The F-2 was only slightly longer than the F-16, 49ft 6in, vs 50 ft 1 in.. only a 7 inch difference. What made it physically different was primarily the larger wing made out of composites, this was primarily done to accomodate more stores, as it was required to carry up to 4 ashm’s on both wings, something a normal F-16 couldn’t do.
At the time they selected the GE F-110-GE-129 engine, which was more powerful than what other F-16’s had at that time, but eventually ended up being used also, by B.50/52 F-16s.
Internally the airplane was completely different witn indigenous radar and avionics
Hell i’d love to see USN Rafales instead of Blooper Hornets, but the chances of us buying French are about the same as Pakistan or China getting JSFs and F/A-22s 😀
As for the F-35 being a flying pig, many a test pilot would disagree, and Lockheed has solved the weight issues. [/URL]
Thanks for the link, I really appreciate it, but one can’t help but feel that they may be biased towards their own product :dev2:
besides, we will be returning the favor to the French who bought the F-8 for their carriers.. Rafale will do just fine 🙂
but all seriousness.. Srbin has a good point.. if the F-35C can do the things it is claimed to do, isn’t having the F-18E/F’s a bit redundant? Especially since the aircraft isn’t that much cheaper, and too costly as an interim alternative until the JSF comes online.
The Navy really does need their equivelent to the F-22, whether its’ a navalized version, the YF-23, or an entirely new design
a joint aircraft between KAI (Korean Aerospace Industries) and Bell, the SB 427
I am not sure but I heard China ordered some of these
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