[TomB]

Hope they work out the problems. Politics aside, this bird has proven that it is not safe for American troops.

Many weapons systems started out with similar problems. I remember story after story of problems with the Apache helicopter.

The B-26 Martin Marauder is another example of a problem-plagued aircraft that eventually went on to serve with disctinction.

[narby]

The B-26 Martin Marauder is another example of a problem-plagued aircraft that eventually went on to serve with disctinction.

The P-38 was another aircraft that had a "killer" reputation when it was first introduced. The real problem turned out to be inadequate training. Many pilots hadn't even been trained in multi-engine aircraft.

After Bob Hoover and some factory test pilots made the rounds as bases giving additional training and doing airshows to prove the AC was good, confidence in the AC was great.

Hoover developed his single engine Shrike Commander airshow originally in the P-38. He'd shut off an engine and continue to perform airshow manuvers. The regular Air Corps pilots of the day were amazed because they didn't think the thing would fly at all single engine.

[LS]

We could add the M-16, which had so many glitches that no one wanted it at first. Now, I think it is considered one of the best 2-3 rifle weapons in the world.

[pa_dweller]

Not to belabor a point but the Lockheed Electra also had a very rocky start as a commercial plane, killing passengers by diving into the ground. The design was purchased by the U.S. Navy and is known and flown as the P3 Orion.

The P3 Orion is still in widespread service and is the most produced aircraft of its type. Today the Electra is still in limited passenger airline service around the world, although one well-known operator Reeve Aleutian in Alaska folded in 2001.

[Dead Dog]

Same with the Blackhawk, the F-104, the F-14, M-16 (probably shouldn't have been accepted), M1 Abrams, UH-1 Huey (rember the Huey Tuck?), SR-71 (still has problems), the list goes on.