Posted on 10/30/2004 11:50:09 AM PDT by anonymoussierra
The first of a fleet of the world's most expensive fighter jet, the FA-22 Raptor, is being commissioned into the United States Air Force. The US military has ordered 277 planes, the first of which was due to roll out onto the tarmac at its manufacturing base in Georgia on Wednesday.
It is to join a fighter squadron based close to the capital, Washington DC.
The FA-22 stealth fighter can fly at 1500 km/h and still remain undetected by radar.
It fires precisely targeted smart bombs and can engage hostile aircraft far beyond the pilot's vision.
That is the impressive part of the story.
Irrelevant?
The other part is that, at a cost of about $260m (£142m) each, the Raptor is designed to fight a potential Soviet enemy that no longer exists, and a Third World War that - if it ever happens - will be very different from what could have been imagined in 1981.
Some years ago there was a serious attempt in the Congress to scrap the whole project, especially as the revised cost exceeded four times the original estimate.
It failed largely because of pressure from military contractors and labour unions in states that will directly benefit from this multi-billion dollar programme.
The introduction of the new fighter jet comes in the same week that its manufacturer, Lockheed-Martin, announced a 40% rise in profits as it processes orders for its next generation of fighter aircraft, the F-35.
Posting them near Washington... afraid of the Dems rioting when they loose?
The frist 7 go to ISRAEL.They have a use for it now.
Is the F-35 the one with the vertical lift capability?
Any bets as to whether John Kerry voted for or against?
If the dems riot, a jet won't be much use. Fix bayonets.
The first F/A-22's will be based with the 1st Tactical Fighter Wing @ Langley AFB, VA. It will replace their F-15C's.
Thank you
I want one. Well, it's a good weapon to have a true peacemaker, hopefully we won't have to use it too much.
Thank you that is good America strong I like America strong that is good thank you
I do not know I know f-35 is good thank you
I labor every work day for that fighter. It's called a labor of love!
"Posting them near Washington... afraid of the Dems rioting when they loose?" I like America strong that person america Kerry do not like your country strong
Parts of that plane are built all over the US. They ship engine bay doors to Georgia from right here in Montana.
America strong is good America President make America strong that is good evil devil lucifer persons do not like my country Poland do not like America that is not good America strong atack evil persons that is good That air plane is good!!! That make America strong and that is good!!! Thank you
Kerry voted against this bird on five separate occasions.
"OK Brit: when the fit hits the shan we promise we won't send any of these weapons to defend you!" I do not know what you write I am sorry thank you
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