Originally Posted by
N9373M
MCAS Beaufort, SC is still building the five new VTOL blast pads, hangar(s) and support buildings for the F-35. Gotta love politics and Government procurement rules - spend it while you got it.
I was stationed in Europe in 1992 after Gulf War One. Zweibrucken Air Base (an RF-4C base) was closed by BRAC.
But: after the airplanes were gone, they (German contractors) still
re-paved the runway!! Why? The contract was signed before the BRAC, and could not be terminated. And over a year later, when it was done? We weren't allowed to land there! Ach du himmel!
Anyone know if Mccain is right about the F-22 maintainability problems?
Rick:
I'm not sure what McCain is saying (haven't read it), but I would guess he is correct. They were grounded for 6 months due to the accident in Alaska...an investigation which has just been re-opened.
There are things I know of I don't want to post on a forum, but the Air Force
has publicly announced they are basing 20 T-38As at both Langley and Tyndall to support F-22 flying.
My guess is not so much the
ability to maintain them but the
cost. My estimate is $25,000 a flight hour. Contrast with Vipers at about $6-7k, Hornets about $8-10, Supers $11-12k, and Eagles $15k. T-38s: $3-4k. (All my estimates; nothing official).