As we're all aware the F/A-22 Raptor program has dodged bullet after bullet in recent years, but with President Bush's rather adamant calling for a production run of only 180 aircraft instead of the 386 requested by the USAF what will happen with program? No doubt the aircraft capabilities have surpassed all current fighter aircraft, especially in cost!!!! The Raptor is soon to be coming online at Langley A.F.B., but with the new squadron sizes only being 18 aircraft will the USAF be able to cope with these smaller numbers.
If the U.S. plans to have the best airforce in the world, it must procure more aircraft. True cost may come down, with interest from a few countries interested in buying or producing their own (Most notably Japan). The USAF needs to stop underestimating certain aircraft and airforces. With the Elmendorf's F-15's recent trouncing at Cope India by Mirage 2000's and Su-30MKI's, has proven a valuable lesson. Some USAF leader's complain the Indian's out number the American F-15's, and thats true but that is how the U.S. doctrine in air combat works (The U.S. is always to be out numbered). Do not forget the great flying skills of the Indian pilots as well. New technology is always changing the air-to-air fight. What about MiG's new ALL AXIS thrust vectoring nozzle on the MiG-29/35. It will also likely offered to India when it looks for its new 125 light combat aircraft.
So should the U.S. release some of the technology to export aircraft to key allies to drive down production costs in the hope them buying the Raptor? Should the American taxpayer just bite the bullet and buy the amount the USAF wants? (The choice I would prefer.) How will the Raptor cope with new technology and threats?
I look forward to hearing everyone's comments.
If the U.S. plans to have the best airforce in the world, it must procure more aircraft. True cost may come down, with interest from a few countries interested in buying or producing their own (Most notably Japan). The USAF needs to stop underestimating certain aircraft and airforces. With the Elmendorf's F-15's recent trouncing at Cope India by Mirage 2000's and Su-30MKI's, has proven a valuable lesson. Some USAF leader's complain the Indian's out number the American F-15's, and thats true but that is how the U.S. doctrine in air combat works (The U.S. is always to be out numbered). Do not forget the great flying skills of the Indian pilots as well. New technology is always changing the air-to-air fight. What about MiG's new ALL AXIS thrust vectoring nozzle on the MiG-29/35. It will also likely offered to India when it looks for its new 125 light combat aircraft.
So should the U.S. release some of the technology to export aircraft to key allies to drive down production costs in the hope them buying the Raptor? Should the American taxpayer just bite the bullet and buy the amount the USAF wants? (The choice I would prefer.) How will the Raptor cope with new technology and threats?
I look forward to hearing everyone's comments.