Tom, thanks for the info on the F-35 JSF fighter.
Interesting, but totally outdated. I've been bothered
about this issue ever since Kevin Page challenged
the costing. All of the info I found is as of March,
2011. 65 million per unit - forget that. The USDND
estimates that if the F-35 started rolling off the
assembly line tomorrow, the per unit cost would be
$112 mil per plane. But they're not coming off the
line tomorrow. Depending on when they do arrive,
the expected cost per unit for the F-35 A will come
in between $156 mil and $220 mil per unit. And
forget the 2016 delivery date. The US is already
speculating on cutting back orders significantly and
investing more in the new E, F and G versions of the
F 18 and the F22 stealth bomber. Based on test
flights to date (over 100), US AF officials are
underwhelmed - it's performing well below the
engineering claims - limited range, speed, rate of
climb and manoeuvrability. Moreover, senior Air
Force officials are very concerned about engaging a
fighter jet capable of carrying only 2 air to air
missiles. In short, they are saying - 'not much bang
for the buck'. By the way, the Navy jump jet version
will likely be cancelled due to cost.
Note: I'm not slam dunking any political party for
their stance on this particular issue - they all need
to re-think it. The USDND calls this program the
'most expensive procurement program in the
history of the US military'. It could also be the
biggest white elephant ever to leave the jungle.
Rockpile
Interesting, but totally outdated. I've been bothered
about this issue ever since Kevin Page challenged
the costing. All of the info I found is as of March,
2011. 65 million per unit - forget that. The USDND
estimates that if the F-35 started rolling off the
assembly line tomorrow, the per unit cost would be
$112 mil per plane. But they're not coming off the
line tomorrow. Depending on when they do arrive,
the expected cost per unit for the F-35 A will come
in between $156 mil and $220 mil per unit. And
forget the 2016 delivery date. The US is already
speculating on cutting back orders significantly and
investing more in the new E, F and G versions of the
F 18 and the F22 stealth bomber. Based on test
flights to date (over 100), US AF officials are
underwhelmed - it's performing well below the
engineering claims - limited range, speed, rate of
climb and manoeuvrability. Moreover, senior Air
Force officials are very concerned about engaging a
fighter jet capable of carrying only 2 air to air
missiles. In short, they are saying - 'not much bang
for the buck'. By the way, the Navy jump jet version
will likely be cancelled due to cost.
Note: I'm not slam dunking any political party for
their stance on this particular issue - they all need
to re-think it. The USDND calls this program the
'most expensive procurement program in the
history of the US military'. It could also be the
biggest white elephant ever to leave the jungle.
Rockpile
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