Originally posted by Reynolds
Yes, the F-22 has been flying. But they are very slowly retiring the squadrons that are to be replaced. These JSFs are being introduced much faster, and I think there is much more that needs to be worked out with these aircraft. Once they have made all the fixes, and have come out with an F-35b/c/d/e/f etc. it will be a great aircraft. But I think that first model will be plagued by horrible technical problems.
Once again you are talking out your Arse and let me tell you why.
I just left Edwards AFB where we do test and development of aircraft currently under development and even midlife development.
Edwards first started TESTING the F22 back in 92/93 when the first 22s came of the production line as preproduction aircraft. We didn't recieve the first production model till 2001 and even then they've changed the production version 3 times since then.
The first F22 squadron came online last summer....nearly 15 years since it was first tested.
Edwards has YET to recieve a pre-production of the JSF and actual production of the aircraft has barely even started yet. You will not see an actual JSF squadron for about 5-10 years from now and even then they will phase out the older F16s (ones made in the early 90s) first and so forth.
People with degrees apon degrees and decades of experience are making these decisions and they know what they are doing. We have the benifit of the 22 T/E to base on for the JSF so it will not take nearly as long as alot of the systems are identical.
You can argue against it all you want but you have yet to make a valid point that an aircraft that mets the performance standards set and shares MANY parts can fill future gaps for 3 different services.
The Marines need the JSF NOW, not 10 years from now as the Harrier fleet has been used long after it was initially expected
The USAF has a TON of F16s that are reaching their service expectations and F15s will start getting REALLY old in about 10 years.