Posted on 05/05/2022 9:13:35 AM PDT by SeekAndFind
So in sum, the program was a failure?
I would image that the same logic was used when they retired the F-117.
“By comparison, the F-35A (land-based variant) has an air-to-air combat radius of 760 nautical miles”
Although the fact that the F-35 cannot hope to fill the role of air superiority regardless of range.
Maybe next time there will be no halting production prematurely.
A different view point:
The Air Force top brass are a bunch of bean counters that believe they can build and operate one aircraft that can meet the mission requirements of multiple roles.
However, the problem with an aircraft that can perform multiple roles is that it does not perform any one role very well.
No, no, no, it succeeded wildly at its core mission of failing.
As will everything that replaces it, because it’s the core mission of our federal government.
“Although the fact that the F-35 cannot hope to fill the role of air superiority regardless of range.”
Neither can it fill the role of close air support.
Using the F35 for close air support is like plowing a field with a $2.6 million Lamborghini Countach.
“Why does the U.S. Air Force want to retire the F-22 Stealth Tactical Fighter Aircraft ?”
Because they have orders to divert funds and resources to equity and inclusion endeavors. As a bonus it will weaken the US military.
Because they keep losing it because it is so stealthy, and have to xpend more time looking for it then flying it.
The airplane will be 43 years old as a design in 2030.
Not quite a “failure”.
Century series fighters of the 50’s were retired in the early 70’s for the most part. The B52 being kept alive for over a half century should be regarded for what is - a budget driven bandaid, not a model for all other airframes.
“Although the fact that the F-35 cannot hope to fill the role of air superiority regardless of range.”
Current/modern air superiority is all about AAM range and detection/targeting range.
It will not be another decade before that is done with transport sized aircraft. Already they are being tested as “missile trucks”.
So the F-22 is obsolete but the B-52 will be flying into the 2060’s. SMH, chair force.
And the F-35 will magically deliver as:
* A light bomber
* A ground attack platform
* A combat fighter
* A close in air support platform
* An anti-satellite platform
* An anti-submarine platform
* Pizza delivery platform
My big huge warning sign with the F-35 is it’s over-promised by its proponents. But it might be okay for pizza delivery.
With our political system? You’re dreaming.
The program was a resounding success, just the wrong companies without the political clout benefitted.
Today, there are better classified platforms being developed and due out very soon.
“Because they keep losing it because it is so stealthy, and have to xpend more time looking for it then flying it.”
The stealth must work; I’ve never seen one.
I’m not even certain that it actually exists :)
Partially. The F-117 was designed for 1 purpose, to drop a laser guided bomb in a heavily defended target, such as down town Baghdad. When developed, it was state of the art against Soviet air defenses. Baghdad was perfect for this airplane. It’s air defenses couldn’t see it on radar and at night was totally invisible. Without a flight computer, the wobbly goblin was unflyable.
RE: Stealth was possible until the advent of 3D networked radars.
Are you saying that stealth is impossible now with these radars in place?
What is this “F-22’s NGAD successor” of which you speak?
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