F-35 Crash Ft Worth

[T.Man]

"The F-35 was designed to replace the Air Force’s A-10, F-16 and possibly F-15, the Navy’s F/A-18, and the Marine Corp’s F/A-18 and AV-8."

Usually followed by:
"Those other (superior, proven and still very relevant) aircraft are old and the upkeep is super expensive".

It's laughable, and makes me chuckle every time. Especially as we watch a $130ish mil fighter literally crash and burn. On top of all of the program delays, material issues, electrical gremlins, etc. It's a nearly $500 billion dollar endeavor.

Without a doubt, it's an industry that I enjoy working in, but FFS, there's certain programs and decisions that are flat out insane.

 

[Tezz500]

The B is specific to the Marine Corps is it not?

 

[L8APEX]

Yes, the A, B, and C are all different, with the B being configured for the STOVL role for the USMC and Royal Navy Carriers. They use a less efficient low bypass engine than the higher bypass model found in the A and C that cuts it's range down, but offers similar performance. Higher bypass compressor is too long to fit the Bravo. Honestly they are more 3 similar aircraft than 3 variants.
The Navy's C is actually a bit bigger than the other 2 with a wingspan at 43ft (larger fuel reserves and more robust gear, along with tailhook and nose probe), the A and B are just 35ft (and should out maneuver a C).
Aside from keeping an internal gun on the A (they a have a centerline pod, like the F-4 for the B, and C after they no longer need stealth) it seems like a repeat of the sins of the century series fighters, "With air to air missiles, there will be no dogfights!" The F-35 can do about anything in the air but not really be the master of any of those capabilities, as with all big projects routed via congress it was more a jobs program that makes planes as a byproduct. There are issues and deficiencies that need addressed.