Good luck F35

[Trumper]

Cameras and computers can pack up OR be damaged so the MK1 eyeball is still essential.

[TomcatViP]

raised cockpit = perturbed airflow for the lifting fan

if only the VMC had the bunk cockpit then the Price of all three versions would hve raised

Also, it's really expensive to make a stealthy bubble cockpit like for the 22 (look at the choice made for the T50).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sukhoi_PAK_FA

So it is a matter of priceS and overall effectiveness.

The Crusader had poor rear view and was an awesome dogfighter during Nam.

The top scoring aircraft of all time (the 109) had an enclosed canopy too

[ZaltysZ]

That article does not explicitly mention the model of F-35, but I suppose it is F-35B (STOVL), because that one is presented in photo inside that article. The "B" has lots of weak points (like reduced G tolerance, bad rearward view, reduced fuel capacity) just because of that huge fan behind the pilot. Other models: conventional A and catapult launched C do not have these problems or at least not at such great extent.

[swiss]

Originally Posted by ZaltysZ

. Other models: conventional A and catapult launched C do not have these problems or at least not at such great extent.

It seems the problems are much worse and not limited only to poor rearview.

Originally Posted by wiki

n 22 February 2013, the U.S. fleet of F-35s was grounded after a routine inspection of a F-35A at Edwards Air Force Base found a crack in an engine turbine blade.[178][179]

USAF test pilots have noted a lack of visibility from the F-35 cockpit during evaluation flights and said that this will get them shot down in every combat. Defense spending analyst Winslow Wheeler concluded from the flight evaluation reports that the F-35A "is flawed beyond redemption".[180] The same report found (in addition to the usual problems with the aircraft listed above):

Current aircraft software is inadequate for even basic pilot training.
Ejection seat may fail causing pilot fatality.
Several pilot-vehicle interface issues, including lack of feedback on touch screen controls.
The radar performs poorly, if at all.
Engine replacement takes an average of 52 hours, instead of the two hours specified.
And the maintenance tools do not work.[181]

The JPO responded that more experienced pilots would be able to safely operate the aircraft and that procedures would improve over time.[182] And the USAF began pilot training in March 2013.[183]