Their ejection seats are ok...they just have a mass limit as all do. Even the earlier Mk14 (on FA18s) variants do.....we used to talk about this quite a bit on F18s.
Most airshow acft are min fuel loads, really the pilots determine what they need but I've prepped airshow acft and usually the pilots usually ask for min fuel.
These F35s do appear to have an flight instability built in which usually means better manoeuvrability but in the F35....not really with it's thrust/mass. Problem is the F18 is a bomb truck that could be used as superiority. The F35 is supposed multi-role...which is impossible. Its not really a fighter not really a bomb truck, but its a good swarm acft with ability to gather relay battlefield data to build a picture and work in a team swarm.
They are relying on its stealth abilities which are excellent but the minute its discovered its in trouble. Its the old ECM/ECM/ECCCM dog chasing it's tail.
I do wish the airforce purchased some F22's....we would have got them we were the only other country to have the then top secret top shelf F111 from FMS. I guess the Airforce is trying to reduce costs by airframe commonality.
My guess is the RAN will buy some more LHDs....which will accommodate the F35s. Some talk here.
https://www.defenceconnect.com.au/ai...r-flight-tests
That's my crystal ball guess. I reckon this is needed due from the SCS territory grab by China. We really need force projection, to do so not only relies upon IFR but also ability to deliver on mass. I fear China's actions have ramped up our defence needs somewhat.
Its a whole new ball game.
Anyway lest see how they fare....would like to see how other Airforces are using them and how effective they are before passing a thumbs down.
