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Gunnersmate04 wrote:

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Why do certain groups claim that the Bugg is a worse aircraft than the Turkey?

Within the fighter community, a lot of people did not like the blurring of the line between fighter and attack. I was not among that group, as I am more offensive minded. I never liked the way the F-14 was crippled early on. I worked hard during my stint at NARF Oceana and VF-101 to change that. I was deeply gratified when VF-101 finally cleared the F-14 for bombs. Outside of naval aviation, lots of people like the sound and fury of the F-14. When I hear them, or read their writing, I immediately know they are neither offensive minded, nor particularly well informed. Short answer, the F-18 takes war to the enemy on our terms.

Apparently it [the F-18] can do all the F-14 could, less some range maybe?

The F-18A-D does certain things, though fleet air defense is not one of the early F-18s best missions. It can do fleet air defense, and it is a great second layer of defense. With AMRAAMs, the F-18A-C (Note, the D is not carrier deployable for a number of reasons.) is a very potent defender, but not in the F-14's class. The F-18F is a different matter. The F with AESA is far more capable than the F-14 against modern threats. Even the F with its first generation radar is more capable in congested airspace than the F-14. During Gulf War I, we witnessed the F-14s confined to fighting behind the F-18s until complete air dominance was established.

I would assume the F-35 is better still in all regards than the F-18? Of course, this won't be confirmed until its built and tested.....

The F-35 is really a leap in capability. Because it has a much reduced radar cross section, it brings the navy into day one strikes against the most heavily defended targets. Missions that previously we could only carryout with TLAMs or that we had to pass to the USAF. The F-35 changes that, for the better. The F-35 and F-18E/F are really intended to work as a team from day two on. I expect that the F-18F will be used as a command aircraft and force multiplier directing two or more F-35s and two or more F-18Es. Thus, a strike package will be both stealthy and hard hitting. A combination that very few air defense networks will be able to defend against.

Gernsback wrote:

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If you don't mind, why isn't the delta Hornet carrier deployable?

It is a combination of lift off speed at weight and bring back weight. Light enough and it can carrier deploy, but there is no point. The F-18F solved those limits.