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by Someone1234
2853 days ago
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The document was the opinion of the F-35 pilot just to be clear. Here's a direct quote from the pilot: > The helmet was too large for the space inside the canopy to adequately see behind the aircraft. There are multiple occasions when the bandit would've been visible (not blocked by the seat) but the helmet prevented getting in a position to see him # > The F-35 was at a distinct energy disadvantage in a turning fight and operators would quickly learn that it isn't an ideal regime. The original documents can be read here: https://medium.com/war-is-boring/read-for-yourself-the-f-35-... Perhaps you're going to claim the pilot themselves aren't qualified to criticize the program either? PS - This resulted in mechanical changes to the aircraft as well as changes to the headset resulting in millions more in expenditure. |
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Look at what the pilot says about pitch rate, and I'll pick out the part that makes all the difference. Brackets and emphasis mine:
"Insufficient pitch rate exacerbated the lack of EM. Energy deficit to the bandit would increase over time. Therefore there were multiple occasions where it would have been tactically sound to accept excessive energy loss in order to achieve a fleeting WEZ. [Weapon Engagement Zone]. The CLAW [Control Law] prevented such shot opportunities (and hindered defeating shots)."
In other words, the control laws prevented him from doing what he wanted. But, as he knows, because he's helped develop the aircraft, the control laws are trying to be conservative. Therefore, in his conclusions and recommendations, he says:
"Consider increasing alpha onset." and "Consider increasing pilot yaw rate control authority".
These fixes were put in the CLAW really quickly.
As for your jab about "pilots themselves aren't qualified to criticize the program either", well, look, the reporter didn't do his due diligence. You can criticize anything you like, but when you don't do the work to make your criticisms informed by relevant experience and knowledge, you're just another guy with an opinion and a blog.