Posted on 11/27/2010 9:19:14 PM PST by ErnstStavroBlofeld
The continuing debate regarding the merits of an extra engine for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter surrounds a prime example of the waste that Defense Secretary Robert Gates is trying to eliminate. Support for an extra engine is another case of parochial interests trying to trump efficiency and military readiness.
The F-35 second engine was not included in the Defense Department plan during or before my tenure as deputy secretary. Every military service vice chief testified with me to Congress that the second engine was too costly and not needed—or wanted. Regardless, each year funding was still added by Congress, generally in response to constituent pressure and usually in negotiations between House and Senate committees. That’s the way the system often works, but don’t now try to justify a second engine based on cost savings through competition, because that is not the case. Rather, another engine will be costly and result in numerous operational and support inefficiencies.
The competition for the F-35 is over. The F135 engine, built by Pratt & Whitney, was selected by both Boeing and Lockheed Martin during the prime aircraft contractor competition. They both chose the more powerful variant of the proven engine used in the F-22. Design submissions for what has become known now as the alternate engine, or the F136, were evaluated as part of that process but were not selected by either prime contractor. Yet, Congress has continued to fund the F136. By funding an extra engine that the military doesn’t want, the Defense Department will ultimately have less money to spend on purchasing F-35s or other high-priority items it needs.
(Excerpt) Read more at aviationweek.com ...
Ping
I think it makes sense if it saves the 35
The British are partners and the signed a Memorandum of Understanding that they would buy the F-35. A Memorandum of Understanding is a binding contract.
Not too hard to understand
“Yet, Congress has continued to fund the F136. By funding an extra engine that the military doesn’t want”
equals
PORK for some CONgresscritters disctirct.
What if the unions don't get the deal they want and then go on strike. How will that affect the F-35 production?
Pratt & Whitney make the F136, too? Or a different mfg’er? Article didn’t state.
It will probably be a death blow to the F-35.
The extra engine makes no sense? Hell, the F-35 makes no sense.
GE - GE brings PORK to life....
The P&W is the std for the F-22, so would use common parts for the same mfg.
But then, GE gets cut out of the PORK.
Want to know where to start saving $$$ - kill this kind of BS
(NO harsh on you friend)
Thanks for the explanation.
They aren’t going to make the Lightning a two engine fighter. They want to buy some Lightnings with GE and some with PW engines.
GE spent a lot of money on Obama.
They expect to be paid back
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