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All modern fighter jets have relaxed stability and are controlled by complex fly-by-wire systems with precise hydraulic actuators moving huge multi-purpose control surfaces (e.g. stabilators, elevons, flaperons). "Simple" has left the chat a long time ago.

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And don't forget about thrust vector control... talk about complicated moving mechanisms.

Looking at demonstrations and on-the-ground displays of these mechanisms leaves me absolutely in awe and terror. I really can't imagine putting my life in the hands of the thrust vectoring mechanisms. It's really something.

They're amazing but they violate the intuitive moving-parts-to-risk count.

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