[rbg81]

The US has enjoyed air superiority for so long, we’ve taken it for granted. Getting our clock cleaned in an air war would be a real wake-up call.

Part of the problem is the acquisition process. These long development cycles almost guarantee that what finally comes out will be obsolete.

[PapaBear3625]

It would also be nice if mounting/connections were standardized so that components could be continually upgraded and fitted among multiple airframes. So that a radar upgrade developed for the F-15 could also be fitted into the F-35 (and vice-versa).

[aegiscg47]

While I agree that the acquisition and procurement process is extremely outdated and inefficient, who else on the planet is going to defeat the U.S. in an air war? There simply aren't any foreseeable opponents who have the aircraft, technology, training, or operational experience to pull that off. The F-22 and F-35 in tandem will easily be able to defeat any opponent put up against them at this time. Other nations are racing to catch up, but the results haven't been very good so far.

[Tijeras_Slim]

Procurement is a nightmare. The first operational jet fighter, the P-80 Shooting Star was delivered by Lockheed in 143 days.

[SampleMan]

These long development cycles almost guarantee that what finally comes out will be obsolete.

Precisely. Just imagine trying to design electronics today that would not be obsolete in 2045.

[minnesota_bound]

The Korean war woke up the Air Force when the MIG showed up then they went back asleep after the war only to realize in Vietnam they still need a gun on a fighter then they went back to sleep again and produced this F-35. The next war may not give us time to get the the sleep heads out of the way.