Delete comment from: Elements Of Power
Continuing from the analysis above, I'd like to see what would have to happen with the F-35 to arrive as close possible to parity with the F-16 blk 60. So let's say that the F-35 gets upgrades to both its internal payload of AMRAAM's (up from 4 to 6) and its engine (10% greater thrust via adaptive engine technology), then you'll have a thrust to weight ratio, fully fueled and armed, of .92 (47,300 lbs thrust, 51,400 lbs loaded weight). A similarly configured F-16 blk 60 will have a weight just slightly north of 35,500 lbs and thrust of 32,500 lbs for a thrust to weight ratio of .91. Drag index around 50-55 (the earlier 4 missile configuration being perhaps around 30). In this case you should be around parity for transonic accelleration and maneuver. So you could perhaps get there. But we're not there yet.
Feb 28, 2015, 3:26:27 AM
Posted to The F-35 and the Infamous Transonic Acceleration ‘Spec’ Change: