F-35 makes first public flight

[Skybird]

Originally Posted by Commander Wallace

I agree Skybird that Sweden did their homework on their respective aircraft. However, with regards to teething issues, The American F-15 and F-16 didn't have much in the way of problems as the concept, engineering and production were well thought out. Both aircraft are still highly regarded. Likewise, I didn't hear of any Issues with the Strike / Interceptor aircraft, Panavia Tornado's developed by Italy, United Kingdom and West Germany.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panavia_Tornado


Likewise, the Eurofighter Typhoon didn't have a lot in the way of Issues to overcome. BAE Systems was heavily involved in the project as well. Both Aircraft were the result of collaborations with some of Europe's best aircraft designers and minds.

I have not looked it up again and so tell this by memory only, but the F-16 had quite some problems with its fly-by-wire - it was the first with that. The Tornado also had problems and I think also crashes in the starting era. Flying low at its speeds was a rough ride that caused problems for the technology, initially.

Its a long time that I read about it, and two or three books on the history of modenr fighter jets. Don't ask me for details anymore, I have forgotten quite some.

I loved those books and their large illustrative photographies, but only one survived the flood we had three years ago...