So, I was reading about the F-35 Lightning II and it's kinda wild how this super expensive fighter jet can't outrun jets that are like 50 years old. The F-35's top speed is Mach 1.6, which sounds fast, but it's actually slower than the F-15, F-16, and even the old F-4 Phantom II. And don't even get me started on the SR-71 Blackbird - that thing is in a league of its own.
I guess the F-35 is more about stealth and advanced tech than raw speed, which makes sense for modern warfare. But still, it's interesting how they decided speed wasn't a priority even with all that money invested. Makes you wonder about the trade-offs in designing these jets.
What do you guys think? Is speed just not as important anymore with all the stealth technology we have now? And how do you feel about the cost of the F-35 when it can't match the speed of jets from the 70s? Curious to hear your thoughts!
I guess the F-35 is more about stealth and advanced tech than raw speed, which makes sense for modern warfare. But still, it's interesting how they decided speed wasn't a priority even with all that money invested. Makes you wonder about the trade-offs in designing these jets.
What do you guys think? Is speed just not as important anymore with all the stealth technology we have now? And how do you feel about the cost of the F-35 when it can't match the speed of jets from the 70s? Curious to hear your thoughts!