Could be wrong, but I think his point is that threatening USAF with the
F/A-18 would insult them sufficiently that they would force the
F-22 to conclusion.

It would if the F-15 weren't readily available. IF their only choices
were the Hornet and the F-22.






Much of the money is already spent and the F-22 is a fine slab of Georgia
pork. If the USAF fighter mafia won't get the job done, then they deserve
to be humiliated.

"Fighter Mafia" is generally associated with the group that promoted
the Light Weight Fighter back in the day. As far as the F-22 being
pork, it's only pork if it's the *politicians* fighting for the
program against the will of the services. Well I guess that could be
"pure pork" vs different degrees but so far I've not seen anywhere
where the USAF has said they DIDN'T want the F-22.







If (and this is a very big IF), the F-22 should collapse, then a
better choice for all-wx, day/night ground attack is another buy of
F-15E

Being actively considered, with upgrades

The super eagle is as dead as Gephardt's political career, but a transfer of
F/A-18E avionics might be possible from the other St Louis Congressional
District.


If by saying "super eagle" you mean this thing with the new wing and
various stealths mods you're right. Building a Stirke Eagle with the
latest electronics and an APG-63 (or even 77) AESA and HMS is
completely doable though and a far better choice than any Hornet. Put
in a couple of those -132s the Block 60 F-16s get and it would be even
better.






Keep in mind that all aviation is politics.

1) Consider for a moment some people in control of a flight research center
black balled from funding by USAF for falsifying flight test reports.

2) Consider also some people in control of a flight test research center who
are the children of NAZI rocket scientists.


One has the option of seeking funding outside that service, but the second
is a non-starter under a competitive system.

The Super eagle has about as much chance of being produced as Gephardt has
of being Vice President.

and an update of sensor/weapons suite on F-15C

already in the works

Too late. Please choose an option that is still on the table.


It's still available.






with maybe a modified F-16 update as well.

already in the works

Real likely, should the F-22 falter. GD may end up wishing they had kept
the Ft Worth line.