There are two differences from the F 15 thrust vectoring and supersonic speeds in dry thrust. This, in the helicopter speed domain, is in seeming contradiction to an aircraft designed for supersonic engagement with slashing attacks using its beyond visual range missiles. The flight test program to validate maneuverability is utterly inadequate. Using a single number the maximum steady-state G at 30,000 ft at 0.9 Mach on an aircraft that operates from 40 knots to beyond Mach 2, from sea level to above 60,000 ft is a throwback to the Dark Ages of aircraft evaluation. They must be compared to friendly and enemy aircraft.
Comparison reveals progress, the whole truth, and even allows the formulation of battle tactics.
The expectations for the avionics are to provide great battle awareness and effective weapons management. The pressure is on to meet production schedules and to do incomplete testing to save time and money. Incomplete testing is fatal and extremely wasteful. B 1 avionics, similarly treated, still do not function in the aircraft after two decades, despite large transfusions of funds. Such refined identification capability has never been achieved though frequently promised.