You’re never going to see a promotional photo, with every conceivable load out. So long as compatible bomb racks are used, and the hardpoint supports the load, it shouldn’t be an issue.

obligatory
got the link for that, i’d like to check the year and author

Well considering that it’s talking about the YF-22/YF-23, it’s got to be 20yrs old or more.

F-35 is not considered VLO or as having all aspect stealth. But don’t let this little detail get in the way of your wishful thinking.

It is by the customers and manufacturer. I’d love to see the analyst who’s got data to the contrary.

The intent is to have F-35s control UCAVs in coming years.

The F-16Is use the same infrastructure as the F-16s still in use. The price claimed for a F-35A with similar services is ~160 mio $ or 18 aircraft for 3 bn $.
The running cost aside, because that have to be shipped to the USA for maintenance work to keep the warranty. The F-22A gives an idea about that compared to a semi-stealth SH.

That includes spare parts, new infrastructure, training, etc… That’s not the flyaway cost, that Israel would pay per aircraft.

EOTS, and EODAS is far more than a MAWS.

http://www.lockheedmartin.com/data/assets/1232.pdf

http://www.aviationtoday.com/av/categories/military/F-35-Electronic-Warfare-Suite-More-Than-Self-Protection_845.html

Within the JSF’s overall mission systems package there is considerable overlap between the sensors. The best example is the aircraft’s electro-optical distributed aperture system. While not part of the EW suite, EODAS has six strategically placed, embedded sensors, providing a fully spherical, continuously operating IR shield that can identify and track threats such as missiles, vastly increasing pilot situational awareness, says Branyan. Operating in the midwave-IR range, EODAS can provide warning at “tactically significant ranges,” he says. EW and EODAS are two elements of an integrated sensor suite designed to detect and identify the full spectrum of air- and ground-based threats. EW, coupled with EODAS, provides integrated RF-IR domain coverage, Branyan says.

“It is important to note that as F-35 pilots fly a mission, the integrated sensor suite provides full situational awareness,” says Waldrop. Sensor information includes not only onboard radar, EODAS and EW, but also offboard information. This could involve data from E-3 airborne warning and control system (AWACS) aircraft, Joint STARS (E-8C ground surveillance) aircraft, data-linked air and ground intelligence, other combat aircraft, and both space- and sea-based elements. All the tactical/defensive information, both on board and off board, is fed to the pilot through the F-35’s integrated core processor.

And from an older LM presentation-

http://www.es.northropgrumman.com/solutions/f35targeting/

Northrop Grumman has developed the only 360 degree, spherical situational awareness system in the electro-optical distributed aperture system (DAS). The DAS surrounds the aircraft with a protective sphere of situational awareness. It warns the pilot of incoming aircraft and missile threats as well as providing day/night vision, fire control capability and precision tracking of wingmen/friendly aircraft for tactical maneuvering.

Designated the AN/AAQ-37, and comprising six electro-optical sensors, the full EO DAS will enhance the F-35’s survivability and operational effectiveness by warning the pilot of incoming aircraft and missile threats, providing day/night vision and supporting the navigation function of the F-35’s forward-looking infrared sensor.

The DAS provides:

•Missile detection and tracking
•Launch point detection
•Situational awareness IRST & cueing
•Weapons support
•Day/night navigation

If Israel sticks with the A model, then it’d be comparable in price to new F-15Is, unless they view even that to be too expensive.

The difference is that if you have fewer strike aircraft to begin with, then the less you can afford to give up airframes for tanking purposes. The USN, on a conventional carrier has a lot more aircraft to work with. Nobody’s saying that it’s a bad capability to have- just that there are some trade offs.