Well,

I don't see the problem. If this thing can take on 8 other aircraft, then
it means the US needs fewer of them.

What was the ratio for the F-16 and F-18s?

Figure out the difference, and thats how many F-22s we need. Even if they
do cost more.


"Dan Luke" wrote in message
...

"Jay Honeck" wrote:
8 versus 1! And this against arguably the best fighter (and pilots) in
the world.

Looks like Lockheed's got another winner. (I just hope it isn't the last
manned fighter aircraft...)

Impressive, but...

One must remember that it is politically important for military brass to
ensure that their latest toys get good press. Not saying the dogfight was
faked, but I would not be surprised to learn that the exercise was
designed to show the F-22 to maximum advantage.

Congress has been upset about the astounding cost of the Raptor, which has
gone from around $90 million to nearly $200 million per plane. At one
point in 1999, conservative Republicans Jerry Lewis of California and Bill
Young of Florida, and conservative Democrat John Murtha of Pennsylvania,
all key figures on the House Appropriations Committee, attempted to zero
production funding because of skyrocketing costs and procurement
"irregularities." To keep that from happening again, the Air Force will
make every effort to make sure the F-22 is perceived as the uber-fighter
it was touted to be.

--
Dan
C172RG at BFM