Matrix Games Forums

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTgDTC8_PM0

If you guys have not seen this already, there are some interesting kernels of info in the video. I was especially interested at end when the range of the F-35 was discussed. Also, both pilots don't think of the F-35 as a traditional "fighter". Tactics are never brought up. But folks here can read between the lines a bit ... [;)] What it can do after it's initial strike to promote 4th gen attacks while loitering was eluded to.

Kevin

I forgot the forum name I visited very long time ago, but the guy said F-35 will fly like a tiny bomber -- steamrolling everything along its route because it's NLOS ability to guide AIM-120D, and drop bombs at jammed SAM with onboard OECM.

If facing a seriously dangerous and agile air threat, F-35 can offset it by assist missile guidance to nearby friendly with AIM-120D as well. If still persists, it will be the F-22's job to deal with.

even agile air threats are going to have problems. worst case you can simply keep shooting at them to keep them defensive. often enough you can probably still continue in towards IP unless they jump you very far away.

the nice thing about stealth (i'd guess, anyway) is it allows you to get within striking distance before you are really picked out, which means that anything scrambled to intercept you is going to have altitude/energy problems, which makes AMRAAMs all the more deadly. as long as you can keep the enemy defensive by shooting at them at ~RPI you can continue to the target, make your drop and then do a fighting retreat. even if you don't "win" the engagement by destroying the enemy, you can still achieve your objective and then bail. which is a victory, even without a single A-A victory.

Up until 3:10min Can someone say "The Pentagon Wars"[:D]

In my test F-35s using it's Electro-Optical Targeting System alone delivered first look first kill everytime in a Radar silence Scenario

Cant post links yet, check last Aviation week podcast with Berke.

On the Don of A New Era scenario I had lots of problems dealing with the F-22 & F-35. Although I managed to shot down a handful of them, it was always due to WVR missiles. Before that, both F-22 and F-35 easily defeated S-300, S-400 SAMs and AA-10 & AA-12 AAM at medium range. Thing is that, although detectables at medium to short range, radar return was not enough to guide the missiles properly.