The F-22 Raptor: Key Capabilities

[average american]

The South Koreans have their own plane in production the F50, even export it but they have decided to buy 60 F35s, would you consider S Koreans dumber then Indians, evidently after learning about and evaluating the F35 they decided it was a good military decision to buy the very expensive F35.

Published: April 4, 2013 at 8:49 AM

WASHINGTON, April 4 (UPI) -- South Korea is seeking to procure 60 F-35 Joint Strike Fighters from the United States through a Foreign Military Sales deal worth $10.8 billion.

The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency, in a notification to Congress, said the arrangement for the conventional takeoff and landing variant of the aircraft would include associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support.

"The proposed sale of F-35s will provide the Republic of Korea with a credible defense capability to deter aggression in the region and ensure interoperability with U.S. forces," the agency said. "The proposed sale will augment Korea's operational aircraft inventory and enhance its air-to-air and air-to-ground self-defense capability."

Lockheed Martin Aeronautics and Pratt and Whitney Military Engines would be prime contractors.

DSCA added that "this proposal is being offered in the context of a competition. If the proposal is accepted, it is expected that offset agreements will be required."

U.S. government and contractor representatives would be required to travel to South Korea for technical reviews/support, program management over a 15-year period.


Read more: South Korea looks to buy F-35 Joint Strike Fighters - UPI.com

 

[average american]

February 12, 2009: The U.S. Air Force has released some performance data on the F-22. The stealthiness factor of the F-22 has turned out to be better than predicted. For radar purposes, the F-22 is about the size of a steel marble. The F-35 comes out as a steel golf ball. The AESA radar turned out to have a longer effective range of about 210 kilometers, versus a 200 on the official spec sheet. The AESA radar is also able to detect enemy radars at a considerable distance, meaning that, if an approaching enemy aircraft is using its radar, an F-22 can detect it about 300 kilometers distant. That gives the F-22 more time to get into position for a decisive first shot at the enemy aircraft.