Now we have proof that many of us said about trying to buy a platform that is supposed to be a do all, end all, do everything airplaine. The F-35 is just like the MacNamara F-111 fiasco. The F-35 may be a fair attack bomber, but it is no fighter. No matter what they try to do to this design there is not enough lipstick in the world to make this pig into a world class fighter!!!!!!

The Pentagon should restart the F-23 program. The F-23 should have been bought in the first place since it was much faster, and more stealthy.

In 1960 give or take Ames labs was experimenting with STOL aircraft. They modified a 130 with huge fowler flaps. They also mounted two jet engines between the regular engines where there can be fuel tanks. They used heavy air bleed from these jets for boundry layer air on the huge flap that at 100% were down 90 degrees from the wing.

Im sure there was little weight in the aircraft, but it could take off in about 3 aircraft lengths and land in 5. It was amazing to see that plane pretty much just jump into the air.

I may have posted this before on this thread, but IMO this is what happens when fools think they can build a do all, end all, all things to all people airplane. Its kind of like they say about a person that is a jack of all trade, but master of none. IMO both services should have two planes, a combat fighter, and an attack plane.

IMO the A-10 is far superior do to design, the armor tub for the pilot, redundant systems and control surfaces. Also the way the wing protects the inlet of the engines.

The Tiger was a pretty little plane. In a way it was the first light weight fighter. There was at least one squadron of them at Moffett when I was there around 1960.

One fact I might point out is the fact it had spoilers for roll control. IMO spoilers are a better deal than ailerons since they dont produce adverse yaw like ailerons do.

Back about 1991 give or take an F14D came to Omaha for the air show. It completely stole the show from the Air Force. What the video fails to get across is the sound of the GE engines. In those 80 degree banks they had all the roar and crackle of a high performance engine, but there was a low pitched growl that made the hair on the back of you neck stand up.

There is one point many forget when it comes to the F-14. It was on an aircraft carrier and therefore could join a battle most any where in the world it was needed. As good as the f-15 was if it couldnt get to the battle it was of no use.

Too bad the Navy didnt go ahead and develop the F8U-3. It is a well known fact it could fly rings around the Phantom. It could fly faster further and Higher than the F4. Just google F8U-3 and read how John Konrad said how the -3 could wax the F4.

When I was at Moffett Field in the late 50s, Ames labs was flying one. On take off it was the most impressive plane I have ever watched.