Advanced Super Hornet could perform 80% of F-35 missions

via Next Big Future.

Dave Majumdar, the defense editor for The National Interest, assessment is that an Advanced Super Hornet could perform could offer a less costly 80 percent solution for the U.S. Navy’s requirements. Once developed to its full potential, the Advanced Super Hornet could perform most of the missions envisioned for the F-35C except penetrating strike—it would have to rely on stand-off weapons for that mission.
The Marines would simply be out of luck since a short takeoff/vertical landing variant of the Advanced Super Hornet is simply a physical impossibility
Switching to mostly Advanced Super Hornet's could save around $15 billion per year or more for 30-50 years.
Sensor Fusion can be matched
When development is complete, the F-35 will be able to correlate all of the data from its various sensors and data networks and then present that information in a single coherent and easily understandable display. Currently, only the Lockheed Martin F-22 and F-35 have such a capability, but the Navy is working on adding a similar “sensor fusion” system to the Super Hornet. The Navy’s Multi-Sensor Integration effort for the Super Hornet is being developed in three phases—some of which have been fielded—with the goal of developing a sensor fusion capability similar to the F-22 and F-35.
According to Navy officials, the Super Hornet’s MSI program drew lessons from both the F-22 and F-35. However, one major difference between the Super Hornet’s sensor fusion and the F-22 and F-35 is the limited capabilities of the F/A-18E/F’s current displays. Boeing, however, has an option to fit a new large 11’X19’ high-definition color display into the Super Hornet cockpit that would address that issue.

Story here. 

This story is a must read and shows how the talking points put forward by Bogdan, Davis, Joint Program Office, Lockheed Martin and Leroy are nothing but lies.

Remember how they've all vacillated between Sensor Fusion being the key to the F-35's lethality (because its kinematic performance sucks donkey dick) to stealth being essential?

This article clearly shows how false those claims are.  Something you guys have known all along and I've suspected.

Kill this monster now.  Its past time to take this project down to the bayou, punch it in the head till it stops moving, hold it under till you know the deed is done and then tie cement blocks to it and toss it in the water so the gators and catfish can get big.