Pentagon to end F-22 production

The Hill ^ | April 6, 2009 | Roxana Tiron

[jazusamo]

In a blow to Lockheed Martin, the Pentagon has decided to purchase to end funding of the F-22 fighter jet.

The decision by Defense Secretary Robert Gates will rouse widespread opposition in Congress and is likely to bog down the 2010 budget approval process, with F-22 supporters maneuvering to secure more money.

The Pentagon will fund four of the radar-evading stealth fighters in the upcoming 2009 emergency war-spending request, but those additional aircraft will do little to keep the production line in Marietta, Ga., open beyond 2011. Lockheed Martin is the main contractor for the F-22, each of which costs about $140 million.

Gates announced the decision at a press conference on the Defense budget on Monday afternoon.

No money will be requested in the fiscal 2010 budget, congressional and industry sources familiar with the budget briefings told The Hill. Gates has been making calls to the chairmen of the congressional defense committees.

The final F-22 of the 183 currently on order will be delivered at the end of 2011. Building another four would keep the line open for only a few months beyond that end date.

Lockheed Martin and its subcontractors, including Boeing, in recent weeks have stepped up their campaign to keep the production line open. They argue that 25,000 people work directly for the 1,000 suppliers of the F-22 in 44 states, and another 70,000 indirectly owe their jobs to this program.

[Tolerance Sucks Rocks]

Is he going to replace it with something more advanced?

Silly question...

[sleepwalker]

well,,,,,,

I see the congressman's point but, believe me there are lots of Sheriff's sales going on in the suburbs. Lots of folks where I live (Annapolis) are losing their homes. Probably because of liar loans and got way in over their head.

There are lots of Sheriff's sales in Northern Virginia as well.

Hyperbole! me thinks.

[org.whodat]

This argument makes the F-22 seem like a make-work program, not a US military lifesaving system.

That is what it is!!! The day of the maned aircraft is fast coming to an end!!

[DoughtyOne]

I agree that money is not the concern here. Stopping production of the best aircraft of it’s kind is. And as you state, even if built, who would order it’s utilization? Obama doesn’t need it to fight the real enemy, you, I and other decent U.S. Citizens.

This guy is the quintessential beauty queen... “Ah, yes, ah, I want world peace.”

Airhead! (not you)

[jazusamo]

Yes he was. I find it hard to believe his brother was in the Air Force but he turns around and calls Air Force pilots idiots.

[sleepwalker]

I saw a piece over the weekend about the ‘EURO’ fighter. It looked pretty cool. Anyone know about its capabilities vis-a-vis the F-22?

[HalfFull]

They rely upon satellites. Satellites that may suddenly disappear in a real shooting war. Of course the F-22, B-2 and all those smart bombs also rely upon satellites.

Sadly, you are right. First thing the Chicoms or Ruskies do in a real war is kill our satelites. If we ignore conventional warfighting capabilities, we do so at our own peril.

[Arrowhead1952]

Late for the ZOT party ping.

[JamesP81]

I’ve worked with them , seen how they work and believe me they are still a threat

Anyone who thinks the Chinese and the Russians aren't accomplished warfighters is a complete dumbass. And I've never served in intel or any other capacity. All I did was read a history book. That tells you all you need to know about whether or not they can fight.

[Cheerio]

I think it is perfectly clear that with Zero as CinC, The USA is essentially just waiting, defenseless, for the next 9.11.

The appeaser in chief, unilaterally disarming America. Yours and my guns next up.

[NinoFan]

Don’t expect a response

[JamesP81]

We’ll never lose air superiority.

And how do you figure that, O Master of the Universe?

[DoughtyOne]

I noted that he had taken an afternoon leave of absence. :-)

[edge10]

Let’s destroy our ability to make fighter aircraft by knee-capping
those who jump through all the hoops and develop a world class 21st century fighter.

[DoughtyOne]

Ah, so the forum felt so kindly toward the guy that they extended his shore leave. LOL

[Big_Monkey]

"Maybe the Air Force should be next on the chopping block. It would be poetic justice.

Is it uncomfortable walking around with your head up your a$$ all day long?

[Darksheare]

“We’ll never lose air superiority.”

And how, pray tell, would we have air superiority if the Air Force is axed as per your liberal haze wet dream in post 48?
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/2223474/posts?page=48#48

[SevenMinusOne]

Early on here - Stopping the F-22 production maynot even come to pass, hopefully not -

This is a terrible decision (and the notion to go ahead even more robustly with the F-35 is even worse. That is a plane that doesn't fit any fight it is suppose to, as well as other airframes currently).

The F-22 is needed and the cost is more than worth it and Washington has more than enough $$$ to make sure this programs continues. It is essential to NS.

[sam_paine]

The appeaser in chief, unilaterally disarming America. Yours and my guns next up.

You have guns? I don't. Nope. Not a one. Come in and see for yourself, officers.

[CAluvdubya]

Anyone remember the guy that used to be a FReeper....speed addiction or some such thing? He too claimed a bunch of stuff, one being that he used to be military. It turned out he was nothing but a big internet liar trying to make himself look like a big shot.

Today's thread reminds me of that guy.