[belka]

Originally Posted by StylinRed

you're telling me you don't think maintenance slows/drops when something is about to be replaced?

that's fine, i can see why that could be true but can you see where maintenance could be cut or why it would be? (i can)

I'm not saying that's the case but to say it isn't without a doubt?

Yes, I can say 100% without a doubt because I maintain them. We don't have situations where parts are not replaced because "we have new fighters on "order" (no official contract has been signed by the way) so we just leave components in the jet", even though it can cause issues. This practice is highly illegal and not only puts the pilots life at risk but also the civilian population. Even suggesting such a retarded practice shows just now little, if at all, you know about this topic.

i'm astonished that you're more intelligent than the entire RAND corporation (who if you knew anything about you wouldn't dare say such a thing) and the expert government military analysts in charge of National Security issues (Wheeler)

I don't know more than the RAND corporation and I don't care what they say, nor does any sane military in the world. The DND has an office in Ottawa that is dedicated to the CF-18 replacement program. It was their job for the last 10 years or so, to find a suitable CF18 replacement for our military. The F-35 was the only modern, 5th-gen fighter that met all our criteria.

However in the RAND war games analysis they didn't say the SU-35s were superior fighters per se they simply said the SU-35s would beat the F-35; the SU-35s would beat the F35s not by engaging them but rather by taking out the refueling jets which the SU-35s would be capable in doing without engaging (the F35s)

You are really gonna base your argument on video simulations? Go play Ace Combat.

keep forgetting RS is full of teenage, bus riding experts that don't need to pay heed to real analysts

You keep believing and listening to idiot "think tanks" and the media that feeds you absolute drivel. Clearly you know nothing about this topic and don't have a clue because you base your posts on crap you read on the internet. First hand experience - you have none.