In light of that, analyst Bill French wrote a report titled “Thunder without lightning: high cost and limited benefit development program of F-35,” reviewing the new aircraft.
The document states that according to the technical parameters the F-35 is “losing to the fourth-generation fighter MiG-29 and Su-27, developed by the Russian Air Force and used around the world.”
“The F-35 is significantly inferior to the Russian Su-27 and MiG-29 in regard to wing loading (exception — F35C), acceleration and thrust-weight ratio (the ratio of thrust to weight of the aircraft),” said the analyst.
Besides, all of the F-35s have significantly lower maximum speed as compared to the Soviet Union aircrafts.
Mr. French also deliberated that in a simulation of air combat, the results draw even “grimmer picture.”
According to him, in 2009 the analysts of US Air Force Intelligence and the Lockheed Martin Company, which developed the new American fighter, noted that despite the superiority of the F-35 in regard to stealth technology and avionics, if compared to the Su-27 and MiG —29 the loss ratio is to be expected 3: 1. That is, for each destroyed Su-27 or MiG-29 there would be three F-35 destroyed.
Also, in a real educational dogfight, a veteran in a US Air Force F-16 easily won over the F-35.
The latter clearly did not have enough maneuverability — the aircraft never managed to take a position for launching missiles or firing a gun, while the F-16 managed to catch opponent in sight at least 10 times.
Earlier the problems associated with the F-35 were also noticed in Australia. News.com.au compared the F- 35 to the latest fifth-generation T-50 fighter. The portal noted, judging by the videos, the Russian aircraft significantly exceeds US maneuverability.
