Quote:
Originally Posted by USMCFLYR
That has actually been one of the things that we joke about the F-35 too. They spend all that money on stealth and then the first thing the Marines will do when we get it is hang everything and the kitchen sink off of it Oh well.......
USMCFLYR
Just remember the old axiom.
never fly the A model of any airplane
The second axiom is the C model eventually becomes what the A was supposed to be but heavier and more costly.
And when you read the lit on the -35, you see that it says something about VTOL with 'light loads' meaning it will not carry a full bag of ord when operating from FOLs.
From what I have been reading, the -22 no longer has any real friends either in Congress or the USAF. The seeming intent is to terminate the -22 line, go for the -35. One has to wonder. The procurement process seems a bit confused.
The A-6 had new wings and was ready to go when they decided to get rid of it for more F/A-18s which didn't have the range or payload. Now they are getting rid of the EA-6s with the Growlers and that too reportedly does not have the capability of the Prowler. And don't even start with the tanker chocies. ???
Seems the main thing is to spend money.