The worst of it is, the F-35 is a lie. It's not one aircraft with 3 different roles. It's 3 entirely different aircraft sharing some elements. There is only 30%

The worst of it is, the F-35 is a lie. It's not one aircraft with 3 different roles. It's 3 entirely different aircraft sharing some elements. There is only 30% commonality between the different F-35 models. Also, the F-35 was sold as being worthwhile because it was cheaper and easier. In reality it has been vastly more expensive and vastly less capable than alternatives, with far more maintenance per hour spent flying than most other aircraft. If there was a hint of sanity in the USAF they'd shit-can the F-35 program and start a new round of competitive procurement for separate fighters for each role. It's worth remembering that some of the best aircraft in history have come about as responses to failed development programs. The F-14 grew out of the failed F-111B program, for example.