but that idiot Bill Gates slashed the program
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The plane is worth it but the site is not. Its a below average, often wrong, or misleading site, despite getting a few well know guest writers. The war Zone, Breaking Defense, Task & Purpose are all far better with far better researched articles.
Sec DEF Robert Gates (not Bill) slashed the program because Rep Obey (D. WI) made it impossible to sell the plane anywhere else (the Obey Amendment). And there was much talk how the F-35 was cheaper and could do all the missions the 22 could do. Pointing out that there was no way a plane designed as a bomb truck could become an air superiority dog fighter, only brought ridicule.
Thanks for the critique on 1945. It seems to be opinion pieces without underlying reportage. I already read The War Zone, and will check out Breaking Defense and T&P.