it's supposed to replace A-6 (A-10?) F-16 and a shit load of other aircraft, right? I think it'll be operational in 2007-8
well it would be if bush hadn't slashed funding to it in favour of the 100 million per plane yf 22.... the f 35, the skunk works model that was going to be bought for it is going to cost a third less....... but now we're getting less of those then yf 22's which though damned impressive are damned expensive, lack vtol, and are just not practical for being fielded in a huge way.... and boeing is evil.....
it's beautiful, it's fast, it can turn on a dime, and it has a high ceiling, but it's expensive to fly, expensive initial cost, and I don't think it carries as much payload as comperable fighters, definitly doesn't match comperable planes if you go for price point......
oh i'm so dumb.. i was thinking "joint stirke fighter" like fighting people who strike (protest, boycott) joints. i was so confused. now i just feel blonde.
ya know that boeing is gettin' investigated because the gov't thinks they were spying on lockheed.....
