kwaigonegin
Colonel
re: F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Thread
This is my primary contention with the original JSF program. The darn jarheads had too much influence on the design requirements. They should've just stuck to the Harriers and let the Navy boys do the heavy lifting OR have Lockheed design something else entirely different for STOVL.
This is a neat block posting from FoxtrotAlpha
He gives a list of seven things he thinks could make USMC Lightning LHA/LHD forces a really potent force.
When the JSF's baseline design was finally locked, the aircraft was left with a massive fuselage cross-section, as well as a single engine with a huge circumference. This, along with many other STOVL related design results, gave the more numerous A and C versions of the jet an airframe that is far less than optimal given their basic sub-design's goals.
...................So, in the end the Marines will get the finest replacement for their AV-8Bs Harriers that they could have ever wished for, while the USAF, Navy and partner nations (over 90% of the F-35′s entire production run) will get an aircraft that has paid dearly for granting the Marines their golden short takeoff and vertical landing fifth generation fighter wish.
This is my primary contention with the original JSF program. The darn jarheads had too much influence on the design requirements. They should've just stuck to the Harriers and let the Navy boys do the heavy lifting OR have Lockheed design something else entirely different for STOVL.