Posted on 09/29/2006 8:41:29 AM PDT by MARKUSPRIME
The F-22 Raptor fighter jet, the United States Air Force’s most expensive weapon, is designed for global air dominance. But its biggest battles have not been in the skies, but in the corridors of power in Washington, where it has just taken on Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld and Washington budget-cutters — and won. But their efforts were rebuffed this week by the powerful F-22 lobby, a combination of the Air Force, Lockheed Martin, which makes the fighter jet, and their allies in Congress. The Senate is scheduled to vote this week on the $447 billion Pentagon budget for 2007, which contains a measure promoted by backers of the F-22 that could extend the jet’s production run beyond its 2011 termination date and reduce Congressional oversight of the program. The measure could open the door to additional F-22 purchases above the 183 budgeted by the administration and could extend the life of the program a few years by using a multiyear procurement contract rather than subjecting the F-22 to annual Congressional review. The Air Force thus far has taken possession of 74 F-22’s, which are being sent to bases across the country. The plane has not been used in combat yet. Six more are in production. Critics say the F-22 represents technological overkill at a time when United States air superiority is unquestioned and the nature of warfare has changed. It was originally designed for aerial combat against the Soviets. Still, even these critics concede that the plane is an engineering marvel, a Maserati of the skies. It can fly at 60,000 feet, twice as high as any other plane. Its cruising speed is Mach 2 and its top speed is a Pentagon secret. And its radar-eluding stealth technology allows it to fly at supersonic speeds — invisibly.
(Excerpt) Read more at nytimes.com ...
I'd prefer to look at real capabilities."
Fair enough, but I'll take these guys at their word after they described the performance of the F22.
The thing I found most impressive was the speed, in order to keep up they had to stay in full afterburner when the F22 was in Supercruise.That may not seem that big a deal but when the Raptor hit afterburner is was only in sight for about a second.
That's right this was while the chase plane was still in afterburner.
Yep. Francis Gary Powers is spinning in his grave....
Old saying:
"Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach".
Woody Allen:
"Those who can't teach, teach gym"
Renfield:
"Those who can't teach gym, write for the New York Times"
Isn't that the truth...
"Fair enough, but I'll take these guys at their word after they described the performance of the F22."
Not calling the pilots liars but they are biased. I'm ex air force and firmly believe in maintaining a strong military. Our existing planes already out perform everyone else which is how it should be.
These dollars would be better spent on the UAVs but then they aren't as sexy. Makes sense to have a few of these but how many is enough? Why not spend these bucks on a better tank or personnel carrier, etc.
I am not suggesting an end to it, what I am suggesting is that maybe Rumsfeld knows more about how many we need RIGHT NOW and that five F22 would pay for thousands of troops fighting this war in Iraq and Afganistan.
You are one of the few people that often has good facts and I respect your posting comments, so I ask you if your are right then you make the arguement for money to go from one or two airplanes into thousands of troops. The C17 already got a boost from Feinstein and every one of them takes troop money away from Iraq or Afganistan or Ft Hood. My arguement is for the correct New Military not a smaller one.
Could these dollars be better spent? Well I'm certainly no expert on what funds should go to what programs.
It doesn't appear were going to end up with thousands of these aircraft, the current figures ending up at less than 300.
Of course this will probably be cut down the road
In this case, you can believe the F22 pilot. These guys have been wargaming against frontline US aircraft like the F-15C -- then switching planes. Now this might be a first for air combat: it doesn't matter who the pilot is, the F22 always wins and it is seldom even detected.
Not until they get a higher degree of 'autonomy'. And that will have to wait for more advances in Artificial Intelligence. What happens to your UAV fleet if I hack your 'secure' datalink?
It's not a case of "either/or", anyway. The F22 is going to act a sort of flagship controlling it's UAV wingmen with it's own shortrange datalinks. A flying computer server if you will. That is much nearer term possibility than a totally autonomous UAV strike fighter.
1 Shot, 1 Kill.. and the enemy never even knew you were there... not a bad philosophy.
1 Shot, 1 Kill.. and the enemy never even knew you were there... not a bad philosophy.
"I've seen reports that it is so superior that it has never lost in a combat exercise in a 10 on 1 situation."
No shiite!? That's incredible.
You will *love* the show.
The plane seems to idle a short ways down the runway, hits the juice and just sits on the tail. Raw power.
Oh, take ear protection, you will need it.
I can't wait.
I know about the ear protection; I take shooting ear muffs for me and my daughter, but thanks!
Some passengers on commercial jets read this while flying at 35000 feet.
What hath Pinch wrought?
Thanks for the ping, E@theBeach.
Our President leaves an opening for the Dhimmicrats to complain that not enough is being provided to our military, and then after listening to them harp about it, gives them a Put Up or Shut Up opportunity to show their true colors.
And guess which party gets the credit? ;')
That GWB is such a dolt, eh?
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