With all of the discussion, debate and criticism swirling around the F-35 regarding its long term maintenance challenges, operating and sustainment costs and logistical complexities, many might be inclined to wonder just how much different is an F-35 from an advanced, upgraded 4th Generation fighter like an F/A-18, F-16 or even the massively reworked F-15EX.
Is the F-35 margin of difference and superiority so sufficient to justify any concerns about long-term costs?
Of course as more F-35s get built, costs decrease and the ability of an F-35 to perform missions which require many 4th-gen jets, seem to paint a different financial picture than critics have maintained.
Cost are clearly something Lockheed and the Pentagon are working on, reportedly with significant success. Combined with the known cost savings of needing fewer jets to perform missions which typically need a large number of 4th-gen fighters, money is now being saved through Lockheed and Air Force efforts to streamline and uptick production to substantially lower the price per plane.
However, what about an examination based purely upon performance? Just how much better is an F-35?
Why not ask those in position to know? I spoke with three F-35 pilots who have years of experience flying both 4th Generation aircraft as well as the F-35. Each of the pilots offered a unique and experienced window into just how different it is to operate an F-35 in a war scenario.
The pilots’ comments aligned along several key themes to include sensing, data fusion, maneuverability and mission intelligence data, among other things.
