First up lets get the definition of super cruise. From Wikipedia...
Supercruise is sustained supersonic flight of an aircraft with a useful cargo, passenger, or weapons load performed efficiently and without the use of afterburners ("reheat").Wiki goes on to state that the Gripen, Typhoon, F-22 and Rafale are all capable of super cruising.
I find that to be questionable.
I find claims that the Gripen can super cruise laughable.
But more than anything else I question the utility of being able to super cruise.
1. Will it increase range?
2. Does it add anything to the aerial fight?
If the answer to those two basic questions is no ---and I have yet to hear any advantages found in this capability, then the question remains...is it militarily useful or is it the latest buzz?
Oh and before you make the leap that the F-35 is incapable of super cruising, I wouldn't be so quick. Its optimized to perform high subsonic flight but we just don't know yet (and yes I know Burbage has stated that it doesn't but again, we'll have to wait and see).
Your thoughts.
NOTE*
I'm getting rolled in the discussion here. If there is an Engine guy around that can clarify a few issues I'd sure appreciate it. Any bored Aerodynamicists that want to answer a rookies questions would be appreciated too.