I doubt the F-35 A/B will be cancelled, but it is almost certain that they will be procured in numbers significantly less than originally planned – for cost, not performance reasons. The airplane itself is a compromise weighted to the strike mission, which it should perform more than adequately. However, this airframe is not the answer for the Navy, hence the Charlie model is the most vulnerable to cutting – which is one way to reduce costs. The Navy has an excellent aircraft in production that is much more affordable to operate in tactically significant numbers, and still has a viable upgrade path for 10 + years – enough time to develop the right aircraft for the fleet.

There will be an article in Navy Times on Monday about the prospects of the F-35C and discussions about options on Capitol Hill. Expect more Supers.

Last week the navy grounded 104 F-18A-D’s. The navy currently owns 635 F-18A-G’s. Expect more Supers.

That same convoluted logic would have had us cancelling the F-14 & F/A-18 just as they began LRIP and waiting for the F-22N & A-12…or cancelling the F-4, A-6 & A-7 just as they began LRIP and waiting for the F-14 & F/A-18…

It’s actually rather straightforward. The F-35C is not worth the money for the capability it brings to naval aviation.

To clarify my earlier post:

I understand that the F-35C is intended to replace the F/A-18C/D’s (and the remainder of the A/B’s.) I am suggesting that the Navy procure additional E/F’s to replace the C/D’s as they end their service lives, and that F-35C development funds be redirected to a F/A-XX project. Incidentally, there is still room in the E/F for further systems development, and there is quiet chatter about developing some additional LO modifications to the Rhinos which could be incorporated into a new model, and to the external stores themselves. Perhaps Boeing will come up with some mods akin to the Silent Eagle.

I agree that some facets of the ISR mission require persistence, but not all. I am suggesting that there be provisions in the F/A-XX (and a F/A-18 development) for some amount of ISR mission equipment.