What does this photo show? It shows two aircraft in production that have value.
The F-22 will end production based on what senior USAF officials state is a “high-risk” plan. The Super Hornet E/F model is being bought in such low numbers in the 2010 budget that it will cost $118 million each. If it was bought in quantity it would cost a lot less. And, the U.S. Navy does need quantity to fill out the carrier deck.
Not counting senior USAF leadership ignoring the ASA mission, and you have two really incredibly stupid decisions. All wrapped up in a pretty bow under the lie of “saving money.”
With Gates et al suffering “this war-itis” on Operations: USELESS DIRT 1 and 2, which provide no real defense for the U.S. taxpayer, the rest of the forces that do provide defense and deterrence will go to seed. Misery accomplished.
wait a sec, i thought that you had written in your previous posts that the F/A-18 was a pretty pathetic airplane…now you support it?
It is pathetic for any number of reasons. However it is the only proven carrier aircraft the U.S. has in production. The safety record around the ship is outstanding. In a low threat environment it is good enough. Two engines over water. Trick avionics etc.
Where it gets risky is for those that pitch it as an air domination machine. Silly and ridiculous.
And the capper. Operation Archangel (Boeings FMS sales effort for the Super) means that if the F-35 fails… The Super will populate the whole of the Australian fighter force. That is pretty much a good crystal ball look.
According to Lockheed F-35 is 800% better that any current fighter flying including the F-22 and the DAS system is so good that it makes maneuverability, AWACS, and EW support irrelevant with a projected 200 million USD cost, it’s the best fighter that we can buy.
TORRENT, now thats a downright lie. no one has ever said that the F-35 is better than the F-22 much less 800% better. wow, i’m done with this debate if F-22 supporters are going to move toward absolute and easily seen LIES!!!!!
and i pulled the 200 mill figure out of my behind…that is not the projected cost.