[POA2]

The F-22 is a great plane (obviously) As would the YF-23 -

However, part of me thinks the technology there might just be to expensive at this time (5 years from now...lets build them for sure)

It seems that perhaps the smarter plan could have been to upgrade the F-14's ...in to the F-14D+ ...and do the same with the F-15's (make an E/F version) - Obviously the new F-14D+ and F-15E/F would be cost more then the current versions.....but we could have built them in much more numbers -

These two aircraft updated.....along with our better skilled pilots......would clearly have the advantage over the SU-27's and SU-35 out there - I have no doubt about this - Upgraded F-14's and F-15's...(with American pilots)......would eat any SU-27 / SU-35 for lunch).

This perhaps would have been the better short term solution....with the F-22 coming around at a cheaper rate in 2009/2010 time frame.

[Gunrunner2]

Interesting idea but you might consider that using that logic you can hold off buying a jet indefinitely because it will always be on the verge of having cheaper technology and such. Much like buying a PC, they do get cheaper and stronger and faster all the time, but one day you are gonna have to bite the bullet, draw that line in the sand, and buy what's out there, all the while knowing that next week something better is coming on line.

Just a thought.