When we delivered the first Typhoon to the RAF the expansion envelope hadn't been completed. It's a progressive task, the initial aircraft were
trainers, twin seat practically flying in reversionary mode to both meet a contract and allow the RAF to start training.
By the time the next software release was done, the a development aircraft expanded the envelope and those twin seat trainers got more manourverable,
and this went on.
When sidewinder were fitted the envelopes were decreased until the could confirm a 9g turn with a aim9e on the wingtip wouldn't cause some erratic
flight response, one the development aircraft (flown by test pilots) did that, the software release packs are delivered and the RAF aircraft get that
capability.
It's what happend when you are developing block upgrades.
If you wanted to wait until a development aircraft had tested 100% of the final config you would be years off flying these things.
Typhoon did not get full combat release a long time after they were in service and then even longer still they couldn't drop a bomb years after we had
stood up our air defence.
They still have no Meteor, Brimstone, Storm Shadow and I don't think AESA Yet.
10 years after they have been in service.
We could have done it sooner had we had twice as many development aircraft but we are poor. The US isn't so partnering with them I would imaging we
will smash through the development but bear in Ming it's not in service yet, and those early service aircraft will probably be in training squadrons
for another year(s), that flight envelope will be pushing its limits and the software will be unlocked to its maximum potential for the configuration
of that first combat ready JSF squad and it will be massively different to A-02!,
Let's all calm down and have a cup of tea whilst she continues to growl!
Oh. And someone mentioned small arms fire guns and CAS, cas doesn't mean the aircraft is close, it means the bombs are dropping close, with the right
package in an F35 you can drop SDB 2 closer to danger close probably safer and more accurately 20,000ft in an F35 than you can droppin MK82 from 100
ft in an A-10.
edit on 3 7 2015 by Forensick because: (no reason given)