February 2, 2007 at 7:36 am
I am at a loss as to why the USAF finds it necessary, considering the current war on terror, to exclusively procure limited F-22s and gaggles of F-35s in the future. Considering how well the F-22 is performing why not concentrate on building f-22s and a limited number of F-35s as the kick down the door stealth force and buy less expensive, more conventional, proven, WOT relevant assets and upgrades that can loiter for long periods of time, have an additional crewmember, and offer proven ease of maintenance. These assets can provide high demand capabilities such as FAC-A, CAS, SCAR, ISR and all the less glamorous duties that do not require stealth. Ideas of such platforms are F-16F, F-15E+, B1R, New Engines for A-10C, MQ-9s etc.
I do realize the prosperity of the American defense industry has a lot to do with procuring an all stealth force, and I am not saying we should cancel the F-35 all together, but just limit or cancel USAF orders in order to afford the much needed capabilities mentioned above.
I would love to know what some of your thoughts are on this issue???