Norwegian test pilot shares his experience on dogfighting in the F-35A

The first Norwegian pilot to fly the F-35A has shared his experience on flying Basic Fighter Maneuvers against the F-16.

Graphic: Norwegian Air Force

Published on the official blog of the Norwegian F-35 Program Office, Kampflybloggen, Maj. Morten Hanche said after clocking several sorties, he concluded that the jet allows (him) to be more forward and aggressive than (he) could ever be in an F-16.

For example, the stealth fighter’s higher Angle of Attack allowed him to employ his weapons earlier by pointing the nose where he desire.

The jet can also decelerate faster during a merge, allowing him more opportunities to point towards the F-16 opponent and generate more firing solutions.

The rapid deceleration is also advantageous in a defensive position as it forces the opponent to overshoot, he said.

Hit the source to read what Maj. Hanche, who had 2,200 hours on the F-16, has to say on the F-35.