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To compute the sustained load factor you multiply the T/W ratio with the L/D ratio. The L/D ratio varies with speed, the T/W ratio not very much so. This explains the phenomenon of low T/W fighters being able to match the sustained performance of other jets possessing a much higher T/W ratio. The F-86, with a peak L/D of 15 or the F-5 with an L/D of 10 could out-turn the PHANTOM, which had an L/D of about 8, if I remember correctly.
Fuel state is a factor that implies the defending fighters will be at a disadvantage versus the attackers in terms of turn rate, who have flown a longer distance to the battle area, but enjoy a advantage in terms of persistence. Clearly, as a strike fighter the F-35 will join battle with less fuel than the opposition.
The question is who's gonna be turning with the F-35? No other a/c type can do such a thing. And a second question, why on earth should the F-35 drop a wing to start a turn? Get this wrong and your assessment of the F-35 will be off by miles.
Jul 16, 2017, 6:09:19 PM
Posted to The F-35 and the Infamous “Sustained G” Spec Change: Part 4 (of 4)