There in lies the real secret of how 4.5 generation fighters have done so well vs earlier 4th generation fighters in exercises. For all the hype of the superior flight performance of the Eurocanards, for the most part that flight performance superiority only really matters in a WVR non HOBS fight (which is not realistic for future near peer air combat). But where they really get their high kill ratios is due to their reduced RCS (which is actually to a greater advantage in most exercises due to most exercises being conducted in clean or near clean configuration).

It is also the primary reason why the F-22 & F-35 will have a similar or greater advantage over 4.5 generation fighters. For all BS that 5th generation naysayers thow out about stealth not being a game changer, since most of them are a naysayer to some degree or another because of their love for their favorite 4.5 generation fighter & just can not stand the fact that there is something better out there in 5th generation fighters, it is the greatest advantage their 4.5 generation fighters have over earlier generation fighters. 5th generation fighters have taken that advantage to much greater level & is an advatage over even their 4.5 generation fighters.

That would be to hugely simplify things IMO. Sensor fusion, and in Gripens case a datalink capability without peer greatly enhances ones survivability in air to air combat. Having a small RCS is certainly a good aid, but it´s not the absolute sollution you make it out to be. However when put together with other advantages avaliable to the 4th gen fighter, it makes for a superior package. IMO.

The F-35 is a 5th Generation Strike Fighter

What is 5th generation in the US is 4th generation in Europe. The Viggen for example is in Sweden regarded as a 3rd gen fighter, but it is just as advanced as the F-15 and F-16(or even more so).

By the way I think you have your Fighters Generations all mixed up. As I stated the F-35 is a 5th Generation and the F-16 is a 4th Generation. (regardless of the block) While the Gripen would be considered a 4.5 Gen basically in the same class of the Super Hornet.

There are no 4.5 generations. It’s probably something made up by Lockheed just to fool the public that their aircraft ar more modern than others. Let’s say there is a 4.5 gen fighter. All of a sudden you equip it with some new ground braking technology, is it a 4.6730 gen now, who decides? Crazy.:rolleyes:

Btw, the F-35’s aerodynamics makes it a subsonic bomb truck. It can’t match the Gripen, or any other Eurocanards in the supersonic realm.

I hope Tom Cruise says no. One of the greatests things about the movie Top gun was that there was no sequel. Besides, with the F-14 retired, what plane will they use as the star? There are no cool planes avaliable in the USN or USAF inventory anymore. The F-35 is just too ugly for a movie, it certainly cannot compete with the F-14 here. Perhaps if they use Jackie Stallone as the female Top gun student, the F-35 might not look so bad?

what is the ‘thing’ betweem the canopies??

A periscope for the instructor, to aid during landings. There is one on each side.

Sleek and beautiful, yes! Ugly, huh?:confused:

The two seater Rafale is slightly less beautiful compared to the single seater. The two seat Eurofighter looks kinda cool, but perhaps not beautiful. The MiG-35 is contrary to the single seat MiG-29 rather ugly.

Mmmm, beautiful!

This on the other hand….