Defense Tech: Which to Kill: Raptor or Lightning Deus?

[unhappycamper]

Which to Kill: Raptor or Lightning Deus?

Okay, folks, something's gotta give, money-wise. As we dicussed in a recent post and podcast, the VH-71 is in the crosshairs for severe reductions if not outright cancellation. These are bad times to be a program 100 percent over budget and a couple of years behind schedule.

Moreover, these are bad times PERIOD. Now I understand that the JSF and F-22 are designed to meet separate Air Force requirements. The JSF meets the LOW requirement and replaces the F-16; the F-22 meets the HIGH requirement and replaces the F-15. But the fiscal situtation now and in the FYDP might not support both.

We had a similar situation back in the day when carrier aviation, due to budget concerns primarily, was forced to choose between the A-6 and the F-14. Long story short, the Intruder went away and the Navy enhanced the Tomcat's resident bombing capability. (The rest is OEF and OIF history, of course.)

So with Christian on the road for the next few days and me minding the store, I wanted to open up the discussion to you guys, the awesome and erudite in defense matters DT readers. What do you think? If the USAF decison-makers are made to choose one or the other, which should they pick?

Wikipedia (the source of all modern knowledge) "apples-to-apples" unit flyaway price comparison: F-22 - $137.5 million; JSF - $83 million. And I know the Raptor does things the JSF doesn't, but does that capability validate the additional cost considering the current (and projected) threat and budgetary situation?


Article and discussion at: http://www.defensetech.org/archives/004712.html?wh=wh



uhc comment: Why is Defense Tech quoting wikipedia? You guys have the real costs of these machines somewhere in DoD.

Also, a few minor corrections: The F-22 costs $355 million, not the $137.5 million quoted and the JSF costs $239 million, not the $83 million quoted.

[Thothmes]

1. F-22 is now in production

at least 2 full squadrons at Langley AFB in Virginia. JSF is not in production and may not even be close to production. Seem like poor economy to shut down F-22 production now and wait for future production of JSF. JMO

[pasto76]

2. But they arent operational are they?

I see alot of talk about "not wanting to remove capabilities" - usually pointed at "Liberals" who want to gut the military.

F22 has killed how many bad guys?

I would liekt o see money stop being spent on both. Im sorry, but we never really thought "boy an F22 or JSF would be great right now" when we were in Iraq.

I thought about A-10s though...can we get some more of these?

Can we just stop F22 production - really, if it lives up to its hype, we dont need more than 2 squadrons right? - and fast track some real off road capable armoured hmmwv-ish vehicles?

Replace every M16A2 and M4 with the HK416, I mean have you seen that thing on future weapons? MOre pay for ground pounders in Iraq and afghanistan?

This money can be spent right now, on needs that have been identified for years already. When we get back to a peacetime footing, then can we reset our sights on the future?

I love high tech shit.

I had low tech flak vest in iraq.

SGT PASTO

[unhappycamper]

3. Welcome home, Brother. n/t

[Thothmes]

4. One Squadron has already deployed once

A-10 productions closed down years ago. Congress is not likeley to resurect it. Current inventory of AF fighter aircraft is approaching 20 years old. Someone should be taking a good look at replacing them. That is what the F22 is for. It is in production, why shut it down at this time. Shall we wait until all the f-16/f-18 can no longer fly then decide its time to replace them. Never wore a vest always had 3/4 inch U.S. Navy steel between me and the bad guys.