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I would guess that the NGAD prototype[0] has given USAF leadership confidence to publicly alude to F-35 shortcomings. [0] https://www.popularmechanics.com/mili

• digi59404 6y ago
  The NGAD Prototype is built upon some of the technology that the F-35 pioneered. The F-35 now is and has been used as an airframe to test more advanced technologies. Like distributed computing and autonomous technologies. So, it's reasonable to say that NGAD may not be possible if it weren't for the F-35. I'd argue this is less about the F-35's shortcomings and more about the fact that we're seeing a dramatic change in air war-machine design, development, and theory. In defense news below, you can see them speak (in meta) about how the NGAD Prototype was built. Some of those things were pioneered on the F-35. https://www.defensenews.com/breaking-news/2020/09/15/the-us-air-force-has-built-and-flown-a-mysterious-full-scale-prototype-of-its-future-fighter-jet/ https://www.defensenews.com/breaking-news/2020/09/15/the-us-...
  • CharlesW 6y ago
    Having also seen your comments elsewhere this thread, I'm wondering: Did you have a personal stake in the F-35? "Failed" things nearly always embody good and great ideas that go on to be used in successful things. For example, the Newton was clearly a failure, and yet there are echos of it all over today's phones and tablets.
  • samstave 6y ago
    >*Like distributed computing and autonomous technologies.* Can you expound on this? Why is distributed computing neeeded - is it simply such that "if hit in this location, there are backups that can handle the load?" For autonomous, what relief does this bring to the pilot? Targeting? Nav? Trim?
• greedo 6y ago
  Well, if USAF want a "cheaper 5th minus" fighter, the NGAD is going almost the opposite direction.
  • ElMono 6y ago
    USAF has a history of choosing fast and good from fast, good, and cheap.