Want to know exactly how "lost in the woods" carrier aviation is?
Consider the fact that the proposed Boeing Super Hornet International, a huge leap ahead in capability over the F/A-18E/F and an even bigger leap over the legacy Hornet, simply returns Carrier Aviation back to the reach that it had during the 80's and 90's.
The F-14D Bombcat had greater range, speed, a decent payload, IRST (built in), an extremely long range missile and a two man crew to divide the workload.
Quite honestly the only thing lacking were engines to properly take advantage of a world class airframe.
IF US Navy Carrier Aviation had gone down the road of necking down to the F-14D instead of the Super Hornet then the Navy would easily be able to wait until a 6th gen fighter (developed to Navy specifications) came along.
As it is circumstances are forcing the Navy's hand. Potential adversaries will soon have stealth fighters and SU-30 aircraft that are at worst a match, if not better than the Hornet...Missiles are being developed that will ensure the safety of the launch aircraft so killing the shooter is no longer a possibility...and finally advanced anti-air systems are coming online that will negate any advantage that our own standoff weapon systems currently enjoy.
If the Navy decides to buy Super Hornet International tech then it'll be simply a blast from the past...not a real advancement in technology. As much as Naval Aviation hates it, they need the F-35 just to remain competitive.
