See http://www.airforcetimes.com/story.p...PER-358105.php

Some interesting bits..

"Before you can jump into that jump jet, however, the aircraft has to
lose some weight — about 4,000 pounds, program officials said.

Rear Adm. Steven Enewold, JSF program executive officer, said
engineers have shaved about 2,700 pounds from the STOVL aircraft. Some
weight was cut by shrinking the bomb bay and downsizing the vertical
tail.

Another 1,200 pounds of weight savings have been found. Engineers have
improved the engine so it puts out 600 pounds of more thrust, which is
a trade-off that allows the airplane to be heavier. The more thrust
there is, the more the aircraft can weigh but still perform within
parameters.

Plus, the Joint Strike Fighter has gotten waivers so it can operate
under different ground rules. The new procedures allow the aircraft to
weigh 600 pounds more, but still meet key requirements. "

"Initial results from operational testing have proven the Raptor is at
least twice as capable as the strike version of the F-15, Roche said.
The Air Force plans to replace its 750 F-15 fighters with close to 400
Raptors, the secretary added, though a congressional cost cap has
limited the program buy to about 250 aircraft."

"Air Force and industry sources have suggested that service leaders
will slash about one-fourth of the Air Force’s fighter inventory over
the coming decade. This translates into a reduction of about 600
aircraft, the brunt of which would be felt by the F-16 Falcon
community. The Air Force has about 1,200 of the multirole fighters. A
handful of F-15C Eagles would be retired as well, these sources said."

Cheers

John Cook

Any spelling mistakes/grammatic errors are there purely to annoy. All
opinions are mine, not TAFE's however much they beg me for them.

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