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!

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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 further 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.

[@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.

[@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

[@miguelruiz8183]

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

[@panan7777]

Verdict: FCK, they ARE even better than advertised.

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@joemateo9]

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

[@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.

[@TimmyPruitt166]

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

[@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.

[@TheKCaryer]

Gen X retired USAF here. Retired over 10 yrs ago. Considering the massive data and sensor mgt work load, shouldn’t there have been a two seater version? Sure that would have increased development and testing cost, but I really believe flying an F35 can be too much mental workload.

[@luffirton]

Maybe only the F-35 fighter pilots can answer that question

[@nimbusnation9584]

Okay...Master Yoda...😂😂😂 As I always say, "love that plane..." Can't wait to see what the block 4 capabilities.

[@PaulGualtieri-m6v]

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

[@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

[@MrCateagle]

One could argue that the first FSD aircraft, AA-1, is a different variant as it has major differences with subsequent FSD aircraft and all production aircraft.

[@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.

[@TylerSmithMusic1]

2 trillion dollars is total life span cost. Not per airframe. It’s cheaper per unit than most aircraft

[@donloggins863]

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

[@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.

[@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…

[@TimmyPruitt166]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@valianttmt8044]

I think about the only improvement the F-35 needs is the engine GE and P&W are working on to provide more range and power. The F-35 is constantly getting upgrades. This jet certainly terrifies China and its Junk-20 and Joke-35. Excellent video.

[@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.

[@jkeelsnc]

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

[@PAN-km5qk]

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

[@Therealprinceofcobh]

Anyone who doubts it doesn’t truly understand its utility, it’s a bomber, fighter, awacs, recon platform, and so much more !

[@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?

[@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)

[@sandwormgod4771]

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

[@specc_s1452]

5:08 The eurofighter is a 5th gen in the body of a 4th (still maintains 5th gen flight performance). The only reason it isn't classed as a 5th gen is because it doesn't have the stealthy design to the extent of a Raptor or F-35

[@davidrichards4758]

All western bias aside, 😎 she is a bad-as jet , Most advance jet in history 👍

[@christopherloh936]

Costing a USD100 million a piece must be what it claims to be a very formidable multi role fighter plan.

[@crazymilitaryaircraft-q9e]

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

[@hendeexlord9858]

It’s one bad ass plane

[@CocoaBeachLiving]

Sit down Naysayers! 😅😅

[@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

[@gissie391]

Wish all worked together .I miss Tornado F16 and A10. Too though.

[@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!

[@tambokavz]

This Jet has no comparisons

[@sgt.grinch3299]

It does the job.

[@JinKee]

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

[@amahana6188]

@@JinKee lol

[@scottnj2503]

I've not been keeping up. Very enlightening.

[@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.

[@Arthur_Foxache]

Video begins at 5:21

[@theelf152]

Always room for improvement but its definitely getting there as Suite 3 Upgrade 4 is now happening and will bring it closer to acceptable levels of range, computing power and cooling, additional sensors and fuel efficiency. I personally think it will be complete if/when it receives it's Adaptive cycle engines which will give it another jump in performance and maybe they can start playing with directed energy weapons. I think now that so many nations are racking up miles too it will help in future development.

[@teddy.d174]

It was announced last year that they’re not putting a new engine in F-35, they’re upgrading the F-135.

[@theelf152]

I know, but Pratt & Whitney recently did an upgrade to the core that increased its thrust from 40 to 43,000lbs & similar 10% increase in efficiency/ range,that’s part of the suite three tech 4 upgrade. The adaptive cycle engines would have taken thrust to 20%, 48 and improved range by at least 25% and cooling improvement. Problem was it was gonna cost the government 5 to $7 billion.!

[@teddy.d174]

@ It also wasn’t going to fit in all three variants, which is another huge problem I think contributed to the 👎🏼 along with the cost. I think if AETP matures more and they figure out how to fit it inside all three variants, there could be a path to re-engine F-35 sometime in the distant future.

[@theelf152]

@@teddy.d174 Nah it would be the same size. it was only the C version because of the complexity of VTOL, but they could have left that. It was the cost which was est to be 7billion just for the US fleet. I still think it was worth it and would’ve given them a far more competitive advantage and fuel savings and maintenance savings. It would’ve paid itself off. Just Congress wasn’t willing to fork out for it upfront at the moment and understandable given the US deficit

[@teddy.d174]

@ I agree I would’ve signed off on it as well, but with all of the cost overruns on DOD programs, it’s sensible and wise that they said no. Myself…I would’ve taken $7B from other programs and cancelled something if needed. A new engine would’ve been ideal. I know they said the B could handle the new engine, but from what I read that wasn’t %100 absolute. Pratt was making a lot of assumptions and hoping for the best.

[@Luke_C47]

The F35 is the best military stealth jet ever made!

[@FacitOmniaVoluntas.]

@@Luke_C47 I mean there are only three others. The F-22 and China’s J-20 and J-35. Russia’s SU-57 is really just a 4th gen jet in a bodykit, it’s not stealth and lacks far behind in avionics.

[@izulaAlec0369]

Have you seen one of these crafts take off from a VTOL standstill? it’s absolutely crazy and sc-fi like.

[@KaloyanKasabov]

2 trillion for over 50 years. It may be the only plane able to see the space buff.

[@castlekingside76]

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

[@simisg2121]

The f-35 is the real deal man

[@geofftimm2291]

Has the US Government started posting availability numbers yet? That is actual aircraft fully ready for combat at a specific time.

[@bryanhoppe1481]

The F-35 50% mission capable rate is due to the depot and organizational maintenance delays and not the aircraft itself. In contrast, the F-16 MCR is 70%. The F-22 is 50%. The F-18 is 80%.

[@geofftimm2291]

@@bryanhoppe1481 It was sold as more reliable and a complete system with training and maintenance...guess what we ain't got?

[@Optimaloptimus]

@@bryanhoppe1481To continue, once the depot and organization is finished, its availability rate will skyrocket to 80% or higher.

[@Optimaloptimus]

@@geofftimm2291What we ain’t got will be ready by 2026. By then its availability will raise to 80%.

[@kameronjones7139]

​@geofftimm2291 did you not read what was said? That stuff has to be built which takes time. That isn't a problem with the aircraft

[@philipparana9225]

Drones and uav will more than likely cut the lifespan of this plane considerably. Fighter jets are really expensive and the capabilities are overlapping more and more with other weapon systems.

[@Wukung118]

Amazing aircraft. It'd be even better if it is bigger and has two engines instead of one.

[@michaelroby8389]

Where are we at with NGAD???

[@therocinante3443]

Man JSF is still teething!

[@binxbolling]

Being reconsidered. Cost too much.

[@teddy.d174]

It’s in review by the AF and DOD. It’s too expensive and they can’t afford both NGAD and the NG nuclear ballistic missile program. Primarily due to extremely high cost overruns, from the NG nuclear missile program.

[@kathrynck]

@@binxbolling Well, it's at the "go / no-go" point of R&D. So they're doing the consideration. It's not "cold feet" per se. It's point in time which has been known for years. When you finally get a real clear idea of exactly what performance will look like, and better idea of what it'll cost, and decide whether to green-light that. It might get canceled. But it was a known factor from the beginning, that sometime around 2024 or 2025 it'll have to pass the sales pitch to fund setting up full scale production. It does appear to be pretty pricey. It'll depend on what it can offer for that price. Ongoing costs will be a big factor too. Operating the F-22's for another 20+ years is gonna cost like $100B even with cannibalizing the most worn out airframes. I think the FA-XX might have higher odds of production.

[@worldwanderer91]

Air Force canceled for cheaper CCA options. USN 6th Gen program is still going foward.

[@windowwiz100]

Curious to see the airframes durability when fired upon but since no one has been able to get close to them I guess I’ll just have to wait a few years. I think it’s going to be robust and durable once there are real 5th gens it goes against

[@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).

[@Truculentz]

War is the opposite of saving. If you can’t make it yourself, is anything really too expensive? freedom and victory are worth any price.

[@Maddog-xc2zv]

Not only none of the the F35i Adir was lost. 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), according to Israeli sources. None was lost of neither airplane class. (note: 100 fixed wing planes was the number said to be used by ISAF PR itself, and it's quite knowledgeable that Israel does not have such a total amount of F-35i - they, open source info, currently have and operate 39 of those with more 36 on hot order). At the end was the perfect joint mission, using 4th and 5th gen multirole jets (likely many BVR missiles were fired from F-15i guided by F-35i's and not only weapons of the shorter payload capacities of a Stealth plane (6 missiles/bombs tops inside the inner bays) , Flying Tankers to provide fuel to cover the large distance and spy AEW&C planes mounted in civilian based frames, the Boeing 707.

[@pyronuke4768]

[cough-Pierre-Sprey-cough]

[@Ariana321]

Just wish the A and C variants didn't need to be "modular," that way they could have been a bit slimmer. Having two engines would have been better too; that's the one thing the Chinese did right when they copied the design for their J-35. But, despite the girth, Fat Amy (F-35) is no doubt more capable than Fit Amy (J-35).

[@Mentaculus42]

Maybe the video should have mentioned the engine “upgrade / (redesign)” that is being done for billions of $$$s due to high maintenance problems (due to high engine temperatures) and then spin it as a plus to be consistent with the tone of the rest of the video. All it takes is time and more $$$s to make it work acceptably (X-35A first flew on 24 October 2000, the actual JSF development contract was signed on 16 November 1996, while in 1993, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) launched the Common Affordable Lightweight Fighter project which lead to the X-35) and the revised engine upgrade is targeting a service entry date of 2029 for the improved engine core. So start to finish will be something like 36 PLUS YEARS. The mighty “Jack of all trades, … ”! A good Harrier replacement.

[@tacosforlife455]

36 years for start to finish? The F-35 entered operational service in 2015, and the design was meant to always be upgradable as technology improves to keep it future proof. Also, the engine upgrade you mentioned did not gain any traction and is not being funded because jsf and the branches determined that the current engines are fine and not worth the upgrade quite yet.

[@Mentaculus42]

→ Toco Get your facts straight and read what I said. 36 years from inception and the engine upgrade is being funded! “Pratt & Whitney received a $1.31 billion contract on Sept. 30, 2024 to develop its Engine Core Upgrade for the F-35 fighter's F135 engine. “IF” the program goes according to predictions, the first operational engine should be flying in 2029.” The engine core “redesign” is absolutely necessary because “Fat Amy” got too fat and the original engine core runs way too hot to attempt to fulfill needs that were not originally anticipated for. Due to the high core temperatures the engine needs significantly more maintenance that is costing billions of dollars more than originally anticipated. Note this was not the fault of the engine manufacturer but the realities of having to place unanticipated ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS on the engine. In addition, the “stealth coating” are providing to be difficult and expensive to maintain on the Navy version where the carrier environment is more demanding and cluttered. Fat Amy (which is what the pilots call it) is an expensive and demanding aircraft. The Navy needs and is pushing hard to get the stealthy refueling drone operational to give the F-35 C the range to accomplish the China mission (and keep the F-35 stealthy). So yeah, needs work (and maybe the best we have but still has major issues).

[@teddy.d174]

It was announced last year that they’re not putting a new engine in F-35, they’re upgrading the F-135.

[@Mentaculus42]

→ Teddy Correct, the OTHER engine was dropped, probably because it would not have worked with the B model, but would have significantly improved the C model. So what has happened is that the engine core is being redesigned on the existing engine that will work on all models. A redesigned engine core is a huge project and is 30% of a new engine.

[@tacosforlife455]

@Mentaculus42 not sure what you do for work but as someone who interacts with jsf regularly...the engine is not being funded. The problem child on the F-35 has been the software, not the hardware. TR-3 is more than 2 years behind schedule and has really limited how far they can go with implementing new hardware.

[@Towbie442]

Its an interesting aircraft. So far, it seems to have issues that may just he good new worthy events, or it's a sign of potential secret safety issues that all of use mechs have lived through in our community of squadrons. It is the mission first, sometimes before safety. I'm not saying this is a specific case of this. But, the news is having a field day with the incident reporting so. 🤔 just a thought.

[@andrewpizzino2514]

All nations have the same capabilities and can communicate together. Not so much the case with the various F-16 variants. A massive force multiplier

[@bryanhoppe1481]

No they can't. All nations do NOT have that capability.

[@teddy.d174]

Unless those nations use Link 16 or the new advanced datalink being built/refined (it may be operational already, I don’t know for certain), they can’t communicate directly together.

[@Grouse2275]

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

[@jeffpattison6321]

IDK, attacking the Houthi rebels who don’t really have an IADS does not really highlight its capabilities when the same job could be done by 4th generation fighters and attack aircraft. As for the attack on Iran, both sides are making statements that either paint the Adir as unstoppable or chased away by Iranian air defenses before they entered Iran. BDA from third party sources show that substantial damage was done to air defenses and sites in Iran, but it is unclear what role the Adir actually had in those attacks considering the leaked documents before the strike showed that Israelis were arming up their Ra’am’s with various ALBM’s. A gorilla package of 100 aircraft is still a gorilla package, but I suspect that the ADIR’s were used for SEAD and BARCAP missions. Considering the major coup it would be for an Iranian Air Defense unit to get one, they were probably never risked beyond standoff attacks with HARM missiles.

[@tpfrk8977]

When has it not lived up to its promise?

[@neerajoshi5473]

Let’s hope Donald Trump does not block the sale of this aircraft to Europe in the future

[@jairuskteo]

There's another jet J35 which claims to accomplish the same score

[@jeffr6280]

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

[@PeypaMikko-1842]

I don't like the F-35, I find it ugly and too expensive. But people have to acknowledge it is a good jet, with a good potential.

[@bobbastian760]

Wait you're saying Israel got a good price. No way :D

[@nurnberg1561]

Big Mac jet fighter

[@fred.flintstone4099]

They call it Fat Amy.

[@AnthonyEvelyn]

Yes. Ask the Israelis.

[@Exile-exe]

F22 is ultimate.

[@JSFGuy]

🕺

[@dancoil]

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

[@WeAllLaughDownHere-ne2ou]

The f-35s procurement and initial development are absolute boondoggles. But the f-35 aircraft itself is a marvel of engineering. As soon as we get the hang of sustaining this aircraft, there's nothing else in the world that compares.

[@naksachaisaejane1982]

I'd say JSF is very civil compared to ATF program. There are so many bummed out about YF23. Meanwhile, X35 have X32 beat across the whole board and no one really cares about the Boeing prototype anymore.

[@Fleshox19-uz3qt]

I'm just surprised they got all the countries to eventually agree to build the damn thing. But they did and they built it. One has to admit, it's a fantastic aircraft. No doubt about it.

[@iivin4233]

"Finally".

[@pigmoonk2545]

A lot of motherhood statements about the Adir but nothing much mentioned. We all know the customised EW suite. So whats in it ? Whats so special ?

[@bernardibrahim]

famous talking frog haha

[@Brunzy1970]

Why so much digitally enhanced or modified materials in your show?

[@joezeed-g4h]

Unpilot good sir.😊

[@RichelieuUnlimited]

The Eurofighter will defeat the F-35 in a one-on-one engagement, both WVR and BVR. This mostly comes down to the F-35 maybe having the first look, but lacking the effective missiles range to achieve first shot. The low number of missiles carried by the F-35 adds the further complication that the Eurofighter possesses enough towed decoys and other hardkill countermeasures to eat through the F-35‘s entire complement. So in this regard the Eurofighter‘s higher price can be justified.

[@RichelieuUnlimited]

When looking at why European nations are acquiring F-35s, it comes down to needing a nuclear certified strike aircraft, like in the case of Germany, or needing a Harrier replacement for carrier operations, like in the case of the UK, or both like in the case of Italy. I should add that the Eurofighter/F-35 combo is greater than the sum of its parts, as the Eurofighter when used as a missile truck can be far more aggressive than i.e. a F-15EX due to its reduced RCS, countermeasures and kinematics, with the Meteor giving it far greater effective range at the same time.

[@rick7424]

The AMRAAM is sufficient in range for the stealth platform, though new missiles are in development

[@RichelieuUnlimited]

@@rick7424 AIM-120D is reported to have 160-180km range. That’s under optimal launch conditions with a compliant target. Against a non-compliant target that becomes ~40-45km, take away optimal launch parameters due to the F-35‘s underwhelming top speed and service ceiling, this becomes less than 30km. AIM-260, when doing everything to maximize range can maybe improve this to 40km.

[@herbertkeithmiller]

1:22 adding to the list aircraft The Lightning was at least initially meant to replace, the A-10 Warthog

[@kathrynck]

The A-10 was pictured while he was talking about it. And it does.

[@munozcampos]

RAF Jaguar as well

[@ThomasBestonso-zr4ko]

Not a fucking chance it could replace the A-10... they've been trying to do that for 60yrs ...

[@aquilesca5tr0]

@@ThomasBestonso-zr4ko The a10 is literally being retired, it´s completely obsolete

[@AtticusMoreno-oy6nd]

The A10 would suck against any opponent that has half decent air defenses

[@juliasranu2255]

Let all the naysayers sit back and enjoy a magnificent technology..and yes there is room for improvement..

[@dukerex1285]

when will Iranians learn lol

[@williamallen63]

It's finally got combat under its wings with Israel. So did the F-15.

[@AA-xo9uw]

"It's finally got combat under its wings with Israel. "(sic) Incorrect. The Adir had its combat debut back in May 2018. Try and keep up, Bill.

[@rick7424]

​@@AA-xo9uw be polite or leave

[@TheMeepster72]

As far as I can tell, the F-35 is exactly what we needed, an F-22 more suited to ground attack. Something that can hit targets protected by modern air defences.

[@spikey2822]

Im wonderign if all that it goes wrogn and costs must is really ending up in the black budget fund and the fighter is fine

[@eugenefleming1614]

🇮🇱🇮🇱🇮🇱🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸💟💟💟✌✌✌🙏🙏🙏💛💛💛