11 Jul 2019, 17:30
There are so many game changing advantages 5th gen aircraft bring to the table, overwhelming advantages - even vs. so called, 4++ gen aircraft. Let's look at an example...
The Indians very effectively upgraded the old Mig-21 with HOBS missiles, along with a very effective jammer. They reportedly gave USAF F-15's fits during Cope India, some years back. Thus, an upgraded 3rd generation aircraft was able to make a go of it with a 4th gen bird. In fact, the most successful air to air platform in history.
The issue with the F-35 is that it has SO many ways to find you. There will be no "sneaking up" on it - from any quadrant. Another game changing advantage: Stealth. I spoke with an F-16 pilot recently who could not detect two F-35's at his 1 o'clock and 12 MILES AWAY - even AFTER ground control told him where to look! OK, it wasn't a block 70/72 he was flying - but so what? Let's say the block 70/72 can spot an F-35 at 3 times that distance - same outcome: The F-16 would have been eating AMRAAM's long before.
WVR? The F-16 is a great rate machine, albeit not so much if loaded down with weapons. The F-35 rates like a CLEAN F-16, WITH weapons, but can also point its nose like a SH. Assuming any competent pilot, he should be able to 1.) Beat the F-16 at its own game or, 2.) Beat it at the other end of the spectrum (high AOA).
So while I'll concede the F-16 block 70/72 is a big step up, there's simply no comparison to the F-35 (or certainly F-22). It's also grown heavier given all the new bells and whistles, robbing it of one of its forte's - a very high thrust to weight ratio. The list goes on and on, but you get my point. This has all been validated in large exercises. Simply ask yourself this: Would I want to send my son into combat in an F-16 block 70/72, or and F-35.
The chances your kid comes back alive go way up with the F-35...
Thank you Spurts! 
