Planes aren't like computers where they can improve exponentially each year. There's hard limitations like how much energy you can extract from fuel, how much f

Planes aren't like computers where they can improve exponentially each year. There's hard limitations like how much energy you can extract from fuel, how much force you can get with air moving over a given control surface. The F-35 will never come close to the ground-support capability of the A-10. It will never have the aerobatic ability of a plane a fraction of its weight like a MiG. It will never, ever have the ridiculous durability of an F-15. At best it will be "adequate" in all roles, never excel. There's a lot of reason for outrage against the recent developments, and Mr. Sprey, like it or not, was responsible for some of the best planes in the world at the time they were released. Now there's the F-22, which is ambitious but unremarkable, the F-117, basically useless, and now the F-35, a giant turkey of a plane that is possibly a decade away from being ready for combat. For an example of programs gone awry, look at the Osprey. It's a "helicopter plane" which is not very good in either role.