F-35 discussion

[Skywatcher]

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=9eUDF6ICE0s
Pretty intresting viewpoints here
I for one love the F-35A/B ,looking forward to one day hopefully seeing a C at RIAT etc
Another good vid here about what it’s like to use Max afterburner (ie mill take off power etc )https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=9WJ58gFMliU

[Mark]

Christ, if ever a post was asking for trouble... Its like pouring petrol on a barbecue to put it out on here!!

[paddyboy]

Well, it’s a big from me

[RJ79]

Judging by the amount of orders coming in from Europe it's all we will see soon. The C is the best looking of the bunch but it's not really a badge of honour

[Alf]

Seem to remember similar comments about how ugly the F-16 was compared to the F-4 and F-104 it replaced .. I'm sure the F-35 will gain supporters over the years..

[Blackcat1]

F16 ugly!? Now way!!

[slogen51]

The F-35 can look good in the air and the shape readily generates fluff that looks impressive - I like the power

(The basic F-16 is a sexjet although not sure about the conformal fuel tanks)

Didn't veterans nickname the phantom 'Double Ugly'

[Blackcat1]

The F-35 can look good in the air and the shape readily generates fluff that looks impressive - I like the power

(The basic F-16 is a sexjet although not sure about the conformal fuel tanks)

Didn't veterans nickname the phantom 'Double Ugly'

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder!

[paddyboy]

With Gareth on this

F16 is lovely (without those ruddy awful conformal tanks)

[raptor9]

Slogen. Indeed they did call it' Double Ugly!'. A superb 'fly by muscle' aircraft. A friend of mine flew them in the Falklands and got paid for it. I would have done it for nothing!"!!.

[slogen51]

Most of the jets we love have the benefit of nostalgia on their side - I guess the majority of spotters on here started when the phantom was in USAF and RAF service.

I wonder if the paint scheme has anything to do with it - people went wild over the camo tornado a few years ago

[paddyboy]

If the powers-that-be ever discover or invent an invisible paint or coating, I suggest they spray the F35 with it double-quick

That should improve it’s looks

[DavieB]

F-35 looks like a biscuit barrel from some angles.

[Kurnass]

The only way the F-35 is ugly is from behind. From the front and side, it’s not that bad. But that’s just my humble opinion

[roughcutter]

The only way the F-35 is ugly is from behind. From the front and side, it’s not that bad. But that’s just my humble opinion

is that with the lavvy seat up?

[Finty]

I have to throw my hat into the ring, the F-35's looks have grown on me and I like them despite their flaws; I still can't get over the portaloo-roof that is the lift fan cover on the B and the gun-related issues aren't ideal but I can overlook those.

With Gareth on this

F16 is lovely (without those ruddy awful conformal tanks)

I'd argue the 35 looks better than the 16s with those, definitely a case of form follows function!

[Finty]

I wonder if the paint scheme has anything to do with it - people went wild over the camo tornado a few years ago

This has got me imagining them in desert sand and the green grey, I reckon they'd look rather dapper!

[f106dart]

With Gareth on this

F16 is lovely (without those ruddy awful conformal tanks)

I like the big spine the best. At least its a bit different from the 10,000 other Lawn Darts

[raptor9]

F106, I agree!.

[slogen51]

The F-106 Delta Dart - now you are talking serious speed