People wonder why we call the F-35 a flying tin can. Matt Gaetz proves precisely why that is indeed the case:

X ^ | 5/1/24 | Matt Gaetz

[hardspunned]

Only 29% are mission capable despite costing $100m each.

[CodeJockey]

But those two did not incorporate VTOL capability. That in itself had to make all three F35 variants inherently more complex.

[doorgunner69]

Forgot the vertical stuff that only one version has. IIRC that one does not have the full capabilities of the other two?

[Jonny7797]

fair enough but it’s an interesting use of the word.

[ImJustAnotherOkie]

Not just that. It’s not perfect but if used correctly there is no competition.

The plane isn’t the problem.

[laplata]

Is finding enough good pilots and the supply chain what you mean?

[ImJustAnotherOkie]

Mission planning and AWACS support and of course logistics. It takes a lot of planning when you are nearly invisible. In stealth you cannot really use your radar, so you have to have a complicated support system to identify targets and threats. Its a real team effort and DEI is not a team sport.

[bert]

One wiped out the Iranianlhigh. Oman’s in Damascus

Just a very few hit precision targets in Iran..... Iran!

[DesertRhino]

That’s kinda what I think also.

[Sirius Lee]

They are louder than F-15, F-16 and F-22.............

I envy you the first hand experience with the 22. I only know the music of the 16 and 15. No idea what the F-35 flying coffin sounds like.

[laplata]

Is DEI affecting the operations that much?

[Carriage Hill]

Sounds like you have a military background? Or just well-read.

[SaveFerris]

I used to work for the USMCR,
several lifetimes ago

[ImJustAnotherOkie]

Hasn’t been tested on a large scale.

[Mr Rogers]

When I was in F-4s, my squadron commander pointed out that, as a LT, the squadron he was in failed its mission readiness inspection. Largely because the jets were not mission capable.

3 weeks later, they deployed to Vietnam and flew the hell out of the jets. There is the book way of doing maintenance and the combat way.

[laplata]

I thought DEI was Diversity Equality and Inclusion.

[Carriage Hill]

Many thanks...

[SaveFerris]

Wish I could go back to then - Actually all the way back to the mid-1970s

I need a time machine, LOL

[ByteMercenary]

“Today, I can picture some poor schlub telling a SMSgt that a plane is on hold while they wait for a sustainably sourced gasket to be procured from a minority or woman-owned business. “

A most excellent description ... !

[Carriage Hill]

So do I. If you find one, pls let me know... LOL.

[SaveFerris]

😀😆🙃😆😜