"F-35 fighter panned by U.S. test pilots"

[applegrove]

F-35 fighter panned by U.S. test pilots

The Canadian Press

http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/story/2013/03/06/f35-report-leaked.html?cmp=rss&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

"SNIP................................................


An evaluation in criticizes the visibility in the cockpit of the multi-role fighter, and contains blunt comments from test pilots that suggest the shortcomings could get planes shot down in combat. The design prevents pilots from looking behind them.

"The head rest is too large and will impede aft [rear] visibility and survivability during surface and air engagements," one test pilot was quoted as saying in the U.S. Defence Department's directorate of operational test and evaluation report. A second pilot reportedly said visibility is crucial and any disruption "will get the pilot gunned" down in dogfights.

...............................

Pilots have also cited concerns about the sophisticated helmet that's supposed to display data, saying there are flickering and non-existent readings.

Vocal critics, such as aviation expert Winslow Wheeler, say the F-35 is not ready for combat training, let alone combat.

................................................SNIP"

[stevenleser]

1. OMG, total FUBAR. nt

[msongs]

2. the purpose of the f 35 is to fleece the taxpayers...anything else is just a bonus nt

[Historic NY]

3. Its a boondoggle.