Is the F-35 Finally Living Up to Its Promise?

[@mrautismo420]

Idk why people hate on this thing, got mine last week and im having a blast with it so far! No issues whatsoever, will update on how its going after some months...

[@lewiemotorsports3616]

Did you get the 50mm or the 70mm?

[@44hawk28]

Lol

[@dumdiversaspapalbull1452]

That’s a good joke

[@DA_Doog]

@@dumdiversaspapalbull1452bro what?

[@castlekingside76]

Mine had an extra engine! 70000 pounds of thrust. Mach 3!

[@JinKee]

Iran’s nuclear facility in Parchin has left a one star review of the IDF’s F-35

[@amahana6188]

@@JinKee lol

[@eitan71]

😂🤣😂🤣

[@johnpage7491]

They were in the process of typing more stars but were interrupted!!!! ( Your comment was better )

[@justanotherguy4339]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@justanotherguy4339]

@@JinKee IDF's F-35 has left a David star review for Iran's nuclear facility in Parchin

[@jerrystroud]

People are fixated on the cost. In WWII, it took 300 B-17s just for one mission with heavy losses in aircraft and lives just to hit one target in Germany. Look at today. Israel took out most of Iran's air defenses and nuclear sites in one night, flew over 1000 miles to get to the targets. Aircraft lost: 0 Lives lost: 0 How much in today's dollars would 300 B-17s cost today that would not have been able to do that mission? Too many people cannot see the forest because of the trees.

[@GreenBlueWalkthrough]

Also being the best export aircraft of all time it easly not only made back that money but has made an insane profiyt in every way... Which you can say for the F-22 which is a success because of being the first strategic fighter aircraft... Which like a super carrier group you place it somewhere and it work geopolitic magic... Which is something no heavy bomber has evcer done as they are much more tactical in use as no one fears them for somereason.. So the only starticgic use then have is wehn they are used tactacly aka in conmbat... The F-22 never was and is very much feared...

[@zix_zix_zix]

@@GreenBlueWalkthrough "best export aircraft of all time"? What about the F-16? I don't think the F-35 is that good.

[@jaxcrax9644]

You actually believe Israel took out Iran's air defenses? If they did, they didn't know it because they did not enter Iran's air space.

[@yehoshuadalven]

​@@jaxcrax9644 your mum didn't really meet your dad. It's all a conspiracy to make you think you really exist 🤫

[@Rvbcaboose714]

​@@jaxcrax9644 that's a joke right? IAF been spnking s300's for years in Syria

[@earlharvey7659]

The F35i Adir has routinely destroyed the S300, S400, and even S500 Russian anti aircraft missile batteries. This was happening in Syria well before the attack on Iran.

[@jeremygair4007]

I would like to point out that in today's dollars a F-14 is $200 million a piece.

[@Jeff55369]

That was the price tag before the inflation hike during Biden's term. You're probably looking at 300+ now.

[@MrRazrblade]

@@jeremygair4007 best ever built!!!

[@arcticshark1808]

​@MrRazrblade yeah unless your apart of the maintenance crew

[@jeremygair4007]

@MrRazrblade lols for its time without a doubt, but if my life is on the line at least half a dozen planes come to mind in air combat I'd rather take today. And the cost. Capability for cost.... shows why the left swept wings in the past.

[@John_Redcorn_]

@@MrRazrbladerespectfully disagree, kind sir. Thats the F-15.

[@nunyabeeswax9463]

I don't think referring to the F-35 as just a "fighter" is appropriate . It's a multifunctional tactical aircraft.

[@choasisgoated]

Fighter is cooler

[@TheNerdForAllSeasons]

Red Flag exercises and its simulated K:D say it's a fighter

[@JJPlayzOnP5]

its literally a fighter stop being difficult

[@staniskynjing8953]

Not to mention 'Stealth '

[@user-in6te4bt5e]

AEWC crazy teen with guns ;)

[@mauricecohen3830]

The F-35I Adir is special. Iran still can't believe it lost all its air defenses in 4 hours.

[@oriamir8994]

Brah they were there for fighter support F15's did the work.

[@stevemolloy1289]

@@mauricecohen3830 it didn't ,that's pure copies ur reading brother.

[@TimmyPruitt166]

@@oriamir8994 The F35s did mostly electronic warfare!

[@marcferraro6949]

F-35I is an example of Israel's superiority and America's stupidity. I still remember the USS Liberty.

[@MajorBorris]

@@oriamir8994 you have it completely wrong "bro" The f-15s covered the f-35s which had the dangerous job of penetrating modern air defenses and eliminating them. Without the f-35 it's unlikely that the f-15 could have done the same job by itself and may have incurred losses.

[@troyezell5841]

One particular note: that F-35 is farrrrrr more maneuverable than what people think!

[@josephc5048]

I recently attended a USAF Thunderbirds show at Columbus AFB, MS and the F-35 DEMO team was there, let me tell you Fat Amy can turn and burn, she looked as impressive as the F-16s.

[@KillingMachineMechanic]

Yea it’s bc the fly by wire system is insane, and the F35 is arguably more maneuverable than the 16 by a small margin but that says a lot bc that’s what the 16 was built for and not to mention the 16 is half the size of

[@roberth7100]

@@josephc5048 Saw the F-35 A down in Pensacola (in addition to the T-birds and Blues :D ) and WOW. She was the first demonstration of the day but man Fat Amy put on a SHOW! Much more maneuverable than I was expecting. And man, when they turn away from you in full afterburner, you feel it in your chest. Just awesome.

[@M16_Akula-III]

@@roberth7100 That's what 37-40k lbf of thrust does to a fighter.

[@specc_s1452]

@@troyezell5841 Against US aircraft

[@StereoSpace]

"Over two trillion dollars when it's all said and done." That is the cost of developing the aircraft, tooling out the factories, training the factory workforce, purchasing ~2,500 aircraft, fuel, maintenance, basing, pilot training, salaries for pilots and technicians and administrators - for 50 years. And the last estimate I saw was about $750 billion for all that, not even one trillion. In reality, you would have a similar cost for any new aircraft purchased at that scale and costed over 50 years. At about $83 million for an F35A, it is actually the most capable fighter-bomber-recon aircraft available in the world in that price range. Which is why everyone is choosing to buy them.

[@mothmagic1]

You'll probably find the figure you are assuming it will cost is annual now multiply that by the projected life of the type. You can always trust the Israelis to buy something and improve it. The transformation from Mirage to Kfir is proof enough.

[@patewing5808]

fake info kid read new Pentagon document from 21.11 airplane is nightmare for maintenance and logistic . 83 million is pure fiction real cost is around 130

[@xchalibur77]

"50 years" ??? What are you even talking about ? Or you want to say that F35 was done first and then F22.

[@StereoSpace]

@@xchalibur77 The cost estimates done were for the aircraft being in service for 50 years.

[@146348]

Mine arrived this week. Still on break-in period but I’ll keep you guys updated. Thing is a beast.

[@JeremiahPTTN]

There has been a lot of propaganda coming from Russia trying to paint the F-35 as a failure. Anybody who actually bothers to look at the data and do some cost analysis will see that the F35 is an absolute bargain and the United States should be incredibly proud at how successful this program has been!

[@maddude6525]

In our country, any objective criticism is perceived as propaganda of the enemy. At the moment, these are Russia and China. I am sure that if Zimbabwe were our geopolitical rival, our media would say that this is Zimbabwe's propaganda. On KZbin, I see a lot of praise for American weapons and smirks towards China and Russia. That the Russians have nothing but lapvta, and that they are fighting using ancient technologies. And the Chinese don't know how to do anything at all and can't create anything themselves. The Chinese copy everything and steal technology. I'm surprised we have such arrogance. Then why do we spend money on defense at all if our enemies are fighting against us with a shovel and a cheap copy of our weapons?

[@jeffreymarchant4020]

@@JeremiahPTTN it’s because they failed with the look alike plane they use which is a flying lead brick 🧱 ours actually has flown a lot cheaper in design… which is why they’re gaslighting Amercanski planes that work better than theirs…

[@JeremiahPTTN]

⁠@@maddude6525the thing is most of the criticism of the F35 is objectively false and there is plenty of objective evidence of the propaganda influence. We maintain the superiority in order to achieve and maintain strategic overmatch. Russia and China aren’t just rivals but are actively moving towards global objectives that are incompatible with the western approach to rules based international order. If Russia or China were to significantly close the gaps in military might they would be emboldened to take more aggressive action. Russia already is with Ukraine and China has been matching steadily towards conflict with Taiwan.

[@gregparrott]

Poland has an order for 32 F-35, Singapore has an order for 16

[@pekkoh75]

Finland spent 2 years in the HX project evaluating F35 against Rafale, Swedish Jas Gripen + AWACS plane and F/A 18 Super Hornet + EA-18G Growler. The only jet that met the requirements was F35. The requirements were to fight against Russia and Russian air defenses. Finland had access to all sorts of classified information. Finland bought 64 F35s. Enough said...

[@jaxcrax9644]

Is there a lot of bribery in Finland like there is here?

[@pekkoh75]

@@jaxcrax9644 Finland is second least corrupt country in the world according the to World Corruption Perceptions index. And I think this tracks in general. So no. But there are some political motivations to choose an American fighter jet, although there were two on offer, so F35 was not automatically the choice based on that. I think the HX evaluation was genuinely unbiased. But USA sealed the deal by making a very attractive offer on the F35 pricewise, essentially giving the price the USAF gets currently at its most cheapest (less than $100 million per plane, about $85 I think).

[@marijnnn4992]

@@jaxcrax9644 oo you again spreading misinformation Every where

[@shooter7a]

@@jaxcrax9644 you are spewing complete nonsense.

[@jeffreymarchant4020]

@@pekkoh75 and that’s why we want our ally’s to be able to assist if ever needed or Vice versus. We all need on this planet to drop the idea of wars… and just be at peace.. and so we know we argue because of lack of understanding or education.. so how do you teach peace other than show it’s strength in building stupid destructive machines… however getting there is actually something you can’t control.

[@UrielShlomoGarcia-fi4yu]

What makes the F-35I Adir most remarkable is its homogenous internal technology which is not shared with the rest of the F-35s from around the world.

[@jamesdowning1798]

The Israeli version of the F35 has greatly enhanced software and a different wing modified by the IDF. I wish Australia had access to this version.

[@lucasahmad6525]

They also need baby killer pilot.

[@PeterMuskrat6968]

@@jamesdowning1798 Unfortunately Australia doesn’t have an existential threat that allows Uncle Sam to bring the “top shelf” stuff down for export… unless the Emu’s have started strapping lasers to themselves…

[@shlominaamat4787]

Y do you need it? New Zealand is making problems again?

[@philipmarsden7104]

I would be surprised if the IDF is willing to help Australia, because the present government of Australia seems closer to being an ally of Hamas and Hezbollah than of Israel.

[@yonathanlevi7361]

@@shlominaamat4787 lol

[@danielbohbot1637]

The plane is pretty awesome but it’s really all about the pilots. The IAF have the best in the world. They can make any plane look incredible. But the F-35 Adir is an incredible fighter jet no doubt.

[@roysalman6720]

The Israelis are truly phenomenal engineers. Gotta give it to them. They outdid the whole world with a 1/10th of the budget in the 80s with the Lavi. If they had the economy of other superpowers, I can't even imagine what they would have created.

[@jeffreymarchant4020]

@@roysalman6720 keep this in mind they are the best pilots in the air since 1977… that’s been proven… we use to have real war games against them like top gun did with our American pilots.. our top guns had a hard time beating them… they do not play around when flying sorties… we had them land on our flight decks and invited them to the table for kosher food…

[@chespocket1756]

Israel should be more involved in development of future aircraft!

[@ariz33333]

@@chespocket1756 they were! Israel was well on their way years ago in developing a fighter and the US didn't allow it.

[@Likeaworm]

@@ariz33333the Lavi!

[@s.marcus3669]

Thanks for the vote of confidence, but they don't have to. For several decades, American aviation designers know full well that as soon as Israel expresses interest in a particular project, they will ask for certain things to be included. Furthermore, actual use by the IDF will very soon determine what needs to be deleted or added as needed. America gives tons of money to Israel on the promise (kept) that Israel spend a certain amount on American products AND they provide feedback on the performance. So, it does.....and it doesn't.

[@gabrieljoseph6310]

@@s.marcus3669 US military aid to Israel requires Israel to buy only in the US

[@Austinf111]

@@ariz33333 well Israel did have the us paying for at least part of the development and after sold the blueprints to china who now flys their own version of it.

[@rezaom]

God bless the Israelis. We are so underestimating how much they contributing to the world security, when they share their enormous experience with the U.S. and our allies.

[@Grouse2275]

F-35I has a higher fuel capacity, larger fuselage

[@agactual7901]

Any links to support this?

[@itzikashemtov6045]

@@agactual7901 Israelis are known to increase those in every aircraft they acquire, I remember the F-16 got around 200+ upgrades alone by the I.D.F including 50% increased fuel tanks.

[@ozjohnno]

OUR airforce (The Australian RAAF) currently has 63F-35A's, the remaining 9 should be showing up any time now. I think we are upgrading ours to have all the 'bells & whistles' of the block 4. Sure its expensive, but not as expensive as the typhoon. I feel that one of the reasons why the F-35 has been so costly to develop is that is the first fighter to be designed to have 'open architecture', enabling the fighter to be upgraded easily and most importantly, at a lower cost. From an engineering standpoint the first version of anything new is more costly, but I believe that now that they have done it once, future 'open architecture' designs will ultimately cost less.

[@ypw510]

The reason why the project cost went up was because they wanted a basic platform that did everything. Including the larger naval version with folding wings and higher lift. And the really big thing was the area for the lift fan. That being said, some think that Boeing could have eventually produced a better aircraft, and that Lockheed-Martin had an unfair head start.

[@wilson2455]

@@ypw510 I'll take the latest F/A-18 Super Hornet/Growler (at 1/3rd of the price) anyday !!

[@Likeaworm]

@@wilson2455exept they’re not cheaper at all. 77 million for a block 4 f35a with the AN/APG-85 is a absolute steal. It’s a f18e and growler all in one.

[@wilson2455]

@@Likeaworm not sure what you're smoking, but the DoD/Pentagon recently got the Senate to authorize an additional $6.5B ($16.9B total) to complete the F-35 Block 4 upgrade. The upgrade timeline has also been extended to 2027/28. The latest upgrades to the A-10, F-15EX & F/A-18 Super Hornets/Growlers have been completed & these jets are already in service.

[@anpan6282]

F35 basically did the mission that Top Gun Maverick did. (Except non-nuclear)

[@Idahoguy10157]

Fighter-Attack-Reconnaissance would be more accurate

[@anpan6282]

@ well I meant it did the mission that Maverick said F35 couldn’t do

[@mrautismo420]

@@anpan6282 Goose rolling in his grave

[@2406west]

@@anpan6282 that was just an excuse because they don’t have 2 seat f35s and the military would only let them use the super Hornet

[@anpan6282]

@ I knew that. I am just poking fun at the fact that Maverick insisted only f18 can operate in GPS denied envrionment

[@borisrozental]

the Adir is the coolest name so far, wait till Poland gets their jets and name them The Winged Hussars

[@miguelruiz8183]

A certain country in a certain region messed around and found out

[@panan7777]

Verdict: FCK, they ARE even better than advertised.

[@tooitchy]

a tale as old as time

[@KrypteiaXi]

They actually thought they can bully the world with stationary missile launchers and stationary establishment in general and zero modern air force... Middle easterners never learn.

[@Likeaworm]

Russia is giving this certain country Su35s with the Irbis-E radar that got made completely useless by a Rafale with the Spectra EW suite. Western tech is leaps and bounds ahead of anything coming out of Russia. They’re only chip fab is 250nm capable

[@michaeldunne338]

FAFO. Seems another country did the same, as well as a militia outfit in yet another country. Kind of the theme for the past year.

[@deadeye4520]

The real value of the F-35 is the stealth combined with sensor fusion combined with the data link. It can fly into danger zones undetected and provide accurate and detailed info on the enemies position. It's like a tiny AWACS.

[@Jeff55369]

Yeah, increases the lethality of the 4th gen assets many fold. The system works best when they work together.

[@M16_Akula-III]

you can only really go through danger zones undetected when the operators of said SAMs are dumber than a rock. Goes for everything.

[@deadeye4520]

@@M16_Akula-III Oops, you're right. Untargetted is the more accurate word.

[@factChecker01]

@@M16_Akula-III "undetected" versus "untargeted". There is a big difference. Detecting them and knowing they are around somewhere is not very useful. If you can't lock on and fire a missile, what is the point?

[@M16_Akula-III]

@@factChecker01 ?? That's pretty useful to me. Even if you can't lock on them, you know which direction the threat may come from. That's a lot better than being in the dark.

[@JSFGuy]

10:19 Yes the naysayers have already piped down. This thing had made strikes in Syria before has in 16/17. Those mysterious mishaps overnight is where it happened with the IDF.

[@deltasource56]

which could have been done with 4th gen fighters..

[@ghosthunter0950]

@@deltasource56 not quite. Syria S-300 S-400 Russian army air defense systems stationed there so it really depends on where they want to strike.

[@SpypilotSR-71]

The only problem with the F-35. It will always be second best to the Raptor in terms of cool factor.

[@mcburcke]

Yep...in combat, style is everything after all!🙂

[@tommurphree5630]

Depends on what a subjective person calls cool .

[@alaricskjelver7014]

nah, F-35 is cooler. especially the F-35B

[@panan7777]

Remember that ALL of the planes I saw being developed tested and later improved ware heavily criticized in the first few years. Starting with F14, F15, F16....and now they ARE a legend.

[@Likeaworm]

people thought the f14 was re-tarded until top gun

[@MrHighAnxiety63]

I don't ever really remember any criticism of the F-14 but, I do remember criticism about the F-15 (costed too much) and the F-16 (they called it a "yard dart" in my state).

[@castlekingside76]

It has easily done it. Evaded Russian S400s, Iranian SAMS, the F35 flew with impunity.

[@AA-xo9uw]

"The US Navy's F-35C Lightnings"(sic) Incorrect. United States Marine Corps F-35Cs attached to VMFA-314. This is the squadron's second cruise aboard the Lincoln operating the F-35C.

[@PilotPhotog]

@@AA-xo9uw thanks for the clarification and my mistake in the video - cheers!

[@MarkBarrack]

F-35A conventional take off and landing F-35B short take off and landing (replacing the Marine Corp Harrier) F-35C carrier take off and landing (heavier landing gear, arresting hook, larger wings) Not trying to be a poop but VMFA-314 fly F-35C's according to internet.

[@EstorilEm]

Came here to say this, thanks!

[@Gbombed]

The f-35 is unbelievable. And the Israeli military is one of the most powerful militaries on this planet. And Iran is going to find out how powerful soon. They haven't seen nothing yet.

[@tbo2307]

Israels armes forces are partly funded by the US.

[@SMlFFY85]

And you're paying for it. xD

[@GenghisX999]

Yes Gaza and Beirut are testament to combat capabilities of F35.

[@generictag1050]

@@GenghisX999well the f35i’s destroyed all of the s300 systems iran had

[@alz.7716]

​@@SMlFFY85you've got the profile of someone who pays $0 in federal taxes.

[@tommytstang]

The main advantage of the F35 is the premium kill beyond visual range capabilities and the technology of battlefield information and awareness. The true stealth is fighting and defeating its enemies without being seen, heard and sensed its presence while being taken down.

[@Snaproll47518]

Elon Musk says the F-35 is obsolete. Israel and no doubt Iran would disagree.

[@aquilesca5tr0]

People criticize the f35 because of the 1.7 trillion program but they forget that this program isn't just a single aircraft like the f22, it's 3 aircraft that will be replacing 5 different aircraft and is meant to stay in service until 2080

[@oso1165]

@@aquilesca5tr0 and the 1.7 trillion figure includes EVERYTHING, all maintenance for the next 60 years, its NOT a cost of just the units only

[@aquilesca5tr0]

​@@oso1165Yeah, and eventually everyone will be buying f35s like they did in the past with f5s and f16s

[@thebarkingmouse]

​@@aquilesca5tr0I'm not sure that it will frankly but I do believe that we are learning what we need to know right now to produce a mass producible fighter that incorporates all of the advantages of the F-35 in the F-22 and Next Generation stealth as well as maintainability and upgradability.

[@briancooper2112]

F35 will never be as great as the A-10!

[@therocinante3443]

Never-mind the fact that the government has straight up given away more money than that in the past couple of years for basically no reason.

[@TimmyPruitt166]

At the last red flag the F35 was 22-0 and the marines var was 24-0!

[@sparc77]

against what?

[@virgilius7036]

@@sparc77 Against oponent aircrafts: F15, F16, F18, Typhoon, and more!

[@sparc77]

@@virgilius7036 do they still fly bombers at Red Flag?

[@Likeaworm]

@@sparc77it was a air superiority evolution so keep coping

[@sparc77]

@@Likeaworm in my day, we flew B52s as part of Red Flag for intercept training. I was just curious if they still did that.

[@josephc5048]

I read where the F-35 flew at Mach 2 in a recent test in the desert, so to all the critics that claim Fat Amy is slow, not true. Remember an F-15 can only do Mach 2.5 when there is no weapons or fuel tanks or pods hanging off of it also know as a clean configuration.

[@robertrouleau447]

@@josephc5048 fun fact: the f35 was initially to have a top speed of Mach 1.8. However, anything above 1.6 for the plane would heat the exterior and enemy missiles would be able to lock onto it. So 1.6 top speed enhanced it's stealth.

[@Coyote27981]

Thrust was never an issue with Fat Amy, that engine is amazing. Its wing loading. Plus Mach 2 while reachable, may be an issue with RAM integrity. But at least its good to know that if needed, the speed is there.

[@tooitchy]

@@Coyote27981 ya my pc only has 32gb and it can go mach 4 so f35 needs better ram

[@DOI_ARTS]

"Fat Amy" 😂😂😂

[@ypw510]

@@robertrouleau447 I don't know about that. Modern infrared missiles aren't really "heat seekers" in that way. They're "focal plane array" and really just cameras that "see" an infrared and/or visible spectrum image. There is nothing that's going to travel at the speed of an F-35 that can avoid generating heat. It's going to look like an object like you see in night vision security cameras and it's all about the guidance system locking on specific objects and not just one hot surface. It's looking for something that looks like a plane, a helicopter, or whatever. That's why an AIM-9X was able to take down a balloon. It was looking for an object and not a heat source. I did understand that going too fast and the stealth coating would have been permanently degraded.

[@tungteo1190]

Thanks

[@PilotPhotog]

Thank you!

[@romaroman4370]

Thanks!

[@PilotPhotog]

Thank you!

[@Reach41]

There aren't any military jet aircraft designs that haven't been attacked in the press for cost and performance. Living in Los Angeles, I particularly remember Ralph Vartabedian of the Los Angeles Times whose only goal seemed to be hack jobs on whatever the newest military jet was being developed.

[@chuckm869]

As someone who worked on the B2 project i wasn't thrilled with the f-35, however it has grown on me and it is a good aircraft i am very excited to see what the B-21 will be capable of

[@MiG-31893]

Another thing to mention is that in the US, they have freedom of press. This means that a controversial topic like the F-35 could be easily criticized by the media about things they know nothing about. Ive seen countless articles, and even books from experts saying the F-35 is bad because it's "too expensive" "can't dogfight" and "can't carry enough ordnance". Not to mention that it crashed like once, and being the famous jet that it is everyone starts dissing it again. Nobody even cares when a Su-57 crashed. In Russia, you can actually be jailed for criticizing the Su057, and Chinas government controls their press. So of course both of those countries media will only be talking praise about their fighters. But so far only Algeria has bought the Su-57, even India didn't want it. And China hasn't sold any stealth fighters yet.

[@henrikg1388]

And you don't think that tiny little Sweden has freedom of press, that almost outperforms you when you add up flight hours per dollar and real combat availability when facing a competent foe? The utter hubris is astonishing.

[@MiG-31893]

@@henrikg1388 Sweden has freedom of press, so do most western countries. However Swedish journalism doesn't attack the SAAB Gripen, despite it losing to the F-35 in Norway Also Sweden is a massive country. Don't call it "tiny little"

[@henrikg1388]

@@MiG-31893 It's quite enough that the rest of the Western press, denigrate the Gripen as it was a joke. You think Swedish press carries any weight against the political and financial pressure behing the F35? And you are wrong. Sweden has roughly ten million inhabitants. It has a huge area, but most of it is in the sub-arctical zone. Compare that with 80 million Germans, 60 million Brits, French or Italians, not to mention 340 million Americans. Oh, and there are 1,1 billion Indians and 1,4 billion Chinese. I'd say sat that Sweden punches way above it's weight class in the defense industry. WAY above. I don't praise Sweden as a utopian social democratic paradise, but in fighter jets, howitzers and subs, Sweden's up there. So, I don't see what you are on about.

[@derekbaker777]

"Its not the plane sir, it's the pilot." -Top Gun 2 Maverick

[@SuperVt100]

The $2T price tag is for the total expenditure on the f-35. That's in about 50 years. It's not a $2T plane. That's estimated total cost of all the F-35s. I think that includes the gas that it burns as well.

[@orlock20]

It's the total cost of all aircraft from purchase to retirement.

[@EstorilEm]

Well, it also includes spares AND foreign sales - of which all that money is coming right back to the US, so... it's a stupid number to throw around IMO.

[@goldenageofdinosaurs7192]

@@EstorilEmYeah, I’ve always hated how the press loves to throw around those ‘big’ numbers, but then seemingly goes out of their way not to actually explain what the numbers cover.

[@EstorilEm]

@@goldenageofdinosaurs7192 Yup, that's like saying a car company is spending BILLIONS producing vehicles, but forgetting that people out there are PAYING FOR THEM lol.

[@Dave-rz5wl]

From what I understand, it’s been a game changer. It’s an amazing weapon and everybody wants it.

[@cgctorrag]

It's a very good plane and gets better as the planned upgrades are phased in...

[@therocinante3443]

I just wish we could have this bad boy in DCS world. I know why we never will, but I have the feeling that if we did, everybody would understand why it's so damn awesome. (Assuming it had the network meshing like irl)

[@kathrynck]

Well, there's a whole list of systems which would make it awesome. But it would really disrupt the whole 'dogfight' gameplay of DCS. You'd have to kinda differentiate between dogfight matches and F-35 matches if you wanted to do anything competitive or ranked in DCS.

[@brionjohnson2985]

😢Wait a minute..... Maybe I'm wrong, but I think @growling sidewinder has a couple posts using the F-35.....

[@mactwentytwentyfour]

@brionjohnson2985 modded one, also lacks a LOT of the f35 systems it really needs. Basically a skinned f16 with a couple tweaks

[@TimmyPruitt166]

@@brionjohnson2985 i was going to say the same thing. EVERYBODY watches GS! lol

[@M16_Akula-III]

I think it's a lot better for DCS to add somethings, and improve others first, before putting in stealth fighters.

[@michaeldunne338]

Nice Yoda reference. There is always room for improvement. It is very interesting hearing what information is coming out regarding operations involving the F-35 variants. The recent operation over Iran is especially interesting, given the distance and what we know of the targets, and possible outcomes; and is something likely being studied intensely by any professional involved with integrated air defense systems (either managing one, or looking to under one).

[@teddy.d174]

It’s absolutely the ultimate warplane, as evidenced by many nations placing orders over many other great options. $2 trillion is also misleading, because most people don’t realize that it’s the complete cost of the aircraft, updates and maintenance through the end of its lifecycle. Let the haters b*tch and hate, we know the truth. Great video, Tog.

[@fred.flintstone4099]

and that price includes the helmet which can nowadays be used on other planes like maybe F-15EX, F-16V and F-22.

[@teddy.d174]

@@fred.flintstone4099 Yabba-Dabba-Do!

[@M16_Akula-III]

@@fred.flintstone4099 Uhhh..... No... IIRC some F-16 Block 70s are getting JHMCS II (not the HMD for the F-35). It's almost impossible to put the F-35s helmet on the F-16, F-15EX. It's literally impossible for it to be mounted on the F-22.

[@subjectc7505]

The countries who placed orders are those who participated in the program or asked, it has been a lot of criticism from the partner as well on how the US handles the sales but they won't tell you that because of PR. The F-35 particularly the Israeli F-35 is a lethal platform but it's not immune to criticism, even the US even hates it for the headache it became.

[@teddy.d174]

@ Untrue, most of the nations that’ve placed orders over the last 2-3yrs weren’t involved in the F-35 program. The 🇺🇸 is quite happy with the F-35. Yes there are teething problems just like any other weapons system program however, no more than any other program.

[@earlharvey7659]

Only after Israel got ahold of it has it become what it's supposed to be. The single unit cost is well below the F 22 cost even taking into account the 21% (or more) inflation incurred before the F 35 came on line.

[@williammcguire5685]

Ask the Israelis be a beefed up the f-35 and it's quite a machine you should ask them what they did to it to make it even better.

[@guyfawkes9789]

If Israel are heavily modifying it to their own requirements, then it's not another variant of the F-35 as it's not offered to any other country in that format. So it stands at 3 variants NOT4.

[@fred3965]

I swear its always israel that battle proves US jets lol

[@gsmollin2]

I was working for LMCO in 1999, and participated in the early R&D, in particular the electrical system. It was scary stuff. Inside that jet is a powerful electrical system that runs everything and has a large lithium battery that would make Elon Musk smile, but Tesla wasn't founded until 4 years later. F-35 program was expensive because of its scope and ambition. To be the dominant force on the planet will remain expensive.

[@Ziggy_Moonglow]

Everything Lockheed is expensive because of all the bribes they have to pay to get suckers to buy their crap.

[@gamingsu-sauer3530]

@@Ziggy_MoonglowLockheed really didn’t make a lot of money for the profit searching warmongers they’re always made out to be.

[@gabork.8715]

For the Iran operation they must have used air refuelling. Not having droptanks for the F-35I for extended range has been mentioned and something Israel was working on to solve. Otherwise the refueling tankers had to fly over enemy territory. So in this Iran attack they probably refueled over Jordan by permission(?)

[@Maddog-xc2zv]

100 airframes were used in such attack. that included not only the Adir, but also the F-16i, the F-15i and Fuel Tankers. Israel does not even get close to having 100 F-35i, so if israeli forces say 100 planes were used it's obvious it was not only the Adir and that due to distance refueling in flight was a primary need (even the Israelis said so openly, there's no secret about the use of not only the adir, but as said F-16i, F-15i and obviously Tanker planes for refueling all those planes during the long flight from Israel to Iran - and note that is not the fist time such deed was made, it's just the most mediatic one at the time being).

[@Harbringe]

The command center aspect is unparalleled , now air superiority is another thing. The F22 and Su 57 are better air superiority wise but no where close avionics wise. Should the Russians or Chinese come up with a stealth fighter that sport an equivalent or superior avionics suite then yes the F35 would be in trouble.

[@scottsauritch3216]

Like, there is a reason why our enemy's are literally making basically a picture copy of the f-35 (J35 POS) with dual engines because their engine technology is s***!

[@justliberty4072]

Nah, those dozen other countries that have ordered them, and continue to order them, do it just because it is fun.

[@d-m8529]

The F35 I is named Adir not because it is a speciel model, but becaues all foreign aircraft get a Hebrew name when they are bought by Israel. Decades ago these were code names, but now they are public.

[@xfajejznfhdj]

@d-m8529 It is a special model though. It has Israeli-developed avionics and sensors.

[@PAN-km5qk]

F-35A Block 4 …… the Lightning II ⚡️ has reached its destination 👍

[@SteveKaye-yl7te]

Combat experience for pilots and their maintenance and support crews is extremely important in warfare. And this is were America and Israel shine, with both countries pilots having extensive combat experience, as opposed to Russia and China who lack experienced pilots, Ukraine has less then 70 aircraft and still can’t get air superiority In Ukraine, Chinas pilots have basically zero combat experience, so if war broke out between America and China with America having much better aircraft to start with then add In veteran pilots, and veteran maintenance and support crews, it wouid be a bloodbath in my opinion, try going to a racetrack and racing a guy or girl who’s got 40,50 races in thier belt, and they are using a much better car then what your driving, let me know how that goes

[@scottnj2503]

The future of coalition air warfare, hinges on the F-35 being deployed in large numbers, across as many nations as possible. If one looks at the F-35 primarily as an offense platform and sees offense as better ROI than defense. Couple the F-35 and other platforms, F-15EX, B-21... in the 2030's air warfare will see transformations more dramatic than the introduction of the airplane itself into warfare.

[@BBBrasil]

F-35 is designed to bring the cutting edge upon the enemy and remove their teeth. Typhoons, F-15(EX), F-16, complement the F-35 in firepower and operations.

[@grantbecker2550]

The $2 trillion accounts for research and development, procurement and maintenance for the entire life cycle (through like 2050 at least) of the the most advanced piece of military technology on the field (and we have them at scale). The F-35 is an insane bargain

[@zTheBigFishz]

I was at the JSF project office about 10yrs ago. Outside of 3 letter agencies it was by far the most plush, elaborate Gov office space/blg I've ever visited.

[@Dcook85]

So.... Pierre Sprey was wrong? 😲

[@PeterMuskrat6968]

Well yeah, he was dead wrong before he was dead.

[@mfallen2023]

The 35's profile has really grown on me. Used to think it looked kind of meh, but man it's really got a F-15 kind of vibe. I know, looks mean nothing... Its teething problems compared to cost had me frowning on it, something the Kremlin did a great job of exploiting, though unsuccessfully given its production is looking great from here on out. So glad we stuck with it this time instead of shuttering the program like we did with the 22. As far as capabilities, I firmly believe it will be the most successful aviation program to date when it's finally retired in the 2050's (?) especially if China does what we all think they're going to do. I'm guessing more frames will be built than the F16, barring some kind of quantum radar breakthrough that makes modern stealth obsolete (but even if that happens, it'll probably be the US/our allies fielding it) F35 quarter-backing, F22 at cornerback, F15EX as the tight end/full-back/line-backer/hell, even as safety, B21 as wide-receiver. Buff is the center. F16 is special teams (but can play anywhere) B-2 Spirit is the pro-bowl kicker; only has one job but it's a game changer (30klb GBU warheads on underground foreheads) SR-72 is the ref that took a bribe to make sure you come out ahead by feeding you the opponents' plays, lol

[@darrylmuse9948]

@@mfallen2023 Same here after a couple of yrs it started growing on me wasn’t a fan in the beginning

[@johnpage7491]

I agree as it has become more lethal it has become more "sexy". I still love the phrase " Battle Penguin"!

[@Chuck8541]

9:24 Whats that hump on the F-35 on the left? Between the two vertical stabs?

[@PeypaMikko-1842]

It is the drag chute container, used in Norwegian F-35A.

[@Chuck8541]

@@PeypaMikko-1842 Oh ok! Thank you! Never heard of that mod!

[@joemateo9]

There's "ALWAYS" room for improvement...lest you get left behind...🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@jkeelsnc]

There were ridiculous cost overruns. However, this aircraft is now exceeding expectations.

[@TheAncientSnack.]

@jkeelsnc ridiculous? Sure? The only one? Lmfao!!!! Nope! F15 was WAAAAAYYYYYY worse for cost over runs. B2 everyone knows about. F35 is probably 4th or 5th place for overspending, literally not THAAAT bad.

[@gamingsu-sauer3530]

@@TheAncientSnack.I had an aneurism trying to read a comment.

[@FatherExo]

I worked on 35s (B/C) imo its always been above the bar in comparison to quite literally anything else in service before 2020, ive been at the forefront of its growth since it left late development and watched the whole program grow and evolve. Also yes it can dogfight idk why thats still a topic of debate. Ask me anything.

[@dsdy1205]

Do the intelligent maintenance features built into it live up to the hype?

[@Pouncer9000]

Ok: what's with the daily codes needed for operation?

[@FatherExo]

@@dsdy1205 i mean you can look at how modern cars and the troubleshooting systems are on the computers they have in those shops and kinda get an understanding about how it would translate across the board to a lot of the aviation platforms

[@FatherExo]

@@Pouncer9000 the only thing i can think of that youd be asking about is crypto which is secret information we push monthly to all aircraft, tanks, ships in the fleet across all NATO. We dont have daily updates for aircraft components tho

[@MostlyPennyCat]

​@@FatherExo Can the fly-by-wire system recover from dangerous situations with the pilot is "hands off the controls"? Like, nasty flat spins, controlled flight into terrain, pilot blacks out from GS, that sort of thing Or what about post-stall manoeuvres? The B's hover, is that fly by wire controlled so all the pilot is doing is ordering the plant to go forward, backwards, side to side, turn and up and down? I've heard rumours of all these but I'd really like to know if it's true. I mean, it really should e able to, right? The FC in a toy drone can do all of that, surely they must have put that into Amy.

[@tambokavz]

This Jet has no comparisons

[@sandwormgod4771]

The F-35I. That has to be the go to model.

[@DouglasZ828]

Why the dig at the Raptor 4:02 It isn’t his fault that Uncle Sam didn’t let the Kid eat yet 😂

[@jdotoz]

Would you?

[@Jeff55369]

It's not realistic to replace all your 4th gen assets with 5th gen airframes, not only from the cost of flight hours issue, but also because 4th gen airframes can carry more missiles. Perhaps the USAF believes the new f15ex can fill that role, but the navy will likely still need it's carrier capable f18s, and having f16s available for border interception so your stealth assets can remain stealthed is quite useful.

[@orlock20]

The U.S. military calls the doctrine modification the Loyal Wingman program which uses drones as additional weapon and fuel platforms for the stealth aircraft.

[@generictag1050]

Eventually 5th will replace 4th gen, for the same reason many modern air forces don’t use 3rd gen fighters anymore

[@Jeff55369]

@@generictag1050 While I agree that the current gen airframes will eventually be replaced, 4th gen as a concept will never fully be replaced, simply because you can missile truck more missiles on 4th gen platforms. While 5th gen airframes can be fitted with missiles on outside pylons, those airframes then lose the benefit of stealth, so it makes little sense to use them for that purpose unless you have no other option. Stealth aircraft also cost more money to fly per hour than their non stealth counterparts, so it makes sense to have a fleet of non stealth aircraft for operations that don't require that capability. One caveat to this, is a potential split in the category for 6th gen, ie: between 6th Gen and 6th GenS (for stealth.) This would allow future non-stealth fighter platforms to be recognized as a higher generation number without being totally reliant on being categorized as 4th gen. However, since there's no true authority make this decision, non-stealth platforms are likely to always be considered 4th gen, at least until fighters can seamlessly go from atmosphere to space.

[@ypw510]

What? If stealth isn't a requirement, the F-35 can operate in "Beast Mode" with a max internal/external weapons load about that of a Strike Eagle. There's a photo of an F-35A in Beast Mode carrying 14 AMRAAMs and 2 Sidewinders.

[@Jeff55369]

@@ypw510 did you miss where I acknowledged that? It's still more expensive to operate the f35 than an f15 though, so there's no reason to not use the 4th gen assets.

[@maxwaller8344]

*thoroughly examine information for truthfulness and accuracy to know as to who overall eventually benefits and how*

[@modero6370]

F 35 is one of the most built military planes with one of the Best stealth profiles and based on flying hours the least accidents. So called "critics" very often don't know what they are talking about

[@mfallen2023]

It's statistically safer than the F-16... The Kremlin did a good job of spreading lies wrapped around little kernels of truth. Say what you will, but they're the "F-35 of propaganda". Gotta give them SOMETHING, lol

[@officerna4sty]

The critics are often coping vatniks and BRICS fanboys who don't know shit 😂

[@MarkBarrack]

@@modero6370 I think critics noted the shortcomings vs current aircraft. Payload and speed less than F15/18. Maneuvering less than F14 F22. Now most have learned of its avionics, stealth, and very capable speed, payload, and maneuverbility as a package it is hard to beat

[@subjectc7505]

"Least accidents" yah, sure. But it is a lethal aircraft when it works. Terhan has been struggling a lot.

[@BrentonSmythesfieldsaye]

"So called "critics" very often don't know what they are talking about" Critics love to employ what looks like the irrational magic switch mentality as I call it. They think that a new product should be instantly ready from the get go. When every time, in the real world, new product maturity is an evolution over time.

[@scottsauritch3216]

The Idir(F-35I) is an f-35A with Israel's specifications... Granted Israel did work with Lockheed from the beginning, and is different than the base normal a variant, so are every other A variant are all specifically tailored to that Nation who ordered it...

[@PeterMuskrat6968]

Actually yes. Israel just gets the better stuff because they aren’t using Ukraine like a shield against the hostile nation in the neighborhood.

[@jedijc5411]

I first said this three years ago.... O well... one more time time except, it happened twice..... The perfect F-35 Mission..... Based on its Sensors and Data Link...... A Squadron of F-35s is on Strike Mission and Destroys their assigned Targets but, uses all their Air to Ground Weapons to complete their Mission. However, while originally RTB (Return To Base) is then credited with Air to Air, Air to Ground, Surface to Surface, and Even Surface to Sea Targets Destroyed. Lastly, when the Squadron Finally Lands they Still have All their Air to Air Weapons and Canon Rounds.

[@Maddog-xc2zv]

Not only the Adir. 100 planes were used in that operation, including F-16i, F-15i, Fuel Tank Planes, and AEW&C (the two later likely being on Boeing 707 frames). None was lost of neither airplane class. (note: 100 fixed wing planes was the number said to be used by ISAF, and it's quite knowledgeable that Israel does not have such a total amount of F-35i - they open source info currently have 39 of those with more 36 on hot order)

[@Summerland357]

These plans are meant for their smaller allied nations to purchase. They have no room to complain about the cost, and each one needs a password just to start the engine.

[@Arthur_Foxache]

Video begins at 5:21

[@koshersalaami]

A whole lot of people have had it in for the F35 from the beginning, and many of the critiques are not honest ones. One is cost, where features included in the F35 were not included in the fighters it was compared to, and the costs of those features were not added in for an accurate comparison. Another is safety record, where accidents are viewed as proof that this aircraft was a mistake, in spite of the fact that its safety record is better than that of established Gen 4 aircraft. Another is inferior maneuverability compared to Russian fighters in spite of the fact that, unlike the competition, the F35 does not have to be facing a target to lock a missile onto it; the pilot has a spherical view around due to helmet technology and can launch at anything he or she can see; and that’s without taking superior stealth into account, a factor which in most instances makes maneuverability irrelevant. Regarding maneuverability: also in spite of the fact that Russia is apparently doing a terrible job of actually producing Su57’s. If a thousand F35’s are in service with the US and our allies, fewer than a dozen flying Su57’s aren’t exactly tilting the scales. Another is readiness figures, meaning what percentage of F35’s in inventory are combat ready at any given moment, but again without comparing those percentages to those of other aircraft, only to 100% readiness, an absurd standard if you have a clue what you’re talking about. There are other advantages, such as that the B variant can be projected using ships smaller than aircraft carriers, and that the battlefield awareness of a network of F35’s enables them to give targeting coordinates to non-stealth aircraft behind them, such as F15’s, without actually shooting anything. Many are judging the F35 on standards used on conventional aircraft when it isn’t a conventional aircraft. In the first Red Flag the F35 participated in, it got shot down, because its pilots kept trying to use it like an F15 or F16. Once they figured out what it could do, it routinely shot F15’s and F16’s out of the air without those pilots ever being aware the F35 was even there. As I said, dishonest.

[@jeffr6280]

I mean, the Marines have proven that it’ll fly for at least 60 miles without a pilot, so it has my vote.

[@caingamalo4584]

well, the adir wreaked havoc in yemen, palestine, lebanon, and syria.

[@donloggins863]

They still need to get the cost per hour of operation down!

[@icephoenix5466]

@@donloggins863 thats going to Happen with more countries adapting the plane.

[@XTRaptor]

@@icephoenix5466 plus a big reason why it’s so expensive maintenance wise in the us is because the logistical/support infrastructure for the F-35 isn’t fully on-line yet(there are already hundreds of F-35s in service). Once that’s done maintenance cost and time are expected to drop quite a bit.

[@ur_a_neerd]

@@XTRaptor the maintenance hours/flight hour of the F-35 is already lower than the F-16.

[@rvh1999]

​@@ur_a_neerd proof?

[@michaelhopf3249]

From a cost-perspective this fighter is a real threat for NGAD respecticely the Fa/XX in today's budget environment. And one thing is clear: the technical evolution of the F-35 is far from over. And maybe the NGAD program itself is playing it's part to make this happen.

[@rayraynod]

Most people don’t understand the level of technology required to build this type of fighting machine, the F35 shouldn’t be judged by the cost but by the security protection it provides our military. We are fortunate in America that we can afford the military equipment that our military service members have at OUR disposal…

[@GenghisX999]

Kool-Aid mainlined via IV drip? Eh, you do know US debt is $36+ trillion dollars. Interest payments are greater than military budget. Pentagon failed last 7 consecutive audits. Over 500000 Americans are homeless. No universal health care in US with one of highest infant mortality rates and life expectancy lower than average African country. Higher education is debt trap albatross for those stupid enough to pay for their own brainwashing. Yeh and military can't produce enough munitions to supply proxy army and being way outproduced by that gas station masquerading as a country whose soldiers fight with shovels.

[@Ziggy_Moonglow]

Nope. paying too much for a product because the producer of the product has bribed generals and politicians to squeeze the tax payers for as much as they can manage is just glorified money laundering. Govt gives Lockheed the contract, Lockheed pays the generals and politicians with the tax payer dollars the politicians and generals overpaid for the product. You're a sucker if you think the best product is selected and it's very telling, you praising the cost overruns, that you're either not paying attention or just very dim.

[@gp33music41]

According to the pilots, yes

[@hendeexlord9858]

It’s one bad ass plane

[@scottnj2503]

I've not been keeping up. Very enlightening.

[@crazymilitaryaircraft-q9e]

a quality video, because it asks a great question 😔😔😔😔

[@iloveamerica1776]

If you've seen one in person, you wouldn't be a hater. Those F-35 demo team displays are amazing

[@AnthonyEvelyn]

Yes. Ask the Israelis.

[@dancoil]

It did it from day one. Everyone else saying opposite just parroting anti West propaganda.

[@PaulGualtieri-m6v]

Don't forget people criticized the F-15 and F-16 when they first came too. Developing cutting edge aircraft is expensive.

[@Fox3-Luck]

Great video Tog

[@pyronuke4768]

[cough-Pierre-Sprey-cough]

[@dksl9899]

We are all neglecting the most important question of all: Does Rebel Wilson know that her Pitch Perfect character is now forever linked to the most prolific 5th Gen fighter?

[@yehoshuadalven]

If anyone still thinks that the US is doing any favors to Israel, think again.

[@olivierfaber8478]

52 Total and maybe 85 in the future. At the moment 34 in service and F16's donated to Ukraine. Netherlands. Our former F16 pilots say it's lightyears ahead of anything out there

[@TimmyPruitt166]

LMOA, they keep bringing up the cost but they don't say how much we made off of it with sells!

[@PosranaRegistrace]

Do you have any numbers?

[@rickwylie7322]

That is why it has met expectations, how many are lined up to buy it? It is not just about sales profits though, need to include other aspects like manufacturing and jobs across several countries.

[@Ziggy_Moonglow]

You and that mouse in your pocket haven't made a dime. If you're paying taxes, you've paid for it over and over and over again, though. Be 'proud' of all the generals and politicians your tax dollars have gone to pay off so this steaming piece of Lockheed can be put into production. You and that mouse are suckers.

[@rickwylie7322]

@ Lockheed Martin has recently estimated the total positive US economic impact of the F-35 at $65 billion annually. This includes approximately $30 billion in Lockheed Martin manufacturing and final assembly activities as well as direct spending with its suppliers. From Google AI.

[@TimmyPruitt166]

@@rickwylie7322 that's true but it still all boils down too sales.