ess (phil hunt) wrote in message ...
On 25 Dec 2003 22:41:36 GMT, Emmanuel.Gustin wrote:

JSF, like TFX before it, is attempting to be a perfect
solution for a set of very diverse problems... Usually
that is more expensive than building three separate
designs.

I always doubted that all three versions of JSF would
go into production. Probably Congress will delete at
least one at some stage, most likely the STOVL version
for the USMC and the RN.

I expect this would **** off the RN somewhat.

If they kill one, it would most likely be the USAF "basic" model. The
Navy version's extended wings and sturdier structure wouldn't be a
huge detriment to AF operations, but it's a must-have for carrier use,
and the STOVL version isn't going anywhere since it's the most needed
layout of the program.