On Sun, 28 Mar 2004 11:52:52 -0800, "Tarver Engineering"
wrote:


"Scott Ferrin" wrote in message
.. .
On Sun, 28 Mar 2004 09:35:24 -0800, "Tarver Engineering"
wrote:


"Lyle" wrote in message
.. .
On Fri, 26 Mar 2004 15:37:19 -0700, Scott Ferrin
wrote:

On 26 Mar 2004 10:17:09 GMT, (MLenoch) wrote:

Has the configuration and mission been publicized for the FB-22 as
contrasted
to the F/A-22? The press has written of the two, but I don't recall
the
descriptions and differences of the bomber aspect.
Thx in advance,
VL


So far from what I've read it's becoming a PR disaster. The USAF
needs to be crystal clear what they are talking about as the clueless
politicians are already getting the whole mess confused and whining
that in order to put the "A" in "F/A-22" it's going to cost $11
billion additional dollars.
even the F-15A and F-14A were able to drop bombs from the start, even
though they may not have had the best delivery system in the world.
How hard would it be to design a external stealthy bombay to put under
the wings, i mean if your going to spend $11 billion dollars you might
as well design a replacement for the F-15E. And you could also put the
external weapons bay on the JSF.

And at only $329 million each, the fighter version is such a bargain.
(GAO)


And most that sky high price is because they keep slashing numbers.

It is because of the Peter Principle that Lockmart's F-22 is so expensive.
If the buy is cut another 1/3 as I expect, your favorite fighter will cost
over $400 million a copy. It is what I wrote in '98 and I have been
attacked at ram for some years on the issue, but I am, unfortunately for the
American tax payer, completely correct again.


And yet you still don't get that it's because of the fixed R&D etc.
Flyaway cost is quoted at about $150 million. The fixed stuff has to
be paid whether we buy ten or a thousand. As for it being my
favorite, that would be the F120 / YF-23. IMO they picked the *worst*
airframe/engine combination. At this point though it's the F-22 or
NOTHING. Unless you think those F-15s will last forever? I can't wait
to hear the first imbecil suggest we cancel the F-22 and wait until
the F-35 comes along. If they think aircraft are falling apart and
wasting money to be kept flying they ain't seen nothin' yet. And you
can bank on the fact that ten yeasrs from now dumbass politicians will
be slashing the number of F-35s purchased and then being surprised
when the cost skyrockets.