All to be addressed in the Tranche 2 and Craig's hope that the rumored Tranche 3 is still on would bring the plane completely up to date.
As for incompetent project managers. Welcome to the world of military contractors.
I love the plane, and IMO it's anything but ugly. But hey its one of those, you love it or hate it aircraft.

Maybe when I fly an F18 and an F14 in real life then yeah, to judge them on looks would be silly, but since all the general aviation enthusiast is ever going to do is look at these planes then yeah i will judge them on looks and in my opinion, based on looks, the F18 is ugly and cant hold a match to the F14. I prefer the F14 to the F18 in the same way I prefer a Ferrari F40 to its successors, the F50 and the F60 (Enzo). There arew so many electronics and computers in the modern supercars/fighter jets that, yeah sure they improve performance but they take the thrill out of driving/flying it. To quote Jerermy Clarkson;
What would you rather do, go out and play a game of football (The F40/F14) or play it on playstation? (The Enzo/F18)

As for the other thing, I was refering to an automotive analogy and a famous phrase from some american engine manufacturer who saids the exact words 'theres no substitute for cubic inches' when refering to why his engines were getting larger rather than more refined. It may have been about the Chevy small block V8 but I cant be sure.

Another thing before you claim I'm American-bashing, take a look at the Boeing v Airbus thread. Im about the only European in there flying the flag for Boeing.

Id appreciate not being called ignorant for voicing my own views and opinions

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I don't get the problem. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. I much prefer the classic look of the F-14 to the F-18 myself. If you object to the word ugly why didn't you pick on Gryshnak for stating that the Typhoon is ugly?

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I usually stick to the poster or the person who creates their topic? Not trying to but in other members business. It's just if your a aircraft enthusiest you just don't call a aicraft "ugly" say something more appropiate. Like I like to say some aircraft are ugly but I never say it cause it can start heated debates. Why would it? because it's not needed, I love the f-18 and for someone to say something for no reason, does not help me understand. Okay, yah I repect your opinion, but please it's just not required to call a aircraft ugly and say it's worthless, unless you have facts to back that up. Because as a aeronuatical "enthusiest" in egineering I can explain how the most "ugly" aircarft can kill one of the most advanced fighters around. Just like your stated with the F-18 vs. F-14 etc. So I end this debate respected for all the people I offened.

I don't know what's the matter with the F18, I don't find her ugly at all.....

Both!!

  Both teams are amazing and it does not matter what they fly.  It takes big ones to do the things they do!!

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I remember seeing a low-speed fly by, then suddenly the pilot flipped the plane up and hung on it's tail being kept aloft just on thrust alone, then began building speed as it went vertical.  Awesome!