The most expensive weapon system of all times

Skybird · 02-25-13, 06:02 PM

Have you even read that article in full, Bilge_Rat? It is anything but a strong argument prfo F35, but supports those doubting the plane. Like the earlier article I linked to:

http://www.flightglobal.com/news/art...impact-381683/

This counters Lockheeds claim that the F35 will be so agile and fast. Instead it paints the picture of a plane that is redesigned recently to become more vulnerable to locke don missiles than any pilot could like to hear. Those acceleration numbers are really bad news.

Consider that the Typhoon has outmanouvered the F-22 in excercises. And consider that the Russians ecell in making missiles. Their AA missiles also usually have higher ranges than Wetsenr ones. They will not sit still and leave stealth planes untouched. They will get the sensors soon to unstealth them, I havbe no doubt.

There is too much money spend on and too much variables of tactical relevance sacrificed for this feature, "stealth". The F35 thus is too much compromises, and especially in the domain of the A10, it cannot compete - the A10 is what holds that niche of combat operations better than any other pane there is or will be. Plus there is the exploding importance of drones. The lacking probability that the F-35 or F-22 will engage in wars where they meet that kind of opposition they technically will have been designed for. And it will be built in too small numbers, because the price is too high. And Canada and Australia have made moves and the Australians placed orders for other planes that indicate they are considering to opt out of their placed orders. Then the F-35 will not only not become cheaper per piece for the US tax payer - it will also become more expensive for all, for foreign customers. Which will react to that, by retreating from their orders, or reducing their volume.

The financial climate is not such as that this superexpensive weapon, which in itself is just a bag of compromises, and still has no enemy to engage, could hold its ground. Despite two wars having been fought now, the F-22 still waits for its first opportunity to prove its value against an advanced - against ANY! - enemy in the sky.

02-25-13, 06:02 PM	#27
Skybird Soaring Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: the mental asylum named Germany Posts: 42,625 Downloads: 10 Uploads: 0	Have you even read that article in full, Bilge_Rat? It is anything but a strong argument prfo F35, but supports those doubting the plane. Like the earlier article I linked to: http://www.flightglobal.com/news/art...impact-381683/ This counters Lockheeds claim that the F35 will be so agile and fast. Instead it paints the picture of a plane that is redesigned recently to become more vulnerable to locke don missiles than any pilot could like to hear. Those acceleration numbers are really bad news. Consider that the Typhoon has outmanouvered the F-22 in excercises. And consider that the Russians ecell in making missiles. Their AA missiles also usually have higher ranges than Wetsenr ones. They will not sit still and leave stealth planes untouched. They will get the sensors soon to unstealth them, I havbe no doubt. There is too much money spend on and too much variables of tactical relevance sacrificed for this feature, "stealth". The F35 thus is too much compromises, and especially in the domain of the A10, it cannot compete - the A10 is what holds that niche of combat operations better than any other pane there is or will be. Plus there is the exploding importance of drones. The lacking probability that the F-35 or F-22 will engage in wars where they meet that kind of opposition they technically will have been designed for. And it will be built in too small numbers, because the price is too high. And Canada and Australia have made moves and the Australians placed orders for other planes that indicate they are considering to opt out of their placed orders. Then the F-35 will not only not become cheaper per piece for the US tax payer - it will also become more expensive for all, for foreign customers. Which will react to that, by retreating from their orders, or reducing their volume. The financial climate is not such as that this superexpensive weapon, which in itself is just a bag of compromises, and still has no enemy to engage, could hold its ground. Despite two wars having been fought now, the F-22 still waits for its first opportunity to prove its value against an advanced - against ANY! - enemy in the sky. __________________ If you feel nuts, consult an expert.