Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning and F-22 'Raptor' : News & Discussion

[Ashwin]

Ex-Air Force pilot arrested for allegedly training Chinese military pilots without authorization

Former Air Force pilot Gerald Eddie Brown Jr. has been arrested for allegedly teaching Chinese military pilots without authorization which violates federal export laws.

www.foxnews.com

A former U.S. Air Force fighter pilot who once trained American service members on advanced combat aircraft, including the F-35, has been arrested and accused of illegally training Chinese military pilots, federal prosecutors said Wednesday.

 

[Picdelamirand-oil]

Pentagon Seeks Additional Funding to Enhance F-35 Fighter Readiness​

The Pentagon is requesting an extra $12 billion to improve the readiness rates of the F-35 fighter jets through 2031. Bloomberg posted on X, highlighting that program officials have informed congressional auditors about the need for increased funding. The F-35 program has faced challenges in maintaining operational readiness, prompting this financial request to address the issue. The additional funds are aimed at ensuring the fighter jets are adequately prepared for future missions and maintaining their effectiveness in various operational scenarios. This move underscores the importance of the F-35 program in the U.S. defense strategy and the need for sustained investment to support its capabilities.

 

[Rajput Lion]

https://twitter.com/x/status/2026622120336277976

Now they are realizing the importance of IRST because of proliferation of J-20 & Su-57. They know that Raptor would get whooped in a one-on-one duel with both as they have AI-enabled sensor fusion along with integrated LWIR IRST. Range of both J-20A & Su-57S on internal fuel is also as good as that of Raptor 2.0 with two stealthy EFTs.

From stealth being compromised with one loose nut to putting external pods for IRST/EW & Fuel Tanks, what a change of philosophy, lol.

 

[BMD]

Interesting bit on JASSM as well as F-35:

https://groceries.morrisons.com/products/ariel-platinum-extra-stain-removal-laundry-detergent-liquid-pods-70-washes/115829927

 

[BMD]

Now they are realizing the importance of IRST because of proliferation of J-20 & Su-57. They know that Raptor would get whooped in a one-on-one duel with both as they have AI-enabled sensor fusion along with integrated LWIR IRST. Range of both J-20A & Su-57S on internal fuel is also as good as that of Raptor 2.0 with two stealthy EFTs.

From stealth being compromised with one loose nut to putting external pods for IRST/EW & Fuel Tanks, what a change of philosophy, lol.

I'm not convinced publicly-released information on F-22 range is correct. I've seen early diagrams suggesting about 23,000-24,000lb of internal fuel. As for the Su-57, that thing would get nailled by radar well out (especially new GaN one). It simply isn't VLO. J-20, remains to be seen. I'm willing to bet their optics aren't as good as US optics, ditto for sensor fusion. Plus US AMTI satellites will target the J-20 from above (a direction they're not stealthy from). Prototypes are on orbit not, with persistent 24/7 capability in a few years.

NORAD Commander: AMTI Prototype Sensors Are On Orbit ‘Now’ | Aviation Week Network

The U.S. military is currently testing sensors that can be used to track moving aerial targets from space, says Gen. Gregory Guillot.

aviationweek.com

AMTI ASAP: Space Force readying multi-source acquisition for satellites to track aircraft - Breaking Defense

"So the focus is going to be on delivering AMTI [airborne moving target indication] capability very quickly," Air Force Secretary Troy Meink said.

breakingdefense.com

They may even get nailled from orbit too:

Post in thread 'US Military Technology'

Mar 7, 2026

Rocket-Powered, Space-Based Interceptors Enter Golden Dome Discussion​

Rocket-Powered, Space-Based Interceptors Enter Golden Dome Discussion | Aviation Week Network

Boost-phase missile defense challenges the historic model for space-based interceptors, but a startup is proposing a possible thrust-based solution.

aviationweek.com

The U.S. Defense Department’s Golden Dome program is seeking a space-based interceptor with the thrust to intercept long-range ballistic and hypersonic missiles and the range to cover multiple launches from sites on land and submarines in the open sea.

Revealing the size of the interceptors necessary to provide boost-phase coverage, this concept would shoot down incoming...

• BMD

 

[lmaoxd]

I'm not convinced publicly-released information on F-22 range is correct. I've seen early diagrams suggesting about 23,000-24,000lb of internal fuel. As for the Su-57, that thing would get nailled by radar well out (especially new GaN one). It simply isn't VLO. J-20, remains to be seen. I'm willing to bet their optics aren't as good as US optics, ditto for sensor fusion. Plus US AMTI satellites will target the J-20 from above (a direction they're not stealthy from). Prototypes are on orbit not, with persistent 24/7 capability in a few years.

NORAD Commander: AMTI Prototype Sensors Are On Orbit ‘Now’ | Aviation Week Network

The U.S. military is currently testing sensors that can be used to track moving aerial targets from space, says Gen. Gregory Guillot.

aviationweek.com

AMTI ASAP: Space Force readying multi-source acquisition for satellites to track aircraft - Breaking Defense

"So the focus is going to be on delivering AMTI [airborne moving target indication] capability very quickly," Air Force Secretary Troy Meink said.

breakingdefense.com

They may even get nailled from orbit too:

Post in thread 'US Military Technology'

Mar 7, 2026

Rocket-Powered, Space-Based Interceptors Enter Golden Dome Discussion​

Rocket-Powered, Space-Based Interceptors Enter Golden Dome Discussion | Aviation Week Network

Boost-phase missile defense challenges the historic model for space-based interceptors, but a startup is proposing a possible thrust-based solution.

aviationweek.com

The U.S. Defense Department’s Golden Dome program is seeking a space-based interceptor with the thrust to intercept long-range ballistic and hypersonic missiles and the range to cover multiple launches from sites on land and submarines in the open sea.

Revealing the size of the interceptors necessary to provide boost-phase coverage, this concept would shoot down incoming...

• BMD

BMD mate, the su57 might not meet the stealth of the F22 or the F35 or even the j20 but it is most certainly VLO.

Sukhoi Su-57 flight testing and development please Look at this. Its a british forum that has both british and international users that have discussed this extensively

 

[BMD]

BMD mate, the su57 might not meet the stealth of the F22 or the F35 or even the j20 but it is most certainly VLO.

Sukhoi Su-57 flight testing and development please Look at this. Its a british forum that has both british and international users that have discussed this extensively

Already following that thread, it just isn't stealthy.

 

[babablacksheep]

Sukhoi Su-57 flight testing and development please Look at this. Its a british forum that has both british and international users that have discussed this extensively

He's already part of that forum.
Still can't cure ignorance, he has a very self-serving morality.

 

[BMD]

He's already part of that forum.
Still can't cure ignorance, he has a very self-serving morality.

It has the same IRST layout as a Typhoon. The attention to detail is poor, it's not ignorance, just realism. You don't hear me saying the J-20 isn't stealthy do you?

 

[babablacksheep]

It has the same IRST layout as a Typhoon. The attention to detail is poor, it's not ignorance, just realism. You don't hear me saying the J-20 isn't stealthy do you?

then you much also be aware that, when IRST ball is not working and rotates back, the back part is covered in coating of ram? Which can reduce RCS by 15-25 dbsm.

The secretproject forum has extensive talk about this.


In Typhoon's case putting stealth fighter jet level stealth coatings is just a waste of time, as rest of the jet isn't stealth.

Su57 irst's stealth solution may not be as effective( though doesn't degrade IRST's performance) as a crystal dome used in EOTS of f35,j20, BUT is not Typhoon level at all, when its closed.

 

[Rajput Lion]

I'm not convinced publicly-released information on F-22 range is correct. I've seen early diagrams suggesting about 23,000-24,000lb of internal fuel. As for the Su-57, that thing would get nailled by radar well out (especially new GaN one). It simply isn't VLO. J-20, remains to be seen. I'm willing to bet their optics aren't as good as US optics, ditto for sensor fusion. Plus US AMTI satellites will target the J-20 from above (a direction they're not stealthy from). Prototypes are on orbit not, with persistent 24/7 capability in a few years.

NORAD Commander: AMTI Prototype Sensors Are On Orbit ‘Now’ | Aviation Week Network

The U.S. military is currently testing sensors that can be used to track moving aerial targets from space, says Gen. Gregory Guillot.

aviationweek.com

AMTI ASAP: Space Force readying multi-source acquisition for satellites to track aircraft - Breaking Defense

"So the focus is going to be on delivering AMTI [airborne moving target indication] capability very quickly," Air Force Secretary Troy Meink said.

breakingdefense.com

They may even get nailled from orbit too:

Post in thread 'US Military Technology'

Mar 7, 2026

Rocket-Powered, Space-Based Interceptors Enter Golden Dome Discussion​

Rocket-Powered, Space-Based Interceptors Enter Golden Dome Discussion | Aviation Week Network

Boost-phase missile defense challenges the historic model for space-based interceptors, but a startup is proposing a possible thrust-based solution.

aviationweek.com

The U.S. Defense Department’s Golden Dome program is seeking a space-based interceptor with the thrust to intercept long-range ballistic and hypersonic missiles and the range to cover multiple launches from sites on land and submarines in the open sea.

Revealing the size of the interceptors necessary to provide boost-phase coverage, this concept would shoot down incoming...

• BMD

You are free to believe what you want but USAF is very wary of both Su-57 & J-20. USAF going ahead with IRST pod upgrade on Raptor along with F-47's development suggests that they are taking both Chinese and Russian VLO threats very seriously.

PS: Most Western propagandist diss Su-57's stealth because of round IRST ball(which btw tilts back when not in use), but are lauding F-22's super stealth while having 4 external stores(one housing IRST, one EW pod & 2 EFTs). Just pray tell me, if this is not hypocrisy then what is?

 

[randomradio]

Interesting bit on JASSM as well as F-35:

https://groceries.morrisons.com/products/ariel-platinum-extra-stain-removal-laundry-detergent-liquid-pods-70-washes/115829927

Posted your shopping link instead.

 

[BMD]

Posted your shopping link instead.

True dat.

Fixed below.

F-35 JSF Antenna Development Overview | PDF | Lockheed Martin F 35 Lightning Ii | Fighter Aircraft

Ball Aerospace has over 30 years of experience developing low observable antennas for military programs. They were selected by Lockheed Martin in 2002 to design, develop, manufacture, and test the Communications, Navigation, and Identification integrated body aperture suite for the F-35 Joint...

www.scribd.com

 

[BMD]

then you much also be aware that, when IRST ball is not working and rotates back, the back part is covered in coating of ram? Which can reduce RCS by 15-25 dbsm.

The secretproject forum has extensive talk about this.


In Typhoon's case putting stealth fighter jet level stealth coatings is just a waste of time, as rest of the jet isn't stealth.

Su57 irst's stealth solution may not be as effective( though doesn't degrade IRST's performance) as a crystal dome used in EOTS of f35,j20, BUT is not Typhoon level at all, when its closed.

You are free to believe what you want but USAF is very wary of both Su-57 & J-20. USAF going ahead with IRST pod upgrade on Raptor along with F-47's development suggests that they are taking both Chinese and Russian VLO threats very seriously.

PS: Most Western propagandist diss Su-57's stealth because of round IRST ball(which btw tilts back when not in use), but are lauding F-22's super stealth while having 4 external stores(one housing IRST, one EW pod & 2 EFTs). Just pray tell me, if this is not hypocrisy then what is?

EFT's would be dropped. The IRST pod is very carefully shaped.

Su-57 show me any picture of it tilted back? Even if it does, it's either not in use, or not stealthy.

 

[Rajput Lion]

EFT's would be dropped. The IRST pod is very carefully shaped.

Nope. It isnt any ordinary EFT but stealth shaped EFT that has been carfully designed to cost minimum loss of stealth and speed to F-22 and are too expensive to drop.

Regrading IRST pod, yes I know it is very carefully shaped but I was pointing more towards American hypocrisy. Earlier they said that Russian/Chinese IRST won't be effective against F-22/F-35 and now they themselves have become so desperate that they are putting external IRST pod on their premier air-dominance VLO fighter after giving lecture to others how even a loose rivet will cost you stealth, lol.

Su-57 show me any picture of it tilted back? Even if it does, it's either not in use, or not stealthy.

 

[_Anonymous_]

True dat.

Fixed below.

F-35 JSF Antenna Development Overview | PDF | Lockheed Martin F 35 Lightning Ii | Fighter Aircraft

Ball Aerospace has over 30 years of experience developing low observable antennas for military programs. They were selected by Lockheed Martin in 2002 to design, develop, manufacture, and test the Communications, Navigation, and Identification integrated body aperture suite for the F-35 Joint...

www.scribd.com

What's the matter Paddy ? Downing damned Guinness's since the morning eh ? Must be on your 10th.

Btw never knew Ariel sold in little britain is not mfgd there but in France of all places !!

Wow !

Looks like P&G's on the way out of little britain as well.

 

[babablacksheep]

Su-57 show me any picture of it tilted back?

Prototype

it's either not in use, or not stealthy.

Irst doesn't need to be used all the times & many times if they do need to use it, only 1or few su57 will sacrifice their stealth by using it to scan, rest of the squad will get the data by datalink.

Similar to how only some jets will turn on the their radar, potentially exposing their EM signature to the enemy, while rest of their buddy will get the data by data link.

 

[babablacksheep]

EFT's would be dropped

If indeed true, then The EXPENSIVE stealthy EFT'z would be dropped.

The IRST pod is very carefully shaped.

That careful shaped housing also causes some degradation in the performance of the IR sensor itself, one of the reasons su57's IRST is not enclosed in a crystal housing.

 

[BMD]

If indeed true, then The EXPENSIVE stealthy EFT'z would be dropped.

That's what drop tanks are for in a proper war. Lots of drop tank canoes in Vietnam.

That careful shaped housing also causes some degradation in the performance of the IR sensor itself, one of the reasons su57's IRST is not enclosed in a crystal housing.

More than compensated for by better optics and computing even if true.

View attachment 50236View attachment 50237View attachment 50238
Prototype


Irst doesn't need to be used all the times & many times if they do need to use it, only 1or few su57 will sacrifice their stealth by using it to scan, rest of the squad will get the data by datalink.

Similar to how only some jets will turn on the their radar, potentially exposing their EM signature to the enemy, while rest of their buddy will get the data by data link.

Then that jet would be shot down. And since it doesn't know when to scan, it may not even be in IRST range when it does. Silly system.

 

[BMD]

You've also narrowe3d the scan area wrt the other Su-57s and even tilted back it still looks likea luneberg lens. Then you have the horrid joint details and nacelles. It's a mess. And the coating doesn't look close to F-22/J-20/F-35.

Nope. It isnt any ordinary EFT but stealth shaped EFT that has been carfully designed to cost minimum loss of stealth and speed to F-22 and are too expensive to drop.

That rule goes out the window in a peer combat environment.