F-22 decisions delayed until end of Bush term

[unhappycamper]

Source: Air Force Times

F-22 decisions delayed until end of Bush term
By Michael Hoffman - Staff writer
Posted : Wednesday Jun 11, 2008 7:00:05 EDT

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. — Defense Secretary Robert Gates officially has passed the decision over how many F-22 Raptors the Air Force needs to the next administration takes over.

“I made the decision that we would allocate enough money to keep the production line open so the next administration could decide on the balance between buying more F-22s and buying more Joint Strike Fighters,” Gates said. “I felt that was a significant procurement decision that ought not be made in the last six or seven months of the administration.”

President Bush’s 2009 budget proposal along with the war funding bill call include enough money to buy 187 Raptors through Gates’ recommendation, who bluntly stated in February that the F-22 has no role in the war on terror. Air Force Chief of Staff T. Michael Moseley and Air Force Secretary Michael Wynne — both of whom were sacked June 5 but are still in office — have called for 381 F-22s to fill out 10 squadrons with 24 fifth generation fighters each, but Gates has consistently said it should stay at 187.

Gates comments came after a stop at Langley Air Force Base, Va., where he announced his intent to nominate Gen. Norton Schwartz, head of Transportation Command, to fill Moseley’s post, and Michael Donley, DoD director of administration and management, to become the next Air Force secretary.

Read more: http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2008/06/airforce_gates_f22s_061008w/

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uhc comment: At $355,000,000 a pop, we already have $66,385,000,000 worth of these bad boys. Perhaps we should turn our attention to something more mundane like bridges or renewable power or health care or veterans care.

[wmbrew0206]

1. The F-22 Raptor has been designed to replace the F-15, and F-16 models

as the Air Forces air to air and air to ground fighter. The Raptor and the JSF will probably be the last manned fighters the US buys. The Raptor is also by far and away the best A/C platform ever produced. It can kill the F-15C (the most advanced A/C up to this point) before the F-15C can even see it on radar.

That being said, this decision by Gates makes a lot of sense. The next administration is going to have to decided what their long term strategic goals are and the need for more F-22 vs JSF vs armed UAV's will be determined by those goals.

[rasputin1952]

2. So the F-22 can kill the F-15C, I have to ask, since th F-15C

is in the inventories of of our allies, as well as the F-16, whey would we want to shoot them down willy-nilly?

I might add that the F-16 was basically designed by some retired pilots, and it's original configuration made it one of the most formidable aircraft of the time. Right up until the USAF decided to make it a weapons platform cutting down on it's performance dramatically. The A-10 is one of the most potent Ground Attack aircraft in the current inventory. But by the time the AF gets done w/the F-22, it will be another lumbering multipurpose aircraft that will have to find a role because it is so advanced no other nation has anything that comes close.

Hundreds of billions spent on more "gee-whiz" technology, while basic ammo is lacking and boots on the ground suffer.

I'm all for defense, but in situations like this, some brass will find ways to "use" the stuff w/o our national defense in serious jeopardy...."Star Wars" anyone?

[wmbrew0206]

3. I brought up its preformance against the F-15C because it is the best platform

in the world right now in air to air abilities. The fact that the Raptor can kill it before the F-15 evens sees it, shows how the Raptor is head and shoulders above anything else out there right now. This plane performance is ridiculously amazing.

I think you'll see the A-10 hang around a long time since it is a great air to ground platform, however the JSF will also be filling that role for the Marines and the Navy. The Raptor will be the air to air platform with some air to ground duties.

[rasputin1952]

4. Understood, but I have to wonder what the USAF is thinking...

after all, at ths point, for the cost, there is little justification for the extrordinary expense...just wondering

[Lex1775]

5. Short answer... airframe fatigue.

Both the F-16 and the F-15 have been flown far beyond what the original airframes were designed for. The F-22 will also be more cost effective, from a maintenance standpoint, than trying to continue to upgrade and maintain the 16 and 15.

[conspirator]

6. What do you mean last manned fighters? The next generation will be drones? n/t

[wmbrew0206]

7. Yes, anything after the JSF and Raptor will be armed UAVs.

[sam sarrha]

8. no doubt about it.

[sam sarrha]

9. the F22 will come with different wings, a broad bi-delta for a high altitude bomber, extended fuel

i worked on the F22 at boeing