GAO on F-35, Hornet and SH

Hi,

http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/report/gao/d04900.pdf

Look at figure 2 on page 11. Now, if I did my math correctly the gap from F/A-18 to SH block 1 was estimated to 64%, from SH block I to SH block II 106%(!) and from SH block II to F-35 a mere 54%. The jump from F-18 to SH block II was 237%.

I would somehow have expected a larger jump from SH to F-35. The jump in capabilities seems to be bigger from F-18 to SH than from SH to F-35.

My understanding is also that the eurocanards shortly will be at least as capable as SH block II (once they get their AESA radars, IRST sensors, etc. etc.)

Perhaps the eurocanards will not be that far behind the F-35 after all, when the F-35 arrives around 2014? Or is this analysis out-dated and wrong?

Comments from the experts?

L