In article , John Cook
wrote:

Hi All

I was just looking at the weight of the JSF, considering it was slated
to be around 25,000lbs it was considered a light weight fighter and a
suitable replacement for the F16, Hornet, something in the Corsair
A-7 mold.

Now it seems it firmly entered the Heavy weight division!.

The latest weight figures are putting it in the 30,000lbs class, the
actual figures are more than the F-22 is officially stated as!!!.

The JSF is now heavier than the F15A/B/C and equals the F15E in
weight, Its not a lightweight by any definition.

Now if its empty weight is only a hair breath from the F-22, why have
two seperate programs???.

Because weight is a third order variable in the need equation.

The JSF has far more modern avionics with a far more modern
architecture which will cost far less money in the long term
for support and upgrades.
(which is where a pile of money is invested)

--
Harry Andreas
Engineering raconteur