Originally Posted by navlav8r
John, how long was the Tomcat in service? How long has the F-35 been operationally deployed? Comparing their safety record is a little apples and oranges.

The F-35 has a lot of capabilities that can’t be discussed here. A friend of mine, a Marine colonel has deployed with the F-35 and he told me that once the pilot gets the hang of using everything, it’s an incredible platform. Personally, I’d much rather fight in a two engine platform with the redundant electrical and hydraulic systems.


My old boss, retired USAF Col, headed up the testing program for the AF version of the F35. He's got lots of combat time and has flow something like 30 military aircraft (including a MiG). He's biased of course but he thinks the F35 is the best plane he's ever flown.


FWIW.

Carpe' Scrotum