The Navy made the right choice to sunset the Super Hornet in favor of continuing F-35C production. If they continue to evolve it with things like the variable cycle engine, 6 x AMRAAM sidekick rails, improved EOTS/IRST, a GaN version of APG-81 and improved ready rates/maintainability, it can provide breathing room until NGAD gets here, or shoulder the load if NGAD turns into another failed program.
If you believe the testing, the variable cycle engine adds up to 35% more range and 10% more thrust. This would take the A2G radius up from 630nmi to 850nmi.
An F-35C in the hand is worth two NGADs in the bush.
The Navy made the right choice to sunset the Super Hornet in favor of continuing F-35C production. If they continue to evolve it with things like the variable cycle engine, 6 x AMRAAM sidekick rails, improved EOTS/IRST, a GaN version of APG-81 and improved ready rates/maintainability, it can provide breathing room until NGAD gets here, or shoulder the load if NGAD turns into another failed program.
If you believe the testing, the variable cycle engine adds up to 35% more range and 10% more thrust. This would take the A2G radius up from 630nmi to 850nmi.
An F-35C in the hand is worth two NGADs in the bush.