Originally Posted by
Grumble
You could modernize the entire Superhornet fleet with EPE motors and conformal tanks (make a real fighter out of it), replace the entire F-15C fleet with new ones, upgrade all the F-16's and A-10's, buy every service all their whirley bird toys and upgrades, replace USMC aviation with brand new F-18 F's, and still come out well below the F-35 programs cost (and ahead of capability).
Tom, it's the idea of trying to be all things for all services. Jack of all trades, master of none. From talking to guys that have actually flown the thing it sounds more and more like a complete dissapointment.
Grumble, your points are well taken, but let's look back to the F/A-18 A-D...the original jets were far less capable than the jets flying today are they not? JSF or any weapons system is really no different, in that the original requirements and acquisition is what it is. The jet might not be all that we want it to be right now, but you can best believe it will be far more capable in the future.
The price tag is a separate discussion and unfortunately the JSF program and DoD will get blamed for Lockheed/Boeing/BAE and every other contractor with equity in this jet for the cost overruns and design flaws. You know what is funny about that...congress mandates the process then goes after DoD when the process allows this type of thing to happen over and over again.
In the end I think JSF will do what its designed to do in terms of performing as a 5th Gen fighter...it will also be able to do what all of the jets you spoke of can do today. Guess what, Rhinos will be flying for many years to come and are still being built. Wonder when the Marine Corps will trade some F-35s for F model SuperHornets.
EDIT: I hope the Marine Corps F-35B CONOPS has been modified to include the L/L from Camp Bastion. We might be able to soak up the cost of the cost overruns, but rest assured the services can't re-learn those lessons both in blood and treasure. Remember Wake!