Well, an 18 billion $ fighter, who do you think that's for?
POSTED BY: chrisisall
UPDATED: Monday, May 8, 2006 23:25
VIEWED: 3451
PAGE 3 of 3
Quote:
Originally posted by chrisisall:
No, they're gonna us them internally, against the native kangaroo population, and claim it's collateral damage, or over-population control for their own good, or some such euphemism.
Crikey!
H
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Hey, guys, I'm not quite sure what the hoopla is about. Being a follower of military aviation (although my subscription to Air Forces Monthly has expired
), I thought I'd chime in. This project has been in the works for quite a while, and is really not that much different than most of the defense programs.
The JSF was going to be a joint development and production program that was being shared by the USAF, USN, USMC, RAF, Royal Navy, and the RAAF (Australian Air Force). That means they shared a large portion of the inital program development and production costs. I'm sure Britain and the US are in for a lot more than $18 billion! For Australia, the plane will be a stealth replacement for the F-111, the F-18 (not the Super Hornet), and probably the F-16 also. Like most other US developed fighters, lots of units are sold to our NATO allies and numerous other friendly countries. Remember that Australia is actually one of the bigger and more militarily powerful NATO members- probably fourth or so on the list. Off the top of my head, I think we sell the F-16 to something like 50 different countries.
As to buying the most modern capability, this is kind of a necessity. Simply put, newer planes radically outperform planes that are a deacde or two older, or have less capability (i.e.are cheap). This is getting even more pronounced, especially with stealth. One JSF will do what many F-16s do, and do it better. Now, that does beg the question of needing a smaller air force. But, that probably is already a factor. In other words, they are probably replacing 100 planes with 70 JSFs or something. Going into combat with a lesser plane is not nice to the pilots, and a good way to lose wars in the future. Remember, other countries air forces are also getting more advanced.
"I am your father, Luke. Give in to the Dark Side, you nob!" - Doug McKenzie
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By the way, I'm not even going to start to argue that we should spend less on military defense, and more on domestic programs. Or that the military industrial complex is bloated. Completely agree on that.
"I am your father, Luke. Give in to the Dark Side, you nob!" - Doug McKenzie
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More about the JSF!
It can be launched from Aircraft carriers, or from standard runways. It can be outfitted for pretty much any mission.
Our F-14's and F-15's are about 30 years old now. (Originally developed in the 70's.) The British Harrier is from the 80's, and had VSTOL capability. The JSF has VSTOL capability. So the new het can fill all three roles. It also has significant stealth capability, perhaps making the late 80's early 90's era dedicated Stealth Bomber and Stealth Fighter redundant.
The JSF is probably the most logical and cost-effective military jet of the past 50 years. It really can do anything, and pretty well, too. If you had to pick just one jet to stock up on for the next half-century, it would be the JSF.
--Anthony
"Liberty must not be purchased at the cost of Humanity." --Captain Robert Henner
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Quote:
Originally posted by chrisisall:
No, they're gonna us them internally, against the native kangaroo population, and claim it's collateral damage, or over-population control for their own good, or some such euphemism.
Don't F*ck with Kangeroos Chris:
http://www.baetzler.de/humor/killer_kangaroo.html
Quote:
"I usually conclude the story by reassuring the audience that we have now disarmed the kangaroos and it is again safe to fly in Australia."
Or have they?
More insane ramblings by the people who brought you beeeer milkshakes!
And as you know, these are open forums, you're able to come and listen to what I have to say.
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Quote:
The British Harrier is from the 80's, and had VSTOL capability.
The Harrier was originally developed in the 50's.
More insane ramblings by the people who brought you beeeer milkshakes!
And as you know, these are open forums, you're able to come and listen to what I have to say.
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Quote:
Originally posted by AnthonyT:
It can be launched from Aircraft carriers, or from standard runways. It can be outfitted for pretty much any mission.
Our F-14's and F-15's are about 30 years old now. (Originally developed in the 70's.) The British Harrier is from the 80's, and had VSTOL capability. The JSF has VSTOL capability. So the new het can fill all three roles. It also has significant stealth capability, perhaps making the late 80's early 90's era dedicated Stealth Bomber and Stealth Fighter redundant.
The standard, STOL and VTOL versions are going to be three different versions. As such, the country procuring them will have to decide which version to purchase.
Also, the B-2 is highly unlikely to have a replacement any time soon.
The main point to my post was... well.. what was your point, Cisall?
"I am your father, Luke. Give in to the Dark Side, you nob!" - Doug McKenzie
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Quote:I picked up one cheap; it's in my living room as a deterrent to burglers. Last year two broke in (my size and strength), so I used it.
Originally posted by citizen:
The Harrier was originally developed in the 50's.
Got a $25,000 loan to repair the rear of my house; the burglers were not 'found'.
In defense of home Chrisisall
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Quite right about the Hawker Harrier prototype (Kestrel) being developed in the 50's. The Hawker Harrier production was in the 60's, with the Sea Harrier and Harrier II seeing light in 1979 and the 80's. My error.
--Anthony
"Liberty must not be purchased at the cost of Humanity." --Captain Robert Henner
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