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Gillian Rich, Investors Business Daily: Why Air Force Is Rushing To Fly A Sixth-Generation Fighter Jet
Lockheed Martin's (LMT) F-35, a so-called fifth-generation fighter, hasn't hit full rate production yet, but the Air Force is already accelerating the development of a sixth generation fighter as China ramps up its military.
The service is investing nearly $10 billion in the platform over the next five years, $2.7 billion more than previously planned, for the Next Generation Air Dominance system, which will likely include a fighter to replace current fifth generation platforms like the F-35 and Lockheed's F-22.
Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson told reporters at a conference in Orlando Thursday that the system will have a "renewed emphasis" on electronic warfare, according to Aviation Week.
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Update: Pentagon Wants $500 Million to Research Sixth-Gen Warplane ‘Family of Systems’ (Sputnik)
WNU Editor: The U.S. Air Force has committed to spend $10 billion over the next five years to develop this fighter .... $3 billion more than what was originally planned.
ReplyDeleteToo bad they didn't spend this on something better than the apparently overrated f-35. Notice the small 'f'.
I'm not impressed with the air force. They are a costly service and not overly concerned with costs. As for performance, read Linebacker by Karl J. Eschmann. It will note the less than amateurish planning during the first three days of the B-52 bombing campaign against N. Vietnam in the early 70's. One of the best books I have ever read.
When I was in the army and stationed at Bien Hoa in South Vietnam, I would go begging to the Air Force for supplies to keep me running. Talk about an over supplied candy store! Their cafeteria reminded me of an old and long gone famous eatery in downtown L.A., Clifton's Cafeteria. For example, ceramic plates, not bakelite from who knows what decade before WWII. First class in a warzone.
After this overly hyped medicine show called the f-35, I would not let the air force alone set the parameters to again design anything nor would I let Boeing, Lockeed whoever have a nearly blank check to build another. Our $$$ would be better spent buying a UFO from the Martians.
Roger
Performance from over 40 years ago is relevant today ??
DeleteFor doing their best, America needs competitors, and we have it now. The reaction I predict before is coming. The F-35 is an example of a sleeping time.
ReplyDelete