Over The Horizon: The Transformative Capabilities of the F-35B -- WPR
On Monday, an F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter completed its first vertical landing at sea, aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp. The F-35B has been the most troubled of the problem-beset F-35 family, suffering from a variety of teething pains as well as concerns about range, payload and stealth characteristics. As the Defense Department worries about austerity, some have targeted the F-35, and the B model in particular, for cuts. A recent article in the Marine Corps Gazette suggested that the United States Marine Corps, heretofore the strongest proponent of the F-35B, should abandon the aircraft in favor of a mix of F-22 Raptors and light attack aircraft.
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My Comment: Robert Farley tries to make the case for keeping the F-35B .... but .... it is an expensive plane .... and yes .... trillion dollar deficits that are not sustainable will bring about a cold hard analysis and cuts in the budget. My long term prediction .... only a handful of these planes will be built, and it will be remembered as an innovative concept that cost too much and had to be cut because of budget restraints.
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