, maybe then it can fly normally.

[Forest]

saturn.mmm,
The matter is the tasks of the aircraft - the MiG-29 must operate near the front line, and the Su-27 - and intercept targets, and patrol, and act on enemy territory.

[Simpsonian]

no, it was based, the rest was secondary

[Jubilee]

The main thing - grandmothers are budget!

[Simpsonian]

taxpayers pay them to the budget, and they can ask how they are spent, so the generals after such a setup of a lokhid have fainted for a long time

[voyaka uh]

You forget that the plane is exported. It is already sold in a dozen countries. Costs are partially returned to the budget.

[Simpsonian]

there they are also budget, therefore, you can also ask

in some countries, purchasing decisions are even made in referenda - this one will definitely not buy

[voyaka uh]

And that means they buy Russian weapons (according to your logic), because the money from buyers is also budget? Thanks, enlightened. Otherwise, they would take something more sensible ...

[Simpsonian]

like what?

[Region39]

F-35 - proof of how you can earn a lot of money on inefficient development.