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. Given failure and dependence on visual identification, the F-22 will be at the level of the F 15 and F 16. The avionics are to be treated as guilty until tested and proven to be innocent. The software is more extensive and complex than that of the Aegis missile cruiser.