October 29,2008:
While the new American F-35
fighter-bomber is superior in many ways to the aircraft it is replacing (F-16s
and F-15s). But in one area it is inferior, and this may turn into major political and legal problems.
The F-35 is
twice as loud on takeoff, and even louder when landing. Civilians living around
F-35 bases will complain, as that much additional noise will be noticed when
the new aircraft replace F-15s and F-16s over the next decade. There will be
lawsuits, and headaches for air force
commanders. There might even be bans and groundings.